Lives of Courage with Jessica Stong

Lives of Courage with Jessica
  • 5.0 (23)
  • Education
  • Updated Biweekly

Join Lives of Courage as we look at what creates and sustains everyday courage and living a life of strength, gratitude, and resilience. www.jessicastong.com

  1. 11/05/2024

    Wanting to Choose Hope Through Election Anxiety

    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. 💛

  2. 10/07/2024

    Unlocking Your True Desires: What Do You Really Want?

    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!

  3. 09/23/2024

    The Courage to Create: Why It’s Time to Find A Creative Hobby

    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

  4. 09/09/2024

    The Courage to Say No: And a Personal Journey to Reclaiming Time and Energy

    In this episode of Lives of Courage, we explore the powerful practice of saying no and how it can help you create a life that aligns with your passions and purpose. Drawing from personal experience and the philosophy of "If it’s not a Heck Yes, it’s a no," we discuss how setting boundaries and being intentional with your yeses can lead to more fulfillment and joy. I also share my recent decision to release podcast episodes every other week and how I regularly evaluate my commitments to ensure they still serve me. Tune in for practical strategies, key takeaways, and inspiration to reclaim your time and energy by embracing the courage to say no.

  5. 08/26/2024

    Navigating Life's Turning Points: Embrace Change with Courage

    In this episode of the Lives of Courage Podcast, we dive deep into navigating life's pivotal moments—those times when you know it's time for a change, but the path forward seems unclear. Whether you're considering a career shift, going through a personal life change, or simply feeling stuck in your current routine, this episode is for you. Join me as we explore how to embrace the unknown, set intentional goals, build a strong support system, and take actionable steps toward a more fulfilling life. We'll also discuss the importance of reflection and how it can guide you in staying aligned with your values and vision. If you're ready to turn your life in a new direction but need guidance on where to start, this episode offers the insights and encouragement you need to take that first step with confidence. Tune in and discover how to transform uncertainty into opportunity and navigate your journey with courage and purpose.

  6. 08/19/2024

    Recognizing the Signs of a Turn in Your Life

    Are you feeling stuck in a monotonous routine, going through the motions without any real sense of purpose or direction? In this episode of the Lives of Courage Podcast, Jessica explores the pivotal moments in our lives when we feel like we’re on a never-ending moving walkway, just coasting through each day. These moments of stagnation can be powerful signals that it’s time for a change—a turn towards a more fulfilling and vibrant life. Join Jessica as she delves into: Understanding the Moving Walkway: Identifying the feeling of being on autopilot and recognizing it as a sign that change is needed. Emotional Numbness and Dissatisfaction: Exploring how a lack of joy and persistent dissatisfaction can indicate that something in your life needs attention and adjustment. Low Energy and Motivation: Discussing how chronic fatigue and lack of enthusiasm can signal deeper issues that need to be addressed. The Foggy Future: Navigating the uncertainty and decision paralysis that comes with a lack of clarity about your future. Failed Attempts at Change: Reflecting on why previous efforts to change might have failed and the importance of a personalized approach to making meaningful adjustments. Resignation to Mediocrity: Recognizing feelings of resignation as a powerful catalyst for pursuing a life of purpose and joy. Physical and Emotional Exhaustion: Understanding how deep, pervasive exhaustion can be a clear sign that it’s time to reassess your path and prioritize self-care. Jessica shares practical tips and strategies for identifying these signs in your own life and taking actionable steps towards change. If you’ve been feeling unfulfilled or restless, this episode is your guide to recognizing the signs that it’s time to take a new direction in your life. Tune in and discover how to embrace these moments as opportunities for growth and transformation. Don’t miss this insightful episode of the Lives of Courage Podcast, where Jessica provides the tools and encouragement you need to take the first step towards a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

  7. 08/12/2024

    Becoming Your Own Best Boss - (Re)Learning Self-Accountability

    In this powerful and essential episode of the Lives of Courage Podcast, Jessica dives deep into the concept of self-accountability. Often easier said than done, self-accountability is about becoming your own best boss, holding yourself to the commitments you make, and trusting that you will follow through on your promises to yourself. Jessica explores why self-accountability is crucial for personal growth and fulfillment, how we often lose it over the years, and practical strategies to regain it. She discusses the internal and external challenges we face, from societal expectations to our own minds finding excuses. Through relatable examples and actionable steps, Jessica guides you on how to rebuild trust in yourself and stay committed to your personal goals. Tune in to learn: The importance of recognizing and challenging the "shoulds" in your life. The power of "naming it to tame it" to manage your emotions effectively. Practical strategies for setting clear, realistic goals and using external accountability. How to celebrate small wins and adjust your plans as needed to stay on track. Jessica also shares her personal experiences, offering insights and encouragement for anyone struggling to stay accountable to their own goals amidst life's demands. By the end of this episode, you'll have the tools and motivation to become your own best boss and live a life that’s truly aligned with your values and aspirations. Don't miss this episode packed with wisdom and practical advice to help you embrace self-accountability and achieve your dreams.

  8. 08/05/2024

    Pivoting When Things Don't Go as Planned

    In this episode of the Lives of Courage Podcast, Jessica dives into a topic that resonates with everyone at some point in their lives: what to do when things don’t go as planned. We meticulously plan, set goals, and envision a clear path forward. But life, in its unpredictable nature, often throws us curveballs, leaving us feeling disoriented, frustrated, and defeated. Join Jessica as she explores: The "Shoulds" We Create: Understand the expectations and assumptions we build about how life is supposed to go and how they set us up for disappointment. Name It to Tame It: Learn the powerful technique of acknowledging and labeling your feelings and thoughts to manage them effectively. The Art of Pivoting: Discover practical steps to adjust your approach in response to changing circumstances without giving up on your ultimate goals. Real-Life Examples: Hear inspiring stories of individuals who successfully pivoted and found new paths to their goals when life didn’t go as planned. Jessica provides practical strategies and real-life examples to help you navigate these challenging moments with grace and resilience. If you’ve ever felt stuck or disheartened when your plans fell apart, this episode is for you. Learn how to recognize, manage, and pivot effectively to stay on course towards your goals. Tune in to discover how to embrace life's unpredictability and turn setbacks into opportunities for growth and success.

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Join Lives of Courage as we look at what creates and sustains everyday courage and living a life of strength, gratitude, and resilience. www.jessicastong.com

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