Opening The Gate - Hosted by Felicia Brown

I love Facebook memories because they are like a journal of sorts that pops up for me to inspect every day and see who and where I was on this day a year– or maybe ten years ago. Sometimes it helps remember fun moments and at others it lets me see how I was growing or inspired. This week I’ve been reminded of some important life lessons I feel are important to share. Here’s one…

I often get inspiration during my morning runs. "By running up the hill that makes me cry, by pushing myself to keep going, by making time to write and share this experience, I am filling up my bucket and strengthening it to told more. By doing things I love TODAY I am emptying my mind of potential regrets, and making space for the energy and care of my  mind, body and spirit."

Listen for more.

Today's podcast came from something I originally wrote in March of 2020. Though  I made a few tiny adjustments to make it current, it still rings true. I hope it gives you hope for the rest of March and onward.

Gratitude is something I speak and write about a lot. Saying thank you in and of itself can be a simple and ongoing prayer - and one that is transformative. A quick idea on how to turn gratitude into something deeper.

Why are we "friends" with people on social media with those who we are not really actual friends with? Some random thoughts I had as I recovered from a routine medical procedure.

Apologies for being absent for a couple weeks. I've gotten to do a lot of other things lately - just a few too many - but something had to give. I really love doing podcasts though and am excited to be back.

Being willing to show up and do your best, regardless of the outcome or "place" you achieve - or the possible failure you might experience - makes you achieve success more often than you might know.

In a former life, I used to be someone who burned bridges. However, this practice rarely brought me the results I wanted in the short-term and made for some difficult navigation in the future.  A few thoughts on how to build bridges instead of burning them.

Several years ago, I had a uncomfortably close brush with death which pushed me from having an “I’ll do it someday” mindset to one of “If not now, when?” Since that dark and dangerous night, the phrase “if not now, when?” has pushed me through some tough moments in training, business and life. We all have them – the days when we don’t want to keep going – or even start and I've learned to follow through on the opportunities which won’t be there later whenever possible. 

Since the start of the pandemic, I‘ve gone through some major life changes which gave me room to jump into some new adventures. But as in much of life, things don't always go the way you think they will. But it's ok to step back before you leap ahead!

You can read the transcript for this podcast on my blog at https://www.feliciabrown.com/blog/stepping-back-to-leap-forward

When you live in the country and have a well, no power can equal no shower. When faced with the possibility of losing both during a winter storm, I decided to take quick action so I'd have no regrets.

A few weeks ago, I saw a book titled “When I Got Busy, I got Better.” I laughed at the title for a moment, because I've been good at being busy for a long time. Or was. But of late I've learned too much downtime can lead to me feeling down - and I decided it was time to make a change. 

Many years ago, I was in a yearlong leadership development program for executives and business owners which introduced us to new areas, cultures and programs in our city. One spring day we were given the assignment to spend the day role playing - mine was being someone who was wheelchair bound. The experience I had was eye-opening and "uplifting: in ways I did not expect.

By the way,  this episode was inspired by a recent story shared on Facebook by my colleague, Irene Diamond. Her experience is her own to tell, but if you want to learn more about Irene, you can visit https://www.thediamondmethod.com/ and https://www.irenediamond.com/programs/. 

Being perfect - or trying to be - is a problem because it's just not possible. Sharing one of my many opportunities for letting go of the need to pretend I'm perfect by making mistakes and telling others about them. 

This podcast was brought into existence, finally, because of my desire to break through the isolation, anxiety and depression I’ve been feeling - and to reconnect with life. I know it’s time to get back into the flow of positive energy, inspiration, creativity and love. That’s where I know I belong but it has felt just slightly out of reach for too long. I know I’m not the only one feeling this way and I am feeling a pull to make changes that will help me get back to helping others.

It’s the time of year, when folks are setting goals, making resolutions, and taking steps to change or improve their lives. After seeing a simple challenge on Facebook encouraging folks to start building a nest egg, my husband and I talked about doing the challenge together. How the idea of making a new $2 investment affected me was surprising.

The quote I reference in this episode was from Jim Rohn, who authored countless books and audio and video programs, and influenced a generation of personal-development trainers and executives from America’s top corporations. Learn more about him and his work here: https://www.jimrohn.com/

If you've been paying attend to my classes, articles, websites or social media posts over the last couple years, you know that rubber ducks are "a thing" in my life. Besides being cute and fun, they have been some good helpers in keeping me smiling, staying present and taking action NOW. They are also a key to helping me revive a business philosophy I followed for years of "Ready, Fire, Aim." 

There's a great reminder of this idea in the book, "The Slight Edge" by Jeff Olson which I briefly talk about. The book is available on Amazon (of course) and other places. Check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Slight-Edge-Turning-Disciplines-Happiness/dp/1626340463

As someone who always used to be the person with something to say, an insight, story or helpful piece of advice, I’ve found of late that I’ve lost some of my voice. Well maybe not lost it but put it away for a bit to be still, quite and to listen. While being still and silent is often a restorative measure for me, too much of a good thing is the opposite.

Today I'm taking a step to nourish myself in another way - by reaching out, giving back and testing my first podcast. Join me for Opening the Gate, a new and evolving podcast, to explore ideas and stories for opening your mind, heart and spirit. Let’s grow the flow of good things into our lives – and from us back into the world, together.

It seems like the perfect way to wrap up one year and get ready for the new one. I hope you agree and enjoy this tiny preview of Opening the Gate.

Felicia

Check out the podcast that inspired me to get started: Optimal Daily Living with Justin Malik at https://oldpodcast.com/