Sometimes it feels like everyone else has it all figured out--that only WE are the fakers. 

Take a moment to join me in exploring some TRUTHS about ourselves. We are NOT imposters--we can be confident AND imperfect!

"Cupcakes are just muffins with big ideas and a commitment to growth."
Courtney Macha

Shout out to Pump Up the Mind for the theme music: "Bright Horizons"

Is this a good time to chat about STINKIN' THINKIN'? Our inner voice can use its power for good--or not-so-good. Do YOU know how to tell the difference? 

Does your inner voice give you encouragement or criticism? Confidence or shame? 

While I'm pretty sure my inner voice is never going to go away, it's CRITICAL that I ensure our partnership is PRODUCTIVE and adds VALUE. 

"Let yourself be silently drawn by the stronger pull of what you truly love. It will not lead you astray."
Rumi

Shout out to Pump Up the Mind for the theme music: "Bright Horizons"

Can we chat about EXPECTATIONS? 

Have you ever muttered these words? 
"I make it a point to NEVER have expectations--then I'm NEVER disappointed." 

So cute...but I'm not buying it. 

Are you ready to stop lying to yourself and increase the value of your relationship with your expectations (because you have them, you know)? The sooner you do, the better off you'll be... 

"The source of all dissatisfaction is unmet expectations."
Denny Macha 

Shout out to Pump Up the Mind for the theme music: "Bright Horizons"

Can we chat about FEAR?!

I don't want to talk about CAP-LOCKED fear, but lower-case "fear." Not the oh-crap-run-for-your-life FEAR, but the oh-crap-I-don't-think-I-can-do-this variety.

Is the fear you're feeling alerting you to danger or is it an indication that what's ahead is BIG and AWESOME?

Shout out to Pump Up the Mind for the theme music: "Bright Horizons"

Can we chat about BOUNDARIES?

I get fired up when I feel a boundary has not been respected, but is my setting and maintaining boundaries game on track?

Understanding what we need to feel safe is only the first step. Let's chat about the OTHER important parts of taking care of ourselves as it relates to setting and maintaining boundaries.

"Boundaries are, in simple terms, the recognition of personal space."
Asa Don Brown

Shout out to Pump Up the Mind for the theme music: "Bright Horizons"

I don't know about your relationship with CHANGE, but I know I needed to talk it through with you. 

I credit the insightful research of William Bridges Associates for helping me learn to navigate change with greater understanding, serenity, and reward. Once you understand the way we humans transition through change, you never look at change the same way again. 

It's like the mob...you can never get out because you know too much!

"A ship in harbor is safe, but that's not what ships are built for."
John A. She'd

Shout out to Pump Up the Mind for the theme music: "Bright Horizons"

Is this a good time to chat about STRUGGLE? 

For most of my life, I thought every challenge was accompanied by struggle. That mindset put me in a space where I not only attracted #drama, but generated it. 

Today, my truth is that when I get stronger by leaning into the challenges life puts in front of me, my struggle disappears. And, it would be a surprise to "old Courtney," but it has NOTHING to do with other people changing the way they think, feel, and behave! 

Go figure...

"Challenge is a fact of life, but struggle is a choice."
Courtney Macha

Shout out to Pump Up the Mind for the theme music: "Bright Horizons"

Is this a good time to chat about TOXIC POSITIVITY? 

We mean well, but when does optimism become toxic? Dig into THREE challenges toxic positivity introduces and the detours you can take to avoid inadvertent destruction.

"We cannot selectively numb emotions. When we numb painful emotions, we also Brené Brown

Shout out to Pump Up the Mind for the theme music: "Bright Horizons"

You want to grow, but are you willing to expand the SPACE you occupy? What if the key to that growth spurt you crave is found in space you haven't explored?

"Stop shrinking yourself to fit places you've outgrown."
Furaha Joyce

Shout out to Pump Up the Mind for the theme music: "Bright Horizons"

Is this a good time to talk about SOCIAL ECOSYSTEMS? 

We are part of many ecosystems and it's important that we understand how they can influence our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors--and how our actions can create ripples for those around us. 

I can say NO, but is the people-please calling the shots in my head capable of accepting the reactions to that? Practice makes progress...

"Critical thinking is a threat to unhealthy systems and questions make people think."
Nedra Glover Tawwab

Shout out to Pump Up the Mind for the theme music: "Bright Horizons"

Ah, the evil COMFORT ZONE! We hear a lot about abandoning that ship, but I have a different perspective. 

Can growth and a comfort zone exist in harmony? For me, they do! But not without some intentional stretching involved...

"Comfort zones are most often expanded through discomfort."
Peter McWilliams

Shout out to Pump Up the Mind for the theme music: "Bright Horizons"

Can we chat about BAD DAYS?

The alarm doesn't go off. I didn't sleep well. I'm out of coffee and my toast burned. I can't seem to get my footing and EVERYTHING is going WRONG!

Sound familiar? Substitute some of your own drama and I think you can tap in to the feeling quite nicely.

What if we asked ourselves some simple questions in times of challenge? Could we re-set our perspective in the moment and even start our day all over again at any moment?

"A bad day doesn't cancel out a good life. Keep going."
Richie Norton

Shout out to Pump Up the Mind for the theme music: "Bright Horizons"

Can we chat about HELP?

Why is it is DIFFICULT for so many of us to ask for help when we need it and receive it when it's offered to us? Join me in exploring my own "TOP 5" reasons I find it difficult and make a commitment to seek and welcome help fro now on!

Not sure you can make the commitment? No worries--I'm here to HELP!

"We are at our most powerful the moment we no longer need to be powerful."
Eric Micha'el Leventhal

Shout out to Pump Up the Mind for the theme music: "Bright Horizons"

Some of you just got sweaty at the mere mention of the word! 

If we know every human is unique and that conflict is a natural part of interacting with other humans, then why does the idea of it make some of us clench our fists, run for the hills, or freeze in our tracks?!

Shout out to Pump Up the Mind for the theme music: "Bright Horizons"

Hey--are you in there? Can we chat about OPENNESS?

We protect ourselves with walls of our own creation, but are they really keeping us from the connection and growth we crave and deserve?

What if the first step in establishing true, authentic connections with others involved taking some emotional risks on our end? If everyone waits for others to put their shields down first, what hope do we have?

"To be found is to be exposed. No wonder so many of us are still lost."
Craig D. Lounsbrough

Shout out to Pump Up the Mind for the theme music: "Bright Horizons"

Can we chat about GROWTH?! 

Specifically, I want to explore how the early stages of growth can be hard--and cause us to question whether or not it's worth it. What if knowing some key truths--UNIVERSAL TRUTHS--about growth could reassure us?

Shout out to Pump Up the Mind for the theme music: "Bright Horizons"

Can we chat about CURIOSITY?!

We start the human experience, curious. As children, we ask TONS of questions, because everything is NEW! Then, at some point, we get so confident that we know it all, that we just hide behind our convictions.

Do you think you're doing life correctly and those who are different are doing it wrong? Do you spend your days wishing others would think and behave like you? Are you reaching for growth or marching in place, embracing certainty?

"Curiosity will conquer fear more than bravery will."
James Stephens

Shout out to Pump Up the Mind for the theme music: "Bright Horizons"

Can we chat about ACCEPTANCE?! 

In a world where we are conditioned to stay HUNGRY, always want MORE, and NEVER be satisfied--is it a wonder that we sometimes think ACCEPTANCE means we have just given up? 

What if ACCEPTANCE is really the key to unlocking greater joy and personal growth? 

"When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time."
Maya Angelou 

Shout out to Pump Up the Mind for the theme music: "Bright Horizons"

Can we chat about MIRRORS?!

Though a mirror is designed for us to view ourselves, is it possible I spend more time holding mirrors up to OTHERS--so THEY can take a good look at and fix their behaviors--than inspecting myself?

If I'm working overtime to show others the reflective, dynamic side of the glass, how much time do I spend starting at the dark, dull surface on the back? What hope do I have to grow and learn with that in my sights? Could what I'm trying to point out to others be more about what I'm working to avoid seeing in ME?

"I'll stare directly at the sun, but never in the mirror."
Taylor Swift

Shout out to Pump Up the Mind for the theme music: "Bright Horizons"

Can we chat about EMOTIONAL SCABS?

I know...gross. But we all have them and when we neglect to encourage healing, they impact how we interact with the world (and people) around us.

What can we do to ensure OLD HURTS don't derail us as we experience things today?

"Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways."
Sigmund Freud

Shout out to Pump Up the Mind for the theme music: "Bright Horizons"

Ah...the moving target of MOTIVATION that has been perplexing humans for ages! 

Motivation differs from person to person, so how realistic is it that it's a leader's job to constantly be ahead of the motivation curve for every individual? Is the goal of motivating other people achievable or just a fool's errand? 

I offer up this alternate perspective. What do you think? 

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose."
Dr. Seuss

Shout out to Pump Up the Mind for the theme music: "Bright Horizons"

Can we agree that it's a bit unfair to compare PROGRESS to success? 

While the world goes hoarse trying to tell us the meaning of success, it's only when we look inside that we truly find progress and the true definition. 

Are you so focused on the outcome that you miss the value in the process? Are you at risk of giving up entirely because you place value on the WIN and not the GAME?

"In its place stood progress and progress, I understand, is necessarily ugly."
W.E.B. Du Bois

Shout out to Pump Up the Mind for the theme music: "Bright Horizons"

Is this a good time to chat about EMOTIONAL TORNADOS? (Spoiler: It's ALWAYS emotional tornado season...)

We all have encountered emotional tornados--sometimes they happen TO us and sometimes, they happen WITHIN us. What can we do when the feelings begin to swirl into a funnel cloud? Let's look at FOUR TIPS to stay safe(r) in an emotional storm.

"In short, out-of-control emotions can make smart people stupid."
Daniel Coleman

Shout out to Pump Up the Mind for the theme music: "Bright Horizons"

Can we chat about PROCRASTINATION?!

Yeah. I said it. It's a filthy, ugly word we despise, yet we continue to invite it into our lives--creating disruption and chaos in our progress and growth.

What if we think we are just putting off a task that is
😣 DIFFICULT
🫤 UNCOMFORTABLE
😳 CHALLENGING
🥱 BORING
But what if we are REALLY preventing ourselves from reaching our potential?

Shout out to Pump Up the Mind for the theme music: "Bright Horizons"

Have you ever allowed self-doubt and a negative inner voice hold you captive and prevented you from recognizing your full POTENTIAL? 

Same here. 

Staying forever in a small, safe, and warm fishbowl is great for some fish, but when (and how) do we find the courage to move into larger waters? 

Today, when I think I can't...I'll try. When I think it's too hard, I'll do it and learn just how strong I really am. And when the volume of my negative inner voice gets too loud, I'll not just quiet it--I'll teach it a NEW song to sing! 

How about you? What will you do differently today to expand the view of your own potential?

"Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow."
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Shout out to Pump Up the Mind for the theme music: "Bright Horizons"

Is AI a tool or a crutch? Are we looking to use AI to produce super-human results and maintain a schedule NO ONE should endure? 

When computers were introduced and widely available, experts expected that increased productivity would mean less time needed to complete the same amount of work, allowing employees to have more leisure time and better work-life balance. 

How's THAT going for you? 

Instead, we expanded the scope and complexity of our work, raised expectations for output, productivity, and responsiveness...and the boundaries between work and personal life blurred as work became more portable. 

Do we think AI will finally help us achieve work-life balance or will we double-down on our addiction to chaos and AI will just help us maintain our nonsense--just as faster speeds! 

Shout out to Pump Up the Mind for the theme music: "Bright Horizons"

Can we chat about GRATITUDE? 

The idea that I will be okay if only life is more gentle with me is a bit unrealistic. Life is going to happen on LIFE'S TERMS, so the adjustment needs to be within ME! 

Gratitude in times of challenge, change, grief, and other down-swings can be difficult, but it just might be the KEY to joy! 

"The way we see determines what we see."
Martha Beck

Shout out to Pump Up the Mind for the theme music: "Bright Horizons"

Can we chat about DETOURS? 

How often do we find the need to adjust our plans, our approach, and next steps? Like...EVERY DAY. Why do we attempt to convince ourselves that encountering a challenge in our pursuit of a goal or going through some unexpected life changes is reason to label ourselves a "FAILURE?" 

What if we were to find gratitude in the detours and look for the unexpected gifts? What if DETOURS are NOT ROADBLOCKS? 

"Lessons often come dressed up as detours and roadblocks."
Oprah Winfrey 

Shout out to Pump Up the Mind for the theme music: "Bright Horizons"

Can we chat about SOCIAL TOURISM? 

I know--it's not a familiar term. I may have even made it up (don't fact-check me, though). 

Whatever you call it, it's critical that I'm aware of how I behave when I enter your emotional and mental space. In this chat, I outline THREE WAYS I know I have been (and can still be) a terrible guest in your psychological space.

"One night well say that mankind is divisible into two great classes: Hosts and Guests."
Max Beerbohm

Shout out to Pump Up the Mind for the theme music: "Bright Horizons"

Is this a good time to chat about GARDENING? Specifically, what's KILLING my garden? 

I am the gardener of my own growth. The seeds of growth I planted and tend to are wilting. Is it possible I am the one destroying them? 

And...(shudder)...am I alone with this behavior? (Spoiler: I don't think I am...)

"It's me. Hi. I'm the problem, it's me."
Taylor Swift

Shout out to Pump Up the Mind for the theme music: "Bright Horizons"

Is it possible that how we introduce our thoughts might be an indication of our self-esteem health? 

We have important thoughts, feelings, and ideas to share, but can how we voice them alert the listener that what follows may be, at best, uninspiring? [insert sad trombone "womp-womp" here] 

I'd love to know if I'm the only one (I know I'm not) who uses phrases like the ones I share in this video. When I say them, do you hear your own voice?

"The image that concerns most people is the reflection they see in other people's minds."
Edward De Bono

Shout out to Pump Up the Mind for the theme music: "Bright Horizons"