Is decorating early the secret to actually enjoying the holidays?

In this episode, Jessica and Kelly discuss their holiday preparations, including early Christmas decorations and family traditions. They also share their recent travel experiences, particularly a trip to a Notre Dame football game, highlighting the challenges of winter weather and the joy of reconnecting with friends.

Inside This Conversation:

• Decorating early for the holidays can reduce stress.
• The holiday season can be busy, but it's important to enjoy it.
• Twinkling lights create a cozy atmosphere in the home.
• Traveling during the fall can be easier before the holiday rush.
• Experiencing winter weather can be challenging but memorable.
• College traditions can strengthen friendships over time.
• Driving in bad weather requires caution and preparation.
• It's important to find joy in holiday gatherings with family.
• Sharing experiences with friends can create lasting memories.
• Don't hesitate to try new things, even if they seem daunting.

Chapters

00:00 Holiday Preparations and Traditions

03:30 Travel Adventures and College Friendships

06:25 Weather Challenges and Driving Experiences

12:10 Reflections on Fun and New Experiences

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holiday season, Christmas decorations, travel, Notre Dame, college friends, winter weather, family traditions, Thanksgiving, driving in snow, festive atmosphere

What if strength wasn’t about doing more, but about offering yourself grace?

In this episode, Jessica Colarco and Kelly discuss the pervasive feelings of guilt, particularly among women, and how to choose grace over guilt. They explore the importance of setting boundaries, practicing self-compassion, and redefining strength to include rest and self-care. The discussion also touches on parenting and the guilt that often accompanies it, emphasizing the need for self-acceptance and the understanding that worthiness is not tied to productivity.

Inside This Conversation:

• Guilt often sneaks into our everyday lives, especially for women.
• Burnout can manifest as quiet resentment and heaviness.
• Setting boundaries is a form of honesty and self-respect.
• Overcommitting leads to a version of ourselves that is not genuine.
• Resting is not laziness; it's a necessary part of self-care.
• Self-compassion helps counteract feelings of guilt.
• Grace allows us to acknowledge our worth without productivity.
• Parenting guilt can hinder our ability to teach resilience to our children.
• Choosing grace over guilt can redefine our understanding of strength.
• Practicing grace can create a ripple effect, encouraging others to do the same.

Chapters

00:00 Choosing Grace Over Guilt

02:59 Understanding Burnout and Boundaries

05:49 The Power of Self-Compassion

08:14 Redefining Strength and Rest

10:56 Parenting, Guilt, and Resilience

13:50 Practicing Grace in Everyday Life

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grace, guilt, boundaries, self-compassion, parenting, rest, burnout, mental health, personal growth, emotional well-being

How do we date in a world where privacy is fragile and connection feels digital?

In this conversation, Jessica and Kelly explore the complexities of dating in the modern age, touching on the rise of Facebook Dating, the challenges of identity and privacy in the digital world, and the evolving nature of relationships. They discuss the importance of compatibility and companionship in marriage, reflecting on personal experiences and societal expectations surrounding dating and relationships.

Inside This Conversation:

• Dating is a challenging topic for many, especially for those re-entering the dating scene.
• Facebook Dating has gained popularity due to its integration with existing social networks.
• Privacy and data sharing are significant concerns in the digital age, especially with dating apps.
• The evolution of dating has shifted from traditional matchmaking to algorithm-based connections.
• Companionship and shared values are crucial for long-term relationships.
• The perception of dating has changed with the rise of technology and social media.
• Scams related to identity theft are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
• Support from tech companies, like Facebook, is often lacking when issues arise.
• Understanding compatibility is essential in finding a life partner.
• Marriage can evolve over time, with companionship becoming a key component.

Chapters

00:00 The Quest for a Dating Expert

03:36 The Rise of Facebook Dating

06:21 Navigating Identity and Privacy in the Digital Age

09:17 The Evolution of Dating and Relationships

12:02 Compatibility vs. Attraction in Long-Term Relationships

14:48 The Importance of Companionship in Marriage

17:56 NEWCHAPTER

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dating, Facebook Dating, matchmaking, relationships, privacy, identity theft, companionship, compatibility, dating experts, digital age

What if the smallest “thank you” could transform your closest relationships?

In this conversation, Jessica Colarco and Kelly explore the profound impact of gratitude on relationships and emotional well-being. They discuss how expressing appreciation not only benefits the recipient but also enhances the giver's happiness. Through personal anecdotes and scientific studies, they highlight the importance of intentional gratitude in everyday interactions, emphasizing that small acts of appreciation can lead to significant positive changes in our connections with others. The discussion also touches on the vulnerability involved in expressing gratitude and how it can strengthen bonds between individuals.

Inside This Conversation:

• Gratitude is a powerful tool for transforming relationships.
• Expressing appreciation activates the brain's reward centers for both giver and receiver.
• A simple thank you can create a deep shift in relationships.
• Gratitude can be expressed in small, everyday actions.
• Vulnerability in expressing gratitude strengthens connections.
• Intentional gratitude can lead to increased happiness and well-being.
• Gratitude creates a ripple effect that spreads positivity.
• Specificity in gratitude makes it more impactful.
• Practicing gratitude can help alleviate anxiety and stress.
• Connection is built through small moments of appreciation.

Chapters

00:00 The Transformative Power of Gratitude

02:51 Gratitude in Action: Real-Life Examples

05:39 Building Connections Through Appreciation

08:22 The Vulnerability of Gratitude

11:12 Gratitude as a Daily Practice

13:49 Creating a Ripple Effect of Kindness

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gratitude, relationships, appreciation, connection, kindness, emotional well-being, communication, vulnerability, happiness, social bonds

How can movement become a celebration of what your body can do — not punishment for what it’s not?

In this conversation, Jessica and Kelly discuss their fitness journeys, focusing on their experiences with Orange Theory workouts, the importance of VO2 max for longevity, and the balance between physical and mental wellness. They share personal anecdotes about their challenges and successes in fitness, emphasizing the significance of recovery, body positivity, and the joy of feeling strong and capable. The discussion encourages listeners to find a form of movement that resonates with them and promotes overall well-being.

Inside This Conversation:

• Jessica expresses gratitude for her body and its capabilities.
• Kelly shares her experience with Orange Theory's Hell Week.
• The conversation highlights the fun and intensity of group workouts.
• They discuss the importance of cardiovascular health and VO2 max.
• Recovery is emphasized as a crucial aspect of fitness.
• Mental wellness is intertwined with physical health in their discussions.
• Weight loss is approached with a focus on health rather than appearance.
• Both women feel stronger and more capable through their fitness journeys.
• They acknowledge the societal pressures around body image and fitness.
• The conversation concludes with encouragement for listeners to find joy in movement.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Fitness Journeys

03:16 Experiencing Hell Week at Orange Theory

06:19 The Importance of Variety in Workouts

09:12 Understanding VO2 Max and Longevity

11:54 Tracking Progress and Health Metrics

14:30 The Role of Mental Wellness in Fitness

17:25 The Connection Between Weight Loss and Health

20:32 Building Strength and Overcoming Pain

23:18 Conclusion: Embracing Movement and Self-Care

27:44 NEWCHAPTER

fitness, health, Orange Theory, VO2 max, longevity, weight loss, mental wellness, exercise, recovery, body positivity

How can we hold both joy and struggle—and still feel grateful?

In this episode of Chasing Brighter, hosts Jessica Colarco and Kelly discuss the importance of finding gratitude amidst life's chaos. They explore how gratitude can shift our focus from negativity to appreciation, emphasizing that it doesn't erase pain but rather widens our perspective. The conversation includes personal anecdotes, practical tips for cultivating gratitude, and the significance of embracing both joy and struggle in our lives. The hosts encourage listeners to practice gratitude daily, highlighting its role in emotional flexibility and personal growth.

Inside This Conversation:

• Gratitude shifts our focus from what's missing to what's meaningful.
• Our brains are wired to scan for danger, leading to negativity bias.
• Gratitude doesn't erase pain; it widens our perspective.
• Genuine gratitude acknowledges both the good and the hard.
• Practicing gratitude can lead to biological changes in our brain.
• Finding gratitude in small moments can help us feel more content.
• Gratitude is a practice that can be developed over time.
• It's important to balance gratitude with acknowledging our struggles.
• Gratitude can be cultivated through simple daily practices.
• Embracing imperfections allows for growth and grace.

Chapters

00:00 Embracing Gratitude in Chaos

05:07 The Balance of Gratitude and Pain

10:04 Practical Ways to Cultivate Gratitude

15:00 Micro Moments of Gratitude

18:44 Reframing Daily Annoyances

21:00 NEWCHAPTER

gratitude, grace, emotional flexibility, positivity, mindfulness, parenting, self-care, mental health, personal growth, resilience

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Can high-achieving women really have it all—or are we burning out trying to prove we can?

In this episode of Superwoman Diaries, Jessica Colarco interviews Sarah Bolor, a licensed clinical social worker and founder of Say It Mental Health. Sarah specializes in helping high achieving women overcome burnout, perfectionism, and people pleasing. The conversation explores Sarah's journey into social work, her experiences with grief, and the challenges faced by high achieving women in balancing personal and professional lives. They discuss strategies for self-care, the importance of setting boundaries, and the impact of societal expectations on women's mental health. Sarah shares her insights on navigating motherhood while maintaining a career and emphasizes the need for self-compassion and positive self-talk.

Inside This Conversation:

• Sarah Bolor helps high achieving women break free from burnout.
• The importance of setting boundaries for mental health.
• Grief can be supported through community and professional help.
• High achieving women often struggle with perfectionism and people pleasing.
• Self-worth is often tied to achievements for high achieving women.
• Finding balance is more about aligning values than achieving equality.
• Daily self-talk can significantly impact mental health.
• It's okay to prioritize personal time and self-care.
• Women are often expected to manage the mental load at home.
• Professional development can coexist with personal enjoyment in reading.

The Fourth Wing Series

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Want to Learn More About Sarah?

Visit her website.

Visit her on Instagram.

What Sarah is reading: The Signs by Dr. Tara Swart.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sarah Ballour and Her Mission 03:29 Sarah's Journey into Social Work 06:18 Transitioning to Private Practice 09:11 Experiences Shaping Perspectives in Social Work 11:57 Navigating Parenthood and Professional Life 15:02 Grief and Its Impact on Personal and Professional Life 17:43 The High Achieving Woman: Challenges and Dynamics 20:23 Strategies for Overcoming Overwhelm 23:30 Daily Routines and Self-Care Practices 24:31 The Addictive Nature of Tennis 26:39 Finding Personal Time Through Sports 29:51 The Burden of Being a 'Good Girl' 31:32 Raising Responsible Children 32:46 The Importance of Self-Talk 34:21 Balancing Professional Development and Leisure Reading 37:52 The Impact of TV Series on Emotional Well-being 41:25 Connecting with Sarah Bolor, LCSW

mental health, high achieving women, burnout, perfectionism, social work, grief, self-care, boundaries, parenting, therapy

What if true confidence isn’t something you build—but something you rediscover within yourself?

In this episode, Jessica and Kelly explore the theme of building confidence through self-connection, particularly in midlife. They discuss the importance of introspection, recognizing disconnection from oneself, and the core practices that can help individuals reconnect with their values and desires. The conversation emphasizes that true confidence comes from within and is about being authentic and unapologetically oneself. They also provide practical tips for listeners to cultivate self-connection and confidence in their daily lives.

Inside This Conversation:

• Confidence is built through self-connection and introspection.
• Midlife is a time for rediscovering who you are.
• True confidence comes from within, not external validation.
• Recognizing disconnection from oneself is crucial for growth.
• Practices like journaling and mindfulness can enhance self-connection.
• Honoring your values is essential for building confidence.
• Celebrating small wins helps reinforce self-acceptance.
• Setting boundaries is a form of self-connection.
• Doubt is a natural part of the journey to confidence.
• Being unapologetically you is about being at home with yourself.

Connect With Us:

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books, podcasts, audiobooks, TV shows, makeup, recommendations, trends, reading, entertainment, parenting, midlife, trending, fall

Chapters

00:00 Building Confidence Through Self-Connection 07:16 Understanding Confidence vs. Self-Esteem 07:18 Signs of Disconnection from Self 11:16 Core Practices for Reconnecting with Yourself 15:17 Celebrating Wins and Setting Boundaries

confidence, self-connection, midlife, personal growth, introspection, values, authenticity, self-awareness, empowerment, self-acceptance