Episódios

  • Entrepreneurship can bring unique challenges, especially for those who invest their heart and soul into their work. Today, I share a question that has profoundly impacted my life and business: "How would you like to spend your time on earth?" Reflect on this question to reconnect with your vision and live it day-to-day.

    Tune in to Discover:

    The importance of self-care in entrepreneurship.A powerful question that can realign your life and business: "How would you like to spend your time on earth?"Practical tips on maintaining individuality and authenticity in your business.How to craft a fulfilling life beyond mere success by integrating purpose and meaning into your daily activities.

    Thank you for joining me on this journey. Stay tuned for upcoming workshops and a new membership program designed to support heart-based entrepreneurs like you. Sign up for my email list at laurenpolly.com and download my new ebook, The Resiliency Roadmap, to continue this conversation.

    Reflect on the powerful question we discussed, let it resonate within you, and see what shifts it brings. Here’s to building a life and business that not only succeed but also bring profound fulfillment and joy. Until next time, take care and stay light!

  • Welcome to episode six in the Resiliency Roadmap series. This series accompanies my brand-new ebook, Resiliency Roadmap, focusing on entrepreneurial well-being.

    Today, we're diving into managing pressure through mindful decisions. If you're a sensitive person, an empath, or someone who runs a caring business, you might be more attuned to the ups and downs of the world. This sensitivity can lead to heightened reactions to the energies around you.

    In episode three, we discussed energy dynamics, and today's episode goes hand in hand with that topic. We're addressing the importance of emotional regulation and how to avoid making decisions based on a dysregulated state.

    Tune in to discover:

    How to identify and manage your emotional baselineTechniques to maintain emotional regulation in high-pressure situationsThe importance of self-awareness and practical self-care for entrepreneursStrategies to handle reactive decisions and stay calm under pressureReal-life examples of managing stress and staying balanced

    As someone who has navigated a journey with mental health, I understand the challenges of staying emotionally regulated. It's not about maintaining a calm sea but about riding the waves without getting rocked.

    Key Takeaways:

    Weekly and Daily Check-ins: Regularly assess your emotional load and baseline stress levels.Identify Triggers: Recognize what sets you off and develop strategies to manage these triggers.Proactive Self-Care: Incorporate self-awareness and self-care into your daily routine.Body Awareness Techniques: Use body positioning and breathing exercises to stay grounded.Strategic Decision-Making: Avoid making decisions based on a dysregulated state by allowing yourself space and time to respond thoughtfully.

    This episode provides practical tips and personal anecdotes to help you navigate the pressures of entrepreneurial life. Whether you're dealing with clients, managing a team, or facing creative challenges, these insights will help you maintain your emotional balance and make mindful decisions.

    If you haven't yet, download my free ebook, Resiliency Roadmap HERE. And I'd love to hear your feedback on this series and what other topics you'd like to explore.

    Stay tuned for the final two episodes in this series, where we'll discuss individualism in business and life beyond success. Have an amazing week, and as always, I will chat with you soon!

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  • Welcome to Episode 248 of the Lighten Up Podcast. Today, we dive deeper into our Resiliency Roadmap series with a critical discussion on self-care in leadership. This episode isn't just for CEOs or those with large followings; it's for every entrepreneur who leads their business and life, even if you're a solopreneur or just starting out.

    Today, we're challenging myths about self-care and leadership in entrepreneurship. We often fall into the trap of neglecting our own needs, even when our business revolves around helping others find balance and wellness. I share insights from my own journey and from working with others, like a yoga teacher who was so caught up in teaching others that she no longer practiced yoga for herself.

    Tune in to Discover:

    The Importance of Self-Care for Leaders: Why maintaining your own wellness is crucial, not just for your health, but for the authenticity and success of your business.Redefining Leadership: How every entrepreneur is a leader and why embracing this role can change how you approach your business and personal growth.Practical Leadership Strategies: Tips for integrating effective self-care into your busy schedule without feeling selfish or guilty.

    Key Takeaways:

    Acknowledge Your Leadership: Reflect on what being a leader means to you and how redefining this could impact your business and personal life.Bust Myths About Self-Care: Overcome feelings of guilt associated with taking time for yourself and recognize the necessity of filling your own cup.Practical Self-Care Tips: Strategies to know your limits, redefine productivity, and manage transitions effectively between different roles in your life.

    Whether you identify as a leader or not, this episode will help you see yourself in a new light, encouraging you to take command of both your business and your personal wellness. Self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a fundamental aspect of leading successfully and sustainably.

    🎧 Listen now to embrace your role as a leader and learn why self-care is your secret weapon in entrepreneurship.

    Remember, being a leader isn't about the number of people who follow you; it's about leading your life and business with intention and care. Join me as we explore how embracing our roles as leaders can transform our approach to business and life.

    Make sure to download your free copy of the "Resiliency Roadmap" eBook for more in-depth insights and tools: https://bit.ly/resiliencyroadmap

  • The Entrepreneur's Edge—Mind-Body Connection

    The next segment of our Resiliency Roadmap series. This episode is dedicated to all entrepreneurs who strive not only for business success but for a well-rounded and fulfilling life by nurturing their mental and physical health. Today, we're exploring the crucial role of the mind-body connection in business, a concept that extends far beyond holistic wellness industries. It's about integrating self-care into every facet of your entrepreneurial journey, ensuring that both your creativity and business thrive from a place of personal well-being.

    Tune in to Discover:

    The Importance of Mind-Body Connection: Learn how integrating mind and body wellness can give you an entrepreneurial edge, regardless of your industry.Beyond Holistic Business: Understand why mind-body wellness isn't just for those in wellness industries—it's crucial for everyone, whether you're a realtor, a financial advisor, or even a puppet maker!Real-Life Application: Hear how everyday entrepreneurs, including my assistant with her busy life juggling multiple roles, integrate self-care to maintain their health and creativity.Practical Tips for Self-Care: I'll share strategies to help you listen to your body and incorporate what it needs into your busy schedule, enhancing your creativity and efficiency.Flexibility in Routine: Discover the benefits of a flexible routine that adapts to your energy levels and needs, helping you avoid burnout and stay productive.

    This episode isn't just about maintaining your physical and mental health—it's about weaving those elements into the very fabric of your entrepreneurial journey, creating a sustainable path that supports your overall quality of life. Whether you're new to integrating mind-body wellness or looking for fresh perspectives, this discussion aims to provide valuable insights and practical tools to enhance your entrepreneurial resilience.

    Remember, your journey to business success is deeply intertwined with your personal well-being. Let's dive into how you can nurture both to achieve your best.

    Be sure to grab your free copy of the "Resiliency Roadmap" ebook from the show notes below for more tools, tricks, and reflective exercises to deepen your journey to resilience in both business and personal well-being. Join me next week as we tackle self-care in leadership, exploring why taking care of yourself is essential, not just for you but for your team and vision. Have an amazing week, and remember to keep lightening up!

    Download the Resiliency Roadmap eBook

  • Navigating energy dynamics is crucial because, as entrepreneurs, we are constantly engaging with different personalities and situations. Whether you’re a service provider, run a brick-and-mortar store, or are in the creative arts, understanding these dynamics can significantly enhance your resilience and adaptability. I also share personal insights from my 20 years as a medical speech-language pathologist, emphasizing the importance of genuine connections over perfect communication.

    Tune in to discover:

    The foundational role of energy: Learn how underlying energy shapes interactions and why recognizing this can clear up many misunderstandings.Personal perceptions of energy: Gain insight into how personal perceptions can differ dramatically and affect your business interactions.Changing energy dynamics: Explore strategies to shift challenging dynamics into more positive interactions, enhancing both personal well-being and business success.

    This episode is packed with practical advice on recognizing and adapting the energy you bring into every interaction, ensuring it aligns with your entrepreneurial goals and personal values. Whether it's through acknowledging, observing, or developing your responses to energy dynamics, these insights will empower you to navigate your entrepreneurial journey with greater ease and effectiveness.

    Call to Action: Don't forget to download your free copy of my ebook, Resiliency Roadmap, which complements this podcast series. It’s filled with reflective exercises to help you dive deeper into the themes we discuss. Click here to download: https://bit.ly/resiliencyroadmap

    Join me next week as we explore the mind-body connection in entrepreneurship, a crucial aspect of building a successful business that harmonizes with your personal well-being. Have an amazing week, and I'll chat with you soon!

  • Free eBook download here: https://bit.ly/resiliencyroadmap

    Welcome back to the Lighten Up Podcast with Lauren Polly, where we continue our journey through the Resiliency Roadmap, exploring the intersections of well-being and entrepreneurship. In part two of this series, we delve into the understanding that mental health is a journey, not a fixed destination. Drawing from personal experiences and insights, we confront the misconception that once we reach stability, everything should fall into place effortlessly. Instead, life presents us with plot twists and challenges, both internal and external, urging us to embrace resilience as an ongoing process.

    Tune in to discover:

    Understand that mental health is a journey, not a destination.Learn practical tools for navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and mental wellness.Discover the importance of self-awareness as self-care in maintaining balance.Reframe success as a blend of mental well-being and creative expression.Access valuable insights and reflection questions in the free ebook, "Resiliency Roadmap."Stay tuned for the next episode exploring energy dynamics and resilience.

    To dive deeper into these topics and access additional resources, download the free ebook, "Resiliency Roadmap," available below. Each chapter offers valuable insights and reflection questions to support your personal growth journey. Stay tuned for the next episode, where we'll explore energy dynamics and further enhance our understanding of resilience.

    Join us on this transformative journey, and remember, success is not a static destination but a dynamic interplay of mental well-being and creative expression. Download the ebook now and let's continue this conversation together: https://bit.ly/resiliencyroadmap

  • Resilience in business isn't just a trendy term—it's your key to success in a world that needs adaptability and strength. Whether you consider yourself an entrepreneur or you're working on a side project, this episode—and our whole "Roadmap to Resiliency" series—is made for you.

    As we dive into the topic of business health with my new ebook, "Roadmap to Resiliency," we'll show how resilience works like a muscle that you can grow and strengthen over time. This series aims to expand the idea of entrepreneurship to include anyone who creates and innovates, no matter the size.

    In this episode, tune in to discover:

    A Wider View of Entrepreneurship: We're expanding the usual idea to include anyone involved in creative or passion-driven projects.My Resilience Story: From healthcare professional to wellness business owner, I'll share how my side projects turned into real businesses.Emotional Effects: Learn about the impact of how your projects are received on your emotional health and self-confidence.Tips for Building Resilience: Practical advice on how to develop this vital skill to not just get by, but really succeed in life and work.

    If you've ever felt that your side projects are more than just hobbies, or you're interested in how resilience can give you an edge in business, this episode is for you.

    Why tune in?

    Resilience as a Base: Find out why resilience is essential for anyone in the creative and business worlds.Personal Insights and Stories: Hear about my own experiences and learn how resilience has helped me manage the highs and lows of running a business.Actionable Advice: Get effective strategies to boost your resilience and turn challenges into chances for growth.

    Join us as we start this inspiring series that promises to give you the tools and knowledge to stand strong and secure in your pursuits. Download the free ebook from my website, laurampolly.com, and start your journey of resilience with us. Your creative voice deserves to be heard, and this series will help ensure it's heard far and wide.

  • Join Lauren's upcoming Emotional Clarity Workshop on April 3rd, 2024 HERE

    In the bustling world of 2024, where the pace of life seems only to quicken, many find themselves trapped in a cycle of stress, routine, and unfulfilled desires. Our latest podcast episode, "From Pressure to Peace: Unleashing Your Mental Wealth in 2024," invites listeners on a transformative journey from the cluttered chaos of their daily lives to the serene clarity of mental wealth. Through the lens of emotional clarity, this episode addresses the pressures we all face and offers a path to a life rich in authentic experiences and connections.

    Engaging Storytelling & Key Takeaways:

    The Quest for Clarity in a Cluttered World: Imagine a life where each day feels as vibrant and fulfilling as the highlights on your social media feed. This episode starts with many common problems: living a life full of pressures but lacking in emotional connection and daily joy.

    The Path to Mental Wealth: Moving beyond the traditional focus on mental health, we introduce the concept of mental wealth. It's a journey to deeper wellness, where listeners learn to reclaim their power and express their lives more authentically.

    Navigating Life's Pressure Cooker: Feel the relief as we guide you through practical strategies to escape the pressure cooker of life. From recognizing the signs of stress to taking decisive action to alleviate pressure, listeners will learn to find space in their lives for what truly matters.

    Crafting Space for Emotional Clarity: Discover how creating physical and mental space can lead to significant insights into your desires and emotions. This episode provides the tools to carve out this space, setting the stage for profound self-discovery.

    From Auto-Pilot to Intentional Living: Break free from the undercurrents of societal expectations and autopilot living. Learn how to pause, reflect, and choose a path that aligns with your deepest values and aspirations.

    Making Stress Work for You: Transform the way you view stress. Instead of a barrier, see it as a catalyst for growth and change. This episode empowers listeners to discern which pressures are worth engaging with for their personal and professional evolution.

    "From Pressure to Peace" is more than just a podcast episode; it's a gateway to a life of mental wealth, where stress becomes a tool for growth, and daily routines transform into journeys of self-discovery and authentic living. Tune in to embark on a path that leads from today's pressures to tomorrow's peace and clarity.

    SEO Keywords: Mental Wealth, Emotional Clarity, Overcoming Stress 2024, Authentic Experiences, Self-Discovery Journey, Wellness Transformation, Personal Growth, Stress Management Techniques.

  • Join us on the Lighten Up podcast as I explore Episode 240, where we delve into the fascinating interplay between holidays like Christmas and Hanukkah and the profound stillness of the winter solstice, the year's darkest day. In this insightful episode, I invite you to shift your focus inward during the bustling holiday season, uncovering the beauty of ceremony, reflection, and stillness. We will explore the significance of prioritizing self-connection amidst the various ecosystems that shape our lives, gaining insights from my experiences as an empath and mindfulness advocate. Discover the importance of embracing quiet moments to listen to yourself and maintain an inner connection. Allow this meditative exploration to offer a timely reminder to prioritize stillness and self-care, especially during the festive season. May this episode open a space for reflection and provide the allowance to come back home to yourself. Wishing you a joyful and mindful holiday season!

  • In this episode, host Lauren Polly shares her personal experience with managing a busy mind, especially during restless nights, and offers practical insights and techniques for clearing mental clutter.

    Learning points:

    Recognizing Mental Overcrowding: Lauren discusses the signs of mental overcrowding, such as restless nights, racing thoughts, and physical symptoms like an increased heart rate or sweating. She emphasizes that these nighttime experiences often reflect the overcrowding of our minds during the day.Identifying Triggers: Lauren shares how personal triggers, such as a lack of alone time and an overwhelming schedule, can contribute to mental clutter. She encourages listeners to identify their own triggers for mental congestion.Mindful Space-Clearing Exercise: Lauren guides listeners through an experiential exercise to clear mental clutter. The exercise involves visualizing the various thoughts and concerns as separate balls or bubbles, and then deliberately pushing them away to create mental space.Letting Go of Hyper-Vigilance: Lauren emphasizes the importance of not constantly tracking and obsessing over every thought or concern. She encourages listeners to trust that they can respond when necessary and let go of the need to monitor everything constantly.Embracing Presence: By clearing mental clutter and letting go of past and future worries, listeners can experience a greater sense of presence in their daily lives. Lauren encourages the idea that being fully present allows for a more enjoyable and meaningful life experience.
  • Join Lauren Polly, the host of the Lighten Up podcast, in episode 241, where she delves deep into a topic that resonates with many of us: "Just because you're good at something, doesn't mean it's good for you." In today's episode, Lauren sheds light on this notion and the challenges faced by high-achievers who often find themselves shackled to a specific path or skill, regardless of its impact on their personal happiness and fulfillment. Plus, get a glimpse of Lauren's fresh new look, as she introduces her podcast's brand-new video format! Check out Lauren's YouTube Channel for the video here: Lauren Polly - YouTube

    Learning Points:

    The High-Achiever's Dilemma: High achievers often feel compelled to excel in their chosen paths, but this can lead to feeling trapped in roles that don't bring joy or fulfillment. Recognize the signs and discover how to break free from this mindset.Multidimensional Living: Every individual is multi-faceted. Finding balance and allowing space for different passions can lead to a more enriching life.Overcoming Fear and External Expectations: Society often dictates that we should stick with what we're good at. Lauren challenges this belief and highlights the importance of evolution in personal and professional growth.Steps to Find What's Truly Good for You: It's not always about drastic changes. Sometimes, it's about perspective shifts, balancing out what consumes your mental space, and being open to exploring new possibilities.
  • Communications are a building block for your life experience as it colors your feelings, sense of worth, authenticity and so much more.

    But communication hiccups happen all the time.

    Words get twisted, the message doesn’t land, people take offense when none is intended…. We tend to bump and rub against each other in really uncomfortable ways.

    After a while we head into compensation or avoidance mode and our intimacy and self-expression suffers.

    What if there was a better way?

    Tune in to discover how:

    Open heart/clear eyes mentality can lead to personal and relationship evolutionHow to dump the past communication hiccups to move forward with clean slateCommon pitfalls of over and under-empathizing (and what to do about it)Easy body language, mind-set and communication tools can be used for greater clarity and ease in every circumstance
  • We are evolutionary beings; multi-faceted creatures with tons of curiosity and drive to engage all parts of ourselves throughout our life journeys.

    But most of us don’t engage all parts of ourselves at once –

    We shine in one skill set in this jobWe are loved for this personality trait in this relationshipOur soul is fed in this one way through this one system…

    If we aren’t careful, we can lead a siloed existence, never sewing together these experiences into a whole.

    It’s this way of living that makes transitions difficult. We judge ourselves for wanting something different. We fight the curiosity that is pulling us to something new. We create drama as a rationale for leaving.

    What if there was an easier way? To move freely, to have gratitude for all, and to stitch it all together in a way only we can?

    Becoming whole and enjoying the winding path of life is UP for many people right now – including myself. I hope this podcast creates more space and free movement in your world.

    Tune into this episode to discover:

    how to transition from a belief system, relationship, or job without drama, judgment, or cutting off all that came before3-stages to learning a new skill – and how that may be leading you transition to new avenuesthe brilliance of “cherry-picking” from every experience you’ve hada-ha’s on the big picture of your life journeyspace and lightness to take a step forward on your new path
  • How often does a shared experience leave you feeling more disconnected or confused?

    When we try to share experiences, we tend to match the other person thinking it will build a sense of intimacy with them. But…

    Expectations don’t get met and we feel more disconnected as a result… Our sense of self and the situation gets muddled by their perspective… Having our day hijacked by others’ choices becomes way too easy…

    And our path forward can become less about authenticity and more about people-pleasing.

    What if there was a better way to build relationships and a sense of connection in your life?

    Tune in to this episode to discover:

    Awareness exercise on where you may be losing your sense of space, peace, and identity in othersWhy matching emotions is so dangerous to intimacy with others and most importantly yourselfAn easy exercise to “come back home” to you (immediate stress and anxiety fix!)In-the-moment tool for connecting to you while you interact with others
  • Neuro diversity is a hot topic – media coverage and depiction of those with autism, ADHA, dyslexia, etc are leading to more self-identification (aka no formal diagnosis).

    Those that have always seen and interacted with the world differently are finally being given a voice.

    Mental health media coverage is opening conversations around those of us (myself included) who have always felt and sensed the world differently as well.

    It’s becoming more well-known that neuro-emotional divergence is a strength – not a weakness. And companies and societal structures seek us out due to that strength.

    If you’ve always felt like you didn’t quite fit in… seeing, feeling, and interacting differently than others do but you're struggling with how to employ it in your life, this episode is for you.

    Tune in to explore:

    What are neuro and emotional divergencesHow different doesn’t equal wrong – it just equals being different (and the hidden creative power in that)The trouble with stimulus/response communication and how it leads to conscious bias/exclusion for the divergent populationHow to get clarity on how you function from exploring these labels but not get stuck in the negative of themWhy society and companies need (and are looking for!) those who function differently
  • What is compassion fatigue? Emotional and physical exhaustion leading to a diminished ability to empathize or feel compassion for others, often described as the negative cost of caring.

    It’s a thing, people! And is occurring more and more after the last few years of collective trauma we’ve experienced.

    So how do we caregivers cope with this “negative cost?”

    Our greatest joy, and often our professional calling, is caring for others. We’re the helpers, healers, and people-people on the planet… Healthcare workers, teachers, managers, parents, friends…

    If you fall into this category and have been feeling burned out, checked out, or just “over it” in general then this episode is for you…

    Join me and my special guest, Dr. Adriana Popescu, for an in-depth conversation on the what, why, and most important way out of compassion fatigue.

    Tune into this episode to discover:

    How to care for others without carrying themTricks to handle the expectations of the caregiverMindset shift to disentangle from those you are helpingSimple tool to find your state of power as a healerIntrospective exercise to re-focus on what drew you to caregiving in the first placeEnergy exercise to equalize the flow of your gift (aka you need to receive too – not just give!)

    Dr. Popescu and I are co-facilitating a 6-week virtual workshop on this topic! We being 9/12/22. More information and how to register here: https://www.firebird-healing.com/tools-for-caregivers-to-release-stress

  • We all have situations that we wish would go differently.

    While we know we we aren't victims of our circumstances; that we always have choice. And that our actions contribute to what is showing up...

    We still get blind-sided when things don't work the way we want them to.

    What occurs for you when other's choices impact your living?

    When situations outside of your control come calling?

    Does your perfectionism and control-tendencies take over?

    How much tension are you holding - in mind and body - as a result?

    Enjoy these perspective shifts around:

    perfect as is - not as we would have it behaving true control by surrounding your contrived controlsurprising ways to release held tension, stress and negative patternshow surrendering can lead to more personal power

    As always, you can connect and explore more with me at www.laurenpolly.com

  • When situations heat up are you able to keep your cool?

    When an empath is in health, she can see what others see. And she can use that vision to connect, inspire and create.

    An empath who is not in health feels what others feel as if it’s her own. The intensity gets overwhelming and she can easily lose her perspective and choice.

    So, what do you do when your capacity for empathy gets dialed up to 1000% in hot situations? And you lose yourself in the moment?

    I recently had to work myself through this… some surprising info has come to light as a result. I hope it helps you next time you run into a hot head and start to become one yourself!

    Tune into this episode to discover:

    #1 muscle to build to handle hot situationsKey a-ha on why you tend to match other people’s emotions rather than being yourselfHow being pro-active with your emotional bandwidth helps you handle surprising upsetsTips to use in the moment to regain your perspective and conscious choiceAnd most importantly – how to release self-judgment when your empathic abilities ran amuck
  • How can you approach difficult conversations without hurting the relationship – or you! – in the process?

    Difficult conversations are just that - difficult.

    Whether you're speaking to:

    your boss about unfair treatment,your spouse about un-met needs,your employee about un-met expectations,your friends / family about relationship dynamics that no longer work...

    These anxiety-provoking conversations can derail quicker than you'd think.

    So how do you approach people in a way where you both get clarity, not conflict?

    Where both of you and the relationship get to move ahead into smoother waters?

    Tune in to this episode to discover:

    A-ha's on the energy dynamic of conflict and how to change it#1 trick to diffuse a hot conversationHow to stop cul-de-sac thoughts leading up to the conversation (aka if they say this, I'll say that)Empowerment to ask for these conversations, even if you're nervous to have themPractical ways to create clarity, not conflict, to move you forward with ease
  •  

    Strange times occur for all of us. Times where we can’t put our finger on “what’s up.”


     


    Our anxiety rises, we lose interest, tempers flare, communication breaks down... In short, we just don't feel or act like ourselves.


     


    It’s been occurring for me – and about everyone I’ve spoken to! – these past few weeks.


     


    Tune into this episode to explore a 2-part process I’ve been using to reclaim my space during these strange times.


     


    What lightness can you enjoy with a simple awareness exercise and conscious choice? Let's find out!