I discovered the difference between solitude and loneliness while healing from a relationship breakup.   In this episode, I TALK about how intentionally investing time in yourself can reinvigorate your mind and help you tap into your strengths.   Sending you love.   Thanks for listening.

I discovered the difference between solitude and loneliness while healing from a relationship breakup. In this episode, I TALK about how intentionally investing time in yourself can reinvigorate your mind and help you tap into your strengths. Sending you love. Thanks for listening.

Finding Freedom in Solitude | EP48

Hello, my friend,   Thank you for listening. I appreciate you.   LaurieTALKS

Hello, my friend, Thank you for listening. I appreciate you. LaurieTALKS

Avoiding Quiet Desperation | EP47

It’s easy to stall on tasks we find challenging, intimidating, or overwhelming.   Yet stalling creates stress. And soon enough you’re in a horrible cycle of spending time and energy feeling horrible about avoiding whatever you’re avoiding.   Listen now to find out how positive pressure worked to stop my procrastination and get me on track, in gear and obligated to write a book.   What do you want to achieve? Can you name it? Will you claim it?

It’s easy to stall on tasks we find challenging, intimidating, or overwhelming. Yet stalling creates stress. And soon enough you’re in a horrible cycle of spending time and energy feeling horrible about avoiding whatever you’re avoiding. Listen now to find out how <a href="https://laurietalks.com/motivation/how-i-motivated-myself-to-stop-procrastinating-and-write-that-book/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">positive pressure </a>worked to stop my procrastination and get me on track, in gear and obligated to write a book. What do you want to achieve? Can you name it? Will you claim it?

Procrastinators, Try Some Positive Pressure | EP46

Nothing’s more shattering to a dancer than an afflicted body. Fortunately, your body is smart, and it knows how to communicate with you.   Just as you truly appreciate love after experiencing heartache, you truly appreciate dance after sitting on the sidelines due to an injury.   In this episode I present: If Your Injured Body Could Write You a Letter . . .

Nothing’s more shattering to a dancer than an afflicted body. Fortunately, your body is smart, and it knows how to communicate with you. Just as you truly appreciate love after experiencing heartache, you truly appreciate dance after sitting on the sidelines due to an injury. In this episode I present: <a href="https://laurietalks.com/dance/bodytalk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">If Your Injured Body Could Write You a Letter . . .</a>

Body Talk | EP 45

Living the life you want isn’t the cause of happiness. It’s the result of it.While at a Toastmasters International meeting, I came right out and said it: “There’s no such thing as happiness.” I complained and griped about how even the sound of the word made my skin crawl and how mad I got when anyone used it.   I concluded my talk by announcing to my audience—people I hadn’t met until that evening—that standing before them and having to use the word had just about ruined my day and my mood. I was seriously cynical.While watching two of Oprah’s shows, on both occasions, I was struck by a guest spending her entire time discussing how happy she was in her life. I assumed that both Tina Turner and Barbra Streisand were lying. Around the same time, one of my older sisters admonished me for my all-day, everyday sarcastic and pessimistic view of everything.    At first, I couldn’t see it. But, over time, I began to pay attention to what my mind was doing, and finally, I realized that my sister was right. I didn’t have one good thought on any subject.   I use my life as a test to see if Tina and Barbra were telling the truth. My motivation, including my decision to leave my desk job and tap dance for a living, became the search for happiness.Here’s what I came up with: Happiness, contentment, and fulfillment are yours. You don’t need to wait for something outside of yourself, nor do you need a particular condition or circumstance to create it, even when you’re surrounded by those who think otherwise.   The search so many pursue outside themselves is actuallya search we must pursue within ourselves.   Your qualities aren’t static.  You can discover simple ways to make moments and days special and foster positive vibes in a negative situation.   You can, at will, change your thoughts to call upon your version of calm, cool and composed.   Yes. This stuff takes practice, which if you’re a dancer, you know very well how to do.   With practice, deliberate and conscious shifts in perception will happen, offering a peace that passes human understanding.   Cherish your faith in miracles. You’re the miracle. Stop looking. Audio: @k.sounds.audioMusical guest: @soultheharvest

Living the life you want isn’t the cause of happiness. It’s the result of it. While at a Toastmasters International meeting, I came right out and said it: “There’s no such thing as happiness.” I complained and griped about how even the sound of the word made my skin crawl and how mad I got when anyone used it. I concluded my talk by announcing to my audience—people I hadn’t met until that evening—that standing before them and having to use the word had just about ruined my day and my mood. I was seriously cynical. While watching two of Oprah’s shows, on both occasions, I was struck by a guest spending her entire time discussing how happy she was in her life. I assumed that both Tina Turner and Barbra Streisand were lying. Around the same time, one of my older sisters admonished me for my all-day, everyday sarcastic and pessimistic view of everything.  At first, I couldn’t see it. But, over time, I began to pay attention to what my mind was doing, and finally, I realized that my sister was right. I didn’t have one good thought on any subject. I use my life as a test to see if Tina and Barbra were telling the truth. My motivation, including my decision to leave my desk job and tap dance for a living, became the search for happiness. Here’s what I came up with: Happiness, contentment, and fulfillment are yours. You don’t need to wait for something outside of yourself, nor do you need a particular condition or circumstance to create it, even when you’re surrounded by those who think otherwise. The search so many pursue outside themselves is actually a search we must pursue within ourselves. Your qualities aren’t static.  You can discover simple ways to make moments and days special and foster positive vibes in a negative situation. You can, at will, change your thoughts to call upon your version of calm, cool and composed. Yes. This stuff takes practice, which if you’re a dancer, you know very well how to do. With practice, deliberate and conscious shifts in perception will happen, offering a peace that passes human understanding. Cherish your faith in miracles. You’re the miracle. Stop looking.   Audio: @k.sounds.audio Musical guest: @soultheharvest

Finding Happiness | EP 44

Branding relates to who you are, what you do, and why you do what you do.   Whether you call yourself a personal brand is not as relevant as the fact that - in a way, your brand is like your reputation . . . it’s something you develop with or without your approval or permission.   It’s what people think about you when they hear your name or what they say about you when you’re not within earshot.   Thanks for listening. @LaurieTALKS

Branding relates to who you are, what you do, and why you do what you do. Whether you call yourself a personal brand is not as relevant as the fact that - in a way, your brand is like your reputation . . . it’s something you develop with or without your approval or permission. It’s what people think about you when they hear your name or what they say about you when you’re not within earshot. Thanks for listening. <a href="https://app.asana.com/0/1200776432664437/list" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@LaurieTALKS</a>

Branding Your Brand of Greatness | EP 43

In this episode, I share a story about a time in my life when I: Wallowed in an endless cycle of mental anguish, despair, and misery. Ruined my credit and was in credit card debt Struggled simply to survive and yet - was barely doing so Experienced sleepless nights, an ulcer, bald spots on my head, tearful journal entries, a sad heart, high anxiety, and a depleted and torn down soul Was doubtful, hopeless, fearful, and sleepwalking through life    My friend, where are you now is not as important as where you want to go.   Listen now and allow your mindset to serve you for your highest good.   You may be temporarily broken, but that doesn’t mean you’re poor.   Thanks for reading and/or listening. I appreciate you. LaurieTALKS

In this episode, I share a story about a time in my life when I: <ul><li>Wallowed in an endless cycle of mental anguish, despair, and misery.</li> <li>Ruined my credit and was in credit card debt</li> <li>Struggled simply to survive and yet - was barely doing so</li> <li>Experienced sleepless nights, an ulcer, bald spots on my head, tearful journal entries, a sad heart, high anxiety, and a depleted and torn down soul</li> <li>Was doubtful, hopeless, fearful, and sleepwalking through life</li> </ul> My friend, where are you now is not as important as where you want to go. Listen now and allow your mindset to serve you for your highest good. You may be temporarily broken, but that doesn’t mean you’re poor. Thanks for reading and/or listening. I appreciate you. LaurieTALKS

Broke But Not Poor | EP 42

I begin this episode by reading to you from my blog. It’s a story about how we sometimes use our perceived limitations as an excuse to continue to fail. Listen for my mom’s use of the word opportunity. I’m sharing this story to remind you that opportunity is everywhere and to always be on the lookout for it. I’ve included the text of the story for your convenience. When I was growing up, nobody in my family talked about any of us kids going to college. The only expectation was that we would all graduate from high school. This was considered the BIG accomplishment. I graduated and settled into a regular, boring, hourly job and lifestyle, working at a department store. I was on the path to becoming quite happy with my “eight-to-five” way of life. I felt like a real adult. I was making enough money to survive. This was all I needed and wanted. I could buy my own clothes, keep my car on the road, and maintain an exciting social life. Back then, this seemed to be enough. Yippie! No more school! Or so I thought. A year after my high school graduation, my mother suggested that I do something more constructive with my life. For the very first time she told me, “GO TO COLLEGE!” I’d graduated with poor grades, and I had absolutely no intention of going to college. In fact, it had never occurred to me that I could go, given my academic performance. I have eight sisters and brothers. I’m number six. Up to that point in my life, of all my relatives—parents, grandparents, first cousins, and everybody else—only my older brother Kevin had gone to college. To this day, I’m not really sure how I got accepted at a university. My mother, however, was instrumental in me being given this opportunity. And even though I don’t know how I got in, I’ll never forget how I arrived on campus. When it was time for me to leave home, my mother and I drove from Hempstead, Long Island, to upstate New York. Seven hours into our drive, we ran over a rock large enough to puncture a hole in the gas tank. Since I hadn’t wanted to leave home, I perceived this as good news. I was actually relieved. My mother, on the other hand, had a different idea. We took public transportation back home, borrowed a car, and began our trip again. I complained the entire way. Hours later, she deposited me at the campus then started to drive away. I took off running after the car. My mother pulled over and stopped long enough for me to repeat what I’d been more or less saying the entire trip: “Please don’t leave me here! I don’t want to go to this school or any other school!” Her reply that day was one of the pivotal moments of my life. She said, “Look. All I ask is that you stay one week. After that, you decide. But stay this week and feel the experience for and within yourself. If it’s not for you, then you can leave. “At least you won’t go through life saying you didn’t have the opportunity to go to college.” College was my wake-up call in two serious ways. One, it made me quickly comprehend why family members and teachers had referred to me for years as a first-class, cloud-niner, out-to-lunch daydreamer. Two, it exposed me to just how unexposed I was. I spent an insane amount of time in a state of shock as to how academically and socially deficient I was. I wanted to run away from the challenges I knew college would present. Yet an education helped me see the world through fresh eyes, in a way that a nonacademic setting would never have revealed to me. Thank goodness my mother stopped the car that day . . . otherwise, I might still be running. “Running is the answer if you’re on the track team—not so much in life.” ~ LaurieTALKS Thanks for reading and/or listening. I appreciate you. LaurieTALKS

I begin this episode by reading to you from my <a href="https://laurietalks.com/mindset/running-towards-opportunity/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">blog</a>. It’s a story about how we sometimes use our perceived limitations as an excuse to continue to fail. Listen for my mom’s use of the word opportunity. I’m sharing this story to remind you that opportunity is everywhere and to always be on the lookout for it. I’ve included the text of the story for your convenience. When I was growing up, nobody in my family talked about any of us kids going to college. The only expectation was that we would all graduate from high school. This was considered the BIG accomplishment. I graduated and settled into a regular, boring, hourly job and lifestyle, working at a department store. I was on the path to becoming quite happy with my “eight-to-five” way of life. I felt like a real adult. I was making enough money to survive. This was all I needed and wanted. I could buy my own clothes, keep my car on the road, and maintain an exciting social life. Back then, this seemed to be enough. Yippie! No more school! Or so I thought. A year after my high school graduation, my mother suggested that I do something more constructive with my life. For the very first time she told me, “GO TO COLLEGE!” I’d graduated with poor grades, and I had absolutely no intention of going to college. In fact, it had never occurred to me that I could go, given my academic performance. I have eight sisters and brothers. I’m number six. Up to that point in my life, of all my relatives—parents, grandparents, first cousins, and everybody else—only my older brother Kevin had gone to college. To this day, I’m not really sure how I got accepted at a university. My mother, however, was instrumental in me being given this opportunity. And even though I don’t know how I got in, I’ll never forget how I arrived on campus. When it was time for me to leave home, my mother and I drove from Hempstead, Long Island, to upstate New York. Seven hours into our drive, we ran over a rock large enough to puncture a hole in the gas tank. Since I hadn’t wanted to leave home, I perceived this as good news. I was actually relieved. My mother, on the other hand, had a different idea. We took public transportation back home, borrowed a car, and began our trip again. I complained the entire way. Hours later, she deposited me at the campus then started to drive away. I took off running after the car. My mother pulled over and stopped long enough for me to repeat what I’d been more or less saying the entire trip: “Please don’t leave me here! I don’t want to go to this school or any other school!” Her reply that day was one of the pivotal moments of my life. She said, “Look. All I ask is that you stay one week. After that, you decide. But stay this week and feel the experience for and within yourself. If it’s not for you, then you can leave. “At least you won’t go through life saying you didn’t have the opportunity to go to college.” College was my wake-up call in two serious ways. One, it made me quickly comprehend why family members and teachers had referred to me for years as a first-class, cloud-niner, out-to-lunch daydreamer. Two, it exposed me to just how unexposed I was. I spent an insane amount of time in a state of shock as to how academically and socially deficient I was. I wanted to run away from the challenges I knew college would present. Yet an education helped me see the world through fresh eyes, in a way that a nonacademic setting would never have revealed to me. Thank goodness my mother stopped the car that day . . . otherwise, I might still be running. “Running is the answer if you’re on the track team—not so much in life.” ~ LaurieTALKS Thanks for reading and/or listening. I appreciate you. LaurieTALKS

Running Toward Opportunity: A Story from the LaurieTALKS Blog | EP 41

Dear Big Dreamer,  Here are alternative titles I considered for this episode.   It’s Not Your Circumstances, It’s Your State of Mind Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life Live for Today, Choose for Tomorrow Replace Poor Habits with Rich Choices Replace Poor Choices with Rich Thoughts Changing Yourself from the Inside Out Break a Habit So it Doesn’t Break You When Do We Change? When We’ve Had Enough Yes, We Are Self-Made Can You Really Teach Yourself What You Most Need to Learn? You Are Your Own Best Teacher    Stay awesome.   TALK soon, LaurieTALKS @k.sounds.audio @moehayslett

Dear Big Dreamer,  Here are alternative titles I considered for this episode. <ul><li>It’s Not Your Circumstances, It’s Your State of Mind</li> <li>Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life</li> <li>Live for Today, Choose for Tomorrow</li> <li>Replace Poor Habits with Rich Choices</li> <li>Replace Poor Choices with Rich Thoughts</li> <li>Changing Yourself from the Inside Out</li> <li>Break a Habit So it Doesn’t Break You</li> <li>When Do We Change? When We’ve Had Enough</li> <li>Yes, We Are Self-Made</li> <li>Can You Really Teach Yourself What You Most Need to Learn?</li> <li>You Are Your Own Best Teacher</li> </ul> Stay awesome. TALK soon, LaurieTALKS @k.sounds.audio @moehayslett

Maintaining a Wealth-of-Health Mindset | EP 40

Think for a second about what happens when you get into an argument. It’s rare that anything truly positive comes from it. In fact, winning an argument is overrated. And wasting time on inconsequential nonsense is pointless. On the other hand . . . argue with no one and everyone wins, right? Listen now to discover ways to save your precious mental bandwidth, to direct more energy toward focusing on your big dream, and to maintain your peace of mind—all by avoiding arguments. Easier said than done. I know. Thanks for listening to @LaurieTALKS TAP IN to Your Full Potential @k.sounds.audio

Think for a second about what happens when you get into an argument. It’s rare that anything truly positive comes from it. In fact, winning an argument is overrated. And wasting time on inconsequential nonsense is pointless. On the other hand . . . argue with no one and everyone wins, right? Listen now to discover ways to save your precious mental bandwidth, to direct more energy toward focusing on your big dream, and to maintain your peace of mind—all by avoiding arguments. Easier said than done. I know. Thanks for listening to @LaurieTALKS TAP IN to Your Full Potential @k.sounds.audio

Avoiding Arguments: Easier Said Than Done | EP 39

Achieving greatness requires planting seeds of greatness in your mind. Evolving from ordinary to extraordinary, broke to baller, or ho-hum and mediocre to successful high-performer necessitates practicing a basic and fundamental life principle that says, ”success starts in the mind.” If regardless of current circumstance, you believe your talents, skills, and creativity support your vision to make your dream a reality, then the LaurieTALKS podcast is for you.

I know I waste time. I waste my time. How? Pondering stupid stuff that doesn’t matter and certainly won’t matter years down the road or even tomorrow. Listen now as I share 10 ways to avoid mental distractions that take you away from your big dream. Thank you.   @k.sounds.audio @LaurieTALKS TAP IN to Your Full Potential.

I know I waste time. I waste my time. How? Pondering stupid stuff that doesn’t matter and certainly won’t matter years down the road or even tomorrow. Listen now as I share 10 ways to avoid mental distractions that take you away from your big dream. Thank you. @k.sounds.audio @LaurieTALKS TAP IN to Your Full Potential.

10 Tips for Remaining Positively Mindful | EP 38

In this episode, I TALK about why one of my mom’s lectures, when I was just eight, has stuck with me all these years, and how it contributed toward me getting my job with Tremaine Dance Conventions. Mother’s main points: Resist counting yourself out by announcing what you can’t do Remain willing to say “yes” to yourself Always be willing to seize opportunities and to try something new Today, I get it. But when I was a kid, all this went over my head. @k.sounds.audio @LaurieTALKS TAP IN to Your Full Potential

In this episode, I TALK about why one of my mom’s lectures, when I was just eight, has stuck with me all these years, and how it contributed toward me getting my job with Tremaine Dance Conventions. Mother’s main points: <ol><li>Resist counting yourself out by announcing what you can’t do</li> <li>Remain willing to say “yes” to yourself</li> <li>Always be willing to seize opportunities and to try something new</li> </ol>Today, I get it. But when I was a kid, all this went over my head. @k.sounds.audio @LaurieTALKS TAP IN to Your Full Potential

Say Yes to You, Try Something New: Spinning a Hula Hoop of Yes | EP 37

You probably have a few people in your life who are terrible at really listening to you. Terrible at considering anyone’s feelings but their own. Terrible at accepting they were wrong or at fault—about anything. At the same time, these people are very good at telling lies—big or little. Good at crossing boundaries you’ve set. Good at manipulating everyone’s attention so that it’s always on them.   They’re toxic people, right? They’d never tell you things like “If you were a stock in the stock market, I’d certainly buy you.” Instead, you’re likely to hear “Why are you so stupid? You never do anything right. You ain’t sh*t.”   Navigating around toxic people used to be a big challenge for me. But after years of practice, I’ve finally mastered managing them. That practice began after a therapist offered me great advice about the “three kinds of people,” then gave me a solution for navigating around the toxic kind.     In this episode I share tips on how to: Limit your interaction with toxic people . . . even in those difficult cases when they happen to be family members Share pleasantries and ten seconds of small talk to diffuse tensions, then bid the Toxic One adieu Create that powerful feeling of walking away from the Toxic One, knowing that you ran the show Avoid directing your energy toward pettiness Choose kindness over other options, and not worry if someone thinks you’re a wimp for doing so Find constructive substitutes for the truths you really want to speak    Listen now. @LaurieTALKS @k.sounds.audio

You probably have a few people in your life who are terrible at really listening to you. Terrible at considering anyone’s feelings but their own. Terrible at accepting they were wrong or at fault—about anything. At the same time, these people are very good at telling lies—big or little. Good at crossing boundaries you’ve set. Good at manipulating everyone’s attention so that it’s always on them. They’re toxic people, right? They’d never tell you things like “If you were a stock in the stock market, I’d certainly buy you.” Instead, you’re likely to hear “Why are you so stupid? You never do anything right. You ain’t sh*t.” Navigating around toxic people used to be a big challenge for me. But after years of practice, I’ve finally mastered managing them. That practice began after a therapist offered me great advice about the “three kinds of people,” then gave me a solution for navigating around the toxic kind.   In this episode I share tips on how to: <ul><li> Limit your interaction with toxic people . . . even in those difficult cases when they happen to be family members </li> <li> Share pleasantries and ten seconds of small talk to diffuse tensions, then bid the Toxic One adieu </li> <li> Create that powerful feeling of walking away from the Toxic One, knowing that you ran the show </li> <li> Avoid directing your energy toward pettiness </li> <li> Choose kindness over other options, and not worry if someone thinks you’re a wimp for doing so </li> <li> Find constructive substitutes for the truths you really want to speak </li> </ul> Listen now. @LaurieTALKS @k.sounds.audio

Three Kinds of People | EP 36

Teaching others how to treat you is serious business.   Standing up for yourself and being assertive is not about being rude, pushy, mean, or aggressive. It’s about finding a way for you to be comfortable when asking for what you want in a way that respects others and that others respect. Thanks for listening. I appreciate you. LaurieTALKS   @k.sounds.audio @LaurieTALKS

Teaching others how to treat you is serious business.   Standing up for yourself and being assertive is not about being rude, pushy, mean, or aggressive. It’s about finding a way for you to be comfortable when asking for what you want in a way that respects others and that others respect. Thanks for listening. I appreciate you. LaurieTALKS @k.sounds.audio @LaurieTALKS

Teaching People How to Treat You = Boundary Setting | EP 35

Empowered Teens

What’s good, my friend? In this episode the TALK is: Eleventh hour, checkmate level, family drama Tremaine Orlando and the value of dress rehearsal Physical care of your body My story of self-discipline Little wins make the big victory Empowered teens hold the vision for all that is good Thanks for listening. I appreciate you. LaurieTALKS   @k.sounds.audio @LaurieTALKS

What’s good, my friend? In this episode the TALK is: <ol><li>Eleventh hour, checkmate level, family drama</li> <li>Tremaine Orlando and the value of dress rehearsal</li> <li>Physical care of your body</li> <li>My story of self-discipline</li> <li>Little wins make the big victory</li> <li>Empowered teens hold the vision for all that is good</li> </ol>Thanks for listening. I appreciate you. LaurieTALKS @k.sounds.audio @LaurieTALKS

What‘s Good? Tremaine, Empowered Teens, & Self-Discipline | EP 34

Tremaine Dance Conventions winter tour, 2021-22 has officially commenced. We completed 2 cities weeks and I am noticing a new, heightened level of confidence (self-love) in teens.   More and more teens are sustaining hope in a creator economy and many are using dance as a medium to self-express to feed their lives. They’re good enough for themselves. They know this truth . . .  on and off the dance floor.   Before closing this episode with a review of the benefits of remaining hopeful, I digress about people who over apologize. Sorry.   John Johnson @k.sound.audio created this episode's beautiful outro. Thanks for listening. I appreciate you.  Now - especially as it relates to you and your ability to create autonomy, freedom, and abundance.   https://www.instagram.com/k.sounds.audio/ @tremainedance @LaurieTALKS

Tremaine Dance Conventions winter tour, 2021-22 has officially commenced. We completed 2 cities weeks and I am noticing a new, heightened level of confidence (self-love) in teens. More and more teens are sustaining hope in a creator economy and many are using dance as a medium to self-express to feed their lives. They’re good enough for themselves. They know this truth . . .  on and off the dance floor. Before closing this episode with a review of the benefits of remaining hopeful, I digress about people who over apologize. Sorry. John Johnson @k.sound.audio created this episode's beautiful outro. Thanks for listening. I appreciate you.  Now - especially as it relates to you and your ability to create autonomy, freedom, and abundance. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/k.sounds.audio/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/k.sounds.audio/</a> @tremainedance @LaurieTALKS

Teen Confidence In a Creator Economy | EP 33

During the last few months, I’ve TALKed to several people who have expressed a similar concern: Maybe it’s too late for me to pursue my field of interest. These creatives were counting themselves out because, in their minds, too many others were already doing what they wanted to do. Before giving themselves a fair chance, they had started making statements like these: It’s too late for me to get in. I can’t catch up. Too much time has passed for me to start from scratch now. I’ve waited too long. The market is already saturated.  The democratization of creativity.  Creatorship is on the rise. An ever-growing number of empowered individuals are using social media platforms as a marketplace for leveraging their skills and finding new ways to make a living.   Thanks to new tools and advances in consumer technologies, now anyone with passion and a smartphone can release authentic and engaging content to large audiences.   The reduced costs of producing, distributing, and promoting content without the support of traditional institutions and/or backing have resulted in more songs, books, TV shows, and movies being generated than ever before.   Agency and autonomy.  Lowered entry barriers result in more power going to individuals to monetize their handiworks, build a following, and earn a living selling directly to consumers . . . in other words, to create autonomy.     Sustain hopefulness. There’s no rulebook that states you can’t evolve or grow past a certain point. Nor is there an expiration date on your brand of fabulousness.   Hope acts as a source of strength—because when you’re hopeful you:   Look for new opportunities, approaches, strategies, and solutions Believe that, despite whatever disagreeable or unpleasant experiences, may currently exist in your life, you’ll eventually overcome them Are more likely to persevere and less likely to give up since you’re not thinking about defeat Can do almost anything because you believe your efforts will eventually pay off    It’s not too late. You stand at the threshold of a new age—one in which there’s an increasing number of people designing jewelry, selling tee-shirts, creating courses, writing books, singing songs, and dancing their dance.   Keep listening to your inner voice. It knows the way of the dream tucked away in your imagination. Remain hopeful. Life is filled with uncertainty. Sustain hope.  Thanks for listening. @k.sounds.audio @LaurieTALKS TAP IN to Your Full Potential.

During the last few months, I’ve TALKed to several people who have expressed a similar concern: Maybe it’s too late for me to pursue my field of interest. These creatives were counting themselves out because, in their minds, too many others were already doing what they wanted to do. Before giving themselves a fair chance, they had started making statements like these: <ul><li>It’s too late for me to get in.</li> <li>I can’t catch up.</li> <li>Too much time has passed for me to start from scratch now.</li> <li>I’ve waited too long.</li> <li>The market is already saturated.</li> </ul> The democratization of creativity. Creatorship is on the rise. An ever-growing number of empowered individuals are using social media platforms as a marketplace for leveraging their skills and finding new ways to make a living. Thanks to new tools and advances in consumer technologies, now anyone with passion and a smartphone can release authentic and engaging content to large audiences. The reduced costs of producing, distributing, and promoting content without the support of traditional institutions and/or backing have resulted in more songs, books, TV shows, and movies being generated than ever before. Agency and autonomy. Lowered entry barriers result in more power going to individuals to monetize their handiworks, build a following, and earn a living selling directly to consumers . . . in other words, to create autonomy.   Sustain hopefulness. There’s no rulebook that states you can’t evolve or grow past a certain point. Nor is there an expiration date on your brand of fabulousness. Hope acts as a source of strength—because when you’re hopeful you: <ul><li>Look for new opportunities, approaches, strategies, and solutions</li> <li>Believe that, despite whatever disagreeable or unpleasant experiences, may currently exist in your life, you’ll eventually overcome them</li> <li>Are more likely to persevere and less likely to give up since you’re not thinking about defeat</li> <li>Can do almost anything because you believe your efforts will eventually pay off</li> </ul> It’s not too late. You stand at the threshold of a new age—one in which there’s an increasing number of people designing jewelry, selling tee-shirts, creating courses, writing books, singing songs, and dancing their dance. Keep listening to your inner voice. It knows the way of the dream tucked away in your imagination. Remain hopeful. Life is filled with uncertainty. Sustain hope.  Thanks for listening. @k.sounds.audio @LaurieTALKS TAP IN to Your Full Potential.

Sustaining Hope In a Creator Economy | EP 32

I created a super simple technique for keeping myself in check. Whenever I’m wondering “Why is my life not like I want it?” or “Why am I in the situation(s) I’m in?” – I go to my go-to practice: I face myself in the mirror and ask, “What’s my motive?” Asking this question presents me with the opportunity to rethink, reevaluate, and review my words and/or deeds. Looking in the mirror to help you define your truth is a practice. Fortunately, it’s one that gets easier the more you do it. And with time, the need to carry out this practice noticeably decreases. Looking in the mirror with the intention of honest self-assessment is a great step toward accountability, which is an important part of defining your truth. That’s because it helps you to: ·      take stock of where you are and reflect on your strengths and weaknesses ·      identify areas where you need to develop an adjustment plan for how to respond if you’re presented with a similar situation moving forward ·      acknowledge when you’re acting from personal biases or out of revenge, anger, spitefulness, entitlement, selfishness, insecurity, pettiness, envy, or jealousy - Feel free to add to this list. ·      limit prolonged periods of denial . . . you know, those times when your head is buried in the sand ·      enhance your self-trust, which results from asking yourself tough questions. (Asking the question suggests that you can handle your truth.) Get to the point where “checking your motives” (whether you’re actually standing in front of a mirror or not) becomes second nature …. and you’ll soon discover that living your truth is a positive consequence of having defined it.   Thank you for listening. I appreciate you. www.LaurieTALKS.com Audio Engineer: @k.sounds.audio @LaurieTALKS TAP IN to Your Full Potential

I created a super simple technique for keeping myself in check. Whenever I’m wondering “Why is my life not like I want it?” or “Why am I in the situation(s) I’m in?” – I go to my go-to practice: I face myself in the mirror and ask, “What’s my motive?” Asking this question presents me with the opportunity to rethink, reevaluate, and review my words and/or deeds. Looking in the mirror to help you define your truth is a practice. Fortunately, it’s one that gets easier the more you do it. And with time, the need to carry out this practice noticeably decreases. Looking in the mirror with the intention of honest self-assessment is a great step toward accountability, which is an important part of defining your truth. That’s because it helps you to: ·      take stock of where you are and reflect on your strengths and weaknesses ·      identify areas where you need to develop an adjustment plan for how to respond if you’re presented with a similar situation moving forward ·      acknowledge when you’re acting from personal biases or out of revenge, anger, spitefulness, entitlement, selfishness, insecurity, pettiness, envy, or jealousy - Feel free to add to this list. ·      limit prolonged periods of denial . . . you know, those times when your head is buried in the sand ·      enhance your self-trust, which results from asking yourself tough questions. (Asking the question suggests that you can handle your truth.) Get to the point where “checking your motives” (whether you’re actually standing in front of a mirror or not) becomes second nature …. and you’ll soon discover that living your truth is a positive consequence of having defined it. Thank you for listening. I appreciate you. <a href="http://www.LaurieTALKS.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.LaurieTALKS.com</a> Audio Engineer: @k.sounds.audio @LaurieTALKS TAP IN to Your Full Potential

Looking in the Mirror to Help You Define Your Truth | EP 31

A few days ago I was on the phone with one of my nieces. Somehow, somewhere in our long conversation, she suggested that I, LaurieTALKS, have little to show for all the years of effort I’ve dedicated to my career. My reaction to this bomb my niece dropped on me? To spontaneously record this episode. My dear Big Dreamer, one day you may encounter someone who doesn’t know what you know. Or see what you see. Or both. When that someone proceeds to share their opinion of you, remember this: You know what’s possible for your life — because you hold the vision for transforming your dream into a reality.  Here are a few more takeaways.  Your voyage is personal. Another person’s point of view, their thoughts and opinions, have little to do with you — especially if these leave you feeling low. Or depleted. Or broken.    When a person gives you feedback, if your response is to constructively self-explore, that’s one thing. If you respond by doubting yourself, that’s entirely different.   Even when the person’s intentions are noble, if their feedback leaves you disbelieving your own everything, you absolutely must drawback from a potential cramp in your roll.    Exploring and sharing your creative voice requires patience . . . patience with the aspects of the world around you that you can’t control.   If you occasionally ask yourself, “How am I going to make it?” or “Can I really build a life and a living around my artistry?” — you’re not alone. These are questions many artists have had at one time or another.    And finally, remaining brave is part of the process. It’s through trying, testing, and experimenting that we sometimes learn what we don’t want in life.  Regarding that phone call and my niece’s comment about what I have and haven’t accomplished to date . . .  it was perfect. Because it brought me right here to this moment. Right here and now — with you.  Thank you for listening. Please consider leaving a comment on Apple Podcast. I appreciate reading your impressions. Content guide for this show/episode:  LaurieTALKS talks for the first seven minutes.    Musical guest* @officialvitalmentality plays for five minutes.   No ads or sponsorships in this episode.  @k.sounds.audio . . . Mr. John Johnson, y'all.  @sam_navarro *If you have audio you’d like to submit for play at the end of a LaurieTALKS, please submit it to music@LaurieTALKS.com. Thank you. 

A few days ago I was on the phone with one of my nieces. Somehow, somewhere in our long conversation, she suggested that I, LaurieTALKS, have little to show for all the years of effort I’ve dedicated to my career. My reaction to this bomb my niece dropped on me? To spontaneously record this episode. My dear Big Dreamer, one day you may encounter someone who doesn’t know what you know. Or see what you see. Or both. When that someone proceeds to share their opinion of you, remember this: You know what’s possible for your life — because you hold the vision for transforming your dream into a reality.  Here are a few more takeaways. <ol><li> Your voyage is personal. Another person’s point of view, their thoughts and opinions, have little to do with you — especially if these leave you feeling low. Or depleted. Or broken.  </li> <li> When a person gives you feedback, if your response is to constructively self-explore, that’s one thing. If you respond by doubting yourself, that’s entirely different. </li> <li> Even when the person’s intentions are noble, if their feedback leaves you disbelieving your own everything, you absolutely must drawback from a potential cramp in your roll.  </li> <li> Exploring and sharing your creative voice requires patience . . . patience with the aspects of the world around you that you can’t control. </li> <li> If you occasionally ask yourself, “How am I going to make it?” or “Can I really build a life and a living around my artistry?” — you’re not alone. These are questions many artists have had at one time or another.  </li> <li> And finally, remaining brave is part of the process. It’s through trying, testing, and experimenting that we sometimes learn what we don’t want in life. </li> </ol>Regarding that phone call and my niece’s comment about what I have and haven’t accomplished to date . . .  it was perfect. Because it brought me right here to this moment. Right here and now — with you.  Thank you for listening. Please consider leaving a comment on Apple Podcast. I appreciate reading your impressions. Content guide for this show/episode: <ol><li> LaurieTALKS talks for the first seven minutes.  </li> <li> Musical guest* @officialvitalmentality plays for five minutes. </li> <li> No ads or sponsorships in this episode. </li> </ol>@k.sounds.audio . . . Mr. John Johnson, y'all.  @sam_navarro *If you have audio you’d like to submit for play at the end of a LaurieTALKS, please submit it to <a href="mailto:music@laurietalks.com">music@LaurieTALKS.com</a>. Thank you.

What to Do When People Tell You About You: Unsolicited Input | EP 30

The other day, my niece, Elle Brown, and I was chatting by phone. At one point, Elle conducted a quick interview, asking me questions like . . . What’s the one thing nobody knows about you? What is it that makes you so motivated to live your best life? Where do you pull from for your strength? In this episode, you’ll find out . . . How the Covid-19, stay-at-home period led Brie (my wife) to notice that I’m the same person I’ve always been Why creating a job instead of having a job is something you might want to consider How remaining silent in the face of drama can help you stay focused on your dream and goals What the sit-in movement was as part of the larger civil rights movement in the U.S. How misery can serve as a motivation to move your life forward Why bringing your best self forward is so important – especially when you’re looking in the mirror Why did I delete a podcast episode a year after posting it Why did it take me so long to start a podcast How to accept honest feedback about the content you create Why on Thanksgiving Day my brother said to me, “Remind me never to invite you to go out with me, especially to my friends’ homes, ever again.” What’s the latest scoop on my explorations for dance in Virtual Reality Thank you for listening, my friend. I appreciate you. TAP IN to Your Full Potential www.LaurieTALKS.com @k.sounds.audio @LaurieTALKS

The other day, my niece, Elle Brown, and I was chatting by phone. At one point, Elle conducted a quick interview, asking me questions like . . . <ol><li>What’s the one thing nobody knows about you?</li> <li>What is it that makes you so motivated to live your best life?</li> <li>Where do you pull from for your strength?</li> </ol>In this episode, you’ll find out . . . <ol><li>How the Covid-19, stay-at-home period led Brie (my wife) to notice that I’m the same person I’ve always been</li> <li>Why creating a job instead of having a job is something you might want to consider</li> <li>How remaining silent in the face of drama can help you stay focused on your dream and goals</li> <li>What the sit-in movement was as part of the larger civil rights movement in the U.S.</li> <li>How misery can serve as a motivation to move your life forward</li> <li>Why bringing your best self forward is so important – especially when you’re looking in the mirror</li> <li>Why did I delete a podcast episode a year after posting it</li> <li>Why did it take me so long to start a podcast</li> <li>How to accept honest feedback about the content you create</li> <li>Why on Thanksgiving Day my brother said to me, “Remind me never to invite you to go out with me, especially to my friends’ homes, ever again.”</li> <li>What’s the latest scoop on my explorations for dance in Virtual Reality</li> </ol>Thank you for listening, my friend. I appreciate you. TAP IN to Your Full Potential <a href="http://www.LaurieTALKS.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.LaurieTALKS.com</a> @k.sounds.audio @LaurieTALKS

How Misery Can Motivate You, Make You Put Your Best Foot Forward, Help You Start a Podcast, and More | EP 29

LaurieTALKS

I don’t know about you, but when I’ve got a “situation,” I want a solution. Coach E'dali Pollard takes us back to the basics, to when we learned, as little tykes, about the colors of a traffic light. She argues that if we’ll take more time to pause we’ll have better outcomes than if we just barrel ahead pell-mell and leave the rest to chance. 

I don’t know about you, but when I’ve got a “situation,” I want a solution. Coach E'dali Pollard takes us back to the basics, to when we learned, as little tykes, about the colors of a traffic light. She argues that if we’ll take more time to pause we’ll have better outcomes than if we just barrel ahead pell-mell and leave the rest to chance.

Learning to be More Mindful Everyday with Coach-E | EP 3

You’ve been hearing about virtual dance classes, right? Have you wondered what they’re like, if they’re any good, if you can actually learn to dance virtually? Kinley, age 9, shares what she loves about virtual learning and what she's misses about the studio.

You’ve been hearing about virtual dance classes, right? Have you wondered what they’re like, if they’re any good, if you can actually learn to dance virtually? Kinley, age 9, shares what she loves about virtual learning and what she's misses about the studio.

9-Year Old Kinley Remains Dedicated to Dance While Social Distancing | EP 15

Katy Tate

After recovering from a bad bout with COVID-19, Katy woke up to a brand new world. Gone is the world of dance classes, conventions, competitions, and live onstage performance. Now what? Hope for the best? Go with the flow? Perhaps look for opportunities? 

After recovering from a bad bout with COVID-19, Katy woke up to a brand new world. Gone is the world of dance classes, conventions, competitions, and live onstage performance. Now what? Hope for the best? Go with the flow? Perhaps look for opportunities?

Katy Tate Discovers New World of Dance After Recovering from Coronavirus | EP 14

Inquiring minds want to know... Did you move? Are you renting or did you buy? How is your life now that you’re not traveling? Is Brie working? How did that custody case turn out? How’s your podcast recording going?  In today’s episode, you’ll hear the answers to these questions and a few others. My Big Dreamer, I got you. 

Inquiring minds want to know... <ul><li>Did you move?</li> <li>Are you renting or did you buy?</li> <li>How is your life now that you’re not traveling?</li> <li>Is Brie working?</li> <li>How did that custody case turn out?</li> <li>How’s your podcast recording going?</li> </ul> In today’s episode, you’ll hear the answers to these questions and a few others. My Big Dreamer, I got you.

Laurie Answers Questions about Her Life | EP 13

John Johnson

John's first encounter with a sound engineer left him, let’s just say, unimpressed with the level of professionalism he saw. “I could do just as well and do it with class.” And that he does.   Do you make beats or compose tunes? If John likes them, he’ll showcase them on this show. Listen in to hear how to have your music showcased on the LaurieTalks podcast. 

John's first encounter with a sound engineer left him, let’s just say, unimpressed with the level of professionalism he saw. “I could do just as well and do it with class.” And that he does.   Do you make beats or compose tunes? If John likes them, he’ll showcase them on this show. Listen in to hear how to have your music showcased on the LaurieTalks podcast.

Tremaine's Audio Engineer, John Johnson | EP 12

Julie Swift

I’ve judged enough competitions to know when it's real. I know when a dancer is lost in their performance - even though I've never experienced that myself. I'm talking about blissing out and performing onstage in "the zone." Julie shares tips on how to get there.

I’ve judged enough competitions to know when it's real. I know when a dancer is lost in their performance - even though I've never experienced that myself. I'm talking about blissing out and performing onstage in "the zone." Julie shares tips on how to get there.

Performing in The Zone, with Julie Swift | EP 11

Today’s show is commentary from me regarding solitude and introspection. Heavy? It's about life – your life. Introspection is looking at your own personality, your actions, and your motivations. Some of this work can be a downright scary, ugly business. “The longest journey is the journey within.” And there are no shortcuts. But you and your dream are worth it. You know it. I know it. So let's go. 

Today’s show is commentary from me regarding solitude and introspection. Heavy? It's about life – your life. Introspection is looking at your own personality, your actions, and your motivations. Some of this work can be a downright scary, ugly business. “The longest journey is the journey within.” And there are no shortcuts. But you and your dream are worth it. You know it. I know it. So let's go.

Your Dream Matters, A Message From LaurieTALKS to You | EP 10

Austin Roberson

Following a back injury, Austin went from professional dancer to professional digital marketer, from dancing in Chicago to helping studios keep their classrooms full. An event, a conflict, an injury isn’t a green light to throw in the towel. It’s a reminder to broaden your vision.

Following a back injury, Austin went from professional dancer to professional digital marketer, from dancing in Chicago to helping studios keep their classrooms full. An event, a conflict, an injury isn’t a green light to throw in the towel. It’s a reminder to broaden your vision.

A Clear Purpose to Overcome Adversity with Austin Roberson | EP 9

Joe Tremaine

Listen in on my chat with the man himself, Joe Tremaine. We cover what's going on with Tremaine Dance in the midst of this virus outbreak. Note that no one wrings their hands or has a melt down. We're going to stay strong through this.

Listen in on my chat with the man himself, Joe Tremaine. We cover what's going on with Tremaine Dance in the midst of this virus outbreak. Note that no one wrings their hands or has a melt down. We're going to stay strong through this.

Keeping a Positive Outlook During a Pandemic with Joe Tremaine | EP 8

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The best self improvement podcast episodes. From improving productivity, to finding purpose in your life to what constitutes freedom, this topic is on anything and everything that can help people to improve their lives. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!