Seasons with Purpose

Hello Seasons with Purpose pod squad!  I'm back from a break and am SO excited to dive in with my friend Kristen More in my return episode.  Whether you're deep into caring for your aging parents or have worried what it will be like, this discussion should be your first stop.  We talk through tips and tricks of organizing information, who to ask about what, how to involve your spouse and kids in the process and how to find joy on the toughest days.  As always, seasons of grief are layered into this process too BUT understanding what's to come and what to prepare for can really help you feel ready and able to handle the hardest days.  There are things everyone can start now that truly only take one minute, but will make a big difference down the road.  Please share with anyone you know who is going through this process currently and reach out if Kristen or I can help you in ANY way on your journey.    Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/seasonswithpurpose1/ and Facebook!  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582252610352 

We've finally made it to summer and the long days that come with it.  On today's episode we talk about how summer really is the beginning of abundance and harvest and a really important time to focus on creativity and passion projects.  It's also a great time to look at what's working well this year - especially with seeds you planted this Spring - and making sure that those seeds will reap a harvest through the Fall.  Pay attention to what the sun and warmth are showing you - there's a reason God made these days longer so you can get out and experience it all.  Test the waters.  Try new things. Run through the flower fields that you planted and just enjoy your time together.  Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/seasonswithpurpose1/ and Facebook!  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582252610352 

I'm so thrilled to share this awesome conversation with you today!  My friend and former colleague Geoff Curtis joins us on the pod to talk about his new book about something he calls "professional identity purgatory."  His life story and so much of what he talks about in his book is so needed in the career conversation today and it's taken too long to really express it the way Geoff has.  We talk about how timelines of seasons are limiting, how we all wear an armor at some point in our careers and how we can all be in the same season of life but decades apart in age.  We discuss the raw reality of the in-between and waiting seasons and what to focus on in the midst of them.  Don't miss this conversation and go RIGHT now and get his book wherever books are sold!Embracing Your Own Purgatory: Curtis, Geoff: 9798901021088: Amazon.com: BooksFollow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/seasonswithpurpose1/ and Facebook!  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582252610352 

Today on the pod, we're talking about the realities of the job market with the Founder and CEO of JBR Executive Recruitment, Julie Biber!  If you're in the job market, or considering taking a leap into a new career season, this is an honest conversation about the hiring process today and realities of seasons of transitions - especially in the corporate world and business community.  Julie talks about her transition from the corporate world to her own executive recruitment firm, some incredible hiring tips to consider and how maintaining and growing your network will never be a waste of time.  Julie is a light in this world and has so much goodness to share in this episode.  Don't miss it!https://www.jbrexecutivesearch.com/Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/seasonswithpurpose1/ and Facebook!  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582252610352 

After a longer winter than we've seen in recent years, this week marks the arrival of the vernal equinox and the Spring season!  Flowers start popping up, birds start chirping and the days get a little bit longer.  In this episode we talk about things to focus on in the Spring weather season, what God calls us to in the midst of the Spring and how hopeful it can be if we trust in His plan for this season in our lives - no matter what season you are in!  I also share a recent story from my own life about going through seasons with a grateful heart and trusting that God has it all taken care of - even when it seems like everything is off - that I think you'll enjoy!  So get outside and enjoy the longer days, sunshine and pollen with a bold step into my favorite weather season.  What's your favorite part of Spring?Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/seasonswithpurpose1/ and Facebook!  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582252610352 

Why do we equate hard with bad?  What if we shifted our thinking and saw hard things as opportunities for growth?  No matter what season you're in right now, I know it's a season of growth because that's the beautiful thing about how God works.  The hardest things are often how he teaches us the biggest lessons but I think we're missing them sometimes because we think hard is bad.  Hard is just hard, and God promises to walk through every step of the hard WITH us so don't avoid it.  You can do this!  Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/seasonswithpurpose1/ and Facebook!  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582252610352 

Today we're talking ALL things preschool with some of the best - Jen Lofquist and Jess Esquivel from Kids Under Construction Preschool in Sterling, VA.  https://kucpreschool.org/Almost all parents know the impact a healthy preschool environment can have on kids' confidence, love for learning and emotional intelligence and this season is just so special in SO many ways.  We discuss their favorite moments of teaching toddlers, when you know your child is ready for preschool, some REALLY practical tips for what to look for in a preschool (when you're child IS ready) and what the transition looks like for the entire family.  One of my FAVORITE things is finding people who are truly walking in God's purpose for their lives and it exudes from who they are!  These two are such a beautiful example of that and no matter what season you're in, I know you'll get SO much out of it! The Director of KUC, Jen is a Mom of two amazing kids now thriving in their 20s and off in their own lives and lives in Ashburn with her husband!  She began working at KUC Preschool in 2005 after applying to a job ad and became the Director in 2007.  As she’ll share today, she has a tough time calling preschool teacher “work” because they just have so much fun and she loves how every day brings something new and different.  The Assistant Director of KUC, Jess Esquivel is a Mom of 3 (all of whom  have gone to KUC) and lives with her husband in Sterling.  She has a background in education and a passion for helping children grow into strong independent people.  Jess’s favorite part of her job is helping children to know their beautiful confidence and learn their incredible strengths, which you’ll hear her share about today in our discussion. If you’re local and in the market for a preschool for your child in the coming years, Kids Under Construction’s actual goal is that when a child leaves us they know they are loved, capable of anything they wish, and have the self confidence to go out and make their wishes reality, based in faith and love completely.  You truly can’t ask for much more during these years. Check them out here: https://kucpreschool.org/Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/seasonswithpurpose1/ and Facebook!  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582252610352 

Today we're talking about the gift that keeps on giving: The Joy List - a powerful tool that highlights the little things that spark happiness in our lives, regardless of what’s happening around us. It's SO easy to make and one of my favorite things to reference and use as I plan out my time.  I share a few things on my list and some of the benefits it brings to your daily life.  What’s one thing on your joy list? Share it in the comments! Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/seasonswithpurpose1/ and Facebook!  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582252610352 

Today on the pod, my friend Alicia Mott-Comitto shares her season of parenting through two NICU babies, the youngest of which has Klinefelter Syndrome.  She’s honest about the grief that goes along with the expectations we set as parents, how trauma drives an out-of-body experience and how to get through it when you’re in the thick of it.  She shares the honest realities of being a special needs parent and the stages of grief, but SO much joy, that comes with it. This conversation is so relatable for any parent walking through hard seasons with kids, as we cover what to expect, what you need to remember and how SPECIFIC prayers are the best in the midst of these seasons.  Alicia Mott-Comitto is the Mom of 4 boys and lives with her husband in New York.  She's a musician, author, certified meditation coach and facilitator on the app Insight Timer where her voice calms millions through daily meditations and music.  Check her out here: https://insighttimer.com/AliciaMottComittoFollow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/seasonswithpurpose1/ and Facebook!  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582252610352 

As we approach the Winter Solstice this Sunday, we're diving deep into what to expect in winter and how it shows up in our daily lives over the next few months. We share three questions to review what served you best in Spring, Summer and Fall, what you need to let go of and how to find light in the darkness this holiday season.  You can download the Winter Purpose Page here and take it along with you to your holiday dinner as a conversation starter - www.seasonswithpurpose.org!Our main goal for winter?  Pruning.  This is your official reminder that not everything needs to be carried into the next season with you.  - What do I need less of this winter?- What are the biggest blessings of winter?- What can I focus on this winter to get the most out of it?Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/seasonswithpurpose1/ and Facebook!  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582252610352