Authenticity Over Approval

In this week’s episode of Authenticity Over Approval, I am thrilled to sit down with the incredibly delightful Jennifer MacNiven, as we delve into her profound discovery of authenticity, approval, and the transformative power of embracing one’s true self. Jennifer opens up about her unique journey from a childhood filled with the challenges of military family life to finding her true calling in photography and a nomadic lifestyle, eventually planting roots in Boulder with a beautiful bonus family. Together, we explore the paths of self-discovery, the courage it takes to step away from societal expectations, and the joy of living life on one's own terms. Jennifer shares her personal struggles with seeking approval and the freedom she’s found in expressing herself through her passions and connections within the ecstatic dance community. I reflect on my own experiences of the liberation felt in moments free from others' judgments, and the importance of allowing space for vulnerability. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of what it means to live authentically, the impact of societal pressure on our sense of self, and the beautiful journey towards embracing who we truly are, without the weight of approval from others. About Our Guest Jen MacNiven is a passionate branding photographer who loves capturing the valuable details, essence, personality and authenticity of people and their brands. After leaving a 13-year biomedical corporate career, Jen’s side passion of photography became a full-time job going on 10 years now. She has had the opportunity to photograph in some of the most exotic places…rice fields and beaches of Bali, mountains of Peru, Europe, Australia’s coastal towns, the busy streets of Morocco, the stunning Pacific NW and the majestic Colorado Mountains. Jen shares her travel and transformational soulful journey in the book she authored, “Mind Body Soulmate” in which she helps others step out of the proverbial box, find more joy, deepening a connection with self, others and truly finding self-love. You can find her online at http://jennifermacniven.com/

In this week’s episode of "Authenticity Over Approval," I sit down with author and speaker Bethany Howard to explore the complexities of embracing authenticity in the midst of significant life changes. Recently relocated from Atlanta to Connecticut, Bethany shares candidly about the challenges of adjusting to a new environment, the pressures of seeking approval in unfamiliar places, and the journey towards self-discovery and personal growth. Through her narrative, listeners will glean insights into the importance of showing up as oneself, the value of patience and self-awareness in new settings, and the courage required to live authentically regardless of external expectations. This episode promises a deep dive into how embracing one's true self can lead to profound connections and a more fulfilling life, even when it means standing alone. About Our Guest Bethany writes to encourage others to find their fierce and to embrace her own. She shares permission slips to run towards what you are made for in her book “Permission Granted: Embrace Who You Are, Cultivate Courage, Impact Your World”. If you were to visit her unannounced there’s a good chance you would find her jamming to music in a messy kitchen while looking for a crunchy snack and avoiding the dishes. Don’t worry, she would invite you in for snacks and laughs. Website www.bethanyhoward.com Social Media https://www.instagram.com/bethanypermissiongranted/

In this heartfelt episode of Authenticity Over Approval, I sit down with the inspiring Shelley Fourney to dive deep into the realms of authenticity and the challenging journey of letting go of approval, especially within the context of mental health work. Shelley shares her transformative shift from prioritizing the needs and approval of others to embracing her own self-awareness and personal growth, a journey mirrored in my own explorations of seeking what truly fulfills me. Together, we celebrate the liberating process of being true to ourselves, shedding the constraints of societal expectations, and the joy of expressing our individuality in all aspects of life. We also touch on the complexities of people-pleasing, the dynamics of attraction in relationships, and the impact of gaining self-awareness on forming healthier connections. About My Guest Shelley Fourney is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Solution Focused Practitioner. Shelley has been working in the Mental Health Field since 1993. She began her experience working with children and teens. In 1998 Shelley spent several years at home raising her children and homeschooling. Over the last 10 years Shelley has worked with various ages and a wide range of situations, including crisis work. She works with clients children through adults. Her experience enables her to work with individuals, families, and couples. You can find her at http://www.intentionalsteps.us/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/shelleysintentionalsteps/

Authentic Balance: The Quest for Identity, Authenticity, and Well-being In this empowering episode, Jessica Pero shares her compelling narrative of balancing the demands of motherhood, career, and personal identity in a world that often seems to demand everything or nothing. Through her transition from a high-powered career to embracing the joys and challenges of being a stay-at-home mom, Jessica delves into the deep waters of identity, authenticity, and the exhaustion that comes from seeking approval and trying to meet external expectations. This intimate conversation sheds light on the importance of finding equilibrium in life's roles, the transformative power of living authentically, and the courage required to prioritize personal growth and self-care. Key takeaways include the significance of establishing balance to enhance well-being, the liberation found in transitioning from pleasing others to embracing one's true self, and the positive ripple effects of authentic communication within personal and family relationships. Jessica's journey is a beacon for anyone looking to navigate their own path with patience, care, and authenticity.   About Our Guest I am a woman that has taken many divergent paths. I dropped out of college in 2012 (25 yrs old) and got married. A year later I had a baby. At the age of 27 I opened up my own home health care company. I was successful for nearly 3 years but the rise of marijuana in 2015 left me homeless and buried under a mountain of life. I picked myself up in 2016, got my real estate license and struggled my 1st year. I didn't want to work with "emotional" people. My real estate training thus far was working with investors, but the market became a seller's market and deals with them were dwindling. I divorced my husband in 2019 and remarried the same year. I now have a wonderful husband, two more baby boys and a career that I love. After my second baby was born I went through my mid life crisis. My husband became the bread winner. I became a stay-at-home mom. The transition was very difficult but after 36 sessions of therapy I have been resurrected. The path here was in no way easy, but I made it. You can find Jessica on http://jpstorywriter.com/ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jessica.pero.723/

In this week's episode of Authenticity Over Approval, Lori's guest, Cheri Gregory, delves into her journey as an Enneagram type 2 and highly sensitive person, exploring the nuances of transitioning from a life of seeking approval through meeting others' needs to one of self-care and attentiveness to her own needs. You will learn the value of acknowledging and responding to your body's cues, the importance of genuine apologies and the power of listening without defense. Cheri's candid discussion on the multifaceted nature of who you are is a reminder that authenticity does not equate to perfection but encompasses the whole spectrum of human experience, including your struggles and vulnerabilities. Through Cheri's experiences, you will gain insights into embracing your multifaceted selves, understanding that authenticity allows for growth and change depending on the scenario, and recognizing the strength in vulnerability and self-compassion.   Mentioned In This Episode HSP – Highly Sensitive Persons Enneagram The Fear Of Disappointing Others   About Our Guest Through Scripture and storytelling, Cheri Gregory delights in helping women draw closer to Jesus, the strength of every tender heart. She is the founder of the Sensitive and Strong Community Cafe: the place for the HSP Christian woman to find connection. She's the co-author, with Denise J. Hughes, of Sensitive & Strong: a Guide for Highly Sensitive Persons and Those Who Love Them. And with Kathi Lipp, she’s the co-author of You Don’t Have to Try So Hard, Overwhelmed, and An Abundant Place. Cheri speaks locally and internationally for women’s events and educational conferences. You can find her online at https://cherigregory.com/.

In this heartwarming and insightful episode, Lori Young warmly welcomes Kathi Lipp into a cozy conversation about the beautiful journey toward embracing authenticity and shedding the heavy cloak of approval-seeking. Kathi, with her gentle storytelling and deep reflections, shares her personal path from simplifying her life of clutter to discovering the profound joy in living true to her heart, despite the challenges along the way. Together, Kathi and Lori share their vulnerable moments of trying to fit into molds not meant for them and the deep connections they've found on the other side of authenticity. The episode is a treasure trove of wisdom, offering listeners three precious takeaways: the strength found in vulnerability, the freedom in embracing one's true self amidst criticism, and the journey of self-love that can lead to transformative decisions reflecting one's inner truth. Kathi's narrative is a warm embrace, reminding us all of the beauty in being authentically ourselves and the importance of surrounding ourselves with voices that uplift and support our true paths, all while navigating life's disagreements with grace and authenticity.  About Our Guest Kathi Lipp is the Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of 20 books, including The Accidental Homesteader, An Abundant Place: Daily Retreats for the Woman Who Can’t Get Away, Overwhelmed, and Clutter Free. Along with being a part of the InCourage at Dayspring writing team, she is the host of Clutter Free Academy Podcast, Facebook Group and Clutter Free for Life. As a writing and marketing coach, she is also the host of the Writing at the Red House Podcast, and runs both The Writing at the Red House Retreats and The Red House Writers Collective – a writing program that helps authors develop their writing, their platform and their business. Kathi lives on her Red House mini-homestead with her husband Roger, a dog, and eight chickens and holds cozy writer retreats for content creators. Find more on www.kathilipp.com.

In this week’s episode of "Authenticity Over Approval" featuring Cassie Rajewich, listeners are taken on a profound journey of self-discovery and the interplay of faith in defining authenticity. Cassie openly discusses the struggles she's faced in integrating her faith into her leadership and business roles, especially when her vibrant and "larger than life" personality has often led her to downplay her true self to gain acceptance. The episode delves deep into the universal human challenge of seeking approval, the fear of rejection, and the pivotal moments or "rear view mirror moments" that shape our perception of self-worth. With raw honesty, Cassie highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive figures and setting boundaries to protect one's mental and emotional space, especially in public roles. This episode is a candid exploration of the balance between being true to oneself while navigating societal expectations. Cassie Rajewich is a writer and speaker. She encourages Christian women leaders to stop doubting the adventure so they can live out their bravest story. She’s been in the online space since 2015 and along the way she’s picked up a few side hustles, Certified Money Gal and online Launch Strategist. She currently resides in The Central Valley of California with her husband, where they are raising their four girls and leaning into their own brave story. When she’s not chasing her three wild and free girls she can be found in the kitchen conjuring up sweet yummy goodness or dreaming up her next adventure and helping others navigate theirs. You can find her at  Home - Cassie Rajewich and on Instagram Instagram (@cassierajewich)

Kristen Judd delves into the concept of authenticity and its significance in today's world, which often revolves around societal expectations and approval. As the conversation evolves, the focus shifts towards the weight of "shoulds" in our lives, which often impose both spoken and unspoken expectations on individuals. This, in turn, can lead to a lack of self-trust, causing internal unease and incongruence. Highlighting her journey within the financial industry, Kristen also touches on the importance of disrupting conventional paradigms and encourages listeners to trust their instincts, even when going against established norms. The underlying theme emphasizes the empowering and freeing nature of authentic living, urging individuals to embrace their true selves. Kristen Judd is a financial expert and successful businesswoman who has dedicated her career to helping others achieve financial success. As the founder of her own financial education company and an author of the self-published book "Own Your Future," Kristen is committed to educating her clients and empowering them to take control of their finances. With over six years of experience as a top performer in her field, Kristen has consistently been recognized as one of the top 10 agents out of 5,000+ in her company. She has also been recognized for her exceptional leadership skills and ability to mentor a team of agents to build a business they can be proud of. By sharing her expertise and guiding her clients to create better financial habits, Kristen is helping them achieve the life they want. You can find Kristen at https://fiveringsfinancial.com and on Facebook at https://facebook.com/LearnMoneySecrets

In this enlightening episode, Samantha Markey delves into the tension between seeking approval and remaining authentic, drawing on her experiences from the corporate hospitality world and her journey into entrepreneurship. From climbing the corporate ladder at a young age to embracing her true self, Samantha illuminates the liberating power of authenticity in both personal and professional realms. Lori Young, the host, and Samantha engage in a candid discussion about the challenges of navigating customer service mindsets, the transformative nature of social media, and the evolving perceptions of self-worth and value. Tune in to hear Samantha's insights on breaking free from the shackles of approval, the profound impact of being genuine on social media, and the self-awareness required to stay true to oneself. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a professional, or someone seeking a deeper understanding of self, this episode offers valuable lessons on the importance of authenticity in a world often dominated by the need for validation. Samantha Markey is the founder of More Than Serendipity Visual Marketing, a company dedicated to helping entrepreneurs achieve their marketing goals with intention. Samantha's entrepreneurship journey began in 2011 when she started a family photography business to honor her mother's memory. Through this experience, she discovered her passion for helping others plan and create successful marketing strategies. You can find Samantha at www.morethanserendipity.com and on Instagram at  Instagram (@morethanserendipity)

Benjamin Adams, reflects on the evolution of his self-identity, highlighting the pivotal role that societal approval played during his early years. Benjamin reminisces about his youthful endeavors in sports, academics, and his early professional career, explaining how he often sought validation from peers, coaches, and superiors. However, significant life events, particularly a divorce in 2018, served as catalysts for him to re-evaluate his priorities and self-worth. These events led to a profound self-realization, pushing him towards embracing authenticity over the need for external approval. Through the course of the conversation, Benjamin also pays tribute to the influence of his mother, her resilience, and her commitment to personal growth despite life's adversities. Emphasizing the importance of positive self-talk and self-compassion, he shares his approach to personal growth, which involves acknowledging imperfections without judgment while striving for continual improvement. The overarching theme suggests that true fulfillment arises from authentic self-expression and living in alignment with one's values, rather than seeking external validation. Ben Adams is an esteemed, well-rounded mortgage professional with more than a decade of mortgage experience. He has distinguished himself with an unmatched level of service and commitment to his customers after spending time in various roles including underwriting, management, origination, and more. Above all though, he practices a genuine care and a great concern with each customer he gets the privilege to serve. Ben has a positive meaningful impact on each life he touches by putting his customer’s financial interests first, keeping them informed every step of the way, and empowering them to pursue their homeownership dreams. His goal is to call each customer, “a customer for life”. You can find Benjamin on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/americanoffsetmortgage/