This week I share some things I learned from my recent cycling trip to complete 225.1 miles of the Katy trail! Going on this adventure challenged me in many ways but by the end of it, I finished feeling strong and empowered! I hope that after listening to this episode, you are inspired to go on an adventure of your own. 😎 Life is way too short to keep making excuses!

Today I discuss:

• Why sleeping in a tent alone terrified me

• How being WAY out of my comfort zone gave me numerous growth opportunites

• The unexpected realization that my body wants to help me out

• Allison’s belief about people that proved to be true on the trail

• No matter how bad our country gets, nature continues to live and thrive

• My renewed sense of gratitude and reset on life

• It’s all in the way you look at it 🙂

Join me this week for this special sunrise edition of waking up with nature!

To me, there is nothing as peaceful as being immersed in nature, and today we do this together as I talk about the wildlife in my little part of the world and what it teaches me.

During this recording, I saw several flocks of ducks take flight from the pond in front of me, a glorious number of over twenty ducks in just forty minutes!

The red-winged blackbirds brought the beautiful background music as the sun peeked up quietly before being covered in clouds.

Stick around to learn some amazing facts about the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher! If you have not observed this bird in the wild, it’s high time you do! And though they are not as numerous in central Missouri, Jenna and I recently were lucky to watch several Flycatchers in action!

Last but not least, I finish this episode with a poem I wrote while sitting in nature the other day, called “The More That I Listen”. 🙂

*Next week, there will not be a new podcast episode due to my week-long cycling trip! See you all in two weeks!

Join me today as I talk about one of my favorite subjects ever… OUR BRAIN!

I have been learning from Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor’s new book, “Whole Brain Living”, and I am super excited to share how I am applying it to my life!

I discuss:

• The 4 parts of the brain

• The function of each part

• Understanding this can empower us to choose how we want to respond to each situation

• Why I don’t believe it should be about “Republicans vs. Democrats."

• How a mini cupcake gave me insight into my own brain

If you make it to the end of the episode, there is a real special treat for you! I act out a skit of a real scenario that happened to me last week while substitute teaching. 🙂 Zellle even makes sure to get in on the fun!

Here are the links to learn more about Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor!

Dr.Jill Bolte Taylor Interview Podcast

Whole Brain Living Book on Amazon

Her book is also available in quite a few other places, so feel free to check out your local bookstore and support small businesses!