Better Than Happy

I’ve been a podcast listener since 2016 and a Be Bold/The Lab member since 2017. The other day, I had a truly transformative moment that made me realize just how much this work has shaped me slowly but surely. ( also quick note; I’ve only been coached live one time, in 2018, since then I’ve just been listening to coaching) For some context, I have two sons ( my oldest and second oldest) who came home early from their missions—one after just three months out in the field and the other within days of arriving in the country. Both had their own unique reasons, and my reactions to each situation were different. Neither experience was easy, but I managed to navigate those challenges as best I could, largely thanks to learning from Jody how to self-coach and doing the work. Here’s where the real power of this work showed up for me recently: I’m part of a Facebook group for missionary moms (which, truthfully, I still question why I stay in). I don’t log in often to FB but this time, the first post I saw was from a mom hugging her missionary goodbye, captioned with, “….Worst and hardest day of my life….” At first, my mind went to a snarky place: “Is it, though? Have you had not one, but TWO missionaries come home early—and one tell you he’s stepping away from the church?” But then, something amazing happened. I caught myself, then Instead of spiraling into shame or judgment, instinctively after I noticed the thought, got curious about it, and gave myself grace!!! I recognized that my reaction stemmed from my own life experiences. At the same time, I was able to allow space for this mom’s feelings, understanding that her experience is just as valid as mine. That shift allowed me to move from frustration of my experience “and that’s not hard, you think that’s hard?” to a place of genuine joy for her—that she has a missionary out spreading God’s message of love, even if my experience has been difficult and different. It was a profound and natural moment of growth, and it’s all because of this work. Thank you for giving me the tools to navigate life with more compassion for myself and have a better life experience! Truly BETTER THAN HAPPY!!

Those last couple of minutes in this episode where Jody says if business partners don’t come to a resolution then the one with responsibility gets to choose how to move forward…I wish THIS is how ward councils worked. I wish THIS was a belief held by bishops and other church hierarchy positions. Can Jody rewrite the church handbook?! Please! The Primary President is supposed to be the head of primary, the YW President, same, stop making everyone defer to the Bishop as the President of everyone. I know many wards are collaborating, but the handbook and “how to have a council” trainings leave too much room to interpret that the priesthood title is the deciding factor instead of the actual person doing the actual job….

Jody, I am a Spokane raised girl too! Love your approach and love your podcast. It opened my eyes! I’ve been a listener for 7 years now. Love your stuff! In relation to the gospel I feel like this thought work is laying claim to all my agency. I picture it like taking a broom and sweeping out all thoughts in my brain from all the small spaces and then using my agency. By sweeping it out and bringing it in the light I get to then lay claim to it and exercise my agency in regards to it! I’m claiming all my agency and by so doing I’m claiming all my power! So much freedom!

This podcast has changed the way I think, feel, and act. I always feel so motivated, ready to be an agent to act & not be acted upon after listening. Jody is entertaining, to-the-point, and full of wisdom!!