Learning to Rest at Christmas | Why Stopping at Night Restores Peace
Level YourSelf UP Podcast
When was the last time you truly stopped for the night and let your mind rest. In this episode of Level Yourself Up, I speak directly to you about ending the day with intention. Christmas highlights how often nights stay noisy and rushed. Ongoing late nights weaken peace, clarity, and trust. Learning how to stop restores strength for the next day. Stopping at night shapes how you wake up. Late meals, screens, and unfinished tasks increase mental noise and restless mornings. I share personal examples from work, home projects, and burnout to show why rest serves discipline, not reward. Rest...
info_outline
Daily Learning Snacks. Small Habits for a Sharper Mind
Level YourSelf UP Podcast
In this episode of Level Yourself Up, I talk about a simple habit that strengthens your mind in ten minutes a day. I call it a daily learning snack. Learning has shaped how I think, how I solve problems, and how I grow spiritually. You do not need more time or better tools. You need a small, repeatable habit that fits into real life. Why Daily Learning Matters Daily learning strengthens memory, focus, and creativity. Research shows lifelong learners experience slower cognitive decline and better productivity. Learning activates brain growth factors that support neuroplasticity and mood....
info_outline
Clarity Writing for Better Focus and Growth
Level YourSelf UP Podcast
In this episode of Level Yourself Up, I talk about clarity writing and why your writing habits shape your thinking, your emotions, and your growth. I break down three simple writing practices that guide your priorities, help you process emotions, and track your progress. Each method supports clear thinking and steady forward movement. When you build structure around your thoughts, you create space for peace and focus. My goal is to help you use writing as a tool for stability and personal development. I walk through task methods that help you stay organized without holding everything in your...
info_outline
Mindful Pause To Reclaim Your Life
Level YourSelf UP Podcast
In this episode of Level Yourself Up, I talk about how a mindful pause resets your mind, your spirit, and your emotions. You deal with pressure and noise every day, and a short pause helps you shift your focus toward peace and strength. I share the breathing pattern I use, the scriptures that guide me, and the gratitude habits that keep my mornings grounded. You will hear how these tools help you respond with clarity instead of reacting in frustration. This episode gives you a simple path to reset your day with purpose. You will learn how to recognize tension before it builds, how to slow...
info_outline
Stop Being So Hard on Yourself
Level YourSelf UP Podcast
In this episode of Level Yourself Up, I talk about how striving for perfection can block your growth. I share a personal story about tiling my bathroom and how the frustration of not doing it perfectly taught me a bigger lesson about patience, humility, and progress. The goal isn’t to be flawless but to keep moving forward, even when the process feels messy. The Lesson Behind the Tile I started this podcast to help people focus on steady growth. This week reminded me that trying to be perfect only leads to frustration. As I worked on my bathroom tile, I caught myself comparing my work to...
info_outline
Micro-Movements That Keep You Young Episode 111
Level YourSelf UP Podcast
In this episode of Level Yourself Up, I talk about the importance of staying active through micro-movements and daily motion. Exercise is not about long hours in the gym. It’s about staying in motion and honoring your body as a temple of the Holy Spirit. I share how small actions build energy, improve mood, and help you age with strength. You will hear what I have been learning from science, scripture, and personal experience about how to stay strong as we get older. I explore how movement impacts focus, energy, and emotional stability. Simple habits such as walking, stretching, or doing...
info_outline
Living in Gratitude – Shifting from Fear to Faith
Level YourSelf UP Podcast
In this episode of Level Yourself Up, I talk about how gratitude has reshaped the way I think, pray, and live. Gratitude is more than manners—it’s a mindset that transforms your outlook and draws you closer to God. I share personal stories, lessons from Scripture, and insights I’ve learned through years of practice. This episode is about finding peace in faith, even when life doesn’t go as planned. My Reflections on Gratitude Gratitude isn’t about ignoring problems or pretending everything is fine. It’s about trusting that God is working through every situation. 1 Thessalonians...
info_outline
What’s One Change That Would Make You Happier?
Level YourSelf UP Podcast
Level Yourself Up – Episode 109: What’s One Change That Would Make You Happier? Host: John Budd | Email: john@levelyourselfup.com Introduction I’m John Budd, host of Level Yourself Up. In this episode, I’m asking a simple but powerful question—what’s one change you know would make you happier, but you haven’t done it yet? I share thoughts from my own life, like finishing my basement studio, and explore how true happiness comes from inner peace and living out your values, not from chasing external rewards. Finding Real Happiness Happiness is more than a short-term feeling. It’s...
info_outline
Rethinking Failure: The Path to Success
Level YourSelf UP Podcast
Welcome to Level Yourself Up, where we focus on progress over perfection. In this episode, I talk about the concept of failure and how it affects our mindset. Too often, we let failure drag us down, convincing ourselves that setbacks define us. But what if we changed our perspective? Instead of seeing failure as a roadblock, we can reframe it as a stepping stone toward success. I'll share personal insights, biblical wisdom, and real-world examples of how embracing failure can unlock your potential. Failure is often misunderstood. Many people see it as an end, but it’s actually a powerful...
info_outline
Season 3 Kickoff: Embracing New Beginnings and Fresh Goals
Level YourSelf UP Podcast
Introduction Welcome back to Level Yourself Up, where progress matters more than perfection. I’m your host, John Budd, and I’m thrilled to kick off Season 3 with you. After a short hiatus, I’m ready to dive into new topics designed to inspire growth—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. In this episode, I reflect on the journey so far, share exciting plans for the upcoming season, and explore how we can lay a foundation for a fruitful year ahead. Whether you're seeking tools for personal development or simply a moment of encouragement, this season is about building something new in...
info_outlineIn this episode of Level Yourself Up, I talk about clarity writing and why your writing habits shape your thinking, your emotions, and your growth. I break down three simple writing practices that guide your priorities, help you process emotions, and track your progress. Each method supports clear thinking and steady forward movement. When you build structure around your thoughts, you create space for peace and focus. My goal is to help you use writing as a tool for stability and personal development.
I walk through task methods that help you stay organized without holding everything in your head. I share emotional clarity strategies that help you respond with wisdom instead of impulse. I talk about learning logs and how writing strengthens your memory and helps you track progress. I also highlight the role of gratitude in reframing stress and anchoring your emotions. These practices support spiritual, mental, and practical growth in your daily life.
MAIN POINTS
• Write priority lists that guide your day and reduce mental clutter
• Use three task methods, top five list, full project list, one task focus
• Use emotional writing to slow reactions and create space for wisdom
• Ask simple journal prompts to process feelings and release frustration
• Track what you learn each day in a short learning log
• Write two or three gratitude items to shift your mindset
• Use Scripture to support intentional writing and personal growth
• Habakkuk 2:2
“Then the Lord answered me and said, Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.”
• Psalm 62:8
“Trust in Him at all times, you people. Pour out your heart before Him. God is a refuge for us.”
• Proverbs 4:7
“Wisdom is the principal thing. Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.”
SUPPORT THE SHOW
If you want to support Level Yourself Up, you can do that here: https://buymeacoffee.com/jbudd
Your support helps me keep producing helpful episodes and resources.
Thank you for being part of this community.
Living in Gratitude, Shifting from Fear to Faith, Episode 110
https://levelyourselfup.com/living-in-gratitude-shifting-from-fear-to-faith-ep-110/