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.

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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 ]

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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/

I don't feel like I can function at productive levels when the clutter is shouting at me from every surface. (11 min.) .

I have a productivity tip that is disguised as a homemaking routine that will make a big impact on your daily life and the peace that you feel in your home.

EHAP = Everything Has A Place

This means that when you organize your home everything has somewhere that it belongs that is not sitting out in your way. It also means that everything you own can go back to where it should go after use.

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A recent Substack post I wrote is called: Counter Clutter: The Invisible Enemy of My Productivity

In this post I shared:

• what my childhood kitchen looked like with a Dad as a professional chef and a mom who is a minimalist

• how in my 20's I decided to only clean the kitchen when I felt like it

• my lightbulb moment when I was going through a big declutter

• realizing my blank slate gave me freedom to enjoy my kitchen

Clear surfaces make space for stuff to happen but they also provide white space a somewhere for the eyes to rest.

It is a resistance against the idea that every area must be filled with stuff that we have spent money on. It is creating visual boundaries in the areas of our home where we want to relax.

. Show Notes:

Mystie Winkler and her posts on EHAP = Everything Has A Place. Her homemaking classes are amazing! A great place to start if you feel overwhelmed.

my Substack post: Counter Clutter: The Invisible Enemy of My Productivity

Today's Quote -

• Gretchen Rubin's book: Outer Order, Inner Calm

Reflection Questions -

• What do your kitchen counters look like right now?

• What do the surfaces in your living room look like?

• How is that affecting your productivity and inner calm?

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 from CalvinClavier: https://pixabay.com/music/modern-classical-afterglow-atmospheric-cinematic-piano-225035/

Today’s episode is a little more personal. I want to open up and share where I found the courage to begin writing and eventually start this podcast.

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In this special 10th episode, I take a personal look at the origins of my writing journey and the courage it took to start this podcast. I reflect on how my Aunt Stacie, my mentor and life coach, inspired me to heal from burnout and helped me build the foundation for my creative work.

I share how a life-changing trip to London with her sparked a shift in my priorities, and how her encouragement guided me through every step of my writing process. Listen in as I honor her memory by including her voice, a message that continues to motivate me.

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I’m grateful for your support as I continue to grow this podcast. I know she would have loved it and been so excited about what’s ahead. Thank you for sticking with me through this learning curve. I have so much to share, and your encouragement has meant the world to me.

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Reflection Questions:

In my Aunt Stacie's memory, I invite you to take a moment and reflect.

- What experiences are you in the midst of right now that can become your street cred to help others?

- How can you turn frustration into a driving force for personal growth?

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

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

reflection music: WELC0MEИ0 from Pixabay

https://pixabay.com/users/welc0me%D0%B80-12042425/

dealing with the overload of information and decision of adult life can be difficult. Check out this podcast for some tips and compassion (12 min.)

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Jensen is a great example of awesome adulting. She doesn't let difficult circumstances keep her down or affect her positive outlook. I know her tips, vulnerable honesty, and encouragement will meet you wherever you are.

In this episode we discuss:

• Jensen's key to surviving decision fatigue

• Her story of (not) planning her wedding

• teacher burnout

• surrounding yourself with people who will give you space and kindness

• Jensen's unique hobby inspiration

Today’s Quote -

The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi - Chapter: Decide Once

Reflection Questions -

• How is decision fatigue showing up in your life?

• Who in your life gives you compassion and space when you are feeling decision fatigued?

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

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Show Notes:

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

reflection music: "me and my guitar unplugged" by Billy_Ziogas from Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/acoustic-group-me-and-my-guitar-unplugged-222588/

In this week's podcast episode I share how I used to view personal growth. In my 20's and 30's my focus was very different. Today I am sharing that shift I have made over the last several years, what that has looked like and what I am doing differently.

In this episode I talk about:

• being a vibrant version of myself

• why I push forward into difficult areas of personal growth

• my new metrics and standards shifting to a moving target

• linear growth vs. circular growth

• times when personal growth has stalled out - what that has looked like

• making space for growth - practical ideas

  
  

Today’s Quote -

Your Blue Flame by Jennifer Fulwiler

Reflection Questions:

I invite you to take a moment and reflect.

- What are some areas in your life that you feel are stopping you from personal growth?

- Where are some places where you can make changes to be a better version of yourself?

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

Show Notes:

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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/

In part 2 of our conversation Joanna and I discuss the power of homemaking tasks.

We have found that there is a consistency, a slowness and a beauty to homemaking. These slow activities can be such a unique gift we give to others and ourselves.

So much of what we do an invisible investment in our families, but homemaking is a tangible way to change our environments.

In this episode we discuss:

• the way that homemaking is grounding and slows me down

• changing the way I see the evening dishes

• the irritation of slowing down

• using basic cleaning tasks to be fully present and let our minds rest

• the invisible elements that we invest our time in as moms and teachers

• the why behind we take the time to create homemade meals and a clean home

This episode is part of a longer interview and I will share some clips of our conversation on the blog:

• My Burnout Breakthrough: Embracing Less for a Fuller Life w/Joanna Bischoff

• Why I Write & Developing My Writing Process w/Joanna Bischoff

  {🌟coming soon! 🌟}

. Show Notes:

Check out Joanna's blog:

https://homelifepurpose.com/

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Book Quote: My Hygge Home by Meik Wiking

Reflection Questions:

• What homemaking activities drive you crazy? What do you least enjoy?

• What do you find enjoyable? What do you look forward to and find grounding?

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

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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/

In this week's podcast episode Joanna and I push back on what culture expects of us in the areas of homemaking and motherhood. We re-define what it means to care for our homes and how we can impact those around us.

Joanna is a mom, homemaker, homeschool teacher, writer, and so much more. Listen in as we discuss how we re-define homemaking.

In this episode we discuss:

• the perspective shift on homemaking in the last 2 generations

• Joanna's goal for her home

• creating a feeling of belonging

• why I titled my blog Embracing Home

• the way that each of us became homemakers

• the impact that our homemaking can make our families and in the community around us

• creating sanctuaries from our chaotic world

• how homemaking can be a piece of our lives

• the quiet daily tasks of serving our homes and families can be fulfilling in unexpected ways

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Show Notes:

Check out Joanna's blog:

https://homelifepurpose.com/

Today's book quote from:

📖 Myquillyn Smith - The Cozy Minimalist

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Reflection Questions:

I invite you to take a moment and reflect.

• What does the word Home mean to you?

• How are you finding purpose within the walls of where you live?

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

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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/