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This month in Live Your Story we are asking, “How can I be more present with time?” Time to truly ponder such a question seems as rare as the quest it proposes and yet if we don’t at least try to better understand where and how we spend time, we fail to fully experience life. I’ll tell you one thing I know for sure: The world with its cacophony of noise isn’t going to help us slow down and be quiet without our choosing those things and I want the ability to do both, frequently. In today’s episode I want to dip my toe into the topic of time and the possibility that we can speed up or slow down our perception of it, that we can—even in a very noisy world—seek moments of quiet reflection and greater sensory awareness to more fully immerse ourselves in present moments. I’m asking whether a “good time” is really the goal, or is it a “mindful time” that would allow us to experience and remember moments with greater enjoyment. Join me for July or the full Summer season in Live Your Story! Use code LISTEN at checkout and you won’t be charged for the first 30 days. Come see what we’re all about. Here are some LINKS to explore: The Fluidity of Time Scientists Uncover How Emotions Alter Time Perception Gordon Hempton, The Sound TrackerMindful Adventure Travel with RecalThe Quietest Parks in the U.S.

Read Julia’s past columns at The Full Suburban I’ve been reading a column in our local newspaper, The Spokesman Review for over a year now and I LOVE it. The column, The Full Suburban is created weekly by Julia Ditto. Every time I read I think, “I want to learn to write more like Julia!” Her tone is conversational and her words are packed with accessible wisdom and so much wit. Finally I did the thing that might actually help me achieve this goal. I invited her on my podcast. I know. Brilliant! I think you’ll really enjoy our conversation and be able to take away encouragement to pay more attention to what you might consider mundane. Life truly is in the details and the pen is in your hand (shout out to Natasha Bedingfield who opened today’s episode) please don’t leave your life unwritten! Julia mentioned this column as one of her favorites. Here are some others that came up: If mothers were in charge, would wars ever happen? Refocusing on family time in honor of Adam England Selfless cowboy rancher comes with the territory “Finding the funny is better than crying all the time.” — Julia Ditto There is so much more to learn from Julia and her column and I sincerely believe that the more you read what you aspire to write, the more you will be able to. I’m actually doing a follow-up deeper-dive interview with Julia for my membership, Live Your Story. If you’re not yet a member, you can get signed up here. You can read Julia’s bio on her about page!

In episode 130 I am telling you ALL about my new membership, Live Your Story. My word for 2022 is IMAGINE and what I have been imagining has now come to life. My idea now belongs to so many others too—and I’m beside myself with anticipation for what we will build together. I’m inviting you to come build with us. Come help. Be a part of a new community of people who want to intentionally infuse life with more JOY and color. People who need support for the telling of personal stories—people who also want to lend that same support to others. Live Your Story already has my heart and I’m so excited to share it with YOU! Please don’t close the book on the light you have to share. Choose to live and SHARE your story—you are important and worth the effort. I promise! The short story, White Nights by Fyodor Dostoevsky which is decidedly melancholy, introduces us to characters that in spite of disappointment are real and honest and willing to honor the needs and wants of others and to search for the meaning in sadness because without it we cannot experience JOY. I LOVE the very famous quote … “But how could you live and have no story to tell?” — Fyodor Dostoevsky 🧡 Don’t forget to use code FIRSTFREE when you subscribe one month at a time. This way you can come check things out without spending a dime. I invite you to take Live Your Story for a test drive! And, here’s the link to Julie Beck’s article in The Atlantic: Life Stories. I think you’ll also love learning more about Jonathan Adler, professor of psychology at Olin. His work is fascinating! I opened today’s episode with Andy Grammer singing Masterpiece from his album Magazines or Novels.

It’s your lucky day—not only because it’s March 17th, but because TODAY I’m sharing with you my brand NEW idea. But first, St. Patrick’s Day … 🍀 On our menu tonight …1. Corn Beef & carrots2. Roasted cabbage3. Hasselback potatoes 4. LOTS of other green food! Everything I currently do and have done for years to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day—ALL the fun traditions—were are one point in time an idea. And idea that I read about or heard or found on Pinterest. I LOVE what ideas become. Ideas are powerful. Ideas change the world. Today I’m sharing FIVE things I think we ought to do with a NEW idea: PLAY with it. PROTECT it—but only for a time! Give it PLACE (and space) in your heart and in your life to grow. Make PLANS with it. Ask it LOTS of questions and write down the answers that come. And finally, PUBLISH it. That last one gets us, doesn’t it. Publishing an idea is a practice in vulnerability and so we think and say things like, “It’s not done yet or it’s too early, I need to perfect this idea” and what we can’t understand or don’t fully realize is that no idea fully develops in isolation. Ideas are finished AFTER they are publicly shared. It’s other people that help us progress and eventually perfect our ideas. BIG and little ideas must be put into motion before they can make any waves! They must be exchanged with other idea-holders before they can be fully realized. “If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.” — George Bernard Shaw To this end, I am sharing my brand NEW idea today! I have created a MEMBERSHIP, called Live Your Story and I want YOU to be a part of it—from the ground up—the very beginning! Whether you are a new or longtime listener, you made your way here today and I’m giving you the chance to come experience a crazy, creative, colorful community of memory makers and storytellers. Click HERE to learn more and then use the code: LISTEN to save $20 on the monthly subscription. Essentially, you’ll get April for FREE! Together we are going to LIVE our stories, by engaging with life and by intentionally inviting the inspiration we need to organize and document the details of life and preserve who we are in beautifully simple and impactful ways. 🍀 And PLEASE click this link to read and copy/paste the amazing essay on the magic of ideas by Elizabeth Gilbert. Seriously …Save it Share it Print itLiz’s idea about ideas is brilliant and true.

I’m in Disneyland this week. I’m here with my favorite Star Wars nerd (my son, Chase). We’ve officially experienced the planet Batuu and helped the Resistance in their rise against The First Order. In other words, we have had an amazingly immersive time—just as I imagined we would. I thought last week—since this was my planned destination—I would talk about this one-of-a-kind place and share a few things I have learned. I am NOT a Disney expert or even really an aficionado. I don’t own a single pair of ears. I couldn’t bring myself to spend the money for a T-shirt, and haven’t been here—in Anaheim, CA—for 8 years. But, I do love coming and I love what Disney stands for. Imagineer, John Hench says it this way … “What’s our success formula? It’s attention to infinite detail, the little things, the minor picky points that others just don’t want to take the time, money or effort to do” Disney is in the details. Nearly twelve years ago, my friend (and former business partner), Kayce and I attended The Disney Institute and for three days, we learned all about the history, vision and leadership behind this “most admired company in the world” and the 50+ years of magic that brings people back again and again. Walt and Mortimer! No, wait … it’s Mickey, ha! Have a listen as I share a few of the behind the scenes I’ve learned, then let me hear from you. What are your best Disney memories? What FUN and fascinating facts do you know? Where are my true Disney Addicts? Talk to me! And, speaking of Disney, cue the pixie dust, because I decided that my 2022 word of the year is IMAGINE. I’m super excited in 2022 to explore and then better practice my personal imagining. And, how serendipitous that I’ve been walking around for two full days (some 36,000 steps) in the still unfolding visionary details of what Walt imagined and began all those years ago. ““Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, and dreams are forever.”” — Walt Disney It’s easy to imagine details we know will be noticed, but as I draw from Walt’s example and then think about my family, my home and my work, I want to also imagine and pay attention to the kind of details that make a huge difference in less obvious ways … like Disney trash cans! A magical scene. A magical clean! “Give the people everything you can give them. Keep the place as clean as you can!” — Walt Disney

Today I’m sharing my New Year Nine! In a pandemic-stricken world that has wrecked our sense of control, it’s nice to know that we are very much in charge of LOTS of life-extending and life-enhancing factors. Today I’m exploring a list of “control centers” A few years ago I listened frequently to podcasts from Peter Attia—a medical doctor who specializes in longevity. In one particular episode (that I haven’t been able to locate) he shared a list of 8 things humans have control of that directly effect their vitality and longevity. I still have this list in my Notes app. I like the simplicity of his list and the reminder that we make choices every single day that influence our well being. Dr. Attia inspired me to make my own list, that I’ll now be calling my New Year NINE — as I head into 2022—there are nine areas of my life that I have total, empowering and liberating control over. Photo by Miguel Bruna on Unsplash “Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish!” — Steve Jobs Think about the things you are “in control” of and then make small efforts—or micro goals—in those areas. I hope that what I share may encourage you to consider your own list along with thoughts about what you can and want to change or improve. My MORNING What I EAT How I MOVE How I SLEEP How I REST How I TALK to myself (mindset) How CONNECTED I feel to others My Sense of PURPOSE My EFFORT Thanks for listening. I’d LOVE to hear your feedback. Leave me a comment or a SpeakPipe message and Happy New Year 🥳 NOTE: You can learn more about Peter Attia HERE. The podcast episode from Jon Acuff that I mentioned is HERE. I opened this episode with 22 by Taylor Swift.

I decided I have exactly enough time for a podcast episode this week. AND, it’s great to be back because I had a recent experience that is shaping how I will approach this 2021 holiday season and I can’t wait to share it with you. I’m certain you’ve seen and probably followed a large vehicle bearing an Oversize Load banner before. Imagine if as we moved through our days and interacted with people we could see an indication of what kind of load they were carrying? I was invited this year to participate as an influencer with the Light the World campaign and since this is one of my FAVORITE ways to celebrate December it took about 3 nano seconds for me to accept. You can easily come along on this light-filled journey. Start by printing the calendar below—but don’t limit yourself to these daily suggestions. The whole idea is to be YOU and to intentionally let your light shine so that together we can lessen the collective load. Our recent history has been heavy for sure, but there are things we can do! Click HERE to download If like a sweet friend of mine you are personally carrying an Overside Load—try even brief moments of outward focus—these efforts can be healing. Start small by planning random acts of kindness—just one a day—and then keep track by writing in a journal or building a kindness chain. I cut small strips of paper and keep them on my kitchen window sill. This helps me remember. Yesterday, on my second trip to the grocery story (I forgot garlic and sour cream) I asked Dana the checker what her favorite candy is (M&Ms) and I bought her a bag. She must have said, “Thank you” 5 times! “There is this: Getting up each day and going towards love & kindness & other things that take the hurt away & and if it’s not always easier to go that that, that’s never been enough of a reason for me to stop.” — Kai Skye (Brian Andreas) Near the end of a recent small group class on building emotional resilience, we gathered items to take to three local urgent care locations. We wrote notes (of course) but we also recorded a short video message—linked it to this QR code—and dropped the baskets off. Again, to see the appreciation on (masked) faces of people who have extended themselves in heroic ways during this pandemic is clear evidence that simple recognition is a powerful form of service. My final thoughts today are developing into an analogy about how our individual efforts and influence across time and space (think tiny stars) create patterns or constellations of kindness; in our own lives for sure, but also in far reaching ways—even across a vast sky. Just do the good you can, as often as you can and trust that you are a much needed point in a bigger picture—one that may help others navigate a difficult journey! Image HERE. A Bonner Family Christmas (Amazon affiliate link) To open this episode I played a portion of Let’s Light The World from the A Bonner Family Christmas album. Learn more about The Bonner Family on their Facebook page. ⭐️ #lighttheworld ⭐️ Looking for a transcript of this episode? Click here to download.

Today I’m sharing a few changes in my life—new opportunities—that have and will require a shift in priorities. I have actually loved —for a LONG time—the idea of understanding values, creating priorities and using both to improve personal productivity. I often say that this podcast isn’t about productivity, but it is about being present in your life, because you create the time you need to do and share what you LOVE most of all. In a way, Exactly Enough Time is all about prioritizing what matters! Way back in 2007-ish, inspired by Todd Henry, I created a personal 6-word bio:Teaching Awareness and Gratitude, Sprinkled with FUN! It’s interesting how what I wanted to be known for then is still true today. These six words are in fact closely aligned with my top priorities. And now, as I am choosing to take on new teaching roles I’m working to remind myself of principles that have guided me in the past. I’m always curious what people “Google” about different topics. So, I googled “priorities” and I’m sharing here a screen shot of the most popular queries. I like the first one: What are your top 3 priorities in life?That does seem like something you might want to know and stick to doesn’t it? I do hope as I ramble on today with some recent personal experiences and decisions that you might feel inspired to think carefully about how you are investing your …Time & attentionMoney & resourcesEnergy & focus “I can tell by looking at your bank account and your calendar what you care about. Because that’s where you spend your time and your money.” — Dave Ramsey In doing some learning and research (again) I’ve come across some “old” favorites, like Dave Ramsey, Stephen R. Covey and (already mentioned) Todd Henry—clearly you can learn more about these awesome humans, their influential work and philosophies on prioritization and solutions on your own, by their books and all, but … HERE and HERE for Dave RamseyHERE and HERE for Todd Henryand HERE for Stephen R. CoveyI first learned Covey principle at a Franklin Time Management seminar—before Franklin become Franklin Covey. I’ll never forget the process we were all guided through as we determined our top priorities and finally our TOP priority. It was the first time I was introduced to the idea of urgent and important. For this episode I learned more about this idea and its genesis. It is originally the Eisenhower Principle and has now become one of the most popular and powerful time management tools in organizations and business. ⏰ You’ve likely seen this principle set up in a matrix—or quadrant—where you can visually see or list items on your to-do list as important and urgent (do these first), not urgent but important (plan to do these things), urgent but not important (delegate as many of these things as possible) and not urgent and not important (eliminate these things)    “Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least.” — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Because of his exploration and writing on color, I have to share this quote by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. He will always be a favorite of mine!Priorities really do matter. As I outlined my thoughts for today, I realized that mine are clearly represented at the top of my Instagram account …Faith 📖 Family ❤️ Color 🎨 Nature 🌿 Whole Food 🥑 + Chocolate 🍫 & Story 📒These are the things I care most about, strive to focus on and love to share—always!I have TONS to learn—especially as I take on new roles and try new things, but some things don’t change and I like that. I will always LOVE ideas 💡and I will always LOVE sharing ideas. All of this to say that I will continue to produce this podcast, just not weekly. I need right now to let go of a weekly deadline. I so appreciate listeners who will stick around! If you want to know when new episodes are available, you can subscribe on iTunes, follow me on Instagram or sign-up for my newsletter—just go to my homepage and scroll down. LOOK for this green box and enter your email address! As always, I’d LOVE to hear from YOU. Please stay in touch!🎙I opened today’s episode with the song, Yes! by songwriter Tim Myers. The lyrics are here!

One of the main reasons I started a podcast is to share ideas. Sometimes these ideas just happen to also be products and today I have an amazing idea and story-based product to share with you. I am chatting with Drew Vernon, marketing director for Tonies, USA, but this is not a sponsored episode. Drew and I have similar passions for creative play and screen-free storytelling that develops a young person’s imagination. We both love inspiring creativity in kids and adults and of course for me, it’s always about stories and connection. I think you’re really going to enjoy Drew and this conversation which is a chance to learn about a product that should be championed and shared. So, what exactly is this product that promotes ALL of these things? It’s a Toniebox. In simple terms it is a box that even very young children can learn to use which plays audio when you attach a small figure, called a Tonie. There are content Tonies for dozens of beloved characters, from classic literature to Disney movies with more on the way. In fact, Winnie the Pooh was just added! And Tonies is continually partnering with companies—like Go Noodle and with expert personalities—like LeVar Burton—to provide top notch content and an inspiring and elevating listening experience. Even with all of this amazing content, I am still a BIGGER fan of the Creative Tonies (little pointy-eared figures) that work with a FREE app to allow a grandparent (or any other loved one) to send messages and stories to a child. The Creative Tonie also allows kids to create their own content. Drew talks about giving his kids some creative parameters that unleashed 45 minutes of imaginative play—so cool! And, I can just imagine recording my voice sharing a personal, family or family history story in my app and having that instantly made available and enticing to my granddaughter and future grandkids! “Audio stories take children on a journey from consuming to creating. First they create active listeners and then they turn those listeners into authors. ” — Drew Vernon IF you’re a teacher, learn more about Tonies for Teachers and sign up to be in the loop moving forward! 🔴 Marketing from Tonies: Childhood is a sacred, precious time in life. Even long after we’ve grown, the memories we make in childhood have the power to transport us back to a time or place or person to re-experience what we felt in that moment long ago. The stories we fall in love with in the early days and years of our lives transcend simple entertainment, they seed powerful memories and spark nostalgia. They teach us about the world and about each other. They become a part of a narrative we carry with us throughout our lives. Meet the FoundersWe are Patric Faßbender and Marcus Stahl and we created tonies with one thing in mind: our kids. Childhood should be a magical time full of big adventures and loveable memories. We wanted to create a way for kids to experience storytelling in a digital age, that stimulates their imagination in ways that a screen can’t. We made the Toniebox for kids (and parents) who want to feel good about their entertainment at home and to bring back imagination in its purest form.We built tonies to be an immersive, wondrous experience you can feel good about, but more importantly a community you can be part of now and for many years to come. With quality screen-free audio, we can actually enable our kids as active learners so that they can develop the imagination to become the thought leaders and entrepreneurs who will drive innovation in the future. Click HERE to learn about LeVar Burton’s challenge and contest—AND—be sure to visit tonies.com and take advantage of the promo code toniepodcast to save yourself 15% on any purchases you make! AND, Great news. I also have a Toniebox to give away!To make yourself eligible for a random drawing, please leave a comment below. I’m off to a young women’s camp next week, but I’ll be back to tell you more. Make sure you’re following me on Instagram @stacyjulian for all the details. One more thing: Kind of a side note, but Drew is producing a podcast, titled Childhood with his young daughter, Audrey. It’s pretty special. You might want to listen! ☀️ REMEMBER: I am taking August OFF with my podcast, but I will be back on Thursday, September 2nd. Enjoy this month and use it to have more FUN. Be intentional with your opportunity to play, refresh and reset for fall.

I descend from pioneer stock. This means almost ALL of my ancestors on both sides of my family emigrated to this country as it was expanding west from colonies into territories and eventually states. Many of these ancestors were early converts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and came to America in an effort to gather with other saints (or members). They came by ship and by train and then they worked their way across the west by covered wagon and handcart—they from Denmark, Scotland, England and Germany to the unsettled areas beyond the Rocky Mountains. July 24th is Pioneer Day. The day that the first group of “saints” reach what is today, Salt Lake City. In Utah, Pioneer Day is a BIG deal. It is also a day that members of my church love to celebrate—regardless of where we live. Today I’m going to tell you the story of Ann Temperance George—one of these pioneers. I’m also going to tell you about a local Trek event that my daughter and other teens participated in last weekend. I will also share a poem that one youth wrote. 16 Miles, 233 SmilesGretchen Carter My feet sending up thick clouds of dust. Flanked by my family who held my trust. Sweat beading on my forehead, my tired legs feeling like lead. Muscles aching from pushing along. But the help of God has made me strong. The Spirit bonding us in unity, the youth of Zion a strong community. A powerful love for the pioneers, with their faith in God chasing all fears. Lifting my chin as I pushed the handcart, I felt the Spirit speaking to my heart. Women's Pull singing "There is Peace in Christ.” Tears in my eyes thinking of His sacrifice. Times when I thought I just might quit, I was reminded that I could do it. My ancestor's hand was on my back. Proof that He's there, keeping me on track. I strive to let go of all my doubt, all the times I thought of backing out. I realized I needed Christ to feel peace. I decided my doubt would now cease. Never in my life has God left my side, I must not leave Him, I complied. Trek has been full of great faith and great fun. Even through the dirt and dust and hot sun. In the place of my ancestor made me realize, the faith of the pioneers never dies. It sings in our hearts as we walk the trail. To our ancestors and Christ do we hail. Never forget the experiences we faced, don't let the Spirit we felt go to waste. Not after we trekked sixteen miles, angels watching our 233 smiles. After sharing my story, I have 3 take aways for YOU: Tell your story. Everything I know about Ann George Doney I know because of someone else. I have Ann’s story (gratefully) through other people, who knew her or shared experiences with her. I think often how amazing it would be to have even a few lines that she herself wrote. Do some family history. Who are your pioneers? Who pushed ahead to change the course of your family line’s story and future. Who was your first ancestor to get a college education or to travel for work or run for political office or serve in a war? Share the why behind your faith. A personal story based in WHY is always a powerful thing. People can question or criticize what you choose to believe, but they cannot argue with personal conviction or feelings that motivate your faith-based choices. Share your faith-filled why—especially with youth who are making their way in the world. Just for FUN and because I found it on YouTube, here is a short video that highlights statistics of early Mormon pioneers mixed with images that depict modern pioneers. It’s true that we all pioneer in our own unique ways and that is something to recognize and document!

I recently stayed at my brother’s house and picked up an issue of National Geographic and read an article titled, Why Travel Should be Considered an Essential Human Activity by author and speaker, Eric Weiner. I loved reading his thoughts on travel and decided I wanted to share some of my own go-see-do AND learn experiences in today’s episode. I started by opening my Notes app and adding to list I started last year of ALL the places I’ve been. Next to each I want to briefly describe an experience or take away from my time there. Of course anyone can do this, but most people never will. I get it. We’re busy. But I also believe there are ways to document—even personal ways—that can be worked into the busiest of days. At the end of the episode I’m inviting you to join me for a NEW online class, called Quick Trip Travel (so stay tuned). So, as I was doing a little digging for an opening song, I came across Brenda Tharp, her photography and blog. I loved this from her … Changes in latitude, changes in attitude … I have always loved that phrase in Jimmy Buffet’s popular song. When we move about the country or world, the changes in our latitude bring about changes in our attitude. How could they not? We are experiencing new scenery, new ways the light illuminates the land, possibly new birds and animals. We are meeting new people, having fresh experiences, and I don’t know about you, but this always opens my heart and soul to see and appreciate the places I visit. Look more about Brenda and her work here:Outdoor Photographer & Blogger My opportunities to travel a bit—both inside the United States and abroad—have changed me. What I have seen has amazed me and often challenged my thinking. People and cities and museums and historical sites help me shape new thoughts and beliefs. I’ve stood in Trafalgar Square and at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial. I’ve sat in the shade of the Golden Temple in Kyoto, Japan and I’ve been in Nelson Mandela’s house in Soweto, South Africa. I’ve floated a river in Belize that winds through dark caves and jungle. It doesn’t really matter where I go or what I do. Each time and in every place I understand more clearly what I do NOT know, and as counterintuitive as it sounds, I really like that. In fact, this is the main reason I still want to travel—a lot. Especially after a pandemic that has threatened our wanderings. I’ve admired too many people and cultures that I had previously only known in text books or on Wikipedia pages and I’m simply not done learning about and exploring this BIG, strange, beautiful and inspiring world that we live in. “Travel is not a rational activity. It makes no sense to squeeze yourself into an alleged seat only to be hurled at frightening speed to a distant place where you don’t speak the language or know the customs. All at great expense. If we stopped to do the cost-benefit analysis, we’d never go anywhere. And yet we do. ” — Eric Weiner My hope is that something I share today will inspire you to plan a trip—to the lake, to a national monument or park or to a new country halfway across the world. 📸 Of course what I most want to do is help you document some of the travel-related pictures you’ve already taken and some of the thoughts and experiences you don’t want to forget. This is why I’m inviting you to join me for Quick Trip Travel —my latest online class. Unlike my yearlong courses this class doesn’t require tons of time and is totally affordable. In it I will share step-by-step my FAVORITE method for quickly documenting trips and travel. You’ll decide what size album you want to create and I’ll show you how to build your own kit from new purchases or your stash of pretty papers and embellishments. IF you don’t want to expand that kind of energy, you can purchase a Story by Stacy Short Story kit from Close To My Heart and know that you have everything you need. Watch this video and then use this LINK to learn more and know that as soon as you register, you can begin preparing with materials posted in the classroom. IF you have any questions, don’t be shy. Reach out. Email me stacy@stacyjulian.com or send me a DM on Instagram @stacyjulian . ❤️ I opened this episode with the song, Changes in Latitude … by the legendary Jimmy Buffet AND, I played a SpeakPipe message from Julie F. who will be receiving a Story Starter kit from my Story by Stacy line with Close To My Heart.

I have a new friend to share with you today. She is Chanelle Neilson and she is a life coach who helps women and particularly moms with a side hustle who want to organize their day and find balance between family and personal goals. As a mom of 5 kids, Chanelle knows that motherhood has its challenges—that’s why she is passionate about helping moms simplify so they can prioritize what matters and define success for themselves. She is the former host and creator of the popular Moms Who Know Podcast and the author of Parents Who Know, which has been translated into Chinese. LOOK! I arrived home and found a small package from Chanelle. She sent me her favorite dark chocolate bar. You can learn more here. When I got home today from a long drive and found a package from Chanelle—with dark chocolate inside—I knew that I had done a very good thing in bringing her on the show, ha! But, in all seriousness, I’m a BIG champion of the recommendations that Chanelle makes during our conversation. Here are a few that really jumped out at me … You must begin any endeavor—especially where balance is important to you—with your own declaration and definition of what success looks like! Get rid of distraction. When you are working, work. When you are with your family, be with your family. Chanelle uses the Facebook News Eradicator which replaces your entire news feed with an inspiring quote—how cool and freeing is that? Create memorable moments with children and family members. No one can realistically be available to others 24-7, but you can in very intentionally ways create focused moments that send the message, “YOU matter to me!” “When juggling as much as you are, remember that some balls are glass and some are rubber. You can’t drop the glass balls. ” — Nora Roberts Of course the main take away—that I can’t seem to take away enough is that I need to take care of me first. Always. Not in a selfish way, but in a way that actually always and empowers me to be more generous and giving and better equipped to do the things I’ve been called to do. The things that I’m passionate about. I think after listening you’re going to want to get to know Chanelle even more and you can do that best over on her Facebook page, Chanelle Neilson Coaching. Chanelle also mentioned Jessica Jackson’s podcast, Thriving in Motherhood which I will be checking out very soon!

I have this cute air freshener that hangs in my car that says, “Do more of what makes you forget to look at your phone!” The other day I was thinking how absolutely absurd that would have sounded to someone living before the year 2000. I mean why on earth would they be looking at their phone or perhaps not wanting to look at it too much? As we daily navigate this constantly evolving and advancing digital and media-rich world, we are witnesses to unprecedented technological changes AND change is always the genesis for story. Today’s micro show is an opportunity for you to think about your personal tech story. What are the moments, events, purchases and interactions that are most memorable looking back now and what are the details you don’t want to forget in the future? 📲 Does anyone else remember memorizing their phone number and actually “dialing” it on a rotary phone? How about when buttons replaced the dial, or the first time you experienced caller I.D.? Today I use my smart phone to pay for my groceries, to take amazing photos and capture and edit video, to listen to books and podcasts, to text family and friends and post to social media. I make all of my appointments—with reminders and alarms and keep notes on all kinds of topics. I also … oh yeah, make calls! My hope is that what I share might spark memories and ideas for you, so that you will open that Notes app and start documenting your tech story. What are the gizmos and gadgets have you geeked out over and what changes have you seen come and go? What tools, devices and modern conveniences have you lived without and yet now become dependent on? When is the last time you tried to explain something to a parent or had someone younger try to explain something to you? Here’s a little video flip-through of a layered story in my scrapbooks. I call this concept Extended Story and I designed and developed products with Close to My Heart that make compiling LOTS of photos and juicy details into a cohesive and interesting whole. The BEST way to learn more about Extended Stories is to purchase the Storyteller How-To book, which actually reviews each of the concepts in my Story by Stacy line. It’s full color and a steal of a deal at just $9.95. ❤️ Thanks for listening! Let me hear from YOU. I want to help you gather and document pictures and stories across time!

In truth this episode is about so much MORE than summer reading. What memories do you have of your local library? Who taught you to hold a book and how to read? Think about the way you use reading, writing, listening and learning to engage with the world? Would you like to more easily find books for your child/teen and help them fall in love with reading? Have you ever wanted to just pick the librarian’s brain? 📚 This is your lucky day. All this and summer reading today with my amazing sister, Hillary in episode 118. Hillary Hall is a teacher librarian and a wealth of information when it comes to literacy and books—at least she is my go to when I have questions—and I have wanted to have her as a guest for a very long time. She is married to my brother, Cougar (who I interviewed in episode 45) and she works at her local middle school where she creates the library experience and curates the collection for over 1400 students + teachers. I love the quote that Hillary paraphrased when she talked about literacy in our rising generation … ““...adolescents entering the adult world in the 21st century will read and write more than at any other time in human history, They will need advanced levels of literary to perform their jobs, run the households, act as citizens, and conduct their personal lives. They will need lieteracyto cope with the flood of information they will find everywhere they turn. They will need literacy to feed their imaginations so they an crate the world of the future. In a complex and sometimes even dangerous world, their ability to read will be crucial. Continual instruction behind the early grades is needed?” — (Moore, Bean, Birdyshaw, & Rycik, 1999, p. 3) Content Area Reading in What's New in Literacy After you listen, you’ll want to check out these resources …Once Upon a Book ClubCreating the ultimate reading experience that allows readers to fully integrate into a book by opening notes and small gifts specifically paired for particular parts of a story—AND—giving them a "Book Club" community, where they can log onto Instagram and discuss the book with other members each month. There is something magical about turning words of a book into an actual physical object. It's like bringing the book to life @onceuponabookclubbox on instagramOwl CrateChoose a 1, 3 or 6 month plan and then anticipate a new book, high quality book-ish items and special exclusives from the author. Each box has a creative theme that ties everything together. Such a great way to send the message to a young person that reading is a gift—it matters! Fairy LootThis monthly book subscription is for lovers of fantasy in particular—subscriptions are currently on hold (probably due to high demand) but, there is a waiting list. When your new book arrives you can also participate with online read-a-longs and hear special interviews with authors. Novel ListHas been connecting readers, books and libraries for over 25 years—and their blog is full of ideas and additional resources to make the most of your reading. Did you know that June is Audio Books month?If you’re deciding what to read next, you’ve likely heard of Good Reads because that’s what they do—give decidedly insightful recommendations and access to ongoing discussions around the books you’re curious about. I LOVE the tagline at Common Sense Media—it says, “Reviews for what your kids are into (before they get into it!)” And they means books, TV & movies, apps , video games and more! If you’ve been wondering IF you should let your teen read or watch something, now you can find out!OverDrive allows you to read FREE audio books and videos through your local library and school, using their app, Libby. For Android and iOsIn addition to these resources, I asked Hillary to share a handful of books that she loves and recommends—for young—and not so young—adults … American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins Restart by Gordon Korman Shipwreck at The Bottom of The World by Jennifer Armstrong All Thirteen by Christina Soontornvat Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman Everything Sad is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri Anxious People by Fredrik Backman I LOVE how Hillary remind us that books are both windows and mirrors in their ability to show us another person, place, time or view and that they often introduce characters in whom we see a reflection of ourselves—we relate in some way to them through our own personal experiences and challenges. If you have already read or choose to read (or listen) to any of these books, I want to know! Leave a comment here or reach out to me. Use the contact form at stacyjulian.com or send me a message on Instagram @stacyjulian AND, thank you for listening!

My friend Paige happens to LOVE paper—a LOT—and that will make more sense after you listen to my intro, but truly, you are in for a huge treat today because I am sitting down with Paige Taylor Evans to talk about her journey to here and her amazing and distinctive memory keeping style. Image from Paige’s Pages #18 at Big Picture Classes Paige Evans has been scrapbooking since she was 16 years old when she got her very first job at a local scrapbook store in Redmond, Washington. It’s now been 20 years and she loves what she does as much today as she did back then. Known as Paige Taylor Evans across social channels, she has 12 signature scrapbooking collections with American Crafts and a 13th which will be released next week! She has taught classes in 7 states and 9 countries. In her own words, her “jam” is teaching others how to create eye-catching & colorful layouts as well as mini albums and coptic bookbinding. Paige resides in the suburbs of Denver, Colorado with her husband of 14 years, their son Fox, and daughter Jane. The Evans boast a menagerie of pets, including Joey the dog, Rachel the cat, and a bunny named Phoebe. Paige is dedicated to living her dream of creating something every day! Image from Paige’s Pages #18 at Big Picture Classes Image from Paige’s Pages #18 at Big Picture Classes Image from Paige’s Pages #18 at Big Picture Classes Please explore the following resources for connecting with and learning from Paige: Website: http://www.paigetaylorevans.com/instagram: https://instagram.com/paigetaylorevansYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PaigeTaylorEvansFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/happyscrappyplace/Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/pagebypaigePinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/paigeevans/ ✂️ If you’re looking to purchase products in Paige’s collections, check out Scrapbook.com ✂️ GREAT NEWS: Paige will be releasing her next collection—next week on June 16th—so make sure after you listen that you’re following her so you don’t miss anything. You can sign up for her newsletter HERE.

Who wants to have ✨MORE FUN✨ with photos this summer? Awesome. This listen is for YOU! I have FIVE ideas to share. Let’s go! Create a Re-TakeThis is my number ONE idea because it is EASY and can be entirely hilarious. Your kids or friends and family members are almost always “game” because it feels like a game. Start by looking back through older summer photos—your favorites—and find one or two or ten that you could “re-take” this year. Then when the time or location presents itself see how close you can get to recreating what once was!The photo here is a 2016 re-take that celebrates a much earlier version taken in 1994. I’ll scan and add that original when I find it! Click to enlarge Dear Photograph This idea is to return a photo to its original setting and take another photo. The original photo here was taken on the 4th of July in 2007 at my parent’s home and then just before they moved in 2016, I printed that photo, took it with us and on the 4th of July lifted it up in that original setting and took another picture—this concept, website and book are the brain child of Taylor Jones. You can buy the book HERE. Click to enlarge Make it MonochromaticHere’s the gist: Let everyone know what COLOR you’ll be wearing and then add in props that match! We did this last summer in my FIVE happiest colors of Red, Turquoise, Yellow, Orange and Green and it was oh so silly and exactly what we needed. 🌈 THIS all started when my friend, Heather sent me an Instagram DM on May 1st, 2020. What she shared changed our summer. Learn more about family documentary photographer Rowena Meadows by clicking on her name. Click to enlarge The Flat Stanley Project, developed by Dale Hubert connects kids to new locations and new people. Why not borrow this idea and use it when you travel. Bring along someone you LOVE! Bring Someone—or something—with YOU!In Flat Stanley fashion, enlarge someone’s face—maybe a family member or even a funny photo of a famous person—attach this photo to a paint stick and take them with you. Whenever you are and whatever you are doing, when it’s time for the group photo, pull out your flat friend and make them a part of the experience. You could also select an easy prop like cheap sunglasses, colorful hats or a sign or some kind to add to your celebrations—to mark them as part of your summer adventures. My family will be posing with a letter “J” and wearing cheap sunglasses in YELLOW (of course!) Shoot in SilhouetteYou’ve seen them before and their quite often stunning—so why not decide to create your own—as often as you can this season. Try to remember two things really—SUN & SHAPE—because a silhouetted photo is shot into the SUN (or light source) and because it is more visually interesting when the outlines has a unique shape—these photos don’t document the details of facial expression, but can be just as fun, are super eye catching and fun to share. Check out these 10 Tips for Taking Stunning Silhouette Photos with an iPhone 📲OK, that’s it. The whole idea is to decide ahead of time what kind of photos you want to capture. Make this effort a part of your summer planning and creative workflow, so that in a few months you’ve got something really FUN to DO something with. ☀️📸💦🍉 Intentional playfulness is the secret and I’m excited to hear if you take me up on any of these ideas OR if these ideas inspire something memorable and unique for you. I want to hear!AND … don’t forget to tell me about your favorite summer books—for my upcoming Summer Reading episode.🎙IF you like this podcast, please subscribe and leave a review on whichever podcast listening app you use!

Today’s show invites exploration of the awareness and authentic happiness found in things that don’t make sense. The next time you think, this will take too long or I really shouldn’t spend my money on that, or this isn’t the best use of my time—stop and ask yourself WHY you think those things? “I fear we sometimes forgo immediate, positive results in exchange for sensibilities based on eventualities that may not even occur. ” — Me (I said that!) I’m not saying we shouldn’t be thoughtful and intelligently investigate options when it’s very important. I am saying that it simply cannot be very important ALL the time, so let go (sometimes) and decide to leverage present JOY by losing track of time, being a little silly or relishing the ordinary. I will specifically talk about the following efforts: Homemade Mayonaise Potting Flowers Using Decorative Napkins (all the time!) Cleaning Under the Sink Painting the Stairs (Pinterest style) 🥚 As promised, here’s my recipe for mayonnaise 1 (warm) Egg1/4 Cup Avocado oil1/2 tsp. Dry MustardPinch of SaltCombine these ingredients in a food processor and then (slowly) add 1 additional cup of avocado oil. When mixture is fully emulsified you can add the juice of 1/2 fresh lemon if you like—and a tad more salt if desired. Yes, it takes a little time, but it’s 100% worth it. “It has taken awhile, but I certainly do know it now ­­– the most wonderful gift I had, the gift I finally learned to cherish above all else, was the gift of all those perfectly ordinary days.” — Katrina Kenison These are my colorful “Pinterest” stairs. I LOVE them and they send me happy vibes every time I walk up them! If you were to throw caution to the wind and paint something bold, what would it be? Could you grant creative license to a child or teen in your home? Your assignment after listening to today’s episode is to observe an upcoming silly holiday, like National Hamburger Day (May 28th) or Paper Clip Day (May 29th). You should probably also buy chocolate milk and serve it for dinner—with a colorful straw! AND, by all means, buy some impractical sandals or FUN shoes for summer. 🎙 Thanks to Allison Little for the SpeakPipe message. She’ll be receiving a Story Starter kit in the mail courtesy of Close To My Heart, who sponsors this portion of my podcast. AND, don’t forget to watch my NEW (free) class over on the Close To My Heart YouTube channel!📚 Remember too to tell me about your favorite books for my upcoming episode on Summer Reading! If you need to know how to send me a SpeakPipe message? Click HERE.

I’ve always felt like memory keeping is more of a lifestyle than a hobby. Today’s micro show is about easy things you can do to support your desire to document life even as you are living it. “Life is nothing more than a stream of experiences, the more widely and deeply you swim in it, the richer your life will be. ” — Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi I’ll share FIVE things I’ve done recently that are “scrapbook-y” … Engage intentionally with children, family members and friends in small pockets of time. While driving last week, Addie and I paired words to a familiar tune to create a song for our little Audrey. Since then, Addie has been practicing on the piano. ✂️ TIP: When running errands in the car, split the drive time up so that you have time to interact with fellow passengers AND relax while listening to music or podcasts. Kids will learn to anticipate both aspects of drive time and you’ll create memorable moments together. Use a Notes app to capture details and descriptions about the things you’ve been experiencing. I did this on a morning walk last week when I used the built-in microphone to dictate my first-ever experience with rolled ice-cream! ✂️TIP: Use technology and tools on the go as often as you can to capture—not only photos—but names, dates and sensory details that help you write about experiences so they can become memories in your scrapbooks. Digitize older prints and documents with your smart phone in small batches. Most of us have boxes of older prints and memorabilia that need our attention and that feels overwhelming, but tackling these collections a little here and a little there is the answer! ✂️TIP: Place an older print or document on a flat surface in natural (indirect) light and take a photo. Then use an editing app—like PicTapGo—to straighten, crop and restore color. You won’t believe how EASY it is to bring precious bits of your past into your current digital library. Take photos of YOU doing the things you enjoy doing. It’s so important to notice tasks, activities and daily efforts that you enjoy or excel at and THEN ask someone to photograph you. If you’re the memory keeper you’re likely not used to being in front of the camera and yet the story you are most qualified to tell is your story and you’re going to need great images to work with. ✂️TIP: Ask a spouse, child, friend or even a neighbor to take your photo OR (again) take advantage of technology that we so often underutilize. Did you know that you can use the Camera Remote app on an Apple Watch to capture photos of you at a distance? Here are the step-by-step directions! Start using unique hashtags in your social sharing to tag photos and posts for easy search. Anytime you publish details about a person, place or thing you care about on Facebook or Instagram add a unique hashtag in the caption. ✂️TIP: I simply string full names together (first name + middle or maiden name + last name) as a like #stacyhalljulian and add these to posts. Then you can either click on these personal tags to pull up additional content OR use the search tool to find all instances in your social sharing when these tags have been applied. Just make sure your tags are unique to you! My guess is that YOU are already doing some of these things and that more than anything you need to recognize daily efforts as being essential and important in your process. You are likely doing better than you think you are. Let go of crazy expectations and celebrate ALL that you do to more fully experience and appreciate life. ❤️ I share a SpeakPipe message that Allison Horn sent, so she’ll be receiving a StoryStarter kit from the Story by Stacy line at Close To My Heart.

I’ve known of and loved my guest today for years. She is Kolette Hall and she made a BIG splash in the memory keeping world several years ago and then during my years with Big Picture Classes, she was a sought after instructor. You’ll be glad to know she is still here and she continues to move forward regardless of life’s twists and turns. Kolette oozes inspiration. She is warm and interested and brave—AND—she is a widow. We are going to talk about that and we’re going to talk about her latest accomplishment—published author. Kolette has just written a book, Messy Victories and my copy is on its way. I’ve already read a couple of chapters and it’s so good. Filled with personal experiences, struggles, stories and sound advice in a super conversational tone, she combines details from her life and that of her late husband, *Jason. Trust me, Kolette’s example of blazing her new path forward and beautifully guiding her son, Coleman, following the unexpected death of Jason will give you courage to endure your own challenges and turn them into the next right thing. Kolette has also just finished certifying as a life coach—she is The Purpose Creating and Decision-Making Coach for Women. She helps women discover their purpose as they decide, “What’s next for me?” *Jason Hall broke his neck when he was 15 years old and lived the rest of his life in a wheelchair. Kolette and Jason were married for 27 years and were working on a book when he died unexpectedly in the middle of the project. Kolette has now written this book instead. It’s called Messy Victories and it is brimming with real life—everyday frustration, incredible hardship, joy, laughter and overcoming. Learn more about Kolette on her website. Follow her on Facebook and/or Instagram 📘 You can purchase Messy Victories on Amazon. Thanks for listening! Make sure you’re subscribed to Exactly Enough Time in your favorite podcast app, so you don’t miss any episode.