This Year's Word with Courtney Symes

Before we even say a word, people are already forming an impression of us. The way we stand, the way we hold ourselves, whether we look someone in the eye—it all speaks volumes.

But here’s the secret: body language doesn’t just influence how others see us. It also changes the way we feel about ourselves.

In this episode, I walk you through the fascinating connection between body language and confidence, and share some really practi...

Over the next few episodes, we’re going to explore the theme of confidence.

Now, confidence is one of those qualities that we all admire in others and often wish we had more of ourselves. But here’s the thing — confidence isn’t about being loud, or extroverted, or having all the answers. True confidence, the kind that lasts, comes from within.

It’s not about impressing others or ticking boxes of success. It’s about cultivating a d...

Over the last few episodes, we’ve been exploring what it means to flourish — in our health and wellness, in our relationships, and through personal growth and learning. Today we’re going to explore another dimension of flourishing, one that adds richness and depth to everything else we do: flourishing through purpose and contribution.

If the content of today’s episode has piqued your interest, I have something very special for yo...

When we think of flourishing, we often imagine blooming in our health, our relationships, or our sense of purpose. But one of the most powerful ways to flourish is through personal growth and learning. Just like a tree stretches its branches toward the sun, we flourish when we expand our minds, challenge ourselves, and remain curious about the world around us.

Flourishing through growth and learning isn’t about adding endless achie...

Think about the last time you walked through a garden in spring. The flowers aren’t just getting by—they’re stretching, blooming, and showing up in full colour. Relationships are very much the same.

When they’re flourishing, we don’t just “coexist” with the people around us—we thrive together. We laugh more, we feel safer, we grow stronger, and life just feels richer.

But here’s the thing: flourishing doesn’t just happen. It takes ...

It's been a tremendously cold winter here in Canberra, Australia, but finally there is evidence of Spring being just around the corner. The wattle and deciduous trees are in bloom, the spring bulbs are peaking through the earth, which is slowly warming up. Before we know it, everything will be in full bloom, and flourishing.

It seems fitting that my word of the month is "Flourish".

When we think about flourishing, images of lush ga...

Do you remember being a child and asking endless questions? “Why is the sky blue?” “How do birds fly?” “Where does the sun go at night?”

Children are naturally curious. They don’t worry about whether a question sounds silly—they just ask. And in doing so, they learn about the world at a rapid pace.

As adults, many of us lose that fearless curiosity. We worry about looking foolish, being judged, or slowing others down. So instead of...

This meditation is about asking. Asking for what you need. Asking for help. Asking yourself questions that lead to growth. And asking the world to guide you, with openness and curiosity.

If the content of today’s episode has piqued your interest, I have something very special for you. I have created 30 Journal Prompts, similar to the ones mentioned throughout this episode on the Power of Asking – that’s one life-changing prompt for...

Have you ever noticed how often we ask other people for advice—friends, mentors, partners—but forget to ask ourselves the deeper questions first?

We turn outward when we’re uncertain, but real growth often begins when we pause, turn inward, and gently ask: What do I really need right now? What am I meant to learn from this moment?

Asking yourself questions is like shining a flashlight on your inner world. It helps you uncover blind...

We all have moments in life when we notice someone we care about isn’t quite themselves.

Asking someone if they’re OK is one of the most powerful acts of care and connection we can offer — but it’s also something many of us struggle to do.

Continuing on our theme of “asking” on the podcast this month, in today’s episode we will explore why asking if someone is ok matters, how to approach the conversation, and how to offer meaningf...

This month, I’m focusing on “asking”. Asking can take many different forms, such as: asking better questions, asking for help, asking to seek clarity and understanding, as well as asking to learn.

In this episode, the first in my series on this topic, I will be exploring the power of asking for help.

If the content of today’s episode has piqued your interest, I have something very special for you. I have created 30 Journal Prompts,...

This month I have been participating in Dry July.

Having a month-long break from alcohol is something I try to do every year, either during July or October. I do this for a couple of reasons. Firstly, to give my body a break from alcohol and allow it to detox for a few weeks, and secondly to break the habit of drinking.

In this episode, I share how I use the power of consistency to break this habit. 

Check out my courses: Magical M...

Creativity is an innate part of who we are, a wellspring of ideas and inspiration that allows us to express ourselves and solve problems in new and innovative ways. In this meditation, we will explore this inner source of creativity and learn how to connect with it more deeply.

Check out my courses: Magical Mornings and Joyful Journaling Journey, as well as my book, A Year of Love: Finding peace one day at a time. 

Grab your FREE...

When was the last time you were creative?

This month (and over the holidays), I encourage you to embrace your creative side to make or try something new.

Reflect on the creative things you enjoyed doing as a child, such as painting, drawing, crafting, sewing, cooking, or making music.

How can you welcome some of these beloved activities back into your life to spark lightness and fun?

In this episode, we’ll explore the nature of cre...

Welcome to this meditation on growth. This time is for you to centre yourself, reflect, and cultivate a deeper awareness of your personal journey. Growth can be physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual, and today we are going to explore how to embrace growth as a lifelong process.

Check out my courses: Magical Mornings and Joyful Journaling Journey, as well as my book, A Year of Love: Finding peace one day at a time. 

Grab your FR...

What does "growth" mean to you?

I'd like you to take a moment to reflect how you have grown over the last year.

Here in Australia, it's spring - the season of growth. We're surrounded by things bursting into life, sprouting, blooming, growing little by little each day.

This month I encourage you to look for the ways to find growth in your own life.

Growth doesn't have to be extreme, it can be small and incremental. Every little cha...

Courage is a quality that resides within each of us, though it often remains hidden beneath layers of fear, doubt, or uncertainty. In this meditation, we will explore and awaken this inner strength, allowing it to guide us through life's challenges with grace and confidence.

Check out my courses: Magical Mornings and Joyful Journaling Journey, as well as my book, A Year of Love: Finding peace one day at a time. 

Grab your FREE Jour...

When was the last time you were courageous?

Courage is a powerful and transformative quality that enables us to confront our fears, overcome obstacles, and pursue our dreams with confidence and determination. It is the inner strength that allows us to take risks, stand up for what we believe in, and navigate the unknown with resilience and grace. While courage is often associated with acts of heroism and bravery, it is equally impo...

Welcome to this meditation on listening. In our fast-paced world, we often find ourselves consumed by the noise around us. Today, we will focus on the art of listening, a skill that deepens our understanding and connection to the world and the people in it.

Check out my courses: Magical Mornings and Joyful Journaling Journey, as well as my book, A Year of Love: Finding peace one day at a time. 

Grab your FREE Journaling Guide with ...