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What does it mean to be "brave enough" and "courageous enough"? How we define courage makes all the difference. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/myownlights)

Season 2 of By My Own Lights has officially launched. This episode is all about some life updates and how insecurity has played a role. This episode was inspired a bit by something I heard on Adam Grant's podcast WorkLife. The way he described "insecurity" is not as a lack of confidence, but a fragile confidence. Not a revelation, just a realization - insecurity is a jerk!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/myownlights)

Have you heard the serenity prayer before? "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference". Fun fact: That prayer was first written over 89 years ago and is still recited today by many regardless of their faith or beliefs. The prayer is powerful because it is a confession that we fight things we cannot control, that we are not brave enough to make changes, and that we lack true discernment for what is right for our life. In today's episode I break it down line by line, and it is worth the listen because I know you have been there. Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREE Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/myownlights)

When a project for my kid's first grade class turns into my very own life reminder. Darkness is a scary place. It doesn't matter whether it is physical darkness or emotional darkness, we respond the same ways. We become slow to act, question what is true, and snuff out the light inside of us, instead of turning it on full blast to flush out the darkness. In this episode, you'll get a few reminders on what you are equipped with and how to be light for yourself and other's.Be sure to give the show a like, follow, or subscribe and write us a review to let us know how you are enjoying the show.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/myownlights)

On one shoulder sits a pretty little angel upon a cloud eating granola and drinking kombucha, on the other is a little red horned creature eating a bag of Flaming Hot Cheetos whispering nightmares into my waking moments. I know we have our own version of the positive and negative subconscious that drives us. In today's episode it is all about my very own negative self-talk in the form of a serpent that is coiled around my throat and the ways I have to battle it daily. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/myownlights)

Extracting value and finding inspiration in heart crushing loss is hard, but it can be done, if you allow yourself. Losing someone is painful, but what you decide to do with that pain can be powerful. In this episode I share about how I have turned my pain into a way to serve others. One of the ways I have served is through American Cancer Society's Relay for Life event. It has been a part of my life for over 12 years and it is a way that I can find joy in my heartbreak of losing someone to cancer. If you or a loved one is suffering through this disease, just know, you are not alone and you do not have to feel alone in this fight. There is an amazing community of people you can connect with. One way I have connected is through my Relay family. I recommend reaching out to someone that could connect you to your local community either through American Cancer Society or through local Facebook groups, or wherever your community is, just don't do this alone, cancer is isolating enough.If you would like to contribute to my Relay for Life fundraiser, you can do so directly at http://main.acsevents.org/goto/rachaelpontious Email the podcast at Bymyownlightspodcast@gmail.com Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/myownlights)

Having dark traits doesn't mean you are not full of light. Even the brightest days have shadows within them. In this episode I share about a less than admirable trait of mine and my journey into flushing out the dark. We are perfectly imperfect, and what you choose to do with that information determines whether it will be light or darkness you share with others. My goal is always to be just a little bit better than I was yesterday, sometimes that means sitting in a state of self-reflection and asking the question "what choice will I make next?"Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/myownlights)

How often do we feel unloved and unnoticed when that is not the case? Often times people show us love through their own love language and we dismiss it because we don't understand it. Several years ago I read The Five Love Languages, by Gary Chapman and it was a game changer. In this episode, we talk about how to translate love languages so you can understand it. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/myownlights)

Take a minute and think about this: are your words, your actions, your responses, and your intentions, things that add value and kindness to this world? Or are they something that will withdraw kindness from it?We all have the choice for one or the other. SO what do your words say about your choice? Your opinions do not have to cost kindness. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/myownlights)

If I ask the question "Who are you?" what would your answer be? What is your identity? In today's episode I share my story of finding my identity in a world where others tend to define it for you. If you have any questions, comments, topic recommendations or even words of affirmation to share with us, feel free to email us at ByMyOwnLightsPodcast@gmail.com If you feel called to support this podcast, buy me a coffee @ https://www.buymeacoffee.com/myownlights Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/myownlights)

It is so easy to see the positive in everything when everything is positive, but what happens when you are sitting in the dark? Not every season or circumstance is full of sunshine. If you want to live an inspired life that will inspire others, sometimes you have to chase the light. As a podcast still in its infancy, I am working on bringing you better quality content every day. If you would like to be a part of our growth and journey you can do so in many ways. First, foremost, and free, is to follow or subscribe to By My Own Lights on your favorite podcast app (oh and feel free to leave a review, I can only grow when I know what to stick with and what to improve on). Secondly, if you feel called to support us further you can do so through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/bymyownlightspodcast or through Buy Me a Coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/myownlights. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/myownlights)

Do you buy into the fad where you pick a word to bring into the new year? It's all over social media, "what is your word for 2021?" or "what is your affirmation for 2021?" I don't always participate in this kind of thought, but this year I felt called to a word. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast so you can get notified of future episodes and if you feel called to support our podcast you can head on over to our Patreon where you can earn some exclusive perks at patreon.com/bymyownlightspodcast Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/myownlights)

You found us! So you may have stumbled onto our podcast or maybe you were deliberately looking for us, either way, we are so happy you are here. By My Own Lights is where we talk about everything that inspires others into action. We believe that leadership goes beyond the 9-5, it is really about the life you lead everyday. It's your personal life, your professional life, and your spiritual life. You will hear stories of encouragement, inspiration, and be a part of conversations with those that have inspired us over the years. We will give you practical guidance on how to live according to your own lights and inspire others in the process. As a young podcast your support means the world to us, so feel free to subscribe, share, and like our podcast. If your heart is calling for you to give, you can do so through our Patreon at patreon.com/bymyownlightspodcast HciSbIKFwy0kFDUraW1PSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/myownlights)