In this raw and vulnerable episode of "The Make Room Show," I'm opening up about the reasons behind an unexpected six-week hiatus. I'm giving you insights on some personal struggles with burnout professionally, and a harrowing near-death experience that forced me to confront the unsustainable pace of my life and reevaluate my priorities. Instead of allowing myself to feel guilty for stepping back to care for myself, I gave myself a PERMISSION SLIP - to slow down, take necessary breaks, and focus on self-care. Real strength lies in recognizing one’s limits and taking steps to address them before reaching a crisis point - which I had to learn the hard way. My hope is that through being vulnerable and sharing this with you, I can inspire you to make similar choices towards a healthier, more balanced life.

I'm taking the next couple of weeks to really dive deep into what all these recent events mean for me and my life. I'll be keeping you updated on this journey as things unfold because you, my dear listeners, truly deserve to hear this insight. I'm not entirely sure what's going to emerge from this period of reflection, but I feel it's going to be significant, different, and hopefully, a lot easier.

During this time, you might notice that I'm not as active on social media, and the posts that do appear might be just simple snapshots of life with my family and friends. I'm stepping back from the constant hustle, the endless to-dos we all think we need to accomplish daily. It's become clear that this rat race isn't making us happier, and that needs to change. So, let's focus on what really matters—our happiness and well-being. Thank you for your understanding and support. I love you all so much.

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The Focus Retreat: Escape to tranquil Pleasant Hill, Kentucky for a unique opportunity to refine every aspect of your integrated life: Family, Organization, Confidence, yoU, and Systems. Sept. 25-27, 2024 for an exclusive gathering of women like you, seeking balance in family, business, and faith, guided by expert coaches in an intimate setting. Experience transformative workshops, meaningful connections, and the luxury of time to rest.

In this engaging episode of "The Make Room Show," hosts Jennifer, Lori Beth Auldridge, and Amy Debrucque explore the power of authentic connections, emphasizing the value of understanding someone's essence over their job. Sparked by a lively Instagram Live session, they discuss overcoming societal judgments based on professions to deepen interactions.

The episode encourages embracing openness and vulnerability in all settings to forge stronger bonds and foster personal and professional growth. Ideal for entrepreneurs and those keen on personal development and networking, it provides insights on transitioning from transactional to transformational connections for a more rewarding life.

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Talking Points:

1. The importance of prioritizing personal identity over professional identity in conversations.
2. Strategies for initiating deeper conversations.
3. The role of active listening and vulnerability in forming genuine connections.
4. Practical tips for moving beyond surface-level interactions.
5. How authentic networking can enhance personal and professional growth.
6. The impact of societal norms on our conversational habits.
7. The benefits of fostering an environment that encourages openness and genuine engagement.
8. The significance of personal stories and interests in building connections.
9. The importance of being present and paying attention to details in conversations.
10. How to approach conversations without judgment and with a willingness to learn about the other person.

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Lori Beth Auldridge, host of the Elevating Motherhood podcast and Homeschool Explained course instructor, recently relocated to Idaho with her husband Chris and children after nearly two decades in Maui. Together, they homeschool, run a construction business, and enjoy road trips. With bachelor's in Communication for the Child and master's degrees in Children’s Literature and Creative Writing for Children, Lori Beth is dedicated to empowering moms with creative resources, fostering confidence, intuition, and a love for lifelong learning.

elevatingmotherhood.com

instagram.com/loribethauldridge

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Amy Debrucque, host of the Life On Purpose Podcast and creator of the Confidence Course, is a multifaceted encourager: a wife, mother, confidence coach, author, and cancer survivor. Driven by her deep faith, Amy aims to empower women to rebuild their self-esteem and take control of their lives. Her debut book, "Embolden" (2021), inspires women to choose courage over fear. Her impactful work has been showcased in ThriveGlobal, InDependent, and Today Parenting, among others, highlighting her commitment to intentional living and self-improvement.

amydebrucque.com

instagram.com/amydebrucque

This episode was an IG live that I did with my friends, fellow coaches, and co-founders of the FOCUS Retreat. If you would like to meet up with me and the girls in person this fall go to: www.thefocusretreat.com. We would love to see you there!