Last evening, every direction I turned seem to unleash a situation that I did not want...that is, until I returned to my breath and surrendered. Yes, it’s hard. Yes, it takes practice. However, those moments of practice help you find peace, quicker than the last time. Once you surrender and listen, waiting for you on the other side may be something beautiful. Are you willing to find out?

**🎧 recommended if you have sensitive👂close. Why is it that every time we make a commitment to ourselves there are so many reasons we throw up to not follow through? On the flipside when we make a commitment to somebody else, more times than not, we will follow through especially in a professional setting. I’m here to make a commitment to myself in front of all of you to follow through on an agreement that I made in order to make a shift in my life. What commitment will you make today?

**🎧 Recommended if you have sensitive👂close. My title of this podcast...is a new mantra that repeats in my mind when shit gets hard and it’s time to choose. I have options. I can go down the same path I’ve always gone or I can choose the direction that helps me become the woman I need to be in order to become the woman I see. Who do you need to become to accomplish your dreams and leave an imprint on the world?

I actually had a chance to watch A Star is Born this weekend. I was not prepared for how this movie would move me. Their relationship, albeit littered with challenges, embodied consciousness. Ally (Lady Gaga) was ever present for her partner without compromising her needs in the relationship. As this movie unfolds, the intensity of their relationship has the ability to rock the core of your soul...as you think, what if we approached all relationships with more empathy and compassion? What kind of love could we create if we were more present?

Super Bowl Sunday is upon us and it got me thinking about competitive advantage. Think about how many times your mind is somewhere else when you’re in a meeting with your colleagues or when your partner is speaking and you’re dreaming of the vacation you want to take. We all slip into unconsciousness every so often but how is that serving us? What if we were conscious in as many moments as possible? How would that change the environment around us? I also mention the webinar I just did with Emily on PER2 which gives you some tips on elevating your awareness. You can find it here: https://fordleestyle.com/product/shift-awake-the-power-of-per2/. Wishing you all an amazing game day!

Today I get real with Miss Emily van der Walde from “Let’s Get Social!” I’m here in Ohio visiting Emily to talk about strategy on my upcoming social media campaigns and thought it would be awesome for all of my listeners to hear her top tips and tricks for a hot social feed! We also get down and dirty with her thoughts on Instagram stories and why they are important. You can find Emily on Instagram @emilyvdw and via her blog “Vino in the Village.” Enjoy!

This last week, I volunteered in a training to be an example of what a coaching conversation looks like between two experienced coaches. As I went up in front of the room, I had a topic to process and of course no intention of turning on the waterworks. 😭 However, as a coach, I know better. The line of questioning (because my coach was good!) was one that unveiled some blocks that prevented me from moving forward and my vulnerability was exposed. In that moment, instead of jumping up and running out of the room (which I thought about doing 🏃🏻‍♀️) I let the tears flow and leaned into my emotions. What resulted was kindness and compassion from the room and a reminder that vulnerability really isn’t a weakness but an opportunity to grow. I share this story with all of you as an opportunity for self reflection. How has being vulnerable showed up for you and do you let it come or push it away? Join me as we continue to Shift Awake the world.

Today, I experienced a valuable lesson. After I offered what I thought to be a kind gesture to a homeless man, I was met with resistance. I took the time on my drive home to reflect and calm down the emotions that flared up inside of me. I realized, the question was I asked myself, how often have I’ve asked for something and received it, but turned it away because I thought it was going to look different. This experience wasn’t about my action of giving, but more so about my action of turning things away. I always quote this verse, “ask and you shall receive,” I just need to add in, it may not always be packaged the way you envision it to be.

**🎧 Recommended if you have sensitive👂close** After some amazing sessions and phone calls, I am reminded about my decision to say yes to my self as I continue to embark on fulfilling my purpose. Today, I ask all of you today are you saying yes and playing to win or are you playing not to lose? The safe way is the dull way! What would you do if you were playing to win?

**🎧 Recommended if you have sensitive👂close** When the goals and objectives that you set out for yourself get hard, remember this is where the real growth begins. Most often, instead of allowing ourselves to feel comfortable, we stop that feeling and go back to old behaviors and patterns. You can overcome this default when you re-train your mind to accept this feeling as an opportunity for growth, instead of difficulty.

**🎧 Recommended if you have sensitive👂close** I received news this weekend that you never want to hear. Unfortunately, a man that I coached last year, took his own life as an alternative to wrestling with challenges he had with depression. Today’s message is just to encourage you that if you need help there are resources out there. Please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 if you’re feeling like you want to give up. There are people all around that want to help and love will prevail if you let it. Xo