A Pleasant Solution: Embracing an Organized Life

Latest Episodes:

50 | Conscious and Confident Co-Parenting with Mikki Gardner Jan 10, 2024

Show notes

In this milestone 50th episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Mikki Gardner, a conscious parenting coach, bestselling author, and host of the Co-Parenting with Confidence podcast. Mikki's journey from navigating a challenging divorce to becoming a beacon of guidance for moms seeking a new approach to co-parenting is truly inspiring.

Mikki unveils her powerful three-step framework – Awareness, Agency, and Aligned Action – offering practical tools to transition from chaotic reactions to calm, grounded, and conscious choices. Through relatable examples, Mikki emphasizes the significance of pausing, gaining agency over our decisions, and taking actions aligned with our vision for peaceful co-parenting. Her new book is a guide filled with wisdom, resonating with anyone seeking emotional freedom and a more harmonious co-parenting experience.

Join the conversation as we discuss:

Creating intentional, joyful, and ease-filled lives after divorce.
Addressing anger in co-parenting through authenticity and self-care.
Breaking free from the cycle of people-pleasing and creating positive changes within oneself.
Building confidence and resilience in the co-parenting journey.
Mikki’s three-step framework for peaceful parenting

GUEST INFO:
Mikki Gardner, Conscious Parenting Coach, the host of Co-Parenting With Confidence Podcast, and Bestselling Author
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Mikki’s Podcast “Co-Parenting With Confidence” | People Pleasers Guide to Co-Parenting Well

RESOURCE:

Think there’s a hidden layer beneath the clutter in your life?
Download my Clutter Coaching Guide + join my email community.

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Join my community at https://www.apleasantsolution.com/

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I invite you to share, rate, review, and follow my show. Also, join the conversation by connecting with me on Instagram @apleasantsolution.

49 | Purpose, Passion, and Entrepreneurship with Amber Guyton of Blessed Little Bungalow Jan 03, 2024

Show notes

In this captivating episode, I had the pleasure of chatting about purpose, passion, and entrepreneurship with Amber Guyton, owner of Blessed Little Bungalow.

Amber takes us through her journey, highlighting the need to put personal well-being first in a world where business usually takes the lead. We dug into the challenges of self-reflection, the art of setting boundaries, and the continuous dance of navigating change. Plus, we tackled the realness of maintaining work-life balance in the ever-changing world of entrepreneurship.
Amber's openness about the struggles of being her own boss struck a chord, underscoring the significance of self-care and the guts it takes to pivot when needed. Her story is a compelling nudge to prioritize yourself in the pursuit of both personal and professional fulfillment.
Tune in to join the conversation as we discuss:

Amber's background and creative roots.
How she navigated the shift from a structured career in financial marketing to interior design.
Her advice for how to get started with a design project at home
How she’s built a strong client base, large social media presence, and her work is featured often in media outlets
Finding balance and strategies for prioritizing self-care amidst a busy entrepreneurial life.
The challenges of setting boundaries and the importance of self-care, even in the midst of a hectic schedule.

MENTIONED:
Iconic Home: Interiors, Advice, and Stories from 50 Amazing Black Designers
Wallpaper line with Mitchell Black
GUEST INFO:
Amber Guyton, owner of Blessed Little Bungalow
Website | All Social Platforms @blessedlittlebungalow

RESOURCE:
Interested in self-coaching? Self-coaching is simply self-reflection.
Download 25 Great Self-Coaching Questions + join my email community.

FEATURED ON THE SHOW:
Come say hello on Instagram
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Join my community at https://www.apleasantsolution.com/

LIKE THIS EPISODE?
I invite you to share, rate, review, and follow my show. Also, join the conversation by connecting with me on Instagram @apleasantsolution.

48 | From This Day Forward Dec 27, 2023

Show notes

As we conclude 2023 and usher in the New Year, I'm excited to introduce a concept that I use myself and with clients.: "From this day forward." This phrase becomes a deliberate boundary, separating past habits from the intentional choices shaping your future. Whether you’re organizing your home or establishing new routines, ‘from this day forward’ is a mindset shift that allows you to let the weight of the past go without the need for heavy judgment.

Please know that your consistent support and presence each Wednesday have been a gift, making launching this podcast one of my greatest joys this year.

Turn in and let's embark on this journey by bidding farewell to 2023, to old habits, and embrace a fresh start in 2024 together.

MENTIONED:

The Photo Managers

RESOURCE:
Curious to know how ‘organized’ folks think?
Download 41 Organized Thoughts: You're More Organized Than You Think + join my email community.

FEATURED ON THE SHOW:
Come say hello on Instagram
Follow me on Facebook
See what I’m up to on LinkedIn
Join my community at https://www.apleasantsolution.com/

LIKE THIS EPISODE?
I invite you to share, rate, review, and follow my show. Also, join the conversation by connecting with me on Instagram @apleasantsolution.

47 | How To Center Your Parents When Discussing Their Future Care Dec 20, 2023

Show notes

As someone who’s navigated this journey first hand, I understand the reluctance and difficulty in broaching conversations about future care for parents.
In today's episode, I share three crucial takeaways on how to center your parents when discussing what’s next for them and their belongings. Drawing from my experience talking with my mom, who’s living with dementia, I'll guide you through the importance of appreciating and respecting your loved ones' individuality.

So if you're navigating the delicate balance of preparing for the future while respecting your parents' wishes, join me on this episode for insights that will empower and guide you through this challenging yet crucial journey.

MENTIONED:
National Association of Home Builders
Planning to Age in Place? Download my Aging-in-Place Design Considerations

RESOURCE:
Becoming a Caregiver or Thinking Ahead? Download my Open Ended Questions for Loved Ones and Care Communities + join my email community

FEATURED ON THE SHOW:
Come say hello on Instagram
Follow me on Facebook
See what I’m up to on LinkedIn
Join my community at https://www.apleasantsolution.com/

LIKE THIS EPISODE?
I invite you to share, rate, review, and follow my show. Also, join the conversation by connecting with me on Instagram @apleasantsolution.

46 | Managing the Family Calendar Dec 13, 2023

Show notes

Calendar management is challenging for most of us (especially when multiple people are involved!) In this episode, I discuss insights from The Fair Play Method, and I explain how my husband and I divide calendar responsibilities at home. I invite you to question default gender-based roles around calendar keeping, and reconsider the dynamics in your household too. Sharing the chore load also involves clear communication around the family’s activities.

Additionally, I provide practical tips on building and maintaining an organized family calendar. My hope is that by talking about calendaring, by making the work of organizing time more visible, you’ll feel less frazzled and understand how much you’re in charge of your time.

Tune in to reassess your calendar approach and remember, you’re more organized than you think.

MENTIONED
The Fair Play Method

RESOURCE
Ready to lighten your mental + emotional load?
Download your Fair Play Cards + Activity Guide + join my email community.

FEATURED ON THE SHOW:
Come say hello on Instagram
Follow me on Facebook
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Join my community at https://www.apleasantsolution.com/

LIKE THIS EPISODE?
I invite you to share, rate, review, and follow my show. Also, join the conversation by connecting with me on Instagram @apleasantsolution.

45 | Decluttering with Intention with Kenika Williams Dec 06, 2023

Show notes

On this episode, I’m joined by Kenika Williams, a home and lifestyle connoisseur and founder of Tidied by K. Kenika's mission is all about helping high-achieving women and families create intentional, functional, and streamlined living spaces, allowing them to present their best selves to the world.

Listen in as Kenika shares her journey from a lifelong educator to a professional organizer and business coach, practical insights into decluttering, organizing, and the power of a positive mindset. We also explored the philosophy of embracing an organized life, with Kenika highlighting the importance of being intentional about what you own. And she shares a creative and practical strategy for staying organized as an adult that you may find helpful as well.
Tune in to join the conversation as we discuss:

The role of organization in our personal and professional life
The impact of coaching and collaboration in achieving success
Practical tips for normalizing decluttering
The parallel journey of developing a positive mindset and embracing an organized life
The benefits of living in an organized space, including comfort, peace, and increased productivity
The importance of priorities, systems, and finding a routine that works for individual lifestyles

GUEST INFO:
Kenika Williams, CEO of Tidied By K + Coach for Pro Organizers
Website | Instagram @tidiedbyk | Instagram @kenikaandcompany
RESOURCE:
Ready to declutter but not sure where to take items?
Download my Decluttering Resources Quick Guide + join my email community.
FEATURED ON THE SHOW:
Come say hello on Instagram
Follow me on Facebook
See what I’m up to on LinkedIn
Join my community at https://www.apleasantsolution.com/
LIKE THIS EPISODE?
I invite you to share, rate, review, and follow my show. Also, join the conversation by connecting with me on Instagram @apleasantsolution.

44 | Sustainability + Timeless Design with SortJoy Nov 29, 2023

Show notes

It’s my pleasure to welcome Stefani and Alexa, the two brilliant co-founders of SortJoy home organization products. SortJoy is a brand that aims to transform spaces through simplicity and calm. Its commitment to sustainability and multifunctionality shines through in its thoughtfully designed product line which features Sculpted Bins, Flex Bins, the Jamie Bins, and much more. Their emphasis on embracing imperfection in organization resonated deeply, reminding us that striving for functional, streamlined organization is more realistic and rewarding than chasing perfection.

Tune in to hear our conversation about these key topics:

Generosity and community involvement
Stefani and Alexa's early experiences with organization
Their journey of pivoting careers from interior design and professional organization to creating a product line
Why SortJoy is a brand centered on sustainability and function
Their core value of sustainability
How to organize with the SortJoy product line
Embracing imperfection in organization

GUEST INFO:
Stefani H., Co-founder + CEO of SortJoy
Alexa C., Co-founder + Creative Director of SortJoy
Website | Instagram | Pinterest

MENTIONED:
Label collaboration This Joyful House
RESOURCE:
Ready to declutter but not sure where to take items?
Download my Decluttering Resources Quick Guide + join my email community.

FEATURED ON THE SHOW:
Come say hello on Instagram
Follow me on Facebook
See what I’m up to on LinkedIn
Join my community at https://www.apleasantsolution.com/
LIKE THIS EPISODE?
I invite you to share, rate, review, and follow my show. Also, join the conversation by connecting with me on Instagram @apleasantsolution.

43 | Adopting a Mindset of Organization Nov 22, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to Episode 43, where we unravel the transformative power of adopting a mindset of organization.. In this episode, I draw from a poll among organizing experts, to uncover the automatic thoughts shaping their perspectives.

Tune in as I challenge conventional notions around organization, highlight the impact of our perception on our spaces, and explore the intricacies of an organized perspective. I’ll touch on various aspects of mindset and its influence on our approach to tasks, responsibilities, and problem-solving.

Know that it's not just about swapping thoughts. It's a continuous journey, and the more you practice getting curious about your current perspective, the more you’ll see how you’re more organized than you think.

Click the link below for the full list of thoughts and press play to join me on this inspiring exploration.

MENTIONED:
Download 41 Organized Thoughts: You're More Organized Than You Think + join my email community.

FEATURED ON THE SHOW:
Come say hello on Instagram
Follow me on Facebook
See what I’m up to on LinkedIn
Join my community at https://www.apleasantsolution.com/

LIKE THIS EPISODE?
I invite you to share, rate, review, and follow my show. Also, join the conversation by connecting with me on Instagram @apleasantsolution.

42 | Emotional Labor and Extended Family Nov 15, 2023

Show notes

As we approach the holiday season, a time traditionally filled with joy but often laden with unspoken expectations, it's important to dissect the intricate web of relationships. From the milestones and life transitions, we must keep track of the intricate dance of appreciation and acknowledgment, how much we perform the emotional labor of kin work plays a role in our well-being.
Listen in as I share personal insights, revealing the choices we make in navigating the delicate balance of maintaining bonds, unraveling the layers of emotional labor, and gaining a deeper understanding of our choices in pursuing healthy relationships.
Let's explore the mental load of navigating relationships around the holiday season, and get curious about what it means to create meaningful connections.
WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FAIR PLAY METHOD?
Download your Fair Play Cards + Activity Guide here.
FEATURED ON THE SHOW:
Come say hello on Instagram
Follow me on Facebook
See what I’m up to on LinkedIn
Join my community at https://www.apleasantsolution.com/
LIKE THIS EPISODE?
I invite you to share, rate, review, and follow my show. Also, join the conversation by connecting with me on Instagram @apleasantsolution.

41 | Supporting Mothers, Fertility Through Postpartum With Elise Bowerman Nov 08, 2023

Show notes

This week, I'm joined by Elise Bowerman. Elise is the founder of Birth Humanity, a prenatal and postnatal yoga teacher and a practicing birth and postpartum doula, who is deeply committed to transforming the way we care for women and babies during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. She believes in helping mothers embrace the sacred rites of passage they experience, creating a foundation of strength and value rather than fear and weakness.
Elise offers virtual guidance sessions and in-person fertility and pregnancy classes in West Bloomfield, Michigan. As the founder of Michigan's first registered prenatal yoga school, she also educates other yoga teachers through her continuing education course, prenatal and postnatal yoga teacher foundations. Elise's dedication to women's health and well-being shines through her work and her commitment to building a supportive community. Whether you're an expecting mother, a parent, or simply seeking valuable insights, you'll find her website, Birth Humanity, a treasure trove of helpful tools and resources.
Listen in as we discuss:

The sacred rites of passage during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum
Supporting mothers on their fertility and postpartum journeys
The benefits of in-person support and community for mothers
How yoga supports women during pregnancy and postpartum
The importance of creating a supportive community for mothers, fostering connections, and breaking down stigmas surrounding fertility and postpartum

GUEST INFO:
Instagram: @‌birthhumanity
Website: http://BirthHumanity.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/elisebowerman/

MENTIONED:
Birth Detroit
WELCOMING A NEW CHILD SOON?
Download The Fair Play Method's New Child Guide + join my email community.
FEATURED ON THE SHOW:
Come say hello on Instagram
Follow me on Facebook
See what I’m up to on LinkedIn
Join my community at https://www.apleasantsolution.com/
LIKE THIS EPISODE?
I invite you to share, rate, review and follow my show. Also, join the conversation by connecting with me on Instagram @apleasantsolution.

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