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Subtle Resistance

Subtle Resistance

By: April Edwards
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 We live in a culture where being overloaded, stressed out, and crushed by impossible standards is considered "normal". This podcast explores the art of choosing an intentional life through subtle resistance. Join us as we dive into strategies for embracing self-compassion, prioritizing planning, and reclaiming restful weekends. Each episode offers practical tips and inspiring stories to help you reflect, set healthy boundaries, and challenge self-limiting beliefs. Tune in to discover how to create a balanced and fulfilling life on your own terms. #subtleresistanceApril Edwards Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • #014 - Building Balance: Everyday Habits for a Calmer Life

    #014 - Building Balance: Everyday Habits for a Calmer Life
    Nov 21 2024
    Learn the everyday tips that have brought more balance and fulfillment to my life. I’m sharing what’s worked for me and how small changes make a big difference. These days, my life looks a bit like a mashup of a family sitcom and a DIY reality show. Weekdays are all about homeschooling, writing, and running a home, while weekends are reserved for book marathons on the couch, long walks, fun with my kids, sourdough baking, and some organizing (type-A style!). But it wasn’t always this put-together. If you’d met me eight years ago, you’d be amazed at the difference. For a glimpse into my past, check out my first episode. . Ways I keep my work-life balance healthy: Planning - I am a planner. I love having a schedule, lists, and things set in place. I see plans as a way to know what direction I am heading. I often have to make changes or pivot but that is totally okay. Check out this practical planning post Routines and Rhythms - these keep me focused on what matters most to me and removes decision fatigue. I build in pieces of my day that keep me healthy physically, mentally, relationally, and emotionally. My blog posts on routines: www.EmbracingHome.blog Boundaries - I believe in setting healthy limits. This applies to my schedule, my relationships, what I say "yes" to, and even my emotions. My favorite author on the topic of boundaries: https://www.nedratawwab.com/ (*she even has free quizzes!) Sabbath / Weekend Rest - one of the boundaries I create is a day of rest. I choose one day a week to set aside the To Do list and enjoy my family, my home, my friends, and some alone time. Check out these posts: Overachievers Guide to Rest Slowing Down is Difficult Personal Growth - I want to be a vibrant version of myself with plenty of energy for my busy life. Slowing down to do things that I enjoy helps me be a better me. When I gather new ideas, read books, or enjoy hobbies I feel alive. Journaling, reflection, and reading self-help books help me see where I am stuck and help me move forward. check out the episode on hobbies: Ep.#013 - The Power of Hobbies in Adulting . Making small changes doesn’t require a total life overhaul—in fact, it’s often the little adjustments that create the biggest impact. These shifts can help reduce stress, bring clarity, and make daily life feel more manageable. Reflection Questions - Which one of these areas could you do something with to create more work/life balance? What is something that has reminded you of a routine, hobby or tip that worked for you in the past? Connect with April: https://linktr.ee/april.edwards . Music intro/outro from Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/acoustic-group-acoustic-folk-acoustic-guitar-138361/ reflection music: by UNIVERSFIELD from Pixabay - https://pixabay.com/music/modern-classical-dreamy-piano-melodies-222593/
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    15 mins
  • #013 - The Power of Hobbies in Adulting

    #013 - The Power of Hobbies in Adulting
    Nov 14 2024
    Looking to break the monotony of adult life? This week, I dive into why hobbies are more than just fun—they’re essential for joy and balance. What if a hobby could actually make adult life more meaningful? Do you ever feel like every day looks the same? What do you do just for the fun of it? Think hobbies are only for kids? I refuse to believe that adult life is meant to be miserable. I accept that this world is difficult, and that hard work is required to support a full filling life and a family. But I have fought back against this crushing idea of a boring adulthood. One of the areas that has made the biggest impact is trying out new hobbies. There is something beautiful about learning a new skill or creating something from scratch. I have found that choosing to spend time on a hobby and chasing the fun is always worth it. I want to feel more connected to myself, and I know that trying new things helps me do that. I also love the way new hobbies create connections with other people when we share what we’ve learned. These pursuits, no matter how small, have the power to bring more lightness into my life and connect me to others in unexpected ways. Practical Tips to Start a New Hobby - Do not spend a bunch of money or a whole shelf of supplies. Allow yourself to be a beginner and make mistakes. It’s not meant to be perfect or win an award — do it for fun. Keep it simple — don’t overcomplicate it. . Here are some hobbies that I have enjoyed at different times and in a variety of ways: Notice which ones stand out to you and grab your attention. nature journaling knitting homemade things sewing painting objects canning baking homemade soap finger knitting painting on a canvas Baking fresh bread each week wood burning paper crafting walking journaling candle making Nature Study Reading poetry Organizing areas of my home Bird watching Weightlifting / kickboxing Photography Hiking Gardening Raising chickens Adult coloring Cloud watching and learning about weather astronomy water color drawing / sketching with pencil Hobbies give us a chance to step outside the routines that sometimes feel stifling, inviting us to rediscover joy and curiosity. I believe that you can start this week. and Start small. Quotes - There is something beautiful about learning a new skill or creating something from scratch. “You get to experiment without the consequences. You get to create what is in your head rather than adapting to someone else’s expectations.” “Initiating a project with no parameters and no expectations from others also forces you to stay self-aware and learn to follow your intuition.” from Manage Your Day-to-Day by Jocelyn K. Glei “Slow hobbies are good hobbies. I cannot come up with a hobby that is rushed: fishing, crocheting, rock climbing…” “I cared most about being liked versus liking myself. When you start listening to your own heart and your own wants life gets so much richer.” “Hobbies are so important! They bring connection with others and ourselves.” – That Sounds Fun by Annie F. Downs Reflection Questions: What is a fun hobby idea for you? What are some activities that make you feel like yourself? What lights you up or excites you to learn more? Connect with April: https://linktr.ee/april.edwards . Music intro/outro from Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/acoustic-group-acoustic-folk-acoustic-guitar-138361/ reflection music: Me and my guitar Unplugged Billy_Ziogas - https://pixabay.com/music/acoustic-group-me-and-my-guitar-unplugged-222588/
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    14 mins
  • #012 the first step to avoiding burnout - defining empathy w/Jalynne

    #012 the first step to avoiding burnout - defining empathy w/Jalynne
    Oct 17 2024

    Why empathy so important—especially when it comes to ourselves. Join me and my friend Jalynne as we explore how to practice self-compassion and navigate the challenges of adulthood with more kindness.

    .

    Our lives are filled with lots of moving parts and stacks of decisions that we have no context for. Adulting is hard. Most people I know are exhausted, extremely busy, and frustrated.

    There is no magic formula or perfect plan that works all the time.

    It is very easy in this demanding and fast-paced world to get overwhelmed.

    At the end of each episode I say:

    "Let's avoid overwhelm, and navigate the complexities of adulthood with empathy and practical tips."

    So today we are looking at bit closer at the word empathy.

    I honestly struggle with self-compassion and having empathy with myself (and sometimes others). But today I am chatting with my friend Jalynne. She is an excellent example of someone who shows kindness towards herself and others. She has unique insight and I'm excited to have her here with me today.

    In this episode we discuss:

    • What is empathy? How we define it.

    • Why does empathy matter? Why do we care?

    • How can we have empathy for ourselves? And why is that so hard?

    > > > Find Jalynne at: www.jalynnewrites.com .

    Practical Resources for Reflection

    My Life in Lists - Creating Calm & Resilience

    How to Avoid the Crash

    Summer Reflection - What Worked & What Didn't?

    . Quote

    “Trying softer isn’t about knowing or doing the right thing; it’s about being gentle with ourselves in the face of pain that is keeping us stuck. Because no matter how hard we try, we can’t hate or shame ourselves into change. Only love can move us toward true growth. This is the love given to us by a gentle, kind, compassionate, good God—and the love we are invited to give ourselves too. ”

    ― Aundi Kolber from her book: Try Softer

    [ & here is a link to her very inspirational Instagram ]

    .

    Reflection Questions:

    • How can you show yourself kindness this week?

    • What are some areas where you can show more empathy for yourself (like you would a close friend)?

    Connect with April: https://linktr.ee/april.edwards

    Music intro/outro from Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/acoustic-group-acoustic-folk-acoustic-guitar-138361/

    reflection music: by Lesfm from Pixabay - Just Relax https://pixabay.com/music/beautiful-plays-just-relax-11157/

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    18 mins
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