Needy and Normal Podcast

EPISODE 50 - Motherhood is my greatest teacher, a sharing of reflections

Choosing a topic for the 50th episode was tricky, but this bubbled out of me, so here you have it. Motherhood is a journey, and I have learned more than I could have ever imagined over the last 10+ years. As a professional sports family, supporting my husband in his dreams, I have had a crash course in parenting, often solo, while finding my own definition of a successful life. You'll be able to relate to this one, especially as a parent.
My hope here is to create impact for you; to encourage you to learn, love yourself, and lighten up when you're being too hard on yourself and push yourself when you're being too light. -ABL
Your needs matter, because you matter.
Thank you very much for being here, for listening to and supporting the Needy and Normal podcast. It would mean the world to me if you'd leave me a rating and a review, share it with a friend and follow the show! You are important and the reason I am here.
For information about coaching with me, visit www.abllifecoaching.com and follow me on IG @abllifecoaching.
Take care. With love and thanks, Ashley

Do it anyways!

Overthinking does not bring certainty. Overthinking brings inaction and anxiety. Then, we become MORE unsure and LESS attached to our own instincts. And we end up NOT leaning into our intuition and letting it rightfully steer.
We overthink to become more sure and yet it quite literally does the opposite. We are instead more likely to never do the thing.
At minute 10, I share a list of permissions to do it anyways.
I'll also bring you through my feelings (and fears) towards starting the podcast a year ago, to starting a basement project on my own. 
We're so good at stopping ourselves before we even start, so I challenge you today to DO IT ANYWAYS!
You deserve a life you are proud of that is full of joy!
Your needs matter, because you matter.
Thank you for listening to the Needy and Normal podcast. Before you go, please subscribe, rate and share your favorite episode!
To learn more about me, follow me on LinkedIn or IG @abllifecoaching and book your free initial life coaching session at www.abllifecoaching.com

Baseball life to farm life with Kaycee Sogard

Married to former professional baseball player, Eric Sogard, Kaycee has seen so much life. Sharing that life with their five, homeschooled,  children, they made a giant shift from the baseball world, to life on the road in a bus converted to an RV, and it was nothing short of a life changing experience. Now, living on a "mini farm" in Tennessee, the Sogards are building a new life they never knew they'd love so much.
Enjoy this episode with Kaycee. It is full of honesty, love, joy, and reminders to keep things simple, learn as you go, and embrace change (even when there are transitions and challenges)!
Thank you Kaycee for taking the time to join the podcast for its 48th episode, and share your journey with us. Feel free to follow Kaycee on IG @kayceesogard. 
Remember: Your needs matter, because you matter.
Thank you for listening to the Needy and Normal podcast! Thanks for sharing, rating and subscribing today! For information about transition life coaching with Ashley, visit www.abllifecoaching.com. Or visit @abllifecoaching on IG.
BIO: Kaycee Sogard is a self taught farmer, a homeschooling momma to five, wife to former pro baseball player, Eric Sogard, wise beyond her years, and clearly an animal lover! Follow her on IG for inspiration, giggles, and a glimpse into life on a farm with her beautiful family.

Are you addicted to your phone?

Are we addicted to our phones? I get that they are wildly convenient, as I personally run my own business mostly from my phone. But, are we getting obsessive and letting our phones take over even precious moments? We are missing out. I'm personally waking up to this more, too!
How much do you feel basically attached to your phone? How much do you actually need your phone? Has it kept you from being more present? Where is the balance, and can we be more intentional with phone usage, as to become more present in our own lives?
Look up, life is in front of you, all around you. Do you need to make a change?
Your needs matter, because you matter.
Thank you for listening to the Needy and Normal podcast. I'm so glad you're here. Take a moment to rate, review and share the pod, and come back next week!
Curious about life coaching? Visit www.abllifecoaching.com to learn more and to book for first FREE session! Also, follow me on IG @abllifecoaching and stay tuned for the chance to join the Needy and Normal Community, coming soon!

Coping with BIG emotions

Are you going through something difficult or navigating tough emotions? I am, too. We have two choices, deal with it or let it go....but in the meantime, sometimes we need to put it all down!
The pressures to face our shit in a hurry and figure it all out is a lot. In this short episode, come on an emotional journey of feeling our feelings together, finding coping "go-to's" that work for your life, and remembering that our problems don't have to be solved immediately.
Let's give ourselves permission to step away for a minute, put the issues down, and come back to them when we're ready to process through them.
Your needs matter, because you matter.
Thank you for listening to the Needy and Normal podcast. Share this episode, subscribe and rate the pod. And we'll see you next week!
For information about coaching together, visit www.abllifecoaching.com. Initial sessions are complimentary!

Motherhood mistakes, my review (spoiler alert) of Nightbitch

This movie was SOMETHING. But regardless of the extra themes, this message of facing motherhood is right on. Once you GIVE UP who you are and keep the agony to yourself, you're headed straight for resentment and burnout. Yup. And yes, I will tell you things about the movie from start to finish, so either watch it (if you haven't) or choose to listen to this instead! I see you momma. Thanks for listening!
Your needs matter, because you matter.
Please share this episode with a friend, rate, and subscribe! Come back next week. Thanks for being here!
If you're curious about coaching, visit www.abllifecoaching.com and book a free discovery call! Enroll now for the live transition coaching collective, the eight week program that begins in Feb. Snag your spot now, and get a juicy discount for being a listener! Ask me all about it on IG @abllifecoaching or email me directly: ashley@abllifecoaching.com.

Never too late to follow your dreams, with Steph Strupp

Are you still dreaming about doing that thing you've always wanted to do? Or have you been yearning to revisit a part of yourself that's been tucked away for a long time? My friend and past client, Stephanie Strupp, shares her story of being a competitive figure skater as a teen and coming back to the ice at the age of 40. The nag was too loud, and she had to see if she could do it. And she did!
If you're looking for some realistic inspiration, this is your episode!
Listen to Steph's story of starting something again, regardless of age, and making her dream a reality.
She's encouraging about facing challenges and setbacks that don't have to stop you, even with fears of getting hurt.
Steph is realistic on giving yourself grace and having support along the way like coaches.
We talk through putting in the time and effort, because the pay-off feels so good. You get to be proud of yourself for following through.
Steph shares how it's important to give more focus to the things you are passionate about doing, even if it’s tough or nerve-racking. 
Sometimes it is scary trying something new or again, but you can be scared and do it anyways!
Steph talks through managing mental pressures to perform, and  staying focused on what you can control, yourself and your own efforts.
She makes sure to mention that blasting through negative thought patterns and avoiding the self sabotage, helps you stay focused.
I love how Steph says, “water the flowers not the weeds.” And "believe in yourself, think good thoughts, but also hold yourself accountable."
Listen for encouragement to find your strength, by putting yourself into action, doing the hard things.
Steph drives home how important it is to find a way to do the things you want to do, regardless of circumstances or societal “norms” or expectations.
She questions the popular dilemma of being too “busy” or is it an excuse. The nudge gets bigger the longer you ignore it, we agreed.
Your needs matter, because you matter!
Big thank you to Stephanie for coming on the pod and sharing her story of getting back onto the ice, and even competing again as an adult figure skater. You can find Steph on IG @ice_w0lfie and TikTok @ice.w0lfie. Steph, thank you for reminding us that dreams don't have to stay in the past.
Bio: Stephanie Strupp is a Wisconsin native, currently living in Milwaukee with her husband and two cute dogs and snakes. She works as a top performer as Customer Success Specialist for CONTAX, Inc. Steph enjoys hobbies such as reading, listening to podcasts, spending time with friends and family, and making time for her passion as a adult, competitive figure skater, recently placing 2nd at the 2024 Greater Chicagoland Fall Invitational Masters (Intermediate-Novice, Women).
Thank you for listening to the Needy and Normal podcast. Please subscribe, leave a rating and review before you go, and share this episode with a friend! 
For deals and information on coaching, email Ashley@abllifecoaching.com or visit www.abllifecoaching.com to book your first FREE session! Enrollment opens Jan. 16 for the live eight week group coaching program. Let me know you're a listener and we'll get you registered under a special discount!

New year, new way to achieve your goals

New Year's resolutions are funny. We think we need to approach them in a "have to" or "all or nothing" way. What pressures we place onto ourselves every year! What if it can feel differently for you? What if you could claim a new mindset and approach to fulfilling your desires, that relives you of negative pressures, while still delivering you to positive results?
In this episode, I offer you a new approach to goal setting with some mindset tips and tools. Grab your notes to make use of the actionable takeaway just for you called "Promise Setting."
You can achieve the things you wish for your life, and you can be kind to yourself along the way. Setbacks provide lessons, and there are always wins (even small ones) to collect as you go forward.
You are more capable than you think. And your needs matter, because you matter.
Thank you for listening to the Needy and Normal podcast. Please leave a rating and a review before you go. And thanks for sharing this with a friend! 
To learn more about coaching, check out @abllifecoaching on IG or visit www.abllifecoaching.com to book a free discovery session.
Exciting NEWS: Enrollment OPENS Jan 16th for the live transition coaching program. To receive a special discounted price, email me at ashley@abllifecoaching.com, say you're a listener and you are IN! This eight week course will help you move through a transition in your life with confidence and the support you need.

Let's review 2024

Happy New Year! What are you proud of from 2024? What wins can you collect and recognize? What needs more of your focus moving forward? This episode is NOT about what you didn't do or accomplish.
In this episode, I review my own goals from 2024. And you can find encouragement to think about your own goals and how to move forward into 2025.
Your needs matter, because you matter.
To process your own 2024 and make plans for your life in 2025, let's connect for a free initial coaching session. I would love to support you!
Thank you for listening to the Needy and Normal podcast. Please leave a review and rating before you go and share this or any episode generously!
Hi, I am Ashley Levering, Certified Professional Coach. I focus on life transitions and your needs as you move through changes. Join our email list for upcoming events, offers and podcasts by emailing me at ashley@abllifecoaching.com. Visit www.abllifecoaching.com or @abllifecoaching on IG for more information.

EP 41 What matters most to you during the holidays?

This short episode includes my personal story and experiences with the holidays. Spoiler alert, I was raised Jewish and celebrate Christmas...curious? I'll tell you all about it, and express what matters most to me around the holidays. What matters most to you?
If following traditions to a T, doing things exactly right or because of others' relentless expectations, this is your reminder episode. I will help you remember, that how you GET TO feel around the holidays, matters. How can you connect with your own personal joy, find a moment to be fully present, and declare what matters most to you during the holidays?
Coming this January, we'll talk about NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS, and my unique method on tackling those. But, until then, relax, rest and find joy!
Your needs matter, because you matter!
Thank you for listening to the Needy and Normal podcast. Please leave a rating and a review before you go, and share your favorite episode with a friend!
*ANNOUNCEMENT* In January 2025, I will be offering a LIVE group coaching program, specifically designed to help you move through life changes with confidence! Learn how to prioritize your needs, set and stick to your goals, and be proud of yourself along the way. I've got your back AND the formula for you to feel successful facing changes in the new year.
Visit www.abllifecoaching.com for more information. And send your email to ashley@abllifecoaching.com to get updated information and offers before the public! To get to know me more, visit @abllifecoaching on IG.