The Life Shift

In this episode of The Life Shift Podcast, Ashley Gould candidly shares her transformative journey following her father’s cancer diagnosis. In this conversation, we explore the impact of grief, the resilience required to navigate life’s unexpected challenges, and the importance of embracing change. Ashley reflects on her father's enduring influence, the pivotal shift in her life after his diagnosis, and how it shaped her path toward creativity and fulfillment.

Takeaways:

• The Impact of Grief and Resilience
• Embracing Change and Finding Meaning
• Family Influence and Emotional Strength

The Impact of Grief and Resilience

Ashley Gould discusses the profound impact her father's cancer diagnosis had on her life, marking a pivotal shift that forced her to confront the realities of grief and loss. She shares how this experience shattered her perception of life’s continuity, leading to a journey of resilience and personal growth. The episode underscores the importance of acknowledging grief’s path, allowing it to guide healing and transformation.

Embracing Change and Finding Meaning

Ashley’s story highlights the courage required to embrace change and find new meaning in life’s challenges. Despite the anticipatory grief and eventual loss of her father, Ashley’s journey emphasizes the power of living intentionally and pursuing joy. Her experience demonstrates that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to find fulfillment and purpose by following one’s passions and embracing the unknown.

Family Influence and Emotional Strength

Throughout the episode, Ashley reflects on her close relationship with her father and how it shaped her emotional strength and perspective on life. Her father’s warmth, humor, and presence continue to influence her, underscoring the enduring impact of familial bonds. Ashley’s narrative illustrates how these relationships provide both comfort and strength, serving as a foundation for navigating life’s transitions and honoring loved ones through personal growth.

Guest Bio

Ashley Gould is a former corporate lawyer turned entrepreneur and podcaster. She founded Ame Atendre, a company dedicated to creating elevated everyday objects, and hosts the podcast "On the Table with Ashley," focusing on conversations about often-avoided topics.

Connect with Ashley

Reflecting on my conversation with Betsy Pepine, I really connected with her journey, especially her struggle against societal expectations. Betsy opens up about breaking free from that exhausting success checklist that so many of us feel obligated to follow. She shares those pivotal moments when two major parts of her life unexpectedly disappeared, and it's clear how these events pushed her to rethink her priorities and find joy in the most surprising places. This theme of rediscovering oneself and chasing genuine happiness feels so relatable. Many of us find ourselves in similar situations, wondering if we’re on the right path and searching for fulfillment beyond the traditional markers of success.

Takeaways:

• Reflecting on conversations helps me gain new insights and perspectives on my guests' stories.
• Challenging societal checklists can lead to discovering true joy and personal fulfillment.
• Betsy's journey illustrates the importance of finding joy and purpose outside conventional paths.
• Engaging in different therapeutic modalities can provide valuable personal growth and healing tools.

Betsy Pepine shares her transformative journey of breaking free from the metaphorical boxes that once confined her, ultimately leading to a more authentic and fulfilling life. After experiencing significant life changes, including a divorce and job loss, she realized that many of her decisions had been driven by societal expectations rather than her true desires. Through her exploration of various therapeutic modalities, Betsy discovered the importance of self-awareness and vulnerability. These insights allowed her to reconnect with her inner self and redefine her version of success.

Her new perspective emphasizes the significance of personal happiness, which is rooted in authentic relationships and meaningful contributions to others. Betsy’s insights encourage listeners to reflect on their own lives and consider how they might break free from the constraints holding them back.

Takeaways:

• Betsy Pepine discusses the importance of breaking free from societal expectations to find true happiness.
• The conversation emphasizes how recognizing and dismantling metaphorical boxes can lead to personal growth.
• Betsy encourages listeners to embrace their true selves and seek fulfillment beyond societal norms.

Betsy Pepine, Author of Breaking Boxes, is a transformative leader in the real estate industry and a distinguished entrepreneur. As Founder and CEO of Pepine Realty, Betsy has built one of the country's most respected and successful real estate firms. The Wall Street Journal has consistently recognized her real estate team as one of the top-producing in the United States. Her brokerage has been named one of the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies in the USA multiple times and earned spots on the Top 50 Florida Companies to Watch, and Florida Trend Best Companies to Work For lists.

In her book Breaking Boxes, Betsy delves into the metaphorical and literal boxes that shape our lives. From the expectations of becoming a doctor to creating a successful real estate business, Betsy shares compelling stories that help readers understand the labels and stereotypes associated with boxes. She encourages readers to step outside societal expectations, recognize the boxes that contain them, and discover their true identity to live free of others' expectations. Endorsed by her mentor, real estate mogul, and Shark Tank’s shark Barbara Corcoran, Betsy’s leadership and visionary approach have earned her numerous accolades and a stellar reputation in the industry.

In this bonus episode, I reflect on a powerful conversation with Barb Higgins, who has faced numerous life challenges, including the tragic loss of her daughter.

Barb's journey is a testament to resilience and finding meaning in grief. She emphasizes that while our experiences shape us, they do not solely define us. She shares how she maintains her joyful spirit despite the hardships, even describing herself as a "wrinkly kid" at heart.

Barb Higgins shares a deeply moving and raw story about the loss of her daughter, Molly, an experience that transformed her life in unimaginable ways.

The conversation explores the complexities of grief, addiction, and the journey toward healing after such a profound loss. Barb candidly discusses her struggles with substance use as a coping mechanism and how she navigated the tumultuous emotions that followed Molly's death.

As she reflects on her experiences, Barb emphasizes the importance of allowing oneself to feel and process pain without judgment. The episode concludes with a message of hope and resilience, highlighting that even in the darkest moments, there are pathways to new beginnings and personal growth.

Takeaways:

• Life is a balance of joy and sorrow, and both can coexist simultaneously.
• Straddling life's challenges can feel like being on a picket fence, with highs and lows.
• The journey through grief can lead to unexpected paths and new beginnings.
• Coping mechanisms, even unhealthy ones, emerge as we try to handle trauma.
• The importance of sharing stories lies in connecting with others who have similar experiences.
• Transformation often arises from our darkest moments, leading us to new perspectives.

Barb Higgins is a dedicated educator, coach, and author committed to inspiring others through her personal experiences. Her journey from overcoming childhood trauma to becoming a published author highlights her resilience and passion for personal growth. Barb's work in education and athletics continues to empower individuals to pursue their own paths of healing and transformation.

Connect with Barb Higgins: