Jess M Cutler - ENSPIRES Jess M Cutler

Dear Listeners,

As we approach the end of this year, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who has tuned in to my podcast. Your support and engagement have made this journey incredibly meaningful. This week's episode is a little different than normal, as I take a moment to share a rendition of "Where Are You Christmas?" a song that really speaks to me this year. I would also like to share a poem I wrote called “Who has time for Christmas?” This piece reflects the inner struggles many of us face in the midst of life's chaos and highlights the true essence of the holiday season. As I share my thoughts through song and verse, I invite you to join me in embracing the simplicity and profound meaning that this time of year holds. Your continued support means the world to me, and I'm excited to share this unique episode with you. Thank you for being a part of this journey, and here's to a season filled with love, joy, and reflection.

With love, 
Jess 

“Who has time for Christmas?”
I said to myself this year.
I’ve got goals and dreams and deadlines,
there’s no time for Christmas cheer.
Dinner with family and drinks with a friend, 
my day’s just a blur, I'm not sure where it starts and ends.
No time for shopping and wrapping presents and peace.
And don’t even start with me about cooking a feast.
I’ve got too much on my plate for the parties and fun.
You don’t understand -
I can’t stop til’ the job is done.
So I push and I press and I work and I write,
and I crash in the bed - barely able to sleep at night.
And I call this my purpose, living the dream,
Even though I feel something missing, maybe, it seems.
“What am I missing?!”
I ask God above,
I’m only trying to ‘glorify you’
and ‘serve others with love.’
Gently He reminds me, “What are you trying to prove?
Do you not think I can make mountains move?
You’re pushing and pressing and striving in stress,
so you’re missing the right motive,
that’s why your life is a mess.
I don’t need you to take on the world,
I just need you to be my little girl.
To sit in the stillness and come close to me,
to tell me your problems and find true peace. 
To rest in the knowledge that I sent my son
so long ago to get the job done.
To be born on this earth as a man among men,
to glorify me and die for your sins.
So all this driving and striving and stressing and strife
does me no good - if you’re not alright.
If you can’t stop for a moment to take a breath and see
that this season isn’t about another gift under the tree. 
It isn’t another event to be planned.
It’s not another dinner or drink with a friend.
It isn’t about shopping and cooking or worse...
It’s not about deadlines and what gets done first."

As I listened to Him and His words fell on my heart,
I knew I was missing was the most important part.
The presence of purpose in a pure heart of love
that began with a baby sent down from above
The knowledge and faith for His will to be done,
And not by my works - but through His son.
And no matter how hard or desperate I strive,
There's nothing He requires but to walk by His side.
To rejoice in this season with thankfulness and grace,
with no need to be running all over the place.
To stop for a second to remember why I’m here,
And not just at Christmas but all through the year.

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What does it mean to be an intentional leader?


We’re digging into this question and more with our amazing guest, Jeff Williamson, in this episode of the ENSPIRES podcast.


As you listen to Jeff share his story, you’ll learn how to be an intentional leader, how to use your God-given talents for good, and how to persevere in your endeavors even when you feel like you’re failing. If you’re looking for inspiration from like-minded leaders who can help you uplevel your leadership skills in life and business, you’re going to love this one.


Jeff Williamson is the owner and operator of Coastal Leadership Coaching. Jeff is a dynamic leader with nearly 25 years of experience across multiple states and two countries, focusing on finance education, leadership, and coaching. Jeff recently released his first book, Still Marinating: Turning Your Journey Into Your Legacy, which shares his life experiences and lessons in a parable format. 


Topics covered in this episode include:


Using coaching as a tool to find the gold nuggets within yourself Why it’s okay to fail as long as you don’t quitWhat it means to be an intentional leader 
Join us on this journey to becoming the best leaders we can be.


All show notes are available at jessmcutler.com/podcast!


Resources Mentioned:


Read Jeff's Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKHJ5243?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details


Visit Jeff’s Website: https://www.coastalleadershipcoaching.com


Join Jeff’s Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/178513591685940


Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-williamson-bb7b8b7a/

Is there a right and wrong way to brain dump? 


Yes and no. You can (and should) brain dump in any way that works for you, but the best brain dumps leave you with a clear mind and a clear plan of action to move forward with. It just so happens that I have a process for that. Will you let me share it with you?


This episode of ENSPIRES is about how to stop the stress spiral and have a successful and productive brain dump. We’re recapping the three-step process to stop a stress spiral and diving deeper into the brain dump step so that you can see exactly how I brain dump my thoughts to clear my mind and make a plan. 


Topics covered in this episode include:


The two most common types of stress spiralsThe steps of a productive brain dump How to prioritize your tasks Tools you can use to help you with your brain dumps 
I want to reiterate that you should brain dump in any way that works for you, but if you’re looking for some guidance, I’ve got you covered.


All show notes are available at jessmcutler.com/podcast!


Resources Mentioned:

Download the Brain Dump Breakdown for a Thought Stress Spiral: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:c8651e82-3c71-43df-9690-8a431ee711b8

Download the Brain Dump Breakdown for a To-Do Stress Spiral: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:0f58f6e2-fc92-498b-9724-d412159cabc7

Learn More About ENFORMS: enforms.co

Sign Up for the ENFORMS Newsletter: enforms.co/newsletter

Does trying to lower your stress make you feel more stressed? 


I’ve been there, and I think I can help. 


This is the first installment of a two-part series on stress management. I’m sharing a three-step process you can use to stop the stress spiral. You know that feeling when the overwhelm takes over and you can’t think about anything else? Yeah, that. It’s not a fun experience and it holds you back from getting to work addressing the issue at hand. 


Learning to stop the spiral is going to help you lower your stress levels and in turn, improve your health. Less stress and better health? It’s a win-win. 


Topics covered in this episode include:


What causes a stress spiral Why the fight or flight response kicks in when you’re stressed How to use your breath to calm down 
Are you ready to learn how to stop the spiral and beat the stress?


All show notes are available at jessmcutler.com/podcast!

What is the secret to a fulfilling life? Why don’t we ask someone who’s lived one?


I’m honored to be joined by my mamaw (grandmother) Lucile Marshall for one of my favorite episodes of the ENSPIRES podcast to date. I sat down to chat with her about her life and hear some of the wonderful stories that I know she has to offer. 


You’ll hear about where her parents came from, when she met her husband, how she discovered her love of art, and how her faith has guided her through it all. 


We laugh, we cry, and of course, we talk and talk. Come and enjoy a heartfelt conversation between a mamaw and her granddaughter. This is the story of my grandmother’s life. 


Topics covered in this episode include:


What it was like to move away from home when you could only write letters and make an occasional phone call The beauty of doing what you love The simplicity of a fulfilling life 
If you enjoy hearing stories from a different time, you’ll love this one.


All show notes are available at jessmcutler.com/podcast!

Has anyone else been feeling uninspired lately?


That’s hard for me to admit, but I just want to put it out there. It can feel really lonely when you’re struggling but you’re seeing everyone’s highlights on social media and it seems like they’re all doing great. I want the ENSPIRES podcast to be a space where we can all show up and find love and acceptance no matter where we’re at, so this is me showing up as I am. 


I figured if I’m feeling burnt out and uninspired right now, I’m probably not the only one, so I wanted to share some tips for getting out of a slump and moving from burnout to balance, and it starts with simplifying your life. 


Topics covered in this episode include:


Holding space for yourself to not be okay even when nothing’s really wrong When strengths become weaknesses Getting out of the perfectionism spiralHow to move from burnout to balance Four ways to simplify your life 

If you’re here in the fog with me, I thought that this episode might help us find our way out together.


All show notes are available at jessmcutler.com/podcast!


Resources Mentioned:

Read A Minute to Think by Juliet Funt: julietfunt.com/book/