Intelligent Intoxication

Why Empty Nesters Aren't Satisfied With More Of The Same

If you’re feeling unsatisfied, stuck, or unfulfilled in your empty nest stage, it’s likely because you’re trying to live the same life you shared with your children when they were home. Much as a full schedule fails to ensure fulfillment, staying stuck in the emptiness of a life stage that’s ended will not be satisfying. We must be willing to create a different life once our children grow up and move on. 
While we’re raising children, we often lack the time, training, or awareness to prepare for this next stage of life. 
Here’s how I recommend that you begin to differentiate your life in the empty nest stage:
Explore these 12 identities and begin to experiment with them:
Artist/creator
Explorer/seeker
Caregiver/nurturer
Teacher/sage
Performer/entertainer
Visionary/innovator
Athlete/warrior
Builder/engineer
Healer/alchemist
Advocate/activist
Storyteller/communicator
Organizer/steward
Ask yourself - if I showed up in my life as an (insert identity), what would I:
Prioritize?
Feel passionate about?
Find purposeful?
If you know you could use some support and encouragement as you expand your own identities in the empty nest stage, email me to schedule a complimentary happy hour call:
terribradwaylifecoaching@coachbradway.com
Thank you for investing your valuable time and energy into listening to the podcast. I’m so very grateful for you. 
If you enjoyed this episode, you can “tip the bartender” by rating and reviewing the podcast. Your review makes it easier for others to find the podcast. 
Don’t forget to hit the SUBSCRIBE button to be notified any time I pour out a new episode. 
My new book Intentional Intoxication: How To Deliberately Distill The Different Life You Desire, is available on Amazon. You can imbibe on the entire book in one, short, intentionally happier hour:
Intentional Intoxication Book
 
If you’re interested to know about how I can support you in overcoming the habit of escaping or chasing, I invite you to reach out to me by using the email below and we find a time to chat:
terribradwaylifecoaching@coachbradway.com
 
For a quick shot of your life’s current level of intoxication, I invite you to complete the 10 Questions on my Intoxication Inventory:
Intoxication Inventory

A New Way To Measure Success As A Parent

I invite you to reconsider the way that you measure your success as a parent with these indicators:
Did you keep showing up even when it was challenging and you were “squirming” because you didn’t know “everything”?
Did you offer your kids opportunities to find and develop their passions and interests?
Did you make continuous progress as a parent because you were willing to keep trying new approaches to parenting and acknowledging when you made a mistake and repairing it?
If you know you could use some support and encouragement as you expand your own identities in the empty nest stage, email me to schedule a complimentary happy hour call:
terribradwaylifecoaching@coachbradway.com
Thank you for investing your valuable time and energy into listening to the podcast. I’m so very grateful for you. 
If you enjoyed this episode, you can “tip the bartender” by rating and reviewing the podcast. Your review makes it easier for others to find the podcast. 
Don’t forget to hit the SUBSCRIBE button to be notified any time I pour out a new episode. 
 
My new book Intentional Intoxication: How To Deliberately Distill The Different Life You Desire, is available on Amazon. You can imbibe on the entire book in one, short, intentionally happier hour:
Intentional Intoxication Book
 
If you’re interested to know about how I can support you in overcoming the habit of escaping or chasing, I invite you to reach out to me by using the email below and we find a time to chat:
terribradwaylifecoaching@coachbradway.com
 
For a quick shot of your life’s current level of intoxication, I invite you to complete the 10 Questions on my Intoxication Inventory:
Intoxication Inventory

How to Flourish As An Empty Nester With New Identities

If you’re in your empty nest stage of life or on the brink of it, it’s crucial that you prioritize identities in addition to being a “parent” or “mother”. 
I invite you to consider exploring these new identities… are you a/an:
Artist or creator?
Explorer or seeker?
Caregiver or nurturer?
Teacher or sage?
Performer or entertainer?
Visionary or innovator?
Athlete or warrior?
Builder or engineer?
Healer or alchemist?
Advocate or activist?
Storyteller or communicator?
Organizer or steward?
If you know you could use some support and encouragement as you expand your own identities in the empty nest stage, email me to schedule a complimentary happy hour call:
terribradwaylifecoaching@coachbradway.com
Thank you for investing your valuable time and energy into listening to the podcast. I’m so very grateful for you. 
If you enjoyed this episode, you can “tip the bartender” by rating and reviewing the podcast. Your review makes it easier for others to find the podcast. 
Don’t forget to hit the SUBSCRIBE button to be notified any time I pour out a new episode. 
 
My new book Intentional Intoxication: How To Deliberately Distill The Different Life You Desire, is available on Amazon. You can imbibe on the entire book in one, short, intentionally happier hour:
Intentional Intoxication Book
 
If you’re interested to know about how I can support you in overcoming the habit of escaping or chasing, I invite you to reach out to me by using the email below and we find a time to chat:
terribradwaylifecoaching@coachbradway.com
 
For a quick shot of your life’s current level of intoxication, I invite you to complete the 10 Questions on my Intoxication Inventory:
Intoxication Inventory

Bringing a Lifetime into a Single Day

If you know you could use some support and accountability, email me to schedule a complimentary happy hour call:
terribradwaylifecoaching@coachbradway.com
Thank you for investing your valuable time and energy into listening to the podcast. I’m so very grateful for you. 
If you enjoyed this episode, you can “tip the bartender” by rating and reviewing the podcast. Your review makes it easier for others to find the podcast. 
Don’t forget to hit the SUBSCRIBE button to be notified any time I pour out a new episode. 
My new book Intentional Intoxication: How To Deliberately Distill The Different Life You Desire, is available on Amazon. You can imbibe on the entire book in one, short, intentionally happier hour:
Intentional Intoxication Book
 
If you’re interested to know about how I can support you in overcoming the habit of escaping or chasing, I invite you to reach out to me by using the email below and we find a time to chat:
terribradwaylifecoaching@coachbradway.com
 
For a quick shot of your life’s current level of intoxication, I invite you to complete the 10 Questions on my Intoxication Inventory:
Intoxication Inventory

How To Get What You Want Faster

If you notice that you’re no longer making progress towards your goals or you don’t have the results that you want, you have two options:
Rely on trusted tips, strategies, habits, and tools that have worked for you in the past
Accept that you might need to increase your self-awareness by trying and learning something new
I invite you to consider these questions:
How willing are you to try something new when you’re no longer making progress?
How often do you defend what’s not working in order to avoid trying something new?
How willing are you to admit to yourself that you need some outside help?
If you know you could use some support and accountability, email me to schedule a complimentary happy hour call:
terribradwaylifecoaching@coachbradway.com
Thank you for investing your valuable time and energy into listening to the podcast. I’m so very grateful for you. 
If you enjoyed this episode, you can “tip the bartender” by rating and reviewing the podcast. Your review makes it easier for others to find the podcast. 
Don’t forget to hit the SUBSCRIBE button to be notified any time I pour out a new episode. 
My new book Intentional Intoxication: How To Deliberately Distill The Different Life You Desire, is available on Amazon. You can imbibe on the entire book in one, short, intentionally happier hour:
Intentional Intoxication Book
 
If you’re interested to know about how I can support you in overcoming the habit of escaping or chasing, I invite you to reach out to me by using the email below and we find a time to chat:
terribradwaylifecoaching@coachbradway.com
 
For a quick shot of your life’s current level of intoxication, I invite you to complete the 10 Questions on my Intoxication Inventory:
Intoxication Inventory

Is It A Gut Instinct - Or, Are You Just Really Anxious?

When we say “trust your gut” or “trust your instinct”, we are referring to the ability to:
“... the sudden flash of insight from deep within can inspire plenty of faith… trusting these feelings of intuition, often as a way to stay true to yourself… following your instinct can certainly direct you toward the best path for you. And yet, you might wonder whether you should put so much trust in a feeling, an instinct you can’t explain.Wouldn’t sticking to logic and reason help you make better decisions?Not always. Science suggests intuition can be a valuable tool in some circumstances.”
“Gut Feelings Are Real, But Should You Really ‘Trust Your Gut’?”
Crystal Raypole/Heathline
Signs of a gut feeling
a flash of clarity
tension or tightness in your body
goosebumps or prickling
stomach “butterflies” or nausea
a sinking sensation in the pit of your stomach
sweaty palms or feet
thoughts that keep returning to a specific person or situation
feelings of peace, safety, or happiness (after making a decision)
 
There can be times when we question whether we’re getting a gut instinct or feeling deeply  anxious or paranoid. 
Here’s a terrific article to read:
Article
If you know you could use some support and accountability, email me to schedule a complimentary happy hour call:
terribradwaylifecoaching@coachbradway.com
Thank you for investing your valuable time and energy into listening to the podcast. I’m so very grateful for you. 
If you enjoyed this episode, you can “tip the bartender” by rating and reviewing the podcast. Your review makes it easier for others to find the podcast. 
Don’t forget to hit the SUBSCRIBE button to be notified any time I pour out a new episode. 
 
My new book Intentional Intoxication: How To Deliberately Distill The Different Life You Desire, is available on Amazon. You can imbibe on the entire book in one, short, intentionally happier hour:
Intentional Intoxication Book
 
If you’re interested to know about how I can support you in overcoming the habit of escaping or chasing, I invite you to reach out to me by using the email below and we find a time to chat:
terribradwaylifecoaching@coachbradway.com
 
For a quick shot of your life’s current level of intoxication, I invite you to complete the 10 Questions on my Intoxication Inventory:
Intoxication Inventory

3 Ways To Prepare For An Empty Nest

According to Psychology Today, “empty nest syndrome” is:
“Empty nest syndrome refers to the distress and other complicated emotions that parents often experience when their children leave home.”
In order to navigate these uncomfortable emotions and this new stage, here are a few suggestions:
Begin to prioritize who you will invest time and energy into in this new phase of life. 
Start to declutter your home, life, and calendar in order to create space for your new chapter. 
Commit to letting go of anything that is not you so that you can spend your time being, doing, and creating what is authentically true for you. Ask yourself:
How can I be more me?
 
If you know you could use some support and accountability, email me to schedule a complimentary happy hour call:
terribradwaylifecoaching@coachbradway.com
Thank you for investing your valuable time and energy into listening to the podcast. I’m so very grateful for you. 
If you enjoyed this episode, you can “tip the bartender” by rating and reviewing the podcast. Your review makes it easier for others to find the podcast. 
Don’t forget to hit the SUBSCRIBE button to be notified any time I pour out a new episode. 
My new book Intentional Intoxication: How To Deliberately Distill The Different Life You Desire, is available on Amazon. You can imbibe on the entire book in one, short, intentionally happier hour:
Intentional Intoxication Book
 
If you’re interested to know about how I can support you in overcoming the habit of escaping or chasing, I invite you to reach out to me by using the email below and we find a time to chat:
terribradwaylifecoaching@coachbradway.com
 
For a quick shot of your life’s current level of intoxication, I invite you to complete the 10 Questions on my Intoxication Inventory:
Intoxication Inventory

Stop Treating Others Like An Audience

If you are “performing” for others, you are trying to impress others, or seeking attention from them almost as if they’re your audience. 
When we’re deeply connected to others, we are present, interested, and curious about the other person. 
Here are a few questions for your consideration:
When do you notice talking AT other people, rather than engaging with them?
What is your intention for doing so?
When do you notice being treated like an audience for another person? How does that make you feel? Why do you endure this?
Are you performing to impress others, or trying to understand them, and connecting with them?
Here’s the podcast episode I referenced in the episode:
6 Sneaky Ways Other People Are Disrespecting You
If you know you could use some support and accountability, email me to schedule a complimentary happy hour call:
terribradwaylifecoaching@coachbradway.com
Thank you for investing your valuable time and energy into listening to the podcast. I’m so very grateful for you. 
If you enjoyed this episode, you can “tip the bartender” by rating and reviewing the podcast. Your review makes it easier for others to find the podcast. 
Don’t forget to hit the SUBSCRIBE button to be notified any time I pour out a new episode. 
 
My new book Intentional Intoxication: How To Deliberately Distill The Different Life You Desire, is available on Amazon. You can imbibe on the entire book in one, short, intentionally happier hour:
Intentional Intoxication Book
 
If you’re interested to know about how I can support you in overcoming the habit of escaping or chasing, I invite you to reach out to me by using the email below and we find a time to chat:
terribradwaylifecoaching@coachbradway.com
 
For a quick shot of your life’s current level of intoxication, I invite you to complete the 10 Questions on my Intoxication Inventory:
Intoxication Inventory

How To Make Happiness Inevitable

“Happiness is not a feeling… one of the biggest reasons people don’t get happier is that they’re chasing a feeling… feelings are evidence of happiness… the three parts of happiness are enjoyment, satisfaction and meaning.”
Arthur C. Brooks/author
Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier.
According to Brooks,
if you want to get happier,
you must develop
the skills needed to:
enjoy your life
get satisfaction in your accomplishments
understand the meaning of your existence
In order to
find what you
really enjoy,
ask yourself:
What is enjoyable for me to:
touch?
taste?
smell?
see?
hear?
What acts of human goodness, kindness, or compassion bring me joy?
What can I do to relieve someone’s suffering?
What do I find witty, humorous, or amusing?
Whose achievements do I delight in celebrating?
What do I find beautiful, surprising, or amazing?
What connections to people, places, nature, causes, spirit, or religion feel enjoyable to me?
How Adults Play
How To Rest
Here are a few questions
to help you
remember what
truly satisfies you:
When do I notice feeling content because I’ve done something I want to do?
When do I notice feeling content because I’ve done something I need to do?
To help you
get curious
about creating a
meaningful life,
here are a few questions:
How often am I present right here, right now?
Am I attempting to balance the trivial many, or prioritizing the essential few?
Have I identified my inherent gifts, and am I using them to contribute to others?
Am I generous to others?
Am I aware of why I do what I do?
Do I make time for my passionate talents and favorite hobbies?
Do I spend my time with energizing people?
Do I give my dreams, goals, and positive thoughts as much air time as I devote to my frustrations, complaints, and gripes?
Am I grateful?
If we want
to be happy,
get in the habit
of solving for what prevents
you from:
enjoying your life
feeling satisfied
living a meaningful life
If you know you could use some support and accountability, email me to schedule a complimentary happy hour call:
terribradwaylifecoaching@coachbradway.com
Thank you for investing your valuable time and energy into listening to the podcast. I’m so very grateful for you. 
If you enjoyed this episode, you can “tip the bartender” by rating and reviewing the podcast. Your review makes it easier for others to find the podcast. 
Don’t forget to hit the SUBSCRIBE button to be notified any time I pour out a new episode. 
 
My new book Intentional Intoxication: How To Deliberately Distill The Different Life You Desire, is available on Amazon. You can imbibe on the entire book in one, short, intentionally happier hour:
Intentional Intoxication Book
 
If you’re interested to know about how I can support you in overcoming the habit of escaping or chasing, I invite you to reach out to me by using the email below and we find a time to chat:
terribradwaylifecoaching@coachbradway.com
 
For a quick shot of your life’s current level of intoxication, I invite you to complete the 10 Questions on my Intoxication Inventory:
Intoxication Inventory
 

How To Finally Stop Overthinking

I’m thrilled to share with you a brilliant resource I just found:
Overcoming Overthinking, Ruminating, and Intrusive Thoughts Workbook
Licensed Therapist, Suzette Bray, shares her professional insights, tips, and strategies for overcoming these three unhelpful thought patterns. 
When we’re overthinking, we’re stuck in thinking about the future in the form of worries, what ifs, and worst-case scenarios. We likely experience “analysis paralysis” and may find it difficult to make decisions. 
Courtesy of L Suzette Bray, here are a few questions:
How often do you catch yourself in a “what if” thought loop?
How often do you second-guess or overanalyzeyour decisions?
When considering your future, how often are you imagining worst-case scenarios?
How difficult is it for you to move on after you make a decision?
Try this:
For 3 minutes, write down all of your worries, what ifs, and worse-case scenarios. When the timer goes off, say this to your brain:
“You’ve had your turn to overthink. Now we’re moving on.”
When we’re ruminating, we’re stuck in looping thoughts regarding things that have already happened in the past. Ruminating doesn’t solve anything - it keeps us stuck in resentment, regret, anger, and frustration. 
Here are a few questions:
Do you find yourself replaying past events over and over as you criticize your actions, words, or decisions?
How often do you dwell on past mistakes or regrets?
Do you tend to fixate on past conversations and imagine better responses?
When thinking about the past, do you get stuck in a loop?
Try this:
Get yourself back into the present moment by:
Getting up and moving
Smell something
Taste something
Listen to music or something comforting
Touch something like a pet or soft blanket
Look at something that delights you like pictures or something in nature
When we’re contending with intrusive thoughts, we may notice that disturbing, violent, or inappropriate thoughts pop into your mind seemingly out of nowhere, much like junk mail in your mailbox.  Intrusive thoughts don’t mean anything about your character. 
Here are a few questions:
Do you ever experience random, disturbing thoughts that pop up out of nowhere?
When you have an intrusive thought, how does it make you feel? Ashamed?
How often do you worry about the meaning of your intrusive thoughts?
Do you find yourself trying to suppress or push away these thoughts?
Try this:
Call out the thought:
“My brain is telling me that because my back hurts, I must be dying of cancer.”
Desribe the physical sensations that accompany the thought:
“There’s the whoosh of anxiety in my chest.”
Notice the time:
“I wonder how long the sensation will last this time.”
 
Here’s a link to buy a copy of Suzette Bray’s workbook:
Overcoming Overthinking, Ruminating, and Intrusive Thoughts Workbook
 
If you know you could use some support and accountability, email me to schedule a complimentary happy hour call:
terribradwaylifecoaching@coachbradway.com
 
Thank you for investing your valuable time and energy into listening to the podcast. I’m so very grateful for you. 
 
If you enjoyed this episode, you can “tip the bartender” by rating and reviewing the podcast. Your review makes it easier for others to find the podcast. 
 
Don’t forget to hit the SUBSCRIBE button to be notified any time I pour out a new episode. 
 
My new book Intentional Intoxication: How To Deliberately Distill The Different Life You Desire, is available on Amazon. You can imbibe on the entire book in one, short, intentionally happier hour:
Intentional Intoxication Book
 
If you’re interested to know about how I can support you in overcoming the habit of escaping or chasing, I invite you to reach out to me by using the email below and we find a time to chat:
terribradwaylifecoaching@coachbradway.com
 
For a quick shot of your life’s current level of intoxication, I invite you to complete the 10 Questions on my Intoxication Inventory:
Intoxication Inventory