Make Light

This is it, friends — the final episode of the Make Light Show for Season 3! It’s also almost exactly a year since my family and I escaped our home destroyed by Hurricane Harvey flooding.  For this last episode, I share some of the lessons the last year taught me — and share some news for upcoming season 4.  Take a listen. Links mentioned in this episode: * Season 1 Hurricane Harvey Episode * The details of our Hurricane Harvey story * Self-Compassion Episode _______________________________ Karen Walrond is a leadership consultant, speaker, bestselling author and award-winning photographer, whose work is all about leadership, self-determination and making light. You can learn more about her at KarenWalrond.com.

This week we have a great question from Danielle — she’s about to change careers, but she’s not exactly sure how or to what.  Take a listen as I talk about how I handled the very same situation, including three journaling prompts to help you make a pivot of your own. Links mentioned in this episode: * Simple steps for big leaps (how to plan to leave your day job) * How I found what I love (making a love list) * How to get started writing a mission statement ______________________ Karen Walrond is a leadership consultant, speaker, bestselling author and award-winning photographer, whose work is all about leadership, self-determination and making light. You can learn more about her at KarenWalrond.com.

I don’t know about you, but I love food — and I’m completely overwhelmed by it. Who can make sense of all the “wisdom” out there around food — should we be eating Paleo? Whole 30? Gluten-free? Keto? Should we eat more red meat? Less? This week, I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Reeta Achari, a neurologist and food researcher. And while she confirms that it is all very overwhelming, she has some great advice on how to get started feeding your body for nourishment’s sake — and shares amazing stories of patients who ended up in her office because they followed societal “wisdom” to a fault. Take a listen. Links mentioned in this episode: * Reeta’s wonderful site, Tasting Health * Malcolm Gladwell’s book, Think   ______________________ Karen Walrond is a leadership consultant, speaker, bestselling author and award-winning photographer, whose work is all about leadership, self-determination and making light. You can learn more about her at KarenWalrond.com.

My parents have lived all over the world, and for a time, they lived in Azerbaijan, the former Soviet republic.  While they lived there, they purchased a number of Persian carpets (Azerbaijan borders Iran), which decorate their house now.  One day while I was admiring one of their rugs, my father walked over and said, “You know, the Persian carpetmakers have a tradition:  it can take years to weave the details into these rugs, but they always make one intentional mistake as they work.  The reason is they believe only Allah is perfect, and therefore only Allah has the right to create perfectly.” I love this, and thought how freeing it would be if we believed this about not just rugs, but our lives.  What if it was downright heretical to expect perfection out of ourselves?  What if we believed that perfection was the purview of gods, not humans? I explore this question today on the Make Light Show.  Join me as I discuss how to let go of perfectionism, the difference between perfectionism and healthy striving, and how to get happy now. Links mentioned in this episode: * Make Light Episode 9 — on Self-Care * Two great books by Brené Brown that touch on perfectionism:  The Gifts of Imperfection and Daring Greatly * Carol Dweck’s book, Mindset * Shawn Achor’s fantastic TED talk, The Happy Secret to Better Work  ______________________ Karen Walrond is a leadership consultant, speaker, bestselling author and award-winning photographer, whose work is all about leadership, self-determination and making light. You can learn more about her at KarenWalrond.com.

This week, Jill asks about my journaling practice — I’m an avid journaler, and journaling is part of the way I organize my life, not to mention a huge part of my self-care practice. So join us today as I talk about the techniques I incorporate in my journaling — it’s not nearly as complicated as you might think. Links mentioned in this episode: * Huffington Post on the benefits of journaling * A quick video on bullet journaling (it might spark some inspiration on how you might want to use your journal for organization.  Mine isn’t this involved, but there’s good here, for sure) * Julia Cameron’s wonderful book, The Artist’s Way (my inspiration for morning pages) * Pendaflex self-adhesive clear-front pockets (for adding photographs, fortune cookie fortunes and other ephemera to your pages) * My current favourite journals (similar to Moleskines, except the pages are numbered) and favourite pens * The 1000 Journals Project (tons of inspirational art journal pages, to urge you to attempt making a mess in your own journal) * The Diary of Frida Kahlo (a reproduction of the famous artist’s diary — its imperfection made me brave enough to try art journaling) * Sunni Brown’s TED talk on the magic of doodling (learning the benefits of doodling might just convince you that doodling is good for you) ______________________ Karen Walrond is a leadership consultant, speaker, bestselling author and award-winning photographer, whose work is all about leadership, self-determination and making light. You can learn more about her at KarenWalrond.com.

This week we have a great question from Yvette, about how to silence that inner critic in our head — you know the one. This required bringing in the big guns: I’m joined by the lovely Katie Horwitch, the founder of Women Against Negative Talk, or WANT. So join us as we talk about inspiration vs. comparison, filtering through the negative messages we get in the media, and ensuring that we maximize our awesome. Links mentioned in this episode: * Katie’s amazing site, WANT * The Women Against Negative Talk Podcast * Brené Brown’s TED talk The Power of Vulnerability * The funny Instagram parodying yoga feeds, Shallow Yoga * And finally, a post that we didn’t discuss, but that I believe is relevant, and that I wrote 4 years ago:  In the Mirror ______________________ Karen Walrond is a leadership consultant, speaker, bestselling author and award-winning photographer, whose work is all about leadership, self-determination and making light. You can learn more about her at KarenWalrond.com.

This week, instead of addressing a question that was sent in, I wanted to talk about self-care. Take a listen to hear why self-care and self-compassion aren’t just feel-good things to do, but actually imperative if we’re planning on changing the world for the better. (And of course, don’t forget to email me at karen@themakelightshow.com, if you’d like me to tackle any questions related to how to make light in your own lives!) Links mentioned in this episode: * Valarie Kaur’s excellent TED talk:  3 Lessons of Revolutionary Love in a Time of Rage * Dr. Kristin Neff on Self-Compassion * My blog post on Kristin Neff’s Self-Compassion Break * My blog post on how to begin an art collection * My favourite online app for meditating in the middle of the day, getting centred with my breath ______________________ Karen Walrond is a leadership consultant, speaker, bestselling author and award-winning photographer, whose work is all about leadership, self-determination and making light. You can learn more about her at KarenWalrond.com.

This week’s episode is a great one: Kimmy asks how to make light when you really, truly hate your job. So join me as I talk about how to set yourself up to find your next job that moves you toward a fulfilling life, as well as how to make light in the process. Links mentioned in this episode: * Shawn Achor’s TEDx talk:  The Happy Secret to Better Work * My own thoughts on the magic of a gratitude practice ______________________ Karen Walrond is a leadership consultant, speaker, bestselling author and award-winning photographer, whose work is all about leadership, self-determination and making light. You can learn more about her at KarenWalrond.com.

Ah, friendship.  Sometimes it’s hard to tell whether a friendship has run its course, am I right?  This week’s question comes from Dayni, and she’s wondering when it’s time to call it quits with folks around her who insist on being negative. So join me as I talk about war councils, marble jar friends, and figuring out if it’s time to break up with a friend. Links mentioned in this episode: * Make Light, Season 3, Episode 1:  On Boundaries * Brené Brown’s New York Times Bestseller:  Daring Greatly * Some more thoughts on war councils ______________________ Karen Walrond is a leadership consultant, speaker, bestselling author and award-winning photographer, whose work is all about leadership, self-determination and making light. You can learn more about her at KarenWalrond.com.

You might think it wouldn’t be hard to make light on a vacation, but for some folks, there’s stress involved. This week’s question comes from Adrienne, and it’s all about how to take a stress-free holiday. So join me as we talk about how to manage the guilt that’s sometimes associated with taking time off, making sure you make the most of your destination, and even ways that you can give back why you get some R&R. Links mentioned in this episode: * Stefan Sagmeister’s TEDx talk, The Power of Time Off * My little reduce-stress-on-a-flight elixir — pricy, but worth it, and it lasts forever. * My latest summertime travel mix — perfect for sunsetting anywhere in the world.  Just add your favourite beverage. ______________________ Karen Walrond is a leadership consultant, speaker, bestselling author and award-winning photographer, whose work is all about leadership, self-determination and making light. You can learn more about her at KarenWalrond.com.

This week we have a great question from Ginny, asking about what it takes to thrive after divorce. For this question, I brought in expert advice: my friend, certified divorce coach Jessica Ashley, who is also the founder, author and host of Single Mom Nation. So join us as we talk about checking in with ourselves, experimenting with fun and joy, and how learning about her relationship with a famous clown totally triggered my coulrophobia. Links mentioned in this episode: * Jessica’s coaching website, Divorce Coach for Moms * Single Mom Nation ______________________ Karen Walrond is a leadership consultant, speaker, bestselling author and award-winning photographer, whose work is all about leadership, self-determination and making light. You can learn more about her at KarenWalrond.com.

Natalie wrote in to ask what I meant when I use the phrase “quiet activism” — she’s intrigued, but just isn’t the grab-a-megaphone-get-arrested-for-civil-disobedience type. Take a listen, and learn what I mean about the phrase, why I’m not about to start a rally either, and how to change the world in your own beautiful way. Links mentioned in this episode: * Asha Dornfest discusses why it’s important to contact your representative, and demonstrates how incredibly easy it is to do so * RESISTBOT, the easy way to contact your representatives using the text function on your cell phone * Activist and pacifist Arun Gandhi (the grandson of the Mahatma Gandhi * Valarie Kaur’s TED talk:  3 Lessons of Revolutionary Love in a Time of Rage * Artist Kal Barteski’s Polar Bear Fund * How to certify your garden as a wildlife refuge (And don’t forget:  if you have a question or a challenge that you’d like tackled here on The Make Light Show, simply email karen@themakelightshow.com, and you might just see your question answered on an upcoming episode!)   ______________________ Karen Walrond is a leadership consultant, speaker, bestselling author and award-winning photographer, whose work is all about leadership, self-determination and making light. You can learn more about her at KarenWalrond.com.

This week, I have a special guest: my friend, actor and author Stephanie Wittels Wachs. Her amazing new book, Everything is Horrible and Wonderful:  A Tragicomic Memoir of Genius, Heroin, Love, and Loss, is the story of her heartbreak as she supported and loved her brother, famous actor, producer and comedian Harris Wittels, as he battled and eventually succumbed to addiction — all while dealing with grief and heartbreak in her own life. This book is a page-turner, for reasons not the least of which is her astonishing grace throughout the entire ordeal. Stephanie and I are new friends, and as soon as I met her, I knew I had to get her on the show.  So please take a listen as Stephanie and I talk about loving someone through pain, resilience and finding meaning through grief, and those charming Dutch porn shops. Links mentioned in this episode: * Stephanie’s book, Everything is Horrible and Wonderful:  A Tragicomic Memoir of Genius, Heroin, Love, and Loss * Stephanie’s writing on Medium * Stephanie’s theatre company, The Rec Room * Stephanie’s podcast, Hands Off Parents (all about not sweating the small stuff) * The Harris Wittels Fund, a scholarship for graduating seniors of the Houston High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (Stephanie & Harris’ alma mater) * Welcome to Holland (And don’t forget:  if you have a question or a challenge that you’d like tackled here on The Make Light Show, simply email karen@themakelightshow.com, and you might just see your question answered on an upcoming episode!) Sponsor Spotlight: Prep Dish Prep Dish is a healthy subscription-based meal planning service. When you sign up, you’ll receive an email every week with a grocery list and instructions for prepping your meals ahead of time. After only 1-3 hours of prepping on the weekend, you’ll have all of your meals ready for the entire week — gluten-free, dairy-free or Paleo, if you’d like! And the best part is the founder, Allison, is offering Make Light Show listeners a free 2-week trial to try it out. Check out PrepDish.com/light for this amazing deal! ______________________ Karen Walrond is a leadership consultant, speaker, bestselling author and award-winning photographer, whose work is all about leadership, self-determination and making light. You can learn more about her at KarenWalrond.com.

I loved delving into Nicole’s question this week, about being kind in a world that often doesn’t seem to value kindness. Take a listen, to learn tips and tricks on how and why to keep kindness at the forefront, even when the news cycle inspires cynicism. Links mentioned in this episode: * Washington Post:  “Wired for Kindness:  Science Shows How We Prefer Compassion“ * New York Times article:  “A Hair Stylist Provides Free Cuts to the Homeless“ * CBS Los Angeles:  “Celebrity Stylist Gives Homeless the Star Treatment on Thanksgiving“ * Washington Post article:  “An Undocumented Immigrant Saved a Child Dangling from a Paris Balcony.  Now He’s a National Hero.” * Quiet Revolution:  “6 Science-Backed Ways Being Kind is Good for your Health“ * Shawn Achor’s TEDx talk:  “The Happy Secret to Better Work“ * Make Light Season 3, Episode 01 on setting boundaries (And don’t forget:  if you have a question or a challenge that you’d like tackled here on The Make Light Show, simply email karen@themakelightshow.com, and you might just see your question answered on an upcoming episode!) Sponsor Spotlight: Prep Dish Prep Dish is a healthy subscription-based meal planning service. When you sign up, you’ll receive an email every week with a grocery list and instructions for prepping your meals ahead of time. After only 1-3 hours of prepping on the weekend, you’ll have all of your meals ready for the entire week — gluten-free, dairy-free or Paleo, if you’d like! And the best part is the founder, Allison, is offering Make Light Show listeners a free 2-week trial to try it out. Check out PrepDish.com/light for this amazing deal! ______________________ Karen Walrond is a leadership consultant, speaker, bestselling author and award-winning photographer, whose work is all about leadership, self-determination and making light. You can learn more about her at KarenWalrond.com.

Welcome back to Season 3 of the Make Light Show! This season we’re going to be mixing things up a bit:  we’ll be answering your questions about how to make light when life get occasionally dark — things like how to make light when you’re overwhelmed at work, or how to make light when you’re struggling with body image, or even how to make light when you’re bored. This week, we’re tackling Debi’s question about how to make light by setting boundaries. Take a listen: boundary-setting is never easy, but it’s necessary, and actually something to be really proud of. Links mentioned in this episode: * Brené Brown * Brené Brown’s book, Daring Greatly (And don’t forget:  if you have a question or a challenge that you’d like tackled here on The Make Light Show, simply email karen@themakelightshow.com, and you might just see your question answered on an upcoming episode!) Sponsor Spotlight: Prep Dish Prep Dish is a healthy subscription-based meal planning service. When you sign up, you’ll receive an email every week with a grocery list and instructions for prepping your meals ahead of time. After only 1-3 hours of prepping on the weekend, you’ll have all of your meals ready for the entire week — gluten-free, dairy-free or Paleo, if you’d like! And the best part is the founder, Allison, is offering Make Light Show listeners a free 2-week trial to try it out. Check out PrepDish.com/light for this amazing deal!   ______________________ Karen Walrond is a leadership consultant, speaker, bestselling author and award-winning photographer, whose work is all about leadership, self-determination and making light. You can learn more about her at KarenWalrond.com.