Episoder
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“I don’t like when things go according to plan”, said no one ever.
[02:10] It started with COVID in Mexico[03:50] Going to Costa Rica to regroup[05:45] Exploring the stunning nature of Costa Rica [08:32] Facing her fears and zip-lining upside down[12:44] Lessons learned from this type of experience[14:26] Being brave and facing your fears[16:54] Stories are meant to be shared
Let’s admit it - we LOVE it when things go according to plan. We love to be in control. And when something doesn’t go the way we want, it is very easy to start feeling stressed, frustrated, or even angry.
But if we let those feelings go, if we embrace this unexpected opportunity that life presented, if we open our minds to getting the most out of it, we might not just learn some very important and valuable lessons, but have more fun than we have ever envisioned!
In this episode, I am joined by a very special guest - an amazing woman who has been making this podcast successful behind the scenes for almost a year - my podcast manager Rosa Sarmento.
Today, Rosa is actually taking a seat in front of the mic and sharing her story about how she overcame her fears and created one of the most memorable life experiences while zip-lining upside down (I am not even kidding!) above the tree canopies in Costa Rica.
EPISODE BREAKDOWN:
Connect with Rosa Sarmento
LinkedIn: Rosa Sarmento
Instagram: @idea.blossoms
Website: ideablossoms.com
Email: [email protected]
OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
The Page About Freedom, Sitting on a Sidewalk, and the Ultimate Unknown (feat. Yeliena Theofilatos)
The Page About Firsts, Following Your Gut, and Senegal (feat. Ashlee Sang)
The Page About Ziplining, Adventurous Spirit, and Once in a Lifetime Experiences
The Page About the Mustang Convertible, Parking Brake, and Feeling Badass
Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life -
How often do you measure success by whether you achieved a specific result? You want to hit a particular number - on your watch, or your floor scale, or in your bank account.
[01:24] From hating physical education to loving being active[02:32] How running became a non-negotiable[04:14] Running in Houston[05:00] Wishing to participate in a real race[07:14] Preparing for the 5K race[09:14] The race has begun[13:47] The hardest part of the race[15:53] Reflections on success and my first real race
And you have to hit that number 100%, 99% doesn’t count.
You set expectations for yourself and then heroically try to meet them. And if you don’t, you get discouraged and blame yourself.
But let me ask you - what if those expectations were unrealistic in the first place? What if this number was impossible to hit no matter how hard you try?
I am here to tell you - there is a better way to measure success.
In this episode, I’m sharing the story of how I spontaneously decided to run a 5K race, the first ever in my life, how I did not come in first, or second, or even third, and how it still became something that I am super proud of.
EPISODE BREAKDOWN:
OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
The Page About Freedom, Sitting on a Sidewalk, and the Ultimate Unknown (feat. Yeliena Theofilatos)
The Page About Carefully Laid Plans, A Cold Shower, and a Perfect COVID Wedding Day
The Page About Doubts, Overthinking, and Getting Unstuck
The Page About Two Hands, One Head, and Prioritizing
Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life -
Manglende episoder?
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Imagine getting a little taste of freedom - being on your own, making your own decisions, doing anything you want, not having anyone looking over your shoulder. And it all tastes so good that you decide, “I want more of it! I am ready for it!”
[01:43] A harrowing story of eviction[06:09] The despairing aftermath[08:37] Lessons from the sidewalk[10:20] How Yeliena navigated the ultimate unknown[11:26] The secret to asking for help[12:41] A test from the Universe[14:28] Reflections and advice about sharing your story
But the Universe has an interesting sense of humor. And before you know it, you find yourself sitting on a sidewalk in a foreign country, and your suitcase is standing next to you, and you have no clue what you're going to do next from this point on.
Sounds too intense to be true?
In this episode, I am joined by Yeliena Theofilatos, and this is exactly what happened to her a month and a half after she and her friend came to Brooklyn NY as students for the summer.
Are you curious about what happened, how this story ended, and what Yeliena learned from it? Let’s dive in!
EPISODE BREAKDOWN:
Connect with Yeliena Theofilatos
Instagram: @mybloominghearthypnotherapy
Podcast: The Peace Grows Here
Website: mybloomingheart.com
OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
The Page About Firsts, Following Your Gut, and Senegal (feat. Ashlee Sang)
The Page About Freedom, the Tattoo, and Taking Charge of My Life
The Page About the Mustang Convertible, Parking Brake, and Feeling Badass
My First Date With the Power of Storytelling, and Where The Podcast Is Heading
Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life -
How do you build trust with people, especially in the business or corporate world?
[01:08] What I knew about confidence and trust building[02:25] A special project with my biggest client[03:22] The infinite cycle of adding to the timeline[04:47] The boiling point: when I finally woke up and realized something was really wrong[06:49] Meeting with the client while completely unprepared[09:20] Taking ownership of the project and making all the difference[12:28] What I know now about earning trust in the corporate world
I used to think that one of the best ways to do it is to always have an action plan ready, especially for when things go wrong - because this is how you show that you take responsibility, and responsibility is what earns trust and respect. Right?
But what if you don’t have a plan? What if you are put on a spot and don’t have all the answers? What do you do then?
Well, I might have found an answer to this question.
In this episode, I share the story of a crisis at work when I actually had no plan and no idea how to solve the problem, but I still stepped forward and was absolutely open and honest about it.
EPISODE BREAKDOWN:
OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
The Page About Firsts, Following Your Gut, and Senegal (feat. Ashlee Sang)
The Page About Business Ideas, Creating Space, and the Evolution of Our Stories
The Page About Doubts, Overthinking, and Getting Unstuck
Why “Fake It Till You Make It” Doesn’t Work And What To Do Instead To Build Confidence
Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life -
Raise your hand if you consider yourself a strong and capable woman.
[01:09] The crushing disappointment of an empty masterclass[03:49] Getting me to open up[05:52] The power of talking it out[06:48] How this “I’m fine” thing started[09:56] Demolishing the wall brick by brick
Now, let me ask you—what do you normally do when you face a challenge or a problem, or struggle with something? If you are anything like me, you probably just go ahead and solve this problem, or deal with this challenge, or handle this struggle - all on your own.
And when someone asks you if everything is okay and if you need help, you probably tell them, “It’s fine, I am fine, everything is fine”. Because you are a strong and capable woman, right?
Well, let me just say that if you are doing this, you might be missing out on something very important…
In this episode, I share the story of how I spent years building a very tall and thick “I am fine” wall around myself, and why now I am bringing it down—brick by brick.
EPISODE BREAKDOWN:
OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
The Page About Firsts, Following Your Gut, and Senegal (feat. Ashlee Sang)
The Page About Wishes, Two Marriages, and Magic
The Page About Freedom, the Tattoo, and Taking Charge of My Life
The Page About the First Time I Put Myself First, Really
Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life -
So often we want to know in advance what our life will look like, what decisions we will make along the way, and what results those decisions will lead to. We want to come up with the perfect plan today and then simply stick to it for the rest of our life.
[02:10] How she moved to Senegal for love[06:23] Dakar is a place of firsts that would shape her whole life[09:28] The sensory overload of living in Dakar, the capital[11:52] Ashlee’s biggest lessons from life in Senegal[13:55] Back to the USA: life after Senegal[15:48] Would Ashlee make the same choices if she could go back?[17:31] How Ashlee felt having shared her story[19:03] Ashlee’s message to everyone who thinks they’re not a storyteller
But life is not meant to be lived by a plan.
And as much as we want to predict the future, it cannot be predicted.
Instead, we can shape our future - by the steps we take every day.
And it all starts with firsts - actions, decisions, and events that shift the direction of our lives forever. They show us who we are, what we are made of, and what we stand for.
In this episode, I am joined by a guest - an amazing, passionate, brave woman and my dear friend Ashlee Sang. She is sharing her story about how the 4 years she lived in Senegal, a country that many of us haven’t even heard about, shaped who she is, what she stands for, and how she sees the world today.
EPISODE BREAKDOWN:
Connect with Ashlee Sang
Instagram: @ashleesangconsulting
Podcast: Purpose & Progress
Website: ashleesang.com
OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
My First Date With the Power of Storytelling, and Where The Podcast Is Heading
The Page About the First Time I Put Myself First, Really
The Page About the Mustang Convertible, Parking Brake, and Feeling Badass
The Page About Doubts, Overthinking, and Getting Unstuck
Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life -
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you sign up for something, “Sure, sounds fun, I’m in!”, but then later you are like “Holy crap what did I get myself into?”
[01:08] The problem: adventurous spirit + fear of heights[01:52] Ziplining for the first time in Austin[04:09] Planning our week-long family trip to Belize[05:21] The moment I realized what I had gotten myself into[07:34] Facing my fear in the amazing 7-platform ziplining experience[13:36] On the other side of my fear
Our life is all about choices, and this particular situation is no exception. You do have a choice — to either pull the brakes, back up, give up, change your mind (which is by the way the right choice to make in some cases!) or stick to it, go for it, take the leap.
And if you decide to take the leap, and if you do it for the right reasons — not because you are afraid that you’ll be named a coward but because you really want to find out what you are made of — you might be rewarded with a once in a lifetime experience!
In this episode, I‘m sharing a story about how I almost chickened out but ended up going 35 miles per hour on a zipline over the rainforest in Belize.
EPISODE BREAKDOWN:
OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
The Page About Private School Applications, Tough Choice, and Being Good Parents
The Page About Rock Climbing, Comparing Yourself to Others, and Facing Your Fears
The Page About the Sunken Kayak and Family Adventures
Live Your Life to the Fullest! 6 Reminders for Our Daily Lives I Brought Home From My Family Vacation
“Just do it!” The Worst Advice for Overcoming Fear (And What You Should Do/Say Instead) -
Has it ever happened to you that you really look forward to something, you can’t wait for it to happen, it means so much to you…
[01:23] The two types of people when choosing their wedding day[02:11] Then COVID 19 happened[03:45] After lots of uncertainty it looked like the wedding would really happen[04:44] I needed to wash my hair, but something wasn’t quite right with the shower[06:55] Sleep eluded me despite my best efforts[08:44] I had no choice, I guess it’s time for a freezingly cold shower[10:26] Food and mimosas save the day[11:13] It was the perfect day followed by lots of laughter
And then things go south, something unexpected happens, and it suddenly feels that this whole thing that you were looking forward to so much got completely ruined.
But did it, really?
Today’s page of the Breverie Handbook is about how my wedding day didn’t exactly start as I’d hoped it would (quite the opposite in fact), and how it ended with lots and lots of laughter.
EPISODE BREAKDOWN:
OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
The Page About Wishes, Two Marriages, and Magic
The Page About the Sunken Kayak and Family Adventures
The Page About the Mustang Convertible, Parking Brake, and Feeling Badass
The Page About the Christmas Tree, Big Ribbon Bow, and Perfection -
Being a parent is an impossible task. Doesn’t it feel sometimes that no matter what you do you can’t win?
[01:33] The Middle School Dilemma: public or private[03:35] The truly overwhelming application process[04:42] The emotional toll of prepping for the admission test[06:07] Questioning the decision we made for our daughter[07:02] Feeling guilty won't help, so I’ve got to stop feeling guilty[10:21] The rollercoaster of emotions of getting the results [11:59] A happy ending to the long journey
As parents, more than anything in the world we want to do what is best for our children. And yet, we constantly doubt ourselves, our abilities, and our decisions.
I wish there was an easy way to solve this problem, but I haven’t found one yet.
Tune in to learn the solution I have found so far.
Today’s page of the Breverie Handbook is really about reminding all of you parents out there that you are doing amazing. And that you are not alone.
EPISODE BREAKDOWN:
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The Page About the First Time I Put Myself First, Really
Reflecting on What It Means to Be The Best Parent For Your Kids
Embracing Life's Contradictions: Juggling Parenting, Solitude, and Motivation
The mistake I made on Mother's Day and the dark side of motherhood
Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life -
I heard someone say this recently: before telling your story, you need to wait a little bit. You need to let your story settle.
[01:32] Wanting to start my own business[02:26] The search for the perfect business idea[04:24] The solution: giving the search a rest and getting a tattoo[07:02] The birth of Breverie. Hint: it wasn’t the end of the story[08:15] The next chapter in my business’s story[09:13] The importance of taking the first step
It is very true - because, while you are still in your story, while you are still experiencing the events of your story, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to zoom out and to truly understand the learnings and the transformation that this story brings - in fact, you might still be undergoing this transformation!
And here is something interesting. Sometimes you might think that a particular story has ended – that you learned everything from it.
But then later, sometimes years later, you realize that what you thought was the end of the story is really a transition to the next chapter. Suddenly, you uncover new insights and new depth in your story.
In this episode, I’m sharing with you a story that I thought was over three years ago and that surprised me recently. It is a story of how I started my business.
EPISODE BREAKDOWN:
OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
The Page About Doubts, Overthinking, and Getting Unstuck
The Page About Freedom, the Tattoo, and Taking Charge of My Life
How To Actually Let Go Of Control And Take Charge Of Your Life Instead
Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life -
Sometimes we want to do something, we are about to do something, and we know we have the skills to do it. But then we start comparing ourselves to other people, and we fill ourselves with doubts.
[01:06] When your doubts, fears, and comparison keep you from doing something[02:25] Our family’s weekly rock climbing adventures[03:18] The two challenges we face when we go rock climbing[06:44] The goal: build up our physical and mental endurance and climb all the way to the top[09:00] Taking my turn after my husband failed to make it to the top[11:56] I did it!
We think to ourselves, “If they don’t do it, if they can’t do it, then I won’t be able to do it either - because they are so much better, or smarter, or stronger than me!”
But if we are brave enough to face those doubts, if we decide to do it anyway, we might get rewarded with the best possible feeling – the feeling of great pride and the biggest accomplishment. And it is in those moments that we discover what we are truly capable of.
In this episode, I’m sharing the story of how I confronted my doubts and fear of heights by rock climbing.
EPISODE BREAKDOWN:OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
The Page About the Mustang Convertible, Parking Brake, and Feeling Badass
Why “Fake It Till You Make It” Doesn’t Work And What To Do Instead To Build Confidence
“Just do it!” The Worst Advice for Overcoming Fear (And What You Should Do/Say Instead)
Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life -
You know what? Having doubts is okay. Being emotional is okay. Feeling stuck is okay.
[00:42] The two cases that make me feel stuck, helpless, and hopeless[02:49] Struggling to clearly express my vision, mission, and values[04:34] Step 1: Trying to do it myself, feeling stuck, getting help from a brand strategist[06:00] Step 2: Tweaking my offers, getting stuck again, getting support from a sales strategist[07:25] Step 3: Sitting down to write the website copy, feeling stuck, helpless and hopeless[09:13] A fresh perspective and a good night of sleep[12:02] Getting unstuck and feeling inspired to write
Because after a moment of doubt, a moment of confidence will come. After you let your emotions out, you will feel better. After you get stuck, you will always get unstuck.
Always.
In this episode, I share the story of my doubt-and-overthinking-filled struggles to make my brand, program, offers, and website reflect the new direction I’m taking in my business.
EPISODE BREAKDOWN:
OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
The Page About the Sunken Kayak and Family Adventures
The Page About the Mustang Convertible, Parking Brake, and Feeling Badass
How To Actually Let Go Of Control And Take Charge Of Your Life Instead
Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life -
I’m sure you’ve heard this saying before: “Be careful what you wish for. You might just get it.”
[01:44] The fear-driven wish: my first marriage[06:00] Rebuilding my life after my divorce[08:08] Trying out eHarmony because “I had to”[09:44] Enjoying being a single mom[11:27] Reflecting on my failed marriage and what I’d look for in a new one[13:17] The abundance-driven wish: a little nudge and my future husband
There is a different version of this saying, by American writer Laurie Halse Anderson, which I like better: “Be careful what you wish for. There’s always a catch.” And I believe that the catch is in the “why”.
So, in this episode, I want to share with you two stories that were driven by two different whys and how they led to two completely different marriages.
EPISODE BREAKDOWN:
OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
The Page About Freedom, the Tattoo, and Taking Charge of My Life
The Page About the First Time I Put Myself First, Really
How To Actually Let Go Of Control And Take Charge Of Your Life Instead
Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life -
What is freedom?
[01:05] A frustrating incident from my childhood[04:02] My daughter and I moved back in with my parents[04:49] Feeling like a guest and like I didn’t have a say in my life[06:49] My mom’s disapproval of my sister’s tattoo[07:31] When my daughter got sick and I got yelled at[09:21] The tipping point: deciding to reclaim my freedom[11:42] Getting a special tattoo and starting a new chapter
To me, it is about your right to be yourself. It is about letting go of that external pressure that we feel on our shoulders every single day, and finally giving yourself permission to be yourself. It is about openly expressing your thoughts, needs, and desires. It is about standing up for what you believe and pursuing your dreams. It is about being in charge of your life, owning your life.
In this episode, I’m sharing the story about the moment in my life when I was ready to reclaim my freedom, when I was ready to finally become who I am – who I have always been.
EPISODE BREAKDOWN:
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The Page About the First Time I Put Myself First, Really
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Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life -
What do we usually do when we want things to go perfectly? We come up with a plan, right?
[01:05] Spending time together as a family is important for us[02:33] The plan: snorkeling as a family in Belize[03:22] 2 big problems and 1 possible but complicated solution[05:13] The frustrated search for alternatives[06:02] We go for the kayak but there’s no fish to be seen[07:15] And… we almost sank our kayak[09:39] Getting back to shore safely: an unexpected adventure
But sometimes, things just don’t seem to work in our favor, no matter how hard we try. And we say, “screw it”, and we give up. But then, somehow we end up with the best possible outcome – something completely unexpected, but that makes our day!
In this episode, take a trip to Belize with me as I tell you about a family adventure that didn’t really go according to plan, and how instead it turned out to be so much better.
EPISODE BREAKDOWN:
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Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life
Ask Olena: My Proven Strategy to Actually Unplugging and Enjoying a Family Vacation -
We are often hesitant to set priorities because we feel that once we choose one thing over the other, it automatically means that it’s more important, period. And especially when it comes to prioritizing “work” over “life”, or “life” over “work”, this choice seems to be impossible to make, or it causes feelings of guilt and shame.
[01:15] High expectations for our much-awaited vacation[02:37] Life throws some wrenches in my plans[04:07] Everyone is clamoring for my attention all at once[06:21] How I took back control and navigated my clashing priorities[08:32] Finding peace by making choices aligned with my values
And then we force ourselves to an impossible task – to do everything at once.
In this episode, I’m sharing a story about a time when everything got thrown at me all at once, all of which were equally important (family, work, and vacation), and I had to make some hard choices.
EPISODE BREAKDOWN:
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How To Actually Let Go Of Control And Take Charge Of Your Life Instead
Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life
Embracing Life's Contradictions: Juggling Parenting, Solitude, and Motivation
My 5 favorite tips on how to be productive without overwhelm - getting LESS done can actually help you achieve MORE -
Sometimes you spend years building your perfect life, or what you think is your perfect life. And then something happens, it all falls apart and it feels like your life is over now - because everything you’ve been working towards is not there anymore. But in fact, it might be not the end, but the beginning of your unique life.
[01:01] I thought I had it all sorted out[01:26] When I realized something was wrong[03:15] How NOT fine my marriage was[04:53] Realizing I deserve better but being full of doubts[06:35] The opposite of love [08:11] The turning point
In this episode, I share with you the first time in my life when I ever really put myself first. It’s the story of the decision I made eight years ago to file for divorce.
EPISODE BREAKDOWN:
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How To Actually Let Go Of Control And Take Charge Of Your Life Instead
Reflecting on What It Means to Be The Best Parent For Your Kids
Navigating Pivotal Moments In Life: How To Get Unstuck and Discover Your Next Step When You Feel Lost
Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life -
We often measure our success, or how cool and bold we are by the specific actions we take, and by the results of these actions. And if for some reason we fail, we immediately start doubting ourselves and our worth.
[00:56] Convertibles and the real California dreamin’[01:42] Planning our incredible trip to explore Hawaii[02:55] The adventure begins with a beautiful bright orange Mustang convertible[03:49] I’m new to driving and make a stupid and embarrassing mistake[07:35] Sometimes all you need is a nudge to help you see the forest, not just the trees, and remember you’re already cool and badass
In this episode, take a trip to Hawaii with me and learn how I went from super embarrassed and beating myself up to feeling badass, proud, and ready to laugh about it.
EPISODE BREAKDOWN:
OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
Ask Olena: Why Feeling Stupid and Feeling Badass Go Hand in Hand (and It is The ONLY Way to Mastery)
Live Your Life to the Fullest! 6 Reminders for Our Daily Lives I Brought Home From My Family Vacation
Ask Olena: My Proven Strategy to Actually Unplugging and Enjoying a Family Vacation
Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life -
Sometimes we think that what we want is perfection. But really, what we are looking for is to be able to share our joy and excitement with someone we love - to experience it together, and to create new memories, together.
[00:59] One day I look forward to every holiday season[01:51] My vision for the absolutely perfect Christmas tree[03:29] Our Christmas ornaments shopping adventure[05:53] It’s time to decorate the Christmas tree with my family[09:30] It was never really about perfection
Today's page of the Breverie Handbook is all about one realization that came to me on a Sunday evening in December as I was decorating our Christmas tree.
EPISODE BREAKDOWN:
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Reflecting on What It Means to Be The Best Parent For Your Kids
How To Actually Let Go Of Control And Take Charge Of Your Life Instead
Life Design 101, Part 1: What Does It Really Mean to Thrive in Life -
Telling personal stories is the most powerful and most understated self-discovery and personal growth tool ever invented.
It's like a handbook. Your memories and life stories are like pages in your very own life manual, and all you need to do is be willing to look through those pages, read through them, and learn from them.
Sharing your personal stories out loud is like making a peace pact with yourself. Once you let it out, once you give yourself permission to let it out – something that you kept deep inside for so long – it liberates you.
And it begins to finally make sense. Your life, your deepest thoughts and desires, your wildest dreams and aspirations, your biggest fears and doubts – you begin to get it.
My name is Olena Mytruk, and it took me a while to learn the power of storytelling. But once I discovered it, I never looked back.
I invite you to join me on this adventurous and inspiring journey as I flip pages of my Breverie Handbook trying to figure out what it really takes to be a hardworking, passionate, multifaceted woman in today’s world. - Vis mere
