Lives of Courage with Jessica Stong

Have you ever found yourself effortlessly outlining what you want for others but freezing up when it comes to your own desires? You’re not alone. In this transformative episode of Lives of Courage, Jessica tackles the powerful question: “What do you really want?”

Join Jessica as she delves into the common barriers that prevent us from identifying and pursuing our true desires. Drawing from her extensive experience as a burnout prev...

In this episode of Lives of Courage, we dive into the importance of having a hobby—a creative outlet that’s just for you. So many of us feel stuck in the cycle of work and family obligations, leaving little time for ourselves. But finding a hobby isn’t just a luxury—it’s a form of self-care. We’ll explore the mental health benefits of crafting, share inspiring stories, and discuss the courage it takes to start something new, especi...

In this episode of Lives of Courage, we explore the powerful practice of saying no and how it can help you create a life that aligns with your passions and purpose. Drawing from personal experience and the philosophy of "If it’s not a Heck Yes, it’s a no," we discuss how setting boundaries and being intentional with your yeses can lead to more fulfillment and joy. I also share my recent decision to release podcast episode...

In this episode of the Lives of Courage Podcast, we dive deep into navigating life's pivotal moments—those times when you know it's time for a change, but the path forward seems unclear. Whether you're considering a career shift, going through a personal life change, or simply feeling stuck in your current routine, this episode is for you.

Join me as we explore how to embrace the unknown, set intentional goals, build a ...

Are you feeling stuck in a monotonous routine, going through the motions without any real sense of purpose or direction? In this episode of the Lives of Courage Podcast, Jessica explores the pivotal moments in our lives when we feel like we’re on a never-ending moving walkway, just coasting through each day. These moments of stagnation can be powerful signals that it’s time for a change—a turn towards a more fulfilling and vibrant ...

In this powerful and essential episode of the Lives of Courage Podcast, Jessica dives deep into the concept of self-accountability. Often easier said than done, self-accountability is about becoming your own best boss, holding yourself to the commitments you make, and trusting that you will follow through on your promises to yourself.

Jessica explores why self-accountability is crucial for personal growth and fulfillment, how we of...

In this episode of the Lives of Courage Podcast, Jessica dives into a topic that resonates with everyone at some point in their lives: what to do when things don’t go as planned. We meticulously plan, set goals, and envision a clear path forward. But life, in its unpredictable nature, often throws us curveballs, leaving us feeling disoriented, frustrated, and defeated.

Join Jessica as she explores:

• The "Shoulds" We ...

In this heartfelt episode, we explore the all-too-common feeling of "This isn't what I thought my life would be." Join host Jessica as she delves into why so many of us find ourselves at this crossroads and what we can do about it.

We'll uncover the reasons behind our reluctance to seek help, such as the fear of change, doubt in effectiveness, time constraints, financial concerns, self-doubt, and past disappointme...

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the little stories we tell ourselves and how they shape our lives, especially in midlife. Have you ever thought, "I'm too old for this," or "It's too late to change"? These limiting beliefs can hold us back from reaching our true potential. But here's the good news: we have the power to rewrite these stories.

Join me as we explore the transformative power of th...

In this eye-opening episode of "Lives of Courage," host Jessica challenges the widely accepted mantra of "faking it until you make it" and reveals why this approach can be more harmful than helpful. Discover the pitfalls of unrealistic affirmations and how they can damage your self-esteem and motivation.

Instead, Jessica introduces the concept of laddering your thoughts—creating a series of small, believable ste...

In this episode of Lives of Courage, we explore the transformative power of creativity and why the act of creating is a courageous leap into self-discovery and connection. Jessica dives into what inspires her creative practice, sharing personal stories from her journey as a fiber artist and reflecting on how creativity has helped her process emotions, connect with others, and make meaning in challenging times.

Drawing on insights f...

In this heartfelt and transformative episode of the Lives of Courage Podcast, host Jessica takes you on a deeply personal journey of discovering and setting boundaries. As a recovering people pleaser, Jessica opens up about her struggles with saying no and the profound impact it had on her well-being. She shares how understanding and challenging deeply ingrained schemas—like the fear of abandonment, subjugation, and unrelenting sta...

In this episode of the Lives of Courage podcast, host Jessica explores the essential trait of resilience, sharing inspiring stories and practical strategies for overcoming life's challenges. Discover how to build your inner strength, navigate difficult times, and emerge stronger than ever.

Jessica begins by defining resilience and discussing its key components, such as optimism, flexibility, and the ability to find meaning in a...

Are you feeling trapped in the monotony of daily life, longing for the passion and dreams you once had? Join host Jessica on this episode of the Lives of Courage podcast as she dives into the mid-life struggle of feeling unfulfilled and stuck in a joyless routine.

In this episode, Jessica explores the journey of recognizing unfulfilled dreams and offers practical strategies to break free from the mundane. Through heartfelt personal...

Welcome back to another episode of Lives of Courage! In this episode, we tackle a universal challenge—feeling stuck. Whether it's in your career, personal life, or a specific project, feeling like you're in a rut can be incredibly frustrating. Listen as we dive into practical steps to help you break free from this stagnation and start moving forward with purpose.

We’ll explore the importance of acknowledging your feelings a...

In this episode of the Lives of Courage podcast, host Jessica takes you on a journey of setting and achieving courageous goals. Discover how to identify what truly matters to you, break down your aspirations into actionable steps, and navigate obstacles with the powerful AND technique.

You'll learn to:

• Reflect on your passions and interests to set meaningful goals.
• Create a clear roadmap by breaking down your goals into ...

Episode Description

In this heartfelt episode of Lives of Courage, host Jessica delves into a topic that resonates deeply with many women – the silent struggle of loneliness and the challenge of showing our true selves. Despite our external successes, many of us battle feelings of isolation and the pressure to maintain a façade. Jessica explores the impact of wearing emotional masks, the profound effects of loneliness on our mental...

In this episode of the 'Lives of Courage' podcast, host Jessica dives deep into the process of unpacking years of accumulated emotional baggage. Many of us carry an invisible weight filled with unresolved feelings, past hurts, and unexpressed emotions. Over time, this can impact our mental and physical health, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Join Jessica as she explores why it's crucial to address these buri...

Episode Description:

In this installment of the Lives of Courage podcast, Jessica addresses the pressing issue of emotional exhaustion. She explores how it affects our everyday lives and offers methods for recovery. The episode differentiates emotional exhaustion from burnout, includes personal anecdotes, and provides practical advice for managing and healing emotional weariness. Jessica also introduces a weekly challenge to help l...