In this special episode of Lives of Courage, I’m inviting you to join me in an honest and heartfelt conversation about facing election anxiety and the difficult choice between love and fear. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the uncertainty, the high stakes, or even just the noise surrounding election season, you’re not alone. I’ll be talking through my own struggles with stress and sleepless nights, not only around the election but with personal challenges—like navigating a tough situation with a difficult contractor. Together, we’ll explore the “cycle of despair” and how we can break it by choosing a “cycle of hope,” even if things don’t go our way. This isn’t a talk from someone who has it all figured out, but rather a journey of thinking out loud, finding peace, and holding onto love as a powerful act of courage. Let’s walk this path together. 💛

Have you ever found yourself effortlessly outlining what you want for others but freezing up when it comes to your own desires? You’re not alone. In this transformative episode of Lives of Courage, Jessica tackles the powerful question: “What do you really want?”

Join Jessica as she delves into the common barriers that prevent us from identifying and pursuing our true desires. Drawing from her extensive experience as a burnout prevention coach and personal stories from her clients, she unpacks why so many of us struggle to articulate what we want for ourselves. From societal expectations and fear of wanting “too much” to the relentless hustle that leaves little room for self-reflection, Jessica explores the deep-seated reasons behind this universal challenge.

But it’s not all theory—Jessica provides you with actionable steps to break free from these obstacles and start living a life aligned with your true passions and goals. In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why We Struggle to Name Our Desires: Understand the psychological and societal factors that keep us from prioritizing our own wants.
• Practical Steps to Identify What You Want: Learn how to create space for self-reflection, let go of limiting “shoulds,” and start dreaming big while taking manageable steps.
• Empowering Exercises: Engage with exercises like imagining your ideal day, creating a “No Limits” list, and the powerful “Why?” technique to dig deeper into your true motivations.
• Building Courage to Act: Gain strategies to overcome fear and take meaningful action towards your desires, supported by community and accountability.

Whether you’re feeling stuck, unfulfilled, or simply curious about your own aspirations, this episode offers the tools and inspiration you need to uncover and pursue what truly makes you happy. It’s time to prioritize yourself and embrace the courage to ask and go after what you want.

Tune in to Unlocking Your True Desires: What Do You Really Want? and take the first step towards a more authentic and fulfilling life. Don’t forget to subscribe, share with a friend who needs this, and visit livesofcourage.com to learn more about how you can work with Jessica to transform your life from the inside out.

Listen now and start your journey to discovering what you truly want!

In this episode of Lives of Courage, we dive into the importance of having a hobby—a creative outlet that’s just for you. So many of us feel stuck in the cycle of work and family obligations, leaving little time for ourselves. But finding a hobby isn’t just a luxury—it’s a form of self-care. We’ll explore the mental health benefits of crafting, share inspiring stories, and discuss the courage it takes to start something new, especially when being a beginner again can feel intimidating. Drawing inspiration from Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic, we’ll talk about the courage to embrace curiosity and creativity without fear of perfection or failure. Jessica also shares her personal journey with knitting, how it’s helped her through tough times, and why creating space for joy in your life is more important than ever. Tune in to learn why now is the perfect time to embrace your creativity and take that courageous first step toward finding your hobby.

Show Notes:

• CNN article: Making arts and crafts improves your mental health

• Crafts Council article: Crafts Council: 4 Reasons Crafting is Good for Your Mental Health

• Additional research on creative hobbies and well-being Google Docs source

• Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert