In this episode of The Purposeful Shift, we begin to gently move forward.

Following recent episodes that explore around your why, purpose and Ikigai, this episode shifts the focus from reflection to what comes next. It explores future-focused thinking - how to release the weight of the past, realign your mindset, and begin creating your next chapter from a place of belief rather than fear.

We explore why we often stay anchored in the past, how that shapes our thoughts and energy, and how small mindset shifts can help you step into a more expansive and possibility-focused way of thinking.

Affirmations to try:

• I am creating more ease in my work
• I am attracting aligned opportunities
• I am becoming the woman I have always wanted to be

Reflection questions:

• What am I ready to stop carrying into my next chapter?
• What beliefs or fears am I ready to release?
• What version of me am I ready to say thank you to and outgrow?
• What am I ready to release before the summer solstice (21st June)?
• How do I want to feel in the second half of 2026 - emotionally, mentally and energetically?
• What would my future self thank me for doing today?

This episode encourages you to give yourself permission to look ahead, to think differently, and to take small, aligned steps towards the version of you that already exists beneath the surface.

Your future isn’t something you wait for - it’s something you begin creating, moment by moment, step by step, action by action.

If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear your reflections. You can connect with me on Instagram at @thepurposefulshift or add your comments below.

You can also find out about upcoming in-person workshops where we dig deeper into some of these topics on my website: www.emmabryant.co.uk/the-purposeful-shift/

And if you haven’t already, don’t forget to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss next week’s episode.

Thank you for sharing your day with me today.

In this episode of The Purposeful Shift, Emma introduces the Japanese concept of Ikigai, often translated as “reason for being,” and explores how it can help you reconnect with purpose, joy and meaning in your everyday life.

Building on earlier conversations around your why and redefining success, this episode offers a simple way to reflect on four key areas: what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs and what you can be paid for.

Rather than searching for one perfect answer, Ikigai encourages you to notice where these areas overlap and what feels most aligned for you right now, or put another way, if your daily activities have intersected with the four circles, your life should feel more aligned.

Emma shares a personal example to bring this to life and reminds us that Ikigai is not just about work or big life changes, but also about the small moments that bring a sense of joy and meaning. As described by Ken Mogi, it can be as simple as “waking up to joy.”

Reflection prompts from this episode:

• What do I love?
• What am I good at?
• What does the world need (for me)?
• What could I be paid for?

Follow up questions:

• Where do I see overlaps or patterns?
• What feels most aligned for me right now?
• How could I bring more of this into my everyday life?

You can explore more of Ken Mogi’s perspective on his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHhEq24QNZ-WyDf74yFQHVg

A version of the Ikigai Venn Diagram can be seen on Alamy: https://www.alamy.com/ikigai-interpretation-of-japanese-lifestyle-concept-a-reason-for-being-as-a-balance-between-love-skills-needs-and-money-vector-venn-diagram-image599250047.html

Or by searching on Google ‘Ikigai Venn Diagram’.

If you are enjoying these podcasts, please subscribe wherever you listen and get notifications for regular weekly episodes and all bonus episodes!

You can also connect with Emma on Instagram: @thepurposefulshift

Thanks for listening!

In this episode of The Purposeful Shift, Emma is joined by writer and songwriter Allison O’Neill for a wide-ranging and deeply thoughtful conversation about intuition, travel, community, spirituality and having the courage to follow a path that does not always make sense on paper.

Allison shares how, in her twenties, she began asking the question so many women quietly ask themselves: “Is this it?” What followed was a powerful journey of travel, self-discovery and spiritual awakening that took her across Mexico, America and Africa, and eventually into a much deeper relationship with nature, freedom and inner knowing.

Together, Emma and Allison explore what it means to listen to the signs, trust your heart and step away from the expectations that shape so much of modern life. Allison speaks openly about the moments that changed her, the vision she carries for a more connected and community-based way of living, and why she believes this is a significant year for courage, change and speaking up.

This is a rich and inspiring conversation for anyone who feels the nudge to live differently, trust themselves more deeply, or begin following a path that feels more true.

Follow Allison’s work:

Substack: https://wellspringwisdom.substack.com/

YouTube: https://youtube.com/watch?v=lXmGKXgds7g&si=f_zaSCfeBu-dR55V

And you can find Allison on Facebook by searching 'Allison O'Neill'.