There's power in holding two perspectives simultaneously rather than falling into black and white thinking that dominates much of self-help literature. We can embrace both the gap (what we still want) and the gain (how far we've come), allowing us to celebrate progress while still pursuing growth.

• The gap is the space between where we are now and where we want to be
• Living only in the gap creates feelings of "not enough" and triggers unhealthy striving
• Many high achievers believe focusing on shortcomings is necessary for motivation
• Living in the gain means celebrating progress and acknowledging growth
• Contrary to fears, celebrating achievements actually accelerates progress
• Embracing duality allows us to hold both perspectives simultaneously
• Compassion is essential when moving between gratitude and desire
• Approaching goals from worthiness creates better results than approaching from lack
• Our self-talk broadcasts energy that either attracts or repels what we want
• Simple daily practice: reflect on achievements before bed rather than focusing on shortfalls

If this resonated, share it with a friend who needs to hear it today, and don't forget to subscribe to Balance and Beyond for full episodes and more of these bite-sized breakthroughs.

Thank you for joining us today on the Balance and Beyond Podcast. We're so glad you carved out this time for yourself!

If you’re keen to dive deeper into our world, here are our socials where you can discover more about the toolkit that has helped thousands of women create a life of balance.

Website: www.balanceinstitute.com
Podcast Website: https://www.balanceinstitute.com/podcast
Email: jo@balanceinstitute.com
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/stonejoanne
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betterbalanceinstitute/
Instagram: @betterbalanceinstitute

Thanks again for tuning in, and we'll see you next time on the Balance & Beyond Podcast!

What if one unexpected act of kindness could rewire a lifetime of armour? We sit down with peak performance coach and life strategist Jessie Torres to trace a path from long-term abuse and unimaginable loss to a grounded, joyful life built on worthiness, boundaries, and fierce grace. Jessie doesn’t tell a story to blame; she tells a story to reveal how meaning is made, how microtraumas lodge in our bodies, and how we can choose a different future even when the past feels heavy.

We explore the moment generosity “short-circuited” her old beliefs, the EMT course that became a lifeline, and the slow, steady practices that helped her leave an unsafe marriage and rebuild at 38. Jessie shares a deeply human framework for healing: seek light inside the dark, use gratitude as a doorway when you can’t get out of bed, and stop arguing with reality so suffering doesn’t multiply the pain. Along the way, we talk about why high achievers numb with doing, how perfectionism hides a worthiness wound, and why success without fulfilment always feels empty—no matter the title, net worth, or trophies.

This conversation goes beyond concepts into patterns you can spot today: late-night self-talk that tells the truth, relationships fraying from disconnection, autoimmune flares mirroring inner chaos, and the weary cycle of weight lost and regained when self-criticism leads the way. Jessie outlines how to dismantle armour gently—naming what it protects, setting clean boundaries, allowing help without debt—and how mothers can put themselves first so the whole family steadies around a well-rested core. Beneath it all is a return to the self that never broke: your innate divinity, the part of you that existed before the armour and waits patiently under it.

Listen for a blend of story and strategy, practical steps with soul, and a reminder that grief can be proof of love—and a bridge back to life. If this resonates, share it with a friend who needs hope today, subscribe for more conversations that honour ambition without burnout, and leave a review to help others find the show.

Head over to: www.iamfiercegrace.com for your free consultation with Jessie today!

Thank you for joining us today on the Balance and Beyond Podcast. We're so glad you carved out this time for yourself!

If you’re keen to dive deeper into our world, here are our socials where you can discover more about the toolkit that has helped thousands of women create a life of balance.

Website: www.balanceinstitute.com
Podcast Website: https://www.balanceinstitute.com/podcast
Email: jo@balanceinstitute.com
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/stonejoanne
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betterbalanceinstitute/
Instagram: @betterbalanceinstitute

Thanks again for tuning in, and we'll see you next time on the Balance & Beyond Podcast!

We explore the crucial difference between change driven by fear versus change pulled by desire, and why many women struggle to connect with what they truly want. This mindset shift is essential for breaking free from burnout and creating a life of joy and fulfillment rather than mere survival.

• Running from fear (the modern "lions" of bosses, inboxes, and perfectionism) creates unsustainable change and leads to burnout
• Sustainable change happens when we're pulled toward our desires, not pushed by fear
• Many women don't know what they truly want or don't give themselves permission to want it
• We create endless resentment by only allowing ourselves desires after meeting everyone else's needs
• Our analytical minds often strangle desires by demanding to know "how" before embracing the "what"
• Embracing desire requires developing a sense of worthiness that doesn't need to be earned
• True transformation comes when the fear of staying where you are outweighs the fear of the unknown

If this resonated, share it with a friend who needs to hear it today, and don't forget to subscribe to Balance and Beyond for full episodes and more of these bite-sized breakthroughs.

Thank you for joining us today on the Balance and Beyond Podcast. We're so glad you carved out this time for yourself!

If you’re keen to dive deeper into our world, here are our socials where you can discover more about the toolkit that has helped thousands of women create a life of balance.

Website: www.balanceinstitute.com
Podcast Website: https://www.balanceinstitute.com/podcast
Email: jo@balanceinstitute.com
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/stonejoanne
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betterbalanceinstitute/
Instagram: @betterbalanceinstitute

Thanks again for tuning in, and we'll see you next time on the Balance & Beyond Podcast!