Needy and Normal Podcast

Five things you need to know about a life transition.

Are you facing a change in your life right now? Do you need to make a change in your life? In this episode, I'll walk you through five things you need to know to recognize a life transition and get through it.
Learn things that may comfort you as you move through a challenging time in your life.
Find reassurance as you discover what's normal about processing and embracing change.
Discover the three stages of a life transition, and how going through it alone is not an option.
Not only do you need to know these five things, this is also your episode for finding some clarity.
The things you will learn in this episode are also what I talk about in my work as a coach. Want to dive deeper? Let's talk about working together. Initial sessions are complimentary. Listeners receive 10% off your first coaching package! Don't hesitate to reach out, life transitions are my jam! I've got you, you beautiful human. Your needs matter, because you matter.
Visit ABLlifecoaching.com or find me on IG @abllifecoaching. 
Thank you for listening, rating, and reviewing the Needy and Normal Podcast! And don't forget to subscribe! :)

I have anxiety, you too?

Anxiety is a THING most of us are aware of and probably on a personal level. This episode will be one of many where anxiety is front and center. It's more normal to have it (and admit it) nowadays than ever, so let's normalize it for you too, dear listener.
This episode was not an easy one for me to share. I get personal and vulnerable. My goal is to connect to you with my story and my struggles. And to show you that it's okay, I see you, and you're not alone.
It's hard to regulate your emotions, and it's even harder when you don't know how. Listen for how I went from an anxious mess, waiting for my dad to come out of open-heart surgery, to managing my stress and anxiety with tools and consistent practices. You can do it, too! Please send me a note if this one strikes you, and please share this with someone who may need to hear that it's okay to struggle with anxiety.
WARNING: F*bombs drop at 10:28 and 11:38
As promise in this episode, here is a full list of my tools and best practices to manage my own anxiety. To create your own menu of tools and best practices, please reach out. I can help with that.
1. To calm the nervous system - anxiety meds (if needed), THC gummies (dosed), Ashwagandha or Holy Basil for other natural alternatives.
2. Good SLEEP habits.
3. Regular exercise.
4. Accept it. "I have anxiety, it's normal, and I can manage it."
5. Noticing the anxiety, calling it out, being curious, and taking action (action = distraction).
6. Talk to someone who feels safe (get support) i.e. therapist, coach, family, husband, close friend.
7. Less alcohol, MORE water.
8.  Manage expectations of situations and of other people. Accept that things will happen or change and I can only control myself. Live in flow, not in survival mode (always working on this one).
9. Reframe an anxious or negative thought to a positive thought, or change the story I am telling myself. I pause to reflect and get real with myself.
10. Breathing - in for 5, out for 8, either with eyes closed or by looking up or out to reset my brain (learned that piece of science from my therapist, and it's great to disrupt ruminating or overthinking).
11. Meditation - I usually listen to a short one on YouTube, Balance app or Insight Timer app.
12. Read before bed INSTEAD of scrolling. And DO NOT look at the phone first thing in the morning.
13. Be present with my kids. Focus on their needs (emotional needs especially), listen with my whole body to the things they share, and say YES when they want to play and have fun with me, and especially when they want to snuggle.
14. HUGS - I need lots of hugs (and smiles).
15. Eat healthy. And for me, I cut out gluten after years of sensitivity to it. I finally had enough, and I feel better overall and more clear-minded.
16. Have fun - dance, laugh, be silly/play, be a little spontaneous!
17. Use boundaries - say "NO" if my mind and body resists, I listen to it! I speak up, if need be.
18. I got off of birth control, and it seems to have regulated my hormones back to their natural rhythm...helped with monthly mood swings.
19. Remind myself that worrying is like sitting in a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but nowhere to go. Or my new fav from my sister, Lindsay, "don't borrow trouble." Love that. <3
20. Love myself by taking care of my needs whether I need a massage, a moment of silence, or a good cry.
DO you use any of these, too? I'd love to hear from you! Visit me on the web at www.ABLlifecoaching.com or on Instagram @abllifcoaching.
Please rate, review, & subscribe. If you're curious about coaching, feel free to book a complimentary discovery session with me.
Thanks for listening! Your needs matter, because you matter. -A
 
#mentalhealthawareness #anxiety
 

Changing your life and facing new challenges, with guest Liz Brodek (Wendt)

Sometimes life throws difficult changes at you that cannot be sugar-coated. Liz Brodek (Wendt) is a client and friend of mine, who has experienced the highest highs and the lowest lows, all within the last few years. She has gone from completely changing her life, for the better, to facing some of her hardest times that she never saw coming.
In this episode, you'll hear Liz's story and about making use of her best mindset tools. Through our work together as coach and coachee, Liz has developed universal ways to get her though the uncontrollable.
Listen for the power of trusting yourself, shifting your perspective, and weathering the "storm" while growing and healing anyways.
Listen for what it means to face devastation and to keep going. Learn to use your boundaries guilt-free, because it's necessary to take care of your own needs, no matter what!
Are you facing an impossible challenge in your life?
Are you considering making life-changing decisions?
If you are facing something difficult in your own life, perhaps you'll find just the inspiration you need from hearing Liz's journey.
*Sensitive subject begins at 21 mins. If you or someone you know is experiencing a pregnancy loss, seeking support and speaking about it may be healing for you as well.
Bio: Liz Brodek (Wendt) is a leading lady in Wausau, Wisconsin as the city's Development Director. With a passion for the environment and for developing communities, Liz has taken her law degree (from Marquette University in Milwaukee), and her extensive experience in economic development, to new heights. Her ability for taking things from "okay" to functional and extraordinary does not just show up in her professional life. Liz has also made extraordinary, life changing moves in her personal life, to create a life she truly loves. Liz also loves art, writing, the outdoors, and spending time with her new husband, Ben, along with their two cats and dog.
To schedule your free coaching consult, visit www.abllifecoaching.com or email directly at coachlevering@gmail.com.
Thank you for listening to the Needy and Normal podcast. Please subscribe, rate and review! It would mean the world to me.

Speak up!

Need something, say something. This one will hit home. Asking for help saves you time and energy, and forget hoping others can read your mind! You will find yourself in this "real talk", guilt-free, episode. You can do anything, but you don't have to do everything...and certainly not alone. Sometimes, we need each other.
Please rate and review the Needy and Normal Podcast, and share it generously! Your needs matter, because you matter. Thank you for being here.
To learn about coaching with me, visit www.abllifecoaching.com

Simplify your needs and making decisions

Human beings are complicated, therefore, are GREAT at making simple things difficult. Busy lives, overthinking, and fear can truly make it easy to complicate what can actually move us forward.
In this episode, learn through my dramatic (and true) tornado story, and also from real life examples, how to simplify your own needs and decision making abilities. Who doesn't need that?!
When in doubt, keep things simple. It may just be the quickest way to listen to your intuition and finally trust yourself.
For your complimentary coaching session, to discover its power in your own life, email me directly ay coachlevering@gmail.com or visit www.abllifecoaching.com. You can also find me on IG @abllifecoaching.
Thank you for being here and for listening. It would mean the world to me if you'd rate and leave a review for Needy and Normal Podcast. We need it!

How kindness can change your life!

Welcome to an episode we all need, a reminder that kindness is GOOD for YOU! In this episode I share a personal, life-changing story. I also share scientific facts about what kindness does for your health, some tips in self-kindness, and ways to reconnect you to the value of giving and receiving kindness. This episode could very well change your life!
To learn about coaching with me, visit ABLlifecoaching.com and check out @abllifecoaching on Instagram. Initial sessions are complimentary.
Thanks for listening, for rating and reviewing, and for subscribing to the Needy and Normal Podcast. It means the world to me! I am so glad you are here.
 
As promised in this episode, here is the list of countries/stops I was fortunate to visit on my study abroad experience of a lifetime back in Spring 2007. Check out Semester at Sea to learn more. It changed my life.
Bahamas
Puerto Rico
Brazil
Mauritius
South Africa
India
Vietnam (and Cambodia)
China
Japan
Hawaii
Resources for this episode include research by: Random Acts of Kindness Foundation - New York Times, UC Berkley, Emory University, Case Western Reserve, Medical
 

Professional baseball life with guest Paige Murphy

Welcome to Needy and Normal's first guest episode!
Paige Murphy is a culinary school graduate, a mom and a baseball wife who has traveled the country for 20 years, and raising kids for the last 13 in the chaos of the professional sports world. She’s a lover of music, learning, therapy and the realness of the human experience...not to mention, the newly minted hobby of self-care and embracing the beauty of knowing who you are. 
Join for an honest conversation on topics such as living the baseball lifestyle, survival mode, mom guilt, solo parenting, and much needed self-care. I love this human and I loved our conversation. Come hang with us.
Paige is co-creator of the organization call Our Baseball Life, that connects resources to the professional baseball community. To learn more, visit @ourbaseballlife on Instagram.
To learn about coaching with Ashley, visit ABLlifecoaching.com and get to know her more @abllifecoaching on Instagram.
Thanks so much for being here and for taking a moment to rate and review Needy and Normal.
 

Stubborn needs!

How often have you said, "I need to..."? We all have those nagging needs that get ignored, because they feel difficult, uncomfortable or time consuming. Maybe you fear if you actually tend to that nagging need, you'll fail in some way. In this episode, you'll learn what important message your stubborn needs are truly telling you. I'll also share a unique and stubborn need of my own. Come needy, because it's normal!
Thank you for leaving me a review today, and feel free to visit me on Instagram @abllifecoaching. For information about coaching, check out www.abllifecoaching.com.

What needs?! Basics and essentials.

Welcome back! In this episode, I share a story of when denying myself a basic and essential need taught me a difficult lesson. Our needs are not meant to be ignored. And when they are, your might hallucinate, like I did! Perhaps you'll find more clarity in how to recognize your own needs, and there is a call to action at the end! You may even hear the crackle of my fireplace. Get cozy! Thanks so much for listening! 
Thank you for taking the time to leave me a review. Come see me on Instagram @abllifecoaching, and for more information on coaching, check out abllifecoaching.com

Welcome to Needy and Normal, Nice to Meet You!

Hi, I am Ashley! Welcome to episode number one! Let me introduce myself. Let's begin with my personal story where I answer some questions: What's it like being married to a professional sports broadcaster? Why am I a life coach? How many places have I lived? What will you discover here? What are some of my favorite things? Are you a dog lover, too? Thank you for being here. Having needs is a human right we all have, and living life by tending to our needs is just better. You'll see.