For the past 15 years, I have carried a dream that I share whenever anyone asks what my ideal life would look like. I envision myself sitting on a front porch somewhere in East Vancouver—one of those big, old porches with lots of pedestrian foot traffic. I'm there in a rocking chair as people come at different times to visit and sit with me on the porch. They tell me about their lives and what's happening for them, and I help them hear themselves. I ask questions and help them see the beauty of who they are, sending them back into the world feeling more refreshed and with new perspective. Whenever anyone asks about my dream job, that's what I imagine.This vision became so compelling that about five years ago, I started offering "Front Porch Sessions." I put this on my website, and people would sign up to come and sit with me so I could help them hear themselves. The tagline was "Come and hear yourself into being," and I still really like that—it still stands true for me.And this was the commercial I had on my podcast… I still kinda like the ring to it!What's been fascinating is how this concept has evolved. Lately, I've integrated a visioning exercise into most of my one-on-one sessions where I help people sit on the front porch with their own older, wiser version of themselves. It feels like time travel in some ways—they get to sit there with the future version of themselves who is wiser, who has seen it all, and who remains unphased by most of the things that stress us out day to day.This experience has been so calming and nourishing for my clients. We usually explore two key questions: "What is truly important in this situation?" and "What is not important at all about this situation that I'm feeling stressed about right now?" That older, wiser self always has sage wisdom to share. It's truly beautiful.I was reflecting on this today and realized that for so long, being the person sitting on that porch helping others hear themselves was my dream job. Now I'm doing that regularly, but in such a different way. Instead of being the sage on the porch, I'm helping people connect with their own older, wiser self—and this is so much more impactful because our own voice is our most believable voice. When people can hear that inner wisdom… directly from them, it's incredibly powerful.I've been having so much fun with these sessions lately. One of my clients told me they love these sessions because in a single meeting, we connect with both their child self… that playful, innately wise being who knew so much before they "actually knew"…and their older, wiser self. Having both connections in one session has been remarkably powerful and really fun to facilitate.This work has inspired me to do more of this practice myself. Tonight, I listened to a meditation I made for my kids almost five years ago. I could hear both the wisdom I had then and the pain I was experiencing during my divorce. I was able to time travel to that younger version of me and give her love.Then, when something difficult happened today and I felt activated, I was able to time travel to sitting on the porch with my older, wiser self. I ended up leaning into her arms as she stroked my face and hair, saying, "It's okay, honey, it's okay. I've got you. None of this is important right now. All of the stuff that's frustrating you is not important in the grand scheme of things. Keep going. You've got this."That experience was so powerful and helpful to be able to access. I wanted to share this because it's a powerful tool that you can tap into at any time. If you'd like help getting started and experiencing it with some prompts for the first time, I would be happy to share that with you. Hit reply, and let me know if you’d like some help meeting with your older, wiser self—your sage self, your essential self, whatever you want to call them…. This is powerful stuff and truly such a helpful practice for creating more peace in our lives.Big love… from little Nanc. & Elder Wiser Nanc. and me now! Get full access to Nancy Shadlock at nancyshadlock.substack.com/subscribe
Hi friends! I shared this soul stirring moment on my social media this week, but I realized you might not be on my socials and might be inspired by it too. Perhaps you also have something in your life that feels like you’ve been pushing and struggling and trying to make it happen for so long. I so feel you! And I wanted to share the moment this week when it felt like all the sudden, the doors opened and the way has been made clear!This past week at a conference in Toronto was more than a career milestone—it was spiritual alignment. I brought my whole self to the table: queer, intuitive, deeply committed to the healing and spiritual work I’ve nurtured for years. And for one of the first times, I felt the future alignment of that flash forward in front of me. 4 RBC executives sat in my workshop. (One of the largest banks in Canada) We talked about healing, self-understanding, and the courage it takes to stay soft in a hard world. One of them said, “If these tools reached everyone, our world would be transformed... there would be no more war!” And I believe her. For years, I held fast to my calling—despite pressure, poverty, and people telling me to “get a real job.” But I stayed rooted. I pivoted when I had to. I grew. And now? It feels like the world is finally ready to receive it.On top of all that… I also received an award at this conference!The Innovative Supplier of the year award! Wow! What an incredible honour. Feels like a perfect recognition of someone who has felt like they’ve had to pivot multiple times. All this to say… keep going my friend! Whatever is feeling stuck for you… keep innovating and eventually it will come through.Here’s to bringing sacred work into everyday spaces. Here’s to everyone thriving. Here's to healing our world!With warmth,NancyP.S. What is the thing you’ve been trying to see change in your world? Would you share in the comments what’s been calling you that seems unconventional to others? Get full access to Nancy Shadlock at nancyshadlock.substack.com/subscribe
https://calendly.com/nancyshadlock/sab to discover what your top Saboteurs are and how to embrace them.Finding My Calm (And How You Can Too)When Glennon Doyle joined Substack with thousands of subscribers while I struggled with my 400, I felt the jealousy rise. Instead of spiraling, I used my Positive Intelligence tools to identify my "controller saboteur" at work.What's Working for Me:Daily "Letters from Love" journaling (voice-to-text style!) inspired by Elizabeth GilbertPositive Intelligence training with Shirzad Chamine - moving from struggle to ease & flowFollowing my enchantments (like dressing as Ted Lasso, which led to a meaningful moment with Glennon Doyle & Abby Wambach at Brandi Carlile's event)Quick Calm Practice:Close your eyes. Hand on belly. Notice your breath. Identify the furthest sound you hear, then the closest. Simple but powerful!People are noticing the difference. A person from my past recently said, "You are so calm. This is so different than the you I met years ago." These tools work even in traffic jams and stressful moments.Want to learn how to identify your saboteurs and find more calm? Reach out - I'd love to connect.Believe in yourself. I do.With calm,Nancy Get full access to Nancy Shadlock at nancyshadlock.substack.com/subscribe
Want help accessing your Sage? I've got a really fun way to do that!Sign up for a Saboteur Discovery Session with me: https://calendly.com/nancyshadlock/sabWe will unpack the results of your Saboteur Assessment: https://www.positiveintelligence.com/saboteurs/And help you develop powerful ways to access your Sage wisdom rather than be driven by your saboteurs.We don't need so many cages! Get full access to Nancy Shadlock at nancyshadlock.substack.com/subscribe
Are you constantly trying to make everyone happy at the expense of your own authenticity? In this vulnerable and connective video, I share my personal journey of recognizing and overcoming the people-pleaser syndrome.Key Insights:* How people-pleasing sabotages your success* Real-life examples of people-pleasing in action* Insights from Positive Intelligence methodology* Strategies to reclaim your authentic selfSign up for a Saboteur Discovery session with me here: https://calendly.com/nancyshadlock/sab#connection #community #spirituality #culturalshifts #hope Get full access to Nancy Shadlock at nancyshadlock.substack.com/subscribe
The Small man, builds cages, for everyone he knows!That line in the Hafiz poem gets me every time! Both, because it causes me to pause and think about where I’m building cages for others in my life… and also because of the times we are living in, and feeling so powerfully the effects of small men building cages for others. Get full access to Nancy Shadlock at nancyshadlock.substack.com/subscribe
Merry Christmas!Whether you're having a wonderful time with family or simply making it through – I see you, and I want to remind you of something important.During these days that can be particularly emotionally charged, please remember to check in with your inner child – that younger version of yourself that might need some extra care right now. If you find yourself overwhelmed by emotions or frustrated with certain relationships, it's okay to take a step back. Listen to what that little inner voice needs in the moment. When we truly commit to nurturing that part of ourselves, we create the boundaries and joy we need for a more peaceful life.You might notice I'm channeling a bit of Ted Lasso today (and yes, this is the same person who's been saying I’m making a shift to showing up more fully as Nancy Shadlock lately!). But you know what? It feels right. These different aspects of who we I am – they're all connected. I'm embracing the playfulness in me, moving away from being serious all the time. So here I am, sometimes Ted, sometimes Nancy, always Divinely me – hoping these reflections might resonate with you too.Remember, you've got this. Whatever this season brings, you have the wisdom within to take care of yourself in the way you need.Wishing you peace and joy,~Nancy (ted) Get full access to Nancy Shadlock at nancyshadlock.substack.com/subscribe
Hi! It’s good to have you here!You might be noticing some changes to my newsletter and I wanted to send along a little update so you know more of what’s going on. TLDR: (Too long- Didn’t watch… here’s the coles notes)* Moved to Substack for easier community connection* Shifting from "Centered" to my name (Nancy Shadlock) to be more authentic* All content stays free and accessible* $5/month subscription available if you want to support this work and join the conversation* Coming soon: Regular spiritual connection prompts & personal growth tools (think: Sunday gathering minus religious baggage)* Working more freely with organizations like recovery centers to bring vibrant spirituality where it's neededWhether you subscribe, share content, or just read along - thank you for being here! (And if this new direction isn't your jam, no worries at all about unsubscribing!) ✨Excited to create something beautiful together in 2025! 💫Thanks for being here!~Nancyp.s. If you want branding help like I got from Harc Creative to get clearer on your authentic voice in business... I can't recommend Jarren and Parker highly enough! You can see their work here.And if you’re not interested in being a paid subscriber on Substack but you want to support this work, you can do so via Paypal here: Need help figuring out this new platform?If you’d like to become a paid subscriber, and follow these steps:1. Log into your Substack account at https://substack.com and click "Sign In".2. Click on your profile icon and select Settings from the drop-down menu.3. Navigate to the Subscriptions section and click on "Edit" next to the publication you'd like to make changes on.4. On the Manage Subscription page for that Substack, click on "Upgrade to paid subscription".5. Select which paid plan you'd like to subscribe to. Get full access to Nancy Shadlock at nancyshadlock.substack.com/subscribe
Meet Kailey Gilchrist, the inspiring Founder and Sauce Boss at NONA Vegan Foods LTD. She delves into her entrepreneurial journey, from coming out in college and meeting her fiancé in a cooking class to creating a food brand with her late mother’s delicious Italian recipes. Discover how joining CGLCC’s Out For Business program and finding mentorship helped her business thrive.Key Points: Coming out about her Sexuality in College Meeting her fiance in her highschool cooking class Creating a food brand around her late mother’s Italian Recipes Coming out to Dad Joining the CGLCC’s Out for Business Program Business growing through mentorship Becoming a Certified Diverse SupplierInspired to be a mentor in this program? Sign up for CGLCC’S Out for Business Mentorship Program: https://cglcc.ca/programs/out-for-business/_________Want to Amplify Women’s voices in Podcasting: Vote for The Coming Out Chronicles as the Best LGBT Podcast in the Women in Podcasting Awards. https://womeninpodcasting.net/the-coming-out-chronicles/LinkedIn: Nancy ShadlockFacebook: (Centered Life Coaching)Instagram: (Nancy Shadlock)Website: www.centered.caLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaileygilchristWebsite: https://nonavegan.com/ Get full access to Nancy Shadlock at nancyshadlock.substack.com/subscribe
Join Nancy Shadlock & Dr. Jackie F. Steele スティール若希 for a captivating conversation touching on the complex journey of transgender youth, diversity of thought, family law rights, and the role of Democracy. They delve into cognitive bias, freedom of conscience, and the importance a variety of voices and yet maintaining emotional safety in democratic dialogue. The episode also explores law reform's role in creating equality for Queer folks in Japan and policy-based solutions for societal issues. Drawing on Jackie's extensive experience in Japan, they discuss the country's evolving understanding of Queer identities. Tune in for a rich exploration of how we can create emotionally safe spaces for dialogue with those who have a diversity of perspectives.Key Points: Law Reform & Equality The struggle for rights and acceptance of transgender youth Access to affirming care and support is crucial for the well-being of trans youth. Informed consent requires access to diverse perspectives and support networks. Exploring Queerness in Japan Women Empowerment in Japan Desire for Emotional Safety amongst divergent voicesLinkedIn: Nancy ShadlockFacebook: (Centered Life Coaching)Instagram: (Nancy Shadlock)Website: www.centered.caLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-f-steele-phd/Facebook (Jackie): www.facebook.com/jackiefsteelephdFacebook (enjoi Japan K.K.): www.facebook.com/enjoidiversityandinnovationYouTube: @enjoi-diversityrocksinnovation www.youtube.com/channel/UCGzZsh3jlZeDvbWL9aUcjIQInstagram: www.instagram.com/enjoi_diversity_innovation/ Get full access to Nancy Shadlock at nancyshadlock.substack.com/subscribe
Jennifer Knapp is a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, author, speaker and advocate. Her impressive history includes selling over one million albums with her first three releases Kansas (debut 1998, Gold-certified), Lay It Down (2000), and The Way I Am (2001). She has earned four Dove Awards and two Grammy nominations. The Kansas-born musician has toured the globe with artists such as Jars of Clay and was featured on the Lilith Fair Tour in 1999 and 2010. Knapp received critical acclaim for her human approach to the divine, with The Los Angeles Times calling her “a rising star” and People Magazine describing her as “an uncommonly literate songwriter.”As the first major artist in the Christian music world to speak openly about LGBTQ identity, her unique position created opportunities for national dialogue, including appearances on Larry King Live and the TEDx stage. In 2012 Knapp founded the non-profit organization Inside Out Faith, through which she continues to speak and perform nationally as an advocate for LGBTQ & faith issues.Today on the pod she speaks about: Her Coming Out Story. Her Alter Ego Big Delores. What was really going on when she stepped away from music for a few years. How heteronormativity has shaped our spirituality for so long. Her next Coming Out Chapter.Jennifer Knapp has been a very helpful resource to me in my own coming out, and I was delighted to be able to speak with her, and share our conversation with you. My hope is it will help you on your own coming out journeys. May we each find our own authentic voice... and share that with the world. • Facebook: (Centered Life Coaching) • Instagram: (Nancy Shadlock) • Website: www.centered.ca • Want to have a session to reclaim part of yourself that you've lost along the way? Maybe it's your voice... to help you speak your truth, or maybe you've lost your ability to be playful. This is a deep and powerful session to help you live into the more that is awaiting you! Sign up for this powerful session here. Get full access to Nancy Shadlock at nancyshadlock.substack.com/subscribe
Dr. Lynda Spann shares her personal coming out story as well as her professional coming out story. The two are connected. The work she does at the Lesbian Couples Institute with her wife Lisa is very important and unique. You can find them here: https://lesbiancouplesinstitute.comIf you'd like to sign up for a Front Porch session with me Nancy Shadlock, you can do so here: https://www.centered.ca/workwithme Get full access to Nancy Shadlock at nancyshadlock.substack.com/subscribe
Nadja is a powerhouse of a coach and someone that I have personally learned so much from in the past year. I love that in this episode she shares vulnerably about her own internalized homophobia even though she's been married to a woman for years. She teaches us some tools to work through this and inspires us to live whole lives.If you would like to take Nadja's Money mindset course from her institute Conscious U, the next cohort starts in February. Sign up for CU Money here: https://www.conscious-u.com/cumoney/The Tag line for the course is: Do what you Love... With and Without Money! I love that and am living into it in my own life!If you'd like to experience a block party with me, you can sign up here: www.centered.ca/workwithmeAs always, I'd love to hear from you if you enjoyed this: nancy@centered.ca Get full access to Nancy Shadlock at nancyshadlock.substack.com/subscribe
I share my synopsis of Annie Duke's book Quit.She shares so many helpful ideas of how to know when it's time to quit and how to do it well. It really stretched my opinion of quitting from a judgement of being a bad thing, to it being a really good thing.I hope it stretches you to think about times you maybe should have quit sooner in the past, or gives you courage and tools for quitting something that's not working for you right now.If you'd like to share a quitting story from your past that others can learn from, you can record it here and we may even include it on the show if you'd like: https://anchor.fm/comingout/messageAnd if you're ready to quit something but it feels too scary, send me a message and I will be your quit coach. Nancy@Centered.ca Get full access to Nancy Shadlock at nancyshadlock.substack.com/subscribe
This episode is very vulnerable and tender. Mika shares her coming out in the middle of coming out... not when she's got it all wrapped up with a bow. I love the inspiration that she is to be honest and live our truth.If you'd like to send in a coming out story of your own, you can click this link and record it to send it in. Get full access to Nancy Shadlock at nancyshadlock.substack.com/subscribe
I sheepishly share one of my coming outs… in regards to work. And I had a crazy experience this week that felt Divinely inspired so I thought I’d share it with you. Send me your crazy experience that you noticed was sourced in the end. Nancy@centered.ca Get full access to Nancy Shadlock at nancyshadlock.substack.com/subscribe
I've been gone long enough. After many nudges, the podcast is back! I'm doing it raw and unedited, but I'm doing it. The perfectionist part of me is having trouble just letting it be, but I know, the most important part is just showing up!Many people have told me this podcast has helped them feel inspired and like they aren't alone, so I know it's important to come back and keep sharing.Join me as I share what I've been learning lately and I'd love to hear from you what you've been learning lately. Drop me a line: nancy@centered.ca Get full access to Nancy Shadlock at nancyshadlock.substack.com/subscribe
Nancy Shadlock has finished her Sabbatical and is back with full energy and focus!Listen to the update and hear all about it.There is a community connection call on Friday, March 11th to hear the 7 things she learned on her Sabbatical.You can register for the call here: lu.ma/SabbaticalAnother exciting update is that there is an IN-PERSON retreat happening March 22-25th. If you'd like to join us email Nancy@Centered.ca Get full access to Nancy Shadlock at nancyshadlock.substack.com/subscribe
During this winter’s hibernation season, The Coming Out Chronicles are taking a break from putting out new material. We didn’t want to leave you hanging though so we’ve got some of our older episodes set to automatically pre-release. We hope you enjoy them!We always get something new every time we re-listen.A faithful listener of the Coming Out Chronicles wrote in with her coming out story. Listen in as Nancy reads it on the show and share’s what it brings up for her. This exciting tale goes from being a youth pastor to building a tiny house to coming out as queer, with many twists and turns that are very relatable.There's a special offering at the end of the story that isn't current right now, but let us know if you'd like to see it happen again.02:09: Became a Christian to be saved from gayness04:50: Being a Youth Pastor07:37: Conversion Therapy11:55: So You Think You Can Dance Anxiety Attack13:37: Built a tiny house as a way to focus on 1 thing14:45: Coming Out Poem19:05: Started looking for life partner22:53: Highlights from The Shift RetreatFacebook: (Centered Life Coaching)Instagram: (Nancy Shadlock)Website: www.centered.caWant to have a session to reclaim part of yourself that you lost along the way? This is a deep and powerful session to help you live into the more that is awaiting you! Sign up for this limited-time introductory offer here. Get full access to Nancy Shadlock at nancyshadlock.substack.com/subscribe
During this winter’s hibernation season, The Coming Out Chronicles are taking a break from putting out new material. We didn’t want to leave you hanging though so we’ve got some of our older episodes set to automatically pre-release. We hope you enjoy them!We always get something new every time we re-listen.Elaine Alec joins Nancy this week to focus on two of her most impactful coming out stories, firstly as an alcoholic and more recently as an author. She touches on the ways in which she has found healing over the years that ultimately gave her the courage to follow her calling as a leader, teacher, advocate, and finally, a writer. 01:53: Introduction05:50: Coming out as an alcoholic19:27: Coming out as an author30:55: Calling My Spirit BackElaine Alec: www.elainealec.comFacebook: (Centered Life Coaching)Instagram: (Nancy Shadlock)Website: www.centered.caWould you like to donate coming out support for a deserving person? Click this link to donate via PayPal. Get full access to Nancy Shadlock at nancyshadlock.substack.com/subscribe