Fearless Self-Love Podcast
My path of self-inquiry -- of discovering that surrender is my religion & that practicing fearless self-love is the most selfless thing I can do-- led me to the mountains.
The mountains have been calling to me for years. Arriving here and staying here, are ways I have followed through in showing up for myself. I made sure to record the reminder that I can show up for myself with a tattoo of the Swan Range of the Rockies on my right forearm.
The podcast is much like the mountains for me.
Majestic, strong and grounded, the mountains humble me.
I recall walking down the hill on the northside of Ann Arbor, near Sic Transit Cycles, thinking something I found to be very helpful at the time. That time was 4 years ago or more. Currently, I don't recall what that thought was. But my next one was, what if I could have a podcast, "Walks with Andrea?!" It wasn't a passing thought, though I did not pursue it either. I didn't walk to work everyday, and the concept of recording my morning musings waned with my consistency of transportation.
Fast forward a year or so to a post I wrote on my facebook page about wondering what it would take for me to see myself as gorgeous.
Then to the moment in my Ayurvedic Health Counselor training when I got so angry I wanted to leave, but did not know why. What came of that was the first time I told myself I love myself, a spoken word poem, and a tatoo on my left wrist.
Next to the bitchy spiritual memoir I began when my ex-husband left for the first time and I wrote 20,000 words in a month about love, loss, dreams and God.
When I moved to the mountains, I had a vision of ease. I roamed unknown roads on Summer evenings with my dog in tow. We'd swim in water we wouldn't have seen without decidedly getting lost. I worked 6 days each week to ensure I could develop my Yoga Health Coaching program, @ home in your body. I stayed quiet and anonymous for a while. When I was ready to emerge, connect and build real community on the ground in northwest Montana, my vision for a podcast came alive again. I began interviewing friends I admired who had something interesting and different to offer. I called the show the Grounded Here Yogi Podcast and continued to play small by hiding it on my website, never to be discovered by anyone who didn't already read everything I wrote.
In the past 18 months, since moving to Montana, a lot has changed for me. Change is inevitable, and always involves shedding skin that no longer fits.
The skin I wore for years that kept me unknown, unnoticed, working a zillion side jobs, tired, broke, hustling like a hamster in a cage that can't see beyond the glass, that skin is shedding.
It feels a little like ripping the wax and cloth off newly hair-free legs. That is to say, it doesn't feel great. But the outcome, is silky smooth and I love it! Sure, I am still plucking out the hairs left behind--those pesky tasks & obligations I once loved and that served me, but no longer help me move toward the most important thing in my business: nurturing the @ home in your body community & supporting thriving, flourishing lives through healthy habit change. The podcast is a huge part of nurturing the growth of this community.
And through this shedding, stripping down to just what matters most, I am beginning to see the possibility of living my own dream life, having an ideal schedule, making enough money to have a home, family, travel, and rest with true ease.
Making the Podcast the most important way I can show up for myself, and for you, in my work is part of that dream becoming a reality.
Interviewing people I admire, recording a song I co-wrote with my friend Jamie Wyman, and sharing my insights on fearless self-love with the world also feels as bold as a mountain is strong. The nerves I feel as I listen to the recordings, add in sound bites, adjust volume and cue up the Courageous Self-Love song leave me buzzing and yet very clear that I am human.
Sharing this show with you is one way I am showing up for me. You've asked more than anything, for story. Story about how I move through my day with ease, story about how those I admire work fearless self-love to establish their dream life.
It's here for you now, and I needn't say more, just have a listen!
Hello & welcome to the Fearless Self-Love Podcast
Loving ourselves is the most selfless thing we can do. When we prioritize our own needs, we show up more fully for others. We are more receptive and aware. We begin to live with ease.
Each episode features conversations with creatives & wellness pros whose real-life stories will inspire you to take the next step toward living a life you love. Our bottom line is to cultivate communities of fearless self-love and compassionate connection. And you'll feel like you're right here with us, sitting around the table with a pot of tea. We'll walk you through an easeful living practice, and leave you with a courageous self-care tip. I'm your host, Andrea Catherine, Yoga Health Coach, & your advocate to live a flourishing Life You Love.
Listen now on itunes, Spotify & SoundCloud. If you like the show, write a review & share an image of your review on social media with #FearlessSelfLove you'll be entered to win one of the following:
My Courageous Self-Care Kit of my favorite body & essential oils, teas, and spices
A “Living Life With Ease” Cotton Sleep shirt
An interview with me on the show
