Living Your Sparked Second Half Laurie Wright

EP403: In today's episode, we're diving deep into a prevalent issue I’ve seen recently: the rise of mean behavior, especially targeting those who don’t deserve it but who are more accessible as online business owners. It's a topic close to my heart, as I've seen friends and business colleagues, like Nathania Stambouli, a devoted yoga teacher, and Valerie Trumbower, a compassionate nighttime doula, face unwarranted negativity despite their genuine intentions to serve and uplift others.
It's disheartening to witness the toll such negativity takes, not just on the recipients but also on the perpetrators' own well-being and the ripple effect of that bad energy. That's why I'm sharing a fantastic four-pronged approach that addresses the physical, mental, behavioral, and energetic dimensions of this issue.
By removing the tension in our bodies and training our brains to replace the impulse to lash out with acts of kindness, we not only enhance our own well-being but also contribute positively to the lives of those around us.
As homework, I want to leave you with a call to action: be the kindest person you know each and every day. Let's collectively make a conscious effort to reduce our engagement with negative news and cultivate a culture of kindness both online and offline. Join with me to improve humanity in this technological society we are so influenced by and model more compassion towards others.
If you'd like to hear how Nathania helps people around the world change their lives through yoga ninja moves, you can find our conversation here: https://www.notyouraveragegrandma.com/blog/episode128
If you'd like to hear about my experience attending one of Nathania's retreats in Greece, you can find our conversation about that here: https://www.notyouraveragegrandma.com/blog/episode173 
If you'd like to hear about what Valerie does to help new mom's with their babies, you can find our conversation here: https://www.notyouraveragegrandma.com/blog/episode234 
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe to (or follow) this podcast so you don't miss any new episodes.
You can also sign up for my newsletter on my website, or if you'd like to connect with me, you can email me at lauriewright@notyouraveragegrandma.com or send a message using any of the sites below:

Website: https://www.notyouraveragegrandma.com                 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurieColvinWright                  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/not_your_average_grandma               YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NotYourAverageGrandma        
 
Note: Not Your Average Grandma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

EP402: In today’s episode, I share my personal journey through a profound realization that led to a heartbreak; however, not the the kind you usually associate with heartbreak. It wasn’t a romantic breakup, but a business one that resulted in a significant professional and personal shift. 
Initially contemplating this topic, I decided to draw guidance from energy oracle cards, and the card drawn — an upside down 'broken heart' — was a true sign that this story of renewal and hope after an unexpected and painful discovery.
I recount my past four and a half years being heavily invested, both financially and emotionally, in an online business community led by a mentor I deeply admired. However, disillusionment struck as I discovered inconsistencies between the mentor's portrayed values and reality. This revelation forced me to reassess my path, leading to disengagement from the community and mentor that once defined a significant part of my identity and purpose.
Throughout the episode, I delve into the process of realignment with my values, the importance of maintaining objectivity, and the necessity of being open to diverse opportunities and perspectives. Sharing the three lessons I re-learned as I move forward with my personal journey.
By openly sharing my personal story of heartbreak, transition, and eventual resurgence, I aim to inspire you to embrace change, trust your journey, and remain true to yourself. Let this episode serve as an example to all that every experience, especially the most challenging ones, is an opportunity for growth and renewal. Join me as I discuss the complexities of unexpected change and the lessons most of us need to be reminded of again and again.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe to (or follow) this podcast so you don't miss any new episodes.
You can also sign up for my newsletter on my website, or if you'd like to connect with me, you can email me at lauriewright@notyouraveragegrandma.com or send a message using any of the sites below:

Website: https://www.notyouraveragegrandma.com                
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurieColvinWright                 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/not_your_average_grandma              
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NotYourAverageGrandma       
 
Note: Not Your Average Grandma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

EP401: Meet Heather Rivera, a woman whose story is nothing short of extraordinary. I met Heather on my recent yoga retreat in Thailand and thought her story of finding her way to her authentic self, despite the pressure to be someone she wasn’t, just had to be shared as proof that true happiness can only be found when we follow our own path - no matter how winding the road may be.
Raised in a cult, Heather's early years were marked by turmoil, uncertainty, and a feeling that what she was being told simply didn’t add up. Something deep inside of her had a knowing that kept her questioning the “rules” she was being told to follow. 
Unfortunately, the turmoil that stirred within her, led her down the path of drug and alcohol addiction as she attempted to navigate her way out of the cult, but through this difficult journey, Heather ultimately found her way to sobriety, tapping into her inner strength and unearthing her passions that led her to a fulfilling career path.
In this episode we talked about:
The challenges and confusion she faced during her early years being raised in a cult.
The struggles and obstacles she encountered on her journey to overcome her addictions.
The many twists and turns that grew her confidence and fulfillment in her professional life.
Her belief in the inherent potential for growth and learning in every situation.
One of the most inspiring aspects of Heather's story is her unwavering belief in the value of every experience, no matter how challenging. The example of her failing business and how she’s successfully rebounded from that experience reminds us that adversity can be a catalyst for personal transformation, and there is always an opportunity around the corner, even in the darkest of times.
Heather truly embodies the spirit of adventure and fearlessness, embracing new opportunities with enthusiasm and determination. But the best part is that Heather is exactly who she is meant to be, ensuring her a fully sparked future! 
Tune in to hear Heather's inspiring story and get inspired to stay true to yourself and walk the path that is only yours. 
Other ways to find and connect with Heather are:
Website: https://heatherriveradesigns.com/ Contact: https://heatherriveradesigns.com/pages/contact Corporate Website: https://thevosteam.com/ 
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe to (or follow) this podcast so you don't miss any new episodes.
You can also sign up for my newsletter on my website, or if you'd like to connect with me, you can email me at lauriewright@notyouraveragegrandma.com or send a message using any of the sites below:

Website: https://www.notyouraveragegrandma.com               Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurieColvinWright                Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/not_your_average_grandma             YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NotYourAverageGrandma     
 
Note: Not Your Average Grandma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

EP400: In this special episode, I share the gifts I got as a result of my recent inspirational trip to Thailand, offering reflections on what I learned, what I was reminded of, and how I want to move forward in life for at least the near term, and most important, how crucial unplugging is for the soul.  
I talk about my surprises with the long-haul flight, the revelations about Thailand, and the passion that was reignited by this trip and what inspired action it led me to take. I also include a review of some of the travel purchases I shared in Episode 396 before I left highlighting what worked and what didn't.
All in all, this episode is a narrative that captures the essence of travel as a catalyst for change and self-discovery. Let it inspire you to plan an adventure that will allow you to unplug, listen for those inner whispers that could alter your path forward, and gain the knowledge you need to be fulfilled in the time you have left.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe to (or follow) this podcast so you don't miss any new episodes.
You can also sign up for my newsletter on my website, or if you'd like to connect with me, you can email me at lauriewright@notyouraveragegrandma.com or send a message using any of the sites below:

Website: https://www.notyouraveragegrandma.com  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurieColvinWright   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/not_your_average_grandma   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NotYourAverageGrandma    Note: Not Your Average Grandma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

EP399: In today’s episode, I’ve invited a past guest, Rita Black, who is a clinical hypnotherapist and leading expert in the fields of smoking cessation and weight loss, to join me again because our last conversation was so powerful, and it’s worth hearing again. Plus she has something special coming up that, if you’re curious about trying hypnosis for weight loss, I want you to know about.
Not only is Rita the author of the best-selling book "From Fat to Thin Thinking: Unlock Your Mind for Permanent Weight Loss," she also hosts her own podcast called "Thin Thinking."
I’ve split this episode into two parts with the first part the highlights of our last conversation in June of 2023 and the second part being an new conversation where we delve deeper into Rita's methodologies for facilitating lasting change through hypnosis, emphasizing the significance of shifting subconscious beliefs and identities that can shift seemyly unbreadkable habits in just one session, like the session she experienced that changed the trajectory of her life and, more importantly, her health.
This episode includes so many great nuggets of information including:
How one hypnosis session helped her kick her 30+ year smoking habit.
How her personal experience lit a fire within to learn hypnotherapy so she could help people struggling with the problems she had overcome with hypnosis.
Her personal experience with bulimia and her perspective in the dieting industry 
Her tips for breaking free from destructive habits and achieving success in weight loss and smoking cessation 
Rita recounts her transition from Hollywood script writer to hypnotherapy and the pivotal role hypnosis played in her personal evolution. Her expertise and practical strategies will inspire you to make lasting changes and step into the second half of your life with renewed vitality.
If you’re seeking a weight loss solution and would like to check out Rita’s FREE weight loss masterclass, Breaking Free: Mastering Your Mindset for Lasting Weight Release, which includes a light hypnosis session, check it out by CLICKING HERE. This approximately 75-minute masterclass will walk you through how to remove the subconscious weight barriers that keep you struggling. Definitely worth the time spent!
This episode offers invaluable insights into personal transformation, tackling challenges related to smoking and weight, and the profound impact of hypnosis. 
Other ways to find and connect with Rita are:
Podcast: https://podcast.shiftweightmastery.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShiftWeightMastery Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiftweightmastery/ 
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe to (or follow) this podcast so you don't miss any new episodes.
You can also sign up for my newsletter on my website, or if you'd like to connect with me, you can email me at lauriewright@notyouraveragegrandma.com or send a message using any of the sites below:

Website: https://www.notyouraveragegrandma.com              Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurieColvinWright               Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/not_your_average_grandma             YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NotYourAverageGrandma    
 
Note: Not Your Average Grandma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

EP398: Today’s guest is Mary Jo Hoffman, a former aeronautical engineer turned artist and photographer, who shares her transformative journey from engineering to becoming a full-time “still” photographer who engages deeply with the natural world through a daily creative practice.
Mary Jo is celebrated for a 100 day project, where she commited to take one photograph of nature every day. That daily commitment not only surpassed its first 100 days but has continued over several years resulting in stunning photographs. 
In this episode we talked about:
Her transition from aerospace engineer to artist in her mid-40s and now a published author at age 59.
The inspiration behind her ongoing project, "STILL," and her daily ritual of capturing still photos of nature.
Reflections on the importance of embracing creativity and noticing the beauty in the everyday.
The importance of being present and how creative practices are a channel for that.
Our discussion also covered the interesting relationship between creativity and mathematics and gave encouragement to embark on your own 100 day creative journey. 
Mary Jo's husband, Steve, is a food writer, and their experiences as a family living in France further enrich our discussion, highlighting how embracing creativity and mindfulness can lead to fulfilling second acts in life.
Other ways to find and connect with Mary Jo and her husband are:
Website: https://stillblog.net/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryjohoffman/ Mary JO's Book: STILL: The Art of NoticingSteve Hoffman's Book: A Season for ThatSteve Hoffman’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sjrhoffman 
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe to (or follow) this podcast so you don't miss any new episodes.
You can also sign up for my newsletter on my website, or if you'd like to connect with me, you can email me at lauriewright@notyouraveragegrandma.com or send a message using any of the sites below:

Website: https://www.notyouraveragegrandma.com              Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurieColvinWright               Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/not_your_average_grandma             YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NotYourAverageGrandma    
 
Note: Not Your Average Grandma is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.