Category: thought boxes

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110: How are you doing with 2020❓

110: How are you doing with 2020❓

Hello, my ah-mazing empty nest friend, 

How are you doing? Let's check in. 

Coach Christine,

Your Empty Nest Coach

"Any time our life is challenged we have an opportunity.  An opportunity to hide, an opportunity to grow, an opportunity to rise to the challenge, and opportunity to dig deep within ourselves -  to question beliefs that we thought were “right” but maybe it is time to look at the world with new eyes."

Take a listen or read the full transcript at the bottom of this post.

⇓⇓⇓ More goodies below, too! Scroll down ⇓, so you don't miss anything! ⇓⇓⇓

🎙Coach Christine shares an activity you can do when your mental energy is being drained. 💚 Grab a piece of paper and a writing utensil! #EmptyNest  #Podcast #WomenEmpoweringWomen  #EmptyNestSyndrome #EmptyNestMom #EmptyNestTransition

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This Episode is Brought To You By

💚 Send audio feedback to Coach Christine now: voicemail/text to 920-LIFEWIN (920-543-3946).

What You Will Learn in this Episode 

  • To Consider Challenges as Opportunities
  • An Activity to do When You Feel Your Mental Energy is Being Drained
  • To Consider Transferring Your Thoughts Onto Paper

Quick Tip Submission

Episode Questions for You To Consider

  1. How are you handling 2020?
  2. Has 2020 provided any pleasant surprises to you?

First Time Here? Try This Order of Episodes

Episode Resources

Subscribe To This Podcast

It is FREE!

Want to get notified of new episodes directly on your phone? Subscribe to this podcast using your favorite app!

Yes! Show Me My Options

FULL TRANSCRIPT: 

Episode 110 of the Your Empty Nest Coach Podcast


00:00:00

Christine:  Hi!  I am Coach Christine and you are listening to the Your Empty Nest Coach podcast.  This is episode number 110 and I’ve titled it “How Are You Doing With 2020.”  I work with mothers of high school students and beyond, who are in the trenches with sad and possibly, overwhelming thoughts about what their life will look like when their baby heads to college and begins to leave the nest.  My clients’ big question is what will I do with my time?  Is this you?  I’ve been there, and I get it.  Empowering you to write the next jaw-dropping, amazing chapter in your life is my passion.  I am energized by leading you in the process of exploration and am thrilled when you unlock the power that lies within you.  This podcast is my gift to you.

00:00:46

Hello, my empty nest friend and CEO of your life! If this is your first time here, CEO in my world stands for Conscious Effective Olympian.  Doesn’t that sound lovely?  This episode is going live at the end of August in 2020, and if you are listening to it right around that time, I want to say that I hope from the bottom of my heart that your family is healthy and safe.  I walk through an exercise to help you when you can’t seem to get out of a funk, if you will, in today’s episode.  If you want to share anything with me or my listeners, I always invite you to share your thoughts, or life tips, with us.  You may do this either through SpeakPipe or my Google Voice number.  You’ll find the information to do this in the description of this episode: on Apple Podcasts click “Details”; on Spotify click “See More”; on Overcast press the I for information button. Get the idea? You also may send me an email at podcast@youremptynestcoach.com.  Of course,  I always have full show notes with links to anything I discuss in the episode, and a full episode transcription on my website.  Those reside at YourEmptyNestCoach.com/P (for podcast) and 110 (for this episode’s number).  (YourEmptyNestCoach.com/P110)  I can’t wait to hear from you!

00:02:03

Thanks!  Thank you!  It’s time to thank our sponsor.  This episode is sponsored by my membership community, The GPS Support Flock; Your Flight to Success in the Empty Nest.  If you are ready to find the GPS of your life, sign up to receive an immediate and free download of my PDF, "How to Find Yourself in the Empty Nest," our GPS Life Principles document.  You will also have the opportunity to learn about our community.  See the link in this episode's show notes or fly on over to my website, YourEmptyNestCoach.com.  Click the GPS Support Flock button.  See you soon!   

00:02:45

My beautiful, amazing friend, how are you doing?  No, really, how are you doing?  Most of us started 2020 ready to take on the world.  We had goals, plans, things to look forward to, and now, well, your goals may have been put on hold, your health may not be great, your plans may have all been canceled, your things to look forward to might have been, too.  How are you doing with all of that?  Any time our life is challenged we have an opportunity; an opportunity to hide; an opportunity to grow; an opportunity to rise to the challenge; and opportunity to dig deep within ourselves, to question beliefs that we thought were “right” but maybe it is time to look at the world with new eyes; an opportunity to live in the now, the present moment; or to run from it, thinking that we’ll be able to escape from what is by looking toward what isn’t yet or what could-have-been.

00:03:53

If you are doing well, I want you to pat yourself on the back. No, really, I mean it. After you pat yourself on the back, reach out to someone today, by phone, video call, email or from six feet away, who may not be doing so well. Share your wellness and energy with them by spending time with them.  If you aren’t doing well, are you feeling like you are in a bit of a funk? Well, that is certainly understandable, and no one is going to fault you. Now, while one episode of this podcast isn’t a cure all by any means, after all, I have a membership program and a lot of episodes that slowly cover topics to help you, but today I want to offer an exercise to use when you feel like you are stuck in a bit of a funk. Maybe you have already worked through your feelings, or you know what you are feeling but you can’t seem to get to the other side. In that case, let’s give yourself permission to let go of the feeling for a few minutes and start there. 

00:04:54

Start by asking yourself what is my biggest pain point?  Am I mourning something?  Am I angry that people aren’t behaving the way I expect them to?  Am I upset with myself that I’ve gained some weight through all of this?  What is it for you?  On an ideally, blank piece of paper, write down your top area of focus right now.  Then write three emotions that come with that focus.  As you write down the thing that is taking your mental energy right now, I’d like you to imagine as if the emotions are going through your writing utensil, or your fingers, should you choose to do this on a keyboard, and let the emotions fall out onto the paper.  Got it?  Using your imagination, let that area of focus move to the paper, along with the three emotions you have identified.  Now, turn the paper over.

00:05:51

For five minutes, I want you to imagine what your life is like without that focus and those emotions.  Don’t worry about why you aren’t focused on it.  Don’t concern yourself with the fact that things haven’t been resolved with it.  It is five minutes.  It isn’t going anywhere and guess what, you wrote it down on the paper and will remember it when you turn it back over.  This allows you to imagine for five minutes who you are without that emotional energy.  Take five minutes to be present; to take in sounds, colors, smells, and beauty that you hadn’t seen when your focus was different.  Only for a few minutes.  Try taking really deep breaths.  I’d like you to look at that time as a transference.  Give that paper your emotions in those moments.  Actually, give me a moment, I’m going to try this out myself. 

[Music] 

00:09:52

Okay, I’m back, and interestingly enough, my five minutes had me away from this computer. The Universe timed it so that my husband and I met in the hallway for a lovely impromptu conversation.  I made my coffee and took time to smell it a bit more.  I was a bit more present as I did all of it.  My timer went off, hubby got it for me, he was upstairs, so I inadvertently gifted myself with some extra time. 

00:10:15

Now that I’m back, I don’t want to turn over the piece of paper at all, and I have more clarity on the work I was about to do on this episode.  I do mention writing our thoughts and feelings down on paper often, because the act of doing it makes us aware of the thought-deliveries that we are allowing to take up space in our mind.  Those take mental energy away from other things.  This is all fine if you are aware of it and know what your mind is focused on, consciously choosing it.  But if you don’t periodically check in on your thought-deliveries, well, if you are a regular listener, you know the drill, then your Protector is bossing you around with them.  What fun is that?  Well, for me, personally, it is no fun at all. 

00:10:57

Now back to you.  After the five minutes, you have options.  I’m not even going to tell you what to do.  I want you to see where you are led.  Trust your instincts here.  You may ignore that piece of paper, or heck, you may turn it over and have a new sense of clarity that you didn’t have five minutes ago.  Let me know how it goes for you. Email me at podcast@youremptynestcoach.com or message me over on Pinterest or Instagram.  You’ll find me on both platforms @emptynestcoach, that’s my podcast title without the “your” in the beginning.  You should know by now that my goal isn’t for you to rely on me, Coach Christine, to have the answers for your life.  I’m here to coach you to find your internal GPS that will navigate you through the journey of your life.  Oh my goodness, I can’t wait until you discover that for yourself!  When you notice your thought-deliveries, train your Protector well and have a good sense of what needs to be in your life’s toolbox, oh, my friend, I’m seriously getting chills just thinking about it. The things you’ll be able to do!

00:12:04

If you would like to dig into more detail with any of this, if you need accountability, or want me to just cheer you on, all of this is included in my GPS Support Flock!  [Music]  The questions I have for you in this episode are one, how are you handling 2020?  And two, has 2020 provided any pleasant surprises for you?

00:12:31

Christine?  Christine?  Christine, where are you?

Have you ever considered creating a podcast? A podcasting tip that I submitted was included in a recent article titled “How to Create a (Successful) Podcast Channel: 20+ Expert Tips.”  The link to the full article is in my show notes.  I invite you to check it out!

[Music]

00:12:58

Anne shared the tip you are about to hear with me for the month of August way back at the beginning of the year, before COVID was known about.  She sure thinks ahead!  While colleges your child may be looking at may not have much social life this semester, seeing how they are handling it is a great thing to research. Thanks for sharing your tip with us, Anne! 

00:13:18

Anne:  Hi!  This is Anne from Parent’s Guide to the College Puzzle.  My quick tip for today is if your high school senior’s having trouble paring down the list of colleges to arrange for eight to twelve schools, consider these sometimes overlooked aspects of a college.  Check out the social life.  What is there to do, both on and off campus, when students aren’t in class?  Which colleges offer the intramural sports clubs or volunteer programs your future freshman wants to participate in?  How’s the weather?  If your teen hates snow, they’ll be happier at colleges with milder climates, and the reverse is true.  A student who likes winter sports, will want colleges in places where they can participate in these activities.

00:13:52

Confirm which majors and minors are offered.  If a college doesn’t have the major and any potential majors your student is interested in, take it off the list.  Remember to look at the available minor options, too.  Find out the male to female ratio.  Colleges tend to have more girls than boys, but some campuses are skewed much higher one way or the other.  This might make a difference to your teen.  How big is Greek life?  Sororities and fraternities dominate at some campuses and play a minor role at others.  For kids who have a preference either way, this can be important.  Who else goes there?  Your school’s Naviance account or your student’s guidance counselor can show you the popular colleges among graduates from your high school.  This is helpful if your teen wants to see a familiar face those first weeks on campus, or if they don’t.  Remember the final list of colleges should include two safety schools, two reach schools, and the remainder, target schools.  Good luck!

[Music]

00:14:42

Christine:  Do you have a Quick Tip to share with listeners of this podcast? I would love to include it in an upcoming episode.  See my show notes for links to submit your own audio tip.  I am just about done here. But not before I remind you, of course, that you, my beautiful friend, are amazing! 

[Bloopers]

Still listening? 

Have you received a green popsicle stick from me yet? If not, why not? I’m happy to send you one, or three! I have instructions on how to receive your green popsicle stick from me, when you download my free printable: “How To Find Yourself in the Empty Nest” resource. 

[Music]

[End]

[Music]

[End]

Posted on

109: A Glimpse of Some Tips from Inside Our Empty Nest Flock 📝

109: A Glimpse of Some Tips from Inside Our Empty Nest Flock 📝

Hello, my ah-mazing empty nest friend, 

In this podcast episode,  I share a few helpful nuggets from inside the GPS Support Flock: Your Flight to Empty Nest Success. 

Coach Christine,

Your Empty Nest Coach

"Make sure you are your biggest fan."

Take a listen or read the full transcript at the bottom of this post.

⇓⇓⇓ More goodies below, too! Scroll down ⇓, so you don't miss anything! ⇓⇓⇓

🎙Coach Christine shares a peek inside the GPS Support Flock: Your Flight to Empty Nest Success 💚 Remember to be your biggest fan! #EmptyNest  #MidlifePodcast #WomenEmpoweringWomen  #EmptyNestSyndrome #EmptyNestMom #EmptyNestTransition

Click to Tweet

This Episode is Brought To You By

💚 Send audio feedback to Coach Christine now: voicemail/text to 920-LIFEWIN (920-543-3946).

What You Will Learn in this Episode 

  • The Power in Getting to Know Your Future Self
  • Some Words to Say to Yourself As You Work To Discover Your Future Self

Quick Tip Submission

Episode Questions for You To Consider

  1. Do you know your future-self well?
  2. Does your future-self have anything to say to you?

First Time Here? Try This Order of Episodes

Episode Resources

Subscribe To This Podcast

It is FREE!

Want to get notified of new episodes directly on your phone? Subscribe to this podcast using your favorite app!

Yes! Show Me My Options

FULL TRANSCRIPT: 

Episode 109 of the Your Empty Nest Coach Podcast

00:00:00

Christine:  You are listening to the Your Empty Nest Coach podcast with Coach Christine, episode number 109: A Glimpse of Some Tips from Inside Our Empty Nest Flock.  I work with mothers of high school students and beyond, who are in the trenches with sad and possibly, overwhelming thoughts about what their life will look like when their baby heads to college and begins to leave the nest.  My clients’ big question is what will I do with my time?  Is this you?  I’ve been there, and I get it.  Empowering you to write the next jaw-dropping, amazing chapter in your life is my passion.  I am energized by leading you in the process of exploration and am thrilled when you unlock the power that lies within you.  This podcast is my gift to you.

00:00:48 

Hello, my empty nest friend and CEO of Your Life!  So, how has your week been?  I hope that your thoughts about it are positive even when the happenings in your life might not appear to be.  Do you have any wins you would like to share with us?  You know that I would love to hear them, and the other listeners of this podcast may find your win inspiring to them!  If you have a win, or a question to share with me, I invite you to share via audio, either through SpeakPipe or my Google Voice number.  You’ll find the information to do this in the description of this episode: on Apple Podcasts click “Details”; On Spotify click “See More”; on Overcast press the I for information button.  Get the idea?  You also may send me an email at podcast@youremptynestcoach.com. Of course, I always have full show notes with links to anything I discuss in the episode, and a full episode transcription on my website.  Those reside at YourEmptyNestCoach.com/P (for podcast) and 109 (for this episode’s number). (YourEmptyNestCoach.com/P109)  I can’t wait to hear from you!

00:01:53

Thanks!  Thank you!  It’s time to thank our sponsor.  This episode is sponsored by my membership community, The GPS Support Flock; Your Flight to Success in the Empty Nest.  If you are ready to find the GPS of your life, sign up to receive an immediate and free download of my PDF, "How to Find Yourself in the Empty Nest," our GPS Life Principles document.  You will also have the opportunity to learn about our community.  See the link in this episode's show notes or fly on over to my website, YourEmptyNestCoach.com.  Click the GPS Support Flock button.  See you soon! 

00:02:37

An extra thank you to SocalChris who left a five-star review on Apple Podcasts for this podcast.  The review is titled, “Christine is so much fun,” and says, “The cheer and joy just sparkles from Christine’s message through to your earbuds! I enjoy the way she looks positively at some of the hardest experiences we have as our kids become adults.”   Wow, SocalChris, thanks for the 5-star rating and review, and I’m honored you have chosen to listen to my podcast.  What great writing, by the way!

00:03:11

Now for you, my empty nest friend, in this episode, I’m sharing some bites of information that came out of the GPS Support Flock, so you could have a glimpse inside.  My first share came from a group support call.  I do not record for the first 75 percent or so of these calls and then, at the tail end, if we have a session with bites of information worth sharing with everyone, then I record a quick wrap-up call.

00:03:36

In one of these calls, a flock member asked a bit about her future self. My wrap up points were: number one, keep in mind future you.  Figure out who she is, what point in time is she in, a week; five years; ten years?  I like to think of my future-self as pretty far out because she puts this moment, this day into perspective for me.  Usually she says things like, “you won’t even remember this.”  For that reason, I like to look further out on my timeline.  The better you know your future-self (when you figure her out),  the better you really explore who she is, what she is doing, then you can use her for everything else, rather than coming to me.  A flock like this is still fantastic for reminders and to keep you on track, if you need accountability.  For example, we can remind you to check in with your future self.  In the end though, your future self knows you better than I do.  Remember too, it isn’t only about finding your future self, figuring out who they are, and trusting them, the power comes in when you actually access them.  Then you can ask your future self, “How did I handle this?”  You’ll quickly get into the mode she’s already in.  It is great fun!

00:04:57

The other thing I shared is to make sure you are your biggest fan. Be careful that you aren’t beating yourself up with your thoughts. When you do something awesome, celebrate it.  Who cares if your neighbor thinks it’s small.  This is where knowing future-you is helpful.  Maybe you feel funny about patting yourself on the back, but if I consider future me, she says “Thanks for doing that.  You’re doing a great job.  You are more on the path to meet me and discover who I am.  If you don’t do that work, I don’t get to be all I can be.”

00:05:31

Some action items and things to do and ask yourself:  how well do you know future you?  We have things that our future-selves will accomplish, maybe a list, what you think she’s accomplished, but who is the person doing the things on the list?  There is a quick free training I have about “Finding Future You,” available on my website, but the real navigation tool is the “First Steps Toward Success” program that you will find in the GPS Support Flock.  

00:06:00

Give yourself the time needed to discover your future self. 

Who are you, as you are doing that thing that you want to do?  Live in it, in detail, using your imagination, and not just for minutes but for days.  Ask yourself how does this feel different from my current life?  How will that version of me be different from this current version of me?  Then, allow for modifications. If you spend time living in a version of future-you, and find you don’t like who that is, consider it a big win. Knowing what you don’t want to do is incredibly important.

00:06:37

Some action steps to take, one, do the work.  Ask me questions along the way, that’s what this flock is for.  Two, uncover.  Three, then ask yourself, how did I get there?  My listener in a follow up chat that I had with a flock member, about her future self, this is what I told her: you will discover your amazing self again! Try this on for size: I am worth the work I'm doing to discover my amazing self.  She's hiding but I will find her! My imperfection now, as I move forward, drives me closer to my future-self, and each step, forwards, backwards, in slow-motion, or running, has a lesson for me that will allow me to level-up. I'm thankful for all of it.  I'm worth all of this, and the journey is going to be fun.

[Music]

00:07:26

Of course, if you would like to dig into more detail with any of this, if you need accountability, or want me to cheer you on, all of this is included in my GPS Support Flock where I have a full workshop on this topic, “Your Future Self.” I have worksheets and more.  The questions I have for you in this episode are, and I know I’ve asked similar questions in earlier episodes, but these are really good questions to ask yourself periodically: one, do you know your future-self well? And, two, does your future-self have anything to say to you?

[Music]

00:08:15

Christine?  Christine?  Christine, where are you?

Have you checked out my Instagram Reels yet? As of this recording, I’m having fun with them.  I don’t know if I’ll keep up with them.  They do take more time than I should allow but my future-self is giggling with me, so it’s all good. If your child listened to a lot of the Wiggles when they were younger, I have one there that you may appreciate.

[Music]

00:08:35

Today, our quick tip is the wrap-up tip that Katherine, the 5 Kilo Traveler, from New Zealand, shared with me way back before physical distancing began. So as you check-in with your future self who hopefully is able to travel freely, remember Katherine’s great tips.

00:08:53

It is time for a quick tip, advice or thoughts from a listener.  

Katherine:  I thought today I would do a recap of what I’ve mentioned so far about traveling light.  So firstly, I asked you to consider the idea of traveling light and being open to it.  Sometimes a new concept can be really out there and challenging.  But I think as empty nesters, we are open to new ideas as our family world is changing.  We need to start looking at what we can do for ourselves.  For me, I talked about taking what you need when you travel light.  I don’t want you traveling and feeling like you’ve left essential things at home.  You have to be comfortable traveling.  I mean, I take my hair straightener so that I feel good about myself.  So remember, this has to work for you.

00:09:43

My next tip was to take less.  My favorite saying is take what you need, but take less of it.  That really is a key concept when traveling light.  Take what you need, but take less of it.  That included packing a travel wardrobe that mixes and matches perfectly, swapping out heavy gear with lighter options and reducing your toiletries and cosmetics by putting them in smaller containers.

00:10:15

Then I talked about wearing your heavy or bulky gear on the plane.  Although, hopefully, after listening to the previous episode, you would have swapped those heavy items with lighter things.  Even so, you’ve got to wear something on the flight, so why not the gear that takes up the most room in your bag?  Finally, I talked about Merino and Smartwool, and my endeavor to single-handedly promote the New Zealand wool industry.  My sheep farming brother would be very impressed with me.  But seriously, Merino, with all its great qualities, is the perfect fabric when traveling light, so be open to the idea of traveling light.  Take what you need, but take less of it.  Wear your heavier or bulkier gear on your flight, and consider Merino or Smartwool.  So many ideas and so many more to follow.  Happy light travels.

[Music]

00:11:10

Do you have a Quick Tip to share with my listeners? Don’t forget to share it with me.  Information to do so is in this episode’s show notes.  And with that, I wish you a beautiful, Conscious, Effective Olympian-esque day and week ahead for you, my empty nest friend.  You should already know this, but you are amazing! 

[Bloopers]

00:11:46

Still listening?  Thanks for being you, for listening and for checking your thoughts. You are not only improving your own life but indirectly you are an example to others. Keep being amazing, my empty nest friend!

[Music]

[End]

Posted on

108: Let’s Talk About Intuition

108: Let's Talk About Intuition

Hello, my ah-mazing empty nest friend, 

Intuition. 

What are your thoughts about it? I share mine in this episode.

Coach Christine,

Your Empty Nest Coach

"My theory is that much of a human’s unsettledness, or restlessness, has more to do with not following their own intuition/guidance/GPS, than to do with the outside world.  Internal peace is life changing, and then, you know how to take the next step.  It’s so worth the discomfort to discover it.  But then, trusting it is the next big step."

Take a listen or read the full transcript at the bottom of this post.

⇓⇓⇓ More goodies below, too! Scroll down ⇓, so you don't miss anything! ⇓⇓⇓

🎙Coach Christine shares her thoughts about #Intuition 💚 and does it have anything to do with the #EmptyNest ? #MidlifePodcast #WomenEmpoweringWomen #NewEpisode #EmptyNestSyndrome #EmptyNestCoach #EmptyNestTransition

Click to Tweet

This Episode is Brought To You By

💚 Send audio feedback to Coach Christine now: voicemail/text to 920-LIFEWIN (920-543-3946).

What You Will Learn in this Episode 

  • What Coach Christine Thinks About Intuition
  • Where the Idea for This Episode Came From
  • What This Has To Do With Empty Nesting

Episode Questions for You To Consider

  1. Do you feel you have a strong intuition?
  2. What are your thoughts after listening to this episode?

First Time Here? Try This Order of Episodes

Episode Resources

Subscribe To This Podcast

It is FREE!

Want to get notified of new episodes directly on your phone? Subscribe to this podcast using your favorite app!

Yes! Show Me My Options

FULL TRANSCRIPT: 

Episode 108 of the Your Empty Nest Coach Podcast

00:00:00

Christine:  You are listening to the Your Empty Nest Coach podcast with Coach Christine, episode number 108: Let’s Talk About Intuition.  I work with mothers of high school students and beyond, who are in the trenches with sad and possibly, overwhelming thoughts about what their life will look like when their baby heads to college and begins to leave the nest.  My clients’ big question is what will I do with my time?  Is this you?  I’ve been there, and I get it.  Empowering you to write the next jaw-dropping, amazing chapter in your life is my passion.  I am energized by leading you in the process of exploration and am thrilled when you unlock the power that lies within you.  This podcast is my gift to you.

00:00:47

Hello, my empty nest friend and CEO of your life!  Thanks for being here today.  I’m recording this before my daughter heads back to college, so hopefully, by the time you get this episode in your ears, I am back home, she’s in college at the campus, and hopefully, everything’s going well.  We shall see.

00:01:12

Before we dive in, a quick reminder, that if you find yourself talking back to me at any part of this episode; if something resonates with you; or if you have a quick tip to share with my audience, please take the opportunity to leave me feedback either through SpeakPipe or my Google Voice number.  You’ll find the information to do this in the description of this episode: on Apple Podcasts click “Details”; on Spotify click “See More”; on Overcast press the I for information button. Get the idea? Of course I always have full show notes with links to anything I discuss in the episode, and a full episode transcription on my website.  Those reside at YourEmptyNestCoach.com/P (for podcast) and 108 (for this episode’s number).  (YourEmptyNestCoach.com/P108).  I can’t wait to hear from you!

00:02:00

Thanks!  Thank you!  It’s time to thank our sponsor.  This episode is sponsored by my membership community, The GPS Support Flock; Your Flight to Success in the Empty Nest.  If you are ready to find the GPS of your life, sign up to receive an immediate and free download of my PDF, "How to Find Yourself in the Empty Nest," our GPS Life Principles document.  You will also have the opportunity to learn about our community.  See the link in this episode's show notes or fly on over to my website, YourEmptyNestCoach.com.  Click the GPS Support Flock button.  See you soon!   

00:02:48

Recently Terri of Mixing Up Midlife asked on Instagram the question: “Have you made a practice of listening to your intuition, and has it served you?”  My response to Terri was, “Yes, it’s the way I stay peaceful.”  My theory is that much of a human’s unsettledness, or restlessness, has more to do with not following their own intuition/guidance/GPS, than to do with the outside world.  Internal peace is life changing, and then, you know how to take the next step.  It’s so worth the discomfort to discover it.  But then, trusting it is the next big step.

00:03:27

Now, I know Terri is interviewing someone who is a bit of an expert on intuition, so if you are curious, be sure to check out the Mixing Up Midlife podcast.  Let’s talk dictionary definition of intuition real quick.  It’s “the ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning.”  Or “a thing that one knows or considers likely from instinctive feeling rather than conscious reasoning.”  If you are a regular listener, Coach Christine speak of this would be that the days when your intuition is clearer to you, more than likely those are the days or moments when you have a well-trained Protector, so you are able to handle those thought deliveries in a well-curated manner.  Opening up the potential to access more of the real you and your future self, to use her as your GPS.

00:04:17

When your internal GPS is hiding behind the walls of thought deliveries that you may have in your mind, without a well-trained Protector, you’ll have a restlessness within you that you’ll want to jump to blaming on the outside world, other humans, or the circumstances of your life.  Clarity is hard to come by when you are being bossed around by your thought deliveries and your Protector.  If you haven’t already, begin to train yourself to notice those thought deliveries, my friend.  I have a bunch of episodes about that, so I’ll put those in the show notes.  

00:04:49

What does this have to do with empty nesting?  Well, let’s talk about that real quick.  Whether you are currently empty nesting or if you have a not-so-empty nest that has you in a holding pattern, if you have no clarity on how to move forward in your life, or not sure what to do with your time, generally, feel a bit lost, my guess is you have a ton of thought deliveries in your mind that keep you too busy to learn who you are outside of the roles you have had over the years.  Too busy to consider that the thought you have is optional.  Too busy to spend time alone with yourself, learning to love and accept who you are outside of the roles that you have.  Practically, what can you do?

00:05:34

Well, most of my podcast episodes are all about this.  High-level, accept the feelings that you have.  Process through them, and then work on training your Protector.  You are worth this work.  Sometimes, that internal GPS will become restless and begin to push back on you.  But what if you did the work to uncover who your future self is?  So that you could have her in view at all times, to allow that intuition to become more of a part of your everyday life.  What if?  Why not?  What do you have to lose?

00:06:09

If you are confused, or intrigued by some of my Coach Christine speak, be sure to check out the Conscious Effective Olympian, or CEO, of Your Life series of episodes for more about your Protector, your thought deliveries, and how to gain momentum in your life.  As always, links are in my show notes.

00:06:30

The questions I have for you in this episode are: Do you feel you have a strong intuition?  And, what are your thoughts after listening to this episode?  I have a feeling I may have given you more questions than answers.  That’s okay.  Let me know what they are, and I’ll do another episode.

00:06:47

Well, my empty nest CEO of your life friend, if you enjoyed this episode, I invite you to take a moment to subscribe to this podcast.  It is free, after all.  As always, I provide content to make you think. My hope is that I am able to provide you with thoughts that positively impact your life.  Empty nest or not, look, I know many of us have our children with an unplanned online education.  But keep in mind, future you is cheering you on right now.  She can’t wait for you to meet her, and she is your biggest fan.  Let her be that.  She and I want you to remember that you are amazing!  See ya!

[Bloopers]

00:07:51

Still listening?  I am not someone who enjoys sewing; however, I do kind of enjoy the challenge of figuring out how to do something well, that I truly have no natural ability for.  I mean, cutting a straight line and precise measurements -- nope.  While I can spend hours looking through code to find a bug, I have no patience for it when it comes to sewing.  I don’t know why.  But over four months -- yes, four months, I made a handful of masks for our family, and I just finished recently, making almost two weeks worth for my daughter’s college trip.  I now, and only now, feel confident that I’ll be able to make some more for myself with no issues, other than, you know, having to rethread the bobbin.  That feels good.  Sometimes doing things we don’t love and we could easily purchase, have a pay-off that isn’t felt until you’re on the other side of it.  Was it the best use of my time?  Well, that, of course, depends purely on my thoughts about it.

[Music]

[End]

Posted on

96: The CEO Toolbox Part 6, Your Foundational Tools

96: The CEO Toolbox Part 6, Your Foundational Tools

Hello, my ah-mazing empty nest friend, 

Wrapping up the series of your CEO (Conscious Effective Olympian) life toolbox, in this episode, I share about the importance of a well-curated toolbox. For best results, your CEO toolbox must contain resources chosen specifically for you.

Coach Christine,

Your Empty Nest Coach

"The top tray items should be things that you consciously choose to use when you aren’t able to dig deep into that base level right away, the band-aids - if you will. The foundational-level items are the deeper work, the cure for what ails you."

Take a listen or read the full transcript at the bottom of this post.

⇓⇓⇓ More goodies below, too! Scroll down ⇓, so you don't miss anything! ⇓⇓⇓

Is the toolbox for your life well stocked? Do you have the band-aids and the cures inside?  Take a listen to this episode of the Your Empty Nest Coach podcast!  💚 #listeningto #midlifemom #emptynestmom #lifetoolbox #emptynestcoach

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This Episode is Brought To You By

💚 Send audio feedback to Coach Christine now: voicemail/text to 920-LIFEWIN (920-543-3946).

What You Will Learn in this Episode 

  • To Consider Your Foundational Level Items
  • To Begin to Fill Your Conscious Effective Olympian (CEO) Toolbox
  • To Periodically Inventory Your CEO Toolbox
  • To Consider Drawing a Picture of Your Toolbox

Episode Questions for You To Consider

  1. How is the inventory in your CEO Toolbox? 
  2. Do you already have great foundational items for your toolbox?

First Time Here? Try This Order of Episodes

Episode Resources

Subscribe To This Podcast

It is FREE!

Want to get notified of new episodes directly on your phone? Subscribe to this podcast using your favorite app!

Yes! Show Me My Options

Join the Flock Created For You

"This program was truly a life altering gift. I am a kinder person to myself and a better person to others around me. I have a stronger relationship with my spouse. I have better work relationships. I have the most amazing relationship with my children. But most importantly, I have the best relationship I could have with myself. Thank you, Christine! " ~ Michele D.,  Membership Member & Program Beta Client

 Tell Me More!


FULL TRANSCRIPT: 

Episode 96 of the Your Empty Nest Coach Podcast

00:00:00

Christine:  You are listening to the Your Empty Nest Coach podcast with Coach Christine, episode number 96: The CEO Toolbox Part 6, Your Foundational Tools. I work with mothers of high school students and beyond, who are in the trenches with sad and possibly, overwhelming thoughts about what their life will look like when their baby heads to college and begins to leave the nest. My clients’ big question is what will I do with my time?  Is this you?  I’ve been there, and I get it. Empowering you to write the next jaw-dropping, amazing chapter in your life is my passion. I am energized by leading you in the process of exploration and am thrilled when you unlock the power that lies within you. This podcast is my gift to you.

00:00:49

Hello, my empty nest friend and CEO of Your Life! This episode is in a series of episodes about the toolbox of your life. If this is your first time here, know that I reference topics introduced in prior series of this podcast in this episode, making this episode a bit more advanced topic. Should you find yourself wondering what I’m talking about, head back to the prior series and work your way through. 

00:01:12

A quick reminder, that if you find yourself talking back to me at any part of this episode, or if something resonates with you, please take an opportunity to leave me audio feedback either through SpeakPipe or my Google Voice number. You’ll find the information to do this in the description of this episode: on Apple Podcasts click “Details”; on Spotify click “See More”; on Overcast press the I for information button. Get the idea? Of course, I will always have full show notes with links to anything I discuss in the episode, and a full episode transcription on my website. Those reside at YourEmptyNestCoach.com/P (for podcast) and 96 (for this episode’s number).  (YourEmptyNestCoach.com/P96) I can’t wait to hear from you! [Music]

00:01:54

Thanks! Thank you! It’s time to thank our sponsor. This episode is sponsored by my membership community, The GPS Support Flock; Your Flight to Success in the Empty Nest. If you are ready to find the GPS of your life, sign up to receive an immediate and free download of my PDF, "How to Find Yourself in the Empty Nest," our GPS Life Principles document. You will also have the opportunity to learn about our community. See the link in this episode's show notes or fly on over to my website, YourEmptyNestCoach.com. Click the GPS Support Flock button.  See you soon!

00:02:37

It’s time to wrap-up this series: the Conscious Effective Olympian (or CEO) toolbox series of episodes. We’ve discussed why consciously having a toolbox is helpful in your life. We’ve discussed what to store in that top, removable tray,of your toolbox, and we are working now on those tools that you always want with you, those that are in the base level, or foundational-level of your toolbox. Your CEO toolbox is for you to stock, so ultimately what you put inside is completely up to you. The top tray items should be things that you consciously choose to use when you aren’t able to dig deep into that base level right away, the band-aids, if you will. The foundational-level items are the deeper work, the cure for what ails you.

00:03:27

In my foundational-level, of my toolbox, I have presence, the CEO Analysis Tool, Flock Support, and in the rest of the space, other items that work specifically for me. I want you to spend time figuring out what works best for you. We all have different strengths, different gifts, and different ways in which we learn best, so me prescribing items to put in your foundational-level, may make you throw the whole thing out if one item doesn’t work for you. I don’t want to be a part of that possibility for you. 

00:04:02 

Again, this is your toolbox, so stock it with what moves you forward. What serves as band-aids for you? What helps you repair moments, and what moves you closer toward the best version of future-you possible? For me, one of the other items that I have in my foundational-level is my life’s purpose statement. This changes over time, but it is a statement that I say to myself daily, to remind me who future-me is, and why I do what I do. I’ve found that having this statement allows me to be in the right energy for moving forward, for working on myself, for doing daily tasks that otherwise may not be extremely compelling to partake in.

00:04:45

My purpose statement reminds me of who I am. It is written in the present tense and I have modified it countless times to get it to where it is today. It is a continual work in progress. Consider a purpose statement for your life. If you are a GPS Support Flock member, I’m happy to review your purpose statement for you, and give you pointers on how to make it more powerful. If you like the idea of a purpose statement try using one. 

00:05:13

How about journaling? Do you like it? Do you love it? Does it serve a purpose for your life? Morning pages, a bullet journal or whatever format works for you. Be sure it assists you in moving forward, if you’re allowing it to take up space in your life. How about a vision board? Be sure that when you spend time with your vision board that it creates a momentum in your life, rather than creating an awareness of what you currently lack to get to those visions. Does that make sense?  We always want you moving forward. How does that vision board make you feel? 

00:05:46

Maybe for you,  you spend time alone once a year to work on yourself, be it mentally, emotionally or physically, or just being. There is a tremendous amount of power in that. There are no rules, my friend, on what needs to go in your foundational space. If you have no idea where to start, just pick two things. More than a handful of items and you may not know what to use when, but again, this is your toolbox, so you make it what you need it to be. Take inventory periodically of what is in your toolbox, as there are times when tools and resources serve our lives really well, but then, only for a season. Those seasonal items should be cleared out periodically. You may bring them back, but don’t force an item into your box because it appears to work for your best friend. Find what works for you.

00:06:36

If you are the type of person that needs me to give you direction, well then, try having three go-to items in your top-tray of your toolbox and choose two to focus on for your foundational-level, then modify from there. Consider drawing a picture of your toolbox. Label it and picture it in your mind clearly, so that when you feel you need help, you may quickly picture your options, rather than spinning into a frenzy of emotion. Let’s be honest, you may still choose the frenzy of emotion, but consciously choosing it and letting it run you, are different states of energy in your life.  Which do you prefer?

00:07:13

With that, we’ll keep this episode at a high-level and wrap it up, because I’d like to know what sorts of things help you dig deeper within yourself. What helps you to move forward? Do you have anything as of yet? How well stocked is your toolbox, my empty nest friend? 

Of course, we do dive deep into these concepts in our GPS Support Flock Membership with a workshop, worksheets and more. We’d love to have you join us and the flock can slide right into the bottom of your toolbox! [Music]

00:07:43

Two formal questions I have for you in this episode are: How is the inventory in your CEO toolbox? Do you already have great foundational items for your toolbox? Fly on over to my website: YourEmptyNestCoach.com/community for links to join either of my online communities, and share your answers to these questions with us. We look forward to seeing you there!

00:08:08

Christine? Christine? Christine, where are you? I visited with Amy Waterman in January. She and I chatted over video. That’s right, you won’t find this conversation on a podcast. You’ll find it on Amy’s website: YourBrilliance.com, or on her YouTube Channel Your Brilliance TV. The title of our talk? “Empty Nest Tips for Rediscovering Yourself with Coach Christine.” Amy is absolutely lovely. I encourage you to check out all of her interviews as soon as you have a chance.

00:08:48

Well my empty nest CEO of Your Life friend, if you enjoyed this episode, I invite you to take a moment to subscribe to this podcast. It is free after all. As always, I provide content to make you think. My hope is that I am able to provide you with thoughts that positively impact your life. Guess what? You are amazing! See ya!

[Bloopers]

[End]

Posted on

95: Quick Tips Team: More Than Three Minutes of Planning, Shoes, Whales and Shampooing Through Lockdown Loneliness

95: Quick Tips Team: More Than Three Minutes of Planning, Shoes, Whales and Shampooing Through Lockdown Loneliness

Hello, my ah-mazing empty nest friend, 

We are back with another Quick Tips episode with some 2020 Your Empty Nest Coach Quick Tips Team members and a special guest. Enjoy!

Coach Christine,

Your Empty Nest Coach

"If you have a quick tip to share with listeners of this podcast, I would LOVE to share it with them! See this episode’s show notes for a link to record your audio submission for this podcast either through SpeakPipe or by calling (or texting) my Google Voice number.. Happy recording, friend!" 

Take a listen or read the full transcript at the bottom of this post.

⇓⇓⇓ More goodies below, too! Scroll down ⇓, so you don't miss anything! ⇓⇓⇓

Check out this episode of the Your @emptynestcoach podcast 💚 featuring quick tips from @DClutterDeirdre @MagnifMidlife @ThePlannerFreak @goodgirlstalk & others! #emptynest #EmptyNestMom #ListeningTo#QuickTips #Advice ➡️ 

Click to Tweet

This Episode is Brought To You By

💚 Send audio feedback to Coach Christine now: voicemail/text to 920-LIFEWIN (920-543-3946).

Tips Shared in This Episode

  • Lockdown is Like Being Back At School
  • Be More Whale
  • Summer Shampooing
  • Three Things a Day
  • Shoes Make The Outfit
  • Banish Loneliness
  • Wear Heavier and Bulkier Gear On A Plane
  • Try The Three Minute Game
  • You Are Amazing

This Episode's Tips Provided By

First Time Here? Try This Order of Episodes

Episode Resources

Subscribe To This Podcast

It is FREE!

Want to get notified of new episodes directly on your phone? Subscribe to this podcast using your favorite app!

Yes! Show Me My Options

Join the Flock Created For You

"This program was truly a life altering gift. I am a kinder person to myself and a better person to others around me. I have a stronger relationship with my spouse. I have better work relationships. I have the most amazing relationship with my children. But most importantly, I have the best relationship I could have with myself. Thank you, Christine! " ~ Michele D.,  Membership Member & Program Beta Client

 Tell Me More!


FULL TRANSCRIPT: 

Episode 95 of the Your Empty Nest Coach Podcast

Christine: It is time for a Quick Tips Tuesday episode of the Your Empty Nest Coach podcast. I am your host, Coach Christine, and this is episode #95  of my podcast. 

[Music: Intro]

00:10

I work with mothers of high school students and beyond, who are in the trenches with sad and possibly, overwhelming thoughts about what their life will look like when their baby heads to college and begins to leave the nest. My clients’ big question is what will I do with my time? Is this you? I’ve been there, and I get it. Empowering you to write the next jaw-dropping, amazing chapter in your life is my passion. I am energized by leading you in the process of exploration and am thrilled when you unlock the power that lies within you. This podcast is my gift to you.

00:47

If this is your first time listening, I invite you to check out my Friday episodes, as well, where I provide bite-sized coaching assistance to guide you along your empty nest transition years - should your nest be not quite as empty as you expected it to be, be sure to check out my twelve episode Not-So-Empty-Nest series that was produced during the start of my social distancing. I hope you and your family are healthy and safe, and that yes, even now, in a world of restrictions, that you discover how amazing you are and find excitement at a level you didn’t know is possible for your years ahead. 

00:01:21

A reminder that a list of all of the Quick Tips Team members and their contact information may be found on my website YourEmptyNestCoach.com - look for the Quick Tips Team button  - or menu - on the home page. 

If you have a quick tip to share with listeners of this podcast, I would LOVE to share it with them! See this episode’s show notes for a link to record your audio submission for this podcast either through SpeakPipe or by calling (or texting) my Google Voice number.. Happy recording, friend!

01:50

But, Christine, where are the show notes? Well, that might help you, huh? You’ll find those in the description of this episode - on Apple Podcasts click, “Details”; on Spotify, Click “See More,”: on Overcast press the I for information - button - Get the idea? 

Or, of course, visit my website for full show notes with links to everything we discuss in this episode and a full episode transcription - those reside at your empty nest coach dot com forward slash p for podcast and 95 (for this episode’s number). I can’t wait to hear from you.

02:23

[Music: Sponsor Music] 

Thanks! Thank you. It’s time to thank our sponsor. This episode is sponsored by my membership community, the GPS Support Flock: Your Flight to Success in the Empty Nest. If you are ready to find the GPS of your life, sign up to receive an immediate and free download of my PDF How to Find Yourself in the Empty Nest, our GPS Life Principles document - you will also have the opportunity to learn about our community. See the link in this episode’s show notes, or fly on over to my website YourEmptyNestCoach.com. Click the GPS Support Flock button. See you there! 

03:09

First up today is Jo Davies our Humorous Observations expert: 

[Music: Guest Intro]  

Jo: So we all know Christine is an authority on the whole ‘back to college thing’, and for me, this whole lockdown feels a bit being back at school. You’re forced to be somewhere you don’t necessarily want to be. I mean, I love my home, but I don't want to be in it all the time and somehow being made to stay at home feels completely different from just choosing to stay at home.

Have to spend all day everyday with the same people. This was a good thing for me at school because I loved my friends, and thankfully I love my family so happy to get to spend this time with them.

You do sports every day: to try and stay fit and also because it's actually a fun thing for us all to do together and gets us outside if we’ve been in for too long.

We seem to be learning something everyday. Not necessarily maths and English, but patience and calm and also in my case that after 10 loaves, I still can't make a baguette. I’ve also learnt that if you live off cake mix and then cake, you will get fat....who knew? My kids have learnt that if you leave things on the top of the dishwasher they won't get clean and that the same applies to leaving washing on the floor by the washing machine.

I have learnt that Duolingo thinks that I am 6% Spanish, but no one else does and that 6% is about as Spanish as I’m gonna get.

04:19

I have learnt that Zoom feels like magic and the best invention ever for about 2 goes and then it turns into the worst TV show ever.

The other thing that reminds me of the school is that there are cheats. There are people that feel the rules don't apply to them and there are some that bend them and some who go so far as to break them completely: visiting friends, driving to parks, to going for a walk, getting together in groups. And just like in school, I seethe on the inside, anger bubbling just below the surface and my 15-year-old’s desire to be cool and liked and appear laid back resurfaces and I just smile and say ‘whatever’.

I am looking forward to the school holidays. To being able to go out and do whatever I want to do when I want to do it. I feel myself turning into a teenage rebel and in some weird role reversal, I fear it will be my children who restrict my movements as they try and keep their ‘ageing parents’ (Their words, not mine) safe from whatever comes next.

05:09

[Music: Guest Intro]  

Rachel: Hello! Rachel Lankester here, midlife mentor from MagnificentMidlife.com. My top tip today is to be a bit more whale. There are two creatures that go through menopause: human females and whales. When whales go through menopause, they become the leaders of their pods. Often, for fifty odd years! We can also be more useful to our communities as leaders than as breeders. 

05:41

[Music: Guest Exit]  

Susan: Susan Stevens here with your beauty tip. Do I need to swap shampoo with the seasons? In the summer your hair has to defend itself against more enemies, such as the sun, sea salt, excess sweat, and chlorine, so switching to a gentler shampoo can help to keep your hair soft without stripping it of its natural oils. Especially at this time when essential workers are shampooing and cleansing more often, you definitely want to use a more mild shampoo, and definitely lots of conditioning. A Little Roomie for Your Soul: “Surrender. If you are a seeker of union, find your place in the heart of nothingness. While still in the cage of your being, behold the spirit bird before it flies away. Since you were once drunk on eternity, pick up the sword of now, and strike the ego. Remove the dregs of separation. 

Become pure so the cup of  true reality can be filled with the pure wine of spirit.

06:37 

[Music: Guest Exit]

Christine: Susan just shared an excerpt from the book Rumi’s Little Book of Life: The Garden of the Soul, the Heart, and the Spirit. I will put a link to it into my show notes. Thanks, Susan! 

06:50

[Music: Guest Intro]

Gretchen: Hi. This is Gretchen Hoffmann, your Planner Freak. Today I just wanted to take a minute to share a really cool planning technique that I heard about recently from an old college friend. My friend Joan and her husband recently moved to New York City after selling the home where they had raised their children. Both of their kids are all grown up and now like so many of us they’re Empty Nesters. She and her husband Robert decided they wanted to spend a few years soaking up city life before they decided on their next move. Now, Joan has always been one of the most organized women I know. She is never late for an appointment, she never forgets a birthday, she has enough time for work, travel, exercise, and to spend with her family and friends. She really is Amazing!

07:39

You know what the most amazing part to me is, though? In  spite of everything she has on her plate she never seems frazzled, she always seems in control. She’s fantastic!  I, on the other hand, sometimes seem to be chasing my own tail because, although I am a good multitasker, it’s often difficult for me to stick with my main priorities for the day. Because of this, I am absolutely fascinated by how people do organize and plan their days. I spend a lot of time thinking about it, and helping people to plan their days. 

08:10

I  recently asked Joan what her trick was and I was actually surprised by how simple it was. She told me she keeps a paper planner on her desk where she writes everything down that she has to do and then she schedules everything on its own specific day. Then, here’s the important part, every morning she picks out the three main things she needs to accomplish that day. It can be personal or work related but she always keeps it to three. These are her key action items and she assigns them numbers in her mind … one, two and three. Simple enough, right? Then as she goes through her day and completes each of the three items, she mentally checks off that number in her head. So once number one is done she moves on to number two -. You get the gist. This technique allows her to concentrate only on her most important tasks and it really gives her a feeling of satisfaction at the end of the day. Anything else she gets done that day is icing on the cake. But the really great part is she rarely has to move priority items from one day to the next in her planner. I feel like I am always moving one or two items at the end of the day to the next day’s schedule. Now I’m wondering if any of you have ever tried this technique and if it worked as well for you. Remember, “Plan your day, Love your day!’

09:25

[Music: Guest Intro]

Jenn: Hi, this is Jenn Musselman, your wardrobe/closet coach and I’m here for your next tip. The tip is shoes: shoes always, always, always set the tone for your outfit. Let’s think about it, I’m going to give you two pretty extreme different examples but keeping in mind the shoes, think of a nun, and think of a showgirl or a Rockette. Shoes make the outfit. I know, these are a little bit extreme examples, but it is true. So, think about wearing your favorite basic chunky sweater and your favorite pair of jeans, but pair it with a really cute glittery flat, a glitzy flat, a fun pair of funky converse sneakers. Shoes set the tone for the outfit. It’s the best accessory you can have. That’s my tip for today. 

[Music: Guest Intro] 

10:24

Deirdre: Hi, it’s Deirdre from DeClutter By Deirdre and the Magnificent Aging podcast. My hint for this month is banish loneliness. Call someone at least every other day. Go out into the world, and talk to people, Join a club: they have boating clubs, gardening clubs, card playing clubs, square dancing clubs - pick an interest and get involved. Get out there. Make it a point to engage with people. You won’t want to declutter if you’re lonely. Make some friends, engage people that you haven’t spoken to in a long time. Thank you so much. I appreciate you. 

11:12

{Music: Guest outro]

Christine: So, I bet you can guess that Deirdre sent me this wonderful tip, pre-pandemic. She’s way on top of things, but her advice still stands. Sure, the groups may be online but the advice is great! You can research clubs to join now and see what they offer virtually. You can call others or meet with them online - this is a great time to meet others virtually in an area of interest. Let us know if you come up with a unique idea here, too.

And next up is Katherine, the 5 Kilo Traveler - another wonderful human who sent me her tip, pre-pandemic, so the focus is on flying and how to pack light when flying. This is a great opportunity to make plans for lighter travel for when we are able to do so again. So, as you listen, think how you will travel in the future. 

 12:05

[Music: Guest intro]

Katherine: My last tip was to take less and to achieve this with a mix and match wardrobe - and I mentioned travelling to New York in winter and wearing layers. Quite surprisingly I did go to New York with just 5 kilos (11 pounds ) of gear. How, you may ask? Well, I wore my heavy and bulky gear on the plane, and that’s my tip for today – when flying wear your bulky and heavy clothing (not that anything is overly heavy in my bag).

Now I’m not talking about wearing a big coat and filling the pockets with everything in your bag –although there are coats out there for this purpose – personally, I can’t think of anything worse. I’d look like the Michelin Man – ridiculous!

12:54

So my trick is I wear my heavier and bulkier gear. I wore my boots on the plane as they take up so much room in my small bag – and I didn’t really take them off the whole time I was in New York. I wore my long and thickest socks on the plane too.

My long wool coat I carried and used as a blanket on the plane, which was just luxurious. I wore my pashmina too – and I so pleased I did as the plane temperature cools down on long-haul flights – I guess so you can sleep – but I was nice and toasty warm. My puffer jacket packs down quite small in my pack but I actually use it to wrap it round my neck as a travel pillow while flying – I go for practicality over fashion when flying for 16 hours from NZ.

I also wear a lot of merino or smartwool. It’s great for planes because it keeps you warm but you don’t overheat with it. I’ll tell you more about merino in my next tip session. So, yes, wearing your heavy and bulkier gear on planes will reduce the weight of your carry on bag. Have you given it a go yet? Happy light travels!

14:05

[Music: Guest outro]

Christine: Thanks Katherine. Next up is a guest submission who is back for a second time - the amazing Leah Carey. Enjoy..

[Music: Guest intro]

Leah:  Hi! I’m Leah Carey from the Good Girls Talk About Sex podcast. If you want a different kind of touch from your partner but you’re not sure how to ask for it without hurting their feelings, try the Three Minute game. It’s easy, quick, and fun!

Have your partner lay down. Tell them that you are going to touch them any way

that they desire for three minutes and their only job is to tell you what they want,

then lay back and enjoy receiving it. Ask them, “How would you like me to touch you for three minutes?” Start a timer for three minutes and do EXACTLY the thing they asked for. If they ask you to change the touch, do what they ask, but resist the urge to do ANYTHING other than what they’ve asked for – don’t get fancy!

When the alarm goes off, switch places and repeat. Now, your partner asks you,

“How would you like me to touch you for three minutes?” And this is where you describe to them EXACTLY the kind of touch you would like.

I suggest the first few times you play, you keep it PG or PG-13, and leave the R rated sessions for once you’ve both gotten really comfortable clearly asking for what you want.  And then, if you like what you get, give them lots of positive reinforcement. Say later that night, “I loved the way you touched me earlier.” The next day, you could say, “I’m still thinking about the way you touched me yesterday.” And then the next time you’re getting frisky say, “Remember the way you touched me during the Three Minute Game? Would you do that again?” And don’t forget :they’ve now given YOU exact directions for what they enjoy, so use them! Here’s to your better sex life!

16:25

[Music: Guest intro]

Christine: Thanks for visiting with us again, Leah, my listener if you like what you just heard, Leah has a podcast created with so much more! Definitely check it out. 

My tip for you today is short and sweet: take a deep breath in, right now - go ahead - let the breath out - and on your next breath in, say to yourself, “I am amazing.” Then breathe out. Now do that for as many times as you need to begin to hear yourself saying it without any push back. 

17:03

[Music: Back to Christine]

Those are our tips for today. I am thrilled you listened!. If you enjoyed this episode, and want the next quick tips episode to make its way to you in your favorite app, take a moment - right now - to subscribe to this podcast - it’s free, after all!

Don’t forget that I have contact information for all of my 2020 Quick Tips Team members on my website! Be sure to click through, follow your favorites on their website - or social media pages -  and let them know you found them through this podcast!

17:32

[GPS Support Flock Thank you music]

Thanks! Thank you! A huge shout out to every member of my GPS Support Flock. I invite you to fly on over to my website or see my show notes for a link to learn how you may become a GPS Support Flock member where you will gain access to all of my programs, monthly workshops, group coaching, and more. See you there!

If you are able to do a screenshot of this episode now and share it on social media to help others to find it, that would be super helpful to me and the team. Tag me @emptynestcoach so that I may thank you. OR if you can think of one other person who would enjoy this podcast, please, don’t keep it a secret.

And should you be a regular subscriber to this podcast, can you take a moment and leave a five-star rating and review? That would be lovely!

18:27

[Music: Outro - fade out]

Of course, my amazing empty nest friend (or not so empty nest friend), always  remember that YOU ARE AMAZING!

18:36

Bloopers

18:51

Still listening? I recently slept outside on my deck. I love to camp solo - or with a few amazing women. Since I can’t do that right now, I decided to camp on my deck. No family members joined me and I am totally okay with that. Have you done anything like that recently? 

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