Our Modern Emotional Lives

The winter solstice feels like a natural invitation to pause and take stock of where our attention has been living. In this episode, I reflect on what it means to move into the next year with more intention, steadiness, and inner authority. This is a conversation about how we relate to our thoughts, our attention, and our inner world in a time that constantly pulls us outward. I share a handful of reflections that have been shaping my own thinking lately, especially around staying grounded, thinking for yourself, and creating a life that feels true rather than reactive. My hope is that this episode offers you a quiet reset and a few new ways to meet whatever the next season brings.   Show Highlights Reclaim your attention as something sacred rather than something to spend unconsciously. Observe your thoughts instead of letting them quietly run your life. Create more than you consume to strengthen your sense of agency. Approach prayer and intention as a declaration, not a plea. Allow the full 50-50 of human experience without forcing positivity. Notice where authenticity feels unsafe and try being ten percent more honest. Use stillness as nourishment by letting your mind regularly rest and reset.   Resources Sheila's Website Sheila's Instagram Page Email me: sheila@sheilatully.com Free Guide: Three Steps to Clarity: How to Know What You Really Want Feel Better Masterclass

Lately, I've been thinking about what all this personal growth work is really for. Every book, class, retreat, or new habit we try seems to have one job to return us to who we really are. In this episode, I talk about why authenticity is the true point of self-development and how so many midlife women lose touch with their natural compass. I'll share what blocks authenticity, from people-pleasing and perfectionism to the nervous system patterns that make truth feel unsafe. And I'll walk you through five simple steps to peel back those layers so you can reconnect with your nature, speak smaller truths with confidence, and live with more integrity and ease.   Show Highlights Follow the quiet pull of what you love and let it guide you back to your authentic self. Recognize how conditioning and "shoulds" have pulled you away from your natural desires. Notice where you edit or shrink yourself to feel safe, and name the fear underneath it. Regulate before you relate so your body feels safe enough to tell the truth. Start small by saying the smallest true thing to build trust with yourself. Replace "shoulds" with principles that reflect your values and integrity. Practice daily micro-bravery—cleaner no's, truer yes's, and gentle self-trust.   Resources Sheila's Website Sheila's Instagram Page Email me: sheila@sheilatully.com Free Guide: Three Steps to Clarity: How to Know What You Really Want Feel Better Masterclass

My Feel Better class is in session right now, and we're talking about what it means to live from the inside out and to decide for yourself what you want to think instead of looking outside for the right answer. It's not easy, because most of us were raised to follow an invisible rulebook of what we should and shouldn't do, and who we're supposed to be. In this episode, I talk about what happens when we stop living by invisible rulebooks and start living from the inside out. You'll hear how "shoulds" are tied to old programming and people-pleasing habits, why approval once meant survival for women, and what it really means to make choices from self-trust instead of guilt. I'll walk you through five simple steps to release those outdated rules so you can move through life with more freedom, confidence, and ease.   Show Highlights Live from the inside out by thinking for yourself, not seeking outside approval. Notice how the invisible rulebook of "shoulds" keeps you performing instead of creating. See people-pleasing as old survival programming you can now outgrow. Replace "I should" with "I choose" to align with your true values. Pause when a "should" appears and ask who decided that rule. Expect discomfort as you stop seeking approval and choose differently. Say no to one "should" this week and practice living by your own rules.   Resources Sheila's Website Sheila's Instagram Page Email me: sheila@sheilatully.com Free Guide: Three Steps to Clarity: How to Know What You Really Want Feel Better Masterclass

The other day I was cleaning up old files on my computer and stumbled across a video from April 2020, right at the beginning of the pandemic. In that conversation, a friend shared how she wanted to launch her coaching practice but felt paralyzed by fear. She told me she'd wait until the world felt safer and more predictable before taking action. At the time that sounded logical, but five years later I realized how familiar that thought still feels. Life is uncertain, and it's easy to believe we should put our dreams on hold until conditions improve. In this episode, I share why that kind of thinking comes from the lower mind, the part of us that tries to keep us safe by predicting danger, and how we can shift into the higher mind, where imagination and choice create new possibilities. You'll hear how to connect with your future self, why visualization is such a powerful tool for shaping your life, and what small decisions you can make today that bring your future self closer.   Show Highlights Connect the idea of fear to the lower mind and notice when it's keeping you stuck. Shift into the higher mind by choosing thoughts that support the life you want. Use visualization to rehearse qualities like calm, resilience, and capability. Anchor your identity in who you want to become instead of reacting to circumstances. Write a letter from your future self to make that version of you feel real and reachable. Make small daily choices that align with your future self, even when uncomfortable. Act as if your future self already exists by practicing her qualities right now.   Resources Sheila's Website Sheila's Instagram Page Email me: sheila@sheilatully.com Free Guide: Three Steps to Clarity: How to Know What You Really Want Feel Better Masterclass  

You know those times when everything looks fine on the outside, but inside you feel heavy, restless, or just not yourself? That's where I found myself this past week walking the beautiful streets of Washington, D.C., enjoying great food and weather, yet carrying this undercurrent of dread from all the news streaming in. It reminded me how easy it is to get pulled out of center by the world around us, and how important it is to know how to bring ourselves back. In this episode, I share five grounding practices that help when life feels overwhelming. These are simple tools, but when practiced, they shift your entire experience of life, even if nothing outside of you has changed. If you've been feeling stretched thin or like your peace keeps slipping away, this conversation will guide you back to steadiness, clarity, and a sense of calm you can trust.   Show Highlights Use your breath to calm your nervous system and bring your mind back to the present. Shift from juggling everything at once to narrowing your focus on just the next step. Move your body, change your chemistry, and get out of looping thoughts. Curate your inputs by limiting news, social media, and negativity. Lean on connection instead of trying to carry the load alone. Recognize that groundedness is a skill you can practice anytime.   Resources Sheila's Website Sheila's Instagram Page Email me: sheila@sheilatully.com Free Guide: Three Steps to Clarity: How to Know What You Really Want Feel Better Masterclass

You know that moment when you step outside, feel the air on your skin, and it's like a weight you didn't even know you were carrying suddenly lifts? In this episode, we talk about why that happens not just because nature is beautiful, but because you are nature, and finding your way back to it is really finding your way back to yourself. I share how our modern lives have pulled us away from our authentic nature, and why leaning back into who you really are at your own pace, with your own gifts, and your own desires is essential. We'll look at four simple yet powerful practices to help you drop the mental noise, notice what lights you up, honor your natural rhythms, and allow more ease into your life. If you've been feeling stuck, overworked, or disconnected from yourself, this conversation will help you remember that living in alignment isn't about striving harder. It's about letting life carry you where you're meant to go.   Show Highlights Spend intentional time in nature with no agenda except being present. Notice the activities and moments where you feel most alive. Honor your natural pace instead of forcing yourself into someone else's rhythm. Let something in your life be easy and stop making things harder than they need to be. See yourself as part of nature, not separate from it, to reconnect with your authentic self. Recognize that living in alignment is more powerful than striving harder. Use your emotions and inner knowing as guidance toward what you truly want. Move with the natural current of life instead of paddling upstream.   Resources Sheila's Website Sheila's Instagram Page Email me: sheila@sheilatully.com Free Guide: Three Steps to Clarity: How to Know What You Really Want  Feel Better Masterclass

I've been sitting with the intensity of what's happening in the world right now, and it's clear to me that the disruption we're witnessing is an invitation. An invitation to evolve and grow as a species. We need to finally start leading from wisdom rather than fear. In this episode, I take a wide-angle view of the chaos and ask what role each of us is meant to play. I explore how we've overvalued masculine energy and underappreciated the feminine. I emphasize how rebalancing these forces in our own lives is the key to healing ourselves and the collective. This isn't about being passive. It's a focus on trusting that stillness, beauty, and compassion are powerful tools to calm our lives and world.  Show Highlights Choose collaboration over competition to build connection. Offer grace and compassion, even when it's difficult. Commit to your own mindset work to create real change. Hold a vision for what is possible and dream forward. Trust more and let go of the need to control everything. Resources Sheila's Website Sheila's Instagram Page Email me: sheila@sheilatully.com Free Guide: Three Steps to Clarity: How to Know What You Really Want  

Have you ever felt like you're doing all the right things like keeping it together, staying productive, being the "good girl" and yet underneath it all, you're carrying a quiet heaviness you can't quite name? In this episode, we bring that invisible pressure into the light. I walk you through the four most common emotional loads I see in the smart, capable midlife women I coach, and share how these internalized stories are not facts, they're thoughts we can learn to question. Together, we'll look at what it means to truly turn down the pressure by shifting how you relate to yourself, your past, and your future. If you've ever felt depleted while looking composed, or wondered who you'd be without all the doing, this episode will help you reconnect with what's true and possible for you now.   Show Highlights Name the invisible pressures you've been carrying to start releasing them. Stop tying your worth to productivity or perfection. Let go of the need to appear "fine" while struggling inside. Recognize grief for unmet expectations as a valid part of midlife. Question the old "good girl" rules that no longer serve you. Shift how you tell your story to lower the pressure you feel. Strengthen your relationship with yourself by choosing self-validation over external approval.   Resources Sheila's Website Sheila's Instagram Page Email me: sheila@sheilatully.com Free Guide: Three Steps to Clarity: How to Know What You Really Want  

Have you ever felt irritated by someone's behavior but told yourself to just get over it because you knew your thoughts were creating your feelings? In this episode, we look at why that kind of self-coaching can backfire and how embracing your full emotional experience is actually a path to deeper empowerment. I share a real story from a coaching session that highlights the difference between avoiding negative emotions and using them as a growth tool. Together, we'll explore why it's not only okay to feel things like irritation or anger, but why those feelings are often invitations to show up more honestly for ourselves. This isn't about fixing your thoughts so you never feel bad again. It's about learning how to sit with what's true, get curious about your reactions, and decide from a place of inner alignment how you want to respond. If you're ready to stop overriding your emotions and start listening to them, this episode is for you.   Show Highlights Recognize irritation as a valid emotion that can offer insight and fuel growth. Stop using thought work to bypass or suppress uncomfortable feelings. Give yourself permission to feel without judgment or shame. Understand the difference between reacting to emotions and responding with intention. Break free from the pressure to always be nice, agreeable, or conflict-free. Use thought work to access clarity, not perfection. Empower yourself by taking responsibility for your emotions without blaming others. Trust that honoring your feelings strengthens your relationship with yourself.   Resources Sheila's Website Sheila's Instagram Page Email me: sheila@sheilatully.com Free Guide: Three Steps to Clarity: How to Know What You Really Want  

Every bottle of raw milk on Charlotte Smith's micro dairy is spoken for before the cows leave the barn, and that success grew from a farm her family once lost in the 1980s crisis. In this episode I talk with Charlotte, a fifth generation Oregon farmer turned marketing and mindset coach, about how healing her children's eczema with real food sparked a business that now funds itself and inspires thousands through her Profitable Mindset podcast. We break down the daily thought work that guides her pricing, why viewing marketing as a service builds trust, and how paying farmers a fair price reflects the true cost of ethical food. If you want practical steps to pair purpose with profit, Charlotte's story offers a clear starting point.    Show Highlights  Growing up on a fifth generation Oregon farm and watching it collapse during the 1980s crisis.  Returning decades later and starting a three cow raw milk micro dairy from scratch.  Seeing raw milk clear her children's severe eczema and her own chronic infections.  Selling every bottle in advance and realizing mindset was the real competitive edge.  Replacing scarcity thoughts with possibility to price products for profit.  Turning customer questions into generous marketing that builds an email list and loyalty.  Launching online courses and the Profitable Mindset podcast to coach farmers worldwide.  Celebrating clients like the flower farmer who paid off a mortgage through daily thought work.  Revealing the true costs hidden behind supermarket prices and government subsidies.  Explaining why paying local producers fairly keeps communities and ecosystems healthy.  Using a simple morning mindset practice as the foundation for every business decision.  Closing with advice to pair clean food clear thoughts and courageous pricing so purpose and profit can thrive together.    Resources  Sheila's Website  Sheila's Instagram Page  Email me: sheila@sheilatully.com  Free Guide: Three Steps to Clarity: How to Know What You Really Want  Charlotte Smith  The Profitable Mindset Podcast  Charlotte Smith - Instagram  Five Mistakes Farmers Make that Cost Them Thousands of Dollars - Master Class     

Have you ever felt a quiet nudge—an inner voice urging you toward something that didn't quite make sense on paper, but felt deeply right? In this episode, I'm sharing what it means to trust that voice, even when the world around you says otherwise. We'll explore how letting go of old conditioning, shifting from fear to trust, and tuning out the noise of collective opinions can help you reconnect with your inner wisdom. You'll learn how to ride the wave of rapid change with more ease, why silence and stillness are powerful tools for clarity, and how to use your thoughts to steer your life in a direction that truly serves you. If you're ready to stop resisting the flow and start aligning with who you're becoming, this episode is for you.   Show Highlights Trust the inner voice that guides you—even when you don't fully understand it. Let go of old conditioning and putting others ahead of you.  Shift from fear-based thinking to trust and alignment. Use your thoughts to steer your experience of change and uncertainty. Detach from the collective noise and reconnect with your own truth. Choose what you consume intentionally—let it nourish, not deplete you. The future is shaped by how we manage our minds.   Resources Sheila's Website Sheila's Instagram Page Email me: sheila@sheilatully.com Free Guide: Three Steps to Clarity: How to Know What You Really Want 108. Upgrade to a Modern Mind For a New World; Part 1 My Stroke of Insight TED Talk Jill Bolte Taylor  

Have you ever had a moment that completely shifted how you see the world? In this episode, I'm sharing a story from college that quietly but powerfully shaped the work I do today. We'll explore how learning to question what we've always believed can open up new ways of thinking, why developing a more flexible and conscious mind is essential in today's world, and how we can move away from fear-based decision-making. You'll learn why your thoughts aren't always facts, how to handle negative emotions with more confidence, and why living authentically is more than just a buzzword—it's a necessary path to wholeness. If you've ever felt the urge to reprogram your thinking and reconnect with your truest self, this episode is for you. Show Highlights Our minds are constantly being programmed by the world around us. Continue learning and train your mind.  Become conscious of what you let into your mind.  Distinguish facts from beliefs, and develop your own informed opinions. Increase your capacity to experience negative emotions. The future will require your authenticity. Resources Sheila's Website Sheila's Instagram Page Email me: sheila@sheilatully.com Free Guide: Three Steps to Clarity: How to Know What You Really Want

How do we stay grounded and resilient in a world that feels increasingly chaotic? In this episode, we're exploring the balance between fear and spaciousness—how our minds react to uncertainty, why fear can become overwhelming, and how to shift towards a more open and centered way of being. We'll talk about recognizing when information is helpful versus when it becomes a source of stress, learning to navigate emotional ups and downs without suppression, and finding ways to contribute meaningfully without losing ourselves in overwhelm. Whether you're feeling the weight of current events, struggling to regain a sense of calm, or simply looking for practical ways to strengthen your mindset, this episode will help you cultivate clarity, resilience, and inner peace.   Show Highlights Recognizing fear as a signal of perceived threat and spaciousness (love) as a centering force. Becoming aware of dominant emotions, limiting news consumption, and maintaining balance. Acknowledging and managing negative emotions instead of suppressing them. Staying informed and engaged in democracy while avoiding emotional overwhelm. Prioritizing personal well-being as a crucial contribution to society.   Resources Sheila's Website Sheila's Instagram Page Email me: sheila@sheilatully.com Free Guide: Three Steps to Clarity  

How do we get out of our rigid thinking patterns and open ourselves up to a more subtle, flexible way of seeing the world? In this episode we're looking at black-and-white thinking—how it influences our decisions, fuels anxiety and limits our growth. We'll get into why our brains seek certainty, how society conditions us to think in binaries and the ways this mindset keeps us stuck. Most importantly we'll uncover practical ways to shift towards an open, empowered way of thinking that allows complexity, self-trust and ease and confidence in life. Whether you're navigating personal challenges, rethinking old beliefs or just looking for a fresh perspective this episode will help you see the beauty in the grey areas of life. Show Highlights Examining the brain's natural drive for predictability and comfort.   Recognizing how black-and-white thinking can provide shortcuts but also limit growth.   Understanding how rigid thinking fuels anxiety, self-doubt, and superiority.   Learning to challenge and reframe binary thinking to embrace complexity.   Developing strategies to think more flexibly and cultivate self-trust.   Accepting uncertainty and struggle as essential parts of transformation. Resources Sheila's Website Sheila's Instagram Page Email me: sheila@sheilatully.com Free Guide: Three Steps to Clarity  

Have you ever felt unmoored, uncertain, or even stuck during a big life transition? I know I have. Midlife often brings questions about purpose, identity, and what comes next, leaving many of us feeling lost. But what if this isn't a crisis at all? What if it's an opportunity to recalibrate and rediscover ourselves? In this episode, I'm sharing insights and tools to help you transform midlife uncertainty into empowerment. We'll talk about how self-compassion, processing emotions, and reframing our thoughts can open the door to clarity and intention. If you're ready to embrace this transformative period and create a more fulfilling path forward, join me. Let's do this together. Show Highlights Point kindness and attention toward you. Put your attention in your body and heart space.  Learn to tolerate feeling unmoored.  Learn how to reframe midlife from a crisis to an awakening. Discover the power of self-compassion and patience during transitions. Understand why processing emotions is key to empowerment. Transform feelings of uncertainty through mindset changes. Resources Sheila's Website Sheila's Instagram Page Email me: sheila@sheilatully.com Free Guide: Three Steps to Clarity

As we begin the new year, many of us are considering the changes we want to make in our lives. But how can we develop goals that will stick and also reflect who we truly are? In this episode, I'll share some tips on how to make meaningful resolutions by tying them to our values. We'll look at why standard goal-setting often falls short, and how adopting self-compassion, inquiry, and a better understanding of our emotions can lead to long-term improvement. Isn't it time to find clarity about what you really want and set resolutions that actually work? If so, tune-in to make goals and objectives that represent who you really want to be. Show Highlights Learn how to align your goals with your core values for deeper fulfillment and lasting change.   Understand the role of the lower mind in keeping you stuck and how to consciously choose new patterns.   Shift your mindset and set your resolutions based on a positive motivation. Discover how curiosity, not willpower, is key to making lasting changes in your life.   Reframe your approach to New Year's resolutions by focusing on the person you want to become.   Explore your values and choose one to embody for 2025.   Find clarity on what you truly want by examining your values and the motivations behind your goals.  Resources Sheila's Website Sheila's Instagram Page Email me: sheila@sheilatully.com Free Guide: Three Steps to Clarity 45. Why It's Hard to Hate Something AND Change It  

How do we step into our power and redefine leadership in a way that feels authentic to who we are? In this episode, I'm joined by Amanda Jane, a senior talent acquisition manager who shares her inspiring journey of embracing her unique leadership style, overcoming self-doubt, and finding a new sense of empowerment in her mid-60s. Together, we'll explore how childhood experiences and societal expectations shape our self-concept, and how we can reclaim our personal power by rewriting the stories we tell ourselves. We'll dive into the importance of self-awareness, the challenges of overcoming limiting beliefs, and the beauty of leading with kindness and collaboration. Amanda's story is a testament to the transformative power of choosing to value yourself and your way of showing up in the world. Whether you're navigating career challenges, personal growth, or just looking for ways to feel more grounded and confident in your life, this episode offers insights and inspiration to help you move forward. Show Highlights Embrace your unique leadership style by valuing kindness, collaboration, and authenticity. Challenge the stories you tell yourself to overcome self-doubt and step into your personal power. Learn how to reduce unnecessary suffering by becoming aware of your thoughts and shifting your mindset. Discover the strength in asking for help and the power of collaboration in achieving your goals. Redefine leadership by balancing strategic thinking with compassion and a personal touch. Find empowerment in valuing your own way of doing things and trusting that it's enough. Realize it's never too late to rewrite your story and build a life that reflects your true self. Resources Sheila's Website Sheila's Instagram Page Email me: sheila@sheilatully.com Free Guide: Three Steps to Clarity

How do we reconnect with ourselves and each other in a world that constantly pulls us apart? In this episode, I'm diving into the stories we tell ourselves, how our brains naturally create the illusion of separation, and how we can shift that perception. We'll explore the power of living authentically, embracing both the challenges and the beauty of being human, and learning to see beyond the surface of division. I'll share practical ways to reframe your mindset, stay grounded in connection, and discover a sense of unity in your everyday life. It's about finding balance—between honoring your individuality and understanding that we're all deeply connected. If you've been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward, this episode is here to inspire and guide you.     Show Highlights Recognize the brain's role in creating separation and learn to see beyond it. Embrace the right hemisphere's ability to perceive unity and connection. Celebrate life's meaningful moments to strengthen relationships and joy. Choose your mindset intentionally, even in challenging circumstances, to shape your reality. Contribute to collective consciousness by fostering thoughts of peace and empathy. Live authentically by embracing mistakes and using them as opportunities for growth. Reframe external narratives with hope and positivity to create a more empowered inner world.   Resources Sheila's Website Sheila's Instagram Page Email me: sheila@sheilatully.com Free Guide: Three Steps to Clarity My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist's Personal Journey Man's Search for Meaning  

In a world full of noise and tension, how do we stay grounded and focused on what really matters? In this episode, I'm diving into the challenges we're all feeling right now—from navigating big emotions to finding peace in a divided world. I'll share practical tips for managing social media overwhelm, embracing creativity to recharge your mind, and staying connected to your values when everything feels uncertain. We'll talk about the power of letting go of rigid thinking, respecting different perspectives, and focusing on what you can truly influence. If you're looking for ways to feel more grounded, confident, and in control, this episode is for you. Let's figure this out together.    Show Highlights Embrace emotions as valid responses to life's challenges Create boundaries with social media to protect your peace Engage your creative mind to find balance and renewal Respect diverse perspectives without rushing to assumptions Use your imagination as a tool for possibility, not fear Focus on what you can influence in your daily life Strengthen relationships by focusing on empathy and connection   Resources Sheila's Website Sheila's Instagram Page Email me: sheila@sheilatully.com  

As we reflect on our paths to growth and fulfillment, we often focus on outcomes, comparing ourselves to others or striving for more achievements to feel successful. But what if the true journey lies in embracing the present process and redefining our own benchmarks of progress? In this episode, I'll share the pivotal lessons learned over the past 100 episodes, like the importance of prioritizing the journey over results, practicing daily mental resilience, and recognizing that growth comes with new challenges at every stage. We'll discuss how to let go of rigid goals, foster genuine empathy, and navigate life with a mindset that values steady progress over perfection. Whether you're looking to find clarity, build confidence, or live with more ease, these insights can offer a powerful framework for living authentically. Join me as we celebrate the path itself, and uncover ways to thrive in the life you're creating right now. Show Highlights Focus on the process, not just the outcome Embrace growth by facing new challenges at each stage Trust that "thought hygiene" works like brushing your teeth; it's a daily practice Release perfectionism; everyone's life is a bit messy Understand that being slightly ahead is enough to help others Approach work with genuine care rather than just techniques Resources Sheila's Website Sheila's Instagram Page Email me: sheila@sheilatully.com