Episode 137: Interview with Rachel Swanson

We are all waiting for something, whether we are in a really hard season, or have something uncertain going on in our lives. How are you responding in the waiting? Are you filled with worry, or are you choosing to trust God and get closer to God during this hard, uncertain season? I want you to think about it. Are you showing up for what matters? These are important thoughts in order for us to get through this hard season and become better through it. What happens during the waiting is possibly more important than what we are waiting for. Challenge: Choose to show up for what matters in the waiting this week. Resource: The Hard Good, by Lisa Whittle Quote: I said in the podcast that Toby Mac said this, but he actually posted it, which is where I saw it. "What God does in us as we wait is often much more important than what we are waiting for." - Rich Villodas

Lisa Whittle has a powerful way with words. I LOVED this book and you have to get it. I want to tell you why her message of wanting God most will change the way you live. No more people pleasing, overexplaining, or half-chasing your dreams. Challenge: Let’s not just say we want God most…let us live this way.

Quick encouragement to remind us that life can be hard, and you can find good, at the same time. I want you to let your guard down, soften up, and allow the joy and light to come through the cracks, little by little. Challenge: Pay attention and find the joy this week, and let it in.

Rachel Swanson is a best-selling Christian author (https://amzn.to/3OukBeQ) turned real estate investor beginning in 2021, acquiring 20 doors in her first year. She traded her stressful 80+ hour per week author and online coaching business for a more flexible PART-time real estate investing business, gaining time and financial freedom, tripling her income in less than 12 months, all while balancing her marriage and motherhood with "wannabe triplets". Her goal is to help others see the value of real estate investing as a solid foundation for future wealth building and true time freedom for bigger impact. Follow her on Instagram @rachelcswanson (https://www.instagram.com/rachelcswanson/?hl=en) for more insights!

Mel Robbins talked about this recently in this video (https://www.instagram.com/p/C2HqaQCsad1/), and boy did it hit home. Let’s stop being bothered, mad, and upset at every bit of resistance these days. In order to feel more happiness, joy, and peace, we have to drop our sword when life pushes back, and allow the joy, and light, to come in. *Challenge: *Drop the sword this week.

When life throws the hard stuff at us, we can’t give up or stay down too long. We have to lean into God during the hardest of times, give unlimited grace out, and stop digging when we are down. *Challenge: *Don’t stay down too long. When you hit a bump this week, give yourself and others grace, do what you can, and do your best to let go and move on.

Ali Flynn, the creator of Hang in There, Mama and certified English and Special Education teacher is excited to share with you the joys and hardships of raising teens with an open heart, honesty, and some tears. She is a mom to four daughters who offers daily encouragement and support to moms while keeping it real and letting them know they are not alone on their motherhood journey. Ali has been featured in numerous publications including Grown and Flown, Raising Teens Today, Her View From Home, and many others. She is also the co-host of Real Talk for Moms Raising Teens and Young Adults and has been a guest on a variety of podcasts revolving around motherhood and raising teens. * Hange in There, Mama on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/hang.in.there.mama) * Hange in There, Mama Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/hangintheremama) * Hange in There, Mama - Reconnect with Your Teen and Yourself Event (https://artoflivingretreatcenter.org/event/faculty/ali-flynn/a-mothers-journey-to-feeling-connected/?utm_source=Faculty&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=Ali+Flynn+Referral) * Hange in There, Mama website (www.hangintheremama.com)

Maybe, maybe not, but I definitely feel that I have my own secret weapons that are my keys to a better life. I make these 6 simple choices every day and I can honestly say it has changed my life, my relationships, and my confidence in myself and my choices. Challenge: What small habit or choice could you add or change this week? Quote: Change your habits, change your life.

It is easy, and natural, to seek approval from this world. Let us make sure our priorities have us seeking approval from the right people in our life. Challenge: Pay attention to your priorities this week and where you are seeking approval from. *Quote: *Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Proverbs 31:28-30

So many of us continue to live with choices that aren’t giving us the life we want. We continue to complain and blame others. We spend time on things that are wasteful, that suck our energy, or just help us continue the negative cycle. When will you choose something else? You own the power to choose. Challenge: Repeat the mantra, "I get to choose" over and over. And, make a choice this week that you have been wanting to do, but you have been avoiding. *Quote: * "You have the life you are willing to put up with." - Gary John Bishop