Exploring the Seasons of Life

A podcast designed for women with an adventurous spirit, busy midlife professionals, and empty nesters eager to rediscover life’s magic through travel. After years of dedication to your career and family, it’s time to embrace the joy of discovery and reignite your passions. In each bi-weekly episode, I’m joined by guests who share your love for travel, personal growth, and wellness. Together, we’ll explore the topics that matter most, guiding you toward a more enriched and adventurous life.

Robin Finney: Travel Coach and Curator of Soulo Experiences 11/12/2024

Robin Finney: Travel Coach and Curator of Soulo Experiences “All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware." - Martin Buber Guest Introduction: Welcome to Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition! I’m Cindy MacMillan, your host and founder of . If you’re a midlife professional, an empty nester, or a woman with a heart for adventure, you’re right where you belong. This isn’t just another travel podcast—it’s an invitation to look at how travel shapes our lives, inspiring us to grow, to see the world in new ways, and to rediscover ourselves in the process. Together with incredible guests, we’ll dive into heartfelt stories of adventure, resilience, and transformation, exploring not only hidden travel gems but those unforgettable, life-changing moments. So, grab your coffee, get comfortable, and let’s set off on this journey—together. Now, it’s my pleasure to introduce today’s guest, . Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: Robin Finney is a travel coach with Soulo Experiences, a certified Sourced™ Leader, Retreat Master, and transformational coach. As the founder of Wandering Aunt, international model, and world traveler, she empowers others to build confidence through solo travel, coaching, retreats, and unique photoshoot experiences. Since 2018, Robin has embraced a bold, nomadic life, inspiring others to trust themselves and explore the world. Welcome Robin. I'm thrilled to have you on the podcast. 2:55 I used to have a "work to travel" mindset. I'd save up money and vacation time, then take long trips—three or four weeks at a time—exploring the world with some of my college friends. Each year, this passion grew, and I felt an increasing drive to explore. By 2017, that inner voice was too strong to ignore. I knew I had to take the leap, go out there, and see where the journey would take me. 4:43 I sold my furniture, gave up my apartment, and condensed my life down to just three crates in my sister’s garage. I still had my car, though—I wasn’t ready to let go of that yet. I thought, "Let me try this lifestyle and see how it feels." So I went to Thailand. Just a couple of weeks into my trip, I messaged my sister and told her, "I think I'm going to sell my car. 6:58 From day one, I set the intention to meet amazing people and have the best experiences. That’s how I approached every day. I fully believe that the energy we put out into the world is what we attract. 12:19 This is why I call myself "The Wandering Aunt." I think about the legacy I'm creating for my littles and for my sister's kids. I want them to see me living this lifestyle so it encourages them to explore and be brave in their own lives. I believe this also applies to people with families or other commitments; by prioritizing themselves, they're teaching their kids, family, and even coworkers that self-care and following one’s passions is a healthy thing to do. 30:06 There’s a place I visited in a town called Coyhaique in the Patagonia region. I flew into the town, then took a five-hour trek to reach it. I found a tour company that took me out to see these incredible rock formations known as the Marble Caves. The rocks are massive and have this surreal, almost Dr. Seuss-like quality, with shapes and colors that seem straight out of a fantasy. You can find Robin Finney at: | Thank you for joining me on Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition! I’m Cindy MacMillan, and it’s an absolute joy to share this adventure with you. I have something truly special to share today: picture a magical winter wonderland where enchanting Christmas markets come to life! Join us for a delightful getaway that blends nostalgia with festive fun—perfect for friends and empty nesters alike! Our group trip to the Christmas Markets of Montreal and Quebec City is scheduled for December 3 – 9, 2025. Visit my website PangeaWorldTravelAgency.com for more information. If you loved today’s episode, please share it with your friends, spread the word on social media, or leave a rating and review. Your support means the world and helps us connect with even more fellow travelers and dreamers! Until next time, keep exploring, keep growing, and embrace every step of your journey. I can’t wait to connect with you again! Have questions? I’d love to connect—give me a call or drop an email! Upcoming Group Trips: Royal Caribbean Cruise Line on Wonder of the Seas/ 7 night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day July 27, 2025 Christmas Markets of Montreal and Quebec City December 3 – 9, 2025 California Dreamin': Monterey, Yosemite & Napa April 27 – May 4, 2026 /episode/index/show/exploringtheseasonsoflife/id/33860507

“From the Vault” - Niki Svara on Self-Forgiveness 11/08/2024

“From the Vault” - Niki Svara on Self-Forgiveness Niki Svara on Self-Forgiveness was originally released on June 18, 2022 “To heal, you have to get to the root of the wound and kiss it all the way up” ~ Rupi Kaur Welcome to another episode of Exploring the Seasons of Life, a podcast for women with a big heart on a spiritual journey. My name is Cindy MacMillan. Do you ever feel like you are waiting on a permission slip to live the life you want? If you answered yes, then you are in the right spot. Each week I interview coaches and spiritual explorers, from all walks of life about beginnings, endings and the messy bits in between; and let’s don’t forget about those moments that we never saw coming. Self-love well-being and mindset are at the heart of our conversations. Because once you change the inside, the outside will begin to change as well. In this episode of Exploring the Seasons of Life, we are chatting about self-forgiveness and why it’s so hard to forgive ourselves. And my guest is Niki Svara. With a master's degree in spiritual psychology, and over 15 years of experience working with clients, Niki Svara has the love, the listening, and the tools that enable people to create deep and powerful growth, greater self-expression, and personal healing in their lives. Niki is the founder of Love The Way You Look and the author of Piece Talks: Messages of Love from your Body and Soul. Welcome to the show, Niki. Thank you for being here. I believe it was Brendon Burchard who said, “No matter how small you start, start something that matters.” And this series, “Self-care is more than a buzzword. It’s personal.” is what I am doing - because self-care matters. Throughout our conversation today we will be weaving in self-care tips. 2:23 I love the word explore; it's such a fun word. And it really it just it lifts my spirit. And so, to me, exploring the seasons of life means to get curious about them, to have a curiosity. And I’m going to say let go of resistance of those seasons. And I can tell you from my own personal experience that for a good majority of my early life, I resisted my seasons, I constantly wanted to be somewhere other than where I was, and it really wasn't a joyous and fulfilling experience. 6:25 I believe we're all in need of self-forgiveness. Because whether we realize it or not, there's always something that we're judging ourselves for. Could be something we said or didn't say, could be something we did or didn't do. We're not happy. And we're judging ourselves for where we are in life for whatever particular season, we are in. 7:50 I think, number one, is the idea of becoming willing, becoming willing to forgive ourselves, we have to have that piece because if we're not, it's just not going to work. And there are several different ways to become willing. 10:54 I wanted to add one thing, because self-forgiveness is not something I think that we think about. I know, it's not for me, so I must set reminders. I set little reminders so that I can make it a consistent practice. 14:04 Practice helps us to remember the truth of who we really are; the truth of our being. And it's like I can be put in two awareness’s at one time - I'm aware of my human self and I'm aware of my spiritual self, and it's really just a fulfilling and peaceful experience. 19:32 And this was the aha moment that I came to, in an inner exploration, that love and loving somebody is not the same as being and feeling emotionally close to that person. 23:15 Or we can take a step back, pause, and really begin to choose that gentleness toward ourselves and that self-love and self-compassion. Thank you for joining me on Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition! I’m Cindy MacMillan, and it’s an absolute joy to share this adventure with you. I have something truly special to share today: picture a magical winter wonderland where enchanting Christmas markets come to life! Join us for a delightful getaway that blends nostalgia with festive fun—perfect for friends and empty nesters alike! Our group trip to the Christmas Markets of Montreal and Quebec City is scheduled for December 3, 2025. Visit my website PangeaWorldTravelAgency.com for more information. If you loved today’s episode, please share it with your friends, spread the word on social media, or leave a rating and review. Your support means the world and helps us connect with even more fellow travelers and dreamers! Travel isn’t just about where you go—it’s about who you become along the way. Let’s start this journey together. /episode/index/show/exploringtheseasonsoflife/id/33851882

“From the Vault” - Your Clutter is a Teacher with Star Hansen 11/01/2024

“From the Vault” - Your Clutter is a Teacher with Star Hansen “If we don't attack the heart of the issue - the fear, guilt, and shame in our lives that cause us to buy what we don't really need - we are going to use that clutter to build our own prisons and keep us from connecting with others.” ~ Kathi Lipp Welcome to Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition! I’m so glad you’re here. I’m excited to bring you some of our earliest episodes this November and December—stories that delve into beginnings, endings, and everything in-between. Every Friday, we’ll revisit these "from the vault" episodes and reflect on the moments that truly shape our journeys. So, let’s embrace the twists and turns of life’s transitions together, each one bringing us closer to where we’re meant to be. Your Clutter is a Teacher with Star Hansen was originally released on August 24, 2021 Guest Introduction: I’m and welcome to Exploring the Seasons of Life. You’re listening to episode 73. This podcast is for women with a big heart on a spiritual journey. Each week I interview coaches and spiritual explorers about beginnings, endings + the messy bits in-between. Self-love, well-being and mindset are at the heart of our conversations because once you change the inside, the outside will begin to change as well. If this is your first time joining me, I’m especially glad you’re here. I often say this podcast that has followed the breadcrumbs of my own interests and healing journey. Today’s interview is part of a self-care series called Life in Full Bloom: Living From the Inside Out and I am delighted to introduce my guest today, . Star Hansen is a Certified Professional Organizer and Clutter Whisperer who helps people use their clutter to overcome blocks in their lives. Her unique approach has been featured on HGTV, OWN, TLC, Style, A&E, and TEDx. Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: Hi, Star. Thanks so much for joining me today. 2:00 I'm in the middle of developing a class right now called The Meaning of Stuff that's launching in September. It's so incredible, because my whole career, I've been able to track what the clutter means, like what the symbolism of people's where you have your clutter and what your clutter is, tells me a whole story about your life. 3:33 You know, it's funny because when you think about it, it's disorder, it’s untidy, clutter is it's a crowd, it's a mess. And yet, and yet something can look like a mess to one person and feel like home to someone else. So, it's subjective. 5:11 I was on the phone with a client for two hours today, discerning the symbolism of their storage areas, and how it's not just, it's not cut and dry. It's like an onion, there's, you know, you're not a simple being, we're complex beings as humans, and we have lots of, you know, emotions and, you know, journeys tied in. 16:56 Or maybe you make a sign that says creative party in place. And you know, create a party in progress and you hang it on the wall. And you say you can come in. But this is a laboratory of creativity, and you don't mess with my creative Juju. Like you just claim that you set that intention. That's like yeah, that's not welcome here because we're in the middle of something. 18:29 So the interesting thing about clutter is that it is rarely one sided. So, the client I was talking to today, her clutter was inviting her to step into her purpose to really choose to step into her purpose. At the same time, that clutter was inviting her to punish herself. So, it was doing both. 28:21 So keeping an entire house of stuff doesn't serve us because the more we keep the less we see. And what I've done for the people that I love dearly who've passed away is I'll create a box or two of items from them that mean the most to me. So, journals, clothes, things that smell like them, like I had my grandpa's shirt in a Ziplock bag for years before the smell went away. But what you want to do is create a box or somewhere that you can go and revisit that loved one. 37:23 Thank you so much, Cindy, this was such a treat. And thank you to everyone for listening. It's really wonderful to connect energetically with you all. You can find Star Hansen at: Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode and you’d like to help support the podcast, please share it with others, post about it on social media, or head over to iTunes to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Leaving a rating and review helps to improve rankings in iTunes, it shows engagement which may attract sponsors and is essential for the podcast to be discovered by new listeners + it would mean the world to me. Here's How to Leave a Review in iTunes From Your Phone 1. Launch the Apple Podcast app on your iPhone or iPad. 2. Tap the Search icon (on the bottom right) and search for “Exploring the Seasons of Life.” 3. Tap the album art. 3. Scroll down to Ratings & Reviews. 5. At the bottom of the page tap on “Write a Review”. 6. If you’re not already signed into iTunes, you will be asked to enter your iTunes password to login. 7. You’ll then have the option to rate us on a scale of 1-5 stars, with 5 being the best. Tap the Stars to leave a rating. 8. Enter a review title and submit a brief honest review. 9. Tap Send. Thanks again, Until next time live inspired! /episode/index/show/exploringtheseasonsoflife/id/33736037

Susan Houts: Caregiver Tips for Easing Anxiety and Prioritizing Self-Care While Traveling 10/29/2024

Susan Houts: Caregiver Tips for Easing Anxiety and Prioritizing Self-Care While Traveling I have a small but important correction to share. In the podcast, you’ll hear Susan mention that there are two types of personal in-home care companies, one that hires I-9 Employees and one that hires W-2 Employees. Instead of I-9, she meant to say 10-99 employees, meaning that home care registries utilize contractors (10-99 employees) and home care agencies utilize W-2 Employees. W-2 employees complete I-9 forms. Thank you for noting this correction, and enjoy the following podcast. Guest Introduction: Hey there, friend! Welcome to Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition! I’m Cindy MacMillan, your host and founder of . Whether you’re a busy midlife professional, an empty nester, or a woman with a heart for adventure, you’re in the right place! This podcast isn't just about travel—it’s about how travel connects with the broader themes of life: growth, discovery, and reinvention. Join me and inspiring guests as we share personal stories of adventure and meaningful transformation. We’ll explore everything from hidden travel gems to life-changing experiences. So grab your coffee, get cozy, and let’s embark on this adventure together! Now, it’s my pleasure to introduce today’s guest, Susan Houts. Susan Houts is a world traveler, former educator, and current Community Liaison for here in Brevard, Florida. After serving as an Associate Professor of Public Speaking and Interpersonal Communication at Eastern Florida State College for 12 years, she transitioned into Senior Care after seeing the need for community education in this area. She grew up in Rockledge, Florida, and currently lives in Palm Bay with her husband of 16 years, Aaron. Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: 2:15 I’ve spoken to many people who are afraid to leave because they’re the primary caregiver for someone. But this can be a great opportunity to benefit both the person receiving care and the caregiver, allowing them to continue living their lives without worry. 6:01 In our community, there's a phrase that resonates with travelers: 'Take your oxygen first.' On a plane, they always instruct you to put your own oxygen mask on before helping a child or anyone else. The reason is simple: if you pass out, you won't be able to help anyone. 6:46 It's important to prepare in advance by reaching out to the community and using resources like and the healthcare community to set up care ahead of time. If you leave it as an afterthought, you might find yourself on your trip, unable to fully enjoy it because you're constantly worried about what's happening at home. 8:35 If you have a company, ask others for recommendations. When we have a loved one in need of care—whether it's a senior or someone with health issues—it often feels like we're the only ones going through it. It feels very personal and can affect every part of our lives. But remember, you're not alone in this. 13:36 The really interesting thing about care, especially that I've learned in the senior care world, is that everybody's needs are completely different. Completely different, right? 34:33 I’d like to share one more tip I got from a friend who is a senior care advisor. I love her advice: when you're looking for support, whether before your trip or even during, focus on getting help with the task you dislike the most. You can find Susan Houts at: | Thank you for tuning in to Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition! I’m Cindy MacMillan, and I’m truly grateful to have you on this adventure with me. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share it with your friends, post about it on social media, or leave a rating and review. Thanks to your support, we can inspire even more travel enthusiasts like yourself! I’d love to connect with you! Follow me on Instagram for more travel inspiration and updates. Until then, keep exploring and embracing the journey. I can’t wait to see you next time! /episode/index/show/exploringtheseasonsoflife/id/33642422

Leah Goerke: Choosing Between Ocean and River Cruising – Tips, Stories, and Travel Insights 10/15/2024

Leah Goerke: Choosing Between Ocean and River Cruising – Tips, Stories, and Travel Insights “Believe in your heart that you’re meant to live a life full of passion, purpose, magic and miracles.” ~ Roy T. Bennett Guest Introduction: Hey there, friend! Welcome to Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition! I’m Cindy MacMillan, your host and founder of . Whether you’re a busy midlife professional, an empty nester, or a woman with a heart for adventure, you’re in the right place! This podcast isn't just about travel—it’s about how travel connects with the broader themes of life: growth, discovery, and reinvention. Join me and inspiring guests as we share personal stories of adventure and meaningful transformation. We’ll explore everything from hidden travel gems to life-changing experiences. So grab your coffee, get cozy, and let’s embark on this adventure together! Now, it’s my pleasure to introduce today’s guest, . Leah owns Escape The Nest Travel, specializing in empty-nester group travel. Globetrotting is her passion. She has explored 40 countries with family and friends. Leah has a doctorate in education and applies her research and teaching skills to create and prepare her clients for life-changing vacation experiences. She is a Certified Travel Associate and a member of the American Society of Travel Advisors. Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: Welcome to the podcast, Leah. 2:33 Every summer, my mom and dad would pack us up in the station wagon and we would head out to either Myrtle Beach or Virginia Beach. 4:31 It's the only place that you can see certain species like marine iguanas, the giant tortoises, and the blue-footed booby, my favorite. 7:30 I'm an empty nester too, and I've learned to take full advantage of traveling during off-peak seasons. The pricing is better, the crowds are smaller, and you get to enjoy more personalized attention, especially on the islands or in these destinations. If the Galápagos is on your bucket list, you're on the right track with all your research. I encourage everyone to do the same! 17:32 Well, it all goes down to what type of activities they're interested in, who they're traveling with, you know, because you're picking a vacation, not just for yourself, but who you're traveling with. Also, what time of year? What destinations are you interested in and what kind of vibe do you want? 18:49 River cruises are what we call port-intensive. It's all about the ports, and in some cases, you may even visit two different ports in the same day. 24:55 On our ocean cruise with my family, we went ziplining in Roatan, off the coast of Honduras. We zipped through the rainforest and ended up on a private beach. My kids still rave about it to this day—it was an unforgettable experience. A friend recommended it to me, as we were relatively new to cruising, and they had just been on the same trip. It was extremely memorable, and there are so many similar touchpoints with the Galápagos. You can find Leah Goerke at: | | Thank you for tuning in to Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition! I’m Cindy MacMillan, and I’m truly grateful to have you on this adventure with me. As a travel advisor and transformational coach, I believe in the power of both travel and personal growth to shape our lives. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share it with your friends, post about it on social media, or leave a rating and review. Thanks to your support, we can inspire even more travel enthusiasts and fellow adventurers like yourself! I’d love to connect with you! Follow me on Instagram @ for travel inspiration, personal insights, and updates on upcoming journeys. Until then, keep exploring, growing, and embracing the journey. I can’t wait to see you next time! /episode/index/show/exploringtheseasonsoflife/id/33438917

Angie Brandt: Iceland and the Paris Olympics 10/01/2024

Angie Brandt: Iceland and the Paris Olympics “Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on.” ~ Serena Williams Guest Introduction: Hi, I’m Cindy MacMillan—your go-to Travel Bestie and the founder of . Welcome back to Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition! This podcast is designed for three unique yet wonderfully interconnected groups: busy midlife professionals, empty nesters, and women with an adventurous spirit. Whether you’re navigating the demands of a thriving career while balancing personal commitments, stepping into the newfound freedom that comes with an empty nest, or feeling the call to explore the world in ways that truly speak to your soul—this podcast is your companion. After years of dedication to your career and family, it’s time to rediscover the joy of travel and reignite your passions. Does that resonate with the Season of Life you’re in right now? In each bi-weekly episode, I’ll be joined by inspiring guests who share your love for travel, personal growth, and wellness. Together, we’ll dive into topics that matter most, guiding you toward a life that’s richer, fuller, and more adventurous. Grab your cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s dive into the incredible possibilities that await you! Now, it’s my pleasure to introduce today’s guest, Angie Brandt. Angie believes that a single moment can profoundly impact our lives—shaping our story and sculpting our legacy. For those open to it, travel is the ultimate connector and a gift that keeps giving. Through this lens, Angie founded Both Worlds Travel to cater to clients who are as curious as they are passionate about experiencing the world in all its beauty and diversity. specializes in crafting highly customized, refined journeys and small ship cruises for discerning travelers, offering unique experiences that blend quiet luxury with thoughtful exploration. Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: Welcome to the podcast. 3:24 I believe the most profound travel story of my life actually happened before I was even born. On the wall of my grandmother's house was a photo taken in the 1960s when she and her grandmother, my great-grandmother, traveled to Iceland—back to my great-grandmother's homeland where she was born. 7:39 I remember the headlights and being with my aunt, who was just a couple of years older than me and my parents, and a song came on the radio. I think it was Every Breath You Take, which, looking back on it, you know, that song's a little suspect now, but that song was on the radio, and we were driving through the bluffs at night, and it was magic to me. 12:54 I think as women, we often do it all, right? We become everything for everyone, except for ourselves most of the time. We tend to neglect our own needs and put ourselves last. It's not that we don’t want to embark on a journey of self-improvement, but by the time we've invested our energy and effort into everyone and everything else, there’s very little left for ourselves. At the end of the day, we’re exhausted, and then we wake up the next day, trying again, doing our best. 16:24 The boys may not have fully understood what was happening in the moment, the way that the adults did, but I do know that, in 20 years, they're going to be looking back and remembering that they were there, with their moms for that big game. 28:25 To travel responsibly and respectfully means you'll have a richer experience as a traveler. I believe you'll also gain a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty and its delicate nature, even amidst its ruggedness. You can find Angie Brandt at: | | Thank you so much for tuning in to Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition. I’m Cindy MacMillan, and it’s been a joy to share this journey with you. Just a few weeks before the pandemic, I launched this podcast to dive into the "beginnings, endings, and the messy bits in between" that we, as women, experience. Now, as we shift our focus towards travel, I’m thrilled to continue bringing topics that resonate deeply with our community and add value to your life. If you enjoyed this episode—and I know you did—be sure to subscribe so you never miss a show. And if you could take a moment to leave a review, it would mean the world to me and help us reach even more amazing listeners like you. Ready to stop dreaming and start doing? Head over to , get in touch, and let’s plan your next unforgettable journey. Until next time, keep exploring, stay curious, and take care! /episode/index/show/exploringtheseasonsoflife/id/33263997

Hannah Clemente: Why Cozumel & Greece Will Make You Fall in Love with Travel 09/20/2024

Hannah Clemente: Why Cozumel & Greece Will Make You Fall in Love with Travel “It takes a lifetime to discover Greece, but it only takes an instant to fall in love with her.” ~ Henry Miller Guest Introduction: Welcome back to Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition! I’m Cindy MacMillan, your host and the founder of . If you’re a woman with an adventurous spirit, a busy midlife professional, or an empty nester looking to rediscover life’s magic through travel, you’re in the right place. Imagine this: You’ve spent years building a successful career, raising a family, and checking off life’s milestones. But now, it’s your time—a time to embrace the joy of discovery, reignite those passions that once filled your heart with excitement, and explore the world in ways that are truly fulfilling. In each bi-weekly episode, I’ll be joined by guests who share your passions—from travel enthusiasts to experts in personal growth and wellness. Together, we’ll explore topics that truly matter to you, enhancing your journey toward a more enriched and adventurous life. So, grab your coffee, get cozy, and let’s dive into this journey together. Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: It’s a pleasure to introduce today’s guest, Hannah Clemente. Hannah is the owner of , a travel advisory based in Canton, OH, where she crafts unforgettable adventures for her clients. As an avid adventure seeker, Hannah's love for hiking, kayaking, yoga, and all things outdoors fuels her passion for exploration. Having started her travel journey at just 6 months old and never looking back after her first overseas trip at 19, she brings a lifetime of experience and enthusiasm to helping others discover the world. 7:01 Greece is my happy place. The people are so genuine and kind, with a carefree spirit that makes you feel at home. The food is incredible, and the country is steeped in history—from the cities to the monasteries in northern Greece. Then there are the beaches: sandy, pebbled, even black sand beaches. I could go on and on, but truly, Greece has it all. 11:09 I try to put them in the mindset that it’s not bad, it’s not wrong—it’s just different. 15:45 Over the last decade, I’ve especially learned patience. I grew up with none, but it’s become my biggest lesson. 20:22 My best friend is going right before us, and we'll be meeting her there for a few days. I added a note on her itinerary: 'Please bring comfortable shoes, wear a backpack, and don’t go there if it’s windy! 32:58 Travel is full of ups and downs—they’re inevitable with every trip. But with that said, get the travel insurance. If I could shout it from the rooftops, I would! Please, just get the travel insurance. Even if you're in perfect health, you still need it. You can find Hannah Clemente at: | | Thanks so much for joining us on 'Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition.' I’m , and you can find me over at PangeaWorldTravelAgency.com. If you enjoyed this episode—and I really hope you did—make sure to hit that subscribe button so you never miss a show. And if you could leave a review, it would mean the world to me. Your support helps us reach more amazing listeners just like you. Remember, if you're dreaming of your next cruise or adventure, I'm here to help make it happen. Head on over to my website to get in touch, and let’s start planning your journey. Until next time, keep exploring, stay curious, and take care! /episode/index/show/exploringtheseasonsoflife/id/33129467

Eyad Mubaied: Humility as a Leadership Strength 09/09/2024

Eyad Mubaied: Humility as a Leadership Strength “Treat employees like they make a difference, and they will.” ~ Jim Goodnight Guest Introduction: Welcome back to Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition! I’m Cindy MacMillan, your host and the founder of Pangea World Travel Agency. If you’re a woman with an adventurous spirit, a busy midlife professional, or an empty nester looking to rediscover life’s magic through travel, you’re in the right place. Imagine this: You’ve spent years building a successful career, raising a family, and checking off life’s milestones. But now, it’s your time—a time to embrace the joy of discovery, to reignite those passions that once filled your heart with excitement, and to explore the world in ways that are truly fulfilling. In each episode, I’ll be joined by insightful guests from a variety of fields, including travel, personal growth, and wellness. We will delve into topics that resonate with you and enhance your journey towards a more enriched and adventurous life. So, grab your favorite drink, get cozy, and let’s dive into this journey together. We are joined today with , Founder and CEO of Cultivate Culture LLC, and author of the Culture Driven Organization: How to Create Your Desired Organizational Culture and Sustain It. Eyad spent over 20 years practicing as a CPA at KPMG and L3Harris then found himself at a crossroads at the end of 2023 and has an unconventional story about changing careers that we can hear from him directly. Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: Eyad, welcome to the show. 3:56 Organizational culture was something I've always loved. 4:57 If you had asked me six or nine months ago if I would be doing this, I would have said you were absolutely nuts. But one thing led to another, and I found doors closing and others opening, and I just went through them. 5:25 The technical term that I use or definition that I use in the book is the manifestation of shared beliefs reflected in common behaviors. 11:36 In any organization, just like countries, there would be multiple cultural traits. The idea of the book is how do you now bridge the two? How do you take a good leader? And then take them through the process of actually instilling or integrating their philosophies into a process and then instilling it into people. 14:20 You could be a good, genuinely good leader from a people perspective, but maybe not the best leader when it comes to continuous improvement or innovation. 14:34 The two or three biggest traits for a good culture have to include humility as one of them. 33:12 And at the end of the day, your organization's heart, its people. You can find Eyad Mubaied at: |E-Mail: Thank you for joining us today on Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition. I'm your host, Cindy MacMillan, and you can find me at . If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your friends. Your support means the world to us. For any travel inquiries or to start planning your next adventure, feel free to reach out to me directly through my website. Until next time, happy travels and take care! /episode/index/show/exploringtheseasonsoflife/id/32956432

Rachel Velthuisen: Career Transitions, Travel Tips, and Protecting the Planet 08/28/2024

Rachel Velthuisen: Career Transitions, Travel Tips, and Protecting the Planet “I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list.” ~ Susan Sontag Guest Introduction: Hey there, friend! Welcome to Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition! I’m Cindy MacMillan, your host and founder of . If you’re a busy midlife professional, an empty nester, or a woman with a heart for adventure, you’re in exactly the right place. Here, we believe that travel isn’t just a getaway; it’s a chance to grow, discover, and deeply connect with the world. This podcast is more than just a show—it’s an invitation to embark on a journey with us. My mission is to bring you guests who resonate with your dreams, understand your challenges, and ignite your adventurous spirit. Together, we’re building a vibrant community of travelers ready to embrace their next great adventure. Today, we’re talking about how a travel advisor can save you time, stress, and even money, all while promoting responsible tourism. We’ll dive into choosing eco-friendly options, supporting local communities, and reducing our carbon footprint—all while exploring this incredible planet of ours. So, pour yourself a big cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s embark on this journey together. You ready? Let’s do this! It's my pleasure to introduce Rachel Velthuisen, the owner and travel advisor behind Essence of Elegance Travel, based in Raleigh, North Carolina. With an a deep love for travel, Rachel has explored 22 countries across 5 continents, bringing a wealth of experience to every journey she crafts. Her talent for creating one-of-a-kind trips ensures that each itinerary is infused with heart and soul. Rachel is dedicated to helping you explore the world in the most enriching and unforgettable way possible. Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: Oh my goodness, Rachel—22 countries! That's truly incredible. Thank you so much for being here on the podcast today. 2:23 My first memory of being intrigued by the idea of traveling, stems from my Nana. She came home from Antigua and talked all about the wonderful people that she met, the beautiful beaches and being in Wisconsin at the time. It was a lovely picture to envision, in the cold of the winter, got me thinking about what it was like to travel. 3:23 I have three children, and I get to take them on these exciting adventures around the world with me. Really, I just love planning the details of all these trips. 6:43 Yeah, so in my day job I’m an air quality consultant. I have a PhD in Chemistry and I’ve been doing this job for 20 years, over 20 years now, and as a consultant, I feel that a lot of what I do in my day-to-day work carries over to working with clients on the travel side. I keep track of a lot of moving parts in different projects. 14:55 First, I would see if you have friends and family that are using a travel advisor and get a good referral. I think that's a good place to start, is to know that someone has used someone and recommends them. Referrals are good. First place to start. If you don't know anyone who's using a travel advisor, I would do a search online. 20:40 I'm a member of Virtuoso which is our consortia and I'm a member of the Virtuoso Sustainability Community. So, I hear about a lot of new hotel chains or tour operators around the world that are focusing on that aspect and trying to work more with the local communities and with incorporating sustainable practices into their day-to-day operations. 31:04 I would have to say it would be the ability to be willing to step outside of my comfort zone and try new things. You can find Rachel Velthuisen at: | | Thanks so much for joining us on 'Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition.' I’m Cindy MacMillan, and you can find me over at . If you enjoyed this episode—and I really hope you did—make sure to hit that subscribe button so you never miss a show. And if you could leave a review, it would mean the world to me. Your support helps us reach more amazing listeners just like you. Remember, if you're dreaming of your next cruise or adventure, I'm here to help make it happen. Head on over to my website to get in touch, and let’s start planning your journey. Until next time, keep exploring, stay curious, and take care! /episode/index/show/exploringtheseasonsoflife/id/32773547

Kelly Tolliday: Cultivating a Travelers Mindset 08/14/2024

Kelly Tolliday: Cultivating a Travelers Mindset “I feel very grateful I get to write my own ending.” ~ Simone Biles Guest Introduction: Welcome to Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition! I'm , your host and founder of . If you're a busy midlife professional, an empty nester, or a woman who simply loves to explore, you're in the right place. We believe travel isn't just a vacation; it's your chance to grow, discover, and truly connect with the world around you. Join us as we take you to incredible destinations, share practical travel tips, and tell stories from fellow wanderers just like you. Whether you're dreaming of far-off lands or eager to find beauty close to home, this podcast is your guide to making those dreams a reality. Tune in to discover how you can create unforgettable experiences and make the most of your travel adventures, no matter where you are in life. I'm so excited to chat with Kelly Tolliday, a Wellness Travel Expert, Travel Advisor & of Transform with Travel. She's also a 500-Hr Registered Yoga Teacher & an Accredited Continued Education Provider for the Yoga Industry. She's the Co-Founder of , a boutique retreat & travel company, guiding you on intentional travel experiences in the world's most breathtaking destinations. Through their organized group tours & retreats, custom travel advising services, as well as retreat management & facilitation for coaches, businesses & communities, RNR is your one-stop shop for all your travel needs. She's married to her husband Sam and is a mom to 2 beautiful girls & 2 crazy dogs. Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: Thank you for being here today, Kelly. 4:38: I've been running group tours and retreats for seven years and I know we'll probably chat about this later down the track but one of the biggest takeaways that I see in people traveling, not only do they get to see the Eiffel Tower, but they get to walk away with a renewed sense of themselves or a renewed commitment or a sense of their purpose, or they get to feel strong within themselves. 6:21: I've actually never been asked that so that's it's a really really good question. What you learn through the practice of yoga is that everyone is having their own perceptions of reality and that is a hundred percent what I've learned through this podcast is everyone is experiencing travel in different ways and not everyone actually perceives travel as this enlightening, opening, freeing experience. It can be fraught with stress. 14:06: On our retreat in Greece, in 2023, the overall theme that we all took away with - was how can we slow down more in our day-to-day life? We noticed how agitated all of us retreat facilitator, me included, we noticed how agitated we were with how slow the pace of life was on this small island south of Athens. And we noticed with that agitation, like, wait a minute, this could be a point of healing or transformation for us. 16:16 One of the biggest joys for me is seeing people learn from a 20-year-old learning from a sixty-year-old and a sixty-year-old learning from a 20-year-old. I'm like, that is community, that is humanity, coming together. 21:08: When you're traveling, you can't go on autopilot. You're using every sense, taking in new information every single second. It's a beautiful place to be—the present moment. You can find Kelly Tolliday at: | | Hey there, friend! Thanks so much for joining us on .' I’m Cindy MacMillan, and you can find me over at PangeaWorldTravelAgency.com. If you enjoyed this episode—and I really hope you did—make sure to hit that subscribe button so you never miss a show. And if you could leave a review, it would mean the world to me. Your support helps us reach more amazing listeners just like you. Remember, if you're dreaming of your next cruise or adventure, I'm here to help make it happen. Head on over to my website to get in touch, and let’s start planning your journey. Until next time, keep exploring, stay curious, and take care! /episode/index/show/exploringtheseasonsoflife/id/32572862

Understanding Stress: What It Is and Why It Matters with Coach Jaya Prakash 07/31/2024

Understanding Stress: What It Is and Why It Matters with Coach Jaya Prakash "The most beautiful thing in the world is, of course, the world itself." ~ Wallace Stevens Guest Introduction: Welcome to Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition. I'm Cindy MacMillan, and I’m so glad you’re here. A bit about our journey together: I launched Exploring the Seasons of Life just weeks before the pandemic, initially focusing on the unique seasons we, as women, experience—the beginnings, the endings, and all the messy bits in between. With the launch of , our podcast is evolving. We're now shifting our focus to explore the transformative power of travel, particularly for busy midlife professionals, empty nesters, and women. Join me as we dive into amazing travel experiences that enrich our lives, reduce stress, and help us grow. Each episode, we’ll have insightful conversations with travel experts, share personal stories from fellow travel enthusiasts, and offer practical advice to inspire your next adventure. Let’s explore the seasons of life through the lens of travel. Today, we have a special guest, Dr. Jaya Prakash, affectionately known as Coach Jaya. As a retired physician and professor, she has been helping young professionals, medical and chiropractic students, colleagues, and community members manage day-to-day chronic stress for nearly four decades. Her guidance is deeply rooted in mindfulness practices that are easy to adapt and sustain. She offers individual coaching, group workshops, and the Thrive workplace wellness plan. Coach Jaya is very active in the community, currently serving as vice president of the Kiwanis Club of Melbourne, ambassador for the Cocoa Beach Chamber, and member of many other nonprofit organizations serving the community. Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: Welcome Coach Jaya, thank you for being a guest. 2:57 Anytime you have mental or emotional response to difficult situations which seems interfering with your life. That is called stress. So, it is not so much as a physical response, but something which is mental and emotional, which is stretching your endurance beyond what you can deal with. Then that would be called stress. 10:23 We are digitally connected and socially isolated. 12:45 It’s not just the modern world, it is also just the loss of connected, real human connection. 29:00 Travelling to new places also makes you more mindful because you're noticing what is in front of you, rather than obsessing about what happened last week or what's happening next week. Thank you for joining us today on 'Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition.' I'm your host, Cindy MacMillan, and you can find me at . Remember, while stress is a part of life, it doesn't have to overshadow your travel dreams. Take a deep breath, plan that adventure, and let the journey transform you. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your friends. Your support means the world to us. For any travel inquiries or to start planning your next adventure, feel free to reach out to me directly through my website. Until next time, happy travels and take care! You can find Coach Jaya at: /episode/index/show/exploringtheseasonsoflife/id/32363407

A Conversation on Grief, Transformation, and Energy Medicine with Judith Maxey 12/15/2023

A Conversation on Grief, Transformation, and Energy Medicine with Judith Maxey “There is a voice inside that does not use words. Listen.” ~ Rumi Guest Introduction: Welcome to Exploring the Seasons of Life podcast. I’m your host . I have conversations with coaches, spiritual explorers and thought leaders from all walks of life about beginnings, endings, and the messy bits in-between. Self-love, well-being, and mindset are at the heart of our conversations because once you change the inside, the outside will begin to change as well. In this episode, I’m thrilled to dive into the work of , whose exploration into alternative and traditional healing practices began while pursuing a Master’s degree in Applied Anthropology, exploring the cultural roots of healing. Judith is the owner of Almus Energy Medicine, has been practicing energy medicine for over 15 years. She is an experienced and certified Usui/Holy Fire® and Karuna Reiki® master teacher, mentor, shamanic practitioner, meditation guide and essential oil specialist. In 2023, she also became a certified End-of-Life Doula. Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: Welcome Judith. I’ve really been looking forward to this conversation. Judith: “There's always an underlying level of grief. Right now, I feel, in part because of the pandemic we just simply did not acknowledge the grieving that might have happened. That should have happened because we have a very, in my opinion, narrow perspective on what grief is.” Judith: “I'm a doTERRA wellness advocate, so I use mostly doTERRA oils. I believe in their quality, but I use a Snow Lotus aromatherapy oil that was created by a Five Element Acupuncturist, and it's called Sedate Metal and so from the Chinese medicine perspective. It's about metal and it's very good in fall for the lungs where we hold grief and it is a blend of Copaiba balsam, Atlas cedarwood, Amyris, and Geranium. And I would never even attempt to blend it the way that Peter Holmes does. It's just an amazing blend. I keep it in my office.” Judith: “I'm so happy that there are end-of-life doulas for the person who is passing and also for everyone involved and that's what I found was really there was so much learning in my end of life doula training about that about the interactions between the caregivers and what was happening for everyone how to be aware of the cues and Like everything else, Cindy, again, I feel like I say a certain few things throughout the conversation, but it's about being present.” Judith: “And then I started, in the same community as my Reiki teacher, I'll give her a shout out, Colleen Benelli, Licensed Reiki Teacher, The International Center for Reiki Training. She was also involved in The LightSong Community of 21st Century Shamanism and Energy Medicine. So, I started doing core shamanism training as well.” Judith: “You are meant to use us and, and we're meant to work together. And so, I started bringing in essential oils, the plants to my work. And I just feel like the combination of the shamanic practices that, I'd say in general, allow you to work with larger energies than yourself, Reiki, and the miracle, the magic of the plants, you know, getting to work with those three in a session with someone is a powerhouse. It's so supportive. Judith: “I would suggest, your ceremony be specific to you and what you're comfortable with. And most importantly, what you will actually do. You know, we can look at a lot of different ceremonies, but what calls to you? Do you want to gather in a big crowd? Do you want to gather with your three closest friends? In the darkness, with a candle? Being grateful? Saying out loud what you want to get rid of? You know? I think those elements are the important part. Again, gratitude, community, release, and calling in what you would like for the new year or your life. I'll say that I would suggest those same elements for any ceremony. Judith: “Forgiveness is so much larger than that. A little bit like grief, right?” Judith: “I also want to say that in 2024. I'll be coming out with Plant Speak Retreats, and that's for the doTERRA community to learn how to build relationships, spiritual personal energetic relationships with the oils.” Resource Mentioned: You can find Judith Maxey at: /episode/index/show/exploringtheseasonsoflife/id/29101493

Confidence is a Journey with Sha Sparks 12/13/2023

Confidence is a Journey with Sha Sparks “Wellness is the complete integration of body, mind and spirit. The realization that everything we do, think, feel and believe has an effect on our wellbeing” ~ Greg Anderson Guest Introduction: Welcome to the Exploring the Seasons of Life podcast! I'm your host, and I'm thrilled to have you here. Today, we're diving into the extraordinary world of holistic living in our new series, Holistic Living: Embracing Wholeness In Everyday Life. Holistic living, it's not some fancy buzzword. It's like coming home to yourself – body, mind, heart, and soul. Imagine showing up for yourself in every way possible, like you're your own best friend, therapist, chef, and personal cheerleader. It's about nurturing all those parts of you that make you, well, you. Now, wholeness – that's where the magic sparkles. It's embracing your stories, your scars, your stumbles, and your soaring moments, and realizing they're all essential brushstrokes that create your masterpiece. You're not a puzzle with pieces missing; you're a tapestry woven from the threads of your experiences. Holistic living isn't about adding more to your plate; it's about savoring every bite, every breath, every precious moment. Prepare to unlock the doors of your heart and mind, inviting in a world filled with love, connection, and profound insights. Let’s dive in? is an energetic catalyst and fearless communicator who sparks leaders in transition, who are unclear, go from fear to fired up about their life and business. Through her renowned Spark Your ALPHA program, Shā’s audiences and clients experience more confidence, amplified emotional intelligence, and the spark that ignites their fearless action. Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: Welcome, Sha! Sha: “It's not just a one and done and we become this beautiful butterfly. No, I think sometimes our butterflies become different butterflies depending on the season of life that we're in. And I know for my own I have overcome so many different adversities and, you know, came out one butterfly with each one of those.” Sha: “I think all of them, we go through a little bit of grieving process because the identity of who we've been is disappearing. And part of us is like, I don't want to lose that part. And, honestly, we don't technically lose it, but it just shifts and molds into, you know, like we're a piece of clay.” Sha: “I started to capture my own thoughts, like really understand that my voice in my head, that inner voice that we all have, was not helping me and propelling me. It was holding me back and hurting me. And so, I just started a brain dump, is what I call it and write down all the negative things that I would say to myself.” Sha: “I knew that we are a mirror of what we see. So, I then started to think about all the people that I admire. I started researching billionaires and millionaires and successful leaders of all walks of life and just started to write down the characteristics of what I admired in them. And then I wrote the two most powerful words in the English language before each one. I AM. Sha: “I took an improv class, a comedy improv class for a year. And it was just so much fun and so out of my comfort zone. And it was not about being funny at all. It's, it's about surrendering to the process and being able to dance with your partners on stage and say, yes. Sha: “So that my brain was picking up and noticing how whenever I saw a cigarette or anything that looked resembled a cigarette, it reminded my brain that I don't want it.” Sha: “Confidence is a journey. You gain confidence all along the way just by doing little things and then acknowledging yourself for doing those little things and patting yourself on the back.” You can find Sha Sparks at: /episode/index/show/exploringtheseasonsoflife/id/29049628

Curious About Reiki: A Conversation with Terry Dulin 12/13/2023

Curious About Reiki: A Conversation with Terry Dulin Guest Introduction: Hello and a warm welcome, friends, to another episode of Exploring the Seasons of Life podcast! I'm your host, Cindy MacMillan, and I hope you're finding inspiration and connection in our new podcast series – Holistic Living: Embracing Wholeness In Everyday Life. And if you happen to be joining us for the first time, a heartfelt welcome to you, new friends. Throughout this series, I've had the privilege of chatting with some incredible healers and experts in various modalities. From the transformative power of sound baths to the profound wisdom of yoga, the sacred art of womb healing, the realm of angels, and the soul stirring beauty of poetry, we've delved into the diverse practices and perspectives that contribute to our holistic well-being. My goal here is to offer you insights, stories, and practical advice. Wisdom. Wisdom that can inspire you to live a more authentic, balanced, and fulfilled life. Whether you're a seasoned explorer of these healing paths or just beginning your journey, there's something for everyone in this series. Go ahead and cozy up with your favorite drink, find a snug place to unwind, because we're about to embark on a deeply inspiring conversation. is a fourth-generation paranormal practitioner. She was raised in a metaphysical environment by her mother who is a professional psychic, trance medium and healer. She started assisting her mom doing healings at the early age of 12. She initially learned Reiki in 2002 to assist her mom in her practice. In 2008 she had a spiritual calling - a strong desire to do something more. She was led for Reiki to be a stronger presence in her life. In 2009 she learned Reiki II and a few months later she took the ART/Master class. Terry traveled to Southfield MI in 2010 to learn Karuna Reiki ® from William Rand. Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: Terry: “It really was not until 2008 to 2009 when, Reiki, and I didn't know Reiki was going to be this, divine force in my life. I had a spiritual calling, you know, for me, it's God. My spiritual calling is God, right? So, God was, encouraging me telling me I needed to do something more with my life than what it was.” Terry: “I have to tell you, it's been an amazing journey to see how it has shifted, altered and really propelled me to be where I'm at and who I'm meant to be.” Terry: “Every practitioner has their own way of practicing, right? Doing Reiki. So, they might ask someone, you know, for permission to touch.” Terry: “You can have an intention, you can go in with having, say, pain on your knee, or with your knee, and the Reiki energy will know that something is off in your body, and that say maybe the root cause is the hip.” Terry: “Just like we don't necessarily always get along with every person. So, every relationship is different. Every Reiki experience is different. If you really want to come from a stance of true knowledge, my encouragement would be to have a session.” Terry: “I of course would encourage you to find someone within your local area. I’m a Licensed Teacher with The International Center for Reiki Training. I am a member of the Reiki Membership Association. So, my encouragement would be to start there at Reiki. org and they have a link on their website to find a practitioner in your area. You can find Terry Dulin at: Phone# 219-712-0507 Holistic Living: Embracing Wholeness In Everyday Life Series /episode/index/show/exploringtheseasonsoflife/id/29049168

Conversation with Yoga and Reiki Teacher Jerry Mikutis 12/07/2023

Conversation with Yoga and Reiki Teacher Jerry Mikutis "Adopt the pace of nature. Her secret is patience." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson Guest Introduction: This podcast is for women with a big heart on a spiritual journey who are ready to lead healthier and happier lives and improve their emotional well-being. I interview coaches, spiritual explorers and thought leaders from all walks of life about beginnings, endings, and the messy bits in-between. Self-love, well-being, and mindset are at the heart of our conversations because once you change the inside, the outside will begin to change as well. Welcome back to Exploring the Seasons of Life podcast. I’m your host . I am really excited about today’s interview and before we jump in, I want to say thank you for being here. Today’s guest is . She is a Licensed Reiki Master Teacher with the International Center for Reiki Training, a yoga teacher and crystal practitioner and I am so excited to share this conversation with you! Let me tell you a little more about Jerry Mikutis. She has been enthralled by yoga ever since her first class in 2005 as a means for mental clarity from the stresses of life. The sense of peace the practice cultivated kept her coming back to the mat and the physical benefits soon made themselves evident. Her yoga practice eventually led her to subtler practices such as Reiki and other methods of energy harmonizing, such as connecting with the beauty of crystals. She facilitates yoga and Reiki classes as well as meditations online. Jerry lives in Chicago with her 2 cats Rosie and Milo and dozens of plants and looks for the magic everywhere. Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: Welcome Jerry. Jerry: “I had this coupon, a postcard, that your first class was free. And I remember that the class completely transformed me. It showed me the stillness within me; I was probably like a hundred pounds heavier, and I couldn't do any of the poses.” Jerry: “Yoga was just really showing me how the body relates to the mind. So that was my introduction to yoga during a really difficult time in my life. It gave me that sense of peace and clarity.” Jerry: “I came from a very linear, logical thinking family. My dad was a math teacher. All my friends from college were, that were in my life at that time, they were just very logical thinkers.” Jerry: “That really made me realize even more that we’re always in communication with each other. It may not be words, it may not be eye contact, but it's within what we carry in our energy field.” Jerry: “When people ask me what crystal they should get, I almost always say, like, start off with rose quartz, because it's soft pink, the crystal itself isn't soft, because it's quartz, but the colors are soft pink. I think of it as the light of the heart, the light of connection with others, the light of connection with the divine.” Jerry: “So we have cats that like to sleep. So, they teach us how to rest and to sleep and take things slower. I have two cats.” Jerry: “So back to your question about how I find the magic. I think Chicago is a very nature centered city in itself in so many ways. I live about three blocks from Lake Michigan, which is one of the largest lakes in the world.” You can find Jerry Mikutis at: Holistic Living: Embracing Wholeness In Everyday Life Series /episode/index/show/exploringtheseasonsoflife/id/28981463

Ceremonies and Healing with Stacy Mitchell 11/25/2023

Ceremonies and Healing with Stacy Mitchell “You are not a drop in the ocean, you are the ocean in a drop”. ~ Rumi Guest Introduction: Hello and a warm welcome, friends, to another episode of Exploring the Seasons of Life podcast! I'm your host, Cindy MacMillan, and I hope you're finding inspiration and connection in our new podcast series – Holistic Living: Embracing Wholeness In Everyday Life. And if you happen to be joining us for the first time, a heartfelt welcome to you, new friends. Holistic living—it's not just a fancy buzzword. Think of it as returning to the very essence of yourself – your body, mind, heart, and soul. Picture a world where you show up for yourself in every way imaginable, like you're your own best friend, chef, and personal cheerleader. It's about nurturing all those beautiful facets of you that make you, well, uniquely you. But here's where the magic truly begins – wholeness. It's embracing your stories, your scars, your stumbles, and your soaring moments, and realizing they're all essential brushstrokes that create your masterpiece. You're not a puzzle with pieces missing; you're a tapestry woven from the threads of your experiences. Grab your favorite cozy beverage, find a comfy spot to sit back and relax, because we're about to dive deep into a truly inspiring conversation. has been a Life-Cycle Celebrant® since 2005, co-creating and officiating meaningful ceremonies across the life-cycle based on the beliefs and values of her clients. She is also a Reiki Master/Teacher, certified Soul Realignment advanced practitioner and Soul Regression therapist. Her goal is to provide others with the tools and knowledge they need for self-empowerment and self-healing through the weaving together of these offerings. Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: Welcome to the podcast, Stacy. Stacy: “In Hinduism, there is an understanding that the cycles of life are birth, life, death, and rebirth and in the Western world, we tend to stop with just death, right? Not that rebirth part; but it's not a full cycle if we don't have that fourth.” Stacy: “For me, life isn't about exploring cycles. It's about living into each season and cycle.” Stacy: “I think as time goes on, we really begin to understand that we are a part of the cycle, and so we are living the cycle, whatever, that cycle that we're in is in that moment. And really, that’s the key to integration, I guess, is that that ability to just live the cycle rather than peering in from the outside and say, oh, what's this?” Stacy: “In the ceremony co creation process or the healing process, as a practitioner, the most important thing for me is to be an active listener. Active listening requires you to lay down any preconceived ideas or agendas about the work, or the people that you are speaking with. And it also requires a presencing in the moment, to be fully there in that moment, and not thinking in the before time, thinking into whatever's in the future, not jumping ahead mentally or even verbally, but to really just take in what is said to marinate in those words and the emotions that the words invoke and to listen between the lines in order to hear what the silence is saying.” Stacy: “It can really be eye opening to, to see, like your friend, you know, to see how other cultures treat food and treat the sharing of food. And I'm sure you're aware that even in the West, sharing food after a ceremony, especially a funeral, is, like, one of the most important parts of the experience. So, it's not just, what happens within the ceremony itself, but that moment of breaking bread together, that moment of being...In community and feeding each other and in some circles would be called feeding the soul, right?” You can find Stacy Mitchell at: Holistic Living: Embracing Wholeness In Everyday Life Series /episode/index/show/exploringtheseasonsoflife/id/28788733

Conversation with Julie Jancius: The Angel Medium 10/10/2023

Conversation with Julie Jancius: The Angel Medium "Your intuition will tell you where you need to go; it will connect you with people you should meet; it will guide you toward work that is meaningful for you – work that brings you joy, work that feels right for you." – Shakti Gawain Guest Introduction: I'm your host and you are listening to Exploring the Seasons of Life podcast! We're currently immersed in a fantastic series called Holistic Living: Embracing Wholeness In Everyday Life. Holistic living, it's not some fancy buzzword. It's like coming home to yourself – body, mind, heart, and soul. Imagine showing up for yourself in every way possible, like you're your own best friend, therapist, chef, and personal cheerleader. It's about nurturing all those parts of you that make you, well, you. Now, wholeness – that's where the magic sparkles. It's embracing your stories, your scars, your stumbles, and your soaring moments, and realizing they're all essential brushstrokes that create your masterpiece. You're not a puzzle with pieces missing; you're a tapestry woven from the threads of your experiences. Holistic living isn't about adding more to your plate; it's about savoring every bite, every breath, every precious moment. is The Angel Medium™ and host of the #5 spiritual podcast, Angels and Awakening, which receives over 2 million downloads a year in 80+ countries around the world. Julie is a world renowned angel expert on a mission to teach you how to connect with your angels and loved ones on the Other Side in order to make living “Heaven on Earth.” Get ready to open your heart and mind to a world of love, connection, and spiritual wisdom. Let's dive in! Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: Welcome, Julie! Julie: “I think it's really, really fascinating that throughout time we have all fought and throughout history on so many different points when it comes to religions, but angels are this fundamental piece and thread, that is woven in between all religions and all religions seem to remain consistent on there are divine helpers, right? God, Universe, Source did not set us up to fail.” Julie: “Archangel Michael is here as a strength that when we're really having to have courage and resilience and be courageous; we're able to step into that and let our self-doubt and our fears go.” Julie: “When you're working with somebody who you resonate with on all levels, your heart chakra is just completely open, your energy, your consciousness, your mind. You're completely open to that teacher and because you're more in that state of being, you're absorbing more of what they're trying to say instead of you being in a state of where you're like filtering what they're saying.” Julie: “I started writing for the third largest newspaper in Illinois when I was 14 years old, and I loved journalism even back then because every day was going to be different. I didn't know what stories were going to pop up that week, who I was going to get to interview or talk to and I still love that today. I don't want to know what the rest of my life is going to be like, I enjoy, the magic.” You can find Julie Jancius at: IF YOU LOVED THIS EPISODE WITH JULIE JANCIUS YOU’LL ALSO LOVE THE CONVERSATIONS I HAD WITH: Holistic Living: Embracing Wholeness In Everyday Life Series /episode/index/show/exploringtheseasonsoflife/id/28275122

Journey of Healing with Alana Keddie 10/06/2023

Journey of Healing with Alana Keddie “The condition of women’s wombs also directly reflects the condition of women’s minds, spirits, and actions. The womb is a storehouse of all our emotions.” ~ Queen Afua, Sacred Woman: A Guide to Healing the Feminine Body, Mind, and Spirit Guest Introduction: Hello and a warm welcome, friends, to another episode of Exploring the Seasons of Life podcast! I'm your host , and I hope you are enjoying the new podcast series – Holistic Living: Embracing Wholeness In Everyday Life. If you are new to the podcast, welcome new friends. Holistic living, it's not some fancy buzzword. It's like coming home to yourself – body, mind, heart, and soul. Imagine showing up for yourself in every way possible, like you're your own best friend, therapist, chef, and personal cheerleader. It's about nurturing all those parts of you that make you, well, you. Now, wholeness – that's where the magic sparkles. It's embracing your stories, your scars, your stumbles, and your soaring moments, and realizing they're all essential brushstrokes that create your masterpiece. You're not a puzzle with pieces missing; you're a tapestry woven from the threads of your experiences. Grab your favorite cozy beverage, find a comfy spot to sit back and relax, because we're about to dive deep into a truly inspiring conversation. I'm thrilled to introduce my guest, Alana Keddie, a remarkable Energy Healer & Conscious Life Coach hailing from the beautiful city of Sarasota, FL. Alana is the brilliant mind behind the , a transformative approach that she uses to help clients globally find balance, healing, and growth. Her expertise extends to the fascinating realms of Subconscious reprogramming and Sacred Womb Healing, making her a true source of wisdom and inspiration for anyone seeking to embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal empowerment. Stay tuned for an enlightening conversation with Alana, as we delve into her unique methods and the profound impact they have on people's lives. Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: Alana: “Yeah, this is a good question. I mean, we all, we have so many seasons in life, you know, and you don't even realize you're in it until maybe you're out of it. And then even as women, we have the archetypal seasons, we have the maiden and the mother and the, I prefer the sage to the Crone, but we have so many seasons. So, I was really reflecting on this before I came to talk to you, and I feel currently, personally, I'm in a season of, I would call Rebirth.” Alana: “I couldn't work. I couldn't function. The neurologist wrote me off and basically, I was lying in my bedroom like most hours of the day in a dark room with ice on my head and that was it. So, during that time, I had a lot of losses in my personal life as well. And I would call that absolutely my dark night of the soul, beyond broken.” Alana: “Sometimes it's not in the way they want or in the way they think they want. You know, sometimes someone comes in for, you know, deep emotional scarring for one thing and before we know it, it's the womb that's releasing. It's we're having massive sacral healing. So, it's just in the way that they're meant to heal.” Alana: “One thing that stands out for me is “As Within, So Without” and that is across the board on so many different spiritual schools or teachings. And so that leads me to, in my coaching, you know, really trying to get my clients to understand it's, there's nothing to change but self. It's all within. Alana: “For women, we hold all our feminine essence in the sacral, all our creative ideas, all our healing, all our sexual energy. In fact, sexual energy, healing energy, and creative energy, it is one energy, and it all lives in the sacral. Alana: “There's a lot of access to me right now as we expand. The main business is . So that's just www.akhealing. com. We have two divisions. There's a manifestation and success coaching division with subconscious reprogramming. That's called Manifest Dreams Now, and then I have the Sacred Womb Healing Division. That's and the workshops and ceremonies are on there too. Holistic Living: Embracing Wholeness In Everyday Life Series /episode/index/show/exploringtheseasonsoflife/id/28244081

Empowering Your Inner Wellness Warrior: Insights from Joyce Jimenez 09/30/2023

Empowering Your Inner Wellness Warrior: Insights from Joyce Jimenez “Growth and comfort do not coexist.” ― Ginni Rometty Guest Introduction: Welcome to the Exploring the Seasons of Life podcast! I'm your host, , Life + Well-Being Coach for Women, and I'm thrilled to have you here. Today, we're diving into our new series, Holistic Living: Embracing Wholeness In Everyday Life. Holistic living, it's not some fancy buzzword. It's like coming home to yourself – body, mind, heart, and soul. Imagine showing up for yourself in every way possible, like you're your own best friend, therapist, chef, and personal cheerleader. It's about nurturing all those parts of you that make you, well, you. Now, wholeness – that's where the magic sparkles. It's embracing your stories, your scars, your stumbles, and your soaring moments, and realizing they're all essential brushstrokes that create your masterpiece. You're not a puzzle with pieces missing; you're a tapestry woven from the threads of your experiences. Holistic well-being isn't about overloading your schedule; it's about savoring every experience, every breath, and cherishing every moment. I am thrilled to introduce my guest. is a dedicated entrepreneur and wellness advocate. As the owner of True Wellness Brevard, a renowned yoga and wellness studio, she has passionately guided individuals on their journeys to better health and mindfulness. In addition to her studio, Joyce is also the visionary behind , a natural supplement company that promotes holistic vitality. With a profound commitment to holistic living, Joyce continues to inspire and empower others to achieve balance and wellness in their lives. Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: Welcome to the show, Joyce. I am so happy to have you here. Joyce: “Detox Energy Greens came first. I started that business six (6) years ago, and it started because I was looking for a way to heal my body because I was experiencing a lot of health issues that I couldn't get the answers to what was actually occurring in my body. So, I was introduced to a more holistic aspect and when I started to take herbs and heal my body I knew that there was more to this type of healing.” Joyce: “Because one thing about Entrepreneurship is that you have to deal with yourself; your own limiting beliefs, your own fears, your own restrictions.” Joyce: “One of the most common things that you hear someone complain about is the tightness of their hips or their shoulders or their neck and predominantly it's because we sit, you know, we're driving a lot. Like you said, all these different things to where it's a lack of movement.” Joyce: “Holistic wellness is completely different than some of the more modern style forms of wellness that people consider to be wellness right now. And for me, holistic wellness was more of like, okay, how do I heal internally? My physical body? How do I heal my mind, my heart, my soul, and doing it in a more holistic way?” Joyce: “So the breath is one of the most important key factors in your yoga practice.” Joyce: “I honestly am a firm believer of intertwining both your feminine and your masculine.” Joyce: “I had a coach that once said that the masculine is like the riverbank. And the feminine is the river; she is the flow. And you need the bank to hold the flow of the water or else that water is just going to flow and go crazy everywhere. And so, we need the balance of the two.” Joyce: “My website is and that is where all my products are listed and sold and my studio is located in Palm Bay, Florida.” You can find Joyce Jimenez at: IF YOU LOVED THIS EPISODE WITH JOYCE JIMENEZ YOU’LL ALSO LOVE THE CONVERSATIONS I HAD WITH: /episode/index/show/exploringtheseasonsoflife/id/28185440

Trust in Your Soul with Sonee Singh 09/26/2023

Trust in Your Soul with Sonee Singh “I write entirely to find out what I’m thinking, what I’m looking at, what I see and what it means. What I want and what I fear.” ~ Joan Didion Guest Introduction: Welcome, welcome, friends, to a brand-new episode of Exploring the Seasons of Life podcast! I'm your host , and I'm happy to be back after a refreshing summer break, and super excited to introduce a new podcast series – Holistic Living: Embracing Wholeness In Everyday Life. Holistic living, it's not some fancy buzzword. It's like coming home to yourself – body, mind, heart, and soul. Imagine showing up for yourself in every way possible, like you're your own best friend, therapist, chef, and personal cheerleader. It's about nurturing all those parts of you that make you, well, you. Now, wholeness – that's where the magic sparkles. It's embracing your stories, your scars, your stumbles, and your soaring moments, and realizing they're all essential brushstrokes that create your masterpiece. You're not a puzzle with pieces missing; you're a tapestry woven from the threads of your experiences. Holistic living isn't about adding more to your plate; it's about savoring every bite, every breath, every precious moment. Join me as I welcome my guest, . Sonee Singh is a Doctor of Divinity, poet, novelist, avid reader, and cross-cultural seeker of deep knowing. Author of award-winning novel, Lonely Dove, and of the Soul-Seeker Poetry Collection: Embody, Embrace, & Embolden. Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: Welcome, Sonee – we're truly fortunate to have you on the Exploring the Seasons of Life podcast! “It was in that theme of exploring who we are, I got to a point in my life, and this is going back about, five or six years ago, so relatively recently, I had to come to terms with the fact that I was not happy doing what I was doing in my career because I had not allowed myself to really, follow my purpose and follow my dream.” “I let myself believe that it wasn't possible for me, that I wouldn't be successful, that, you know, I wouldn't be financially stable.” “Once I realized intuition is listening to my own voice, listening to myself and that's how I connect with the world outside, it just became this search of wanting to know more and do more, and so that's what led me into the Doctor of Divinity.” “I don't usually feel like I have a home. I feel like I belong everywhere, but at the same time, I belong nowhere. And I think that is an important perspective, you know, some people, though not a lot of people, can relate to, there's a lot of us that are, you know, in a way not necessarily tied to any particular location.” “I mean, for one, I think it's important to recognize that sometimes this is a life journey. As we explore who we are, we continue to evolve and change, but we also have to be mindful that who we are now may not be who we are tomorrow. And who we are now is not who we were yesterday. And that's okay.” “Trusting in yourself is the greatest gift that we can give. It really encompasses in a way all that we've been talking about. Trusting yourself means connecting with your intuition, means accepting where you are in life, it means that you understand that we're in an evolution and when you're constantly trusting in yourself, that is your one constant. That is the one place that you can always rely on to handle anything that comes up. You can find at: /episode/index/show/exploringtheseasonsoflife/id/28150808

The Healing Power of Sound Baths with Stephanie Weber 09/14/2023

The Healing Power of Sound Baths with Stephanie Weber “Healing may not be so much about getting better, as about letting go of everything that isn’t you – all of the expectations, all of the beliefs – and becoming who you are." ~ Rachel Naomi Remen Guest Introduction: Welcome, welcome, friends, to a brand-new episode of Exploring the Seasons of Life podcast! I'm your host , and I'm happy to be back after a refreshing summer break, and super excited to introduce a new podcast series – Holistic Living: Embracing Wholeness In Everyday Life. Holistic living, it's not some fancy buzzword. It's like coming home to yourself – body, mind, heart, and soul. Imagine showing up for yourself in every way possible, like you're your own best friend, therapist, chef, and personal cheerleader. It's about nurturing all those parts of you that make you, well, you. Now, wholeness – that's where the magic sparkles. It's embracing your stories, your scars, your stumbles, and your soaring moments, and realizing they're all essential brushstrokes that create your masterpiece. You're not a puzzle with pieces missing; you're a tapestry woven from the threads of your experiences. Holistic living isn't about adding more to your plate; it's about savoring every bite, every breath, every precious moment. It’s about balance and mindfulness… whatever that looks like for you. Join me as I welcome my guest, . Stephanie Weber is a certified sound healer, mindful meditation facilitator, yoga instructor, and holistic coach. She leads deeply restorative sound baths designed to empower her clients to rediscover their inner light and heal from the inside out! Stephanie has a deep passion for helping others find balance and joy in their lives. She believes that sound healing can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and transformation, and she is committed to helping her clients explore their inner depths and uncover their true potential! Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: Welcome, Stephanie – we're truly fortunate to have you on the Exploring the Seasons of Life podcast! “Each season in our life really brings its unique energy, it brings new lessons, it brings new opportunities for growth, new changes. And sometimes we go through expansive seasons of growth and abundance and change and exciting things. And sometimes we also go through seasons of contraction and learning lessons and introspection.” “I think that nothing in life is ever a coincidence. I think that sometimes our most difficult seasons can be our biggest teachers. And I know that looking back at my own life, honestly, some of the most difficult times in my own life have been my biggest periods of learning. It's been the catalyst for my growth and expansion.” “It was kind of the path that we're given, right? You go to college. You get a degree, you get a nine to five, you climb the ladder, you settle down, you get your white picket fence, and then you retire and die. That's kind of what people give us. And, you know, I realized really quickly that the corporate world was not for me.” “I've done classes for companies like Salesforce and Bank of America and TikTok, McDonald's Corporation, you know, JLL, and so many more. And I love doing that because it's fun to go back into the corporate places where I once was to help the people who were once like me, the stressed out people and to really give back to them.” “Each of my bowls specifically are tuned to the chakras and there's also bowls that are tuned to the endocrine system. There's lots of different tunings with the bowls. The sounds are tuned in a way that target your specific chakras or the specific pieces of the endocrine system, which are your energy centers in your body.” You can find Stephanie Weber at: IF YOU LOVED THIS EPISODE WITH STEPHANIE WEBER YOU’LL ALSO LOVE THE CONVERSATIONS I HAD WITH: /episode/index/show/exploringtheseasonsoflife/id/28030755

Embracing Self-Compassion: Navigating Daily Stressors with Lisa Dunlap 06/19/2023

Embracing Self-Compassion: Navigating Daily Stressors with Lisa Dunlap “Breathe darling, this is just a chapter. It’s not your whole story.” – S.C. Laurie Guest Introduction: Hello friend, Welcome to another episode of Exploring the Seasons of Life podcast. I’m your host , Essential Emotions Coach and self-care advocate for women with a big heart on a spiritual journey who are ready to lead healthier and happier lives and improve their emotional well-being. Exploring the Seasons of Life is a metaphor for understanding the complexities of being alive. It's a gentle reminder that our journey is filled with ups and downs, joys and sorrows, and moments of both growth and stagnation. It's within these seasons that we learn, we evolve, and we become the most authentic and vibrant versions of ourselves. In today's episode, we have the amazing joining us, so, let's dive in and make the most of our time together. Lisa Dunlap AGPCNP, is a holistic nurse practitioner, public speaker, healer and coach. She helps high achieving moms and nurses restore and revive, reignite their passions, and build profitable online holistic coaching businesses so they can leave the bedside. Lisa nearly died in order to wake up and heal from burnout and start living a life she loved. Now the women she coaches, don't have to wait for rock-bottom to heal. While working on the frontlines of the pandemic as a Hospice NP and juggling two small children at home she saw the critical need for women in healthcare to prioritize their mental health. She founded Nurse Your Soul, after she transformed her own rock-bottom burnout, debilitating pain, and potentially life threatening diagnosis into spontaneous healing and living her dream life. She quit her 14- year career as a nurse, and started Nurse Your Soul to empower nurses with practical tools to get unstuck. As a certified herbalist, clinical aromatherapist, reflexologist, energy healer, and trained in mindfulness and self-compassion her coaching targets the mind-body and spirit. Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: Lisa, welcome to the podcast. It's wonderful to connect with like-minded women who share a passion for exploring the mind, body, and spirit connection. I believe that nurturing all three aspects is essential for overall well-being and personal growth. 2:25 I've been a nurse practitioner for, gosh, nine years now and a nurse five years before that. I have two little ones, they're now five and eight. And if we rewind, a lot of peoples, stories these days start at the beginning of the pandemic, and that's where mine starts. It was not the beginning of burnout for me. I was in Seattle where the pandemic unfolded and the nursing home where COVID first began was in my territory. 3:32 I feel like an onion, you know, I had these layers of burnout that we're building up that I didn't even know, you know, it's like, we as moms, as women, as high achievers, we're going through the motions and kind of putting the signs under the rug like no, no, I'm good. I'm gonna keep pushing, I'm gonna keep doing and, you know, on a real authentic, vulnerable level, I was sort of not admitting to myself, that I wasn't happy that I wasn't feeling healthy. 5:45 We get this call, we're driving up to the mountains, I had started to use a lot of my holistic tools. I'm certified in aromatherapy, energy work, mindfulness, and I had already started to use them and started to work on healing myself. And so, my family took a ski trip, sort of before Seattle, went lights out, everyone stays at home, don't leave your house for two weeks. And I was well enough to go. 6:39 We found a solid grapefruit size, mass in your ovary, now an ovary is like, like a walnut size really. And I thought what, and I just sunk into my seat, you know, and I could see everything up until age 40 flash before my eyes and the next 40 years and as a hospice nurse practitioner, the first thought was ovarian cancer. 9:37 The unraveling was stripping away identities I had formerly found self-worth in and so here I was, and the nurse practitioner was getting stripped away. I couldn't go to work. I was in a lot of pain. The runner, the athlete, the snowboarder, the mother who could care for her children and so here you are. Left sort of what I felt was a shell of myself, right? I'm lying on the couch most of these months in pain and couldn't be a hero on the front lines. I wasn't working at that moment. 17:27 And we just sat, and this was a very important conversation. And we said to each other, what is it we want? This question is transformational for you, for me, for anyone out there listening to this, ask yourself this question. And not what is it I think I should do? What is it I can do within the limits that are not what my parents want? It was, what is it we want if money wasn't an issue, location, and we just crafted, we said we want to surf more. 22:33 I think it's really hard to answer it in a few words, but what I'll say is, for me, it's that at that time, I got really clear on my values. That word can sound cliché, but when I say values, what I mean is, what do I love? What makes me tick? What makes me get up in the morning? What do I love today, you know, the vision of the nurse practitioner with the full practice, I always wanted that. Once I got there, it didn't feel right. It didn't align with my motherhood values with my mind, body spirit values, right? You can find Lisa Dunlap at: IF YOU LOVED THIS EPISODE WITH LISA DUNLAP YOU’LL ALSO LOVE THE CONVERSATIONS I HAD WITH: Beautiful friends, that's a wrap for today's episode of Exploring the Seasons of Life! I hope you enjoyed our discussion on self-compassion and giving yourself permission + found it informative and engaging. I’m always thrilled to bring you meaningful conversations with incredible guests. If you loved what you heard today, I would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave me a review on your preferred podcast platform. Whether you listen on , Spotify, or any other platform, leaving a review only takes a minute, but it means the world to me. Your reviews not only motivate me but also helps others discover the show and join our vibrant community. A quick announcement, I am taking a short break recording the podcast to recharge and revitalize my creative spirit. You have heard me say many times, taking care of our emotional wellbeing is essential, as it radiates positivity into every corner of our lives. So, just like savoring an ice cream on a hot day, I'm indulging in this hiatus to nourish my creativity and bring forth a fresh wave of inspiration. /episode/index/show/exploringtheseasonsoflife/id/27193935

Living Life to the Fullest: Cindy Kippley's Hiking Adventure to Everest Base Camp 06/04/2023

Living Life to the Fullest: Cindy Kippley's Hiking Adventure to Everest Base Camp “Jobs fill your pockets, but adventures fill your soul.” – Jaime Lyn Guest Introduction: Welcome back, lovely friends! You're listening to Exploring the Seasons of Life, a podcast for women with a big heart on a spiritual journey. I'm your host, Cindy MacMillan, and I'm delighted to have you here today. Exploring the Seasons of Life is a metaphor for understanding the complexities of being alive. It's a gentle reminder that our journey is filled with ups and downs, joys and sorrows, and moments of both growth and stagnation. It's within these seasons that we learn, we evolve, and we become the best versions of ourselves. Each week, I have the privilege of connecting with incredible women who are dedicated to exploring the many facets of life. Our conversations are centered around self-love, well-being, and mindset, as we seek to understand how these elements shape our experiences and perspectives. It's an absolute joy to have Cindy Kippley join us on the podcast today. Cindy Kippley is not your average individual. She's a Business Professional, dog mom, yogi, marathon runner, outdoor enthusiast, mountain trekker, biker, weekend warrior, explorer, and world traveler. She embraces the world as her playground. From boardrooms to mountain peaks, she immerses herself in diverse cultures, forging connections, and leaving her mark on every path she treads. Her adventurous spirit knows no bounds, making her a true citizen of the world. Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: Welcome to the show Cindy. 4:03 My first thought was, I did it. And then I also said, you know what, I am a badass. I don't like to swear. But I'm a badass. I can be a successful businesswoman during the day, during the week, but on my weekends and on vacation, I'm adventurous and I like to kind of push my body and my mind past that comfort zone to accomplish a goal or mission and that's what I felt. 5:12 I mean, overall, I just think age is only a number. I don't feel 56, well, maybe after doing that hike, I probably felt 86. At the end of that hike, I was very exhausted. 7:17 My trip started when I fainted on the airplane. Now, you may think it's funny, but it does happen occasionally. And so that started out my trip on my 14-hour flight. But I got through it. I was a little weak the first two days of my trip, but I recovered. I just had to hydrate a lot and kind of eat carefully. 9:05 So in our tea house, which is a hotel, the only place there's heat is in the dining room, and they only heat up the stove in the evening time for dinner. So that's where you would go to get warm, read a book, eat your dinner, etc. Well, instead of putting sticks or something out, they were putting yak dung in the stove, and that's what was burned to keep the dining hall warm. It was an amazing use of resources. 11:04 So for a week, I ate alot of like soup for dinner, like onion soup, garlic soup, potato soup. And then for like breakfast, I'd have a boiled egg, or maybe fried potatoes with the fried egg on it. So, it was kind of basic, very basic meals, nothing fancy. 13:00 Well, number one, for women that are working, we're very busy and it's very hard to coordinate schedules with a friend. It's also not always easy to find someone with the same interests as you to go to the same places. And at the same time that you're available. 18:36 Well, as a leader, you have to have perseverance, courage, and confidence. And the perseverance I used like, you know, maybe after so many days, you're getting burned out, or maybe you don't feel well and you're just like, oh, I can just turn around now and go back. I don't need to go to the top like, I'm good here. But it's like, no, you kind of have to check yourself and go, no, you signed up for this trip, you have a goal to reach and you're going to do it. 23:38 For me, I think it means living in the present. Not dwelling in the past, you know, I have done some self-discovery on that topic, and having gratitude for the gifts that God has given me, accepting what I have, embracing my age, making the most of what physical abilities I have right now. And how can I go explore if I have vacation time? How can I explore and use those physical abilities? I don't want to put off doing an activity and say, oh, I'll do that, when I retire. Well, maybe I won't have the physical capacity when I retire. So, I'm trying to take advantage of that. 25:18 I'm going to say, I know you thought that you'd be married at age 26 with 2.5 kids and a dog, but that's not how life worked out for you. But it's okay. You're going to be divorced and childless. But you're going to have eight awesome nieces and nephews, and two dogs, that you're a dog mom to and you're going to be climbing mountains in your 50s, you're going to be happy with your life and living your best life. 26:25 Actually, just two days ago, I signed up to hike the Camino de Santiago which is in Spain and that'll be spring of next year. It's time to wrap up this episode of Exploring the Seasons of Life podcast. I hope you've found inspiration and guidance in our conversation. Remember to visit CynthiaMacMillan.com for all the links and resources mentioned today. Until we meet again next time, I encourage you to keep embracing the ever-changing seasons of your life. Learn from the past, embrace the present, and look forward to the future. And always remember to prioritize self-care and self-love. You are truly worthy of all the wonderful things that life has to offer. You can find Cindy Kippley at: IF YOU LOVED THIS EPISODE WITH CINDY KIPPLEY YOU’LL ALSO LOVE THE CONVERSATIONS I HAD WITH: /episode/index/show/exploringtheseasonsoflife/id/27040266

Conversation with Dr. Eliza Collins on Burnout 05/30/2023

Conversation with Dr. Eliza Collins on Burnout "Isn’t it marvelous to discover that you are the one that you’ve been waiting for? That you are your own freedom" ~ Byron Katie Guest Introduction: I wanted to address a small technical issue with today's recording. Unfortunately, there was some fuzziness in the audio quality. However, I didn't want to let that deter us from sharing the incredible information that Dr. Eliza provided on the topic of burnout. Her insights and expertise were invaluable, and I didn't want to scrap such valuable content. So please bear with us regarding the audio quality, and I'm confident that you'll still find tremendous value in what Dr. Eliza had to say. Today we are chatting about the stages or “seasons” of the burnout process, and how to work within them to recover. You’re listening to Exploring the Seasons of Life, a podcast for women with a big heart on a spiritual journey. With your host Cindy MacMillan and I’m joined today by Dr. Eliza Collins. Each week, I interview coaches and spiritual explorers from all walks of life about beginnings, endings and the messy bits in-between. Self-love, well-being, and mindset are at the heart of our conversations because once you change the inside, the outside will begin to change as well. I’m so grateful that you tuned in today; it means a lot to me. If you love this conversation and you want to continue it or want to share your thoughts, your takeaways, or just any aha’s that come up…come on over to Instagram. That is where I spend most of my time when it comes to social media. I'm on Instagram. Make sure you're following me. Say hello. I'd love to hear from you. It is my great pleasure to introduce . Eliza Collins is a burnout expert, a Doctor of Acupuncture & Eastern medicine, and Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner. She works with clients to recover from and prevent burnout by simultaneously addressing mindset and underlying physical health issues, bringing them a sense of ease, agency, and wellness. Welcome to the show, Dr. Eliza. Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: 2:33 Burnout is kind of one of those insidious things, because we don't really see it coming. It's something that builds over time. So, the best sort of working definition that we have of burnout right now is that it is a state of sustained chronic stress that over time degrades your ability to handle day to day stress with ease. So, it's not necessarily this like aha moment of like, bang, all of a sudden, I have burnout. It's this real slow erosion of your ability to continue to handle stress. And that can come from a variety of places. 7:30 That started me on the road to burnout recovery, that I'm still on and much farther along. But you know, like most types of recovery, it's something that you have to be mindful of always going forward. And in the process of doing that and collecting these tools and getting other certifications and trainings for things like functional medicine, and hypnosis, gave me this really interesting constellation of tools to help other individuals address the same issues that I did without having to take the time, you know, to kind of trudge through it and find it themselves. 11:57 That's such an interesting question. And this is an answer that I give a lot because it's something that I don't think it's straightforward. The answer is I don't know. I would say yes. And probably, because a lot of it has to do with our coping mechanisms. So how well did we cope? What's our attachment style? Are we an anxious attachment? Are we avoidant attachment. So it's not necessarily like a type A personality, specifically of like the go getter, the perfectionist like those definitely, those attributes can play into burnout. But if somebody is a go getter, but they also understand how to rest and how to recover, and how to take care of themselves, they're not going to burn out as easily. 13:50 I always really like being able to make this distinction for people. So when my coach was burned out, she did not have depression, she just had burnout. She was happy in her relationships; she was genuinely happy with her life outside of work. But work was the primary focus of where she was getting drained and exhausted and resentful because she didn't have the boundaries necessary to do the work that she wanted in a way that filled her up versus drained her, but she wasn't depressed. I have a history of depression. And so when I was burnt out, I was also depressed. 16:25 Typically, for a lot of people, the first season with burnout is not knowing that you're burnt out. Because we are so I think cultured particularly in American culture in Western culture to be the go getter to be the pull yourself up by the bootstraps to, you know, be the self-made man, woman, person that is so ingrained in our culture, that it can be very difficult to recognize that you're burnt out, I certainly didn't. 26:39 Like many things in life, symptoms vary, depending on the person. So, it can be fatigue, resentment. Brain fog is a big one that I see with people. Because I work in a medical field with acupuncture and functional medicine, I also see people with like gut issues. 34:38 I have a lot of tools. Up to now, I would probably say the values exercise, because it tends to shock people where their values lie. Because oftentimes we try and function in a way that we think is beneficial for society, or for our household, or whatever the case may be. So, if somebody has a loving husband and three kids, and they really care about their family, and they do the values exercise, and they find out that family is not one of the values, that can be shocking to them. 40:25 I didn't have that three years ago, when I was burnt out. So that recovery process has been critical for me to actually show up in the world to be able to talk about this. And I think that my future self will really appreciate that. Because I want to make a big impact on the world. It's time to wrap up this episode of Exploring the Seasons of Life podcast. I hope you've found inspiration and guidance in our conversation. Remember to visit CynthiaMacMillan.com for all the links and resources mentioned today. Until we meet again next time, I encourage you to keep embracing the ever-changing seasons of your life. Learn from the past, embrace the present, and look forward to the future. And always remember to prioritize self-care and self-love. You are truly worthy of all the wonderful things that life has to offer. You can find Dr. Eliza Collins at: Resource mentioned: IF YOU LOVED THIS EPISODE WITH DR. ELIZA COLLINS YOU’LL ALSO LOVE THE CONVERSATIONS I HAD WITH: /episode/index/show/exploringtheseasonsoflife/id/26989545

Spiritual Matter with Martine Bachelart 05/14/2023

Spiritual Matter with Martine Bachelart “The attempt to escape from pain, is what creates more pain.” ~ Gabor Maté Guest Introduction: Welcome to Exploring the Seasons of Life podcast. I’m your host and I am thrilled you’re here. Exploring the Seasons of Life is a metaphor for understanding the complexities of being alive. It is a reminder that life is filled with ups and downs, joys and sorrows, and moments of both growth and stagnation. Life is a journey, and each season brings its own unique lessons and experiences. As we move through the different “seasons” of life, we learn, we grow, and we become better versions of ourselves. Each week I interview spiritual explorers, amazing coaches, and authors from all walks of life about beginnings, endings and the messy bits in between. Self-love, well-being, and mindset are at the heart of our conversations because once you change the inside, the outside will begin to change as well. Prepare yourself for another episode of Exploring the Seasons of Life Podcast with my guest Martine Bachelart. Martine and I first met over a decade ago and our conversation today is a heartfelt journey. is a trained architect, painter, and sculptor. She moved to the United States in 1996 with her husband Eric, a racecar driver, and their two beloved children, Eliott and Emilie. Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: 2:51 When I met my husband and we created our family and we had Eliott and Emilie, I felt extremely happy for tons of reasons. We came to the US, my husband created his team, I created a company where I organized parties for children, which I loved. With my background as an architect, I began to rehabilitate an old chicken farm, it was exhilarating because we were manifesting our dreams and passion. And I really believed at that point that happiness was granted. It was just normal; it was part of life. And of course, when Eliott my son began to suffer from addiction, everything changed because suddenly I discovered what fears were, I discovered shame, guilt. I was so sad. I realized that nothing was granted, not even life. 7:22 I wrote this book after my son passed away; I began to write this book one year after. And what happened is that when my son passed away, I was filled with immense love. Something that is almost impossible to describe. 11:30 Eliott, we will meet you where you are. We love you. And we love you always. 13:38 The answer that I found was, my grief didn't begin when Elliot passed away. My grief began 10 years before when addiction began. And this is such important information for the people who are facing and the mothers who are facing this incredible illness which is addiction. It's such a terrible illness. You live in fear, you know, it's it's excruciating. It's so painful. 21:48 Eliott was a beautiful young man in and out. Anyone that will talk about him will remember his smile, will remember his kindness. 27:22 It means that being conscious of our body, our mental process, our emotions, our habits, allow us to change, to evolve, to see out of the box, to have another perception, a bigger angle, and completely change our story and the grief, then what can I say, we change our life, by changing what we see how we see how we function, how we operate, by expanding what we allow us to see. 43:31 I want to say three things that I learned. The first thing is that when you have addiction and dependency, you usually have codependency. I was codependent, I became codependent, I showed that I could fix by controlling. 45:23 The second thing is that we not only forget ourselves. But sometimes we forget the siblings. My daughter has been so courageous. She was also, you know, powerless in the face of her brother's addiction, she tried so much to help him. 46:32 The third and final thing I want to say is that behind the behavior of the addiction, the lying the stealing, the ugly things, there is love. And I mentioned that before, love your child. Love him, don't only look at his behavior, and the addictive behavior, love him from soul to soul, because you know what you suffer, but he's probably the one who suffers the most. You can find Martine Bachelart at: IF YOU LOVED THIS EPISODE WITH MARTINE BACHELART YOU’LL ALSO LOVE THE CONVERSATIONS I HAD WITH: /episode/index/show/exploringtheseasonsoflife/id/26833932

Emotional Wellbeing: Insights from Dawn Behm and Nicole Williams 05/13/2023

Emotional Wellbeing: Insights from Dawn Behm and Nicole Williams “The healer you have been looking for is your own courage to know and love yourself completely.” — Yung Pueblo Guest Introduction: Hello and welcome back my friends to another episode of Exploring the Seasons of Life, a podcast for women with a big heart on a spiritual journey. I’m your host, Cindy MacMillan, and today, I have a special treat for you as I'm joined by two amazing Essential Emotions Coaches, and , who are equally passionate about helping others achieve emotional wellbeing. This episode is particularly special to us as we get to indulge in our passion and share it with you. is a beautiful metaphor for understanding the complexities of being alive. It's a reminder that life's got it all - the ups and downs, joys and sorrows, and moments of both growth and stagnation. It's like we're all on this big adventure, and each season brings its own lessons and experiences. So, get cozy and prepare to be uplifted, because it’s a good one. Remember, taking notes can help you retain information and reflect on it later. So, grab your favorite notebook and pen and let's get started! Dawn and Nicole, thank you for being on the podcast. Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: 3:36: Cindy MacMillan: Before we dive into our discussion, I want to emphasize that we are not medical professionals, but rather Essential Emotions Coaches who are passionate about sharing our knowledge and experiences. 3:51: Cindy MacMillan: Dawn and Nicole, I will kick it off by saying, It's important to recognize that our emotional health plays a vital role in how we experience life. When we prioritize our emotional wellbeing, it has a positive ripple effect on all aspects of our life. Our intention is to share with our listeners some valuable insights into the relationship between essential oils and emotions that can help them on their journey towards health and happiness. Essential oils are an incredibly effective emotional regulation tool. 5:54: Dawn Behm: When I was in my 30s, I was going to yoga and people, all my life had told me, you know, your body is so fragile, you have such a fragile body, what a shame. And my yoga teacher was like, you're actually really resilient, your body is badass, because, you know, it's been through so much, and it keeps overcoming. And one of the health problems I had was that I bruised really badly. 6:57: Dawn Behm: Our cells have these little receptor sites on them; every single cell does. We learn this through Dr. Candace Pert’s work in the Molecules of Emotion, she was a researcher in the field of neuro chemistry in our brains, and how all of our emotions work. 8:37: Nicole Williams: Just as Dawn so beautifully explained, we experience our emotions in our body. I think many people like to believe that it's just all in your head. And maybe you heard that even that phrase, right growing up. But in actuality, what's happening is we're forming a thought based on what we're experiencing. And that thought is generating this feeling in our body, which is evoking usually an emotion sometimes it will evoke a sensation in our body. I would encourage anyone to first spend some time being an observer of yourself. 10:32: Nicole Williams: There are numerous moments throughout the day that are that can be really challenging between balancing your personal life and your home life, when we begin to draw more awareness on the thought we're having, how it's showing up in our body, it then gives us the ability to interrupt that pattern so that we can really support ourselves in a different way. 42:11: Nicole Williams: I love that question simply because I've not heard it posed that way. I've always heard the opposite, right? What would you tell your 18-year-old self? So, what would I thank my 18-year-old self for? Probably the spirit and embodiment of like exploration and curiosity. So, at 18, it felt like anything is possible, literally anything is possible, I can do anything. This idea of the world is your oyster, so to speak. 43:09: Dawn Behm: Gosh, I really liked this question. And I love reflecting back on that 18-year-old. I think I I'm very thankful for her stubbornness, because she had a lot of health issues. And she just stubborned through a lot of it. But even more, as I reflected, I am so thankful that she listened to her intuition and her heart and her gut when she met her husband at 18. And he didn't fit the boxes of what she was told was the right kind of guy for her. But her heart knew. And he's been the best thing that ever happened to me and my life partner. We've been together 35 years now. And I'm really grateful that she didn't listen to conventional wisdom. But she listened to her heart and her body. You can find Dawn Behm at: You can find Nicole Williams at: IF YOU LOVED THIS EPISODE WITH DAWN BEHM and NICOLE WILLIAMS YOU’LL ALSO LOVE THE CONVERSATIONS I HAD WITH: /episode/index/show/exploringtheseasonsoflife/id/26830581

5 Tangible Steps Someone Can Take to Finally Befriend Their Grief with Helen Fernald 05/03/2023

5 Tangible Steps Someone Can Take to Finally Befriend Their Grief with Helen Fernald “Where there is love, miracles occur naturally. Miracles are your inheritance in any given moment. A miracle is available to you when your heart is open. A Course in Miracles says you have a grievance or you can have a miracle – you cannot have both.” ~ Marianne Williamson Guest Introduction: Welcome to another episode of Exploring the Seasons of Life, a podcast for women with a big heart on a spiritual journey. I’m your host and I’m joined today by Helen Fernald. Each week I interview spiritual explorers, amazing coaches, and authors from all walks of life about beginnings, endings and the messy bits in between because I believe every season is a beautiful opportunity for transformation. In this episode of the podcast, we are chatting with Helen Fernald about 5 tangible steps someone can take to finally befriend their grief and her book LOVE, HELEN--Letters to My Mother: Creating a Loving Connection After Loss. I am delighted to introduce my guest. is a grief recovery expert and author of the forthcoming book LOVE, HELEN--Letters to My Mother: Creating a Loving Connection After Loss. She specializes in teaching therapeutic letter writing. All right, Helen, thank you very much for being with us. Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: 3:21 But then when I really started to think about was how my book is actually about exploring the seasons of life. And I think unlike a linear timeline, my book is about exploring the seasons of the heart. So, it's how all those emotions, the joy, the sadness, everything gets all mixed together. And I think that's the beauty of life. And that's the beauty of the seasons of life. 7:13 I've reflected on this question a lot over my life, because I've had so many sudden losses in my life of the people that I really loved and I come from a family where we didn't deal with grief, we didn't deal with emotions. And I don't think I'm the only family from the only family that did that. 7:55 The first thing that I would recommend to people is that you just acknowledge your grief. I think that's the first step, acknowledging it. And then also giving yourself permission to feel it to actually grieve. I know that that can be so hard because I realized, after a number of years of not dealing with the grief around my mother, there was a part of me that was so afraid, I would never be able to stop crying that I didn't want to start cry. 8:37 The second step is absolutely to find someone to talk with. I personally would suggest a therapist, someone who really specializes in this, it could be a therapist, a doctor, a coach, there are grief groups I know. And even in our small town, we have a grief group. It could be a pastor, I first turned to my pastor, and then he connected with me with a therapist, and it was just so extraordinarily helpful. 9:24 Step number three is to find some sort of practice, some sort of practice where we can just learn to take a breath and be still. I think that we can't really turn into our grief until we can slow down enough to acknowledge it and to be able to talk about it. 14:38 The first thing I think for writing letters, is that it needs to be something that you want to do. It shouldn't be something that you feel oh my god, I have to sit down and write a letter, I have to do all this other stuff and I’ve got to have a letter, it should be something that you want to do. 16:57 This was the first letter that I wrote to my mother, my mother just to give you a little timeframe my mother died in July of 1992. And I did not start writing letters until 2008. So, this was my first letter and I entitled it Letters Through the Veil because I feel like for me from a spiritual sense our loved ones are always around us, but we just simply can't see them. 23:12 I also just wanted to mention that I never knew when, when this book would end, I had no idea I just kept writing and writing and the letters all sort of ended the same way. They all ended in with perhaps the exception of this one. They all were about Mom, please stay by my side, I still need you. 31:27 I think that it's when we actually stop and explore the seasons of our life. I think that there are miraculous things that can happen. Amazing things. And, and it's okay to be vulnerable. It's okay to be honest. We are who we are. And we are all gifts to the world. We are all lights to the world. And I think that those are, I know that's a little more than what you asked. But that's what that's that would be for me the biggest takeaway. You can find Helen Fernald at: That brings us to the end of this episode! Thank you Helen for joining us and as always, thanks for listening to Exploring the Seasons of Life podcast. If you love this conversation and you want to continue it or want to share your thoughts, your takeaways, or just any aha’s that come up…come on over to Instagram. That is where I spend most of my time when it comes to social media. /episode/index/show/exploringtheseasonsoflife/id/26739201

Do Something with Miriam Wexler 04/18/2023

Do Something with Miriam Wexler "I dwell in Possibility." ~ Emily Dickinson Guest Introduction: Welcome to Exploring the Seasons of Life podcast. I’m your host and I am thrilled you’re here. Exploring the Seasons of Life is a metaphor for understanding the complexities of being alive. It is a reminder that life is filled with ups and downs, joys and sorrows, and moments of both growth and stagnation. Life is a journey, and each season brings its own unique lessons and experiences. As we move through the different “seasons” of life, we learn, we grow, and we become better versions of ourselves. It’s a more beautiful way of being alive. Each week I interview spiritual explorers, amazing coaches, and authors from all walks of life about beginnings, endings and the messy bits in between. Self-love, well-being, and mindset are at the heart of our conversations because once you change the inside, the outside will begin to change as well. Get ready… it’s time to hear some words of wisdom… from today’s guest, Miriam is a Certified Mindset and Life Purpose Coach currently based out of Florence, Italy. Miriam helps clients live their best life, by filling the gap between where they are now, and where they want to be. By identifying where growth is desired, setting goals and objectives, and holding accountability, clients will reach their highest goals and dreams. Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: Miriam, welcome to Exploring the Seasons of Life podcast. 5:25 How am I living my life? Is this how I want to live my life? Like, am I happy? Am I not happy? Like actually starting to ask those questions happened in my early 30s. I went on a backpacking trip in Asia for a year. And that's when you know, the deep contemplation about what the hell am I doing with my life started. 10:58 That's why, I became both a mindset and life purpose coach, because our purpose isn't, there's no one thing that we're stuck doing for the rest of our life, our purpose can change. This is where I think a lot of people make the mistake thinking, oh, I've never found my purpose. Well, you can have multiple purposes. And people think that purpose has to do with your career, it doesn't. 11:41 This is another exercise I do with all my clients…I create two lists. And this is the easiest and most fun way to figure out what your purpose is. I did a list of everything that I have ever been interested in, it could be the most ridiculous to the most profound, right. And it's things like travel and food and friendship and laughter, and comedy shows and movies, like anything and everything, and I call it a living list. 12:18 And then I do a second list with everything that I'm good at, have skill and experience in a talent in etc. And then I start cross referencing, and one of my biggest passions is travel. Obviously, I live in Italy. And one of the things that I'm really, really good at is event planning, right? So I'm like, Okay, how can I take travel and event planning and combine them to create the next chapter of my life, I'm like, oh my god, I can do wellness retreats, I can bring communities of women together. 24:11 It's how to manage the fear, how to respond to the fear, and how to get through life in spite of being afraid. That's the first mindset concept that I that I work with my clients. And then of course, creating a new system of beliefs and assumptions and ideas that will help us move forward. 29:15 For me my purpose is to help people recognize themselves, step into themselves, like build themselves up as human beings and live lives that just satisfy and excite them. But my passion is travel. My passion is food. I'm actually creating a couple of projects together that revolve around food and travel and community because that's what I'm passionate about. Am I passionate about life coaching, Yes, of course, I'm passionate about it. But it's not the end all and be all for me. It's my purpose. It's not my passion. My passion is something else altogether. You can find Miriam Wexler at: IF YOU LOVED THIS EPISODE WITH MIRIAM WEXLER YOU’LL ALSO LOVE THE CONVERSATIONS I HAD WITH: /episode/index/show/exploringtheseasonsoflife/id/26583570

Making Friends with our Emotions with Ashley Valliere 04/02/2023

Making Friends with our Emotions with Ashley Valliere "As a woman who’s highly gifted and co-creating your masterpiece in the world, it’s your birthright to give yourself what you need, energetically, emotionally and spiritually as much as possible." ~ Lynne Taggart Guest Introduction: Hey, my friends, I’m and I am so glad you’re here. Welcome to . Exploring the Seasons of Life is a metaphor for understanding the complexities of being alive. It is a reminder that life is filled with ups and downs, joys and sorrows, and moments of both growth and stagnation. Life is a journey, and each season brings its own unique lessons and experiences. As we move through the different “seasons” of life, we learn, we grow, and we become better versions of ourselves. Life is a beautiful and precious gift, and it is up to us to make the most of it. Each week I interview spiritual explorers, amazing coaches, and authors from all walks of life about beginnings, endings and the messy bits in between. Self-love, well-being, and mindset are at the heart of our conversations because once you change the inside, the outside will begin to change as well. I am thrilled to introduce my guest and dive into some really important topics today. is a Body Educator, her background is in personal/group fitness training, massage therapy and currently she's in school to become a Somatic Body Therapist. Her goal is to inspire and embolden people to advocate for themselves by understanding their bodies in new ways. Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: Ashley, welcome to Exploring the Seasons of Life podcast. 3:57 I ended up finding it in a modality called Bodynamic and it is developmental psychology that is based in somatics. Traditional psychology is talk therapy, with Bodynamic, it's a little bit of talk, like obviously we have to talk but the idea is it's really body driven. 5:38 There's a lot of emotional, like resonance that comes up in stretching, because all of a sudden, you're elongating a muscle that's maybe been rigid for decades, right? And like, physically rigid, yes, but also like energetically rigid, and then when you open it up, and you're in a different place than when that disruption happened, you're in a safer place. Now, all of a sudden, those emotions have a place to be processed. 6:28 So the way that I've learned it is that there are seven universal emotions. We have fear, sadness, shame, anger, joy, connection, and disgust and each one of those has like subsidiaries, right. So, like, you can filter it down, kind of like the feeling wheel, right? They can all get boiled down to different kinds of sensations. 10:30 So yes, like I think self-reflection, journaling, meditation, contemplation, whatever it is to you, that you reflect upon yourself is huge. Like, that is absolutely how you can get so many answers, right, like, that's how you can really start connecting your own dots. And though a lot of times, we're too close to our own situation. So it's like you need that outside help. 12:49 Each muscle has the capacity for any of it. Like for any emotion, really. So, there isn’t a specific muscle. It's not like my shoulders, is my happy muscle, right? Like, it's, it's not quite like that. I could give an example of, I like to think of our arms, and especially like the biceps, like those, those are our huggy muscles. Like that is like you bring somebody in and you're just you're holding them tight, you're squeezing them in, you're getting really good connection, like that is I think that's a joyful experience, right? 24:25 Just talk to your body. I think we overcomplicate it, but it literally is just pausing like, hey body, and ask it a question. It can be that simple. Keeping in mind that you might not get an answer that second, right? So, it's like, hey, body, why did we react like that at the grocery store, like that was weird. You might not get the answer right then but maybe later when you're just doing something a little bit mundane. You can find Ashley Valliere at: IF YOU LOVED THIS EPISODE WITH ASHLEY VALLIERE YOU’LL ALSO LOVE THE CONVERSATIONS I HAD WITH: As always, thanks for listening to Exploring the Seasons of Life podcast. Sometimes it can be hard to find the perfect Mother's Day gift. I have an idea for you...the Be inspired by nature’s beauty with the timeless, treasured essential oils in the sparkling Blooming Trio: Gardenia Touch, Jasmine Touch, and Neroli Touch. This trio is brimming with energy. Versatile and subtly empowering, each CPTG Certified Pure Tested Grade® essential oil is blended with Fractionated Coconut Oil for easy layering and lasting effects. Wear one as a statement aroma or experiment with all three to find your aromatic harmony. Let me touch on a couple of the emotional aspects of these beautiful oils. Gardenia encourages you to love and share that love freely. Jasmine nutures healthy sexuality and asks individuals to honor and respect themselves and others. Neroli is a stabilizing oil and is helpful for calming troubled hearts. It encourages active acceptance and supportive space for the chosen partner. The dōTERRA Touch Blooming Trio will only be available while supplies last and is part of our April promotions. Which oil will become her new favorite? /episode/index/show/exploringtheseasonsoflife/id/26416686

Chatting with J. Parker about Sexual Intimacy 03/26/2023

Chatting with J. Parker about Sexual Intimacy “Love is a choice you make everyday.” ~ Gary Chapman Guest Introduction: Hey, my friends, I’m and I am so glad you’re here. Welcome to Exploring the Seasons of Life podcast. Exploring the Seasons of Life is a metaphor for understanding the complexities of being alive. It is a reminder that life is filled with ups and downs, joys and sorrows, and moments of both growth and stagnation. Life is a journey, and each season brings its own unique lessons and experiences. As we move through the different “seasons” of life, we learn, we grow, and we become better versions of ourselves. Life is a beautiful and precious gift, and it is up to us to make the most of it. Each week I interview spiritual explorers, amazing coaches, and authors from all walks of life about beginnings, endings and the messy bits in between. Self-love, well-being, and mindset are at the heart of our conversations because once you change the inside, the outside will begin to change as well. I am thrilled to introduce my guest. is a Christian sex author, speaker, blogger, and podcaster. Her ministry, Hot, Holy & Humorous, focuses on helping others understand God's design for sexual intimacy in marriage. J has a personal story of redemption in the area of sexuality, holds a master’s degree in counseling, and lives in Texas with her fabulous but oh-so logical husband, fondly nicknamed "Spock." Here’s a glimpse of our conversation: J. Parker, welcome to Exploring the Seasons of Life podcast. 2:51 Professionally, because I'm talking a lot of times to wives and or couples, about sexual intimacy and marriage, there are seasons for that in your marriage. So, this idea that you get married, and then you're just gonna have a sex life, and that's the sex life you have for your whole marriage. It's just not true. And the more that we understand that there are ups and downs and sweet spots and challenges and all of that, then the better we're able to weather that and create something really beautiful. 10:01 I would say the hot part to me represents that this is supposed to be something that is pleasurable, that is mutually desired, mutually satisfying. It's supposed to feel good. Sex is supposed to feel good, and supposed to be something you enjoy doing. 13:35 One is, we don't necessarily always have the language for it. Some people grew up with, this isn't talked about at all. And so they don't really know how to talk about it. Other people grew up with a situation of it always being talked about in crass language. And so they know they're not supposed to do that with their spouse, but they don't know what else to do. 16:03 I think that we have to understand that sexual intimacy is not just the sex itself. And I'll say that this is something I was hearing recently, another author on sex, Dr. Juli Slattery talk about who's excellent. How even talking about sex and getting comfortable talking about sex is something that builds sexual intimacy and makes the experience of being physical together later better. 21:07 The first thing I would say is you can have a conversation and say, hey, it really makes me feel great when you initiate. 25:04 I would say in almost every marriage, somebody's higher drive than the other. But, I guess statistically, it seems like about 20% of couples are fairly well matched, in another 20% to 25% the wife is the higher desire spouse. And in the rest, the husband is higher drive. I mean, they're not perfect statistics, but it's pretty good. I've looked at a lot of research on this. 32:28 I would say in those situations, it's considered a sexless marriage, if you're having sex 10 or fewer times a year. Because you're really not getting the benefits of sexual intimacy in a marriage. And there are really a whole lot of benefits to your relationship, even to your health. I mean, sex is really good for your marriage. YOU CAN FIND J. PARKER AT: Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode and you’d like to help support the podcast, please share it with others, post about it on social media, or head over to iTunes to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. I would love to hear your favorite part of the conversation. This may not be for everybody but this might be perfect for some of you. I would like to extend an invitation to join a dōTERRA® 30-Day Cleanse that I will be hosting on April 12, 2023. Are you open to the idea? The last 3 years have been hard, not only emotionally, but on our physical health as well. I believe when a group of women come together that have similar needs and desires, magic happens! I’m inviting you to join other women in community as we give ourselves permission to feel good and BE ALL IN ON OURSELVES. This is a wellness lifestyle change not a diet. The Cleanse and Restore Kit is powerful and is filled with the essentials to promote lifelong health. It is a gentle 30-day cleanse designed to help rid your body of toxic overload and to support the overall function of the body’s systems and organs. Enroll with my special link to order the doTERRA Cleanse and Restore Kit by March 31st 2023 so the products will be in before we begin. /episode/index/show/exploringtheseasonsoflife/id/26344026

Exploring the Seasons of Life

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