Hi guys! Welcome to Episode 582 of The Wildly Successful Lifestyle podcast! What’s going on? Are you guys out there making things happen that you want to happen? Living your best life? I hope so! It’s so interesting to me how much of our life we live in our heads. And also how much of our life depends on whats going on in our head. I didn’t realize it until the last several years where I’ve been working on awareness and mindset, how much our thoughts matter to our life. I used to think they just happened and I had no control over them, in fact I didn’t really think much about them at all, I just knew sometimes I was miserable and most of the time I thought it was either someone else’s fault or maybe something else’s fault like the weather or my job. Awareness has taught me that couldn’t be further from the truth.
I had this moment recently that really made me stop and think…..Have you ever hung out with someone who usually gets under your skin, but this time you’re like, “Huh, I actually had a great time with them today”? Or maybe you’re doing something you’ve done a million times—like a run or a day at work—and for some reason, it just feels better. You might think, “Oh, they were in a good mood,” or “The weather was nice, so the run was great.” We’re wired to point to something outside ourselves, right? That’s how we roll. But what if the real reason things felt different is you?
This moment happened just this past Saturday. It was one of those days that just felt… right. The weather was perfect—sunny, cool, the kind of day that makes you want to be outside. My husband, Eric, and I decided to head to Shelby Farms to do “Go Ape.” If you haven’t been, it’s this treetop adventure thing with zip lines, wobbly bridges, and obstacles that are way up in the trees. It’s a blast, but it’s no joke. We’ve done it before, but this time we were feeling extra bold and went for the extra-hard course. There were moments where I was gripping the ropes, thinking, “Okay, I might maybe this wasn’t such a good idea,” but we made it through, laughing at ourselves for stepping out but being so glad we did when we got to the other side.
That same night, we had Eric’s sister and her husband over for dinner. We always have a good time with them—they’re great people—but this night was just… extra. We were talking, telling stories, and just enjoying each other’s company so much that I lost track of time. If you know me, you know I’m an early-to-bed person. I’m all about my mornings, and everyone who hangs out with us knows I’m usually fading by 9:00. But that night? I was up way past my bedtime, and I didn’t care. We were having too much fun.
The next morning, I did my usual routine. Before I meditate, I take a few minutes to think about the day before—what went well, what I could do better. It’s my way of staying intentional, and it really helps me start the day with purpose. As I was reflecting on Saturday, I kept coming back to this question: Why was it so much fun? Why did Go Ape feel so much more fun than usual? Why was dinner with Eric’s family so much better? At first, I thought maybe they were just on their A-game, or the fall weather made everything better. But then it hit me: the difference was me.
I’ve been working hard on myself lately, and I talk about this a lot on the podcast—trying to be the best version of me. I’m not saying I’ve got it all figured out, but I’m in a good place. Physically, I feel great. I’ve been eating better—not just salads all day, but real, nourishing food that makes me feel strong. I’ve been exercising a lot, and it’s not just about fitting into my jeans—it’s about feeling alive in my body. I’ve also really gotten a handle on my hormones, Whether you’re in your 20s or like me figuring out menopause, getting your hormones in check is a game-changer. I’ve been working with my doctor to balance mine, and I finally feel like me again.
But it’s not just the physical stuff. I’ve been doing a lot of work on how I show up mentally and emotionally. One thing I’ve really been focusing on is letting go of judgment. I’m a high-standards person—I like to push myself, and that’s fine for me. But I used to expect everyone else to operate at that same level, and let’s be honest, that’s not always fair. So I’ve been practicing just loving people where they are, not where I think they should be. It’s a small shift, but it’s huge.
That Saturday, it all clicked. We’ve done Go Ape before. We’ve had dinner with Eric’s sister and her husband a million times. Nothing about the day was new—except me. I was showing up differently. At Go Ape, I wasn’t overthinking or rushing, I was just taking it all in, enjoying Eric and every moment. I was just in it, having fun. At dinner, I wasn’t worrying about the conversation or what time it was. I was present, laughing, connecting. My attitude, my energy—that’s what made the day feel so good.
I’m telling you this because I think we all do this—we assume the world around us is what makes or breaks our day. Your boss is grumpy, so work sucks. The weather’s bad, so your run’s a drag. But what if it’s not always about them or the weather? What if it’s about how you show up? I’m not saying you can control everything—life throws curveballs. But you can control your perspective.
Think about it. Have you ever had a day where everything just felt… off? Maybe you snapped at someone or felt irritated by little things. It’s easy to blame the world—traffic, coworkers, whatever. But sometimes, it’s us. Maybe we’re tired, stressed, or just not in the right headspace. The flip side is true, too. When you’re feeling good—when you’re intentional about your energy—you can turn a regular day into a great one.
I was reading about this idea in positive psychology from Shawn Achor, who wrote The Happiness Advantage. He talks about how our happiness isn’t just about what’s happening to us; it’s about how we choose to see it. One study he mentions found that people who practice things like gratitude or mindfulness—simple stuff like writing down three things you’re thankful for each day—actually feel happier over time, even if their life doesn’t change much. It’s not magic; it’s just how our brains work.
So, how do you do that? How do you show up as the difference in your own life? Here’s what’s been working for me. First, start your day with a quick check-in. I do my morning reflection—what went well yesterday, what can I do better today? It takes five minutes, and it helps me focus. You don’t need a journal; just think it through while you’re brushing your teeth.
Second, take care of yourself. Eat food that makes you feel good, move your body in a way you enjoy—whether it’s running, yoga, or just walking the dog. If you’re feeling off physically, don’t ignore it. Talk to a doctor, figure out what’s up. When your body feels good, it’s easier to bring your best self.
Third, try to let go of judgment. Next time someone annoys you, pause and instead of asking, “What’s going on with them? Try this question out….What’s going on with ME?” It’s not about letting people walk all over you—it’s about not letting their stuff ruin your vibe.
And finally, be where you are. Put the phone down, look at the people you’re with, really listen. It sounds simple, but it makes a huge difference.
So, next time you’re having an amazing day—or even a rough one—stop and ask yourself: “Is the difference me?” Because here’s the thing: you’ve got way more power than you think. Ghandi said “be the change you wish to see in the world”. You can’t control the world, but you can control how you show up in it. And that? That’s everything. Share this with 3 people who deserve to see how much power they really have. I love you guys, Ill talk to you in a few days!
