Twenty Something - with Kayla VanNess | Podcast on RSS.com

Twenty Something - with Kayla VanNess

Twenty Something - with Kayla VanNess

by Kayla VanNess

Health & Fitness Leisure

Season 1

EP. 13 | 26 Things I've Learned in My 26 Years

HI EVERYONE!! It's my birthday!!!!!!! In this episode, I reflect on the wisdom and insights I've gathered over the years, sharing 26 powerful life lessons that have shaped who I am today. From personal growth and navigating challenges, to building meaningful relationships and finding purpose, each lesson offers a nugget of truth to inspire and motivate listeners on their own journey. Whether you're in your twenties or beyond, these lessons are timeless reminders that life is a constant learning process, and that the most important lessons often come from our toughest moments. Tune in for practical advice, deep reflections, and a healthy dose of encouragement as I unpack the experiences that have helped me grow and evolve. I love you, thank you for being here!

EP. 12 | Gratitude

Gratitude is the practice of recognizing and appreciating the positive aspects of life, whether they come from external sources, personal achievements, or the simple beauty of the present moment. It involves acknowledging the kindness, support, and blessings we receive from others and the world around us. As a powerful emotional and psychological tool, gratitude has been shown to significantly improve mental health, boost well-being, and foster positive relationships. At its core, gratitude shifts the focus from what is lacking to what is abundant in our lives, cultivating a mindset of appreciation. When practiced regularly, it can lead to greater contentment, lower levels of stress, and enhanced emotional resilience. Research also shows that expressing gratitude can increase happiness, reduce depression, and even improve physical health by lowering blood pressure and improving sleep quality. Gratitude is not only a feeling but also an action. Whether expressed through a simple "thank you," a thoughtful note, or acts of kindness in return, it strengthens connections between people and builds communities. It also serves as a reminder that even in challenging times, there is always something to be thankful for, helping individuals navigate adversity with a sense of hope and purpose. By embracing gratitude, we tap into a powerful force that enhances our mental, emotional, and social lives. Whether through daily journaling, mindful reflection, or verbal acknowledgment, the practice of gratitude enriches the human experience, making it one of the most accessible yet profound tools for personal growth and collective harmony.

EP. 11 | Finding Peace in Chaos

This week's episode we talk about finding peace in chaos... In a world that often feels like it’s spinning out of control, finding peace in chaos can seem like an impossible task. However, peace is not the absence of noise or conflict, but the ability to maintain calm and clarity within it. This journey begins with the understanding that chaos is an inevitable part of life. Whether it's the turbulence of personal challenges, the unpredictability of the world, or the rapid pace of modern living, chaos can feel overwhelming. But amidst this, there lies an opportunity for growth and transformation. Finding peace in chaos starts with self-awareness. By recognizing our own reactions to stress and uncertainty, we can learn to ground ourselves in moments of turmoil. Techniques like mindfulness, meditation, and breathing exercises allow us to create a space between stimulus and response, helping us to choose how we engage with the world rather than being swept away by it. Another key aspect is surrender—not to give up, but to release the need to control everything. Accepting that some things are beyond our control gives us the freedom to focus on what we can change: our mindset, our attitude, and our response to the present moment. Cultivating inner peace in chaotic times also requires a deep trust in oneself and in the process of life. By letting go of expectations and embracing the flow of uncertainty, we become more resilient, more adaptable, and more at ease with the unpredictability of existence. Ultimately, peace in chaos isn’t a destination—it’s a practice. It’s about finding stillness in the storm, holding space for both peace and discomfort, and learning to thrive within the ebb and flow of life. Through patience, self-compassion, and a steady commitment to inner calm, we can discover a sense of harmony no matter how loud the world becomes. Thank you for being here!

Ep. 10 | The Seasons of Life

Life is a journey through seasons—each one bringing its own lessons, challenges, and opportunities for growth. Just like the Earth experiences different phases throughout the year, so too do we, and embracing these transitions is essential for becoming the best versions of ourselves. Summer: The Season of Celebration and Preparation Summer is vibrant and full of energy, a time for both celebration and preparation. It’s when we gather the fruits of our labor, enjoy the rewards of our efforts, and set the stage for what’s next. Fall: The Harvesting Season As we move into fall, we enter a time of harvesting. This is the season where all the seeds we’ve planted—through hard work, relationships, and growth—begin to bear fruit. But fall is not just about collecting; it’s also about reflection. Winter: Consistency and Showing Up Winter might feel like a quiet, cold season, but it’s essential for long-term success. This is the time of year when the world seems still, but underneath the surface, everything is growing. Winter teaches us the power of consistency. Even when things seem slow, or we feel like our efforts aren’t yielding immediate results, we must continue to show up. Spring: Watching Everything Blossom Spring is the season of renewal and growth. It’s a time to watch everything we’ve worked for in the previous seasons begin to bloom. The lessons we learned in summer, fall, and winter now manifest as new opportunities, fresh perspectives, and personal transformation. Spring teaches us to be patient, to trust in the process, and to embrace the beauty of our progress. It’s the season where the seeds we’ve sown come to fruition, and where we can enjoy the fullness of our efforts. Yet spring also shows us that we’re never done growing—there’s always more to explore, more to learn, and new layers to uncover.

EP. 9 | The Importance of Reflection

Hi Everyone!! In this week's episode we go over the importance of reflection. We often don't feel growth and change within ourselves and sometimes that becomes so hard to keep going. That's why reflection is so important! Take a few moments and journal the following: How was I reacting to negative situations 6 months ago vs now? What boundaries did I build in the last 6 months so I would not deal with certain behaviors? How have I worked on myself in the last 6 months so I can speak up for myself? What behaviors and triggers have I worked worked on in the last 6 months? Taking the time to journal your growth will really show you just how much you've grown and changed. Be proud of who you are. You are supported!

EP. 8 | Building New Habits

In this weeks episode, we are talking about habits - building habits and habit stacking. Building habits, especially going into a crazy busy season, is so important to helping you build success and a consistent routine! September is suicide awareness month. If you or someone you know is having dark thoughts, feel alone or are facing any type of self harm, please know that you are not alone. I love you. I am here for you. You matter. You will find light again. Please call or text 988 if you need assistance. References for this episode: Atomic Habits Link: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits The Power of Habit Link: https://www.charlesduhigg.com/the-power-of-habit Shelby Sacco Link: https://sad2savage.com

EP. 7 | You vs. You

Hi Everyone! Welcome to this weeks episode on you versus you! At the end of the day, who is the person we turn to with the most? If you answered anyone by yourself, I hate to break it to you, but you are wrong!At the end of each and every single day it is you versus you. There is nobody else involved in the equation. You have yourself, your thoughts, your emotions, and your choices and decisions at the end of each and every single day. You get to choose what it is in this life that you want most. Every single decision you make is entirely up to you, there is no outside force that can convince you to do some thing that you don’t want to do. Small daily disciplines will create a huge impact overtime. Surround yourself with like-minded people or even people who want bigger and better in life. You are the average of the top five people you hang around. Choose wisely. Finally, life is 90% of how you react and 10% of what actually happens to you. This is where reaction versus response comes into play. Set your emotions aside, clear your headspace, and choose to respond to situations in a civil manner. You are the only person holding yourself back from reaching your truest potential. Work on yourself every single day to become the best version of yourself that you could ever be. Your future self will thank you 😊

EP. 6 | Never Settling

When we hear the term, “Never Settle,” we often think of romance. But in reality, that specific term means to never stop until you get everything you feel that you deserve. You are the author and the creator of your own life and you cannot expect a life of happiness, love and abundance if you’re constantly at a standstill, unhappy and stagnant. There are no rules in life saying you can’t stop trying until you find something that you’re truly passionate about. Whether it be friendships, a romantic partner or your career…you should never be afraid to start over and continuously go after what makes you happy. You deserve to wake up everyday excited to start the day, go to work and talk to those you love. Never settle until you find that.

EP. 5 | Clarity, Closure and Growth

Hi Everyone! We deserve love & respect and we also deserve someone's clarity and closure on situations. It takes SO much work to fine that on your own...believe me...it takes a LONG time to come to terms and allow a chapter to close on your own with zero answers from anyone. Give yourself a hug. You cannot, CANNOT, miss out on the things that are meant for you. Those things that are meant for you will be yours organically and will be known. Be grateful for what you have. Be grateful for the lessons you learn along the way. Be grateful for growth! I love you!

EP. 4 | Entering My Peaceful Era

Hi Everyone! I have entered my peaceful era and I wanted to walk you through how I did it. My life is not perfect and I am always striving for growth and improvement. Thank you for being here!

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