Wake Up To Your Life

I said I would NEVER do online dating. Then my stupid friends talked me into it. Spoiler alert:  I didn't like it.   In this episode I share why I believe it's possilbe for us singles who don't like online dating to find a romantic partner organically out in the wild.     I also provide what I believe is a much needed public service announcement to men on these sites.     Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net  

3/15/23 • 15:29

We're told that happy couples have great communication.  But what exactly does that mean?   In part, it's being able to listen with the intent of understanding your partner...  even when he or she is saying something you don't agree with or like.  My default used to be defensiveness.  I bet you can relate.   In this episode I share what I have learned about conscious communication.  I hope it helps you and your person commuincate effecitvely and lovingly.     Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net    

3/10/23 • 30:39

In this episode I share a hard truth for me to accept.    The state officially says I'm no longer a married person.   For some reason, this makes me feel incredibly sad.   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net      

3/7/23 • 08:26

Do you blame your parents, your spouse, your stupid boss, the weather, your HOA president, slow drivers, etc. for all your problems?   It's hard to build a life you love on a foundation of blame.   We need to take personal responsibilty for many of the things we're complaning about. Sounds like a drag, I know.  Blaming is more fun.  However, it's low vibe and keeps you stuck.   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net  

2/22/23 • 11:30

If you feel stuck in some area of your life, this episode is for you. Perhaps you're coming up with all kinds of reasons as to why you're stuck.   But I contend you can start where you are and use what you've got.  These words have helped many of my clients get unstuck. Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUpToYourLife.net  

2/15/23 • 18:04

It happens to all of us.  We compare ourselves to other people.  And sometimes that leaves us feeling bad about ourselves.   When you come down with a case of "comparisonitis", there are things you can do to improve your state of mind.   -Stop scrolling -Take an action -Up your self-love game   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUpToYourLife.net  

2/1/23 • 14:58

Please stop saying you're fat.  Please stop hating your body.   With care, compassion and practice you can learn how to love your as she is today.   Don't believe me?  Just listen.    Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUpToYourLife.net      

1/25/23 • 24:06

When your emotions take over and you're all worked up, you need to get grounded.     In this episode I share a mindfulness technique as taught by the incomparable Tara Brach.  She is a renown meditation teacher and psychologist.   The technique is called RAIN.  Recognize.  Allow.  Investigate.  Nurture.   This process can help you heal.     Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUpToYourLife.net    

1/18/23 • 20:53

If you're having a hard time sticking to your resolutions, practicing two things will help you get back on track:   SELF-COMPASSION and BRAVERY   Your inner critic has had a good run.  And it doesn't help you achieve your goals.   Listen to this quick episode to find out why self-compassion is the jam.   BONUS TIP:  For anyone who does any or wants to do any public speaking, I offer a great tip so you won't make the terrible mistake many speakers make.   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Email me: Colleen@WakeUpToYourLife.net  

1/12/23 • 12:30

Haters gonna hate.  We know this.  But it still hurts.   In this episode I remind you of some things to think about when you find yourself ruminating on something a meanie has said about you.   I'm rooting for you!   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net  

12/7/22 • 14:37

Your thoughts are driving your actions and your actions create your results.   If you have junk thoughts, it's tough to create a life you love.   In this episode I talk about recognizing your thoughts, replacing them, and practicing new ones.     I'm rooting for you.   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUpToYourLife.net    

11/30/22 • 11:30

You have at least one.  Maybe you have several.  Family members you love, but they still get under your skin.   They insist on getting into political debates with you.  They ask inappropriate questions.  Maybe they tell you all the things they think you're doing wrong in your life.   This quick episode offers some tips that may help you deal with those difficult people.     Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUpToYourLife.net  

11/23/22 • 12:40

Have you ever abandoned yourself in a relationship? It can look like sacrificing things that are really important to you in order to fit into someone else's life.  This can be a relationship killer.   So can emotional immaturity. When you don't deal with your past traumas, they can impact your present day self in relationship with your significant other.    Couples therapist Jason Van Ruler talks about how you can work through these issues to create a happy, healthy relationship.   Follow Jason VanRuler on Instagram: @Jason.VanRuler   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net    

11/16/22 • 34:18

In this episode I answer listener questions. Questions like, how do I reconnect with my partner?  How do I stay on track with my goals when there are so many distractionns?  How do I form healthy habits?   If you have a question you'd like me to address on the podcast let me know by sending an email to Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net I'm rooting for you.

11/9/22 • 32:45

What do you regret? When was a time you led with your heart? What is love? What is a good person?   These are among the questions posed by Rabbi Steve Leder in his latest book, For You When I Am Gone.   Rabbi Leder has twice been named one of the ten most influential rabbis in the country by Newsweek Magazine.  He's a contributor on The Today show, CNN and NPR.  And he's the bestselling author of five books.    In this conversation we go over some of the important questions Rabbi Leder writes about in his latest book to help you live a life of meaning and purpose.    Follow Rabbi Steve Leder on Instagram: @Steve_Leder Order the book: For You When I Am Gone   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website:  www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email: Colleen@WakeUpToYourLife.net      

10/26/22 • 44:57

When you experience rejection or criticism, what do you do?  I've been known to get defensive, cry, take it personally, feel sick to my stomach, then eat chips and salsa.  Can you relate?   There are much better ways to deal with rejection.   -Be honest with yourself and a trusted confidant -Believe it's not personal -Look for the lesson -Consider the source   Listen to this 20 minute episode as I walk you through each of these steps and share some of my own rejection stories.   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUpToYourLife.net  

10/19/22 • 20:25

Holding onto anger isn't good for you.    But if someone has really hurt you, it can be hard to let go of it.   In this episode, Mental Health Counselor Jennifer Fights talks about healthy ways to work through anger, why holding on to it is so detrimental to your overall health, and how to possibly move toward forgiveness.   Connect with Jennifer Fights: www.findyourbase.com   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net  

10/12/22 • 50:09

It's a skill that can change your life.    BRAVERY   You can learn how to be brave.  And once you do, you can apply the skill to your relationships, career, health and finances.   To be brave, you need GOALS. Big, exciting, sexy goals.  Listen for some ideas about how you can practice being brave this week.   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net      

10/5/22 • 24:00

Episode 100 brings you a special guest host.  Avid listeners will recall Colonoscopy Nicole, who has since been renamed "Nicolonoscopy".  (How could I have missed that?!) Nicolonoscopy is one of my best friends.  She's asking ME the questions for this 100th episode. We recap some of the more popular shows I've hosted.  She makes fun of my shoes.  Nicole asks me... Brad Pitt or George Clooney?  Nicole also asks me what advice I'd give to someone going through a difficult time.  It's a mixed bag of silly and legit stuff. I would like to thank you for listening to this little show. Without your participation, I never would have made it to 100 epsiodes.   Previous episodes we discussed in this show: 4.   Wake Up to Showing Up 53. Radical Acceptance 83. Wake Up Sex 97.  Parenting Expectations and Disappointments  Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net      

9/28/22 • 33:16

What's an old soundtrack?  Those broken, negative thought loops that run through your brain.  The ones that say that you don't measure up, you're not good enough, you'll never lose weight, etc. Let's create a new playlist for you.  Jon Acuff is a New York Times Bestselling Author. His eighth and latest book is called, "Your New Playlist".   Jon is also a highly sought after leadership speaker and the host of the podcast All it Takes is a Goal.   If you're ready to create new playlists to help you reach your goals, listen to what Jon has to say in this episode.  He is my favorite teacher on this subject.  He's also really funny.  For more from Jon Acuff, go to his website:  www.Acuff.me You can order his books there, find his podcast, book him as a speaker, and sign up for his newsletter.   Follow Jon Acuff on Instagram: @JonAcuff   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard  Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com     I have written no books for you to buy. 

9/21/22 • 28:15

You are too important to give up on yourself. The world needs your brand of weirdness! If you're about to give up on your dreams, listen to this episode.  It's a quick reminder of what to do when you're tired, burned out, and disheartened. Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net  

9/14/22 • 15:49

Your daughter doesn't get invited to the sleepover and she's upset.  Do you call the girl's mom?     Your son forgets to bring his homework to school.  Do you drop what you're doing and bring it to him?  (I totally did this)   Your child's calendar is filled with activites every day.  You do this because you want the best for her or him.  But is this the best?   This episode is a must-listen for parents no matter the age of your children.     Dr. Chris McCarthy is a counsleor with more than two decades of experience.  He works with children, teenagers, and families dealing with anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues.  I love and respect this man and his work.   In this episosde, Dr. McCarthy provides parents with some best practices when it comes to raising children who'll become independent, responsible, compassionate, successful adults.    Dr. Chris McCarthy is the creator of a program designed to help children with anxiety.  To find out more, go to www.turnaroundanxiety.com   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net  

9/7/22 • 76:56

Lean into the ache... don't try to outrun it.  Love is all that matters.  Your relationships need to be nurtured. Make peace with your body.  She's the only one you get. Forgiveness is mandatory.  I know it sucks.  But you have to learn how to do it. These are a few things I'm talking about as I turn 52 years old.  They are lessons for all of us.  I'm rooting for you. Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net

8/31/22 • 27:12

Take a moment to think about big mistakes you've made.  Now imagine having the world know about those mistakes.   That's what happened to Eugene Robinson.  Eugene played football in the NFL for 16 seasons.  He played in three Superbowls.  In that third one, he was arrested the night before the big game for soliciting a prostitute.    In this episode Eugene talks about how none of us should be defined by our worst moment.  He shares how he was able to get up again after facing such a public embarassment.    This is a candid conversation with my dear friend about a very dark time in his life.  It's a story of redemption, grace, and love.  There's something in this story for all of us.   Follow Eugene Robinson on Instagram: @EugeneKRobinson41   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net      

8/24/22 • 55:49

Sending your kids off to college is bittersweet.   On the one hand, you're so proud!  You wanted this to happen.  It's the order of things.   On the other hand, you feel sad.  You're not sure what to do with yourself.  I get it.  Both of my kids are off to stupid college.   In this episode, I offer some things to help you with this transition.  This is even relevant if you have younger kids who are going to kindergarten for the first time, middle school or high school.   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard   Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com   Email me: Collen@WaleUptoYourLIfe.net  

8/10/22 • 23:12

Look on the bright side.  It'll all work out.  Everything happens for a reason.  Things could be worse.   #shutup     Toxic positivity isn't helpful.  It's actually harmful.  It makes people feel guilty for what they're feeling.     When your friends are hurting, they need empathy.  When you're suffering, you need compassion.  Not a line of BS from a person who is uncomfortable with difficult emotions.   I'm rooting for you.   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net    

7/28/22 • 13:20

Do ever say, "I've had a hard day.  I deserve a drink." Do you believe that you need alcohol to have fun? Do you use it to ease your social anxiety? Do you drink it to escape from uncomfortable feelings? Molly Ruggere is an Alcohol Freedom Coach.  She works with people who are interested in drinking less or who want to quit altogether.  In this episode, we ask you to get curious about your relationship with alcohol and be real with yourself if booze is keeping you from living the life you want to live. Follow Molly Ruggere on Instagram: @mollyruggere Molly's website: countercultureclub.org    Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website:  www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net  

7/13/22 • 39:59

If you're feeling down in the dumps, one sure fire way to feel better is to do something nice for someone else.  I know, I know... you're thinking you can't do that becase your prollins (problems) are insurmountable.   A crazy thing happens when you start being attuned to people around you... YOU change.  And for the better. Nicole Taylor is the Executive Director of Congregations for Kids.  CFK supports children in the foster care system, foster families and social workers in Charlotte, NC.  She has dedicated the past 15 years of her professional life to helping other people.   Listen as Nicole talks about why volunteering has so many benefits, how you can get started, and how serving others will ultimately change your heart. Follow CFK on Instagram: @CongregationsforKids Website: www.cfknc.org   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net  

7/6/22 • 46:36

If you're tired of small talk and long for deep, meaningful conversations, this is for you.   Be interested and interesting. Be a good listnener. Ask better questions. Be present and mindful. Give of your heart.   These tips apply whether you're on a first date or havig date night with your long term partner.  They work with your friends and with your kids.   Speaking of kids, you'll hear from one of my favorites, my 7 year old Goddaughter Marin Grace, at the end of the episode.   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net  

6/29/22 • 21:56

You have many thoughts you think are true, but are actually lies.   Thoughts like: I'm not good enough, I can't make more money, I'll never find love... all LIES!   Listen to this quick episode in which I remind you to think about what you're thinking about!   Follow me on Instagram: @Colleen_Odegaard Website: www.ColleenOdegaard.com Email me: Colleen@WakeUptoYourLife.net            

6/15/22 • 13:05