UnADULTING December

Day 1 "Dropping the Labels"  #UNADULTING 
Share & Let's Live! w/ Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

Today is the first of my new series, "Un-Adulting December." This month I am working on being more present, having more fun, being more in alignment, and doing less existing and more living. 

Adulting by your definition might not be a bad thing, but adulting by my definition is doing all the things "everyone" has collectively agreed is what makes you an adult. Does this mean I'm going to stop feeding my child or begin feeding her sweets all day? No. Does this mean that I'm going to start driving with my feet? No. But what it might mean is that when I feel like rushing to the store to grab something in the middle of the night, I'll ignore that voice that says, "You can't wear your ducky slippers to Walgreens." lol I may let it be okay to skip through the parking lot if I get the urge, rather than walk like a sensible adult. I may buy myself a game system for Christmas instead of an upgrade of Turbo Tax. And I'm releasing the rules of how I need to do things because according to the label I placed on myself (i.e. "introverted), or that others placed on me (i.e. "shy"). I can have a tendency to be introverted and still choose to introduce myself first to someone. I can be a "good mom" and get my daughter McDonald's for dinner because I don't feel like cooking, today. I can be happily single and still choose to go out on a date because companionship is fun, too. 

I'm giving myself permission to be more me this month. And I'm sharing my journey. I'd love for you to join me. 

Check out my daily podcast Share & Let's Live! with Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist. And each day I'll tell you all about it. 

Blessings! 

Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

Day 1 "Dropping the Labels"  #UNADULTING w/ Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

Day 2 "The Progress Cha Cha" #UNADULTING 
Share & Let's Live! w/ Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

If you are a driven person who tends to succeed, you may find yourself frustrated/confused by people in your life who have ability and potential, but little success. You may wonder why they can't just get it together, or do what you've done to win. 

My podcast today addresses this concept. I think it will be eye-opening for you and for those like me who just can't seem to get it together. 

Check it out, or pass it along. It's a REALLY good one.

Day 2 "The Progress Cha Cha"  #UNADULTING w/ Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

Day 3 "Selfcare: Saying 'Yes' to Yourself"  #UNADULTING
Share & Let's Live! w/ Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

If you're a mom, this one's for you. As women, especially mothers, we are taught to sacrifice ourselves down to nothing for the sake of the family. The more we sacrifice the more we're praised. Well... eff that. lol Too many of us run ourselves down until illness is our only opportunity for rest. 

Today's podcast is all about #self-care, and accepting that we get to say, "Yes," to ourselves more, and releasing old beliefs that say we don't get to do so. 

Check it out.

Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

Day 3 "Selfcare: Saying 'Yes' to Yourself"  #UNADULTING w/ Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

Day 4 "About Taking Things Personally" #UNADULTING Series
Share and Let's Live! w/ Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

Today, I'm adressing one of biggest communication issues in relationships..... taking things personally. 

This topic can apply to any interpersonal (or intimate) relationship. AND in the podcast episode, I spend extra time addressing the dynamic I've noticed particularly in heterosexual relationships where there are kids involved. 

Whether you are in an intimate relationship or not, if you have a tendency toward:
✅ Overthinking
✅ People pleasing
✅ Self-blame
✅ Resentment
✅ Criticism.... 

OR if in your relationship you feel you are being unjustly:
✅ Blamed
✅ Criticized
✅ Questioned.... 

.... you've gotta check out today's #podcast episode of Share and Let's Live! with Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist! 

Blessings!



{Image Description: Image of couple sitting on couch. Arm around crying individual. Text states: Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist A great question to add to your self-talk. “Given that your behavior has nothing to do with me, what else could this mean?” mdillondesigns.com}

Day 4 "About Taking Things Personally"  #UNADULTING w/ Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

Day 5 "B*tch, I'm Grown" #UNADULTING #Podcast Series
Share & Let's Live! w/ Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

If you're heading home for the holidays, this one may speak to you. If you have a tendency to not assert yourself, or back down from standing in your truth, when it comes to your parents or immediate family, you should check this one out.

Last night, I had a major shift in my awareness. Certain established family dynamics can cause us to feel uncomfortable being fully ourselves. And I share my stories on the podcast today about coming into my own acceptance that there's a point where relationships have to change... and often that change comes from within. 

Blessings! Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

Day 5 "B*tch, I'm Grown" #UNADULTING w/ Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

Day 14 "Caregiving & Self-Care"  #UNADULTING
Share & Let's Live! w/ Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

Today I found the intersection between doing for others and taking care of myself. That's the best description I can give you. You just gotta listen to this one. 

Blessings!

Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist
#caregiver #caregiving #motherhood #selfcare #parenting

Day 14 "Caregiving & Self-Care"  #UNADULTING w/ Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

Day 2 "When They've Changed & You're Still Healing" #IAMtheONE Share & Let's Live! #Podcast Series w/ Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

A painful thing that I don't hear people talk about is how hard it can be when we're still healing from the impact of someone's hurtful words and behavior and they suddenly put the past behind them and become a "good" person.

Even though their transformation is a great thing, and possibly something we've longed for. We, the ones who were harmed, are still in therapy, meeting with support groups, fighting off addictions, dealing with self-loathing, attracting unhealthy relationships and so on.... possibly decades later. And they get to just decide one day, "Hmmm... I think it's time for me to be a better person," and poof, their work is done.

Today, on the podcast, I talked about navigating the unfairness of this. I let it be okay that we feel as we feel. And I offered some alternate perspectives to consider. 

If you can relate to this, I hope it brings you comfort. If you are on the other side of this, I hope it will help you to empathize with those you've hurt. And I commend you for healing.

Blessings, 

Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

Day 2 "When They've Changed & You're Still Healing" #IAMtheONE Share & Let's Live! #Podcast

We can be so hard on ourselves. 

When we're on this journey toward becoming more of our truest selves, we will have slip ups. It's just part of it. 

We need to be kinder to ourselves and recognize that many of our patterns of thinking and ways of being have been solidified over time. We've been thinking certain ways, responding certain ways, and expecting life to show up for us in certain ways for not just days, or months... sometimes for DECADES.

Why do we think a habit that took years to make, will be gone in days? It's not realistic. We could do well for a week, or a month, but if life starts lifin' (or we get hangry), it's really easy to shift back to our old default setting. It's familiar. 

We need to realize that the fact that we even noticed that we are doing that thing again shows we've grown. There was a time when we didn't notice. There was a time when it was our default setting. There was a time when it was so natural that we would just go on being and doing as normal. 

The fact that we noticed is something we should celebrate. We're growing. We're shifting. We're becoming aware. And that means we're making progress. So let's be kind to ourselves.

Let's notice what's going on that led to us slipping into that old pattern. Were you hungry? Were you around a certain person from your past? Were you feeling physically uncomfortable? Something as simple as the tag in your shirt rubbing against the back of your neck, or being too hot/cold, sleepy, or hungry could cause you to slip into that old default setting. Check in with yourself. And be kind to yourself.

Anywho.... check out today's episode. I think it'll be helpful, if this resonated with you. 

Blessings!

Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

Day 3 "Be Kind When You Slip Up" #IAMtheONE Share & Let's Live! #Podcast

Effort or Ease?

Does it have to be hard to be valuable? Does it have to be hard-earned to make a person worthy? If you work smarter, not harder, are you deserving?

These are the questions that are swimming in my head. Lately, a lot of my “core beliefs” that became a part of me through observation, environment, and suggestion are becoming less valid. I’m starting to question what I’ve believed and wonder what really matters. 

So much of who I’ve been, or not been, has had much to do with concerns about external perceptions. On today’s podcast I tackle the belief that doing things the hard way is what makes it valid. 
I wrote a full #blog post for this episode. Check it out at mdillondesigns.com/blog


Blessings!

Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

Day 4 "Effort or Ease?" #IAMtheONE Share & Let's Live! #Podcast

Day 5 "Burnout: Time to Prioritize YOU" #IAMtheONE Share & Let's Live! #Podcast Series w/ Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

We make time for everybody.... their emergencies, their emotions, their needs, wants, and priorities. 

Some of us will only slow down if illness takes us down. We secretly smile from our sick bed because we finally have a reason... the right to say, "No." 

Yeah, we know we're supposed to take better care of ourselves. Yeah, we know that we need to set better boundaries. But you know what nobody tells you? It's hard as hell to set and hold boundaries when you're exhausted. 

It's easy when you're refreshed and restored to say, "Hey, buddy. No. I'm not doing that." But when you're tired and you just don't have the emotional or mental reserve to deal with the pushback or backlash or the unpleasant emotional response of another human, it's sooo easy to slip back into that default setting... the people pleasing, the saying, "Yes," when you want to say, "No," the going along with plans you don't agree with... The stuff you said you were going to stop doing. The stuff you actually did stop doing....

If this is resonating with you, you are possibly at a point where you need to muster up the extra energy to acknowledge it's time to start saying, "No," again. It's time to get by yourself and regroup. It's time to put yourself on your schedule, rest, recoop, or even create a plan for how you can just veg out for a few hours. 

Don't wait for illness or some other unfortunate circumstance to come and rescue you. You deserve the you that you offer to everyone else. Be your own your own advocate. Whether it's 15 minutes or 15 days, pour back into yourself. It's time. 

I understand. I'm at that point right now. I share about it on today's podcast, along with some helpful information and tips, and of course... #storytelling. Enjoy.

Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

Day 5 "Burnout: Time to Prioritize YOU" #IAMtheONE Share & Let's Live! #Podcast

Day 6 "When Life's Hard Find Perspective" #IAMtheONE Share & Let's Live! #Podcast

“When life isn’t ideal, it can be easy to slip into sadness and depression. Getting out in nature and remembering what is still good can help.” —  Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

Day 6 "When Life's Hard Find Perspective" #IAMtheONE Share & Let's Live! #Podcast

Day 7 "What About Our Choices?" #IAMtheONE Share & Let's Live! #Podcast Series w/ Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

Woke up and had the weirdest experience, that allowed me to see something that I never noticed before. 

When you're an intelligent person and find yourself in a stupid situation, it's hard not to feel like an idiot. However, what I realized today, is that manipulative people are phenomenal at using various tools to work around a person's intelligence. They get crafty to get what they want.

I ended up coming across something I wrote many years ago that gave me insight into how I ended up in relationship with my narcissistic ex. After reading this, with my current awareness, I saw how I ended up in a "stupid" situation. 

I tell the story on today's podcast and in case you don't get a chance to listen, I'll just say, that when a person sees that we're smart, they may tap into our emotions instead to bypass our intelligence. 

Anywho, I'm so grateful I was up scrolling FB this morning because it led me on a journey that led to this discovery. This is a powerful episode. Definitely check it out. 

Thanks for being here. 

Blessings!

Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

Day 7 "What About Our Choices?" #IAMtheONE Share & Let's Live! #Podcast

Day 8 "Sh*t, We Here, Now" #IAMtheONE Share & Let's Live! #Podcast Series w/ Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist 

Sometimes life throws sh*t at us that doesn't make sense, stuff that doesn't seem fair… Sometimes, it's far worse than we could've ever imagined... lightyears beyond our worst case scenario. 

In those moments, we can choose to make a bad moment worse by being miserable and thinking of all the ways and reasons it sucks, or we can choose to see it as it is and commit to remaining (and returning) to the present moment. 

We always have a choice. We can make it worse by being miserable on top of the misery, or we can throw up our hands and say, “Sh*t, we here, now.”

Today's podcast is empowering. I cuss a lot but it makes sense when you hear it. Blessings... Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

Day 8 "Sh*t, We Here, Now" #IAMtheONE Share & Let's Live! #Podcast

Day 9 "Make It Tolerable" #IAMtheONE Share & Let's Live! #Podcast Series w/ Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

“Enjoy your lunch break at the beach, watch a movie while doing dishes, play trap music while you work. If you have to do things you don’t like, make them tolerable.” — Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

There are some things in life that we don't want to do, but may have to do. What I am learning is that I can find ways to make the heavy stuff bearable. 

I can listen to good music while I do that task I've been putting off. I can use my Pomodoro timer and reward myself for my focused time blocks by watching Bridgerton during my breaks. 

When I hated my job, I would leave the house early and go to the lake before work. I would grab my lunch and go back to the lake to decompress and return. 

When I grocery shop, or have to go to places notorious for having long lines, I put my headphones on and listen to fun music, or play a game on my phone. I listen to biographies and mysteries and sexy romance novels while I drive. I watch movies while I clean. I make delicious sauces to drizzle over vegetables so eating them is pleasurable. 

So much of life we try to muscle through it, when we could just find ways to make it more palatable. We feel like everything has to be hard and unpleasant. But why? 

If that's works for you, go for it. But I want to enjoy my life more. There are aspects of life I would gladly not do, but they're part of my experience. If I've gotta do 'em, I'm gonna find a way to enjoy myself before, after, or during. Maybe you can, too.

I talk about this on today's podcast. Check it out!


Blessings!

Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

Day 9 "Make It Tolerable" #IAMtheONE Share & Let's Live! #Podcast

Day 11 "Hiding Our Best Parts" #IAMtheONE Share & Let's Live! #Podcast Series w/ Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

“So many of us are living inauthentically. We hide our truths, because we’re fearful of how ‘they’ will react. But often in doing so, we end up hiding our best parts.” —  Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

What if your destiny is tied to your honesty? What if it's part of your journey to be increasingly authentic? 

I know for me, it seems that's a huge part of my mission. Although, I've been fed tons of shame and have been conditioned to hide, I've reached a point in my life where being authentic matters so much more to me. 
As much as I hated it, various events that I wouldn't have chosen, and moments along the way, have pushed me to gradually peel back the layers of shame and continuously reveal my truth. 

Well, today, I bumped up against one of my truths, and I was really tempted to hide. The discomfort of being in that place between regressing by hiding and progressing by being authentic led me to record this podcast episode. 

If stepping into your authentic self is a challenge, check this out.

Blessings! Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

Day 11 "Hiding Our Best Parts" #IAMtheONE Share & Let's Live! #Podcast

Day 12 "A New Way to Breathe" #IAMtheONE Share & Let's Live! #Podcast Series w/ Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

We don't always have control over our lives or at least not as much control as we would like. Sometimes our family members will interrupt us, when we're trying to have our moments of peace  ("me time") and it can be infuriating. 

In the past, these interruptions would "blow my mood" and ruin my whole day. But today I didn't give in to that. I couldn't let them ruin my whole day.

I think that just setting that intention was enough for me to receive guidance on how to get back into alignment. And I am so grateful. 

This is the cool story I share on today's podcast. I also share a new (to me) mindfulness practice that came to me and help me get back into alignment. Check it out. 

Blessings! Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

Day 12 "A New Way to Breathe" #IAMtheONE Share & Let's Live! #Podcast

Marlene Dillon is a multi-talented single mom who's passionate about empowerment. Through her gifts of storytelling, songwriting, and her intuitive gifts, she shares insights on how to navigate life with more purpose. This podcast is called Share & Let's Live! because she believes that we all have gifts, passions, and interests that we came here to share. And as we release our reasons, beliefs, and hesitations, and begin to share them, we all get to expand. We are happier and we make our world a more beautiful place. So check out the podcast. Like, comment, and share. Oh, and a special thanks to Anno Domini Beats for the awesome track "Like That" which has become the signature sound for this podcast. Bless you for offering your music to creators like me. You're a blessing! 
BTW, I do cuss on this podcast, so you've been warned. These are my opinions and purely for entertainment and education. I speak freely. Share & Let's Live! with Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist's podcast and recordings are covered under the Privacy Policy, Terms, Etc. available on mdillondesigns.com. All rights reserved.

Day 14 "Caregiving & Self-Care" #UNADULTING w/ Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

Share & Let's Live!

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