Episode 25: What You Resist Persists – How to Stop Fighting and Start Flowing

Intro: Ever notice that the harder you fight something, the more it sticks? Resistance is sneaky, but it doesn’t have to keep you stuck.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why resistance shows up and what it’s really trying to tell you
• How leaning into discomfort can actually free you
• Tiny actions that help you move past blocks without forcing it
• How to shift from struggle to flow in work, life, and personal growth

0:00 Welcome to Purposely Peaceful

00:20 Personal Struggles and Resistance

01:15 Understanding Resistance

02:15 Overcoming Personal Resistance

03:43 Starting the Podcast Journey

06:36 Practical Steps to Overcome Resistance

11:03 Embracing Resistance

13:50 Finding Inner Peace

14:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

✨ Stay connected:

Want to see more of my real life and glimpses of peace? Follow me on

Instagram → @jess_riverak

Website → purposelypeaceful.com

If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love for you to rate and review it. Your feedback helps me continue to grow and reach more people who need this message!

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the host and are for informational purposes only. They are not intended as professional advice, and each individual should assess their personal situation and seek professional guidance when needed.

Episode 24: Trying to Control Life? This Is Where Your Power Really Lies

Do you catch yourself trying to control everything—your day, your relationships, even the smallest details? You might think it’s helping, but it’s quietly draining your peace.

In this episode, I dig into why the need to control is one of the biggest obstacles to inner calm, how it shows up in our lives, and what subtle shifts can completely change how you experience stress, relationships, and even love.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, frustrated, or exhausted by trying to force life to go your way, this episode is for you.

Press play and discover where your real power truly lies.

00:00 Introduction to Purposely Peaceful

00:22 The Peace-Killing Need for Control

01:38 The Domino Effect of Anxiety

05:05 Accepting Life's Surprises

06:30 Finding Your Person and Self-Worth

07:55 The Art of Surrendering

09:36 Focusing on Self-Growth

10:56 Reclaiming Your Inner Peace

11:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

✨ Stay connected:

Want to see more of my real life and glimpses of peace? Follow me on

Instagram → @jess_riverak

Website → purposelypeaceful.com

If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love for you to rate and review it. Your feedback helps me continue to grow and reach more people who need this message!

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the host and are for informational purposes only. They are not intended as professional advice, and each individual should assess their personal situation and seek professional guidance when needed.

Navigating the Search for Inner Peace in the Age of AI

AI Can’t Be Your Therapist: Why Peace Starts Within

In this episode, we dive into the quest for inner peace in a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence.

We explore how AI is being used for advice, guidance, and even emotional support—but why it may never truly replace the soul, intuition, and inner knowing that are essential for genuine peace. I share my personal experiences experimenting with AI, the lessons I learned, and the potential pitfalls of relying on technology for emotional and therapeutic guidance.

If you’ve ever wondered whether AI can help you navigate life’s challenges, this episode will remind you why listening to your own inner voice is irreplaceable. Stay tuned for insights on maintaining your individuality, personal power, and intuition in an AI-driven world.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the modern quest for inner peace in a tech-heavy world.
• How AI is being increasingly used for advice, validation, and emotional support.
• My personal experience experimenting with AI and what it revealed about human connection.
• The limitations and potential dangers of relying on AI as a therapist.
• Maintaining your intuition and individuality in the age of AI.
• The future of AI and its impact on personal power and emotional wellbeing.
• Practical reminders for keeping inner peace rooted in self-awareness, not algorithms.

Timestamps:

00:21 – The Quest for Inner Peace

01:02 – AI and Its Role in Our Lives

02:33 – Personal Experience with AI

04:36 – The Misuse of AI for Emotional Support

05:25 – The Experiment with AI Advice

09:10 – AI as a Therapist: Concerns and Implications

14:36 – The Future of AI and Personal Power

17:05 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Values or Bust: How Knowing What Matters Shapes Your Life

Everyone talks about values, but how often do we actually stop to think about ours? In this episode, I break down what personal values really are, why they matter, and how they serve as the guardrails of your life.

I share my personal journey of discovering my values—how clarity around my inner peace, health, and family transformed my choices, shaped my life, and even influenced how I interact with the world. From growing our own food and raising chickens to taking a year off to focus on my kids, I explain how living in alignment with your values can lead to more peace and fulfillment.

We’ll also explore:

• How values evolve with different seasons of life
• Why your values naturally connect with boundaries
• How respecting others’ values is part of the journey
• The importance of aligning your choices (even who you support as a consumer!) with your principles

I’ll share practical examples, lessons I’ve learned over the years, and a framework for using your values as a guide when life throws dilemmas your way.

Whether you’ve consciously defined your values or they’re operating quietly in the background, this episode will help you notice them, refine them, and live more intentionally.

Resources:

• List of Core Values to Explore

In this episode, I’m keeping it real—no fluff, no sugarcoating. Living with inner peace doesn’t happen overnight, and sometimes the truth stings before it sets you free.

I’m sharing a few of the guiding principles I live by every single day—the practices and perspectives that keep me grounded, mindful, and purposely peaceful even when life throws chaos my way.

You’ll hear about:

• Why “having no idols” frees you from comparison and attachment.
• How choosing to believe there’s no such thing as a bad person reshapes how you respond to others.
• Trusting that everything (yes, even the flat tire, the heartbreak, or the tragedy) happens with purpose.
• The role mindfulness plays in shifting your thoughts, assumptions, and reactions.
• How to navigate tragedy, news, and collective grief without losing your peace.

If this episode challenges you—good. That means it’s working. The path to peace takes awareness, self-discipline, and self-restraint, but it’s also the most rewarding journey you’ll ever walk.

💛 Join me on this journey to become more purposely peaceful.

Episode 20: Understanding Self-Sabotage: Transform Your Mindset for Growth

Do you ever feel like you’re standing in your own way? That little inner voice, your inner critic, can sometimes go too far and turn into self-sabotage—keeping you stuck in patterns that don’t serve you. In this episode, we break down what self-sabotage really is, why it shows up, and how we unconsciously punish ourselves. I share real-life examples and practical ways to recognize these patterns, check in with yourself, and start aligning with your positive truth.

You’ll discover how to:

• Spot self-sabotage before it takes hold
• Understand the role of your inner critic and ego
• Recognize patterns that keep you stuck or in reverse
• Identify triggers like fear, negative beliefs, or low self-esteem
• Take small, intentional steps to transform your mindset
• Build awareness of your habits, routines, and emotional responses
• Start shifting out of unhelpful patterns toward personal growth

If you’re ready to stop letting fear, doubt, or old patterns hold you back, this episode gives you tools to create clarity, growth, and a life more aligned with your true potential.

✨ Stay connected:

Want to see more of my real life and glimpses of peace? Follow me on

Instagram → @jess_riverak

Website → purposelypeaceful.com

If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love for you to rate and review it. Your feedback helps me continue to grow and reach more people who need this message!

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the host and are for informational purposes only. They are not intended as professional advice, and each individual should assess their personal situation and seek professional guidance when needed.

Epidemic of Depression: How to Reclaim Hope, Inner Peace, and Your Life

Ever feel stuck, unmotivated, or just… heavy? You’re not alone. In this episode, I dive into what I call the epidemic of depression, why it happens, and the 7 stages we go through—and most importantly—how you can start reclaiming your hope and inner peace.

• Depression can creep up on anyone—rich, poor, successful, or “living the easy life.”
• I break down the 7 stages of depression, so you can identify where you are and take action. Check out the 7 Stages of Depression in this blog post.
• Discover why ignoring your truth and suppressing what you really want can make the cloud grow heavier.
• Learn to recognize the early warning signs before things spiral out of control.
• Understand how life’s pressures, societal expectations, and “keeping up with the Joneses” contribute to feeling stuck.
• Explore the power of good anger—the energy that helps you reclaim your personal power and take back control.
• Hear why depression isn’t forever, and how cultivating inner peace can shift your life in ways you might not think possible.
• Filled with personal insights, practical perspective, and encouragement—you can absolutely pull yourself out of the funk and start moving toward joy today.

✨ Stay connected:

Want to see more of my real life and glimpses of peace? Follow me on

Instagram → @jess_riverak

Website → purposelypeaceful.com

If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love for you to rate and review it. Your feedback helps me continue to grow and reach more people who need this message!

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the host and are for informational purposes only. They are not intended as professional advice, and each individual should assess their personal situation and seek professional guidance when needed.

Episode 18: Following Your Heart: The Nudge You’ve Been Ignoring

Have you ever felt a pull in your heart toward something you’re meant to do? That little nudge—your intuition—can be hard to follow, especially when fear, self-doubt, or past experiences get in the way.

In this episode, I share my own journey of learning to listen to those nudges, face discomfort, and step out of my comfort zone. I talk about the challenges of being seen, handling discouragement, and trusting your heart over others’ opinions.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to notice the clues and nudges from your intuition
• Ways to overcome fear, self-doubt, and discouragement
• Why stepping out of your comfort zone is essential for growth
• How to stop playing the “Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda” game
• How following your heart can create positive ripples in your life

This episode is for anyone who wants to follow their heart, live fully, and create meaningful change.

00:00 Introduction to Purposely Peaceful

00:21 Discovering Your Inner Calling

00:53 Facing Inner Resistance

01:41 Listening to Your Higher Self

02:58 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Fear

05:48 Practical Steps to Follow Your Dreams

09:09 Recognizing and Following Clues

10:34 Embracing Your Unique Path

12:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

✨ Stay connected:

Want to see more of my real life and glimpses of peace? Follow me on

Instagram → @jess_riverak

Website → purposelypeaceful.com

If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love for you to rate and review it. Your feedback helps me continue to grow and reach more people who need this message!

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the host and are for informational purposes only. They are not intended as professional advice, and each individual should assess their personal situation and seek professional guidance when needed.