Welcome to 2025! This is the first episode of the new year and I am excited to reflect on 2024 and prep for the year ahead. In this episode I also get into goal setting and how to make sure our goals are realistic and specific.

Resources Mentioned:

The Year Compass

Let's Get it Done Worksheet

At the time of this episode there are wildfires spreading throughout Los Angeles. Many have lost their homes and lives. If you feel called to please feel free to look through these resources, give back, and donate where you can.

Volunteer and donation opportunities: https://secretlosangeles.com/how-you-can-help-la-wildfires/

GoFundMe Master List Submissions: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeqKbSJ_mQtpVqw6F-CNMudvS1_sWE1pA8lasw-SgTPMWP06A/viewform

Displaced Black Families GoFundMe Directory: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pK5omSsD4KGhjEHCVgcVw-rd4FZP9haoijEx1mSAm5c/edit?gid=0#gid=0

Mutual Aid Los Angeles Network Fire & Wind Storm Resources: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1KMk34XY5dsvVJjAoD2mQUVHYU_Ib6COz6jcGH5uJWDY/htmlview?usp=sharing#

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The Words with Me Podcast is a space for thought and curiosity. It’s the mission of the podcast to connect people and cultivate community through insightful conversations on a range of hot topics including healing, growing and being a late bloomer. Life can be hard, so it’s important to surround yourself with things and people that affirm and encourage you. If you are looking to enter a space to become the highest version of yourself, check out the Words with Me Podcast!

Remember to share, rate and review the podcast. Join my mailing list and subscribe to my newsletter, the Open Invitation today! The Open Invitation is a newsletter that takes creating and cultivating community to a new level. Sign up today to be in the know and be the first to hear about new content and announcements: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://wordswithmepodcast.com/the-open-invitation/⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Socials:

Podcast Instagram: @wordswithmepodcast

Personal Instagram: @karstenashleybush

Read the latest blog posts at ⁠www.wordswithmepodcast.com/all-posts/⁠

Check out my second channel!⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@karstenashleybush⁠⁠

How to Die Alone is a new show created by Natasha Rothwell that is now streaming on Hulu. It follows Mel on her journey to finding confidence in herself and discovering who she truly wants to be.

It's a great binge watch that is full of lessons for anyone trying to become the highest version of themself. It's also the most recent thing I haven't been able to stop yapping about.

In this episode I talk about:

• Understanding and dealing with loneliness
• Moving through fear and taking action
• Friendship breakups
• Why I love this how and lessons learned from watching it

Here is a great article from Very Well Mind that talks about the causes and consequences of loneliness by Kendra Cherry, MSEd.

Related Episode: "10. Living in Fear, Limiting Beliefs, and Stepping Out on Faith"

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The Words with Me Podcast is a space for thought and curiosity. It’s the mission of the podcast to connect people and cultivate community through insightful conversations on a range of hot topics including healing, growing and being a late bloomer. Life can be hard, so it’s important to surround yourself with things and people that affirm and encourage you. If you are looking to enter a space to become the highest version of yourself, check out the Words with Me Podcast!

Remember to share, rate and review the podcast. Join my mailing list and subscribe to my newsletter, the Open Invitation today! The Open Invitation is a newsletter that takes creating and cultivating community to a new level. Sign up today to be in the know and be the first to hear about new content and announcements: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://wordswithmepodcast.com/the-open-invitation/⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

------------------------------

Socials:

Podcast Instagram: @wordswithmepodcast

Personal Instagram: @karstenashleybush

Read the latest blog posts at www.wordswithmepodcast.com/all-posts/

Check out my second channel!⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@karstenashleybush⁠

We tend to be our own worst enemy and sometimes setting unrealistic expectations is the way we get there. Let's chat about overachieving and how to be more present.

This podcast episode was inspired by a YouTube video that was previously posted on my second channel. You can see the full video here: ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/Wxj3hg9hU1Y?si=X4J-RaQPgW-kcXxr⁠⁠

Here's a great podcast episode from the To My Sisters podcast that really spoke to where I'm at in this season of my life:⁠⁠ "Embracing Your Season: 5 Keys to Overcoming Comparison, Insecurity & Fear of the Future"⁠⁠

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The Words with Me Podcast is a space for thought and curiosity. It’s the mission of the podcast to connect people and cultivate community through insightful conversations on a range of hot topics including healing, growing and being a late bloomer. Life can be hard, so it’s important to surround yourself with things and people that affirm and encourage you. If you are looking to enter a space to become the highest version of yourself, check out the Words with Me Podcast!

Remember to share, rate and review the podcast. Join my mailing list and subscribe to my newsletter, the Open Invitation today! The Open Invitation is a newsletter that takes creating and cultivating community to a new level. Sign up today to be in the know and be the first to hear about new content and announcements: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://wordswithmepodcast.com/the-open-invitation/⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

------------------------------

Socials:

Podcast Instagram: @wordswithmepodcast

Personal Instagram: @karstenashleybush

Check out my second channel!⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@karstenashleybush⁠

This is a very special twin edition of the podcast. Kristen Bush is an Engineer/Scientist II at the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). She is passionate about helping disadvantaged communities and improving the energy infrastructure for all. She's also my twin sister and best friend!

This episode touches on our relationship as twins and discusses some of the highs and lows we've experienced while trying to develop our own identities. This is probably going to be my favorite episode yet!

Kristen's Instagram - @climateandcurls

Talk Tech to Me Ep. 88 ⁠"Climate, Curls, & EVs"⁠

------------------------------ The Words with Me Podcast is a space for thought and curiosity. It’s the mission of the podcast to connect people and cultivate community through insightful conversations on a range of hot topics including healing, growing and being a late bloomer. Life can be hard, so it’s important to surround yourself with things and people that affirm and encourage you. If you are looking to enter a space to become the highest version of yourself, check out the Words with Me Podcast! Remember to share, rate and review the podcast. Join my mailing list and subscribe to my newsletter, the Open Invitation today! The Open Invitation is a newsletter that takes creating and cultivating community to a new level. Sign up today to be in the know and be the first to hear about new content and announcements: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://wordswithmepodcast.com/the-open-invitation/⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

------------------------------ Socials: Podcast Instagram: @wordswithmepodcast Personal Instagram: @karstenashleybush Check out my second channel!⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@karstenashleybush⁠

In this episode of the podcast, I discuss failure and what it truly means to fail. I also provide tips and tricks for reframing failure. Failure does not define us, but it's up to us to find the strength to try again.

Articles on Cognitive Reframing:

• "How Cognitive Reframing Works" - Very Well Mind, Amy Morin, LCSW
• "What is Cognitive Reframing?" - Better Help

Related Episode: "15. Planting Assets, The Art of the Pivot, and Dealing with the Unexpected (Words with Kayla)"

------------------------------ The Words with Me Podcast is a space for thought and curiosity. It’s the mission of the podcast to connect people and cultivate community through insightful conversations on a range of hot topics including healing, growing and being a late bloomer. Life can be hard, so it’s important to surround yourself with things and people that affirm and encourage you. If you are looking to enter a space to become the highest version of yourself, check out the Words with Me Podcast! Remember to share, rate and review the podcast. Join my mailing list and subscribe to my newsletter, the Open Invitation today! The Open Invitation is a newsletter that takes creating and cultivating community to a new level. Sign up today to be in the know and be the first to hear about new content and announcements: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://wordswithmepodcast.com/the-open-invitation/⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ------------------------------ Socials: Podcast Instagram: @wordswithmepodcast Personal Instagram: @karstenashleybush Check out my second channel!⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@karstenashleybush⁠

Latest YouTube video: ⁠⁠⁠"A Deep Dive About our Obsession with Recognition, Award Shows, Publication Lists, and Vanity Scams"⁠⁠

Let's talk about finding ourselves! We all have a desire to belong and to be seen by the right people. We have to be careful to not find our value and worth only in what other people can do for us or say about us. Self-discovery is a lifelong journey and it's okay if there are some bumps in the road.

In this episode I also talk about:

• Netflix and "America's Sweethearts"
• Withstanding peer pressure
• Our fear of being fully seen
• Tying our worth to accomplishments and accolades

------------------------------ The Words with Me Podcast is a space for thought and curiosity. It’s the mission of the podcast to connect people and cultivate community through insightful conversations on a range of hot topics including healing, growing and being a late bloomer. Life can be hard, so it’s important to surround yourself with things and people that affirm and encourage you. If you are looking to enter a space to become the highest version of yourself, check out the Words with Me Podcast! Remember to share, rate and review the podcast. Join my mailing list and subscribe to my newsletter, the Open Invitation today! The Open Invitation is a newsletter that takes creating and cultivating community to a new level. Sign up today to be in the know and be the first to hear about new content and announcements: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://wordswithmepodcast.com/the-open-invitation/⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ ------------------------------ Socials: Podcast Instagram: @wordswithmepodcast Personal Instagram: @karstenashleybush Check out my second channel!⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@karstenashleybush⁠

Latest YouTube video: ⁠⁠"A Deep Dive About our Obsession with Recognition, Award Shows, Publication Lists, and Vanity Scams"⁠

This episode is a dose of tough love from me to me, but it is a great opportunity to get real and ask ourselves how are we stopping our own growth and discovery by waiting on other people.

In this episode I also talk about:

• My trip to Mexico
• Navigating uncertainty
• Trying new things
• Agency

------------------------------ The Words with Me Podcast is a space for thought and curiosity. It’s the mission of the podcast to connect people and cultivate community through insightful conversations on a range of hot topics including healing, growing and being a late bloomer. Life can be hard, so it’s important to surround yourself with things and people that affirm and encourage you. If you are looking to enter a space to become the highest version of yourself, check out the Words with Me Podcast! Remember to share, rate and review the podcast. Join my mailing list and subscribe to my newsletter, the Open Invitation today! The Open Invitation is a newsletter that takes creating and cultivating community to a new level. Sign up today to be in the know and be the first to hear about new content and announcements: ⁠⁠⁠https://wordswithmepodcast.com/the-open-invitation/⁠ ⁠⁠ ------------------------------ Socials: Podcast Instagram: @wordswithmepodcast Personal Instagram: @karstenashleybush Check out my second channel!⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@karstenashleybush⁠

Latest YouTube video: ⁠"A Deep Dive About our Obsession with Recognition, Award Shows, Publication Lists, and Vanity Scams"

In this episode I chat about my experience with EMDR therapy! I've been in EMDR therapy for months now and it has been such a unique experience. In this episode I also talk about:

• Misconceptions around therapy
• Understanding anxiety
• The mind-body connection
• Destigmatizing trauma

Related Episode: "5. Starting Your Healing Journey, What to Expect, and Lessons Learned from Therapy"

The following resources can be used to help you find mental health treatment services, including affordable treatment for those without insurance, in your community: https://www.mhanational.org/finding-therapy

Check out this article for affordable resources: https://greatist.com/health/best-online-therapy

"What is EMDR?" https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/

Other resources (NOT SPONSORED):

• Cerebral
• BetterHelp
• Talk Space
• Therapy for Black Girls
• Black Female Therapists
• Inclusive Therapists
• Therapy in Color
• Open Counseling

------------------------------ The Words with Me Podcast is a space for thought and curiosity. It’s the mission of the podcast to connect people and cultivate community through insightful conversations on a range of hot topics including healing, growing and being a late bloomer. Life can be hard, so it’s important to surround yourself with things and people that affirm and encourage you. If you are looking to enter a space to become the highest version of yourself, check out the Words with Me Podcast! Remember to share, rate and review the podcast. Join my mailing list and subscribe to my newsletter, the Open Invitation today! The Open Invitation is a newsletter that takes creating and cultivating community to a new level. Sign up today to be in the know and be the first to hear about new content and announcements: ⁠⁠https://wordswithmepodcast.com/the-open-invitation/⁠ ⁠ ------------------------------ Socials: Podcast Instagram: @wordswithmepodcast Personal Instagram: @karstenashleybush Check out my second channel!⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@karstenashleybush⁠

Latest YouTube video: "A Very Dance-Filled Month: Come to a Video Shoot with Me, Embracing Change, & Being Present"