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Join me and Christina Fichera as we reflect on life's challenges from our unique perspectives. We discuss how beauty intertwines with pain and the complexities of sharing personal struggles. The episode includes insights from key resources like "The Body Keeps the Score," "Big Magic," and the "We Can Do Hard Things" podcast.
I decided to converse with one of my besties, Christina Fichera, to unpack the past year and some difficult stuff that we both are processing. We approach the conversation from varied perspectives given our lives are so different; Christina is in her 30’s and I am in my 50’s. I’ve been married twice and have adult kids and didn’t build a career until the last five years. Christina hasn’t married or had kids yet, and built a significant career over the past two decades.
We share a newfound understanding that beauty can coexist with pain and end up processing our recent challenges through that lens.
We also agree that normalizing discussions around struggle can be incredibly useful - but simultaneously wrestle with the belief that talking about this stuff might come too close to “airing our dirty laundry.”
The fear of sharing our emotions and exposing our personal journey with others is delicate. Like many, we wonder how we will be perceived when we divulge setbacks - will it affect our career or relationships?
Does our candor make us appear less competent despite being damn good at what we do?
Do our stories present an appearance of weakness or instability that can limit opportunities?
Have we learned discernment around when to share and with who?
Join the conversation.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
We refer to the following books; The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk, MD and Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
We mention the We Can Do Hard Things podcast.
I reference a body of work and platform called TBM in this episode - this resource has played a vital role in my personal healing journey; relieving a huge amount of mental load and unnecessary burdens. Here are links and a discount code for you too! Enter this coupon code for 15% discount: JEN
Christina Fichera is one of my (Jen) BFFs and a person with an abundance of roles and titles. I am settling on these…
Christina is REAL - a deep feeler and eternal learner. She loves to break things down and mine for the most essential aspects in everything. Christina is a speaker, salesperson, athlete, customer relationship manager, all-around-life-guru and curious soul.
This girl is also a podcast junkie in the best way. Christina listens to dozens of podcasts each week and is known to stick Post-it® notes all over the place (literally and on social media) as a means of documenting and sharing what she is learning.
Christina is a loyal friend and collaborator and one of my soul sisters with whom I have the best conversations! AND, she is the best pup mom ever to a very spoiled dog named Teddy.
You can follow Christina on Instagram @ChristinaFichera_
Jen holds space for those who want to elevate and amplify their voice. If you desire support in speaking your truth and want to explore the ways you can work with Jen, let's connect:
email: Jennifer@beingREAL.me
podcast website: ListenForREAL.com
website: www.REALJenOliver.com
Instagram @REALjenOliver
TikTok @realjenoliver
Facebook @realjenoliver
If you believe conversations like these belong in the world, please subscribe, rate & review this podcast - and even better, share it with someone else as a REAL conversation starter. Subscribe to all things Jen Oliver at REALJenOliver.
One of Jen's BFF's - a person with a mission name tags
Christina is one of Jen's BFF's and a person with hundreds of name tags, roles, titles, etc.
She is REAL - a conversational person who wants to unpack things and remain an eternal learner. Christina is a speaker, salesperson, athlete, customer relationship manager and all-around life guru and eternal learner. Curious is a word that describes Christina beautifully along with loyal - that's why I have conversations with her!
