Beautiful Baggage

Did you enjoy playing dress-up as a child? If so, think about how you felt with each costume change, each subtle (or not-so-subtle) identity shift. Today's episode explores the idea that what we wear when we're stuck at home can have a profound impact on our mood and productivity. Further readingIn this episode, I mentioned the work of Marla Cilley, aka the FlyLady. http://www.flylady.net/d/getting-started/flying-lessons/dressed-to-shoes/ (Click here) to learn more about more about her "Dress to Shoes" philosophy. I've also learned a lot from one of my favorite coaches, Tonya Leigh, about the power of dressing up while working from home. https://frenchkisslife.com/chic-awakening/ (Click here) for one of her podcast episodes encouraging listeners to step up their style! And https://brainfodder.org/psychology-clothes-enclothed-cognition/ (here) is another article all about how clothes can affect the way you think.  

Who says you have to leave home to enjoy the benefits of travel? Thanks to technology and global trade, we have wide access to some of the best experiences the world has to offer. This episode, recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic, explores the idea that — with an open mind and a creative spirit — we can go almost anywhere. Further readingHow will COVID-19 affect the future of travel? https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/05/06/travel/coronavirus-travel-questions.html (Click here) for fascinating take by The New York Times. PG what?In this episode, I referenced a popular brand of tea in the U.K.: https://www.pgtips.co.uk/ (PG Tips). It's available online, and you can find it in many supermarkets in the U.S. More tools for virtual travelHere are a few more links to help you brainstorm ideas for your next virtual adventure: https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/museums-galleries/museums-with-virtual-tours ( ) https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/museums-galleries/museums-with-virtual-tours (Museum Virtual Tours - Travel + Leisure) http://Virtual Hikes In The US To Take During Quarantine - BuzzFeedwww.buzzfeed.com › laurenkeary › virtual-hikes-visit-... (Virtual Hikes in the U.S. to Take During Quarantine - BuzzFeed) https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/travel-around-the-world-in-80-meals/ (80 Authentic Recipes from Around the World - Taste of Home) https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/vr/ (Virtual Dives in U.S. National Marine Sanctuaries - NOAA) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2Do309e4YU&feature=youtu.be (Virtual It's a Small World Boat Ride - Disney Theme Parks)  

Waiting for a vaccine. Waiting to go back to work or school. Waiting for an end to this heartbreaking global pandemic. Due to COVID-19, most of us have been spending an unusual amount of time in a place Dr. Seuss called a "most useless place". It's called The Waiting Place. While waiting is a very normal part of life, it's not the easiest (cue https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMyCa35_mOg (this song), byTom Petty and the Heartbreakers) .<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uMyCa35_mOg" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>  

The spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is frightening, to say the least. We can do our part to curb the pandemic by staying home, curtailing our travel, washing our hands, etc. But, beyond that, there is a lot about this situation we simply cannot control, and that realization, if we let it, can make the fear even more intense. In this episode, I share a bit of what I learned about managing fear from another scary situation — traveling to Iraq in 2005. Journal exerciseWhen was the last time you faced fear? How did you process the feeling? What did you learn (positive or negative) from the experience? How might that lesson serve you now, or in the future? Podcast recommendation: http://yourpositiveimprint.com (Your Positive Imprint )I was recently featured https://yourpositiveimprint.com/episodes/former-npr-affiliate-news-anchor-shares-iraq-war-experience-stephanie-martin-taylor/ (on this episode) of Your Positive Imprint, an uplifting podcast by Catherine Praiswater. Please take a listen and support Catherine by liking and subscribing!

For all of us affected by COVID-19, physical travel is difficult, if not impossible. But we are still traveling —metaphorically speaking — and no one quite knows where this journey will lead. While most of what's happening is beyond our direct control, we do have control over our mindset. In this episode, we begin to lay out a plan for how we want to think and feel during this time of uncertainty. Episode ResourcesFor more on how intention-setting can help you during this journey, or any other, I invite you to listen to https://yourbeautifulbaggage.com/episodes/the-value-of-setting-an-intention-episode-12-2/ (Episode 12: the Value of Setting an Intention )and take a look at the shownotes. Journal PromptsThink back about the past week. What have been the top three dominant feelings coming up for you? Write them down. If the feelings are negative, how do you act when they come up? If, upon reflection, you find that you're reacting to your feelings (crying, lashing out, withdrawing) or resisting what you feel (escaping through television, food, alcohol, etc) how are your actions (or inactions) affecting you? What would happen if, instead of reacting or resisting, you acknowledged your negative emotions and simply allowed them, with compassion? Write a few sentences about what that might look like or feel like for you. What are three neutral or positive emotions you would like to feel more often during this time? For each emotion, write out a thought you could think to access the feeling. For example, if you would like to feel resilient, your thought could simply be: "This experience is making me stronger." What are three ways you can remember to practice thinking these thoughts in the coming days? Further help through coachingIf you or someone you know could use some 1:1 coaching during this time, I am offering coaching sessions on a limited first-come, first-serve basis (via Zoom or phone). To book a free consultation call, please contact me at [email protected].      

This episode was recorded on March 18, 2020 — two days into San Francisco's COVID-19 quarantine. There are still so many questions. How long will this last? When will life be 'normal' again? Will our social distancing efforts be enough to slow the spread of this dangerous — sometimes deadly — illness? We don't yet know, and there are so many factors that remain beyond our control. However, one thing we CAN control is our mindset. Having a strong sense of adventure, even when you physically can't go anywhere, definitely helps! Additional resourcesOn this episode, I talk about how my friends set up a virtual St. Patrick's Day party on Zoom. For those of you who have never used this video conferencing service, I invite you to check it out — it is truly a game-changer (and, no, they are not paying me to endorse them)! To learn more about the service, click http://www.zoom.us (here). Also, yes, you heard me correctly — I am now a certified life coach! My specialty is working with mid-career professionals who identify as "quiet or "shy". If you're interested in learning more, please drop me a line at [email protected].

Next time you feel a jolt of energy, a surge of emotion, a flood of heightened sensation — pay attention. These moments are the key to uncovering your true passions and renewing your sense of purpose1 Further reading. https://alicenter.org (Muhammad Ali Center), Louisville, KY More about what to see and do in https://www.gotolouisville.com/neighborhoods/downtown/ (downtown Louisville) https://www.churchilldowns.com/ (Churchill Downs) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derby_pie (Derby-Pie )(mentioned in this episode) is delicious. It has had itshttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/why-making-derby-pie-might-land-you-lawsuit-180959007/ ( share of controversy), though (over naming rights)1

Think you don't have the time, money, or space to exercise on a regular basis?  A trip to China several years ago helped me realize that those reasons - and many more - are just excuses!  

I always marvel at the beauty and variety of the fresh fruits and vegetables available at the many fresh air markets I've visited in the U.S. and around the world. This abundance is something I've learned not to take for granted, so I've been making a point of going to open-air markets more and more (both at home and when I'm traveling). It's a wonderful way to support local farmers, cultivate healthy eating habits, and make an otherwise mundane activity (food shopping) an experience to savor! Do you have a favorite market near you? What do you enjoy most about the experience? Please share your thoughts about it in the comments section! Further readinghttps://cuesa.org/article/10-reasons-support-farmers-markets (Ten reasons) to support farmers' markets https://www.delish.com/food/g3430/best-farmers-markets/ (A list )of the best farmers' markets in every state 25 of the https://www.foodandwine.com/travel/25-of-the-worlds-best-food-markets (world's best food markets) Wellness mindset coachingReaching your health and wellness goals is all about mindset (and, with the right mindset, can even be fun)! Coaching can help you transform your mindset in all kinds of exciting ways. If you're interested in working with me or simply learning more, please email me at [email protected].  

There is so much adventure to be had in everyday life. So why don't we grab those opportunities every chance we get? In today's episode, I share a few tools — picked up during my career as a journalist — to help you overcome resistance and take your life to new levels. Links from this episodehttps://chambermusicsocietysf.org/ (Chamber Music Society of San Francisco) https://www.commonwealthclub.org/events/archive/podcast/artistic-creativity-and-consciousness-art-positive-energy-these-turbulent (Artistic Creativity and Conciousness: Art as Postivie Energy in These Turbulent Times) Further readinghttps://lifehacker.com/novelty-and-the-brain-why-new-things-make-us-feel-so-g-508983802 (Here) is an article on the power novelty-seeking has on our brain, and how it putting ourselves in new environments primes our brain for learning. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/apr/04/uncertainty-stressful-research-neuroscience (This article) explains the science of why we also fear uncertainty. Work with meAs I've mentioned in the podcast, I'm in the process of becoming a certified life coach (certification expected in March 2020). It's part of my mission to help others cultivate their own "beautiful baggage" — better health, greater wellness, and deeper wisdom — through travel and everyday adventure. Transformation all starts in the mind, which is why it coaching can be so helpful. If you'd like to book a single session, or book six-session package (best value), or simply have questions, please reach out at [email protected].