What is your story?

Posted on March 21, 2022 by tiffany

This week I enjoyed a visit with my neighbor, who saw me sitting on my front porch and stopped by for a chat. Porch sitting feels like a thing of the past, but impromptu chats with neighbors seems even more rare. She told me that lately she has been curious about people’s stories.

Everyone has one. What is your story?

She wondered if anyone takes the time to ask people to share their story. Recently a local business owner even seemed surprised when she asked about her story.

Has anyone asked about your story?

What would you share?

Would you only tell the expected chapters, or would you delve into the nitty gritty?

After being on the planet around five decades, there are too many chapters to choose from.

Where would you begin?

Storyworth

My daughter gifted me a Storyworth subscription for Christmas. Every Monday for a whole year I will be emailed a question about my life. At the end of the year they will put it all together in a book I can purchase.

I was touched that my daughter was interested in knowing more about me.

{insert ugly cry}

I’m not an affiliate for this company, but I think this is an excellent idea!

Here are some of the questions I’ve been asked:

What is your favorite childhood story?

What was your Mom/Dad like? Grandparents? First Boss?

What would you save if your house was on fire? – EEKS THIS WAS HARD!

What do you consider your motto?

Favorite subject in high school?

Best job you ever had?

Today’s question is.. are you a regular at any of your local restaurants or cafes? What is that relationship like?”

Heartbreaking realization

It feels a bit sad to me that as a society we’ve lost the connection of neighbors, but what is even more heartbreaking is that many women have lost a connection to their story.

A Harvard Business Review article on human potential said that the #1 reason you don’t reach your potential is that you don’t know yourself.

You many not even know how to connect to your story, to make peace with it or to move forward to create the story you’ve always wanted.

What the world needs is more porch sitting

Maybe my neighbor is onto something by making a point of stopping to visit a neighbor sitting on her front porch, and to care enough to wonder about her story.

Everyone has one. What is your story?

I love having the opportunity to listen to women’s stories, and help them make peace with their numerous chapters.

My intention is that you believe your best years are ahead.

Do you feel stuck, unheard or maybe you just feel lonely? Are you afraid that your best years are in the past? Where are you in your story, and where would you like to be?

I invite you to schedule a chat with me using my calendar link, then choose a date/time that works for you. The very best part of my role as a life coach is to help you create a life you’ve always wanted.

Here’s to connecting to your story and believing your best days are ahead!

~Tiffany

And the birds fluttered around her writing “YES” in the sky!

Can we skip to the good part?

Posted on March 6, 2022 by tiffany

Skip to the good part

As I walk through my garden bursting with signs of new life, one thing I know for sure is that you can’t rush spring, or skip to the good part.

I want to plant a seed and then skip to harvesting a beautiful array of cutting flowers, fruits and vegetables. I want to feel accomplished and enjoy the rewards of my hard work, without doing the work.

In what areas of your life are you rushing? Have you found yourself wishing, “can we skip to the good part?”

We’ve spent our lives skipping to the good part

In high school you were most likely in a hurry to graduate, then off to college. After high school or college, you might have been in a hurry to get married, and then the house and kids.

Most parents rush their children’s milestones, in a hurry for their precious baby to crawl, walk and talk. And then spend the rest of their lives telling them to sit down and hush.

How many seasons did you rush? In hindsight, every season was the good part!

This song by AJR eloquently explains it all… The Good Part.

Will I know I’ve made it?

Although 20 years of raising a family seems like a long time, in the end it went too fast.

Are you considering these nagging questions…

Have you made it? Was this always the goal? Now what?

Did you skip the good part?

The danger for empty nesters is the temptation to habitually look to the past for your identity.

Can you skip the unwanted feelings?

One of the latest trends for Instagram REELS is using the song by AJR to show how people want to skip to the good part. My favorite one is a husband who is digging a trench. The wife asks, can we skip to the good part? He answers, NO! Jeff and I relate to that REEL as he just trenched our back yard for a water line, a couple months before our son’s wedding that we are hosting.

I’m the screaming wife… Check out the REEL!

Are you the screaming midlife woman with an empty nest, who just wants to skip to feeling certain of the future? Your empty nest feels lonely. You’re not sure where you’ll skip to, but you’d like to skip the heaviness of unwanted feelings.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news. You can’t skip the work involved in cultivating a new life, but it’s work wether you stay stuck or dig in.

The resistance

It’s natural to avoid the discomfort of new growth, but when you resist it you suffer.

The best part of an empty nest is that you have plenty of time to dig into what makes you tick and cultivate something new. You can grow stronger as you learn to dance with resistance, acceptance, grief and resilience.

As a recent client testified…

“She has helped me, not only course my way through past and ongoing grief, but major life changes. She has directed me and given me hope to dream about a fun future for ME. I can finally feel free to step into the next chapter.”

Suffering is optional. You can be resilient and live a fun life that is full of purpose.

If this is resonating with you, let’s schedule a short chat to learn how I can help you navigate what you’re actually trying to skip and identify where you’d like to skip to.

Here’s to a life you don’t need to skip.

~Tiffany

And the birds fluttered around her writing “YES” in the sky!

Joy, is it possible in this f’cking chaotic world?

Posted on February 25, 2022 by tiffany

Is joy possible in a chaotic world? Tiffany Eckhardt, master of reinvention and certified life coach shares how joy is possible.

Amid the horrific world news we are bombarded with, how do you stay focused on truly living? Is joy possible in this f’cking chaotic world?

I had intended to give you a pep talk on joy from the vantage point of pursuing your midlife dreams.

My intention is to help you believe your best days are ahead, but that message just doesn’t feel right this week. Let’s face it… the world seems to be rapidly falling apart. {even though some of us have seen the writing on the wall}

Thriving in the fresh hell

In the early days of the pandemic, I decided to invest my time in thriving, believing it was not only possible to thrive, but necessary and worth it. I read books, created a victory garden, walked barefoot, etc. In 2021 I got honest about the fresh hell and the roller coaster we were riding.

Life doesn’t stop for a world crisis. On top of the world falling apart, there will be daily challenges, decisions to make, sadness from the loss of a loved one, weddings… the ebb and flow of life.

I fully understand that the only way I can truly live is to not allow the current events to jade me. Optimism thrives in joy and love.

Can joy become your superpower?

Wonder Woman once said, “It is about what you believe and I believe in love. Only love will truly save the world.”

I agree with Wonder Woman. Joy, love and happiness is even more critical, notwithstanding a chaotic world.

This world needs real life super heroes with joy being a superpower.

Feelings

“Happiness {joy} cannot be pursued, it ensues.” ~Victor Frankl

Pure joy slips in when you are open to feeling a wide range of emotions.

Are you aware of what you are actually feeling and why? Turn off the news, put your phone down for a minute and breath through your emotions.

I teach my clients to allow their emotions and learn from them.

Truth is that no one has the right to tell you how you to feel. Maybe you want to be mad for a time.

I’m not suggesting you indulge in anger, but allow the emotions to flow through you.

Learning this skill will give you superpowers.

Dare to engage in life.

The daily barrage of fresh hell has taught me that no one is coming on a white horse to save me or the world.

You have to become your own super hero.

I won’t be made useless or be idle with despair. I will gather myself around my faith. For light does the darkness fear. ~Jewel.

Like Jewel, I refuse to made useless by fear.

Joy ensues when you are engaged in creating your life from the inside and are willing to do the work to cultivate your superpower and celebrate the daily wins, however small they may be

When was the last time you noticed joy?

Pay attention.

My grandkids are experts at being joyously engaged in life. First of all they are willing to experience all the emotions. No one has to wonder what they feel. One minute everyone is happy, the next minute a melt down can happen for no apparent reason. And then life returns to normal once they had a very dramatic cry about it. I also admire their never ending curiosity. Each day brings a new adventure in learning and exploring is their full time job. Finally, I noticed that they know exactly what they want at all times and they seem to be singleminded about their desires.

Do you want to stand in your superpowers during these chaotic days? Are you willing to feel all the emotions life has to offer, even during conflict? Do you believe that joy is possible?

As one of my clients put it, you might need to help unleashing feelings and thoughts that you don’t even realize are holding you back.

Here’s your invitation to stand in your superpower.

Schedule a call with me. It’s as easy as choosing a time/date on my calendar that works for you.

Here’s to boldly engaging in YOUR superpowers.

The world needs YOU right now.

~Tiffany

And the birds fluttered around her writing “YES” in the sky!

Are you hard wired?

Posted on October 22, 2021 by tiffany

Tiffany Eckhardt, master of reinvention and certified life coach, helping women go for their dreams... at any age!

A trip down memory lane

I am hard wired for the “junk” business and live in the heart of the infamous Texas Antiques Week, a biannual pilgrimage for junkers of all types!

My husband and I have enjoyed the “show” as dealers, store owners and now hosts of an Airbnb.

I experienced Texas Antiques Week as a dealer in Round Top for the first time in the fall of 2011, with my original business partner and friend Kristie Herlong. After setting up at the Springfield Extravaganza in Ohio, we packed up our trailers and headed to Texas, not really knowing what we were getting into.

TEN YEARS AGO! Time flies!

That same year, Jeff relocated us from Ohio to Texas… empty nesters who literally flew the coop.

Once I was full time in Texas, I grew my business to participate in seven shows a year. Over time, the road wore me out and I longed to have something permanent.

The opportunity to purchase our property in Burton, Texas was a dream come true the fall of 2014. I celebrated the grand opening of Flown The Coop Antique Store during the “spring show” of 2015.

Today I’m still smitten with the “Junk” business

Ten years after my first show and three years after closing the store, the antique bug struck again.

TxJunkR opened shop this week in Burton. I couldn’t pass up a chance to set up a booth. The night before, I lost sleep wondering if I had enough stuff. The answer… YES! I had more than enough stuff to fill my little nook.

I forgot how much fun it was.

My good friend and once business partner Kristie responded to posts about the big event, “You can’t get it out of your system once you have it.”

So true!

Do you have a passion in your “system”, hard wired?

Maybe you haven’t spent that much time exploring what really sparks your interest.

The first step in identifying what you’re hard wired for is to look for what always circle back to your life.

Most of my hard wiring falls under the category of creating spaces. I love to garden, renovating homes and offering hospitality.

Understandably, my heart is always drawn to the antique business.

I want to encourage you!

Don’t waist time putting off your passion. Find a way to express what makes your heart throb!

The world needs more people who live with purpose and aren’t afraid to go for it!

I hope by reuniting with my passion, I inspire you to explore yours.

Do you need help with this? I can definitely offer help! Schedule a chat with me by clicking on my calendar link. Simply pick a date/time that works for you.

~Here’s to igniting your spark!

Tiffany

And the birds fluttered around her writing “YES” in the sky!

The Daily “Fresh Hell”

Posted on October 15, 2021 by tiffany

Fresh hell

After a month of chatting about FUN, I want to go out on a limb with a conversation about the “fresh hell” we’ve been living through.

Yep, let’s get real.

The past few years have felt like a roller coaster ride of emotions, leaving most clinging to hopium {that is hope-ium – a new term}.

Are you wondering, will life will ever have a sense of normalcy? When will this ride be over?

Your life on hold

If you are anything like me, you love to dream and to invest in the future, but you’re so distracted by the daily dose of “fresh hell” coming from the powers that be {whoever that is}.

There are tasks on your to-do list, but scrolling through social media for the latest news halts progress.

Are you tip-toeing the balance between the need to be informed and the desire to bury your head in the sand?

It’s exhausting! Are we ok with all of this????

The daily barrage of “fresh hell” grates on the nerves, is frustrating and feels out of control.

Are you putting your dreams on hold, and at times even think why bother?

It’s hell

I see so much suffering, including my own version of misery. Since March 2020 I have lost friends, dealt with the possibility of a lost job, and find it difficult to talk to my family about real concerns, etc.

There hasn’t been an authentic conversation around some people since the “fresh hell” became taboo, even criminal.

The women I know just want the opportunity to talk about this bizarre time in history, to share their “fresh hell” of the day.

Lucky for me I have learned skills to work through the chaos and have support when I find myself going in circles.

I want to offer hope…

There is a way forward to not only cope, but to thrive in this messy world.

I’ve managed it!

No, you won’t be able to change the polarizing landscape of today’s world, but you can create a pathway forward.

How can I serve you?

I don’t assume to know what you need.

Maybe you just need someone to talk to, or could use a comforting recipe, an essential oil or herbal remedy. I have developed a million journal prompts that could be helpful.

It’s possible that all you need is a break from the “fresh hell” and add more spice to your life.

It would definitely help to connect with kindreds!

I’m here to serve!

Let me know what you are struggling with! Comment on the blog, on my social media posts, DM me or even schedule a chat with me.

I have set up a special calendar link for this topic, Thriving Through The Daily Fresh Hell. Simply pick a date/time that works for you.

The beginning

It is human nature to want to live with purpose and meaning.

This could be the beginning of a beautiful conversation and a point of discovery. Let’s answer the daily dose of “fresh hell” with resiliency.

Want to link arms?

~Tiffany

And the birds fluttered around her writing “YES” in the sky

The song hit a chord

Posted on October 10, 2021 by tiffany

Tiffany Eckhardt, master of reinvention and certified life coach helping you find meaning and purpose to midlife.

The other day I was riding down the road in my pick-up truck Miss Dixie, with windows wide open {cuz it’s fall ya’ll}, blasting Gavin Degraw on the radio. Dang! The song I Don’t Want To Be hit a chord.

“I don’t have to be anyone other than the birth of two souls in one. Part of where I’m going is knowing where I’m coming from.”

Now what?

The need for purpose isn’t necessarily a crisis, but probably feels more like a nagging. Now what?

There were times when I was raising my children that I thought, oh my God… when will I ever have time for myself?

Now that I have all the time in the world, I often miss my kids. BTW: Adult kiddos are so much fun!

Wether you’re an empty nester, newly retired or recently divorced, the question of now what can tug at your heart.

Not superficial, but profound!

One of my clients commented to me that she was tired of being superficial. Me too!

If you embrace the typical midlife crisis, you might fill the void with a brand new sporty car… anything to feel young with an exciting future ahead of you.

Instead acting superficial, what if you had a profound shift in how you view all this free time? Could this time be a gift?

The birth of two souls

It’s easy to look to the past for identity. It’s clear where you’ve been, but do you know where you want to go or who you want to BE?

What if getting to know yourself is more exciting than a brand new sporty car?

Maybe you just need to crank up Gavin Degraw for inspiration!

“I don’t want to be anything other than me.”

It is fun!

Creating a profound shift could feel heavy… but I promise it is fun!

I like to say my empty nest is not boring, because I am in it!

You are NOT boring!

Find out what you like.

Discover what excites you.

Decide what really matters to you.

Is this hitting a cord?

Last month I focused on fun… finding your inner artist, taking yourself on a date, getting on the dance floor, and being zesty.

I hope it all hit a chord.

These articles were designed to help you live midlife with meaning and purpose, and see this season as a gift to get to know yourself… what you like to do for fun.

If loneliness or boredom is nagging at you, I can help.

I invite you to schedule a chat with me. This is an opportunity for you to share what is nagging at you and preventing you from living a life of purpose.

Simply click my calendar link and pick a date/time that works for you.

Here’s to riding down the road, windows wide open and blasting a song that hits all the right cords!

~Tiffany

And the birds fluttered around her writing “YES” in the sky

Got zest?

Posted on October 3, 2021 by tiffany

Zest adds flavor to life!

Are you zesty?

“A seasoned woman is spicy,” Gail Sheehy

This isn’t the first time I’ve written about zest. I have always promoted the need to have something zesty to look forward to.

The past few weeks I’ve focused on your creativity, taking yourself on a date and getting on the dance floor.

I hope you saw yourself in these posts and are ready to add zest to your life!

Something zesty to look forward to.

“The quality of life is in proportion, always, to the capacity for delight.” Julia Cameron

It is difficult to have capacity for delight when you live in the land of regret. If you are always looking to the past, it’s hard to see a zesty future.

To stop dwelling in the past, first learn to delight in the present by taking time to be grateful for all the good that you’ve created in your life.

And then look to an exciting future by intentionally planning something zesty to look forward to. This excercise creates more of what you love.

Our need for zest

Midlife is the perfect opportunity to be intentional about your need for zest.

As a midlife woman, it’s time to unleash your spice. It’s time to defy the rules and expectations you’ve followed and start doing more of what delights you.

Working towards a dream or goal, planning a vacation or even planning a garden gives meaning to your life and creates excitement.

Stay open to opportunities for zest

Do you have a list of zesty things to look forward to?

Here’s a great place to start…

Create a list 20 things you like to do. Don’t overthink it or worry if you can’t come up with 20. Once you are open to what delights you, more ideas will flow.

Pick one item and describe how you will feel when you are planning it and doing it.

Does it feel zesty and add spice to your life???

The key is to stay open to opportunities for zest.

Zest zappers

There are bound to be zest zappers in your life.

You may not even be aware of how you are zapping your zest.

Do you worry that it’s too late? Does focusing on yourself seem selfish?

Maybe you just need help believing you are capable of creating a zesty life.

I’d love to help you tackle the blocks preventing you from moving forward toward a life that excites you.

I invite you to schedule a free consultation. Let’s chat about what seems to be in the way of you experiencing the freedom and fullness of midlife. I am confident that I can help you add zest to your life!

Simply click HERE to pick a date/time that works for you.

Here’s to becoming a seasoned women with something zesty to look forward to!

~Tiffany

And the birds fluttered around her writing “YES” in the sky