• Year-End Reflections: Setting Intentions for a Grounded New Year
    Dec 26 2024

    In this episode of "Chasing Brighter," Kelly and Jessica reflect on the past year and discuss how to set intentions for the upcoming one. The episode starts with an introduction about the podcast's goal to inspire and provide actionable tips for navigating midlife.

    Kelly and Jessica take turns sharing their personal reflections on accomplishments, challenges, and surprises they encountered over the year. They talk about the importance of setting intentions instead of rigid resolutions, focusing on growth and authentic living.

    Key points discussed include:

    • The significance of reflection as a tool for learning and celebrating one's journey.
    • The idea of letting go of limiting beliefs, habits, relationships, and commitments that no longer serve a positive purpose.
    • Setting intentions based on values that promote joy, connection, and self-care.
    • Examples of personal growth, such as Kelly's work on anxiety and Jessica's decision-making improvements.

    They also share specific prompts and questions to help listeners reflect on their year and set meaningful intentions for the next. The episode closes with encouragement to embrace reflection as a way to pave the path for a brighter, more grounded new year.

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    33 mins
  • Super Woman Diaries #19: Parenting Teens and Surviving the Festive Season
    Dec 23 2024

    In this episode of Super Woman Diaries, Jessica and Kelly discuss the complexities and humor of daily life during the holiday season. They dive into personal experiences with their kids and the challenges of balancing holiday activities and traditions. The episode kicks off with a light-hearted conversation about shopping trips, kid's snack preferences, and unexpectedly running into judgmental strangers. Jessica shares her struggle with giving up coffee and how it impacts her day-to-day life, while Kelly talks about finding alternatives like Trader Joe's chicory tea.

    The hosts also navigate through parenting teens, particularly addressing issues like curfews, academic stress, and dating, all while keeping a humorous and honest tone.

    As the holiday season approaches, they discuss their late decorating efforts and strategies for making the best of limited holiday preparation time. Additionally, they touch on creative holiday table settings using desserts as decorations.

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    34 mins
  • Finding Peace in the Holiday Hustle: Self-Care Tips for a Calmer Season🎄
    Dec 19 2024

    Feeling frazzled by holiday chaos? We've got your back! This week, we’re tackling practical self-care strategies to help you experience the holiday season with more calm, rest, and joy. From setting boundaries to sneaking in moments of quiet, we’re sharing easy ways to avoid burnout and actually enjoy the holidays.

    What We’re Talking About: ✨ Recognizing holiday burnout—what it looks like and how to fix it ✨ Simple self-care ideas, from mindful breathing to daily rituals ✨ How to set boundaries around your time, money, and emotions ✨ Finding small moments of joy that recharge your spirit

    Our Quick Tips for a Calmer Holiday:

    • Delegate tasks—ask for help or let technology handle it!
    • Simplify your traditions—think “good enough,” not perfect.
    • Schedule rest like it’s an important meeting (because it is!).
    • Say no to things that drain you and yes to what fills your cup.

    Mentioned in This Episode: 🎧 How to Set Boundaries During the Holidays 🎧 Holiday Budgeting Tips for a Stress-Free Season 🎧 Balance & Joy: Thriving During the Holidays

    Ready to Find Your Holiday Zen? Don’t let the season run you ragged—find peace amidst the hustle! Listen now and let us know your favorite self-care tip. Share your thoughts on Instagram @ChasingBrighter or send us a message.

    Follow Us:

    • Instagram: @ChasingBrighter
    • Blog: Chasing Brighter Blog
    • 2024 Gift Guide is here!
    • Subscribe for more episodes to make your holidays brighter!

    Happy Holidays! 🎅🎁

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    14 mins
  • Super Woman Diaries #18: Fitness, Fun, and New Perspectives
    Dec 16 2024

    In this episode, Kelly and Jessica dive into various engaging topics. They start with a light-hearted discussion about a humorous ChatGPT prompt imagining a world where men had periods, highlighting how societal perspectives would change. They reflect on the societal stigma surrounding menstruation and the importance of normalizing these conversations.

    They then explore an innovative initiative in Switzerland that allows younger individuals to earn time coins for helping elders, which they can redeem for support in their own old age. This leads into a broader conversation about the aging population and the importance of staying active and connected for longevity and well-being.

    Kelly shares an inspiring story about a relative in his 60s who maintains an incredibly active lifestyle, underscoring the benefits of physical activity at any age. The hosts then contemplate the complexity of health and fitness, especially for women in perimenopause and menopause, highlighting the challenges of weight loss and fitness despite regular exercise.

    Jess shares about her new office space and the potential for future events there, before they wrap up with reflections on their year and setting intentions for 2025

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    26 mins
  • Home for the Holidays 🎄: How to Foster Deeper Connections with Family and Friends
    Dec 12 2024

    This holiday season, go beyond the small talk and foster meaningful connections with family and friends. In this episode, we share practical tips for creating moments of belonging and joy, whether you’re hosting a dinner or catching up from afar. From intentional conversations to practicing gratitude, we’ll help you make this season truly special.

    What You’ll Learn:

    • Why connection is key to happiness and health.
    • How to move beyond surface-level interactions.
    • Practical tips to create deeper bonds and traditions.

    Follow Us:

    • Instagram: @ChasingBrighter
    • Blog: Chasing Brighter Blog
    • 2024 Gift Guide is here!
    • Subscribe for more episodes to make your holidays brighter!

    Happy Holidays! 🎅🎁

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    20 mins
  • Super Woman Diaries #17: Surviving the Holiday Hustle
    Dec 9 2024

    In this episode, Kelly and Jessica reflect on their struggles re-entering routine life after the Thanksgiving holiday. They share their candid thoughts on managing family activities, including early morning baseball training, holiday preparations, and the challenges of keeping up with kids' schedules. They discuss their Thanksgiving experiences, responsibilities at school, and juggling personal commitments with festive unpreparedness.

    The conversation shifts to balancing holiday stress with self-care and fitness, highlighting the importance of adapting routines. Kelly talks about her upcoming surgery and how it shapes her holiday plans, while Jessica discusses the chaos of organizing her son Gio’s birthday party. They also touch upon the nuances of managing kids' expectations and family traditions during birthdays and holidays.

    Additionally, they share their experiences with holiday activities, including a visit to the aquarium and a spontaneous movie outing to see "Red One." This episode captures the essence of navigating the busy holiday season, focusing on family, resilience, and the importance of making lasting memories.

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    25 mins
  • Say Yes to Spontaneity This Holiday Season🎄
    Dec 5 2024

    In this episode of Chasing Brighter, we’re stepping off the beaten path of holiday planning and exploring the magic of spontaneity! The holidays are often packed with traditions, shopping, and commitments—but what if we made space for a little adventure?

    We discuss:

    • Why spontaneity matters during the holidays.
    • Easy ways to embrace unplanned fun with your family and friends.
    • How to balance flexibility with your holiday obligations.
    • Tips for creating joy, connection, and wonder through unexpected moments.

    Whether it’s trying a new tradition, saying yes to an impromptu invite, or planning a surprise adventure, we’re here to help you bring some playful magic back to the season.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    • Why stepping out of routines boosts happiness and connection.
    • Simple ideas for quick, spontaneous activities that anyone can try.
    • Strategies for balancing spontaneity with your busy holiday schedule.
    • How to let go of rigid plans and focus on meaningful connections.

    Follow Us:

    • Instagram: @ChasingBrighter
    • Blog: Chasing Brighter Blog
    • 2024 Gift Guide is here!
    • Subscribe for more episodes to make your holidays brighter!

    Happy Holidays! 🎅🎁

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    15 mins
  • Super Woman Diaries #16: Books, Balance, and Building Resilience
    Dec 2 2024

    Co-hosts Jessica and Kelly discuss personal anecdotes from their lives. Jessica shares her birthday celebrations and her new digital family calendar, while Kelly offers updates on her son's academic journey and the challenges of parenting high schoolers. The hosts also talk about their current reading lists, highlighting various books ranging from psychological thrillers to historical sagas. They explore the impact of breathwork on health, suggest a high-protein yogurt drink, and provide updates on how their families manage daily responsibilities and schedules.

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    27 mins