What does it really mean to live the life you want—not the one others expect you to live?

In this heartfelt and soul-sparking episode, I’m joined by my longtime friend Nicole—college roommate, fellow finance grad, world traveler, mom, and all-around wise woman. We’ve shared over 20 years of friendship (yep, more than half our lives!), and in this episode, we reflect on the lessons we’ve gathered through love, loss, big moves, bold decisions, and everything in between.

Nicole shares her story of moving across the world, trusting her gut, and building a life that looks nothing like what others might have predicted—but everything like what she truly wanted.

We talk about:

• 🎒 The power of travel and why experiences matter more than stuff
• 💭 What it feels like to trust your intuition—even when the path isn’t clear
• 🧷 Why “living your own life” is harder—and more freeing—than it sounds
• 💡 What we’d tell our younger selves (and what we’re still figuring out now)

Whether you’re standing at a crossroads or simply reflecting on how far you’ve come, this conversation is your reminder that your story is valid, your strength is real, and your spark is worth following.

So go for a walk, settle in with your coffee, or throw in your earbuds while folding laundry — you won’t want to miss this one.

✨ Want to take it deeper?
Here are a few reflection questions to help you connect this episode to your own journey:

• What’s a decision I’ve been holding back on because I’m afraid of the unknown?
• What does my gut know… that my brain is still trying to talk me out of?
• What would change if I gave myself permission to want what I want?
• Where in my life am I following someone else’s version of success—and what would it look like to rewrite that story?

🎙 Connect with Me
🌐 Website: brightpeakconsulting.com
📅 Book a Bright Start Coaching Session: brightpeakscheduling.as.me
📸 Follow on Instagram: @coach_bryanna_mehling
💼 Follow on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bgmehling

💬 Loved this episode?
Rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Your support means the world.

Summary

This episode is one I’ve been holding close to my heart for a long time.

I’m sitting down with my dear friend and fellow coach, Lourdes, to have an honest, unfiltered conversation about something that doesn’t get talked about nearly enough: potty training our neurodivergent kids. Both of us are moms to autistic children, and our journeys with this milestone have looked nothing like what the parenting books (or society) promised.

We talk about the frustration, the guilt, the moments of laughter, and the deep relief that comes when you finally give yourself permission to let go of timelines that no longer serve you. From poop massages and countdown tricks to standing diaper changes and unexpected wins—this is real life, not a highlight reel.

Whether you’re just beginning this journey, circling back (again), or choosing to take a breath and not think about it today—you’re not alone, and you’re doing an incredible job.

Takeaways

• Potty training doesn’t follow a script—especially for neurodivergent kids
• It’s okay to pause, shift gears, or come back to it later
• Letting go of guilt makes space for grace
• Tools will vary—what works for one child might not for another
• Tiny wins are worth celebrating
• You’re not behind. You’re exactly where you and your child need to be

🧷 Resource Shoutout
Not an ad—just a thoughtful find: I recently came across Youth Crews, a company that makes diapers designed for older children. We haven’t tried them personally, but I wanted to shout them out for creating inclusive products that acknowledge the real needs of families like ours.

🎙 Connect with Me
🌐 Website: brightpeakconsulting.com
📅 Book a Bright Start Coaching Session: brightpeakscheduling.as.me
📸 Follow on Instagram: @coach_bryanna_mehling
💼 Follow on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bgmehling

💬 Loved this episode?
Rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Your support means the world.

Summary

In this episode, Bryanna Mehling and Christina Zuber-Brill explore the intricate relationship between intuition and trust, especially in the context of motherhood, relationships, and personal growth. Through honest storytelling and reflection, they dive into how societal pressures, burnout, and life transitions can challenge our inner knowing—and how to rebuild both intuition and trust over time.

Together, they highlight the role of feedback, the impact of self-judgment, and the power of choosing curiosity over criticism. This episode invites listeners into the often-overlooked "messy middle," where real transformation happens.

Takeaways

• The messy middle can be tender and transformative
• Intuition is an internal guidance system, while trust is built over time
• Motherhood can challenge our connection to intuition
• Rebuilding intuition requires practice and small decisions (micro-moments)
• Trust is often influenced by past experiences and relationships
• Feedback is essential for growth in both business and life
• Collaboration enhances creativity and accountability
• Building relationships takes conscious effort and intention
• Self-judgment can hinder intuition and trust

👤 About Today’s Guest
Name: Christina Zuber-Brill, Hummingbird Artisan Foods
🌐 Website: hummingbirdartisanfoods.com
📸 Instagram: @hummingbirdartisanfoods

🎙 Connect with Me
🌐 Website: brightpeakconsulting.com
📅 Book a Bright Start Coaching Session: brightpeakscheduling.as.me
📸 Follow on Instagram: @coach_bryanna_mehling
💼 Follow on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bgmehling

💬 Loved this episode?
Rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Your support means the world.