Do you find yourself bummed year after year that you didn't keep up that New Year resolution? So why do you keep doing that to yourself!

Take a listen to how Samantha and Melissa have personally refrained their New Years "goals" in a way that is tangible and doesn't you leave you feeling like a failure as you enter the new year.

Samantha uses New Years as a time to reflect on the years challenges and finds a reason to be thankful for each up and down to start the new year with gratitude for growth.

Melissa prefers to skip new year traditions all together and set goals throughout the year when its the right time. This way she doesn't feel the constant burden of a resolution.

How do you go into the New Years??

Mentioned in this episode:

Golden Buttercup Candle Company for all your scented needs. Local to Bostwick, Georgia

As you all know we LOVE to share our fails with you. This episode is the full story of how our charity event felt like fail after fail.

However, though it felt like a fail because it wasn't as we originally envisioned it. It was a huge success that is supporting just as many families as hoped for. At the end of the day, we did in fact hit the goal with the love and support from you all. Thank you so much for being a part of " the epic fail". We hope you feel the same pride that we do.

Acknowledgements:

The Five Hive

Channeling White Light

Golden Buttercup Candle Co.

Little Rabbit Bakery

Hard Road Studio

A Crafted Cottage

Gwinnett Stripers

New London Farms

Young & Wild Photography

The Skirts Up Show

** Listeners be advise, this episode is NOT safe to listen to around children that are awaiting Santa to come. Like, there's Spoilers. Not trying to be that Asshole**

Takeaways:

• The importance of music therapy is highlighted as a means to promote emotional healing and communication for those struggling with expressing themselves verbally.
• Melissa shares her personal journey of feeling like a failure despite her achievements, emphasizing the need to normalize discussions around failures in life.
• Brad and Melissa discuss how societal pressures can dictate life paths, encouraging listeners to pursue their passions regardless of traditional expectations.
• The conversation stresses the significance of identifying and utilizing music as a coping mechanism during stressful situations to enhance focus.
• Brad illustrate how music therapy can effectively aid individuals recovering from strokes by helping them regain their speech abilities through musical engagement.
• The episode explores the neuroscience behind music therapy, explaining how music can create new neural pathways in the brain, aiding recovery and emotional expression.

The podcast explores the complex relationship between personal struggles and the healing power of music through an engaging dialogue between Samantha and Melissa. They reflect on their experiences post-Thanksgiving, leading into a discussion about the societal pressures surrounding education and success. Samantha shares a touching anecdote about a young customer who felt embarrassed about her lack of a college degree, which prompts her to delve into her own academic history. This leads to a candid conversation about the perceptions of failure and the importance of redefining success outside conventional measures. The hosts stress that it’s essential to acknowledge personal journeys, including the bumps along the way, as they contribute to growth and resilience. Melissa's expertise in music therapy brings a unique dimension to the discussion, showcasing how music can bridge communication gaps and foster emotional connections. The conversation highlights various therapeutic techniques used in music therapy, including lyric analysis and improvisation, which help individuals articulate their feelings and experiences. By intertwining personal narratives with professional insights, the episode emphasizes the significance of understanding and embracing one’s path, with music serving as a powerful ally in that journey.

The conversation unfolds with a light-hearted yet insightful exploration of common Thanksgiving traditions. Lottie (AKA; Samantha, and Melissa) reflect on their personal experiences and unique customs that shape their celebrations. They discuss the excitement surrounding their first Thanksgiving together, anticipating a fun-filled Friendsgiving with activities like axe throwing, karaoke, and, for some, the enjoyment of a drink or two. Amidst the laughter, they touch on the deeper significance of Thanksgiving, inviting listeners to consider their own traditions while playfully comparing notes on family dynamics and food preferences.

As they delve into the specifics of Thanksgiving traditions, Samantha reveals some common practices she discovered, sparking a lively discussion about food, gratitude, and family. The episode highlights the contrast between their childhood experiences of Thanksgiving and how those memories influence their current celebrations. For instance, they talk about the significance of breaking the wishbone for luck, watching parades, and the annual football games that have become staples of the holiday.

Ultimately, the episode captures the fun of Thanksgiving, showcasing how it is not just about the food but about the relationships and memories we create together. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own traditions and perhaps adopt new ones that resonate with them. The light jokes and relatable stories help to underline the importance of gratitude and togetherness, making it a heartfelt tribute to the season of giving thanks.

Takeaways:

• The podcast episode features a lively discussion about Thanksgiving traditions and plans.
• Melissa and Samantha express excitement about celebrating their first Thanksgiving together with fun activities like karaoke and axe throwing.
• The hosts delve into various Thanksgiving traditions, including feasting, watching parades, and sharing gratitude with family.
• Samantha reveals her favorite Thanksgiving dish is a broccoli cheese casserole that she insists on having every year.
• The conversation touches on the unique experience of inviting missionaries for Thanksgiving dinners during Melissa's childhood.

Join Samantha and Melissa as they dive deep into the fascinating world of shamanism and personal healing with special guest Laura Martinez. They explore the concept of "finding your medicine," emphasizing that everyone has a unique purpose and path, shaped by their experiences and emotions. Through engaging anecdotes and insights, Laura discusses how shamanic journeys allow individuals to tap into their inner selves, facilitating personal growth and transformation. The conversation also highlights the interplay between neuroscience and spirituality, revealing how brainwave states can enhance healing and self-discovery. With humor and openness, the trio navigates the complexities of human connection, energy, and the importance of living in the moment.

Samantha and Melissa welcome Laura Martinez to the Skirts Up Show, where they delve into the intersection of shamanism, mental health, and neuroscience. Laura, an intuitive shamanic practitioner with a rich background in clinical mental health and neuroscience, shares her unique approach to healing, which combines ancient shamanic practices with modern psychological principles. The conversation explores the significance of energy, personal medicine, and the power of self-discovery through shamanic journeys. Laura discusses how each person's journey is intrinsically linked to their unique life experiences and personal symbols, emphasizing that the answers to our questions often lie within us, waiting to be uncovered.

Throughout the dialogue, the hosts and Laura touch upon the importance of grounding oneself in nature and the profound connections we can form with the environment, highlighting a transformative experience where a client connects deeply with a tree, uncovering hidden grief and healing through that bond. The episode highlights how Laura uses drumming to facilitate a trance state that allows individuals to explore their inner landscapes, meet spirit guides, and gain insights into their lives. This exploration fosters a deeper understanding of oneself, leading to personal empowerment and clarity.

The conversation culminates in a discussion on how societal pressures can cloud one's understanding of personal purpose, and Laura encourages listeners to embrace their individuality and authenticity. She emphasizes that everyone has their own unique 'medicine'—a term that encapsulates one's gifts, purpose, and potential. By embracing these gifts, individuals can navigate their lives with greater intention, authenticity, and joy, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling life journey.

Takeaways:

• The journey of self-discovery often involves embracing our uniqueness and individuality.
• Shamanism emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings, including nature and ourselves.
• Energy work, such as shamanic journeys, can help us access deeper healing and understanding.
• Intuitive practices allow us to connect with our inner selves and navigate life's challenges.
• Exploring our emotions through nature can lead to profound personal insights and healing.
• Finding your unique medicine involves discovering what truly resonates with your soul's purpose.

Samantha and Melissa open the floor to a candid discussion that takes a humorous turn as they tackle the often taboo subject of of certain health procedures. The conversation shifts to the normalization of medical procedures, the unexpected humor that can arise in discussing bodily functions, and the importance of taking time off for self-care—even when it feels undeserved. With playful banter, they highlight how societal pressures can lead to embarrassment over health issues, and how sharing these stories can foster a sense of community and understanding among friends.

The episode evolves into a light-hearted exploration of Thanksgiving traditions, where they touch on the challenges of accommodating dietary preferences and familial expectations during the holidays.

The hosts dive into a particularly contentious Thanksgiving situation involving a family member who insists on a completely vegan meal, leading to a broader conversation about family dynamics, expectations, and the importance of compromise in maintaining relationships. Listeners are treated to a lively debate on the need for open communication around holiday gatherings, especially when it comes to food. Samantha and Melissa encourage listeners to embrace diversity in traditions and recipes while maintaining a spirit of inclusivity. They also emphasize the importance of boundaries in familial relationships, particularly when it comes to respecting one another's choices and values, all while keeping the tone light and relatable.

The hosts remind listeners of the importance of love and acceptance in dealing with life’s awkward moments, whether it’s a medical procedure or a family gathering. They encourage their audience to share their own Thanksgiving stories, opening the door for a dialogue that extends beyond the podcast. With a blend of sincerity and playful wit, Samantha and Melissa create a space where listeners can feel seen and heard, inviting them to reflect on their own experiences and the humorous side of life’s challenges. As they navigate through serious topics with a light-hearted touch, they embody the essence of friendship and support, making this episode a must-listen for anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by the pressures of health and family during the holiday season.

Takeaways:

• Samantha shares her embarrassment about a medical procedure, but finds comfort in knowing others have experienced it too.
• The podcast discusses the challenges of family dynamics during Thanksgiving, especially with differing moral values.
• A dilemma about accommodating vegan family members highlights the complexities of holiday meals.
• Samantha and Melissa emphasize the importance of family acceptance, regardless of biological ties or dietary choices.
• The hosts reflect on the significance of creating space for everyone's traditions during holiday gatherings.
• Humor and lightheartedness play a central role in discussing serious topics like health and family issues.

Jill Wright, speaker, coach, and author of Happy, Healthy Wealthy, and Wise joins the Skirts Up Squad today! Jill helps us understand what our superhuman powers are, and how to make them work for us. She shares the phrase "Eat your frog first" which leaves a lasting impact on Samantha and Melissa. Get all the tangible tricks you need to have the healthiest work/ life balance you could ever imagine.

• Find out what your superhuman power is by taking the quiz created by Jill Wright
• It's not too late! Sponsor a family and get you tickets now! Skirts UP

Mentioned in this episode:

Sugar Plum Fairies Dancing For Charity

Join us for our first ever charity event on behalf of The Five Hive to raise awareness and provide Christmas to over 25 families this holiday season.