SHOW NOTES: On this show…we are getting back in our hula-hoop as we redirect worry into what we can actually control. Have you ever noticed how worry has a way of making itself very comfortable in your body? Like it doesn’t just visit your thoughts, it moves in, rearranges the furniture, and tightens your shoulders while it’s at it. I’m not talking about the big, dramatic worries that show up once in a while. I’m talking about the everyday kind. The background noise. The constant mental tabs you keep open that never fully close. What’s interesting is how often we don’t even call it worry. We call it being responsible. Being prepared. Being a good parent, partner, leader, or friend. We say things like, “I’m just thinking ahead,” or “I just care.” Meanwhile, our bodies are clenched, our minds are racing, and it feels like we’re always on standby for something we can’t quite name. Here’s the picture that kept coming to mind for me. It’s like standing in the middle of your own hula-hoop, but spending all your energy reaching outside of it. Trying to manage outcomes, predict reactions, and control situations that aren’t actually yours to carry. And the more time we spend out there, the more drained we feel in here. So today, I want to look at worry from a few less popular angles. Not just whether it’s helpful or unhelpful, but what it does to us, where it comes from, and what might happen if we gently brought our attention back into our own hula-hoop. Because when we focus on what we can actually work on, something shifts. We don’t suddenly stop caring. We just stop carrying what was never ours to hold. Worry has a sneaky way of making itself feel productive. It shows up dressed as responsibility. As preparation. As being on top of things. And because of that, we rarely question it. We just assume that if we stop worrying, something important will slip through the cracks. But here’s the thing. Worry isn’t the same as action. And it definitely isn’t the same as control. CHALLENGE: Notice when worry pulls you outside your hula-hoop. Each time it does, gently bring your attention back to what you can actually work on within yourself. Invest that energy in your growth and trust that you are becoming more capable than you realize. I Know YOU Can Do It!   🎶 Music that Moves the Message   All original music featured in this episode—including the Encouragementology intro, outro, and interludes—was written and performed by Matt Martino. His work brings warmth and emotion to every episode.   Find more of Matt’s music here: MATT MARTINO Spotify iTunes Youtube

SHOW NOTES: On this show…we’re talking about perspective. Did you know that the way we see ourselves quietly shapes the way we live, the choices we make, and the stories we believe are possible for us? So let me start by asking you something. Have you ever noticed how quickly you decide who you are in a moment? Something happens. A conversation doesn’t go the way you hoped. An opportunity slips by. A familiar pattern shows up again. And almost instantly, your mind fills in the story. Not just about what happened, but about what it means about you. You’re the one who should’ve known better. Or the one who always ends up here. Or the one who just needs to stay in their lane and not expect too much. It’s subtle, but powerful. Because in that moment, you’re not just reacting. You’re choosing a role. Most of us don’t consciously decide, “I’m going to play the villain,” or “I’ll be the victim in this scene.” But we quietly accept those parts anyway. And once we do, we start living in ways that match the character we believe we are. We lower our expectations. We hesitate when it’s time to step forward. We wait for proof before we give ourselves permission to change. And here’s what I’ve been thinking about lately. What if the story isn’t asking you to wait for proof? What if the proof comes after you choose differently? CHALLENGE: Notice the role you’ve been playing and choose differently this week. Take one small, intentional step that reflects the person you’re becoming, not the version of you shaped by your past. Live like the story is still unfolding and that you matter in the next scene. I Know YOU Can Do It!   🎶 Music that Moves the Message   All original music featured in this episode—including the Encouragementology intro, outro, and interludes—was written and performed by Matt Martino. His work brings warmth and emotion to every episode. Find more of Matt’s music here: MATT MARTINO Spotify iTunes Youtube

SHOW NOTES:  On this show…we’re pushing pause to reset the story we tell ourselves before we set the goal. Because goal setting isn’t just about what you want to accomplish. It’s about the mindset you bring into it. The beliefs you’re carrying. And the expectations you quietly place on yourself before you ever take the first step. Have you ever said yes to a goal, a project, or a commitment simply because you could? Not because you truly wanted to. Not because it fit your life right now. But because you felt capable, responsible, or maybe even a little afraid of what it would say about you if you didn’t? For a long time, I thought that was growth. If I could do it, I should do it. If I was asked, I should say yes. And while that mindset served me in some seasons, it eventually led to feeling stretched thin, overwhelmed, and disconnected from what I actually wanted. Last year, that realization turned into a mantra for me. “Just because I can, doesn’t mean I should or have to.” It wasn’t about doing less. It was about choosing better. Giving myself permission to pause, evaluate, and decide instead of reacting. More recently, my husband and I landed on another mantra that started as a joke but turned out to be surprisingly powerful. “I can do anything. Now, what do I want to do?” And at first, it sounds almost playful. But the more we sat with it, the more we realized how much it shifts the conversation in our own heads. Instead of starting with doubt, it starts with belief. Instead of asking, “Am I capable enough?” it asks, “What actually matters to me right now?” That small change removes the need to prove anything. It creates space to choose instead of justify, to explore instead of second-guess. When you begin with “I can,” doors don’t close before you even reach them. Curiosity replaces fear. Possibility replaces pressure. And suddenly, goals stop feeling like tests you have to pass and start feeling like options you’re allowed to consider. CHALLENGE: Pause before setting your next goal and ask yourself one honest question: “Do I want this, and why?” Choose a mantra that reflects who you are now, not who you were trying to be, and let belief lead instead of doubt or obligation. I Know YOU Can Do It!

SHOW NOTES: On this show…we’re going to slow down and spend some time with something we all carry, whether we admit it out loud or not. Stress. Not just the obvious stress. Not just the big, unavoidable stuff. But the quieter kind. The pressure we put on ourselves. The expectations we quietly stack on moments, conversations, and people we care about, hoping it will all somehow come together just right. Have you ever walked into something already feeling tense, not because anything was wrong yet, but because you really wanted it to go well? You wanted it to matter. You wanted everyone to feel good. You wanted it to mean something. And somewhere in that wanting, the stress showed up first. What’s interesting is how often we think stress is coming from what’s happening around us, when in reality, it’s coming from what we’re asking of ourselves inside the moment. The invisible rules we create. The standards we assume we have to meet. The idea that if it isn’t done perfectly, it somehow doesn’t count. Today, I don’t want to talk about how to get rid of stress. That usually just creates more stress. Instead, I want to talk about how we get through it. How we move with it instead of fighting it. Because the truth is, stress doesn’t always mean something is wrong. Sometimes it means something matters deeply to us. But here’s where it gets tricky. When caring turns into pressure. When effort turns into self-judgment. When we start believing that what we give is never quite enough. CHALLENGE: Notice one place this week where you are putting unnecessary pressure on yourself. Pause long enough to ask what you actually have to give, and then give that fully, without apology or self-judgment. Let that be enough. I Know YOU Can Do It!   🎶 Music that Moves the Message All original music featured in this episode—including the Encouragementology intro, outro, and interludes—was written and performed by Matt Martino. His work brings warmth and emotion to every episode. Find more of Matt’s music here: MATT MARTINO Spotify iTunes Youtube

SHOW NOTES: On this show…we’re stepping back, not because we’re tired or unmotivated, but because sometimes you have to widen the frame to see the whole picture to give yourself credit while you look ahead. Have you ever been so focused on the next thing, the next goal, the next improvement, that you completely missed everything you’ve already done? It’s easy to do. Especially at the end of a year when life feels like a conveyor belt that never stops moving. One month folds into the next, and before you know it, you’re flipping a calendar and wondering, “Wait… did I actually make any progress this year?” Some people are wired to always look ahead. They’re scanning the horizon, thinking about what’s next, what hasn’t happened yet, what they still need to check off the list. And while that drive can be motivating, it can also leave you feeling perpetually behind. Like, no matter what you do, it’s never quite enough. Other people look back on a year and think, “Well… nothing big happened,” and use that as evidence that they somehow fell short. But what if the “big thing” wasn’t the point at all? What if the beauty of your year was tucked into the smaller details, the things you barely noticed while they were happening? That’s what I want to explore today. Because as the world moves faster and faster, it can trick you into believing that if you don’t move at the same speed, you’re somehow failing. But that’s not reality, that’s just noise. The truth is, you’ve done so much more than you think. You’ve shown up in ways that mattered. You’ve grown in ways you didn’t track. You’ve found clarity, endurance, compassion, and creativity in the spaces between the big milestones. So on this show, let’s take some time to take stock. Let’s give ourselves credit, real credit, for what this past year brought and who we became along the way. And then, with a grounded sense of gratitude, we’ll talk about how to set goals for next year from a place of clarity and confidence, not pressure or comparison. CHALLENGE: Carve out intentional space and take stock of everything your life holds. Pull out the moments you forgot, honor the quiet work you did, and give yourself the credit you’ve earned. Then, with that full picture in mind, step into the new year with clarity, confidence, and compassion for the person you are becoming. I Know YOU Can Do It!   🎶 Music that Moves the Message All original music featured in this episode—including the Encouragementology intro, outro, and interludes—was written and performed by Matt Martino. His work brings warmth and emotion to every episode. Find more of Matt’s music here: MATT MARTINO Spotify iTunes Youtube

SHOW NOTES: On this show…we’re talking about something most of us feel deeply but rarely pause long enough to examine: how we honor the gift of time. Have you ever caught yourself saying, “Wow… time is really flying by,” yet found yourself spending whole stretches of your life on things that don’t matter, don’t fill you, or don’t reflect who you’re becoming? It’s that strange contradiction; we feel time slipping, yet we still give so much of it away to worry, distraction, obligation, or drama that never pays back. This episode was sparked by a conversation with a friend about entering a new season of life where time feels less like a resource and more like a gift, something to handle with care. I shared this year’s motto with him, “Just because I can doesn’t mean I want to or have to,” to which he said, “You’re preaching to the choir”. WOW, I wasn’t alone; we were both experiencing the same thing at the same time.  There was a time when saying yes to everything felt like the responsible thing to do. It felt like proof that we were pulling our weight, showing up, and making things happen. Now, many of us want to choose more intentionally, not slowing down necessarily, but selecting the people, projects, and commitments that bring meaning. And underneath all of that is the idea of stewardship: being entrusted with something precious and choosing to invest it wisely. If time is a gift, how do we honor it? How do we invest it in what truly matters instead of what simply demands attention? That’s what we’re exploring today. Not from a place of guilt or pressure but from a place of awareness and gratitude. This episode is about shifting from simply spending time to investing it. And choosing what truly matters. CHALLENGE: Honor the gift of time by choosing what aligns with your values and letting go of what doesn’t. Invest wisely. Protect what matters. And receive each moment with gratitude. I Know YOU Can Do It!   🎶 Music that Moves the Message All original music featured in this episode—including the Encouragementology intro, outro, and interludes—was written and performed by Matt Martino. His work brings warmth and emotion to every episode.   Find more of Matt’s music here: MATT MARTINO Spotify iTunes Youtube

SHOW NOTES: On this show…we’re talking about something that feels simple on the surface but has quietly gotten complicated over the years; the lost art of human connection. Let me ask you this. Have you ever caught yourself choosing the easier, more convenient option even when you knew the real thing would’ve felt better? Maybe it was sending a text instead of having a conversation. Maybe it was Googling an answer instead of asking someone for help. Or maybe, without even realizing it, you’ve replaced community with convenience. I grew up in a time when your “search engine” was the person standing next to you. You needed directions? You asked someone. You wanted a restaurant recommendation? You talked to the locals. You had a random question or a big idea or a wondering moment? You pondered it. You reasoned it out. You let your mind chew on it. And in all those moments, even the small ones, connection happened. But today? We can outsource nearly everything: information, support, company, and even our curiosity. And while convenience is wonderful, it’s also quietly replacing the face-to-face interactions that used to stitch our communities together. I don’t believe humans were designed to live isolated lives. We’re built for each other. To feel for others, to be felt by others, and to feel ourselves more fully because someone sees us. So on this episode, we’re exploring the slow drift toward disconnection and how we can intentionally build bridges back to community, purpose, and genuine human interaction. Because convenience might be efficient. But connection? That’s what makes us feel alive. Let’s take a moment to define what I mean by “disconnecting.” I’m not talking about running away to the mountains or deleting every app on your phone. I’m talking about when convenience slowly replaces connection until you look around and realize you’re not engaging with real people the way you used to. Connection is more than being in contact. It’s being in a community where you feel known, seen, valued, and plugged into something bigger than yourself. It’s being able to walk into a room and feel the energy shift because you’re part of a group. Where are people getting that today? For some, it’s online communities, and that’s not all bad. But many have drifted away from in-person spaces that used to offer grounding and belonging. Church is a big one. And I get it. “Organized religion” has become a loaded phrase. Many people stepped away from the institution and accidentally stepped away from the community too. The real loss? Not just the rituals but the relationships. The potlucks. The check-ins. The encouragement. The sense of purpose that comes from helping, serving, or even just showing up. Without those touchpoints, it becomes easy to float. Easy to isolate. Easy to forget what it feels like to be needed or known. And yet, most people say they want purpose. They want belonging. They want to feel plugged in. But those things require participation. They require interaction. They require us to be in the room. So how do we start finding our way back? CHALLENGE: So, I challenge you… to intentionally choose one moment this week where you replace convenience with connection. Look for the conversation, the eye contact, the opportunity to help, or the open door to step back into community. Be brave enough to show up, be present, and let yourself be needed again. I Know YOU Can Do It!   🎶 Music that Moves the Message All original music featured in this episode—including the Encouragementology intro, outro, and interludes—was written and performed by Matt Martino. His work brings warmth and emotion to every episode.   Find more of Matt’s music here: MATT MARTINO Spotify iTunes Youtube

SHOW NOTES: On this show…we’re exploring something that shows up in almost every part of life, yet we rarely sit down and separate it out: the difference between critical and cynical. Have you ever noticed how easy it is to take something at face value, especially when the information comes fast, polished, and wrapped with confidence? Or maybe you’ve had the opposite reaction, where you hear something new and immediately think, “Yeah right…” and shut it down before it even has a chance. Somewhere between believing everything and doubting everything is the space we’re trying to find today. We live in a world that delivers opinions like a conveyor belt; nonstop, loud, and often disguised as fact. Articles, posts, videos, conversations, “experts,” your cousin’s cousin, all chiming in with certainty. And if you’ve ever wondered, “How am I supposed to know what’s actually true?” you’re not alone. It can feel overwhelming, and honestly, it’s tempting to pick one of two defaults: go along for the ride without questioning anything, or armor up and become suspicious of everything. But neither one really leads us to clarity. The more I think about it, the more I realize how important it is to bring your own critical eye to what you see, hear, and even feel. Not in a confrontational way, not in a “let me prove you wrong” way, but in a grounded, thoughtful way. It’s your job and my job to ask questions, explore, and do a little digging. To understand not just what might be true, but what might be false. To recognize that believing something at face value can be irresponsible, especially when your decisions, your peace of mind, and your perspective are on the line. But here’s where today’s topic gets interesting: being critical and being cynical are not the same thing. One opens the door to growth. The other slams it shut. One helps you navigate the world with clarity. The other keeps you stuck behind a wall of distrust. And if you’ve ever felt yourself drifting toward cynicism, maybe from burnout, disappointment, or just being tired of sorting through so much noise, you’re not alone there either. CHALLENGE:  Take one moment this week to notice which window you’re looking through. When new information comes your way, pause before you react. Ask yourself whether you’re leaning in with curiosity or leaning back with cynicism. Choose the version of you that trusts your ability to think, explore, and decide for yourself. I Know YOU Can Do It!   🎶 Music that Moves the Message All original music featured in this episode—including the Encouragementology intro, outro, and interludes—was written and performed by Matt Martino. His work brings warmth and emotion to every episode. Find more of Matt’s music here: MATT MARTINO Spotify iTunes Youtube

SHOW NOTES: On this show…we’re talking about speaking life. How the words we use, both out loud and in our heads, can either drain our energy or feed our strength. Have you ever noticed how quickly one negative thought can spiral into an entire mood? One complaint, one worry, one “what if,” and before you know it, you’re swimming in tension and exhaustion. It’s wild how something as simple as language can shape how we feel, think, and even heal. I’ve always believed that we’re more powerful than we realize. The body, mind, and spirit are in constant conversation with one another. Every thought sends a message. Every word carries weight. And when we speak life, when we choose words of hope, belief, and gratitude, we set off a chain reaction toward peace and restoration. I’m not saying life suddenly becomes easy or that we can positive-think our way out of every challenge. But I do believe that we can rise above chaos and confusion by intentionally choosing the voice we let lead. We’ve all seen what happens when negativity takes over. Worry turns into anxiety, anxiety into stress, and stress into physical strain. Cortisol spikes, sleep suffers, and our patience runs thin. It’s like our entire system is on alert, reacting to a story we keep repeating even if that story isn’t true. But what if we flipped the script? What if we started calling life as we want to see it, not ignoring reality, but speaking possibility into it? There’s a fine line between being honest about what’s happening and being captive to it. You can acknowledge the storm and still believe in the sun. That’s what speaking life is about: setting your internal thermostat instead of being the thermometer that just reacts to everything around you. Choosing peace even when the world feels loud. Trusting your resilience, your purpose, your ability to heal. Faith-filled words often come before faith-filled feelings. CHALLENGE: Be intentional with your words this week. Speak life into every situation: into your thoughts, your relationships, and your dreams. When negativity creeps in, stop it mid-sentence and choose words that reflect faith, hope, and healing instead. Let your language lead your life in the direction you want to grow. I Know YOU Can Do It!   🎶 Music that Moves the Message All original music featured in this episode—including the Encouragementology intro, outro, and interludes—was written and performed by Matt Martino. His work brings warmth and emotion to every episode.   Find more of Matt’s music here: MATT MARTINO Spotify iTunes Youtube

SHOW NOTES: On this show… we’re flipping the script and asking, are you giving as much as you’re taking? Have you ever felt like life just isn’t fair? Like you’re stuck playing the hand you were dealt while others seem to coast through with a royal flush? Maybe you’ve caught yourself thinking, “Why do they get all the breaks?” or “When is it my turn?” It’s easy to feel that way when we’re hyper-aware of what we’re not getting, but how often do we pause to consider what we’re giving? Sometimes, entitlement sneaks in wearing the mask of fairness. We may believe we’re owed something: more time, more praise, more help, because we’ve been working hard, showing up, or just surviving. But here’s the deeper question: are we creating the kind of balance we’re craving, or are we tipping the scales with our expectations? This episode isn’t about guilt-tripping or grinding it out harder. It’s about awareness. About getting curious, not critical, and asking, “Am I contributing to the harmony I want to experience in my life and relationships?” Let’s explore what it really means to give as much as you take… and why that shift in focus might be the key to unlocking more purpose, joy, and momentum. And here’s another angle we’ll explore: how feeling stuck or shortchanged can morph into bitterness and blame if we aren’t careful. That mindset can convince us we’re powerless, resigned to our circumstances, when really, we have far more influence than we think. What happens when we trade frustration for curiosity? When we stop asking “Why not me?” and start asking “What can I do?” That’s where things start to shift. The B-side asks: “What if your version of 'giving' is actually masking a fear of being seen as selfish?” Here’s the twist: the most generous people are often the ones who’ve learned to give from a full place—not a place of obligation, fear, or performance.  CHALLENGE: Take an honest inventory of your energetic exchange with the world. Where are you contributing, and where are you simply consuming? Identify one area this week where you can shift from expectation to contribution — whether it’s your time, your presence, your encouragement, or your effort. Give without waiting to feel ready, and see what shifts within you as a result. I Know YOU Can Do It!   🎶 Music that Moves the Message All original music featured in this episode—including the Encouragementology intro, outro, and interludes—was written and performed by Matt Martino. His work brings warmth and emotion to every episode. Find more of Matt’s music here: MATT MARTINO Spotify iTunes Youtube

SHOW NOTES: On this show…we’re exploring the power of pausing to see what rest can really reveal. We’ll be slowing things down. Literally. In a world where “fast” is the default setting: fast food, fast lanes, fast Wi-Fi, it’s easy to feel like we’re always rushing. Have you ever found yourself impatient in the “wrong” line at the store, agitated by the buffering wheel, or frustrated that someone isn’t replying fast enough? It’s almost as if our value is tied to how quickly we can move through life. But then, without warning, we hear ourselves say something like, “Where did the time go?” or “Life is just flying by.” Strange, right? We’re racing to get to the next thing…only to mourn how fast it’s all passing. This week, we’re hitting the brakes because maybe it’s not just about productivity. Maybe there’s something hidden in the quiet. A secret in the stillness. A truth that’s hard to hear when everything is moving too fast. We’ll dig into what it means to find the middle lane, not stuck, not speeding, but moving with intention. Together, we’ll ask: What am I missing when I never slow down? What could rest reveal if I actually gave myself permission to pause? And if rest feels like a luxury you can’t afford or a guilty pleasure you never let yourself enjoy, then this is the episode for you. Ready to shift gears? What does rest feel like to me? Does it feel luxurious? Lazy? Guilt-ridden? Productive? Unfamiliar? Now, here’s a trickier one: When was the last time I paused, on purpose, not because I was forced to, but because I chose to? CHALLENGE: Press pause—on purpose. Not because you’re burned out or forced to stop, but because you choose to check in with yourself. Create space this week for a moment of stillness. Let it be awkward, quiet, or unfamiliar if it needs to be. Then listen. Not to the world’s demands—but to your own voice, your own rhythm, your own needs. I Know YOU Can Do It!   🎶 Music that Moves the Message All original music featured in this episode—including the Encouragementology intro, outro, and interludes—was written and performed by Matt Martino. His work brings warmth and emotion to every episode.   Find more of Matt’s music here: MATT MARTINO Spotify iTunes Youtube

SHOW NOTES: On this show…we’re learning when to listen, when to help, and when to just let it breathe.  Have you ever found yourself halfway through someone’s story and already mentally rolling out the action plan? They’re still explaining how overwhelmed they feel, and you’ve already drafted three possible solutions, ranked by efficiency. Guilty? Me too. If you’re a natural-born fixer, hearing a problem can feel like a challenge to solve — like someone just lobbed a ball your way and you’re already mid-pitch with a winning strategy. But here’s the thing: not everyone wants a playbook. Sometimes, they just want a bench to sit on, a shoulder to lean on, and someone to nod and say, “That sounds really tough.” So how do you know when to jump in and brainstorm, and when to just… be present? When do you absorb like a sounding board, bounce back ideas like a springboard, or wind up like a pitcher ready to throw? And how do we know if we’re solving the real issue or just rearranging the symptoms? This week, we’re exploring what it really means to support someone in their moment of need. Let’s pull back the lens and see if we can’t shrink this idea into focus. Maybe the key isn’t always to act, but to understand. Maybe the most powerful support we can offer doesn’t come from solving, but from seeing. CHALLENGE: When someone shares something heavy or hard with you, resist the reflex to fix it. Instead, pause and ask: “Do you want ideas, or do you just need me to listen?” Give space. Offer presence. Trust that just being there might be exactly what they need.    I Know YOU Can Do It!   🎶 Music that Moves the Message All original music featured in this episode—including the Encouragementology intro, outro, and interludes—was written and performed by Matt Martino. His work brings warmth and emotion to every episode. Find more of Matt’s music here: MATT MARTINO Spotify iTunes Youtube

SHOW NOTES: On this show…we’re exploring something that has always been at the heart of Encouragementology: the simple, powerful, and essential need for connection. Not surface-level chatter or algorithmic affirmations, but real, human-to-human interaction. The kind that looks you in the eye, senses your mood, leans in when you’re struggling, and celebrates when you’re rising. Have you ever found yourself surrounded by communication but still feeling completely alone? Maybe your phone lights up all day with notifications, you scroll past hundreds of smiling faces and inspirational quotes, and yet… you can’t remember the last time you had a meaningful, face-to-face conversation. Or maybe you’ve poured your heart out to your AI assistant lately, been met with warm, empathetic responses, and then struggled to hold eye contact with a real person at the grocery store. If by then… we’re still going into grocery stores. Let me be honest. Encouragementology didn’t start because I had a collection of clever phrases I thought belonged on coffee mugs or T-shirts. It started because I deeply, truly believe people need people. Encouragement isn’t just a mindset; it’s a shared experience. I’ve led Women Connect, a support group for women helping women find direction. I continue to run Senior Connect, where we create space to combat senior isolation. Because despite all the tools and tech at our fingertips, the greatest impact still happens across the table, not across a screen. We’re in a time when AI can be more than a tool; it can be a companion. And that’s both exciting and… something worth pausing to think about. When your virtual assistant knows your preferences, mirrors your emotions, supports your every dream…but your real-life partner barely listens, what’s that doing to your sense of connection? When the digital feels safer than the physical, how do we stay human? Today, we’ll unpack those questions. Not to scare you away from tech or shame you for turning to tools that help, but to remind you of something essential: we were built for connection. Not just convenience. So let’s talk about it. CHALLENGE: Step outside the comfort of curated connection this week and make a move toward real, human interaction. Send a message, make a call, show up in person; whatever it looks like, let it be intentional.    I Know YOU Can Do It!   🎶 Music that Moves the Message All original music featured in this episode—including the Encouragementology intro, outro, and interludes—was written and performed by Matt Martino. His work brings warmth and emotion to every episode.   Find more of Matt’s music here: MATT MARTINO Spotify iTunes Youtube

SHOW NOTES: On this show… we’re facing that uncomfortable yet familiar middle stretch. Have you ever looked around and thought, “How did I get here? Am I doing enough? Is it too late to change direction, or too soon to stop trying?” That moment where the rearview is full of decisions, detours, and dashed hopes, while the road ahead seems just out of focus? I want to tell you about a song that’s been living rent-free in my heart—and it just happens to be my husband’s new single, “The Horizon.” It’s been 15 years in the making, and 10 years ago when we first met, he sang me a few lines that stopped me in my tracks. The one that’s haunted me (in the best way)goes: “It’s too soon to be so tired, and too late to start over, nothing but distance over my shoulder, with many miles to go.” Whew. Can you feel that? This show isn’t just about music. It’s about you—me—us—sitting right here in the middle of the journey, wondering what to do next. Maybe you’ve had seasons like that. You’re not brand new anymore. No longer wide-eyed and fresh out of the gate. But you’re also not ready to hang it up and ride into the sunset. Instead, you find yourself in that emotional middle lane: checking your mirrors, gripping the wheel, trying to make sense of the scenery. It’s that space where confidence and confusion coexist. You’ve come far, but where exactly are you going? And more importantly… who are you becoming along the way? So let’s sit in the middle for a moment; not rush through it, not try to escape it. Just… sit.   This space, the emotional middle, isn’t a crisis, even if it feels like one. It’s that quiet stretch of road where the urgency of the starting line has faded, and the excitement of the finish line feels too far off to motivate. You’ve accomplished some things, survived others, made decisions you’re proud of, and a few you wish you could undo. And now? You’re in that foggy space where you’re asking, “Is this where I thought I’d be?” or maybe even “Is this all there is?”   THE HORIZON - by Matt Martino CHALLENGE: Stop seeing the middle as a sign you’re lost—and start seeing it as proof you’re still in it, still growing, still becoming. Take stock of how far you’ve come, let go of what no longer serves you, and choose this moment to recommit to the road ahead. There are still miles to go, and that’s a gift. I Know YOU Can Do It!

SHOW NOTES: On this show…we’re talking about the idea of choosing your hard. Have you ever felt like life just keeps piling on the challenges, like no matter what direction you take, it’s tough? Marriage is hard, but so is divorce. Being in debt is hard, but so is being financially disciplined. Communication is hard, but so is staying silent. The truth is, there’s no easy route. But what if instead of feeling like life is happening to us, we recognized that we get to choose which hard we live with? It’s tempting to believe that we’ve been dealt a bad hand or that everyone else has it easier. When things get hard, we can get stuck; stuck in self-pity, stuck in resentment, stuck in the belief that we don’t have options. But here’s the reality: every hard comes with its own kind of growth. Being fit is hard, but so is carrying the weight of poor health. Working through conflict is hard, but so is living with unresolved tension. When we stop waiting for life to be easy and start owning the hard we choose, we take back our power. I once had someone in a support group tell me, “You can’t just choose to be happy. It doesn’t work that way.” And I get what she meant, it isn’t instant. But I believe happiness is a choice, because when you decide to lean toward joy, you’re also deciding to turn away from sadness. It doesn’t mean your circumstances change overnight, but your posture does. And over time, those choices add up. That’s what we’ll explore today: how to shift your perspective, own your decisions, and recognize that while life will never be without struggle, you do have the power to choose which struggle you embrace. When we say, “life is hard,” what do we really mean? Hard can look like stress, sacrifice, discipline, heartbreak, or persistence. Hard is waking up early to work out when you’d rather sleep in. Hard is having the difficult conversation instead of ignoring the problem. Hard is sitting with grief, or pushing through self-doubt, or choosing to budget when spending feels easier. Hard doesn’t mean impossible; it means uncomfortable, unfamiliar, or requiring effort. The truth is, we don’t get to opt out of difficulty. Every path comes with its own version of hard. If you avoid exercise, you might face the hard of poor health. If you avoid saving, you might face the hard of financial instability. If you avoid conflict, you might face the hard of broken relationships. The meme that inspired this episode puts it plainly: marriage is hard, divorce is hard. Choose your hard. In other words, difficulty is part of the human experience; you just get to decide which type of difficulty leads you closer to the life you want. What makes this powerful is recognizing that choice is always involved. Even when it doesn’t feel like it, you are making a choice, whether it’s by acting or by avoiding. Choosing your hard isn’t about pretending the struggle doesn’t exist. It’s about asking yourself: which hard moves me toward growth, peace, or joy, and which hard keeps me stuck? Once you see that you have agency, the focus shifts from “why is this happening to me?” to “which challenge am I willing to embrace for the sake of something better?” Choose your HARD - (a short film for motivation) CHALLENGE: Take a clear look at the “hard” you’re living with right now and ask yourself—did I choose this, or did I drift into it? Make one intentional choice this week to embrace the hard that moves you toward growth, even if it’s uncomfortable in the moment. I Know YOU Can Do It!

SHOW NOTES: On this show…we’re talking about searching for fulfillment and discovering true satisfaction. Have you ever felt like you were on a constant quest for “the next thing”—a new job, a new relationship, a new milestone—believing that once you achieved it, you’d finally feel complete? It’s a familiar cycle: the anticipation, the accomplishment, and then the quiet realization that the longing is still there. What if the reason we keep searching isn’t because we’re broken, but because our hearts are tuned to look for something deeper than surface-level success? We live in a world that applauds striving and achievement. “What’s next?” becomes the refrain, as though staying in motion ensures meaning. But that chase often leaves us restless. Sometimes it feels like chasing the horizon—you can see it, but the closer you get, the more it moves. In that gap between what we hoped to feel and what we actually feel, questions begin to bubble up: Why isn’t this enough? What am I really searching for? That’s where things get interesting. Many people turn to psychology, self-help, and personal development for answers—and those tools can be incredibly valuable. But what if part of the search is overlooked? For some, fulfillment is found not just in doing more or having more, but in cultivating something bigger—a relationship, a connection, a sense of being supported by more than ourselves. Some call that spirituality, some call it faith, some simply call it purpose. Wherever you land, today we’re going to explore how satisfaction may come not only from what you achieve, but from who and what you invite into your search. When we talk about fulfillment, satisfaction, and purpose, the words can sound interchangeable, but they carry different weights. Fulfillment is that deeper sense of wholeness, like your life has substance and meaning beyond the day-to-day. Satisfaction is more about contentment with your circumstances—feeling that what you have is enough, at least for the moment. And purpose is the guiding direction that pulls you forward, often tied to your values, your passions, and how you contribute to the world. Together, these elements form the framework most of us are chasing, whether consciously or not. Psychologists often make a distinction between the search for meaning and the presence of meaning. The search is the active, restless phase—when you’re hungry for clarity, digging for something that explains or validates your existence. The presence of meaning is the experience of already having it—living in alignment with your values and feeling that your life matters. Interestingly, research shows that people who feel they are actively searching tend to report lower well-being than those who feel they already have meaning. That doesn’t mean the search is bad; it simply highlights the emotional toll of always chasing but never landing. Now here’s where it gets tricky. Many of us stop at the surface—looking to career achievements, personal milestones, or material comforts as the ultimate answer. And while those things can absolutely add joy and motivation, they rarely deliver lasting satisfaction on their own. What often goes overlooked is the spiritual dimension: the idea that fulfillment is tied to something bigger than ourselves. For some, that “something bigger” is community, legacy, or contribution. For others, it’s a relationship with God. Too often, spirituality is dismissed as something you have to give up your worldly joys to experience, when in reality, it can be the piece that helps everything else fall into place. Seven Ways to Bring More Meaning to Your Life. Chasing a Richer, Fuller Level of Happiness. CHALLENGE: Pause your constant search long enough to ask yourself what you’re really longing for—beyond the next milestone or accomplishment. Take one small step this week, whether that’s aligning with your values, connecting with someone who matters, or even opening the door to a conversation with God,

SHOW NOTES: On this show, we are letting go of our old ways of thinking to learn why silence, perspective, and always needing the last word may be holding us back. Have you ever caught yourself clinging to a belief simply because it feels like yours to protect, even when it no longer fits the moment or serves the relationship? Or felt compelled to say one more thing, just to make sure you’re understood, validated, or seen as right, only to walk away feeling a little more frustrated than fulfilled? We’re taking a closer look at the roots of our thinking: where they came from, how they became so automatic, and why they can be so hard to release. We’ll explore the underestimated power of silence, the gift of stepping back, and the clarity that can come from listening to the B-side of your beliefs. That’s the perspective we often ignore, but it just might set us free. This episode is your chance to pause, reflect, and make room for something new. Before we can begin letting go of our old ways of thinking, we have to understand what those “old ways” really are and why they’re so sticky. This segment sets the foundation by exploring four core ideas that will guide the rest of our conversation: inherited thinking, the compulsion to be right, the power of silence, and the value of perspective. 1. Old Ways of Thinking: Where Did They Come From? We don’t just wake up one day with a fixed mindset. Most of our beliefs, assumptions, and mental habits were inherited. We picked them up from family, culture, community, trauma, school, media, or lived experience. Some were explicitly taught, like “Don’t speak unless spoken to.” Others were absorbed through repetition or modeled behavior. Over time, these ideas become so ingrained that we stop questioning them. They feel safe and familiar, but that doesn’t mean they’re serving us. 2. The Need to Be Right and Have the Last Word Let’s face it. Most of us have been in a conversation where we had to make our point, clarify our stance, or get the last word in. That compulsion often comes from fear: fear of being misunderstood, fear of looking weak, or fear of losing control. In some cases, it’s ego. In others, it’s a form of protection, often shaped by past moments when staying quiet came at a cost. But constantly defending our viewpoint keeps us stuck. It makes learning and connection harder and turns dialogue into debate. 3. The Power of Silence Silence gets a bad reputation. We rush to fill quiet moments in conversation, viewing them as awkward or uncomfortable, or assuming they mean something is wrong. But silence can be a powerful tool. It gives us time to process, to listen fully, to think instead of react. Silence invites reflection. It creates space for others. And sometimes, saying nothing speaks volumes. In a world of noise, silence can be the most honest response. 4. Perspective: The B-Side of the Story Imagine your beliefs as a 45-record. The A-side is your familiar story. It’s what you’ve always believed to be true. It’s catchy, comfortable, and easy to play. But flip it over, and there’s a B-side—a quieter, less popular track that offers a different rhythm. Perspective means seeing beyond the obvious and stepping outside your default view. It’s not about abandoning your truth but creating space for more than one version of reality. When we only ever play the A-side, we miss the deeper track that might change everything. How to Let Go of Being Right Black & White Thinking in Relationships: Examples, Impacts, & Solutions Make An Impact - Inspirational Video CHALLENGE: Notice when old thinking shows up and instead of reacting, pause long enough to ask yourself, “Is there another side to this?” Be willing to release the need to be right and choose growth, peace, and presence instead. I Know YOU Can Do It!

SHOW NOTES: On this show… we’re exploring the power of encouragement by diving into the beautiful ripple effect that starts when you decide to show up for someone else—with nothing more than your time, your compassion, and your belief in them. Have you ever offered someone a kind word or a listening ear, only to walk away feeling you were the one who had been lifted? That’s not coincidence. It’s connection. It’s one of life’s quiet miracles that when you encourage someone else, you get a little more wind under your own wings. This idea wasn’t always obvious to me. When I started wanting to give back in 2017, I thought I needed to bring tangible tools: resumes, professional clothing, and interview tips. This was experience I had that might help someone else over a hump or through a challenging time. And while all of that mattered, it was the heartfelt encouragement—the “I see you, I believe in you, and you’re not alone”—that changed everything. That realization gave birth to Encouragementology not just as a podcast, but as a practice. This episode is about helping you uncover that same power in yourself and showing you how encouragement can become your own passionate form of outreach. Let’s start by unpacking this idea of encouragement. We toss that word around like it’s self-explanatory: “She’s so encouraging,” or “Thanks for the encouragement.” But what are we really saying? And more importantly, what power are we underestimating in those moments? Encouragement is more than a compliment. It’s the act of instilling courage—literally. The word comes from the French encoragier, meaning to make strong, to hearten. You’re not just offering kind words; you’re helping someone find the strength to keep going, to believe again, to try one more time. That’s no small thing. That’s soul-level support. Encouragement differs from praise. Praise says, “You did a great job.” Encouragement says, “I see your effort, your struggle, your potential, and I believe in you regardless of the outcome.” It’s not dependent on results. It’s about presence. It’s about being with someone in the messy middle and whispering, “You’re not alone.” It’s also different from advice. Advice assumes there’s a solution and you’ve got it. Encouragement? It assumes the solution lies within them. They might just need a little help digging it out. Encouragement is humble like that. It walks with, not ahead. And here’s the best part: encouragement is one of those rare gifts that benefits the giver just as much as the receiver. Studies show that when you support someone emotionally—whether through a listening ear, a heartfelt note, or a genuine “you’ve got this”—your own stress goes down. Your sense of connection goes up. Your purpose and joy? Yeah, those increase too. Who knew generosity could be such good self-care? Encouragement is also an equalizer. You don’t need fancy credentials, a six-figure salary, or the “right words.” All you need is the willingness to show up with compassion and belief. Encouragement turns everyday people into quiet heroes. And the more intentional we are about practicing it, the more transformational it becomes—not just for others, but for us, too. So when we talk about encouragement today, we’re not talking about a feel-good extra. We’re talking about a powerful, underutilized tool for healing, connection, and real change. 100 Words of Encouragement for Any Situation Employee Retention Depends on Getting Recognition Right The Pencil's Tale - a story that everyone should hear CHALLENGE: Become a source of encouragement this week—through your words, your presence, or your quiet belief in someone who needs it. Let your intentional kindness be the spark that reminds them (and you) that even the smallest gesture can create lasting impact. I Know YOU Can Do It!

SHOW NOTES: On this show… I’m inviting you to step out of your résumé and into your real self as we redefine your story because it’s about who you are, not just what you’ve done. In a world obsessed with titles and accomplishments, we’re exploring the depth of identity that extends far beyond a job title. Let’s peel back the layers, laugh at our own career clichés, and reclaim the core traits that make us resilient, creative, and deeply human. We’ll explore how your strengths, values, and patterns, not your latest promotion, are the real engines of your career and your purpose. I’ll walk you through simple, fun, yet soul-stirring exercises that coax out the traits you might’ve tucked away. Ready for a journey back to you?  Let’s start with a bold idea: You are not your job. Now, before your inner overachiever starts to panic, this doesn’t mean your work isn’t important. It simply means it’s not all of who you are. And yet, so many of us introduce ourselves by title and task: “I’m a project manager,” “I work in healthcare,” “I run operations.” We rarely say, “I’m a creative problem solver,” “a compassionate truth-teller,” or “someone who finds peace in helping others thrive.” But that’s who we really are. Our culture tends to equate identity with productivity. From the time we’re kids, we’re asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” not “Who are you becoming?” That question plants the seed that our value lies in output, not in essence. But identity is far richer. It includes your values, your patterns, the way you naturally show up for people, and how you interpret the world around you. What energizes you? What makes you feel alive? These are the clues that point to your core identity, whether you’re in the boardroom, the classroom, or between jobs. Let’s go deeper: psychologists call this “narrative identity.” It’s the internal story we tell ourselves about who we are and why we matter. And here’s the kicker: it’s not just based on our accomplishments. It’s shaped by the meaning we assign to those moments. Did you show courage in a difficult season? Did you pivot when things fell apart? Those aren’t just résumé gaps or achievements; they’re identity anchors. If you’ve ever had a job loss, career shift, or even retirement, you may have felt the sudden “Who am I now?” freefall. That’s what happens when our identity is overly fused with our role. But what if instead, we zoomed out and saw our careers as just one expression of who we are, not the whole story? That’s what this episode is about. Helping you get reacquainted with yourself, not your skill set. Stop Making Work Your Identity How to Find Passion Outside of the Workplace How to Rediscover Yourself After a Major Change CHALLENGE: Stop leading with what you’ve done and start rediscovering who you truly are. Reconnect with the traits, values, and passions that make you you—and let those shine in everything you do. I Know YOU Can Do It!

SHOW NOTES: On this show…we’re exploring how you can do hard things, build resilience & beat procrastination! We’re diving into that moment when your brain whispers, “nah, let’s just wait, doing hard stuff is hard.” And you know what? That’s totally okay. Procrastination isn’t about laziness, it’s your body’s way of dodging discomfort. We’ll explore how resilience isn’t about superhero strength, it’s about learning to lean into the challenge, even when you’d rather binge‑watch from your comfort zone. Life tosses curveballs; overwhelm, fear of failing, perfectionism, or just sheer dread of starting. But guess what? Even taking the tiniest step counts as a win. I’ll walk you through what’s really going on in your brain, then we’ll share a laugh (or two) as we explore strategies that empower, not overwhelm. Stick around; by the end, procrastination might just feel a little more conquerable and maybe even a bit fun. Let’s start by getting on the same page. We’re tossing around two big, emotionally loaded words today, resilience and procrastination and if you’re like most of us, they come with a mix of admiration, guilt, hope, and ugh. So before we dig in, let’s unpack what they really mean, no shame, no psych textbook, just real talk. Resilience is often portrayed as superhero stuff, people running back into burning buildings, climbing mountains with one leg, bouncing back from personal tragedy like it was just a flat tire. But in everyday life, resilience looks more like showing up to a meeting you’re dreading, trying again after failing, or getting out of bed when everything in your body says “no thanks.” It’s not about being immune to struggle, it’s about finding a way through it. Resilience is messy, imperfect, and deeply human. It’s the part of you that whispers “try again” when the louder voice says “just quit.” On the other hand, procrastination is often misjudged as laziness or a lack of discipline. But spoiler alert: it’s not. Procrastination is actually a form of emotional self-protection. It’s your brain saying, “That task looks uncomfortable. Let’s go organize the fridge instead.” You delay not because you don’t care, but because something about that task, fear of failure, fear of success, overwhelm, boredom, feels threatening or unpleasant. So you put it off… and then beat yourself up for putting it off. Sound familiar? Why We Procrastinate: The Psychology of Putting Things Off Can Self-Compassion Overcome Procrastination? The ONLY Way To Stop Procrastinating | Mel Robbins CHALLENGE: Stop waiting for the perfect moment and start with the next one—messy, unmotivated, and unsure if you’re ready. Because forward is forward, and five imperfect minutes of action beats one more day of overthinking.   I Know YOU Can Do It!