Wake Up Call

I did a terrible job of telling you something this month. On February 8th the podcast celebrated its THIRD anniversary! Three years has gone by so fast, it's hard to believe. I appreciate each and every one of you for supporting this show. As exciting as this anniversary is, I have to be honest - lately I'm noticing a feeling of being burned out. In the past, I would not have honored this feeling and would've kept pushing through. But as the saying goes, "when you know better, you do better" and I'm recognizing it's time to take a little break. The podcast is not going away and in this episode I share more about the decision of taking a break. I wanted to acknowledge the break and give you the "why" behind it rather than doing what's known as a pod fade (going away without ever being heard from again). This podcast has been an amazing outlet, allowing me to explore interests that lie outside of my 9-5. I'm excited to come back bringing the best energy I can rather than creating out of pressure that I put on myself (can you relate?!). Thank you for supporting this show and I can't wait to be back with you again soon!

It can be an overwhelming feeling when a relationship has lost intimacy.  It can be even harder to figure out how to get it back. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not as simple as having a weekly date night or scheduled sex on the calendar.  We need to understand the type of intimacy we’re seeking (yes, there are different kinds of intimacy, not just sex) and be vulnerable to communicate those needs.  But why does that sound so daunting?   In this episode my guest Daniela Stevens shares her insights on this vulnerable topic by helping us understand:   What intimacy means and the different kinds of intimacy in relationships The impact of busy, fast-paced lives on intimacy in relationships How conditioning and society has shaped our view of what intimacy is “supposed” to look like What a sex practice is and why it might be right for your relationship Be sure to check out the special gift Daniela shared for listeners of the Wake Up Call podcast episode here: danielastevens.com/podcast Daniela Stevens (she/they) is a trauma- and attachment-informed certified Sex and Intimacy Coach for couples and individuals of all bodies and all expressions. She supports people to experience deep sexual connection and intimacy with themselves and their partner name by addressing the intersections of personal experience with multiple systems of oppression and by guiding them to clarify, connect, communicate, heal, and co-create the sex they want and the intimacy they desire. Connect with Daniela! Website Instagram

I love personal development work and I'm guessing you do too (since you've found this podcast). Whether it's books, podcasts, and/or working with coaches, focusing on self-improvement can feel expansive and invite growth into your life. But what happens when the excitement of personal development starts to fade? Your favorite podcast doesn't land anymore and you want nothing to do with yet another self-improvement book. You know what I think this signals? You're building self-trust, which in my opinion, is the real goal of personal development work. To enter a phase of trusting yourself, your decisions, and your abilities. In this shortie episode I talk about: Maxing out on personal development work. Taking a break is a great time to integrate the work you've been doing. Podcasts, books, and coaches are great supportive resources NOT instruction guides on how to live your life.

Last year, the most listened to episode of the podcast was about how to calm yourself down when you are in an anxious state.  This really stuck with me. It shows me how many of us are still struggling with anxiety and want to know how to feel better.   If you relate to this feeling, I want to let you know something - anxiety doesn’t have to control you.   When I was at the height of my experience with anxiety, I used to think I would never feel ok again.   In this week’s episode, I’m sharing some things I want you to know if you find yourself in this uncomfortable place.     Some things I unpack:  Sitting with the feelings and sensation of anxiety is uncomfortable but also your secret weapon to changing the dynamic.  Your body isn’t working against you by giving symptoms of anxiety.  When you learn to interpret the signals, you start to see anxiety through a different lens.  Anxiety doesn’t “go away,” it will be with you in different seasons of life but how you relate to it makes all the difference.   I hope this episode serves as a form of encouragement to let you know what’s possible when you start working with your anxiety, rather than fearing it.   If you need support in calming yourself down if your anxiety is heightened, check out Episode 61. Connect with Me! Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aliciadhopkins/

It’s the new year and with that comes the chatter around goals, resolutions, and making big change in your life.   I don’t know about you, but the “new year, new you” vibe doesn’t resonate with me like it used to.  In fact, I think it’s a bunch of bullshit blocking us from one of the most powerful energies for change out there: self-acceptance. In this episode, I’m chatting with dietitian Kim Tasker, about what self-acceptance means and how it helps to expand who we are as a person, so we can stop chasing the unrealistic expectations we place on ourselves.  Some things we unpack in the episode: The impact of perfectionism, fear, and judgment on your goals and how it leads to a forced, rigid mindset.  What self-acceptance actually means (hint hint..it doesn’t mean giving up on yourself).  The connection between extreme goals and overcompensating for areas of your life where you feel lack. How the nervous system and chronic stress influence goal setting.  I hope this episode is a loving reminder that you don’t have to become a totally new person this year – the person you are is already enough. Kim Tasker is an Intuitive Eating and Mindset Dietitian who is passionate about helping others build a relationship with themselves that is based in compassion, acceptance, and love. Kim’s takes a somatic approach to help women move from overwhelm to confident and clear-headed.    Connect with Kim: Instagram  Somatic Digest Podcast Website Check out Kim’s free body image training for WUC podcast listeners: Body image training

Transitions are an inevitable part of life. From excitement (buying a new home, yay!) to stress (moving is so much work!), transitions take us through a huge range of emotions, and the inbetween space can bring tons of uncertainty. Enter our guest, Ashley DuFresne, the CEO & Founder of Authentic Embodiment. In this episode, Ashley will walk us through how to handle life transitions with peace and grace so we can step into our next chapter feeling empowered.   Ashley DuFresne is a Paradigm Shifter; CEO and Founder of Authentic Embodiment. She is Master Channel and Energy Alchemist, and Soul-Led Business Mentor who supports visionary leaders in transition and guides them into the highest expression of their legacy. Ashley integrates Energetics and Channeling with Behavioral and Neuro- Psychology to initiate Quantum Rite of Passage™ experiences. Her method provides a systemic approach to change, healing, and growth that launches her clients to quantum leap into the timeline of their highest success— the one where they’re making the greatest impact while living in ease, pleasure, and prosperity.   Connect with Ashley: Instagram Website   Some key takeaways from this episode include: Liminal space is the transition time between where you were and where you’re going next. It includes emotional, mental, and physical transitions and seasons of life, and it can hold a lot of uncertainty. When we’re in the liminal space, we’re naturally attracted to what feels familiar and safe. We might venture back into relationships, habits, or environments we’ve outgrown just to feel some certainty. High performers tend to rush through transition periods out of anxiety or fear because they want the “achievement” of getting through it. Instead, let yourself sit in the uncertainty and take your time moving through it.   Welcome to the Wake Up Call Podcast with Alicia Hopkins (that’s me!). My goal in this podcast is to share valuable and actionable tips on what I call the “Core Four” - mindfulness, movement, habits, and growth - so you can build a life that feels true to you. I will be interviewing people who have had a “wake up call” that their good-on-paper life wasn’t lighting them up, and what they did to change that. Join us every week for a new episode of the Wake Up Call Podcast with Alicia Hopkins!   Connect with Me! Instagram Facebook YouTube 

We all experience marriage troubles, but we rarely talk about our struggles for fear of shame or judgment. In this episode, Betsy Pake is back on the podcast to lay it all out on the table. She shares her own experience of leaving her marriage and the energetic shift that changed the trajectory of her relationship. Betsy also shares signs to look out for to signal what your next move should be, and how she can support you if you need it!   Betsy Pake is an architect of quantum leaps known for creating such quick shifts her clients say their lives have been flipped on its head. Board-certified as a Trainer of NLP and Hypnotherapy, she founded The Alchemy Institute where she trains life coaches and therapists and over the past decade has worked as a master coach to help women who are on the journey of big life changes. Find her on her podcast, The Art of Living Big each week as she explores how to thrive even when “life” is happening!  Betsy lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband, has a daughter nearby and is obsessed with her dog Henry... and wouldn’t have it any other way.  Connect with Betsy! Website The Art of Living Big Podcast   Some key takeaways from this episode include: You have to be honest with yourself when you’re in a situation where you’re miserable. It’s normal for relationships to have ups and downs, but when you start growing apart instead of together, you need to take a hard look at your relationship. There’s a lot of confusion and shame that can come from getting divorced, and it’s easy to hide from the causes and then repeat that pattern in future relationships. Make sure you’re doing the work on yourself to be your freest, happiest self. Sometimes leaving isn’t the answer, and instead you need to adjust some things in the relationship. Figuring out ways to infuse more joy and connection into your relationship beyond the occasional date night is crucial.   Welcome to the Wake Up Call Podcast with Alicia Hopkins (that’s me!). My goal in this podcast is to share valuable and actionable tips on what I call the “Core Four” - mindfulness, movement, habits, and growth - so you can build a life that feels true to you. I will be interviewing people who have had a “wake up call” that their good-on-paper life wasn’t lighting them up, and what they did to change that. Join us every week for a new episode of the Wake Up Call Podcast with Alicia Hopkins!   Connect with Me! Instagram Facebook YouTube⁠

Do you ever feel like your days are ruled by tasks you feel like you have to do, or should be doing according to other people’s expectations, or according to what the clock says? In this episode, my friend Leanne Knight - a graphic designer and entrepreneur - joins me to unpack how we can take back our time and structure our days with tasks and routines that make us feel more connected to our bodies. Leanne Knight is the owner of Authentic Vision Media and is a graphic designer for thought leaders, coaches, and healers who desire to change the world through their expertise. Leanne weaves their branding and personality into all their marketing visuals so that they feel polished, confident, and ready to speak their truth. From social media graphics to course workbooks, she creates visuals with a focus on impact, clarity, and shareability. Connect with Leanne! Get 15% off your Brand & Messaging Audit Website Instagram   Some key takeaways from this episode include: The work culture we operate in can have a big impact on tying our exhaustion to our income. We start wearing exhaustion as a badge of honor and fear what will happen to our income if we prioritize rest and boundaries. Listen to your body’s signals and don’t worry about how it aligns with the time of day. Denying yourself food when you’re hungry, sleep when you’re tired, or a bathroom break when you’ve gotta go is disconnecting yourself from your body. There are some things we simply have to do, even if we don’t want to do them,  like washing dishes or tedious admin tasks. But, we can reframe those actions as getting us closer to how we ultimately want to feel and spend our time.   Welcome to the Wake Up Call Podcast with Alicia Hopkins (that’s me!). My goal in this podcast is to share valuable and actionable tips on what I call the “Core Four” - mindfulness, movement, habits, and growth - so you can build a life that feels true to you. I will be interviewing people who have had a “wake up call” that their good-on-paper life wasn’t lighting them up, and what they did to change that. Join us every week for a new episode of the Wake Up Call Podcast with Alicia Hopkins!   Connect with Me! Instagram Facebook YouTube 

Welcome to the 100th episode of the Wake Up Call Podcast! To celebrate, we’re premiering a new look, new intro and music, and a personal wake up call that’s been on my mind lately! In this episode, I’m sharing how I realized that two goals I’ve had on my list for forever were really just me forcing myself into a version of myself that isn’t actually true to me. Instead, I’m shifting those goals and releasing myself of the pressure to fit into those expectations.   Some key takeaways from this episode include: There’s been two areas in my life that I’ve struggled to make forward progress in, and it’s been frustrating as someone who’s an achiever and goes after what she wants. Releasing myself of these lingering goals has lifted so much weight off my shoulders. I spent so much time and money on coaches and accountability partners, and it felt like none of the effort was getting me where I wanted. I started questioning if something is wrong with me, instead of questioning if these goals made sense for me anymore. When we can learn to accept ourselves, we can tackle our goals and create the lives we want from a place of abundance, rather than a place of feeling like we’re lacking or aren’t enough as we are.   Welcome to the Wake Up Call Podcast with Alicia Hopkins (that’s me!). My goal in this podcast is to share valuable and actionable tips on what I call the “Core Four” - mindfulness, movement, habits, and growth - so you can build a life that feels true to you. I will be interviewing people who have had a “wake up call” that their good-on-paper life wasn’t lighting them up, and what they did to change that. Join us every week for a new episode of the Wake Up Call Podcast with Alicia Hopkins!   Connect with Me! Instagram Facebook YouTube

If you’ve ever tried to make a change in your life, but felt stuck and unsure of how to move forward, there’s probably a part of your identity that’s causing that resistance. In this episode, I’m joined by Katie LaCelle to chat about Internal Family Systems - or IFS for short - which is a therapy modality that helps us get curious about all the parts of ourselves to make lasting change and regulate our nervous systems.    Katie LaCelle is a somatic IFS practitioner who is passionate about helping people uncover their own internal wise leaders and reconnect with their deepest embodied intuition. IFS, or internal family systems, is a trauma-informed therapy modality that can help you get present, rewire your brain, and regulate your nervous system. In her spare time, Katie coaches circus and performs on the flying trapeze. Connect with and say hello to Katie on: Instagram Website Free Guide on finding personalized moments of peace and grounding   Some key takeaways from this episode include: Internal Family Systems - or IFS - is a process of getting familiar with all the different aspects of your personality, getting curious about the patterns we follow and how we learned those, and what we want to do differently moving forward. We all have different parts or subpersonalities of ourselves, such as “the perfectionist,” “the scientist,” that can conflict with each other. It’s important to practice “unblending” from those parts so no single one of them is running the show. Some ways to identify these parts of yourself are to ask yourself: what is keeping me up at night? When do I put too much pressure on myself, and where does that come from? What makes me feel ashamed, and what’s my reaction to that feeling of shame?   Welcome to the Wake Up Call Podcast with Alicia Hopkins (that’s me!). My goal in this podcast is to share valuable and actionable tips on what I call the “Core Four” - mindfulness, movement, habits, and growth - so you can build a life that feels true to you. I will be interviewing people who have had a “wake up call” that their good-on-paper life wasn’t lighting them up, and what they did to change that. Join us every week for a new episode of the Wake Up Call Podcast with Alicia Hopkins!   Connect with Me! Instagram Facebook YouTube 

After my episode with Matt Thieleman about life coaching versus therapy, I got a lot of great questions about taking those first steps to find a therapist. Therapy is such a great way to work through blocks in your life and learn healthy coping mechanisms for anything you’re struggling with, so in this episode I’m sharing the first steps you can take if you’d like to try therapy, and what to expect from those first few sessions.  Products or websites mentioned: Listen to Ep. 93: What Is a Coach? Coaching vs. Therapy with Matt Thieleman Psychology Today - Click the “Find a Therapist” tab and enter your location   Some key takeaways from this episode include: It’s so important to address the things that are making you feel stuck in your life, or that are preventing you from fully enjoying your life. For me, therapy has been a great tool to help me face those things head-on. Finding a therapist can feel overwhelming, but there are ways you can narrow down who you want to meet with. After you find some therapists you might want to work with, get on an introductory call with them. Gauge their vibe, how you feel talking to them, and get to know them a bit. If you get through the first few sessions with a therapist, and it doesn’t feel right, remember there are SO many providers to choose from! Don’t abandon therapy altogether, instead find another therapist until you find the right match.   Welcome to the Wake Up Call Podcast with Alicia Hopkins (that’s me!). My goal in this podcast is to share valuable and actionable tips on what I call the “Core Four” - mindfulness, movement, habits, and growth - so you can build a life that feels true to you. I will be interviewing people who have had a “wake up call” that their good-on-paper life wasn’t lighting them up, and what they did to change that. Join us every week for a new episode of the Wake Up Call Podcast with Alicia Hopkins!   Connect with Me! Instagram Facebook YouTube 

Raise your hand if you’re a member of the Recovering People Pleasers Club (my hand is in the air!). In this episode, we’re joined by Sara Bybee Fisk, a Master Certified Coach and Instructor who teaches women how to tame the rampant people pleasing, perfectionism, and codependency that is causing them so much frustration and resentment. If you’re ready to release the anxiety and exhaustion that comes from outside expectations, this is the episode for you! Connect with Sara + More Resources Website Instagram Facebook TikTok The Ex-Good Girl Podcast Free Guide: How to Have a Difficult Conversation Some key takeaways from this episode include: From the time we’re born, we learn that pleasing our caregivers helps us get our basic needs met, making pleasing people second nature. If you’re socialized as a female, you are taught even more expectations to please everyone around you for acceptance. The hypervigilance of trying to anticipate and meet others’ needs and wants is so exhausting. If you’re a chronic people pleaser and also burnt out and anxious, you might notice some of that exhaustion going away as you release the need to people please. When you feel the urge to people please, sit with that feeling of anxiousness. Take deep breaths, embrace the feeling without acting on it, and start building that muscle of sitting with discomfort.   Welcome to the Wake Up Call Podcast with Alicia Hopkins (that’s me!). My goal in this podcast is to share valuable and actionable tips on what I call the “Core Four” - mindfulness, movement, habits, and growth - so you can build a life that feels true to you. I will be interviewing people who have had a “wake up call” that their good-on-paper life wasn’t lighting them up, and what they did to change that. Join us every week for a new episode of the Wake Up Call Podcast with Alicia Hopkins!   Connect with Me! Instagram Facebook YouTube 

Have you ever felt a shift in how your body feels when you’re experiencing a particular emotion? Sometimes you might experience sensations or pain in your body before you recognize that you’re feeling a particular emotion, and that’s what this episode is all about. Lisa Gilliam, a certified Emotion Code Practitioner, Holistic Nutritionist, and Nutrition Response Therapist, joins us on the podcast to teach us how to release these trapped emotions so we can feel better in our body and mind.   Some key takeaways from this episode include: You might notice that you hold emotions in different parts of your body. Maybe your shoulders feel tight and tense when you’re anxious, or you feel like you’re quick on your feet and can’t sit still when you’re happy or excited. Some symptoms that you have emotions trapped in your body are a short fuse (trapped anger), total apathy (extremely guarded emotions), or other strong feelings that are holding you back from doing what you love. Emotion Code is a modality founded by a chiropractor that involves moving emotions through your body to release those feelings. It can help with pain relief, getting “unstuck” from something holding you back, or working through grief.   Welcome to the Wake Up Call Podcast with Alicia Hopkins (that’s me!). My goal in this podcast is to share valuable and actionable tips on what I call the “Core Four” - mindfulness, movement, habits, and growth - so you can build a life that feels true to you. I will be interviewing people who have had a “wake up call” that their good-on-paper life wasn’t lighting them up, and what they did to change that. Join us every week for a new episode of the Wake Up Call Podcast with Alicia Hopkins!   Connect with Me! Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aliciadhopkins/ Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/adhcoaching YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDMmJ6FMblDyWoC_Day1zlg 

If you’ve been listening to Wake Up Call since the beginning, you know there are a handful of intentional habits I utilize to manage my anxiety. In this episode, I’m giving a quick overview of my top three anti-anxiety habits, AKA my holy trinity, and how you can incorporate them into your own daily routine. Products mentioned: Oura Ring Eight Sleep   Some key takeaways from this episode include: Limiting my caffeine intake has been huge for managing my anxiety. Since caffeine is a stimulant, it can initiate that buzzy fight or flight response without you even realizing it.  Alcohol intake can have so many negative effects on the body, and heightening anxiety is one of them. Then it leaves you feeling more tired the next day, causing you to reach for more caffeine. It’s a vicious cycle! When it comes to sleep, focus on quality over quantity. Yes, you need your 8 or so hours a night, but if you’re tossing and turning all night, you’re not going to feel rested. Look into tools like the Oura ring to measure and track your sleep.   Welcome to the Wake Up Call Podcast with Alicia Hopkins (that’s me!). My goal in this podcast is to share valuable and actionable tips on what I call the “Core Four” - mindfulness, movement, habits, and growth - so you can build a life that feels true to you. I will be interviewing people who have had a “wake up call” that their good-on-paper life wasn’t lighting them up, and what they did to change that. Join us every week for a new episode of the Wake Up Call Podcast with Alicia Hopkins!   Connect with Me! Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aliciadhopkins/ Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/adhcoaching YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDMmJ6FMblDyWoC_Day1zlg 

There are some changes coming to the Wake Up Call Podcast… and they’re all good things! This week is a casual chit chat (with a fired up moment in the middle for flavor!) about the new changes coming soon and my ultimate goals and intentions for the podcast. Thank you so much for being a listener of the show, I can’t tell you how much it means to me! If there’s a particular episode of the show that really resonated with you, I would love it if you sent me a DM on Instagram to share it with me!   Some key takeaways from this episode include: Anxiety was just the tip of the iceberg for me. My physical symptoms from anxiety were caused by everything under the surface: behaviors that weren’t serving me, perfectionism, and the need to hustle and overachieve. I want this show to be a place where you hear perspectives that help shift the way you look at your anxiety and struggles. My hope is that you feel a sense of community because you are not alone in those challenges. Finding out who you are, what you love, what your desires are, and what you want, is one of the most important journeys you’ll ever embark on. It’s important to be curious so you’re always discovering new things about yourself.   Welcome to the Wake Up Call Podcast with Alicia Hopkins (that’s me!). My goal in this podcast is to share valuable and actionable tips on what I call the “Core Four” - mindfulness, movement, habits, and growth - so you can build a life that feels true to you. I will be interviewing people who have had a “wake up call” that their good-on-paper life wasn’t lighting them up, and what they did to change that. Join us every week for a new episode of the Wake Up Call Podcast with Alicia Hopkins!   Connect with Me! Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aliciadhopkins/ Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/adhcoaching YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDMmJ6FMblDyWoC_Day1zlg 

If you’ve ever wondered what a coach actually does and whether or not you could benefit from working with one, this is the episode for you! Several of you listening to this episode are coaches yourselves, but today we’re covering what different coaching engagements look like, and the difference between coaching and therapy. Joining me is Matt Thielemen, a transformational coach, visionary, speaker, advisor, and author.  Matt works with leaders and change-makers to help them live into their purpose more fully, and bring their masterpieces to the world. He educates and trains coaches to be world-class in their field, and help their clients reach their full potential.  Connect with Matt! Website This is Coaching: How to Transform a Client’s Performance, Life, & Business as a Master Coach & Warrior of Love   Some key takeaways from this episode include: One way to think about the difference between therapy and coaching is processing the past vs. working towards your future. If you struggle to live a normal life due to trauma, therapy is your best bet. If your life is okay but you want more, a coach would be a great support for that! Coaching is a great way to hold dedicated time and space to achieving your goals. They create a safe space to talk through what’s holding you back and how you can propel yourself forward. One of the benefits of coaching is having genuine human interaction when so many of our day-to-day interactions feel very transactional. One of the reasons Matt shares for the surge in new coaches is a need for empathetic connections with others.    Welcome to the Wake Up Call Podcast with Alicia Hopkins (that’s me!). My goal in this podcast is to share valuable and actionable tips on what I call the “Core Four” - mindfulness, movement, habits, and growth - so you can build a life that feels true to you. I will be interviewing people who have had a “wake up call” that their good-on-paper life wasn’t lighting them up, and what they did to change that. Join us every week for a new episode of the Wake Up Call Podcast with Alicia Hopkins!   Connect with Me! Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aliciadhopkins/ Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/adhcoaching YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDMmJ6FMblDyWoC_Day1zlg 

If you’ve ever thought “meditation is not for me, I can’t do it,” you are not alone! Even our guest and energy expert Rachel Hatteberg Walt felt that way until she developed practices that are practical, grounding, and relaxing. I know we can all use more of that in our daily routine, so in this episode, Rachel is busting some meditation myths so you can find your zen in ways that fit your unique lifestyle and preferences. After you listen to this episode, you can grab Rachel’s meditation library here.   Rachel is a comPASSIONATE and creative soul that thrives on alone time but can’t survive without her loved ones, the outdoors, and following her curiosity. She is one that gets stuff done but also stops to notice the birds in the trees (especially the two owls that live in her backyard!). She is a mom of 3, Speech-Language Pathologist, Meditation Teacher, Reiki Master, OBSESSED with Human Design, and Founder of Craftingood where she is supporting people in changing the world from the inside out. Connect with Rachel! Instagram Website  Some key takeaways about meditation include: An easy intro to meditation is simply bringing awareness to your senses when you’re doing a task. If you’re washing dishes, bring awareness to how the warm water and bubbles feel on your skin, or how the soap smells. This mindfulness can instantly calm your body and mind. Keep a notepad near you or keep a running list on your notes app of all the random thoughts that you’re holding onto. Maybe it’s a to-do list item you want to remember, or anxiety you’re having about an upcoming project, capture it so you can quiet your mind. When you find yourself feeling stressed and anxious, place one hand on your heart and one hand on your belly. Take a deep breath in and feel which hand is moving more. You want your belly - not your chest - to be filling up with air, so focus on your breathing until you feel the hand on your belly moving in and out with each breath.   Welcome to the Wake Up Call Podcast with Alicia Hopkins (that’s me!). My goal in this podcast is to share valuable and actionable tips on what I call the “Core Four” - mindfulness, movement, habits, and growth - so you can build a life that feels true to you. I will be interviewing people who have had a “wake up call” that their good-on-paper life wasn’t lighting them up, and what they did to change that. Join us every week for a new episode of the Wake Up Call Podcast with Alicia Hopkins!   Connect with Me! Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aliciadhopkins/ Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/adhcoaching YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDMmJ6FMblDyWoC_Day1zlg 

“Nothing worth having comes easily,” is a phrase we’ve all heard many times before, but does it always ring true? In this episode, I’m exploring an idea that came to me about letting things be easy. We all have natural gifts and strengths, brilliant ideas that come to us in the shower, and even great opportunities that seem to fall into our laps. I think it’s time we really lean into these and let ourselves embrace what’s easy.   Some key takeaways from this episode include: We’re raised to believe that the only way to get what you want is to work really hard. While that’s important, it’s also possible that leaning into the ease of your natural gifts and strengths can also get you what you want in life. When we think everything needs to be difficult to yield results, we tend to overthink our ideas and get into a cycle of analysis paralysis. Commitment and dedication are the new “working hard.” Be committed to the things that feel fun to you, the brilliant ideas that come to you, and your natural skills.    Welcome to the Wake Up Call Podcast with Alicia Hopkins (that’s me!). My goal in this podcast is to share valuable and actionable tips on what I call the “Core Four” - mindfulness, movement, habits, and growth - so you can build a life that feels true to you. I will be interviewing people who have had a “wake up call” that their good-on-paper life wasn’t lighting them up, and what they did to change that. Join us every week for a new episode of the Wake Up Call Podcast with Alicia Hopkins!   Connect with Me! Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aliciadhopkins/ Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/adhcoaching YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDMmJ6FMblDyWoC_Day1zlg

Have you ever felt upset or disappointed, then tried to talk yourself into happiness by saying “but I have so much to be grateful for?” In this episode, I’m writing you a big, shiny permission slip to stop minimizing your feelings - it’s ok to not be happy all the time! Our emotions are a powerful tool that tell us what we need in that moment, so instead of explaining them away, let’s name and validate those feelings.  Resources mentioned: The Feelings Wheel   Some key takeaways from this episode include: Don’t deny or judge your feelings. You are allowed to feel however you feel in any situation. Sometimes emotions are scary or ugly, but when we allow ourselves to have those feelings, they’re temporary and pass pretty quickly.  The goal isn’t to be happy all the time, it’s just not realistic. You can find a middle ground or neutral state when you get more comfortable with all of the emotions, not just the extremes. Moving from angry to neutral is so much easier than moving from angry to happy. There are so many feelings we could be experiencing in any given moment, not just “good” or “bad” or “happy” or “sad.”Familiarize yourself with the Feelings Wheel. Having a name for the feelings we’re experiencing allows us to embrace and express our feelings instead of wasting our energy trying to push them away.   Welcome to the Wake Up Call Podcast with Alicia Hopkins (that’s me!). My goal in this podcast is to share valuable and actionable tips on what I call the “Core Four” - mindfulness, movement, habits, and growth - so you can build a life that feels true to you. I will be interviewing people who have had a “wake up call” that their good-on-paper life wasn’t lighting them up, and what they did to change that. Join us every week for a new episode of the Wake Up Call Podcast with Alicia Hopkins!   Connect with Me! Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aliciadhopkins/ Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/adhcoaching YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDMmJ6FMblDyWoC_Day1zlg 

If you’re a longtime listener of this show, you’re probably - like me! - a big fan of personal development content. But in this episode, I’m sharing how personal development work can be a slippery slope. Working on yourself is an admirable goal, but I’m learning that not only is it okay to sit and be happy with where you are today, it’s a necessary step to our overall growth and development.   Some key takeaways from this episode include: If you’re finding yourself bored or uninspired by personal development content, listen to what your gut is telling you. Watch a reality show, listen to a true crime podcast, or listen to music instead of educational content on your daily walk. Bring some lightheartedness into your daily routines that are usually full of relentless hustling. Play and laughter are important and allow us to relax, unwind, and not take ourselves so seriously. There is nothing wrong with you, and you don’t need to be fixed. Give yourself a break from the idea that we need to constantly grow and develop in order to be “better.” You are good enough just as you are.   Welcome to the Wake Up Call Podcast with Alicia Hopkins (that’s me!). My goal in this podcast is to share valuable and actionable tips on what I call the “Core Four” - mindfulness, movement, habits, and growth - so you can build a life that feels true to you. I will be interviewing people who have had a “wake up call” that their good-on-paper life wasn’t lighting them up, and what they did to change that. Join us every week for a new episode of the Wake Up Call Podcast with Alicia Hopkins!   Connect with Me! Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aliciadhopkins/ Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/adhcoaching YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDMmJ6FMblDyWoC_Day1zlg