Rocking Life with Amy Edwards

SHADOW.  What aspects of ourselves are we loathe to admit, acknowledge, be conscious of, and ... dare I say... LOVE? Can we love our shadow aspects? Let's rock this:

1: Let's Rock with Amy: I get real about delving into my own shadow and the complicated nature of figuring out just what the truth is there, and some practical ways of figuring that out for ourselves; the power of community and knowing we are not alone; and the beauty of accepting and loving our WHOLE selves! Find my Shadow Work PDF here, and my Instagram Live meditations every Wednesday at 9am!

2: (14:41) Go Aff Yourself with Affirmation Maven Jill Faulkner of stickwithit.co: I talk about what came up for me with shadow post meditation; should we love our shadow or let it go?; loving the whole; the conditioning to beat ourselves up; ruminating and sitting with the shadow; suppression of darker emotions; detachment from the shadow if it doesn’t go away; removing worry and concern about what others think; and this week’s Aff is: I Am Aware of All Parts of Me.

3: (35:06) BYOBBB- Build Your Own Brand, Biz + Brain with Bijou Finney: The shadow in business; the struggle between profit and what is right and how that can cause the shadow to emerge in business; the dark things that can get into the back of your mind and cause your passion to subconsciously decline; tips for cultivating accountability and understanding in your business; the power of community in shadow work; doing one hard thing for yourself every day. Don't forget, too, you can still access our free pdf that can help you with your core brand values!

Please rate, review, and subscribe! For the references in today's episode, go to amyedwards.com/blog for links and more that are referenced in the show, and to sign up for the newsletter!

VULNERABILITY.  Ooh! It feels vulnerable just writing that! Ready to get vulnerable together? So are we! Let's rock this:

1: Let's Rock with Amy: I have some real vulnerability come up around this very show and my work, and also in life. I talk about all that and I have one practical, simple strategy and practice for dealing with it all. Listen for that and more. And don't forget that my FREE meditation is still available, too, and that I am doing Instagram Live meditations every Wednesday at 9am! Access the download and other free stuff HERE!

2: Go Aff Yourself with Affirmation Maven Jill Faulkner of stickwithit.co: Jill talks vulnerability with ourselves and what that means and our true desires; Jill pushes through and gets ultra-vulnerable (listen for that, so powerful!); the vulnerability of accepting where we are ‘right now’; I get vulnerable about love and relationships; and we talk the vulnerability of change; and this week’s Aff is: I Value Vulnerability.

3: BYOBBB- Build Your Own Brand, Biz + Brain with Bijou Finney: The danger in business of being too concerned with making everyone happy can result in being too bland; social media fear around vulnerability; Bijou gets vulnerable about turning away at times and the overwhelm and her own fears around posting and using her voice; Byron Katie; we talk about the courses we are creating and the vulnerability behind that; creation and detachment; the necessity and embarrassment of old projects; and how to deal with and manage changing ourselves when others expect us to be a certain way or don’t understand. Don't forget, too, you can still access our free pdf that can help you with your core brand values!

Please rate, review, and subscribe! For the references in today's episode, go to amyedwards.com/blog for links and more that are referenced in the show, and to sign up for the newsletter!

LUCK.  Are you superstitious? Do you feel lucky? All about LUCK today on the show, so let's rock:

1: Let's Rock with Amy: I update the love letter and get vulnerable as I read mine; answer a listener question about friends who are in a negative space; and delve into what I learned about luck this week! Does it exist? I consider myself lucky-- what can we learn from that in itself? Don't forget that my FREE meditation is still available, too! Access that and other free stuff HERE!

2: Go Aff Yourself (20:33) with Affirmation Maven Jill Faulkner of stickwithit.co: Do we believe in luck? Do we have superstitions (spoiler alert:yes)? Where does divine guidance fit in? And what if what we consider lucky is simply a wink from the universe? Is it too much pressure to ‘make one’s own luck’? So many questions in the Go Aff discussion today, even our week’s Aff, which is: How Lucky Am I?

3: BYOBBB (38:43) Build Your Own Brand, Biz + Brain with Bijou Finney: Believing in ability vs luck; Do people who view things as out of their control do as well as others who view themselves as in control?; Is keeping a wish a secret a good thing, if words hold power?; What is fantasy and what is real, anyway?; Case studies in her business; love yourself and be prepared for opportunities; and the origin of the harder we work, the luckier we get. Don't forget, too, you can still access our free pdf that can help you with your core brand values!

Please rate, review, and subscribe! For the references in today's episode, go to amyedwards.com/blog for links and more that are referenced in the show, and to sign up for the newsletter!

It's a special roundtable this week with Amy, Jill and Bijou to discuss LOVE. A must listen. Value, Lovability, Unconditionality, Darkness and Light, Labels, Falling back in love with your brand, and so much more packed in this discussion! And this week's Aff is: I Am Love. I Am Loved.

Find the workshop creator Amy talks about, Brian Bounds, HERE.

INTENTION.  Overthinking? Anxious? Or simply can't find your intention? We are on it this week! Let's rock:

1: Let's Rock with Amy: I overthought intention this week. I got all crazy with what I should say and had to come back to something simple, and I share just that, along with something that I was worried about, mistakes, and what we can learn from SpongeBob. Three quick steps and we are aligned with intention... and my whole episode is a case in point! Let's get experimental with them, too, because why not? Don't forget that my new FREE meditation is out too! Access that and other free stuff HERE!

2: Go Aff Yourself (16:28) with Affirmation Maven Jill Faulkner of stickwithit.co: The pressure of intention setting; intention in yoga class and my issue with competitiveness; connecting internally and how that’s Jill’s go-to; living intentions; where we put our energy; and this week’s Aff is: I Return to My Intention That Authentically Guides Me. We also discuss how we are using these affs each week. And check out Jill’s Bookshelf HERE.

3: BYOBBB (35:16) Build Your Own Brand, Biz + Brain with Bijou Finney: SO MUCH good packed in this short chat, including: what’s behind your intention— why did you choose that one; actionable intentions and intention as a road map  her intention of organization; we find a common thread between our intentions and the end result; “Moving with intention— especially when you’re using your energy and your resources and your money— there needs to be a very crystallized intention behind your thoughts and your movements and the things that you spend your time on”; the intention of making money and the work of going deeper behind that; staying focused and not getting lazy; avoiding the pressure of intention with check-ins; I suggest an experimental tactic around intention; viewing it all as a gift to yourself; and setting new intentions if you’ve grown out of your old ones. Don't forget, too, you can still access our free pdf that can help you with your core brand values!

Please rate, review, and subscribe! For the references in today's episode, go to amyedwards.com/blog for links and more that are referenced in the show, and to sign up for the newsletter!

RENEWAL.  Renewal comes in all sizes... extra large to tiny! No matter what, though, it's about change. And that can bring up a lot. So let's rock:

1: Let's Rock with Amy: I had a birthday and that and a few other items are what brought up renewal for me. It's con nected to root chakra, so let's dive into that and talk about the foundational needs we can connect to and strengthen as change in the shape of renewal arises! Don't forget that my new FREE meditation is out too! Access that and other free stuff HERE!

2: Go Aff Yourself (12:51) with Affirmation Maven Jill Faulkner of stickwithit.co: Our regular aff practices; what to do when we neglect our foundational self-care; our monthly cycles and the opportunities for renewal in big and small ways; getting back to who we were before we became conditioned to be someone else; fear around renewal and letting go of our story; all the ways we can create space (energetically, spiritually; time-wise; physically) for renewal; and this week's Affirmation is: I Create Space For Renewal.

3: BYOBBB (31:15) Build Your Own Brand, Biz + Brain with Bijou Finney: Dopamine and your phone; cleansing and renewing from gut health to technology; organization tactics; how to be more organized in your business with your phone; what it means to renew your vows with yourself; our underwear drawers; and reviewing our week of renewal. Don't forget, too, you can still access our free pdf that can help you with your core brand values!

Please rate, review, and subscribe! For the references in today's episode, go to amyedwards.com/blog for links and more that are referenced in the show, and to sign up for the newsletter!

LEADERSHIP.  What does leadership trigger in you? I know it triggered some things in me... so let's rock this:

1: Let's Rock with Amy: This week was interesting for me, as leadership is not something I have ever focused on. all the segments touch on the qualities that make a leader, and I looked and smaller ways that we can lead and the daily practices that can make us actualize our innate leader. I also talk about the acts of service that Alain talks about, and a reframe of that. Don't forget that my new FREE meditation is out too! Access that and other free stuff HERE!

2: The Interview (12:57): Interview this week is with Alain Hunkins, bestselling author of Cracking the Leadership Code and CEO of Hunkins Leadership Group. Every single thing Alain says in our conversation is so worth listening to! We covered how shifting our mindset around leadership can be crucial; anything we do essentially takes leadership; the real key to leadership; how to find the connection with others when we can’t be one-on-one (so good!); I ask about using the power of leadership for good vs. evil; he tells me what he’s learning right now; the importance of grounding ourselves; the beautiful reframe and power of intentionality; and Alain says, "Leadership is everyone’s business. And if you’re really keen on growing yourself, the number one thing you can do is reach out to other people and ask for some feedback. And find people who are going to tell you the good and the bad and the ugly— you have to ask everyone out there. Leadership— and personal personal and professional development— is much better done when traveling in groups. So find a support team, coaches, some allies, that can help you on the path." He emphasizes being of service as a leader and that we can all find ways to do that. Definitely listen to this interview, very inspiring! And you can also connect with Alain on LinkedIn and download a free chapter of his book HERE.

3: Go Aff Yourself (29:44) with Affirmation Maven Jill Faulkner of stickwithit.co: Is Michael Scott a leader? Do leaders really eat last? We talk about stepping up in certain situations; familial roles; leading by example wherever you are or in whatever way; being a leader in the context of self-love; subtle leadership qualities like vulnerability; and this week's Affirmation is: I Live and Lead By Example.

4: BYOBBB (44:04) Build Your Own Brand, Biz + Brain with Bijou Finney: Bijou feels that it is hard to be a leader right now in this climate and thinks judgments are running high. What do we do when we don’t know where to look for leaders or know how to find It ourselves? I feel a responsibility to lead; I talk about the compassion required of a leader, and the noise vs looking within; we talk about who leaders we look to are (that’s a little harder than we thought!); I speak about what leading looks like for me in podcasting and life; and we talk the New Moon and Intentions. Don't forget, too, you can still access our free pdf that can help you with your core brand values!

Please rate, review, and subscribe! For the references in today's episode, go to amyedwards.com/blog for links and more that are referenced in the show, and to sign up for the newsletter!

OPTIMISM.  Ready to slip on your rose-colored glasses? Seems like a weird time to do it, but let's give it a shot, anyway! Let's rock:

1: Let's Rock with Amy: Optimism has ups and downs, but focusing on it this week gave me a lot of clarity on practices to regain it when it fades. I felt particularly down early in the week, and it has been a while since I played a teary voice memo. Anyway I used daily practice and a few other things to boost my optimism this week, so listen for that and more as I get real about dating, divorce, and money. Don't forget that my new FREE meditation is out too! Access that and other free stuff HERE!

2: The Interview (15:32): Interview this week is with Jody Rivera, owner of Swamp Mermaid Beauty Project. Speaking with Jody, I was having a day; I was teary; Jody is on the precipice of a fourth marriage and talks about recapturing the optimism of love and accepting yourself; recognizing red flags and toxicity early and moving on then; not falling in love with potential; I asked about prenups and the optimism there (don’t miss her answer!); how she gives when she feels depleted and how that can bring perspective; and much more. Connect with gorgeous Jody HERE!

3: Go Aff Yourself (32:57) with Affirmation Maven Jill Faulkner of stickwithit.co: . Jill has a much needed convo about moving and decisions that may be already made; forgetting to ask for signs; are we optimistic and trusting about signs?; what do we do when the excitement wears off and worry sets in?; clarifying a distinction between knowing the right things are going to be there for us vs they already are there; what can throw us off the optimism track; is optimism equivalent to expectations; sticking with trust in many ways; and this week's Affirmation is: I Know That Things Are Going To Work Out.

4: BYOBBB (47:39) Build Your Own Brand, Biz + Brain with Bijou Finney:  We address how our brains adapt to these topics when we focus on them; optimism strategies during the pandemic; the feeling of not getting enough done; my strategy for getting things done and tricking myself and what we tell our subconscious; creativity boosts and de-pressuring ourselves; realigning expectations; what it means to make a difference and allowing it to be enough when we have small success and how that can help us be more optimistic; what we are reading; understanding the brain and how it helps us understand how to live; and don't forget, too, you can still access our free pdf that can help you with your brand values and your PLAN!

Please rate, review, and subscribe! For the references in today's episode, go to amyedwards.com/blog for links and more that are referenced in the show, and to sign up for the newsletter!

COMPARISON.  We all do it. And it's not good for us, unless we can use it as inspiration. But what about the times that we don't? Let's get into it:

1: Let's Rock with Amy: I get real about comparison and it ain't pretty. I have done it and still do, and I am grateful to have had something some up this week that challenged me. Listen for that, and for a tactic derived from Byron Katie's "The Work" to help us get out of those negative comparative moments! Don't forget you can sign up for my newsletter, my free 5-step habit building guide is still available, AND I have a new (my first!) meditation coming out this week, too!

2: The Interview (14:17): Interview this week is with Paige Casey, @paigeydahling, influencer, social media strategist, and photographer. She is in the industry and has a grasp of the production behind the scenes, so listen to this for a lot more (really great and useful!) perspective on social media. She talks about the importance of competitor analysis in branding and not getting stuck there. I ask her opinion of being in that industry and how she really feels about it as an influencer. She is incredibly forthcoming and talks why she shares what she does to help people. Paige has successfully shifted her mindset and understanding of social media, and that helps her not compare and use it as business. Be sure to check out her upcoming webinar this Wednesday, August 12th, register on her site, and follow her on social media at @PaigeyDahling!

3: Go Aff Yourself (32:12) with Affirmation Maven Jill Faulkner of stickwithit.co: Comparison led us to truth seeking. Comparison comes up for Jill with body issues and on social media. When does it start and how can we stay more conscious of it, and what practices or reframes or coping strategies do we use when it comes up? And we talk affirmations, The Work, and truth seeking when we do say the negative to ourselves. This week's Affirmation is: I SEEK WHAT IS TRUE.

4: BYOBBB (47:14) Build Your Own Brand, Biz + Brain with Bijou Finney:  Bijou’s new home is a big change and the previous owner came to visit and comparison ensued. How we can change, shift, and even let go of the mentality that we must compare ourselves to ourselves? Bijoiu gives the advice to "Hike your own hike"; and we cover comparison in relation to our brain and competition and survival. And we boil it down to this: is it really time well spent? And don't forget, too, you can still access our free pdf that can help you with your brand values and the action you take that we talk about in today's episode.

Please rate, review, and subscribe! For the references in today's episode, go to amyedwards.com/blog for links and more that are referenced in the show, and to sign up for the newsletter!

HOPE.  I am hopeful about the future, and this podcast...news about that in my intro, and the changes that are coming soon! Here’s this week’s breakdown:

1: Let's Rock with Amy: Well, this week basically changes my entire outlook and attitude toward hope! I have started to realize that hope is foundational in all the actions that we take, and I look at the big picture of the world right now and what might be the opposite of hope. I've felt devoid of hope in the past and I talk about what that was like and how it has changed for me. Don't forget you can sign up for my newsletter, and my free 5-step habit building guide is still available, too.

2: The Interview (12:47): Interview this week is with Susie Moore, life coach, writer, and contributor to The Today Show, Oprah Magazine, Cosmopolitan, and many more. Susie is also the author of a new book "Stop Checking Your Likes: Shake Off the Need for Approval and Live an Incredible Life. Susie and I talk a bit about her book, social media, and the understanding that there is so much more than that to us as people and how our worthiness is fixed. Susie says that hope is the most powerful human emotion; she adds that the currency of hope is very high and can move you forward. She turns hope around for me by saying the control that we do have with it, and how surrendering it can be a way to hide ourselves. We also get into staying in our own business, she reveals her practical strategies for the actions she takes when she doesn’t feel hopeful, and I had to ask her about hard work and the idea of “let it be easy.” I love that part! So work easy and find her and the book at susie-moore.com and on Instagram at @susie.moore!

3: Go Aff Yourself (33:15) with Affirmation Maven Jill Faulkner of stickwithit.co: Jill has HOPE tattooed on her was a reminder… of what, exactly? We cover that, the difference between hope and the energy of hopefulness, and whether we attach to certain outcomes with hope. Jill talks about hope creating a sense of continued longing, and I ask if it makes us delay happiness sometimes. How do we have hope and detach from outcome? And our Aff this week is: Hope Reminds Me to Trust.

4: BYOBBB (50:31) Build Your Own Brand, Biz + Brain with Bijou Finney: We get immediately into how much we need hope these days, and we dive into hopes around making money. Does hoping imply lack of confidence in business? She pairs hope with a plan, hard (??) work (listen to the interview with Susie for more on that!), and diligence. We also talk about the relationship between hope and faith, how hope can look during COVID times, and the unknowns we all face. On the brain front, I ask Bijou how she views hope with psychedelics and more. And don't forget, too, you can still access our free pdf that can help you with your brand values and the action you take.

Please rate, review, and subscribe! For the references in today's episode, go to amyedwards.com/blog for links and more that are referenced in the show, and to sign up for the newsletter!