When does our rage feel compelling, not repelling?

After Part 3 of the podcast series went live II received messages like this:

“Hearing this unlocked something in me…”

“You awoke an anger inside of me I’ve been swallowing, and made it feel okay to let it out…”

“This was a holy rage and it was exciting, inviting even, to witness, thank you…”

I had been nervous to release that episode, but it turns out the lack of filter was deeply needed. 

Today we’ll break down 6 elements to consider that increase our chances of being heard and honored when we speak up with passion.

And what I realize in hindsight was the recipe to why the Part 3 episode felt so raw yet so safe for you to hear

Links mentioned in this episode:

• What Makes Women Feel Beautiful is coming this June! <<< Get on the waitlist to hear first at HilaryRushford.com/BeautifulWaitlist

Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. If you think this would help someone you know please share the links above + tag me so I can thank you + hear what spoke to you!

You requested this episode, submitting follow-up Q’s you had after listening to parts 1-3.

Today I’m answering your Q’s including:

• How do you move on after that level of betrayal?
• How many books are ghostwritten?
• Have you heard from anyone involved since it went live?
  

I also talk about how to:

• Know when it’s better to fight, or walk away (even if you know you’re right)
• Get closure
• Honor yourself/others who’ve been through something hard, without defining them as victims, but their whole selves 

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Share the series this series to help someone else at HilaryRushford.com/BookStory
• Read a free excerpt of the book at that link too
• What Makes Women Feel Beautiful is coming this June! Get on the waitlist to hear first at HilaryRushford.com/BeautifulWaitlist
• Instagram reels on 05/22: I feel bad I don’t have a happy encouraging ending for you

If you’re an author or in the publishing industry and want to share your experience after listening, write to me privately at books@deanstreetsociety.com. All correspondence will remain anonymous. 

Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. If you think this would help someone you know please share the links above + tag me so I can thank you + hear what spoke to you!

You’ve known gaslighting, rage at disorganization or disrespect, or a traumatic work/community experience.

Today I’ll share 7 action ideas to help us protect ourselves in the present or future, those in our inner circle, and more broadly our culture. Use this cheat sheet to journal, discuss, and reflect what you’ll do in this season to grow 10% better, leaving you more empowered + confident:

1. Identify what you loathe in the situation.

2. Anything else you can try to make this better, or accept it’s to get out or worth it to stay

3. Pour into your self-aware confidence

4. Heal your burnout (new resources coming this summer at HilaryRushford.com/burnout)

5. Share your story

6. Be a safe person

7. Join a movement

Links mentioned in this episode:

• *** JOIN THE WAITLIST: hear when What Makes Women Feel Beautiful is coming this June at HilaryRushford.com/BeautifulWaitlist ***

• Brightlings BookCamp for Girls (what I gifted my niece)

• Instagram post on wishing I had a happy ending to encourage you

Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. If you think this would help someone you know please share and tag me so I can see + chime in!

If this episode helped you or someone you know, I’d be so grateful if you’d leave a review. They mean so much to creators!

I want to say it gets better. 

In life I’ve really found that to be true. In romantic relationships, homes, friends, employees.

But sometimes it gets worse first.

How do you know when it’s time to walk away from a dream? From everything you’ve invested, with nothing–less than nothing, far far less than what you started with?

You know it when it happens.

The final straw. 

HEADS UP: This is a very raw, salty, cursing, no holding back episode.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Read the Introduction Chapter of “What Makes Women Feel Beautiful” that you heard the editor’s feedback on in the episode at HilaryRushford.com/Chapter.
• Want to hear what’s coming in June? Enter your email for the book download and you’ll be invited to the garden, blooming soon.
  

Share this series and read an exclusive chapter of What Makes Women Feel Beautiful at HilaryRushford.com/BookStory.

If you do so on Instagram tag me @HilaryRushford so I can thank you for doing what I wish someone had done for me, and/or hear what parts spoke to you the most.

If you’re an author or in the publishing industry and want to share your experience after listening, write to me privately at books@deanstreetsociety.com. All correspondence will remain anonymous. 

If this episode helped you or someone you know, I’d be so grateful if you’d leave a review. They mean so much to creators!

In 2011 I started a business as a stylist. I’d moved to New York City for my career in theater after a Broadway tour, Radio City Rockettes, and all that jazz.

[The below timeline is not covered in the episode and included here for backstory.]

In 2014 a friend who worked at a top publisher told me that my style course, “had to be a book.” She’d told everyone in her office my principles and they were using them daily–women needed this. I told her that sounded like a lot of work for very little money. We were both right.

In 2016 I began writing the book in fits and starts, always “let’s just get through one more launch, just a little more income so we aren’t burned out and *then* I’ll write the book.”

By 2020 I decided *then* was never going to come. I had to take the leap. I hired a book coach and in 2021 they introduced me to a top agent. My book went to auction and my dream was coming true.

For a year I absolutely adored the writing process (which most authors bemoan) yet was traumatized by the publishing process (which I had never heard anyone mention–as explained in the episode now I know why.)

One year later, and it was all for nothing.

Worse, it almost cost me everything.

This is part 2 of 3 in sharing that story. Please begin with last week’s Part 1: Silent vs Silenced. 

This is a story of creative and financial heartbreak, shared to protect others from it. 

It’s the episodes I have wish I had heard from just one person, to have any idea what I was risking when I decided 7 years ago that maybe I would in fact like to write a book.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• March 2021 texts about securing literary agents
• April 2021 video explaining what that validation meant + the respect I instantly attached to them (Instagram is awkward for long videos so you can also listen on YouTube)
• June 2021 official author celebration
• The first time I “saw” my book in my local bookstore. (Wild this was so long ago I was still wearing a mask for everyday errands.)
• Want to learn how I survived this season without burning out? Join the wait list for new free resources coming this summer.

Share this series and read an exclusive chapter of What Makes Women Feel Beautiful in Part 3 at HilaryRushford.com/BookStory.

If you know any author, creative, or aspiring this could bless, please share it with them and if you do so on Instagram tag me @HilaryRushford so I can thank you for doing what I wish someone had done for me.

If you’re an author and want to share your experience after listening to next week’s final episode (I understand the desire to share with someone who can relate), DM above or write books@deanstreetsociety.com. All correspondence will of course remain anonymous..   

If this episode helped you or someone you know, I’d be so grateful if you’d leave a review. They mean so much to creators!

• My Instagram post
• Go Fund Me
• Ep 155: For the caregivers
• Aaron’s Instagram hopefully going forward from now on

For a year I’ve been asked, “What happened to you? What exactly are you grieving about?”

Each time I would reply, “Unfortunately I’m not legally allowed to share right now, but hope to be able to soon.”

Now I’m able to, and as I’ve known I would be all along, I feel terrified. 

So we’re starting with that:

• The difference between being silent and silenced
• The holiness of this season I’m sad to see come to an end even though I never would have chosen it
• The trauma responses I’m seeing in myself that I’ve never previously experienced

As is always my hope: may you feel seen in your story, or better understand others as they share theirs. 

Links mentioned in this episode:

• August 2022 IG post “this summer was hard”
• September 2022 IG post “the club of the quietly disappointed”
• March 2023 IG post “the longevity of grief”

Share this series and read an exclusive chapter of What Makes Women Feel Beautiful in Part 3 at HilaryRushford.com/BookStory.

Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. 

If this episode helped you or someone you know, I’d be so grateful if you’d leave a review. They mean so much to creators!

• My Instagram post
• Go Fund Me
• Ep 155: For the caregivers
• Aaron’s Instagram hopefully going forward from now on

How do you train your body to be more calm in stress? 

Today I’m sharing an anchoring phrase that helps me every time I remember to use it, in hopes this conversation will help us all do so more often.

Recorded from a car outside the hospital visiting my brother-in-law, we’ll talk not only big picture gratitude and presence, but practically how we make our lives easier when we build the habit of small mental shifts.

Links in today’s episode:

• Order your Elegant Excellence Journal today
• Join our crew! We discuss the week’s podcast episode, IG Stories, daily life, how we’re using any of the Dean St products or programs inside the Elegant Excellence Community and you’re invited to join us! 

Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. If you think this would help someone you know please share and tag me so I can see + chime in!

When you’re waiting for news, for an answer, for closure… how are you patient, how do you get through the day, what do you occupy your mind with?

This wonderful question came from a member of our Elegant Excellence Community.

I shared the spontaneous teaching you’ll hear in this episode, and am following it up with thoughts through the lens of my brother-in-law’s accident that hadn’t yet happened when I shared this original teaching.

Links in this episode:

• Ep 149: How to live well

Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. If you think this would help someone you know please share and tag me so I can see + chime in!

Four weeks ago I’d have told you I’m deeply empathetic.

I still am! But I’ve been humbled as to how much I can declare that in scenarios in which I truly have never walked a similar path.

It’s rare we have “overnight change” moments. When they happen we get a clear vision of a before and after of ourselves.

Today we’ll chat about:

• The difference between sympathy, empathy, and being an empath.
• Why pity feels gross and how we shift to a much better feeling. (Whether they’re feeling it towards you, or you to them.)
• The 4 H’s to know your role in supporting someone. (I love an easy to remember hack!)
• And the #1 thing I implore you to start doing when people ask how you’re doing. 🙏🏻

Links in this episode:

• IG post about Aaron’s accident
• GoFundMe to support Aaron’s recover journey
• Mama of a daughter in a wheelchair, LittleMissMiggy
• Ep 17: Am I doing self-love wrong?
  
  

Would love to hear your thoughts after today’s episode @HilaryRushford! If you think this would bless someone else please share it and tag me! 

If you love someone who’s walked through illness + injury, this “pour a cup” or “let’s go on a walk” chat is for you.

My 26-year-old brother-in-law (outdoorsy, active, military veteran) was in an accident 2.5 weeks ago, fracturing his C5 vertebrae and paralyzing him from the neck down. He’s been given a 1-2% chance of getting out of a wheelchair, and our family is rocked, devastated, fighting, believing, and learning a whole new world.

When I shared the news on Instagram Monday comments and DMs were flooded by the caregivers. I saw a whole demographic that had been there all along, you just hadn’t had a reason to share your story with me.

Today’s episode is for you.

Or for your friends who may not understand what you went through or are going through, because it takes this long to explain it, and these aren’t even any of the personal details, just 8 of the different emotions and experiences I’ve found myself or my family in over the last couple weeks.

I’m sharing from what I call the First-and-a-half Circle of Grief. The wife of the brother. Close enough to watch the trauma unfold, but aware how far my experience is from that of his parents and siblings who’ve known him every day of his life.

Today’s conversation is for those who may not have quite heard themselves in the stories from the center on other podcasts about trauma and recovery. 

May you feel seen. Love, Hilary


Links in this episode:

• Ep 59: Permission to heal + Third Circle Grief
• Ep 149: How to live well, instead of fearing death (reflections on t’Witch, Dave Hollis) (Fourth Circle Grief)
• Recovery Fund for Aaron
• Meal Train Sign-up for Aaron’s Caregivers
• Elegant Excellence Community via our Journal shop

Would love to hear your thoughts after today’s episode on Instagram @HilaryRushford  

Whether ending a relationship, letting go of a home or a side gig, it can be so challenging to know when a long story has run its course.

And it matters BIG TIME! When we’re leaking energy on the wrong thing, we can be missing out on passion and purpose meant for us, in our career or simply in how we live our daily life.

In this episode I guide us back to how we got here, and how we get out with lots of grace, empowerment, and hope.

This is an important episode for any entrepreneur, yet it’s about so much more than business or work.

Links in this episode:

• Choose your Elegant Excellence Journal + join the Community today!
• A lil dance party for the nervous system advice
• Start our Healing Burnout Course today with this free workshop!
• Ep 136: Decision making: when you choose wrong + fate vs planning (part 1)
• Ep 137: Decision making: when you just cannot decide (part 2)
• Ep 138: Decision making: do you go with your gut or the data? (part 3) 

Come let me know your thoughts on today’s episode inside the group and on Instagram @HilaryRushford!

© 2019 - 2023 Hilary Rushford

Calming nervous system dates, the simplest path to feeling beautiful + more in today’s post-Florida download. 

94% of us are in a waiting season. #HandRaised This week I stumbled upon a few ways to support myself in what feels like a Groundhogs Day chapter + broke down why/how they helped so I can look for more.

Join me in a seasonal reset inside our Elegant Excellence Community for April! We’ll be Choosing Lightness (hope, ease, releasing, faith) daily together in a special format this month.

Come let me know your thoughts on today’s episode inside the group and on Instagram @HilaryRushford!

© 2019 - 2023 Hilary Rushford

A light girlfriend chat after a hard week. Anyone else just need to feel lighter?

We talk about Prince Harry, Pamela Anderson, habit stacking, winter blues, maman guilt (pet or human) – a grab bag of topics.

All tying in to less guilt in our actions or inactions (except when it’s warranted as I’ve been personally convicted of lately) and overall how to stop making things heavier for ourselves or others as we choose more lightness.

Links in this episode:

• The [temporary] Elegant Excellence Journal shop site is open!
• Get a discount on your Elegant Excellence Community membership when you join with a journal!
• Reels on the story of the site disappearance

Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford.

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!

© 2019 - 2023 Hilary Rushford

What’s the thing you keep trying to solve/fix/change in your life?

What should I do for work?
Why are friendships hard for me?
How can I be less anxious or reactive?

Today I’m sharing the history of the Elegant Excellence Journal, which is really the history of my evolution in personal growth — how to heal.

I say in this chat, “I wanted healing, I wanted breakthrough, but it felt elusive.”

Can you relate?

This is what helped.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Join us inside the Elegant Excellence Journal here
• Black pens
• Zebra Midliner highlighters
• DiverseBee highlighters
• Heart paper clips

Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford.

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!

© 2019 - 2023 Hilary Rushford

What’s stealing your time? I asked myself that question while using my Elegant Excellence Journal one morning.

When we’re behind most of us tend to go to one main reason. Perhaps that’s beating yourself up, or blaming others. Perhaps it’s a sense of failure that makes you procrastinate, or a believe you can solve it through perfection that amps you up into overdrive.

What I realized is there are actually 5 different scenarios it could be. By opening up those possibilities, now I opened up my options.

I didn’t have to just blame myself, but also sometimes I could take that ownership because I wasn’t making it “my fault” 100% of the time which is exhausting.

I didn’t have to just accept it, but also sometimes I could have that acceptance and release because it didn’t leave me empowered that 100% of the time there’s nothing I can do to feel more safe or less overwhelmed.

Suddenly I felt less like a failure or a victim.

When we realize the habit groove we’ve been creating of one narrative isn’t the only option, our thinking expands, and we don’t keep banging into the same tender spot again and again.

Listen in today and see which of the 5 reasons you’re behind lead you to the biggest breakthrough of peace, permission, or an action plan.

5 Categories Cheat Sheet: (will make sense once you listen!)

1. This can be avoided in future by X
2. Unwise choice
3. Unplanned but purposeful for my 12-month priorities
4. Planned + honored
5. Life. Happens to everyone.

Links mentioned:

• The Elegant Excellence Journal shop re-opens on Friday, March 10th! Join me LIVE when you save your seat here right now: HilaryRushford.com/Reveal

Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford.

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!

© 2019 - 2023 Hilary Rushford

A simple 5-part daily check in on living with peace while surrounded with hard things we can’t control.

Trigger warning we speak of suicide and loss of life at a too young age.

Though we end with hope, with actionable steps to guide us in what it means to live well each day driven not by a fear of death but an appreciation of life.

_________________

The 5 Hand Motions:

• Heart: Show Love
• Cheeks: Appreciate beauty
• Head: Keep a sense of the bigger picture
• Palms out: Give thanks
• Wrap: Love yourself as a child of God

_________________

Links mentioned in this episode:

• YWP Ep 59: Permission to heal: social media, Covid + community (Circles of Grief)
• Article: Young people are more likely to die of heart attacks post-COVID, study finds. But why?
• Rise Together Podcast Ep 229: You are worthy of unconditional love
• IG post from t’Witch’s wife Alison: We will continue to live from joy + love

Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford.

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!

© 2019 - 2023 Hilary Rushford

While in a hard season right now there’s 2 phrases I keep coming back to.

One question, and one statement. They’re my mantras, my guides, and goodness are they blessing me.

If you’re going through something hard right now it can feel complicated to find words of wisdom that really ring true. Don’t feel trite, don’t fall apart upon further scrutiny and application.

Yes. And… sometimes it’s the simplest phrases that hold the most impact because we truly remember them.

Listen in to see if they serve you as much as they are me. (PS One of them is from Tom Hanks. Though to be fair it’s also the wisdom inside a book I’m loving right now. Once you hear good truth, you often start to hear it more places!)

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Get on the waitlist before the shop opens: ElegantExcellenceJournal.com 
• The View Was Exhausting by Mikaella Clements + Onjuli Datta
• The Idea of You by Robinne Lee

Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford.

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!

© 2019 - 2023 Hilary Rushford

I’m embarrassed to admit this even happened. Yet a recent appointment made it crystal clear: I am a people pleaser in an unexpected way, with unintended consequences for people I care about (not to mention myself!)

Furthermore, I experienced in real time when it’s worth it to be uncomfortable for a moment, to save yourself hours of discomfort if you stay silent.

We could call this: The one where my hair was accidentally died red (again) on a day I just happened to have a call with our community here and therefore I had the beautiful accountability to walk back in and show up better for myself.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• The Elegant Excellence Journal is coming so soon. Make sure you’re on the waitlist to hear first!

Journal & discussion Q’s:

• When do you not speak up and why?
• When do you cause more discomfort for people close to you by doing so?
• What is and is not rude, or demanding, or high maintenance? What’s the story you/culture tells you, and what’s the neutral truth?
• What do you not think is that when a man does it but do when a woman does?

Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford.

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!

© 2019 - 2023 Hilary Rushford

Do you have days it feels hard to get out of bed, or you want to climb back in halfway through?

That was today for me, and I decided rather than putting on a happier face to talk about what I had planned, I’d just share. From bed, from notes in my Elegant Excellence Journal.

Why do we hesitate to be honest we’re “still” not “over” what happened to us? That we may never be?

With honesty, hope, humor, and more honesty…

Links mentioned in this episode:

• The Elegant Excellence Journal is debuting so soon, better than ever. Get on the waitlist + be one of the first to see!
• Ep 29: 22 Steps to Feel Better in 1 Day (Easier Than it Sounds)

Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. I’ll post a reels shortly after this goes live to gather any advice you have for myself + others on the grieving process.

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!

© 2019 - 2023 Hilary Rushford

Culture puts much emphasis on the outside of our bodies. We feel confident or insecure based on what others see. 

Hearing from a few students of my Healing Burnout course made me ponder a new layer of feeling beautiful that we’re overlooking: how our body feels on the inside, the parts that only we feel.

This is inside body kindness, which then becomes more outside body kindness. I’ll explain in the episode! But I’ll tell you this:

You deserve to feel beautiful.

You deserve to be beautiful.

Inside and out. In that order. 

__________

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Join us inside my Healing Burnout Course + Elegant Excellence Community! You’re invited to this safe, supportive place for hope, help, and healing. 

__________

Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford.

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!

© 2019 - 2023 Hilary Rushford

The root reason you’re running so fast may surprise you. There’s the first layer fears. Once I dealt with those… I found a second layer, deeper reasons I didn’t even realize were there. Then I saw a friend go through the same phases, then students inside my Healing Burnout course started to report the same.

Here’s the secret: the real magic of life comes when you get past the second layer. It’s where everything feels good. Feels like living.

Links in this episode:

• [Free masterclass] 13 Signs of Burnout: Healing for a more beautiful life. Get your quiz score live with me and stick around for 1-on-1 coaching.
• Join us inside my NEW Healing Burnout Course + Elegant Excellence Community! Stop being harder on yourself in 2023, but softer with healing, help, and hope.

____

Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. Thank you in advance (wink) for subscribing, tapping the stars, and even leaving a brief review below!

© 2019 - 2023 Hilary Rushford

I have a vision for our new year, friend. One that is softer, more beautiful, yet has more easy strength than we’ve known.

In today’s episode I break down how I arrived at a new season of inner confidence, and how that’s different from outer confidence. 

We’ll talk about how to think about losses without minimizing them, what it means to feel like a situation broke you or didn’t break you, and importantly how to look a little longer-term when choosing what to prioritize and celebrate in our lives.

This episode will feel like a warm cup of tea on a cozy couch.

****

NEW: Enter the new year not being harder on yourself with resolutions, but softer with healing, help, and hope. Get on the waitlist for my new Healing Burnout course and Elegant Excellence Community. 

Enrollment opens for just the second time ever this month!

***

Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford.

© 2019 - 2023 Hilary Rushford

A gentle, delightful exercise to summarize your vision for the year ahead.

In a riff off our Slow Sessions inside the Healing Burnout Course and Elegant Excellence Community, music will support you with space to think, write, and hear from yourself after the questions throughout.

Whether you feel behind on your annual planning, or are already swimming in your “word of the year” or resolutions, use this session to bring extra clarity and confidence about what matters most to you this year and why.

***

NEW: Enter the new year not being harder on yourself with resolutions, but softer with healing, help, and hope. Get on the waitlist for my new Healing Burnout course and Elegant Excellence Community. 

Enrollment opens for just the second time ever in January!

AND the Elegant Excellence Journal is coming back in 2023 with more new changes than ever before! Get on the waitlist today to be first to hear when she’s back in stock.

***

Would love to hear your thoughts after the episode on Instagram @HilaryRushford.

© 2019 - 2022 Hilary Rushford

How to feel more joy, and hopefully a little less sadness this season, no matter what’s swirling around you.

Family drama, work stress, life losses – the holidays can be a bit bumpy emotionally with triggers big and small we’re bracing for or didn’t see coming.

During a bit of a tough time over Thanksgiving this phrase of 3 G’s came to me to explain what I was going through, how I was handling it, and why it was helping. Sharing today in hopes it blesses you as well!

***

NEW: Enter the new year not being harder on yourself with resolutions, but softer with healing, help, and hope. Get on the waitlist for my new Healing Burnout course and Elegant Excellence Community. 

Enrollment opens for just the second time ever in January!

***

Would love to hear your thoughts after the episode on Instagram @HilaryRushford.

© 2019 - 2022 Hilary Rushford

Anyone else struggle with this? Using charming life lessons from The Holiday, I’m sharing a mental game that brings me more peace, less comparison or fear of judgment. 

We know we shouldn’t care what others think of us, but that’s easier said than done. Using charming life lessons from The Holiday, I’m sharing a mental game that brings me more peace, less comparison or fear of judgment. 

Press play for a seasonally appropriate mindset shift!

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Ep 39: Royal Mindset
• Get on the waitlist for the 2023 Elegant Excellence Journal!

Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford.

PS Thank you so much in advance for tapping the stars below to leave a review and hit subscribe so you see future episodes.

© 2019 - 2022 Hilary Rushford

Rest and leisure is one way we avoid burnout, but what about when it leaves us drained or regretful? Doesn’t feel the way we were hoping it would feel?

Ever gone on a trip expecting to be rested and come home drained? Whether a vacation or family holiday, solo or group, simple long weekend or big financial investment. 

Listen in for coaching on how to make the most of your time, money, and energy for delightful memories that leave you feeling the way you hope to feel when you plan them!

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Ep 18: 3 Personality Types
• Get on the waitlist for the 2023 Elegant Excellence Journal!

Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford.


PS Thank you so much in advance for tapping the stars below to leave a review and hit subscribe so you see future episodes.

© 2019 - 2022 Hilary Rushford

What should you rely on more when it comes to big choices? How often do we actually make a wrong decision? Which advice that we’re given is sound, and which might we question?

Gain wisdom through the final in this 3-part series on making better decisions with more confidence and clarity.

As I say at the end, “I’m working on and growing in having more peace with complicated choices, feeling less anxious about them, living with them more, accepting them, finding the silver linings and the hope that I can’t absolutely know for sure that it won’t be great either way, that the tough spots won’t get better, and from that place of hope and trust, it makes it a lot easier to take leaps and look for the best along the way, which tends to mean we’ll find it.”

Links in this episode:

• Get on the waitlist for the 2023 Elegant Excellence Journal!

Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford.

PS Thank you so much in advance for tapping the stars below to leave a review and hit subscribe so you see future episodes.

© 2019 - 2022 Hilary Rushford

An equation to help in the moments of endlessly waffling back and forth: Should I? Or no?? The more you overthink, the harder it feels to make a choice. Here’s why and a mindset that helps us make peace amidst challenging and important decisions.

Links in this episode:

• Get on the waitlist for the 2023 Elegant Excellence Journal!
• Episode #112: Motherhood: Yes, no maybe? 
• Episode #98: The 2-Part Fashion Cocktail

Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford.

PS - Thank you so much in advance for tapping the stars below to leave a review and hit subscribe so you see future episodes.

© 2019 - 2022 Hilary Rushford

We spend so much time trying to make wise choices. How do we still get it wrong sometimes?!

In this first episode of a three part series, we’ll use the kismet story of meeting our new kitten Freddie Cappuccino to ponder how much we know about what will really make us happy. Plus where is the balance between planning, and leaving room for fate.

Links in this episode:

• Get on the waitlist for the 2023 Elegant Excellence Journal!
• Episode 112: Motherhood: Yes, No, Maybe?

Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford.

© 2019 - 2022 Hilary Rushford

What’s the #1 cause of these horrible feelings that create so much exhaustion in your life, whether self-loathing, shame, or anger and judgment – at yourself and others?

I believe I’ve identified the one core scenario that exacerbates all of these or creates more grace and connection. Listen in to feel more peace, love, and ease for you and everyone in your life.

Links in this episode:

• NEW Healing Burnout course, join the waitlist!
• NEW Elegant Excellence Community, ditto!
• The novel I recommend
• The heavier novel I adored but it’s a doozy!

Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford.

© 2019 - 2022 Hilary Rushford

I’ve missed you! When the ground fell out beneath me this summer, here's what helped me swim back to the surface, plus kept me healthy during a challenging year before that.

If you want things to feel a little easier, you are welcome here.


If you’re tired or grieving, you are welcome here.


If you’re looking for hope or healing, you are welcome here.

Links in this episode:

• My 1st IG post about grief this summer
• The "disappointment" post that resonated deeply
• Our new kitten's debut

NEW workshop: “13 Signs of Burnout: Healing for a more beautiful life.” HilaryRushford.com/13signs

NEW Healing Burnout course and Elegant Excellence Community: HilaryRushford.com/burnout
Join the waitlist

Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford.

© 2019 - 2022 Hilary Rushford

Behind the scenes as I walk the walk in making hard choices of less but better in this season.

Join the wait list for the Elegant Excellence Goals Journal + Workshops!

Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. Submit Q’s or future topics at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

They told me I wasn’t sexy enough.

Well not verbally, but I knew that was why I didn’t get the job.

When I was set to return to the same place years later, an unexpected bump took a hit to my confidence.

At the last minute, I had a revelation about what the real change in me since that day was.

Whether this brings to mind going to a high school reunion, running into an ex, or the person who didn’t hire you:

What’s your real glow up?

Hint: It might be quitting the game they wanted you to play, and creating a new one…

Links in this episode:

• Ep 124: Honest body talk, what’s the cost of losing 5 pounds?
• Ep 127: Working Well vs Working Hard (+ personal update on book writing)

Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. Submit Q’s or future topics at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

This is going to sound weird but this advice also applies to your relationship with your business, body, friendships, self.

When this Q was submitted as a requested podcast topic, I realized two keys that genuinely do bless my marriage. And wouldn’t have been the case if I had gotten married younger.

In other words, if you’re just starting out on a new chapter you wish had happened earlier, this will leave you encouraged.

And if you’ve been married for many years, you’ll find we may have more in common than you think.

Links in this episode:

• Ep 126: My honest reflections on being single (& other dreams you’re waiting on)

Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. Submit Q’s or future topics at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

Have too much to do? This may be why.

Often when we’re deciding if we have the bandwidth to say yes to something, or feel stuck as to how we yet again are so behind, we’re considering our time but not our energy.

Today we chat about what that means, how you can tell, and how to choose more wisely.

Get on the waitlist for the Elegant Excellence Journal

Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. Submit Q’s or future topics at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

If you feel behind, I’m with you. Honestly. Being “behind” is SO arbitrary. I’m “ahead” of 98% of my colleagues yet still struggle with it.

We often talk about the highlight reel, how it often looks on social media like everyone has “arrived.” What they don’t share are their fears and struggles they went through to get there.

Enrollment for my business program, Creative Business Accelerator, is now closed. Join the waitlist and get notified as soon as we open the doors again at HilaryRushford.com/CBA

Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. Submit Q’s or future topics at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

When there’s just too much on your plate, what do you do? When we get overwhelmed it can feel like there’s no option but to suffer. Actually, we have 5 options and I can get from helpless to hopeful in just a few minutes. 

The 5 P’s

• Priority: This won’t happen now, I’ll let it go to make space for what matters most.
• Patience: This will get done by a later date once I know I have space.
• Perfection: This won’t be perfect, but perfectly good enough and done.
• People: This can be delegated, or helped by others.
• Push: I’ll just work harder to make it all happen. (A lie. Yet the one we choose most.)

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Elegant Excellence Journal
• Ep 124: Honest body talk, what’s the cost of losing 5 pounds?

Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. Submit Q’s or future topics at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

Getting specific on how to avoid burnout. In the midst of juggling big projects the past three months, I’m shocked and thrilled to find myself more rested and sane than ever before. How did I make this shift? I’ll share as vulnerably as I can starting with this episode.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Ep 60: The Wand: Change your day in 5 min (+ your inner teen girl)
• Elegant Excellence Journal

Join me for my upcoming workshop, “Stop Overthinking It: The Easiest Way to Launch Your New Business or Next Product in less than 30 Days.” Save your spot at HilaryRushford.com/launch

Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford. Submit Q’s or future topics at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

Do you have a dream and don’t know if it will come true? Finding your person, getting pregnant, or reaching a career goal?

For me for many years it was marriage, and I’m deeply passionate about words and wisdom that did and didn’t help me when I was single.

Listen in for yourself or someone you love, to be more curious and compassionate about the very important desires of everyone we know and love.

Links in this episode

• Ep 26: "Everyone Disappeared." On Friendship in Heartbreak + Grief
• The How of Happiness
• Submit Q’s or future topics at HilaryRushford.com/podvip
• Come share your thoughts with me @HilaryRushford

Which path most describes you, as well as the people in your life or that you’re considering in your life? Whether romance, friendship, or simply ourselves I’ve been observing this new aha in others around me and also asking what I can learn from it myself.

Jeremy's IG profile @TheDronalist

Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford or HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

I don’t know any woman who won’t be better for listening into this conversation.

I’m so passionate about this topic. It’s one of the reasons I’ve spent years working to write the book I’m working on now.

Our culture has so many harmful messages about our bodies and our beauty.

We are promised oodles of quick fix solutions.

This one is free, easy, small, but deeply powerful for me.

My greatest desire is that more of us would feel more at peace and at home in ourselves.

Press play, then pass it on.

Oh, and I would also be so honored to hear your thoughts on Instagram after you listen, as this is tied into some chapters I’m writing this month. No pressure, but I’m all ears…

@HilaryRushford or HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

Ever see someone at a fab resort you cannot afford? I love a good travel daydream, and heck a good resort! But often I find myself wistful for one day, instead of empowering and inspired for what I can make happen with my budget and family as they are today.

• Visual inspo from my family vacay here
• Ep 18: Three Personalities For Your Dream Itinerary

Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford or HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

In a culture permeated with so much productivity guilt, hustle narrative, so many options, ideas, and opportunities…

My constant undercurrent is to feel guilty that I’m perhaps not working hard enough.

I loathe that this is true! Because I know it’s zero percent helpful, and only harmful.

And on paper I know the facts: I’ve built a successful business and been running it for 11 years. I’m the only boss I’m accountable to, so clearly if I was really lazy I wouldn’t have made it this far.

And yet… this has always been my story, so I’ve been working on that mindset bigtime the last year or so in particular, and I just had a new breakthrough that I think will help you, too.

Would love to hear your thoughts after on Instagram @HilaryRushford or HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

I was jealous of her, before I saw how our stories played out. I imagine you’ve had the same happen? But maybe forget when the next instance of jealousy arises subtly or swiftly?

Whether marriage, babies, career, or finances, this short yet powerful reminder is a recipe for more gratitude and compassion for ourselves and one another...

Come join the conversation. Submit a Q or topic HilaryRushford.com/podvip and hang out with me on Instagram @HilaryRushford in Stories while I write my first book!

“We are certain that we were meant for more and that we don’t even deserve what we have.” -- Glennon Doyle

How do we live in the guilt of abundance, and the longing for more?

These 3 things help me (the 3rd one in particular!)

Go forth and shine guilt free after this, friend.

Then come join the conversation. Submit a Q or topic HilaryRushford.com/podvip and hang out with me on Instagram @HilaryRushford in Stories while I write my first book!

Anyone else frustrated they aren’t making more things happen? As quickly, smoothly, brilliantly as they envision? Press play for some wisdom, grace, permission and encouragement on why and what to do next.

Then come join the conversation. Submit a Q or topic HilaryRushford.com/podvip and hang out with me on Instagram @HilaryRushford in Stories while I write my first book!

How do authors get a book deal? What does that even mean? What are the business elements behind the scenes of any creative endeavor?

This is the stuff I geek out over! When you better understand the business mindset behind any creative endeavor, it demystifies other industries and pursuits. Plus, gives you great respect for those people you watch pursue and achieve it!

• How do you find an agent?
• What does it mean when a book goes to auction?
• How long is it from deal to publication?

Plus a few great mindset Q’s on overcoming self-doubt along the way.

Listen in then join the conversation… 

Have a Q for a future episode? Leave a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

Come share your thoughts on this episode below my latest IG post, whatever it is (as I read all those comments) @HilaryRushford.

12 Q’s to get unstuck, unashamed and out from under your stories and expectations.

Whether getting the Broadway show, spouse, or learning to sail; whether personal or professional, lifetime legacy or would be lovely--do you or have you had a dream delayed?

Join me as I share very specific examples and takeaways of my five year journey to wanting to write a book to finally signing a book deal with a top publisher to ACTUALLY write the book!

Past episode mentioned for extra support:

Ep 83: 5 Roadblocks to Your Dreams + How to Overcome Them

Questions to journal or discuss:

1. When did the dream start?
2. When did the dream hook you?
3. What got/has gotten in the way?
4. What do/did you not know you didn’t know?
5. What do/did you have to change to make it work?
6. Are you sure you feel deeply compelled by this dream?
7. What can you do today?
   1. Can you swim in the sea around other swimmers?
   2. Can you have intention without hustle?
   3. Can you hire someone for accountability?
   4. Can you start the next step tomorrow?
   5. What can you do everyday?

For updates, insights, and behind the scenes of this process be sure to follow along @HilaryRushford and receive my personal emails at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

In our home we’ve been making a lot of big decisions lately.

I realized a common theme, whether I was asking or being asked, was in essence this one question.

Use it today and pass it on in your conversations this week!

Episodes mentioned:

• Ep 51: Healing Our Depression + Anxiety, with Beauty + Joy
• Ep 55: What We Want Out of Work + How to Create It
• Ep 56: Loneliness, Friendship + 3 Steps for Connection

Have a Q for a future episode? Leave a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

Come share your thoughts on this episode below my latest IG post, whatever it is (as I read all those comments) @HilaryRushford.

Both practical tips and philosophical questions -- like why are restricting our bodies in tight clothes to begin with?? Today let’s feel not just more beautiful, but more at peace both physically and spiritually.

Listen to Ep 99 on The 2-Part Fashion Cocktail to hear more!

Have a Q for a future episode? Leave a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

Come share your thoughts on this episode below my latest IG post, whatever it is (as I read all those comments) @HilaryRushford.

How can you welcome more people into your life, without excluding, yet also without compromising or editing your beliefs and experiences?

Today’s listener Q is a great one whether an entrepreneur speaking to your audience on Instagram, or simply wanting to connect with more people in your personal life.

Episodes mentioned:

Ep 5: My Own Path to Making Closer Friendships
Ep 17: Am I Doing Self-Love Wrong?
Ep 106: Enough: Why we never feel it in our time, productivity + success (part 1 of 3)
Ep 107: Enough: 10 Q’s to know if you’re doing enough (part 2 of 3)
Ep 108: Enough: Why it’s extra hard as an entrepreneur, creative or dreamer (part 3 of 3)

Have a Q for a future episode? Leave a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip!

Come share your thoughts on this episode below my latest IG post, whatever it is (as I read all those comments) @HilaryRushford.

A more personal part 2, as I felt compelled to be more vulnerable around a topic that, along with many of my colleagues, feels so rife with criticism and judgement.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Be There in Five episode on Childless Millennial (2 parts)
• Grace Atwood blog post
• HSP test
• Parenting as an HSP
• Charging rack

Would absolutely love to hear your thoughts on this topic, and be so honored if you would share on your IG Stories or elsewhere. Come chat @HilaryRushford or leave a voice memo Q at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

A personal chat for any stage or feelings on being or having a mother. A few days after Mother's Day and with some articles that came across my IG feed as of late, I’ve been pondering:

How we respond, trigger, idolize, yearn for and celebrate this complex topic that applies to every single one of us.

First, the Elegant Excellence Goals Journal Summer Collection is here! With a very limited restock, get yours today!

_______

Podcasts, blogs and articles referenced:

• Beautiful all-encompassing episode of Cafeteria Christian on Mother's Day specifically in the Christian church, with a moving liturgy/poem at minute 14
• Jess Ann Kirby blogger who didn’t plan to have children then got pregnant
• One of many articles that links to many other articles on children and happiness
• Marriage is Funny episode on not having children

Instagram accounts:

Remember to follow wisely, slow, limiting your follows to under 200-300. You can gain what you need from someone in an hour of taking in their content without needing to see it daily. You can follow someone then realize only 5% applies to you + unfollow. You can follow then realize for some reason they’re increasing your anxiety or resentment + unfollow. Some accounts talk on the topic often, others may have a blog post or podcast episode on it specifically.

• Walking through loss + trying to conceive @AshleyKLemiuex, IVF + non-toxic health @TheLaurenKennedy, surrogacy after loss @wink_and_a_twirl
• Adoption of 3 sisters @NicoleWalters, gay adoption @GriffinsThread
• Death of a child @KalleyHeili
• A non glamorized view of motherhood @RosieLondoner
• Parenting adult children @ChaleneJohnson
• Mothering without losing yourself @SydneyLiann, mothering different types of child personalities @JennasKitchen
• Healing to be a better parent @The.Holisitic.Psychologist

Also the shower speaker for extra entertainment in your every day. (wink)

Have a Q for a future episode? Leave a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

Come share your thoughts on this episode below my latest IG post, whatever it is (as I read all those comments) @HilaryRushford.

“I’ve tried capsule collections, buying better quality, buying cheaper items… I spend so much time shopping, returning, and yet never feel like I have enough or the right things in my closet. Help!”

Today’s DM from a reader has so much more depth than you’d imagine in our question to find more joy, less overwhelm, in our beauty.

Links in today’s episode:

• Tune in for my free style workshop
• Ep 60: The Wand
• My Ribbon & Record Method on IGTV
• Elegant Excellence Goals Journal Summer Collection

Have a Q for a future episode? Leave a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

Come share your thoughts on this episode below my latest IG post, whatever it is (as I read all those comments) @HilaryRushford.

What’s your big question in life? The one you keep seeking to answer, coming at from different angles. The one that shows you what you’re really longing for, or envision as the key to happiness.

Your favorite books just might be a clue. Here are mine, or at least those mentioned in today’s episode:

1. Essentialism
2. Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
3. How To Do Nothing
4. Burnout
5. Lost Connections
6. Untamed
7. Super Attractor
8. How to Be Parisian
9. Why Not Me
10. Stories I Only Tell My Friends
11. The E-Myth
12. The 4-Part Entrepreneur Cocktail

PS - That last one is by me. (wink) And as noted in the episode, contains lots of broken or outdated links, hence why we don’t have it up on our site, but are providing the direct link for podcast listeners who hear about it in this episode.

Also mentioned in this episode:

• Our wait list will hear about the summer collection of Elegant Excellence Goals Journal first (we have a very limited stock and will sell out!)
• Ep 44: Life Changing Essentialism + Doing Less
• Ep 51: Healing Our Depression + Anxiety, with Beauty + Joy
• Ep 55: What We Want Out of Work + How to Create It
• Ep 56: Loneliness, Friendship + 3 Steps for Connection
• Ep 29: 22 Steps to Feel Better in 1 Day (Easier Than it Sounds)
• When No One Is Watching

Today’s episode was thanks to a listener Q. Submit yours at HilaryRushford.com/podvip and join the conversation in Instagram Stories daily at @HilaryRushford.

A self-help author recently made some problematic posts, and my thoughts on the controversy was the most requested topic this week.

In full disclosure: in this episode I neither mention her name, nor analyze her posts.

This conversation isn’t about her as I’m far less interested in the missteps of individuals than the bigger picture of how we want to act and react ourselves in and around these situations.

What does it look like to lead and love, with elegance and excellence?

There are big questions in this episode.

In the years, months, even weeks that follow, I reserve the right to change or expand or shift my thoughts on them!

That’s the nature of complex conversations.

They don’t have easy answers.

Which opens them up for allll the criticism and critique. So today’s talk comes with a caveat:

If at any point you feel yourself getting defensive, pause and walk away.

(When we get hot, we can no longer hear with love, and thus respond from love. Who might get hot? Oh Christians, non religious, conservatives, activists -- I’ve got enough experience under my belt to know 1 in 1,000 will get triggered no matter what I say or how carefully I try to say it. And we speak to that in and of itself today.)

This conversation is about how we love ourselves and others well.

I invite you to be curious alongside me today, explore our own heads and hearts before anyone else’s, and consider how we can truly make the world a kinder place for all.

Mentioned in today’s episode:

• Glennon Doyle’s Effects of #PassTheMic IGTV
• Instagram Katie Sturino
• Instagram Jameela Jamil
• Instagram The Blachelorettes
• Instagram Carlos Whittaker
• Article on community changes (Title: “What traffic enforcement without the police could look like”)
• Thesaurus on accountability + related feelings
• Galatians 6:2-5 in the Message
• Matthew 18: 15-17 New Living Translation
• Documentary The Feminist in Cellblock Y

Is being so hard on yourself exhausting? Why do we feel crazy all the time!?

Good news. There’s some practical explanations for why some of us struggle extra with this question of when we have accomplished enough.

Whatever your occupation, this will give you insight and empathy, whether for yourself or others. Plus freedom, whether that’s gratitude or more grace for your own story.

Have a Q for a future episode? Leave a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

Come share your thoughts on this episode below my latest IG post, whatever it is (as I read all those comments) @HilaryRushford.

I’m opening up my personal journal to read you my own questions on enoughness in my business and my body/beauty.

Listen in to hear the breakthrough that comes when we truly explore where our fears are coming from, the lies we’re believing, and the truth that would actually bring us more peace and joy.

Then use these 10 Q’s for your own questions:

1. What would be enough?
2. Am I sure that would be enough?
3. If I got to enough how would I feel?
4. What’s an earlier milestone I celebrated that now doesn’t feel like enough?
5. Who do I have more than in this area?
6. How do I feel not having enough?
7. What could I do to alleviate those feelings without getting more?
8. Is there a chance I could get what I think today is enough and have those same feelings?
9. What other areas could I focus on to give me the feeling I’m looking for?
10. What would really make me feel enough?

Have a Q for a future episode? Leave a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

Come share your thoughts on this episode below my latest IG post, whatever it is (as I read all those comments) @HilaryRushford.

Am I doing enough?

What will be enough?

At what point can I rest without feeling guilty I should be doing more?

I keep noticing this word in your questions, or the subtext beneath them.

I feel it too. I ask it too. I chase it too.

When we haven’t found the answer, it’s because the question is complex.

Which means exploring multiple angles, peeling back layers, going deeper.

Today launches a 3-week series on enoughness.

Share this episode with a friend so you can talk about it, observe, learn and grow together.

Have a Q for a future episode? Leave a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

Come share your thoughts on this episode below my latest IG post, whatever it is (as I read all those comments) @HilaryRushford.

You know exactly what they need, but they aren't listening or at least aren't taking action.

Whether a friend, child or parent. Whether their issue is overcommitting, they're in a bad relationship, they keep complaining about the same issue.

A new 3-word mantra (piggybacking off last week's episode) to help us help others, in a way that stays healthy for us.

Mentioned in today's show is Ep 3: Your #1 Issue (Ok Prob Not You, The Person Annoying You Most)

Come join the conversation daily in IG stories @hilaryrushford.

Whether political disagreements, toxic relationships, boundaries issues and beyond.

Years ago my first therapist gave me three simple words that have served me in so many hard situations.

Three choices in any relationship.

Listen in today to become:

• More peaceful in your relationships
• A better example to those around you of healthy relationships
• More empowered over your choices and how you’re affected by others

Mentioned in today’s episode:

• Ep 29: 22 Steps to Feel Better in 1 Day (Easier Than it Sounds‪)‬
• My friend @SharonSaysSo for all the wise government info
• Lumenate app

Come join the conversation daily in IG Stories @HilaryRushford.

How often do we feel undeserving of good food or good rest?

What would it feel like to be generous with ourselves instead?

Today I share how I’m getting healthier in these thoughts, including the magic voice I use to catch how crazy these thoughts really are!

Mentioned in this episode:

• Episode 1 (my experience with suicidal ideation)
• Ruthie Lindsey’s Instagram

Come join the conversation daily on my Instagram Stories @HilaryRushford!

I shared on Instagram to a flood of comments, shares, private messages and realized this topic had struck a chord.

It’s a little bit of growing our sensitivity around miscarriage, infertility and the complexity of becoming parents.

And a lot about checking in with our sense of time and time scarcity.

After today’s episode ask yourself:

• Which of the 3 are you?
• What are both the positives and negatives of it?
• How may it be affecting those around you (both positively and negatively)?
• What could you take from the other types to find a healthier balance?

P.S. Hop on the waitlist for the Elegant Excellence Goals Journal.

Then come join the conversation in Instagram Stories @HilaryRushford.

Your behind the scenes Q’s! From ideas and creative, to tools and advice

Whether you’re a fellow entrepreneur considering your own podcast, or embarking on any creative endeavor, or just love a look behind the curtain, this convo is for you!

My podcast tools:

• Home office microphone
• Home office arm
• Home office sound panels
• Travel microphone
• Plugin dongle to connect it to a mac laptop

Novel: The Rosie Effect

Entrepreneur? Get on the wait list for my Elegant Excellence Mastermind to hear more!

Your favorite topics and episodes in one wisdom-packed conversation.

What are my 3 best teachings on style? Relationships? Essentialism? My 2 most popular episodes and what they have in common you should take action on today?

Be reminded of 18 of my most powerful teachings.

Links in this episode:

• Bonus Episode: I Owe You an Apology
• Episode 49: An Open Letter on Opinion Culture
• Chest patches

What would you love to hear in the next 100? Chime in on Instagram @HilaryRushford or HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

How to identify what you want, why, and shift your life to create it.

That’s the heart of this teaching, springboarding off my current decision making about where we might live, and amplified by your replies to a Q that blew me away.

How to find more gratitude in your life and, bonus, more grace (less judgement) for others.

Chime in on this mini IG survey on our first 100 episodes to help shape the next 100.

Or leave questions or ideas for future episodes at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

My favorite signature style principle. Feel more beautiful, without buying more. Understand what and why you love what you love. Education and empowerment, in one powerful teaching you will use for years and want to share with every woman in your life!

Come join the conversation on Instagram @HilaryRushford or submit a topic or Q for the show at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

I shared on Instagram a few days ago that we’ve moved somewhere temporarily, to explore if we want to move here full-time!

The Q’s you asked back, made me realize there’s a great encouragement on how we make big decisions. Listen in to inspire your own now or next chapters.

For more details see our Announcement Post here. Plus a Q&A in my pinned stories here.

More adventures, inspiration and as always life coaching on the side (wink) to come...

We would all love to meditate more, to have nailed all the steps in the books on how to develop habits, but for the gal who has nailed neither (ahem, hand raised) an insight into the most powerful thing that has been simply a tiny shift you can start today.

Come join me on Instagram @HilaryRushford for more teaching in my Instagram Stories, and submit any ideas for future episodes at HilaryRushford/podvip!

Well this has truly been a week, friends!

In lieu of today’s episode, join our conversation hearing from the Black and white women in our community on IG Stories here.

And share your comments in this post that we’ll continue to revisit.

Join us on IG Stories for more as we continue to learn how to love our neighbor better, for and from one another.

We have cried together, commiserated in our grief, anxiety, loneliness… and our silver linings, gratitudes, blessings of 2020.

Gathering up some of our most poignant and recurring conversations, I’m recapping six insights we’ve shared this year to invite you to ponder what you’ve learned for yourself in each area.

NEW Masterclass for Entrepreneurs: Plan Your 2021 Business Revenue

Fiction podcasts mentioned: Rom Com Pods and Blood Ties

Come chat more on Instagram @HilaryRushford!

The Royal 20’s was one of our most powerful conversations a year ago as we headed into 2020.

How does it feel different heading into 2021?

Let’s revisit this story to bring more intention and ease into our year.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Entrepreneur? Join my free 5 Steps to Plan Your 2021 Business Revenue masterclass!
• Our wedding photos at DeanStreetSociety.com/wedding

Come share your thoughts below my latest IG post whatever it is @HilaryRushford or leave a topic suggestion at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

What if changing your body wasn’t one of your main goals in 2021?

Or if the change wasn’t at all about punishment, shoulds, need to, but gratitude and kindness?

In a season with so many overt and covert messages about our bodies, let’s have a girlfriend chat about our beauty.

Come share your thoughts below my latest IG post whatever it is @HilaryRushford or leave a topic suggestion at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

Ever feel disappointed or nervous that you don’t or won’t do what you say you want to.

Lose weight, start a business, write a book, clean out your garage, stop drinking.

Whether big or seemingly small, I’ve got 3 Q’s to help us get clear on the repeating thoughts, goals, projects, fears that swirl in our head.

Here’s to heading into 2021 with more space to live...

PS Let’s hang out on Instagram (especially in Stories) @HilaryRushford

Submit a Q or topic for the show HilaryRushford.com/podvip

My 5 P’s to a life of more intention. This is for entrepreneurs and the everygirl, and not only about social media but our time and attention.

I took 1-2 weeks off Instagram in August and have been more intentional and aware since in my use of social media, my phone, my time off and more.

For entrepreneurs don’t miss your chance to apply for my Elegant Excellence 2021 Mastermind <<< click to learn more!

Q’s? Join the conversations on Instagram @HilaryRushford

From a musical theater performer in NYC to a CEO with zero business background, I myself can’t believe my own journey.

I had nothing that you don’t have. No money, connections, or knowledge. And therefore if I can do it, so can you.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur or aspiring, a career change or dream could be in your future, or you simply love hearing behind the scenes, there’s insight and encouragement in the 5 Phases I share in this episode.
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Don’t miss the application window for the Elegant Excellence Mastermind!

And the free masterclass I’m teaching to kick it off: 5 Steps to Less Overwhelm in Business.

Have any Q’s about the mastermind, business, or other podcast topics? Come join me on Instagram @HilaryRushford and in Stories and DMs.

Are you grateful... for yourself? What you’ve accomplished, who you’ve become?

In this heart-to-heart episode we touch on anxiety, wellness, marriage, business and more.

With a specific spin on how to catch ourselves when we are setting ourselves up for disappointed, self-blame and self-shame.

Order your Elegant Excellence Journal before the shop closes.

Join the conversation on Instagram @HilaryRushford and HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

6 Q’s to clarify who, what, when & why to give of our time, energy & finances.

Today’s episode came from a great listener Q. There’s so much good we can do in the world, how do we not feel guilty we aren’t doing more or don’t really enjoy giving/helping in the same way someone else does?

Get your Elegant Excellence Journal before they sell out!

And on the waitlist now for the Elegant Excellence Mastermind.

Come join the conversation on Instagram @HilaryRushford, especially in Stories, and submit a Q or topic for the episode at HilaryRushford.com/podvip!

Accepting a closed door, or rather being willing to close it yourself, can feel terrifying.

Sharing my personal insights on how and when we listen to our gut, what breadcrumbs really mean, and the paradox of the grass always being greener.

Whether starting a business, leaving a relationship, or any of your own life shifts, may this be a story of hope that supports you!

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ORDER TODAY: ElegantExcellenceJournal.com

Don’t miss out, get yours before they sell out!

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Come hang out in Stories on Instagram @HilaryRushford or leave a voice memo with a Q or topic you’d love a future episode on at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

What if you had plans in 2020 that didn’t come to be? #AllHandsRaised

Today I’m speaking to a common Q in my DMs on how to think about having not made a business or goal happen in this wild year of 2020.

Using my own experiences of working out, meditation, and organization with my Elegant Excellence Goals Journal.

This is the conversation we should have every year before New Years to remember to both focus on, and have grace for, the one component that means more than any app or tool for our success: us.

Spoiler alert: we’re the most powerful thing we have, so this is great news!

PS Get your 2021 Elegant Excellence Goals Journal while they’re still in stock!

Then join the convo @HilaryRushford or voice memo a Q or topic for the pod at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

How do you choose between goals? Avoid overwhelm, biting off more than you can chew? But also not have FOMO (fear of missing out) that you might chose the wrong goal, regret it, be sad you can’t have both?

Today I’m sharing my signature principle for goal setting in a way that brings all our dreams and projects together. Instead of competing against each other, leaving us unfulfilled and disappointed. They work together, to give us momentum towards the life we really want.

Do not miss out on your 2021 Elegant Excellence Goals Journals + Workshops to use these principles with me all year!

UPDATE: We were 25% sold out just in our first 24 hours of early access before the shop doors even opened so don’t delay! We have an even more limited stock this year so choose your cover collection today!

Send love notes, Q’s, future topics to @HilaryRushford on IG or HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

There is so much power in saying and writing our dreams. In today’s special episode I walk you through delightful and insightful prompts to uncover what lights up your head and heart; has in your past and will in the future. Pour a cup, grab a pen if you can, and enjoy!

Then be sure to save your seat for our Elegant Excellence Goals Journal Reveal Party or snag your journal as soon as the doors are open!

P.S. My favorite pens to use with the journal:

• Pilot V Razor Black
• Pilot V Razor Color
• TUL Retractable Gel Pens
• Paper Mate Flair

I’d love to hear what you’re dreaming about! Leave me a voice memo with follow-up Q’s at HilaryRushford.com/podvip or share over on Instagram @HilaryRushford

I’ve identified five elements of our personality that trip us up in dreaming gracefully, spaciously, authentically.

Which of these descriptions sounds most like you? When you think about why you aren’t today, living out a dream, on top of the world in LOVE with your life, is it MORE because you’re:

THE STATS DREAMER. Uncomfortable saying WHAT we want, unless we understand HOW we can make that happen, how it’s realistic.

THE SIDEKICK DREAMER. Uncomfortable saying that we want more, want big things, so we play small, make our dreams only about making other people happy.

THE SUPERSIZE DREAMER. So many dreams we’re trying to pursue all at once. We don’t want to have to give up anything, so often end up getting even less because of it.

THE SPLIT DREAMER. Two dreams in conflict. In our mind they’re headed in totally different directions, and we’re paralyzed with indecision and fear of missing out.

THE SLOTHFUL DREAMER. We don’t even do the work to figure out what our dreams are, or if we do we don’t take the actions, risk, put in the work to move them forward.

https://elegantexcellencejournal.com/

Do you hate conflict, arguments, feel exhausted by all the tension in our cultural conversations lately?

Let’s consider how we can have healthier conversations whether around the election, holidays, or anytime in our lives.

This isn’t just about convincing someone (though that can be a lovely bonus!) or avoiding fights (ugh). The ultimate goal is that we feel more peaceful and positive ourselves, regardless of the other person’s tone or response.

Would love to hear your thoughts on Instagram @HilaryRushford or HilaryRushford.com/podvip!

Lightness, joy and happy topics feel in order after so many heavy world events this year.

I’m often asked if I have a blog post on my musical theatre story: how I booked a Broadway tour, the Radio City Rockettes, and all that jazz.

Sharing some fun (okay and emotional, I keep getting choked up!) stories along with inspiring takeaways about chasing our dreams and supporting those in our lives as they do the same.

Would love to hear your thoughts on Instagram @HilaryRushford or HilaryRushford.com/podvip!

What is in between laziness and productivity? This is the question I’ve been pondering myself during quarantine. And in some ways the core of a more sustainable lifestyle of rest I’ve been cultivating since a sabbatical in 2016. Reading the book How to Do Nothing by Jenny Odell this year has given me further language for this unique journey, as well as clarity as to why it is truly imperative for our society and humanity that we choose to embrace it.

• Register for my Simplest Way to Launch workshop
• Join Creative Business Accelerator

Would absolutely love to hear your thoughts in a voicememo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip or @HilaryRushford, including any topics or Q’s you’d like covered on the podcast!

PS - Cheat sheet inspiration for your Edifying/Present brainstorm list:

lowers anxiety, lowers envy, little financial benefit to you, little financial benefit to other people, increases thinking, increases listening, increases relationships, increases connection to nature and/or art, anchors you in the present

If you are busier than ever, let me pass along some insights from my slowness, to help you in the eventual-post-quaratine-season of your future.

A general community report back on how we’re doing at this 6 month mark for most of us since Covid ish got real.

Plus aha’s that have been rocking my world as I discover what happens when I have “plenty of time”... and still am not living the life I envisioned I would be.

Links in this episode:

• Creative Business Accelerator is opening soon, get on the list!

Would love to hear your thoughts @HilaryRushford or leave a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

After thousands of clients and years teaching women how to understand their own style recipe, I’ve discovered there are So. Many. Lies we tell ourselves and how we feel towards that woman in the mirror!

In this episode, learn the truth and how you can rewire them to discover your true heart and self.

You do not need to lose weight, or buy more, to feel more beautiful. Nor is it about fluffy words of positive affirmation. Learn the science and psychology of style, you whip smart woman you.

• Join Creative Business Accelerator today
• Get on the waitlist for my style class
• Leave a Q for a future episode at HilaryRushford.com/podvip

More freedom, joy, peace, and beauty is waiting for you. Let me help you more on my feed and Stories @HilaryRushford.”

What if you could get out of a horrible mood? Without having to deny or downplay what had you hurt or upset in the first place? The story of 24 hours in my life, and the rainbow tool I discovered that day that helped get me from fearful and depressed, to joyful and optimistic, without simply putting on a happy face.

Today we explore how these small choices can ultimately amount to big changes.

• Download a graphic of the Emotional Guidance Scale at HilaryRushford.com/podvip
• Get on the waitlist for Creative Business Accelerator
• Follow along for more teaching @HilaryRushford in my feed and Stories

PS Things I’m loving lately pillow and chest patch.

In this season of seemingly zero control over our pandemic-ed lives, what can we learn about living with change? What can we take into the next season? This encore presentation of episode 7 includes tools that have helped me in this whiplash of a crisis and encourage me for the future.

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Are you ready to be the CEO of your life? To accept change with more peace and courage? Many of us resist change because often we feel these choices are not our own. You get laid off work. Your relationship is failing. Your best friend is moving out of state.

It’s powerful to remember that even when you don’t make a choice, or get to fully make it, we have so much control over our head, heart and soul to CHOOSE for it to be a yes, a blessing, a gift.

1. Get a heads up if you can. If not, acknowledge swift change can feel jarring.
2. Focus on your PRIORITIES. Then celebrate choosing priority #1, not focusing on having given up priority #2.
3. ENVISION your choice and BE that person now, not waiting till you have something external then thinking that will change how you feel internally.
4. Prepare your MIND that freak outs will happen, which doesn’t mean it’s wrong, so you can react to them less and not second guess your choice.
5. Look for EVIDENCE this is good, right, meant to be. The brain doesn’t want you to change, it’s safer to stay the same, it will try to convince you of that, so talk to yourself about the evidence this is right.
6. RE-EVALUATE priorities again as things shift. Remember you’re the CEO of your life, and even when unexpected things arise, you can choose how you settle things around them.
7. Remember your MIND goes with you. Don’t expect a change externally to change your joy internally, unless you are working on happier healthier thoughts.

Which step feels most powerful to you? Come tell me on Instagram @HilaryRushford.

PS Have a topic or Q you’d like covered? Leave it at hilaryrushford.com/podvip.

Be honest. Will you still cancel on events after Covid? Listen in on this encore presentation of Episode 12 with an updated teaching at the top to think ahead to how we can avoid falling back into old habits.

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We want to be invited and do all the things.. aaand sit on the couch to binge Netflix in silence. Sound familiar? Samesies. We want to be able to choose the right things to avoid overfilling our calendars with things that don’t really bring us joy; to avoid FOMO because we’re confident we did indeed make the right choice for us. I’m sharing 4 hacks to make decisions quickly.

Discern what truly brings you joy in that moment - not just what will make your Instagram feed look cooler.

Know that a “hell yes” will haunt you and anything less can be let go.

Buy back your freedom!

Slow down and ask the right questions so you can confidently and peacefully create that space for yourself.

Come leave me a voice memo on hilaryrushford.com/podvip and tell me what you want to talk about next! And share on Instagram @hilaryrushford which decision this helped you make!

Why are we still anxious, competitive, or impatient? Even though we know we dislike that about ourselves and wish we were different? Enjoy this encore of Episode 3 with an updated teaching at the top!

I have - get ready for it - the answers to all your problems. Yes, I’m talking to you, m’dear.

That guy who won’t text you back? Friend who’s making you feel left out? Boss who gives you the worst anxiety? The answer to all their problems too.

I reveal my “3 stages of ish” to get you to clarity, security, and change.

PLUS an incredibly useful one-page worksheet at HilaryRushford.com/podvip. Tuck in your journal or pin to your fridge to track your growth over the months to come, see progress, and celebrate your wins. This step was truly game changing in my own path to more peace and less overwhelm.

What do you think? Does the “3 stages of ish” help? Would LOVE to hear your takeaways @HilaryRushford. Leave me a note below my latest post, whenever you listen, as I read them all.

Sharing a brand new teaching that’s come out of writing my style book.

You have more power and opportunity that ever before to shift your story of what is beautiful, with a few simple, enjoyable actions.

Mentioned in today’s podcast:

• Ep 29: 22 Steps to Feel Better in 1 Day (Easier Than it Sounds)

Please come over to Instagram @HilaryRushford and tell me when you find someone new to follow there. And leave a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip with Q’s or topics to inspire future episodes.

Do you feel guilty you don’t accomplish more? Beat yourself up for not doing more? Feel failure and shame that your list is so long or you’re so far from where or who you desire?

I was shocked in a recent chat on Instagram Stories when 80% of you said yes.

Having explored this pain point in my own life for years, I’m sharing 3 core components I believe will give you more confidence, peace, freedom, and permission.

Episodes referenced:

• Ep 47: Mindful Instagram Challenge for the Everygirl
• Ep 60: The Wand: Change your day in 5 min (+ your inner teen girl)
• Ep 58: Productivity Guilt during Quarantine + the Idealization of Time

Resources referenced:

• Elegant Excellence Goals Journal
• Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown

Come continue the conversation on Instagram at @HilaryRushford or leave a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

I had an aha while writing my style book. I wrote this on a post-it:

“Write for her, not for critics or activists.”

I shared on Instagram Stories and the response was overwhelming.

On today’s episode I teach on who you’re called to.

Whether friendships that feel hard, social media that feels overwhelming, or creativity that feels terrifying.

Imagine a weight being lifted when you realize someone isn’t your responsibility...

Picture fresh enthusiasm when you realize who you ARE called to...

Listen in to feel more freedom in your relationships, creation, and time…

PS We’re hiring! Visit https://deanstreetsociety.com/careers/ to read our current open position.

Share this episode and tag @HilaryRushford, and/or chime in with topics and ideas for future pods at https://deanstreetsociety.com/podvip/.

When you’re frustratingly stuck in a scenario, what do you? Whether a creaky home messing with your morning routine, or an impasse with your husband on where to live. Sharing my advice to a few DMs I’ve received….

Links in the episode:

• Instagram Stories on Shaming
• Elegant Excellence Goals Journal

What would YOU like to chat about next? Leave me a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip and join the conversation in my IG Stories @HilaryRushford!

“My girlfriends have been complaining about weight gain during quarantine. I think they look great! But it makes me so uncomfortable because I’m a larger size than any of them. I know they don’t mean it, but it makes me self-conscious when they judge their own smaller bodies in front of me. Do you have any advice for how to bring this up without making it awkward?”

Let’s talk about The Compliment Sandwich for handling delicate conversations with aplomb.

Links in this episode:

• Episode 49: An Open Letter on Opinion Culture
• My puzzle mat

PS Since recording this episode we had an incredible conversation about shaming on IG Stories which you can find pinned @HilaryRushford.

Please come leave a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip to submit suggestions, Q’s or topics for upcoming episodes!

How do you show yourself grace in decision making? How do you MAKE big decisions around where to live, career, family?

Answering your Q’s and sharing some of my personal story on these topics.

8 Q’s + Actions to Consider:

1. Zoom out to 10 years and beyond. What do you want to be true at 70?
2. Do the regret test. If you do or don’t do this, might you regret it?
3. Give yourself grace if you don’t have an answer right now. Trust that means it’s not the right time FOR you to have an answer.
4. Envision your day to day. What will this look like on a very practical level.
5. What clues are in your fantasies? Is there a more practical way you could incorporate these?
6. Think medium term. What if this was just for 3 years? What do you want to have saved financially in 18 months?
7. What gives you buzz in your life? Can you find that in different ways in your options?
8. Test it. Whether a trial run, or mentally through journaling, research and conversation. Put yourself in that reality to see how it truly feels.

Listen to Ep 61: Shelter-At-Home Style + Dressing Joyfully for more on #7 and what buzz is in our lives.

Have more Q’s to submit? Visit HilaryRushford.com/podvip. And come join the conversation @HilaryRushford.

PS - Books I’m loving lately That Month in Tuscany and The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Harcourt

I’ve noticed something in myself and my Elegant Excellence Mastermind students over the past year. Colleagues and coaches have confirmed it for me, and it’s a growing passion for me to help us break through it.

Today the doors open for my brand new course Creative Business Accelerator, with a limited time window to also join my Elegant Excellence Mastermind for the last 6 months of 2020.

Join me on a live call Wednesday/Thursday on The Simplest Way to Launch a New Business or Product for more teaching and details.

I can help you launch in 3-30 days with less overwhelm and procrastination, for more confidence and revenue. At an incredibly affordable price.

Links in this episode:

• Special Bonus Ep: I Owe You an Apology
• Ep 61: Shelter-At-Home Style + Dressing Joyfully
• Photo I mention on my IG feed
• Gal Meets Glam announcement

Have questions? I’m on Instagram @HilaryRushford. Idea for a future podcast? Leave a voice memo with a Q or topic at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

I asked on IG Stories how you’re feeling amidst our global conversation on racism and racial equity.

The most common answers were:

• Ashamed, horrified, devastated at how much I didn’t know I didn’t know.
• Overwhelmed. I feel pressure to speak, but to not misspeak; shamed for being silent, judged for misspeaking, I’m frozen.
• Guilty that I want Instagram to be the place I escape from the anxiety of my day, not the source of it.

Everything I read, the heart was empathetic and compassionate. Wanting to help, support, and love.

And, struggling with not being full-time activists, yet also having woken up.

Unsure how to balance your life, for many entrepreneurs your business, along with not wanting to “move on”.

This is what I’ve been wrestling with myself.

Authenticity is very important to me.

Staying focused on a topic because it’s trendy or there’s pressure, is not the same as a true heart shift.

We show heart shifts, when weeks, months and years from now, we show true life shifts.

In this episode I share principles I’m using to be an ally authentically and sustainably.

• How my “one degree better” principle ties into why the conversation on race feels different this time around
• The 6x3 principle from the ElegantExcellenceJournal.com helps examine us avoid overwhelm or burnout, while committing to action
• My “passion stacking” vision the help us walk out racial equity authentically and impactfully

I am not an expert, I’m simply sharing my own earnest journey feeling compelled to do more.

Imperfectly, I’m sure. Stumbling over my words, I’m sure.

Yet with great empathy and holding space for how many different phases we’re in in this community.

Links mentioned:

• Ep 17: Am I Doing Self-Love Wrong?
• How to be an Anti-Racist book
• The Northern Belle of the South on Instagram

I would absolutely love to hear your thoughts below my latest Instagram post to continue the conversation @HilaryRushford where you can find additional resources I’ve shared in pinned BLM Stories.

Leave me a voice memo with a Q or topic to inspire a future episode at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

*** Don’t miss my newest course for ENTREPRENEURS opening and closing this month in JUNE! ***

Who made the first move, what’s our best dating advice? You submitted Q’s for Jeremy, who’s making his podcast debut!

Interested in our proposal and wedding stories?

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My brand new course for entrepreneurs and aspiring opens this month in June! Get on the waitlist so you don’t miss the limited first window.

Have follow-up Q’s or another topic you’d love to hear on the pod? Would love to hear from you below my latest post on IG @HilaryRushford or leaving a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

Do you reach out to friends more than they reach out to you?

Do you think most people probably have more social plans (pre-coronavirus) than you do?

Who are we reaching out to more/less these days and why?

I gathered these Q’s into a series of surveys on IG Stories and put the insights into today's episode.

Our hearts crave more connection. We’re all yearning to hear from one another more. So why are we all letting one another down?

Episodes mentioned to re-listen on related topics:

• Ep 59: Permission to heal: social media, Covid + community
• Ep 56: Loneliness, Friendship + 3 Steps in Connection
• Ep 60: The Wand: Change your day in 5 min (+ your inner teen girl)

Be sure to hop on the waiting list for my brand new course or entrepreneurs and aspiring launching this month!

Would love to hear your thoughts on today’s episode under my latest IG post (whenever you hear this) @HilaryRushford, or Q’s for future episodes at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

We had big beautiful visions for our 2020 on January 1.

A new decade, a new season. We’d just launched the Elegant Excellence Goals Journal.

Then before Q1 was even over they had completely changed with a global pandemic.

We don’t know when it will be over, what normal looks or feels like, which freedom and choice we do or don’t have.

Making plans feels exhausting.

Without them we’re aimless, disorganized, unfulfilled.

Yet trying to make them, comes with overwhelm about where to begin, what’s certain, what can we guarantee?

Do you reschedule your wedding, renew your lease in this city, start the business?

Today I’m sharing 7 Q’s that have helped me to navigate:

1. Consider what you’ve discovered is important to you in this time
2. Revisit your 10 + 3 year goals
3. Adjust your 1 year goals
4. Make plans B + C (+ D)
5. Sketch a new Path
6. Make + celebrate very short-term goals
7. Ask in 3 years what will I regret?

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Want more help?

Get one of the few post-dated Elegant Excellence Journals available.

Hop on the wait-list for my new course for entrepreneurs to hear first.

_____

Past episodes mentioned to go deeper on:

• Ep 39: Welcome to the Royal 20’s!
• Ep 58: Productivity Guilt during Quarantine + the Idealization of Time
• Ep 59: Permission to heal: social media, Covid + community
• Ep 60: The Wand: Change your day in 5 min (+ your inner teen girl)
• Ep 61: Shelter-At-Home Style + Dressing Joyfully
• Ep 62: You are doing great (a love note)

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Would LOVE to hear from you and your thoughts. Come leave a comment below my latest post @HilaryRushford or leave me a voice memo with a Q or topic for a future episode at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

As I’ve been reading over your DMs, and we’ve been chatting through my IG Stories, there’s something I want to say.

If you’re feeling tired, overwhelmed, discouraged, in need of a break, or unsure, this is for you.

By the way, I’ve felt all of those things myself and on the rare times that a friend knows me well enough to speak this into my life, it’s such a blessing.

If you think this message would bless others please SCREENSHOT + SHARE. Tag me on Instagram Stories @HilaryRushford so I can thank you! Text it directly to a friend.

I would LOVE to hear from you with Q’s or topics for future episodes at HilaryRushford.com/podvip if you’ll come leave me a voice memo?

PS If you loved this episode, check out Ep 42 The 6 Words You Need to Hear + Ep 43: I Am So Proud of You.

Are you enjoying your closet more or less in this season? And why?

I asked this question on Instagram and your responses came into 11 areas. Whether positive feelings we want to KEEP after this season, or negative ones where we might have more choice to CHANGE than we realize, I’m breaking them down.

So many of my lessons came back to the heart behind my style class, Style & Styleability, that I decided to open it up for podcast listeners. I’ve shared a replay of my last free class taught in Brooklyn here:

HilaryRushford.com/class

Two other episodes mentioned in this one are:

• Ep 60 The Wand
• Ep 39 Royal Mindset

Come tell me your own thoughts on today’s conversation over on Instagram @HilaryRushford beneath my latest post? And look for examples of the styles I mention in my Stories or pinned Stories if they’ve expired.

The most powerful tool I’ve used to change my life, that's still helping me through coronavirus, in entrepreneurship, in my friendships...all the things!

For a quick visual:
C
T
F
A
R

C
T
F
A
R

That’s all. Simple, yet shockingly powerful. Go deeper with these additional podcast episodes (I re-listen to my own episodes ALL the time! Just because we’ve heard it, doesn't mean we are living it!):

Ep 29: 22 Steps to Feel Better in 1 Day (Easier Than it Sounds)
Ep 39: Welcome to the Royal 20’s!
Ep 58: Productivity Guilt during Quarantine + the Idealization of Time

If you’re interested in either the Elegant Excellence Journal or Elegant Excellence Mastermind you can hop on our wait lists for more info!

Would LOVE to hear your thoughts over on Instagram @HilaryRushford and be so honored if you would screenshot this episode to share.

Want to share even more? Send me a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip to inspire a future episode.

PS: Something I’m loving lately, Rob Lowe Autobiography!

Today’s concept of Third Circle Grief has blessed my life for the last few years as I came up with it to process my own experiences.

Sharing it, only recently on Instagram, the response was overwhelming as 90% said you too are experiencing this, you just didn’t have language for it.

What it is, what it means, and how to process it.

A few other gems from this episode:

• Ep #26 How to Be A Good Friend in Grief
• Grain free chocolate chip cookie recipe
• Ep #1 of my IGTV cooking (ahem, comedy) show on what I make for breakfast
• And Ep #2: A Coronavirus Cookie Fairy Tale starring Harry + Megan

Would LOVE to hear your thoughts over on Instagram @HilaryRushford and be so honored if you would screenshot this episode to share.

Want to share even more? Send me a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip to inspire a future episode.

I feel I should be getting more done during this time. Sound familiar?

I feel I should be more productive, creative, rested. The “should’s” are piling up during this time and rather than simply swatting them away with a “show yourself more grace,” I think we have a powerful opportunity to ask why.

What would happen if we did not, in fact, do these things on the “should list”? And deepest of all, have we made time the enemy all these years… only to realize the enemy is actually within ourselves? If we don’t do ____ while we have more time (for those of us who do right now) what does that say about us in the long-run?

Would LOVE to hear your thoughts over on Instagram @HilaryRushford and be so honored if you would screenshot this episode to share.

Want to share even more? Send me a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip to inspire a future episode.

And don’t forget, if you’re curious about starting, scaling or pivoting any sort of side income, product, or business be first to hear about my brand new course right here. My first new class in 4 years is coming to help you through this season and beyond very soon...

Links in this episode:
IG: Jamie Beck
IG: Krystal Bick
New program optin

If you’re unsure what your special gift is, how to stand out in your industry, or succeed doing something you’re naturally brilliant at -- I’ve got a story for you!

I recorded this conversation with my dad over Christmas, and it has the hope and big-picture-dreaming I feel we all need in this challenging season of coronavirus and recession.

Right now, many of us are scared or stuck, in our work and our dreams. From our family to yours, may you create your own story worth telling, COVID setbacks and redirections and all.

Would love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Come share with me on Instagram @HilaryRushford.

Or send me a voice memo on this or other topics you’d love to discuss here on the podcast at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

P.S. Be the 1st to hear about my brand new course for entrepreneurs and aspiring! #ComingSoon

Are you feeling more or less connected in the past few weeks? I’ll share how I’m feeling, as well as some timeless insights into these emotions that can feel all the more relevant in this current reality of sheltering at home for much of the world.

This is the final in a three-part series, exploring the NYT best seller Lost Connections: Why You’re Depressed and How to Find Hope by Johann Hari.

Part 1: Ep 51: Healing Our Depression + Anxiety, with Beauty + Joy

Part 2: Ep 55: What We Want Out of Work + How to Create It

What would you love to discuss on the podcast next? Come leave me a voice memo! HilaryRushford.com/podvip

And please come hang out with me on Instagram @HilaryRushford!

Why are 87% of us disengaged or enraged with our work? For those who are fellow entrepreneurs, what does this mean when it comes to our own team and employees?

This episode is the second in a three-part series, exploring the NYT best seller Lost Connections: Why You’re Depressed and How to Find Hope by Johann Hari, and the issues most relevant to us at Dean Street Society.

Part one is here: Ep 51: Healing Our Depression + Anxiety, with Beauty + Joy

Whether you or somebody you know has struggled with depression and anxiety, this is a topic that needs all of us to lean in, think deeply, and truly take action.

For more timely conversation on work during Coronavirus for those seeking additional income, stay tuned for a video coming to IGTV @HilaryRushford this week.

And till then get your daily dose of joy with one of my new most watched style videos un-sponsored by a little boutique I found here on the road called Walmart. (wink)

What would you love to discuss on the podcast next? Come leave me a voice memo! HilaryRushford.com/podvip

Choosing grace and releasing control. That’s the message I feel we all need in this challenging season. Both our in-person relationships, and our online ones (where we tend to feel even more loose in our boundaries).

Listen in to understand why you’re feeling how you are, and make sure you’re loving those around you as best you can.

With all the heaviness, we need gentleness more than ever! And joy, hence my shout-out for this IG profile.

Would love to hear your thoughts and experiences? Come share with me on Instagram @HilaryRushford. Or send me a voice memo on this or other topics you’d love to discuss here on the podcast in this season at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

Links in this episode:
Ep: 49: An Open Letter on Opinion Culture
IG Account: goodnews_movement

I’m feeling like the black duckling these days, the one who doesn’t fit in.

My experience of Rona (as Jeremy and I are calling this surreal moment) isn’t what I’m seeing from most people.

The general memes, advice, and game plans … they just aren’t ringing true for me.

Listen in to see if you relate - or if this is the advice you too need to hear.

I would LOVE to hear from you afterward in my IG comments, truly, to hear how you’re processing this so we can support one another more. Leave a comment on Instagram @HilaryRushford and follow along on IGTV.

Links in this episode:

- The 5 stages of grief
- My wedding florist @EastOlivia

Links:
@HilaryRushford
HilaryRushford.com/podvip

Consider this our happy hour via Zoom friend. (wink)

I’m pausing the episode I had scheduled for today for a personal chat about our travels and experience over the last few weeks as we found ourselves in Mexico just before everything happened at home in the US and New York.

Including the very surprising place we ended up, where I’m recording this on a strange bed, on my iPhone, without any of my fancy equipment. And enjoying this chance to share what’s been happening in our life.

Would truly love to hear what’s happening in yours? Leave a comment on Instagram @HilaryRushford. Or send me a voice memo on this or other topics you’d love to discuss here on the podcast in this season at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

Links in this episode:
Ep 49: Open Letter on Opinion Culture
Jimmy Fallon + Justin Timberlake song

Links:
@HilaryRushford
HilaryRushford.com/podvip

Exploring the 7-9 causes and antidotes inside the groundbreaking New York Time’s Best Selling book, “Lost Connections: Why You’re Depressed and How to Find Hope” by Johann Hari.

This episode is the first in a three-part series, exploring the issues he teaches that I find most relevant to us at Dean Street Society.

Whether you or somebody you know has struggled with depression and anxiety, this is a topic that needs all of us to lean in, think deeply, and truly take action on.

Links in this Episode:

• Lost Connections: Why You’re Depressed and How to Find Hope by Johann Hari
• Ep 44: Life Changing Essentialism + Doing Less
• Part 1 of Closet Organizing on IGTV

Join the conversation:

• Would truly love to hear your thoughts and experiences below my latest post, whatever it is, on Instagram @HilaryRushford
• And/or send me a voice memo on this or other topics you’d love to discuss here on the podcast! HilaryRushford.com/podvip

Whether 25 or 58, I received so many replies when I began to discuss how we feel around our age. Starting a business, getting married, having a baby, whatever the life milestone or decision it’s clear there is far more we have in common than different, wherever our present age.

A few Q’s to journal on or discuss with a girlfriend, your mother, or daughter this week:

• Notice culture prizes youth, but we don’t have to be. What are the stories we have? Why do they feel important?
• What does it look like to stop focusing on it for ourselves? Being aware that the language we use for ourselves, puts those same expectations on all the other women around us.
• What if we focused on what we do want instead? Being inspired by anyone doing something at an age we’ve yet to reach? What examples do we have of that?
• Finally, taking empowered action TO feel more beautiful, accomplished, joyful, however we desire to feel. Instead of feeling we don’t have a choice, what can we do to look, live, and feel the way we want today and in the years to come?

Would love to hear your thoughts on this if you’ll come chime in below my latest post, whatever it is, on Instagram @HilaryRushford.

Have future topics you’d love to discuss? Leave me a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip and we may feature it on an upcoming episode!

It’s taken me a year to speak out on this topic, but in doing so I feel lighter, safer, and stronger.

I’m confident this will leave you feeling the same in your online and in person relationships, with more compassion for all, especially anyone willing to vulnerably share their life with you.

UPDATE: Between recording and publishing, I realized there were some additional steps I could take to be empowered. For the time being I’ve saved them in a pinned Story here.

_____

10 Elements of Grace:

1. Do I see LOVE in their life?
2. Do I know them PERSONALLY?
3. Have they ASKED for advice on this topic?
4. Is there any chance there may be MORE to the situation than I know?
5. What is the HEART of this message?
6. The STARBUCKS Test
7. Replying to vulnerability not with feedback, but VULNERABILITY yourself
8. Am I feeling the need to put in any CAVEAT?
9. Can I SANDWICH this to ensure there is zero misunderstanding of my tone?
10. Look ahead to the next DOMINO, what might they reply?

The pinned Stories mentioned by another blogger (as long as they leave the link live).

_____

LISTEN: For more on this topic listen to: Ep 17. Am I doing Self-Love Wrong?

SUGGEST: Have a suggestion for a future topic or Q on the pod? Go here.

SHARE: Would love to hear your thoughts below my latest post on Instagram @HilaryRushford.

P.S. Those travel frames we now pack with us thanks to my sweet assistant!

Be even more empowered over your dreams with today’s action-inspiring episode. Although I love dreaming + wishing, I’m all about action + making small shifts towards accomplishing those goals.

Are you workshopping your life? Try not coming at it from an “either/ or” perspective, as having a “yes/and” mentality can open up even more possibilities!

Clarity comes from action. You don’t need to know every step to pursue your dream life.

What’s something in your life you’re dreaming of? Career change? Moving across the country? If travel, pretty please tell me where to! I’m over on Instagram @HilaryRushford or leave me a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip. 

Other resources:

• Ep 18: (Pt 1 On Travel) Three personalities for your dream itinerary
• Ep 19: (Pt 2 On Travel) To work or not, money honey + what to wear
• Ep 33: How to choose your dreams 

And if your dream is to Get Paid To Be Creative, teaching my annual free workshop this week!

Why do we love + loathe this place we spend so much time? After a few friends went on a “social media fast” for January and reported being happier… while also confessing that despite that they didn’t want to give it up… I started to ponder if there’s a middle ground.

Listen in for ideas on how to slow your roll, literally. (wink) Plus spring clean your feed, consider your motives, reevaluate what brings you joy and the reason for your relationships on Instagram, and perhaps beyond!

Would love to go deeper over at @HilaryRushford. How are you using this challenge to be more intentional with the content you consume?

Have any follow up Qs on today’s episode? Leave me a voice memo at  HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

Paid to Be Creative webinars this week >>Save your seat!

Morning Apps mentioned:

• Luminosity
• Peak 
• TinyBeans
• Jesus Calling
• She Reads Truth
• Abide
• Calm
• Tapping Solution

Wake up feeling more empowered and less behind. In my constant pursuit of being more of an Essentialist, I started a morning routine to get into a daily rhythm. I share my biggest takeaways on how to be more accountable to myself and starting my day more gracefully mindful.

Other resources:
Ep 35:A Week in the Life BTS
My Daily Schedule
Ep 39: Welcome to the Royal 20’s!

>>Free Paid To Be Creative workshop live this week!<<

Would love to hear your morning routines on Instagram @HilaryRushford. 

Have any follow up Qs on today’s episode? Leave me a voice memo at  HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

What if you don’t have enough money, time, or don’t know how to do something you want in your life?

Whether that’s start a business, get out of debt, care for an aging parent, or heal racial inequality?

I asked one of my colleagues, Marie Forleo, to join us today after having read her new book, Everything is Figuroutable. Her advice was so applicable, yet compelling, and seemed to help with so many of the DMs I receive from you on Instagram.

Would love to hear your favorite takeaways @HilaryRushford.

As well as a voice memo with a Q or topic for a future episode HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

>>> PS If you’re a fellow entrepreneur, I have some special resources for you in the month of February to celebrate my own anniversary at DeanSt.co/26! <<<

• 26 things I wish I’d know when starting my business
• A brand new video series
• And multiple free workshops and classes this month
• All when you join the list at DeanSt.co/26
• PS something I'm loving are these silicone decollete patches

Here’s to making your dreams happen...

To live a life that’s extraordinary, with ease. This is what it is to be an essentialist. After reading the book Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less four times in the last five years, I share my 5 most powerful takeaways on how to stop trying to make too much happen, and only do what truly brings me the most joy.

1. You have to know what you want, have a vision TO aspire to.
2. You have to choose between really good things, to have great things.
3. Requires saying no a lot.
4. Truly about less is more, in such a more culture
5. Asking the right questions

More resources in your own pursuit of doing “less but better”:

1. Elegant Excellence Goals Journal <<< special promo happening now!
2. Ep 33: A Guide to Uncover Your Dreams
3. Come say hello @HilaryRushford or leave me a voice memo HilaryRushford.com/podvip!

A love note from God/the universe. A meditation. A pump-up pep talk from your coach. A voice memo from your best friend. 

Save this and press play anytime you need it. Share this and encourage a friend as you let my words pour courage into them with you.

Then, let’s go deeper:

1. Subscribe! A new conversation here each Wednesday for more joy, less overwhelm

2. Rate + review! Spread the love to a stranger who comes across this special place.

3. Listen to Ep 39 ‘Welcome to the Royal 20’s” as a compliment to today’s episode

4. Own your royal mindset of growth and confidence with the Elegant Excellence Goals Journal ← special promo happening now

5. Come say hello @HilaryRushford or leave me a voicememo HilaryRushford.com/podvip!

My DMs flooded with the phrase “I needed this” when I shared just a snippet of today’s message on Instagram.

In addition to our vision from Ep 39 of what it means to be crowned with confidence, what does it additionally mean and change when we become people who celebrate ourselves? Truly celebrate? 

• Elegant Excellence Goals Journal: special promo right now as it’s absolutely not too late to start dreaming and planning for this year and decade

Leave me a voice memo at  to suggest podcast topics or Q’s for 2020 HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

Share today’s special 2-part episode in your Instagram Stories and tag me @HilaryRushford. 

In part 2 of this convo... when my dear friend Brian lost 140 pounds in one year I was fascinated! Not by the weight loss methods, but by what prompted the change. Why do we finally change something that’s been making us unhappy? How do we start and stick with it? What makes the difference from all the times we’ve tried before?

If Brian’s story resonated with you today, you can follow his journey on Instagram @brianbrister.

This is the year for change for many of us. Take advantage of the special promo for Elegant Excellence Goals Journal to help you gain clarity on the change you'd like to see this year.

What change are you seeking in your life this year? Let’s chat over on Instagram @HilaryRushford. Leave me a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip to suggest podcast topics or Q’s for 2020!

When my dear friend Brian lost 140 pounds in one year I was fascinated! Not by the weight loss methods, but by what prompted the change. Why do we finally change something that’s been making us unhappy? How do we start and stick with it? What makes the difference from all the times we’ve tried before?

If Brian’s story resonated with you today, you can follow his journey on Instagram @brianbrister.

This is the year for change for many of us. A few resources to kick off your 2020:

• Doors close for applications for the Elegant Excellence Mastermind this week
• Save your seat for 2020 Vision Workshops live all this week
• Special promo for Elegant Excellence Goals Journal 

What change are you seeking in your life this year? Let’s chat over on Instagram @HilaryRushford. Leave me a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip to suggest podcast topics or Q’s for 2020!

What if we asked a different question to shape our goals and vision for this new decade? Not what do we want to do, accomplish, have or achieve, but who we want to be and become?

Sharing deeper on the topic of confidence and courage, today we ponder what that feels like in small shifts of how we show up in our work, relationships, and daily life.

How would you act in a scenario if you believed you are worthy, invited, welcomed, honored, and belong?

• Special holiday promo for Elegant Excellence Goals Journal to kickoff your 2020
• Save your seat for 2020 Vision Workshops live the first week of January

More holiday, wedding, and new year joy on Instagram @HilaryRushford. Leave me a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip to suggest podcast topics or Q’s for 2020!

As we enter a new decade, how can we be our happiest selves? After watching this study on happiness, I rethought the one factor that should most motivate and shape the goals we set for ourselves.

• Special holiday promo for Elegant Excellence Goals Journal to get it before 2020
• Save your seat for 2020 Vision Workshops live the first week of January

More holiday, wedding, and new year joy on Instagram @HilaryRushford. Leave me a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip to suggest podcast topics or Q’s for 2020!

Let’s bring more ease, grace, and freedom into our 2020 remembering that feeling beautiful is not always about more clothes or weighing less. Use these small intentional shifts, or if you’re seeking more I teach in depth inside my signature course Style & Styleability.

1. Know your “go to outfits”
2. Choose 1-of-3 outfit/hair/makeup
3. Consult an expert on your skin or hair (psst: that volume paste)
4. Work on inner confidence
5. Stop apologizing for how you look
6. Don’t leave the house hoping not to see anyone
7. Play with cozy yet chic around-the-house clothes (grey one on my IG feed @HilaryRushford today or this black one as inspo

What shifts are you choosing to feel more beautiful + confident in 2020? Leave me a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip

Other resources:

• ElegantExcellenceJournal.com (get yours before the holidays!)
• Cartagena Wedding Photos
• Our 1 minute wedding video

You asked, I’m answering. In a slightly different, but holy heck so much deeper way!

Applications close this week: ElegantExcellenceMastermind.com

Business workshop this week: DeanSt.co/2020vision

Can’t make the free workshop & have Qs? Watch my “EEM Q&A” pinned stories @HilaryRushford, then submit your own if you have more!

Today, I answer a listener Q about how my faith has affected my anxiety + confidence. If there are areas you are called to be more confident in, hear these lessons:

• Lesson #1: ACTION - Things are worse before you do them. Do them + it gets easier.
• Lesson #2: INDEPENDENCE - Separate disappointment/pain in their behavior, from the truth of their words/actions
• Lesson #3: GROWING - There is wisdom in getting help + growing in your own understanding.
• Lesson #4: TRUST + REST - Listen to the signs from the universe.

Draw courage in these ways:

• #1: HISTORY - how you would act in another area of your life. Where else are you more confident? 
• #2: OTHERS -  Words you have been told, what others see to be true
• #3: ACTION - Write a script, journal, have conversations, gather evidence
• #4:ACTION - Say it + start, do
• #5: OTHERS - There are wise people around you who have answers, insights, feedback.
• #6: HISTORY - Make a list of everything I have and am to be proud of.

Lean into your faith:

• #1: I am worthy of….
• #2: I am a wonderful...
• #3: I have the wisdom to...
• #4: I was called + therefore will be equipped
• #5: I have experience in/for this

What area you are inspired to grow in confidence in in 2020? Tell me over on Instagram @HilaryRushford. Or if you have a Q like Brooke, leave me a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip

Two more ways to increase your confidence in 2020:

• ElegantExcellenceJournal.com (about to ship!)
• ElegantExcellenceMastermind.com (applications close this week!)

If you prioritize everything, nothing is a priority. If you have no deadlines, things will never get done. I take you behind the scenes while I work remotely in Nashville and South Carolina to help you consider your own rhythms and priorities as we step into this new year afresh with more clarity.

Two more resources right now:

- At ElegantExcellence.com to order your Elegant Excellence Goals Journal

- Join me this week for 2020 Vision: Design Your Life + Business free workshop

Know anyone looking for a plum job? We’re hiring!

P.S. Is there a topic you want to chat about as 2019 comes to a close? Leave me a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip and say hello @HilaryRushford

P.P.S. The book I’m loving lately: A Well Behaved Woman: A Novel of the Vanderbilts

You have more freedom and are more empowered than you think. If you’re sprinting, overwhelmed, or over-committed, there is always some small choice we can make. 

You are the CEO of your life. Hoping these small shifts and personal questions, bring you more space and gratitude this holiday season and beyond:

1. If there wasn’t scarcity of time, would I be doing this right now?
2. This was my idea. This was my choice. What if I made a different choice?
3. What if you can only choose one?
4. What am I grateful for?

For more clarifying thought-provoking Qs to ask yourself, head to ElegantExcellence.com to get your copy of the new Elegant Excellence Goals Journal for a more intentional 2020.

What are you grateful for this holiday season? Tell me over on Instagram @HilaryRushford. 

Is there a topic you want to chat about as 2019 comes to a close? Leave me a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

When it comes to deciding, declaring, and doing — dreaming can be a challenge. Today we walk through 5 types of dreamers to better understand the lens we come to dreaming with. How and why are you resisting, defending, fearing, explaining, rationalizing?

There is so much power in saying and writing our dreams. I walk you through 16 insightful prompts to uncover what lights up head and heart, has in your past and will in the future. Pour a cup, grab a pen if you can, and enjoy this special episode.

Then be sure to PRE-ORDER YOUR Elegant Excellence Goals Journal TODAY! 

Many have written already to ask what my favorite pens to use with it are (I love a fellow paper products nerd!) so here they are:

• Pilot V Razor Black
• Pilot V Razor Color
• TUL Retractable Gel Pens
• Paper Mate Flair

I’d love to hear what you’re dreaming about! Leave me a voice memo with follow-up Q’s at HilaryRushford.com/podvip or share over on Instagram  @HilaryRushford

Afraid of making the wrong decision? We’ve all been there, heck are there, sometimes on a daily basis. Social plans to go out or stay in, this business idea or that.

Today we talk about the cure to FOMO of 1 part Enough + 1 part Essentialism. Fighting back against both scarcity and overwhelm, as we get more clear on what we really want to make more confident decisions. Know what you want and believe you have enough.


ELEGANT EXCELLENCE GOALS JOURNAL PRE-ORDER: 

ElegantExcellence.com

Half the covers are sold out already. Get yours while supplies last! They ship in early December, with a live kickoff workshop with Hilary to get started.

Also, visit ElegantExcellence.com and scroll to the bottom to optin for our email list to get invited to that workshop.

Other episodes + tools referenced:
Ep 5: My Own Path to Making Closer Friendships
Ep 18: Three personalities for your dream itinerary

Essentialism by Greg McKeown.

Come say hello on Instagram @HilaryRushford or leave a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip with any future Q’s or topics to cover on the show!

Ever struggle with too many goals, too much to do, more dreams than you have daily room to move forward?

Feel behind no matter how hard you’re working; or feel one puzzle piece short of organized? Friend, you are in the right place.

Today I take you inside the method I’ve been crafting for seven years, and finally brought it all together in the Elegant Excellence Goals Journal and the 4-part teaching series. 

For three days only, Wednesday through Friday, you can choose from either collection -- handwriting or typography -- in any of the six gorgeous colorways. After this we’ll just be ordering a limited stock and only of certain styles. Some covers already sold out during our first few days of pre-order!

Choose your favorite now at ElegantExcellence.com!

What color way did you choose? Tell me over on Instagram  @HilaryRushford.

Is there a topic you want to discuss to have a more inspired 2020? Leave a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

Want to make a dream happen in 2020? Every January I hear people don’t have the money to make the choices they want in their life. This year, let’s prep ourselves to not overspend this holiday season, but actually save, to say yes to what we want most in the new year.

Here’s our list of ideas, and we’d love to hear yours if you’ll chime in on this post @HilaryRushford!

Ways to Save Money

CLOTHING + STYLE

1. Repurpose clothes
2. Confidence to rewear
3. Borrow/swap
4. Identify the true holes for buying
5. Shopping freeze 

HOLIDAYS

1. Use gift certificates
2. Set a dollar amount on holiday gifts or draw names
3. Don’t purchase any new holiday decor
4. Avoid Black Friday
5. Invite friends over instead of going out
6. Simplify your holiday party
7. Credit card points that can be redeemed
8. Go in on a gift with another friend
9. Electronic holiday card instead of printed ones
10. Shop your home

RECURRING CHARGES

1. Reconcile your budget for recurring charges you aren’t using
2. Swap gym membership for free YouTube videos
3. Cancel landline, cable TV, only use cell phone + Netflix
4. Limit TV subscriptions 
5. Any bills can you re-negotiate for a better rate?
6. Turn heat down a few notches to save on gas bill

FOOD

1. Limit how often you eat out
2. Consider eating less meat and more vegetarian meals
3. Switch to credit card that accumulates points for groceries 

MISC

1. Carpool to save gas or opt for plans where you can walk if possible
2. Organize your closets/cupboards
3. Swap babysitting/pet sitting with friends

Ways to Make Money

IF YOU DON’T OWN A BUSINESS

1. Deliver fast food orders for a service, or drive Uber
2. Sell stuff around your house
3. Share in any groups you’re in that you’re looking to pick-up holiday work
4. Write blog posts/articles for online writing services like TextBroker
5. Find extra contract work on Upwork, Craigslist or Fiverr
6. Find side gigs on TaskRabbit 
7. Submit profile on babysitter sites like Care to find work on nights or weekends
8. Sell your baking on local Facebook groups 
9. Do you have a craft you can sell? 

IF YOU OWN A BUSINESS

1. Offer a holiday discount, 2-for-1 deal, referral discount, or discount for buying another as a gift for a friend
2. Offer a new service, product, or course at a beta rate
3. Look for under tapped audiences
4. Consider other businesses that would be good partners for making referrals who you pay a commission
5. Look for other businesses you believe in to make referrals and be paid a commission
6. Do a pre-sale to raise funds before purchasing/making the inventory/product

What are your helpful money saving or making tips? Bless us and read from others on this post @HilaryRushford.

Is there a topic you want to discuss to have a more intentional 2020? Leave a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

What if you could get out of a horrible mood? Without having to deny or downplay what had you hurt or upset in the first place? The story of 24 hours in my life, and the rainbow tool I discovered that day that helped get me from fearful and depressed, to joyful and optimistic, without simply putting on a happy face.

Today we explore how these small choices can ultimately amount to big changes. Thanks to Gabrille Bernstein for introducing this scale in her book Super Attractor, and Brooke Castillo in her life coaching work. 

For a visual of the Emotional Guidance Scale check out my IG Stories @HilaryRushford or visit HilaryRushford.com/podvip. While there you can also leave a voice memo with Q’s or topics for future episodes!

PS things I’m loving lately:

1. Back Sleeping Pillow
2. Silicone Chest Patch

Have any other beauty tricks? Come share them over on Instagram!

We’re our hardest critic and sometimes no matter how hard we work, how productive we are, it’s still not good enough. We could have done more. We should have been doing something else. 

Today we discuss a topic sparked by something said in my Elegant Excellence Mastermind around self judgement. Mom guilt, beauty/weightloss, relationships, or business, many of us go down this shame and guilt spiral. 

Choosing to change starts internally with our thoughts, then externally with our actions. Here’s a reminder of those tiny shifts we can start doing today:

1. AFFIRMATIONS
2. THE WAND
3. NEXT RIGHT CHOICE
4. PRIDE

You have more power than you realize.

What tiny shifts are you choosing to make today?  Leave a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

Or over on Instagram under my most recent post @HilaryRushford.

How do you navigate an awkward convo? Especially with well meaning people we love (so we wish they’d know how to love us better)? 

Listen in for our 3 primary choices. Sample conversations included. (wink)

What question or topic would you love to discuss? Leave a voice memo or email at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

***

ICYMI, we just got back the breathtaking video of our elopement to the South of France. We received almost a thousand comments just over the weekend, and I can’t say how much each one means!

@HilaryRushford

***

Today is the last day of our week long of giveaways in celebration of our 25th episode! I have been selecting two winners each day - one who leaves a review on iTunes and one who shares an episode on IG Stories. Do a quick post to enter and we’ll announce double winners today!

Interviewing 5 friends who had walked through miscarriage, divorce, loss of a child, called off wedding, loss of a parent – it was heartbreaking the theme that emerged. One in which we as friends, panicked. Got awkward. Didn’t know what to do, so we did nothing.

Thanks to their stories though, now we know what to do. We’re empowered and emboldened to love well. Everyone said “people disappeared”. No one said “people did it wrong”. So now we know simply to show up. 

Here’s 6 ways how:

1. BE PRESENT: Just be there, physically, quietly, simply a shoulder to cry on and someone to hug.
2. LET THERE BE GRIEF: Don’t try to coach them out of it, fix it, let it be as uncomfortable as it is.
3. STAY PRESENT: Keep checking in. Days, weeks, months, years. Card, text, flowers, call.
4. TAKE ACTION: Clean their house, get the bills paid, delivery groceries, book a massage.
5. KEEP STAYING PRESENT: Still invite them to things, even when they decline, they’re thought of + can ease in when ready.
6. ALWAYS STAY SENSITIVE: Translation, don’t be rude. (makes sense in the episode)

A few of the lovely women I mention:
@NoraBorealis Mcinerny teaches on grief while being hilarious 

@AshleyKLemieux has a pinned IG Story with the story of losing their children

@TheOilyCottage shares about miscarriage + her rainbow baby amidst grief

@Jennifer.Kem shared wisdom + brings it throughout her life

@LindsayLetters.co + her husband are teaching a masterclass in grief with their daughter’s traumatic brain injury

*** Have you walked through grief? Or been a friend through it? Please chime in on today’s Instagram post @HilaryRushford. We can all benefit from your wisdom. ***

What hard or light topic would you love to hear shared on next? Leave a voice memo or email at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

We want to be liked. But none of us like everyone one else. So it makes sense we aren’t going to be the exception. Yet most of us still wish we were! This is why it’s so hard to get negative criticism. 

Today we talked about why haters hate. One thing I’ve discovered is that it’s a defense mechanism because hurt people hurt. It’s a way to make sure people don’t get too close. And they continue to self-sabotage because changing is a whole new discomfort like we talked about in Ep 3: Your #1 Issue and the 3 stages of ish.  

In this episode I share 7 steps to be less affected by negativity:

1. Notice criticism of others to see how ridiculous it is.
2. Share when it happens to you, so others know they aren’t alone.
3. Delete. Or reply calmly + confidently. Eventually block.
4. Give 10x the love.
5. Give even more of exactly what you were criticized for.
6. Grow in confidence by growing in experience.
7. Focus on people who are sharing love.

Let’s continue the convo on Instagram @HilaryRushford.

What would you ask me if we were out to coffee? What’s happening in your life this month? Leave a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip and help inspire future episode conversations!

If I was in your shoes I would do it different, better, “right”.

Parenting, miscarriage, wedding planning, divorce, quitting a job, running a business, down to the photo someone posts on Instagram.

We all have these thoughts and lately I’ve been thinking: Before I get frustrated with others… how can I do this better myself?

I’m owning this very human side and sharing 3 things I’ve been reminding myself whenever I catch myself thinking these judgey thoughts. 

1. Stay HUMBLE because you don’t know until you’re in their shoes.
2. HONOR the story that you don’t know.
3. Have HOPE for your fellow human that we’re all doing the best we can with what we have.

What are YOU thinking about these days? Would love to chat about it on a future episode if you’ll leave me a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

Have more thoughts/Qs on today’s topic? Come chat below my latest Instagram post, whatever it is, at @HilaryRushford. Judgement free (wink).

The secret word I try to say more often in my marriage. (One of the best pieces of relationship advice I got years ago when I was single.)

It applies to parenting, friendship, and work.

This is a different kind of 80/20 rule, y’all. 

To more joy and less overwhelm…

P.S. Join the conversation after any episode! Either in the comments of my latest post, whatever it is, @HilaryRushford (I read them all). Or submitting a topic or Q with an email or voice memo I might play on the air at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

How do you stand out, save up, scale and more when it comes to running your own business? 

Answering more of your business Q’s in today’s part-2. With BONUS WORKSHEETS to help you brainstorm your first/next business idea at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

Whether you’re just starting out or unsure how to expand, see what comes up to get clarity or closure on your ideas!

Come chat at @HilaryRushford. I’m here for you in any way I can help, and proud of you for taking the next step that’s right for you today.

Want to get past fear or have the confidence to pursue a dream? Start a business or a new chapter?

Answering some of your most frequently submitted Q’s today.

For those who want more help brainstorming their business ideas, find BONUS WORKSHEETS for this episode at HilaryRushford.com/podvip. Or send a voice memo with your Q’s for a future episode.

You can also leave comments anytime on Instagram @HilaryRushford where I do more teaching.

We’re lonely and yet want to stay home to binge Netflix? A culture racked with FOMO, yet “liking” memes about not wanting to have to talk to anyone?

Let’s talk introvert, extrovert and everything in between (where most of us live) when it comes to friendship, and why we aren’t happier with our social lives.

And for my fellow entrepreneurs even how you set up your business, as this lack of self-awareness depletes us in every area.

How would you describe yourself? Come chat @HilaryRushford. And submit future episode Q’s and topics at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

How to save money for and while traveling? What to pack and wear to feel effortlessly chic? How to work (or not) while traveling?

Those were your 3 most common Q’s that are answered in today’s episode! If you missed part 1, you can listen in either order, but don’t miss my 3 travel personalities to avoid disappointment.

A few extra style notes mentioned in the episode:

• The green coat I take on every trip because works with so many different pieces, casual or dressy, and is comfy enough for the plane as inspiration to consider a similar piece.
• Liquid Bandages
• Runner’s Stick
• Moleskin
• Plus my IGTV on “How to pack for travel” 

And here are links to my favorite novels mentioned in the PS of the episode!

• Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine
• Where’d You Go Bernadette 
• Rules of Civility
• A Gentleman in Moscow
• Do This For Me
• How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are

What do you want to chat about next? Visit HilaryRushford.com/podvip anytime to submit a topic or Q!

You submitted travel Q’s and there were so many great topics this is my first 2-part episode!

Today we’ll cover where to go and what to do, how to be happy wherever you are (aka not give into FOMO), pros and cons of spontaneity, whether to solo travel, and making intentional choices about social media while traveling.

 I also share my philosophy on the 3 ways to travel: Be, Do, Have. More on this topic and Paris from my “Be” perspective on this blog post: A Wanderer’s Guide to Paris.

As this episode is live, I’m currently in France for the month of August. Head over to Instagram @HilaryRushford to follow along! Any more burning travel Qs? Leave me a comment on my most recent post, or head over to HilaryRushford.com/podvip and leave me a voice memo on any future topic for an episode.

And as promised, here is a link to the Monkfruit sweetener I'm loving lately. 

If you love your curves but don’t eat well, are you practicing self-love? That’s the gist of today’s listener question.

Which takes us in a much deeper direction about what it means to love. Do you love more if you’re pro-choice or pro-life? (Deep breath, everyone here is kind, let’s talk about hard things with love.)

Want to submit your own listener Q? Would love to hear from you! Visit HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

As promised, “How to organize your closet in under a minute for less than $1” is live on Instagram @HilaryRushford when you tap the IGTV icon in my profile.

It teaches you 3 ways to learn about your style from your closet, to shop smarter and clear clutter. As always, you’re welcome in advance. (wink)

In this special bonus episode, I offer an apology. I trusted too swiftly and blindly someone who I brought into my company, and am just now seeing more of the ways it has affected you, as a listener or reader.

Moreover, I share what I’ve learned about trusting ourselves and others in relationships. The warning signs of emotional unhealth, both ours and those we’re in relationships with. And I offer a path forward with these lessons I’ve learned and am learning: 

1: Trusting people means we could get hurt

2: Don’t let that keep you from hoping in people you can trust

3: We have poorer decision making in trust when we feel weak

4: For female creative entrepreneurs, this can be in technology and finance.

5: We feel especially weak when exhausted; an area has been overwhelming us for awhile

6: We can notice warning signs of lack of trust to protect ourselves including:

• Do your homework, ask for references
• Invite other people you trust to speak up if they see something
• Don’t just accept words, be sure you see fruit and action
• Don’t settle for not understanding, and while you grow in your understanding bring in a third person you know does understand (therapist, family member, team member)
• Set boundaries in scenarios to help you get more clear facts/answers
• Be honest with yourself if you’re being disrespected
• If you’re afraid to speak up, take that as an even clearer sign you need to
• When defensiveness turns mean, take that as the loudest sign

7: Focus on ways TO build trust

• See the fruit. When they say they’ll do something, they do it. There is action, not just words.
• Humility. When they can’t or don’t know how, they say so, ask for help
• Lack of blame. When a ball is dropped or mistake made it’s own or there’s curiosity about how to fix it from happening again
• Respect. They show up, are on time, honor commitments, communicate clearly.

To continue my apology we are offering two things for August:

If you are an entrepreneur, you’ll receive a 4-part series each Monday via email with more BTS stories, lessons and resources that have helped me feel more empowered in Marketing, Finance, Operations, and Leadership.

If you’re not a business owner, you’ll receive my 3 Steps to Simplified Style video series and daily style prompts calendar for September.

Access both at HilaryRushford.com/podvip by electing if you want to hear about Entrepreneurship, Style or Both.

Listening after August 5th? Access the complete entrepreneur series when it’s live at HilaryRushford.com/tech.

Would love to hear your thoughts on today’s special conversation under my most recent post on Instagram @HilaryRushford, whenever you listen, as I read every one.

What goals are you embarrassed to proclaim in case the dream isn’t realized? What if I say this out loud, put myself in that vulnerable place… and don’t get it?

Today we talk New York Times Best Sellers, Broadway shows and more. With two specific thoughts on how to shake off fear, and get back to delighting in our dreams.

As a small step towards that, come tell me what your big wish is over on Instagram @HilaryRushford. Declare it there and keep dreaming big! Have a Q for a future episode? Come visit HilaryRushford.com/podvip!

What if you could feel more confident, less ruffled by circumstances or what others do? I learned some great tools in a special therapy session, that I found myself sharing with girlfriends for months. They all found it so helpful, and I know you will too. The bad news, I’m pretty sure we all have this. The good news, I was taught specific steps to heal it!

A recap of the 6 steps in the episode:

1. Find a memory
2. Imagine someone you love that age.
3. Ask their thoughts/feelings.
4. Look at the present for how those same thoughts/feelings show up.
5. Become the needed parent.
6. Talk to someone who also experienced it, if helpful.

Would love to hear your thoughts on Instagram at @HilaryRushford and future topic suggestions at hilaryrushford.com/podvip!

PS Here’s the link to the foot hammock my fellow shorties + infinity pillow. You’re welcome!

Ever dealt with FOMO? Felt behind?

Having a perfectly fine day when one Instagram post of someone else’s win is a punch in the gut?

Wonder why she gets the successful business AND the pregnancy, when your heart is aching for both?

Friend, we all have. We all do.

Today I’m sharing 6 things you can do to “not today Satan!” it and be the magically evolved human you really want to be when comparison, jealousy and envy strike.

1. Gratitude
2. Unfollow
3. Make believe it’s something bad
4. See wins as promise
5. 50/50 good/bad
6. What does this tell you?

This episode was from a listener Q, and you can submit your own at HilaryRushford.com/podvip and come say hello on Instagram @HilaryRushford!

Ever get the Sunday Sads in anticipation of the Monday hustle? Why not choose something else? Who said Mondays need to be so aggressive? Januarys need to be when you try be your most productive all year? Why not choose to ease into your week, month, year to create more space and joy? 

Be more gentle with yourself. You are the CEO of your life. You can choose rest. Where are you going hard and what would it feel like to be more graceful? Or where are you too soft and can get hyper focused to alleviate yourself some of that stress?

Tell me what you are choosing to be gentle with over on Instagram @hilaryrushford.

We want to be invited and do all the things.. aaand sit on the couch to binge Netflix in silence. Sound familiar? Samesies. We want to be able to choose the right things to avoid overfilling our calendars with things that don’t really bring us joy; to avoid FOMO because we’re confident we did indeed make the right choice for us. I’m sharing 4 hacks to make decisions quickly. 

Discern what truly brings you joy in that moment - not just what will make your Instagram feed look cooler. 

Know that a “hell yes” will haunt you and anything less can be let go.

Buy back your freedom!

Slow down and ask the right questions so you can confidently and peacefully create that space for yourself.  

Come leave me a voice memo on hilaryrushford.com/podvip and tell me what you want to talk about next week! And share on Instagram @hilaryrushford which decision this helped you make!

Who were you 5 years ago? 5 years ago, my husband didn’t even live in New York, the church where we met hadn’t even been created, my anxiety was wild, and I was exhausted with my business burning the candle from both ends. 

Who will you be 5 years from now? You may know what you want, but have you peeled back the layers to really explore what it would take to get you there? So much can happen in that time and I choose to believe that your life will be so much better than you can imagine.

Choose the people and priorities that will get you to that magical life you dream of, and be okay letting go of the rest. There’s way less that matters than we think. And way better awaiting us in five years than we believe.

If one of your next 5 year goals is to scale your business to the next level, learn more about my brand new Elegant Excellence Mastermind, doors closing soon, at HilaryRushford.com/free.

This episode is for people who have zero desire to be in business, a friend who’s an entrepreneur, or you are/want to be one yourself.

Can I be honest? Entrepreneurship is so hard! Yes, I love it. But I feel the need to share 7 myths about the perfect Girl Boss, or gent boss. Aka the image we see on social media, dream we’re fed and told everyone is or should be chasing.

And if you are called to business, I’m here for you and want to share EVERYTHING I can to help you make it easier, less terrifying, more profitable, faster, than it was for me.

Head to HilaryRushford.com/free and sign up for one of the two free workshops I’m teaching this week:
- Goal Setting + Vision Casting for 2019

- How to Gracefully Overcome the 6 Most Common Challenges in Business

And learn more about my brand new Elegant Excellence Mastermind, accepting applications now for a very limited time also at HilaryRushford.com/free.

After thousands of clients and years teaching women how to understand their own style recipe, I’ve discovered there are So. Many. Lies we tell ourselves and how we feel towards that woman in the mirror!

In this episode, learn the truth and how you can rewire them to discover your true heart and self.

You do not need to lose weight, or buy more, to feel more beautiful. Nor is it about fluffy words of positive affirmation. Learn the science and psychology of style, you whip smart woman you.

AND get on the wait list for the next time my FREE STYLE WORKSHOP is offered HilaryRushford.com/free!

More freedom, joy, peace, and beauty is waiting for you, love. xo @HilaryRushford

Elegant Excellence is a lifestyle of being extraordinary, without being exhausted. More joy, less overwhelm. It’s that sweet spot between hustle and procrastination. It’s how I’ve been living my life for around 4ish years now and what has repeatedly made friends say, “You’re so different than you were six months ago…” as I’ve become less anxious, less busy, and more anchored in what matters most (while growing my business to be even more successful at the same time).

In this episode I’m breaking down for the first time this 3 x 3 path to embracing Elegant Excellence in your own life:

1. Decide to grow
2. Accept growth as a lifestyle
3. Know growth starts in the mind
   

1. Choose less
2. Choose what matters most
3. Actually choose it

Making the decision to live this way has blessed my life so much, and if you choose to join me, I know it will yours.

PS I also unveiled a brand new offering in this week’s episode -- my first in three years! Want to learn more? Go to HilaryRushford.com/free and join the Wait List for early access.

Are you ready to be the CEO of your life? To accept change with more peace and courage? Many of us resist change because often we feel these choices are not our own. You get laid off work. Your relationship is failing. Your best friend is moving out of state.

It’s powerful to remember that even when you don’t make a choice, or get to fully make it, we have so much control over our head, heart and soul to CHOOSE for it to be a yes, a blessing, a gift.

1. Get a heads up if you can. If not, acknowledge swift change can feel jaring.
2. Focus on your PRIORITIES. Then celebrate choosing priority #1, not focusing on having given up priority #2.
3. ENVISION your choice and BE that person now, not waiting till you have something external then thinking that will change how you feel internally.
4. Prepare your MIND that freak outs will happen, which doesn’t mean it’s wrong, so you can react to them less and not second guess your choice.
5. Look for EVIDENCE this is good, right, meant to be. The brain doesn’t want you to change, it’s safer to stay the same, it will try to convince you of that, so talk to yourself about the evidence this is right.
6. RE-EVALUATE priorities again as things shift. Remember you’re the CEO of your life, and even when unexpected things arise, you can choose how you settle things around them.
7. Remember your MIND goes with you. Don’t expect a change externally to change your joy internally, unless you are working on happier healthier thoughts.

Which step feels most powerful to you? Come tell me on Instagram @HilaryRushford.

PS Have a topic or Q you’d like covered? Leave it at hilaryrushford.com/podvip.

I‘ve never shared about being single and dating. But now that I’m newly married, I have A LOT to say!

If you’re married, LISTEN to this episode to grow in empathy and be a better friend to your single friends. And if you’re single, m’dear this episode is absolutely for you.

Delivering 6 truths about singleness. Some comical. And some life-changing drop-the-mic you-need-this-today.

Have your own advice on dating? See “Podcast” on my pinned IG Stories @HilaryRushford for a cute quick way to share! (Tag me so I can see!)

What should we talk about next? Leave me a message at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

Do you want more or deeper friendships? According to my Instagram posts on this topic, the answer is YES!

Which means, great news, everyone else wants to be your friend too!

When I had this desire in my own life, I decided to stop wishing for friends to “ask me out” and decided to make the first move. Today I’m sharing the specific steps I took.

(Also if you’ve experienced loss of friendships, I shared vulnerably about this in Episode 1.)

A sweet madlibs to shout-out the beautiful folks who ARE in your life, is available under “Podcast” pinned stories @HilaryRushford. While you’re there leave me a comment below my latest post, whatever it is, to share your takeaways from the episode!

What do you want to talk about next? Submit your ideas via HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

Are you too hard on yourself, or not hard enough?

Should you be getting more done in a day… or are you being unrealistic about what you could accomplish?

Welcome to my eternal question to myself!

Today I’m sharing 5 things that help me get more done, while feeling less frustrated or disappointed in myself. And I’ve popped them into a cheat sheet for you for quick reference after the episode, which you can find on @HilaryRushford under my pinned “Podcast” IG Stories. Screenshot it and share! Make it your lock screen to help you take action this week!

Have a Q or topic you’d like me to cover on the podcast? Come leave your ideas at HilaryRushford.com/podvip!

I have - get ready for it - the answers to all your problems. Yes, I’m talking to you, m’dear.

That guy who won’t text you back? Friend who’s making you feel left out? Boss who gives you the worst anxiety? The answer to all their problems too.

I reveal my “3 stages of ish” to get you to clarity, security, and change.

PLUS an incredibly useful one-page worksheet at HilaryRushford.com/podvip. Tuck in your journal or pin to your fridge to track your growth over the months to come, see progress, and celebrate your wins. This step was truly game changing in my own path to more peace and less overwhelm.

What do you think? Does the “3 stages of ish” help? Would LOVE to hear your takeaways @HilaryRushford. Leave me a note below my latest post, whenever you listen, as I read them all.

Let’s talk an-xiety, -xiety, we're talkin' anxiety, when your body does not rock (please hum to the tune of Let’s Get Physical).

Hello, I’m Hilary, I have anxiety. It used to be oh so much worse. It’s now most often way way better. I’m sharing my journey of healing to answer some of your most common Q’s on overcoming anxiety, and facing fear.

Learn what’s helped through some of my most crippling moments, for yourself, a friend, or a loved one. And download an inspiration checklist and record for your own journey at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.

(No really, y’all this journal sheet can be SO helpful if you use it!!! Print it. Take notes. Tell me where you are 6 months from now. You’re doing awesome.)

What are your thoughts? Follow-up Q’s? I’m sure I’ll do a part 2 based on these so come leave a note in the comment of my latest Instagram post, whatever it is, as I read all those comments: @HilaryRushford.

Kicking off the podcast on a light note… I vulnerably share 5 of the darkest moments of my life, in hopes you can relate, and thus feel more welcome here. And being at presently the happiest and healthiest I’ve ever been… it’s only authentic to share the true stories that brought me here.

From body image and weight, to money and career, heartbreak and weddings, entrepreneurship and depression, friendships and loss. There’s a purpose in our pain, in our waiting, and in our closed doors. There’s hope, new stories, and you’ve come to the right place for help, m’dear.

More joy, less overwhelm. The end. And also the beginning. Hello, friend, welcome to my very first episode! Here’s what my teammate wrote for me and it’s pretty adorable:

“Meet Hilary, a personal stylist, entrepreneur, and Instagram favorite @HilaryRushford. Most importantly? That next door neighbor whose house you love stopping by for candid conversations on style, business, and life. Pour a cup or glass and come on in her virtual living room. We have so much to talk about!”

I endorse this message! Want to leave me a voice or text message I can play on this show with a Q or topic to discuss? Visit HilaryRushford.com/podcast. And please come say hello instagram.com/hilaryrushford so I don’t feel lonely and like I have no friends on this podcast.

with grace & gumption, Hilary