34. Spilling the Tea About This New Chapter

Anyone else ready to enter their hibernation era? Cozy evenings, a good book, grandma hobbies… yes, please. 😂In this solo episode, I’m catching you up on life behind the scenes, reflecting on a year of small business shifts, and sharing why I’m craving a little more breathing room heading into the holidays. I’m excited about what I’m building—and ready for some rest, too.We’re chatting about:A full-circle moment at the Western Wisconsin Women’s Business Conference.How podcasting has helped me become more confident sharing what matters to me.The podcast’s upcoming first birthday on December 1, a giveaway, and a little hint at something I’ve been working on.My recent reading hot takes, a request for your book recommendations, and my current Fruit Riot obsession.Making the holidays feel like a whole season instead of one very busy day.I’m also walking you through Held & Home for the Holidays, my four-week experience running November 30–December 25. For $25, you’ll receive a downloadable workbook filled with reflections, recipes, and ideas, plus a private Facebook community and weekly live messages you can watch on your own time.Our four weekly themes are:✨ Make Room for the Magic🍪 A Taste of Home🤎 Together Is the Tradition🎄 Let Yourself Be HereWe’ll make space for meaningful moments, nourish ourselves through the busyness, and enjoy a season that can be intentional and imperfect. I’ll be working through the workbook right alongside you!Join Held & Home for the Holidays →Plus, your $25 registration can go toward Held & Nourished, my six-week group experience returning for a winter cohort in January.A little reflection to take with you: What’s one thing you don’t want to get to December 26 and realize you never made time for?The Fruit Riot love in this episode is entirely unsponsored. 😂Connect with Elizabeth:Instagram: @thehighfunctioninghotmessWebsite: elizabethalicellc.com

Have you ever held yourself back from posting, sharing your work, or admitting you want something bigger because you’re worried someone will think you’re “trying to be an influencer”?Same. And we’re talking about it.In this episode of the High Functioning Hot Mess, I’m joined by designer and brand strategist Molly Hanson of High Vibe Studios for an honest conversation about visibility, entrepreneurship, and building a business that lets you be yourself.Molly shares her journey from interior design to branding and web design, why she returned to a nine-to-five while rebuilding her business, and the vision behind her Becoming Low-Key Famous movement. We unpack the discomfort of wanting recognition, the fear of being judged by people you know, and why confidence comes from putting yourself out there—even when you’re freaking out in the car beforehand.We also get into attracting clients you actually enjoy working with, getting comfortable with rejection, and choosing community over competition. Because the same things that make someone unfollow you might be exactly why someone else wants to work with you.In this episode, we talk about:Giving yourself permission to pivot—even after investing time and money in another directionHow financial stability and structure can create room for creativityWanting attention versus wanting recognition with a purposeWhat becoming “low-key famous” actually means to MollyBuilding confidence through practice and choosing opportunities that fitLetting your personality show and accepting that you won’t be everyone’s personTrusting your gut about clients while being realistic about paying the billsReferrals, relationships, and building a business beyond social mediaPursuing what you want before the fear goes awayIf you’ve been watering yourself down, overthinking what people will say, or waiting to feel confident enough to make your next move, this conversation is for you.Connect with Molly:Instagram: @iammollyhansonWebsite: High Vibe StudiosExplore her Low-Key Famous Academy through her websitePodcast mentioned in this episode: Royally UnapologeticConnect with Elizabeth:Instagram: @thehighfunctioninghotmessWebsite: elizabethalicellc.comLoved this conversation? Send it to the friend who’s ready to put herself out there but keeps talking herself out of it.

What if the career you worked so hard to build doesn’t fit the life you actually want?In this episode of The High Functioning Hot Mess, I’m joined by entrepreneur, mom of three, and VA Leadership Academy founder Bre Cain for a conversation about ambition, identity, motherhood, and creating more freedom in your work.I first heard Bre speak at Sister Circle Summit, and between her hot pink power suit and her dreams of gathering warm chicken eggs on her own farm, I knew we needed to chat. Because yes, you can love a fabulous outfit and also want to be barefoot in your garden. 😂Bre shares her journey from crying at daycare drop-off to leaving her job, navigating a slow start in business, and finding her footing as a virtual assistant. We talk about wanting something of your own, questioning traditional definitions of success, and pursuing a vision that the people around you might not understand yet.We also explore Bre’s approach to identity work and visualization, what entrepreneurship looks like beyond the highlight reel, and why confidence sometimes starts with practicing who you want to become.In this episode, we talk about:Wanting to be present for your family while still having ambitions of your ownWhat women and moms are craving from the future of workThe difference between a flexible business and a business that never requires effortGetting clear on the everyday life you want your goals to supportUsing “mind movies” to imagine that life through your five sensesTaking steps toward a bigger vision, even when it feels unfamiliarHow business can become a catalyst for personal growthIf you’ve ever thought, I’m grateful for what I have, but I think I want something different, this conversation will give you plenty to sit with.Connect with Bre:Instagram: @heyitsbrecainVA Leadership AcademyVava, Bre’s virtual assistant business-building platformConnect with Elizabeth:Instagram: @thehighfunctioninghotmessWebsite: elizabethalicellc.comLoved this conversation? Send it to the friend who’s always dreaming up what’s next, and follow The High Functioning Hot Mess so you don’t miss an episode.

Can you turn healing into another thing you’re trying to get an A in? Because… same.Following my conversations with Jamie Dorn and Becca, I’m sharing my personal experiences with somatic work—from trauma-informed yoga and TRE to somatic breathwork and ongoing therapy—and what I’m learning about getting out of my head and into my body.I talk about the nervousness I felt before those experiences, the emotions that surfaced, and why having people who could support me made such a difference. I also share how grief has shown up in unexpected moments, including dancing during a Sister Circle call.But this episode is also about making room for the rest of your life: imperfect sewing projects, creativity, faith, time with your husband, and sometimes playing a mindless game on your phone after an emotionally exhausting few days.I’m still figuring out how to listen to my body without making it another assignment. If you’ve ever felt pressure to constantly process, improve, or “do the work,” this conversation is for you.In this episode, we explore:My first experiences with somatic practices and what surprised me.How panic changed the way I understood my own experience.The support I’ve found through therapy, internal family systems, and parts work.Learning to approach emotional work in smaller doses.Recognizing when I have capacity to dig deeper—and when I need rest.Letting hobbies be fun, even when the finished project doesn’t match the vision.How faith, connection, and everyday routines support me.Making room to enjoy the life I’m working so hard to feel present in.People, episodes & resources mentionedConnect with Jamie Dorn and explore her somatic work: myelevatedlifecoaching.comConnect with Becca Mattie: Grow Beyond Collective | Cultivating CapacitySister Circle: Learn more about the community and the Chippewa Valley chapter: https://sistercircle.co/home/The Way of the Tender with Jesse: Explore the experience for highly sensitive people and find information about upcoming cohorts: https://www.jesiesteffes.com/the-way-of-the-tender-8-week-courseCurrently loving: Nails by Bria 💅My nail tech, Bria, recently went all in on her own business, and she is so talented! She’s located on the north side of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and created the cutest pink-and-ghost manicure for my version of Halloween: cute over creepy, always.Bria’s goal is to reach 600 Instagram followers by the end of 2026, and she’s planning a giveaway if she gets there. If you’re in the Chippewa Valley, give her a follow and book yourself a nail appointment!Follow Nails by Bria: https://www.instagram.com/_nails.by.bria_/Connect with meInstagram: @thehighfunctioninghotmessWebsite: elizabethalicellc.comIf this episode resonated with you, send it to a friend who could use a little permission to stop making everything another thing to perfect. Following the show and leaving a review also helps more high-functioning hot messes find these conversations. 💛This episode shares my personal experiences and is not medical or mental health advice. My experiences are individual and don’t establish what caused a symptom or how someone else will respond. If you’re curious about somatic work, explore it with a qualified professional who can support your individual needs.

You’re getting things done, showing up for everyone, and keeping another cup of coffee within reach. But when you finally have a moment to yourself, you can’t remember what you actually enjoy doing.Sound familiar?In this episode of The High Functioning Hot Mess, I’m joined by occupational therapist, speaker, and entrepreneur Becca Mattie, the founder of Honeybee OT and Grow Beyond Collective. We explore what happens when your life looks successful on the outside but leaves you feeling depleted on the inside—and how to start making room for yourself again.Becca shares her own experience with entrepreneurial burnout and introduces the idea of occupational harmony: creating space for the responsibilities, relationships, and meaningful activities that make up your life.We talk about hobbies, decision fatigue, the pressure of perfect wellness routines, and why building capacity can begin with one small shift. We also explore how to create a personal “regulation menu” so you have accessible options for rest, movement, creativity, and connection when you’re too tired to decide what you need.In this episode, we discuss:What occupational therapy is and how it supports meaningful participation in everyday life.Loving your work while feeling exhausted by the way your business is structured.Recognizing when you’re moving through your days on autopilot.Rediscovering what lights you up outside of work and responsibilities.Creating a regulation menu for yourself and your relationships.Building flexible rhythms and trying strategies that fit your current season.Giving yourself credit for the supportive habits you already have.Finding tools and support that honor your needs, including experiences of ADHD and autism.If you’ve been turning self-care into another list you can’t keep up with, this conversation offers a gentler place to begin.You don’t have to overhaul your whole life today. Start by noticing what you need, what matters to you, and one small change that could help you feel more present.Connect with Becca:InstagramGrow Beyond CollectiveCultivating CapacityMentioned in this episode:Julie Costa’s Activate audio libraryConnect with Elizabeth:Instagram: @thehighfunctioninghotmessWebsite: https://elizabethalicellc.comIf this conversation resonated with you, send it to a friend who’s been carrying a lot lately. Follow The High Functioning Hot Mess on Spotify or Apple Podcasts for more conversations about ambition, healing, and feeling more like yourself.

You can check every box, get a whole lot done, and still feel disconnected from yourself. So what does it look like to stop living from the neck up—and actually feel present in your life?In this episode of The High Functioning Hot Mess, I’m joined by Jamie Dorn, an embodiment and somatic coach, breathwork facilitator, and Reiki master, for an honest conversation about self-trust, feeling our feelings, and finding our way back to ourselves.We talk about the pressure to keep it all together, how people-pleasing can drown out your own yes and no, and why nervous system regulation doesn’t mean being calm all the time. I also share pieces of my own experience with panic, somatic therapy, grief, and rediscovering joy through hobbies.There are laughs, a few tears, and a reminder that you don’t have to process everything all at once—or do it all alone.In this episode, we explore:What “living from the neck up” means and how disconnection can show up as overthinking, overworking, and moving through life on autopilot.Building the capacity to feel difficult emotions alongside joy, pleasure, and peace.Grieving loved ones, past versions of yourself, and the life you thought you’d have.The importance of community—and being with someone’s feelings without trying to fix them.Rebuilding self-trust through boundaries, intuition, and recognizing an authentic yes or no.Sensitivity, Human Design, and letting go of the pressure to fit a mold.Why nervous system support can include gardening, laughter, hobbies, and moments you genuinely enjoy.One compassionate question to ask yourself when you feel disconnected.If taking care of yourself has started to feel like another thing you have to get right, this conversation offers room to slow down, get curious, and make space for being human.Connect with Jamie:Instagram: @heyjamiedornWebsite: myelevatedlifecoaching.comFacebook: Jamie DornMentioned in this episode: Jamie’s current skincare favorite, Earth Harbor.A quick audio note: My audio is less clear than usual in this recording, but Jamie’s comes through beautifully. Thank you for bearing with me—this conversation was too good not to share!Enjoyed the episode? Follow The High Functioning Hot Mess on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, leave a review, or send it to a friend who could use a little more self-trust and a little less pressure to keep it all together.Connect with Elizabeth: 💻 https://www.elizabethalicellc.com/ 📸 @thehighfunctioninghotmess on Instagram 💌 Subscribe to Vitality Vignette for cozy wellness musingsNow on TikTok! The High Functioning Hot Mess

Season 2 is here! After a summer of rest and play, a few business plot twists, and a whole lot of guest interviews recorded for the fall, it felt like time for a new chapter.In this solo episode, I’m catching you up on what’s changed: working entirely for myself, starting the Chippewa Valley chapter of Sister Circle, and saying goodbye to an office space I loved. These are good changes, and I’m excited about them... but I’m also being honest about the anxiety and growing pains that have come along for the ride.If you’ve ever thought, “Shouldn’t this be easier by now?” or found yourself stuck in planning because you want to get it just right, this episode is for you. We’re talking about what it feels like to grow while you’re still figuring things out—and what you can expect from the conversations ahead this season.Welcome back, my friends. We’re doing the dang thing.Mentioned in this episodeLearn about working with me one-on-oneExplore Sister Circle and the Chippewa Valley chapterFollow the podcast on Instagram: @thehighfunctioninghotmessIf this episode resonated, I’d love for you to leave a rating and review and share it with a fellow high-functioning hot mess.

What if the goal of taking care of yourself… wasn’t actually to get better at taking care of yourself?In the final episode of the Create Capacity for Fall mini series, we’re bringing everything together and talking about the real reason we create rhythms, nourish our bodies, support ourselves, and make our lives a little more effortless:So we have the capacity to actually LIVE them.Because your health isn’t the end goal. Your morning routine isn’t the end goal. Your nutrition, habits, productivity, or perfectly optimized schedule aren’t the end goal.Your life is.In this episode, I’m sharing some of the simple rhythms that have been helping me create more space in my own life lately—including my newly founded “5:30 AM Club”—and why getting the important (and sometimes boring) things done in less sucky ways has given me more room for the things that actually make life beautiful.Things like playing pickleball with my husband, making salsa from my garden, spending a Friday night eating pizza with a friend, reading a book in three days, noticing the sunrise, building community, and asking myself some much bigger questions about the life I want to create.We’re talking about:Why a healthy lifestyle gets to look different for each of usCreating supportive rhythms instead of relying on force and disciplineWhy creating capacity doesn’t mean filling that space with more productivityMaking room for beauty, relationships, community, faith, creativity, rest, play, and purposeAsking yourself what you actually want instead of what you think you should wantUsing nourishment as a foundation for building a life that feels really, really good to liveAnd I’m leaving you with one question as we close out this four-part series:What do you want to have the capacity for?If this series has made you think, Oh… I want more of this, I would love to have you join me inside Held & Nourished.Held & Nourished is my six-week live guided experience for women who are ready to stop treating nourishment like another thing they need to get right.Together, we’ll explore what it means to feel nourished physically, mentally, emotionally, and within the actual rhythms of your life—so you can better understand what supports you, what drains you, and what helps you feel most like you.We begin September 21 and meet live on Monday evenings at 6 PM Central for six weeks.You can reach out to me on Instagram at @thehighfunctioninghotmess or email me at [email protected] to let me know you're interested.Because we’re not creating capacity just so we can do more.We’re creating capacity so we can live.Connect with Elizabeth: 💻 https://www.elizabethalicellc.com/ 📸 @thehighfunctioninghotmess on Instagram 💌 Subscribe to Vitality Vignette for cozy wellness musingsNow on TikTok! The High Functioning Hot MessJoin Me Inside Held & Nourished

What if the answer isn't figuring out how to do more... but creating a life that requires less force from you?In this episode of The High Functioning Hot Mess, we're continuing the mini-series with a conversation about capacity—and how the things we sometimes convince ourselves we "don't have time for" may actually be the very things that give us more energy, patience, creativity, and presence for the rest of our lives.We're talking about rest, nourishment, movement, intuition, and creating rhythms that actually work for your body, nervous system, personality, and season of life.Because maybe you're not lazy.Maybe you don't need more discipline.Maybe you need to stop forcing yourself into someone else's version of health and start asking:What conditions actually help me thrive?In this episode, we explore:Why nourishment isn't another thing to add to your checklist—it's a capacity builderHow rest can actually make you more productive and creativeLearning to listen to the little intuitive nudges your body gives youMaking nutrition feel more effortless by creating supportive rhythmsWhy movement doesn't have to mean forcing yourself into a workout routine you hateFinding a "why" for your health habits that actually matters to youHow your environment and community can influence your motivationDefining health and success on your own termsIdentifying what gives you life—and what quietly drains itWhat gives me life?What energizes me, motivates me, or simply sounds fun?Where do I need more rest, play, beauty, community, structure, or rhythm?And...What quietly drains me?What am I continuing to do because I feel like I should, even though it doesn't fit the life I'm trying to create?I finally get to share something that's been over a year in the making.Held + Nourished is a six-week guided live group experience for high-achieving women who are tired of surviving and ready to feel truly nourished beyond typical wellness.This isn't another program with more rules, expectations, or boxes to check.It's an invitation to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and intentionally cultivate a life that feels nourishing from the inside out.Over six weeks, we'll gather live each Monday evening for thoughtful teaching, guided reflection, meaningful conversation, and simple ways to bring each week's theme into your real life.We'll explore what it looks like to romanticize your life a little more, notice what's already beautiful, create more of what you've been craving, and build rhythms that support the woman you want to become.Held + Nourished begins Monday, September 21, 2026.Registration officially opens next week, and I'm intentionally keeping this first group small.If this mini-series has had you thinking, YES. This is exactly what I need, you can reach out to me on Instagram at @thehighfunctioninghotmess or email me at [email protected] to let me know you're interested.Because a nourishing life is about so much more than how you eat.It's about how you live your one big, beautiful, precious life. 💛Journal PromptsIntroducing Held + Nourished ✨

What does it really mean to be nourished?Last week, we asked: Where in my life am I trying to force what actually needs support?This week, we're taking that conversation one step further with another question:What truly nourishes me?After seven years as a dietitian, one thing has become increasingly clear to me: wellness is about the food…and it’s not about the food at all.In this episode, we're expanding nourishment beyond what’s on our plates and exploring the many ways we can care for our bodies, nervous systems, relationships, creativity, and spirits.I’m sharing pieces of my own journey—from rebuilding gentle rhythms around food and learning what my highly sensitive nervous system needs, to rediscovering creativity, community, faith, rest, and the tiny everyday moments that help me feel more like myself.Because maybe nourishment isn't about following the perfect wellness routine.Maybe it's about learning to listen.What truly nourishes me?Consider it through a few different lenses: your body, nervous system, relationships, creativity, spirit, and even the spaces you live in.Create one intentionally nourishing moment each day.Eat breakfast at the table. Buy yourself flowers. Read ten pages of a book. Take a slow walk. Call a friend. Make something just because it sounds fun. Watch the sunset.Then simply ask:Did that leave me feeling more nourished?No judgment. No gold stars. No perfection. Just curiosity.My episode about my “Year of Hobbies”Connect with Elizabeth: 💻 https://www.elizabethalicellc.com/ 📸 @thehighfunctioninghotmess on Instagram 💌 Subscribe to Vitality Vignette for cozy wellness musingsNow on TikTok! The High Functioning Hot MessNext week, we're taking this one step further: once we know what nourishes us, how do we actually create the capacity to make room for it?Your journal prompt for the week:This week's invitation:Mentioned in this episode: