The Pivot Point

We're about to get real with Alana van der Sluys, a courageous warrior who battled body dysmorphia and disordered eating and emerged victorious. Now a certified intuitive eating counsellor, Alana has a tale to tell that's both heart-wrenching and deeply inspiring. Her journey, from being fixated on weight to transforming her relationship with food and body, is a lighthouse for anyone grappling with similar issues.
This episode also unearths the toxicity of our current wellness culture and its damaging effects. We're living in a time when societal pressure to be 'perfect' is at a staggering high. Our health, however, isn't merely about physical appearance. It's a holistic journey, and it's high time we prioritized our overall well-being over conforming to societal norms. We delve into personal stories, highlighting the battle with unhealthy habits and the toxic wellness messages we've all encountered. Remember, this struggle isn't gender-specific; men too grapple with these pressures. This conversation is a wake-up call to redefine wellness on our own terms.
Switching gears to the arduous task of transitioning to a healthier lifestyle, we don't sugarcoat the truth. This episode discusses body image, disordered eating, and the necessity to address underlying issues head-on. Hear about Alana's journey from battling negative self-talk and number obsession to finding comfort in a structured fitness and eating plan. Our guest enlightens us on how eating MORE actually made them look and feel better and reduced binging behaviours. We round up our conversation on a powerful note, emphasizing self-love, acceptance, and the courage to break free from the endless cycle of dieting. So, gear up to get inspired to reclaim your health journey.
You can find out more about Alana and Freedom with Food and Fitness on Instagram: @FreedomwithFoodandFitness.
0:09 Overcoming Body Dysmorphia and Disordered Eating

11:57 Toxicity of Wellness Culture and Pursuit

20:20 Transitioning to a Healthier Lifestyle

30:56 Overcoming Body Image and Finding Freedom

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Have you ever wondered what it's like to walk in the shoes of a neurodistinct person? My guest today, Will Wheeler, lives with dyslexia and ADHD and he is here to tell us about his journey - from his childhood struggles to his quest for personal change, and how he turned his life around to become a champion for neurodiverse individuals. His tale is filled with resilience and reinvention.
In a world that often misunderstands neurodiversity, Will's story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of self-reflection. He and myself, a fellow neurodivergent person, share our experiences growing up in the education system with learning difficulties, emphasizing the power of emotional intelligence in understanding and supporting neurodiversity.
Today, Will is using his experiences to reshape the educational landscape for neurodiverse people. He supports neurodiversity through the Neurodiversity Academy, aimed at helping neurodiverse individuals excel in international education. His tale is indeed riveting and will leave you with a newfound understanding and appreciation for neurodiversity. As we draw our conversation to a close, you'll be left with an awe for the strength that lies in embracing our unique traits. So, sit back, tune in, and prepare to be inspired.
Connect with Will
Website - https://www.neurodiversityacademy.com/
Podcast - https://www.openheartedsociety.com/
0:09 Neurodiverse Journey
12:16 Challenges in School and Self-Discovery
25:38 Struggles With School, Career, and Relationships
32:37 Career Progression and Decision to Travel
36:57 Seeking Change Through Travel and Self-Reflection
48:10 Building a New Life, Overcoming Challenges
56:40 Overcoming Addiction and Pivoting Careers
1:10:03

Are you loving this show? I’d be so grateful if you like, rate, review and share with a friend!
Catch the episode on Youtube to see photos and videos related to this story.
Want to spend more time with me? Join me in my 1:1 Coaching Container https://www.coachedbyjess.com/coaching
Explore more wellness conversations with me over on instagram @coached.byjess
Do you have a story that you would like to share on The Pivot Point? Apply now https://forms.gle/hxfmFb5RNJ7VBKQQ9

Have you ever wondered how your life would transform if you found your true voice and purpose? Join us in an intriguing conversation with Leigh Lincoln, a poverty and homelessness advocate turned author, who did just that. After years of being on autopilot as a single mother and volunteer, Leigh had an awakening moment which led her onto an inspiring journey of change and self-discovery. Through writing, she found her purpose, stepping out of society's expectations and onto a path of intentional living, where she embraced her worth and the power of her voice.
As we journey through Leigh's transformation, we explore how she overcame her fears of failure, embraced the unknown and chose a path less travelled. She has woven her experiences of advocating for the homeless into her novels, using her words to inspire and evoke change. Through our chat, you'll learn how she used writing as a tool for self-discovery, and how you, too, can break free from societal norms and expectations to find your passion. Leigh's story is a testament to the power of finding one's voice and using it to make a difference. So, get ready to be encouraged and inspired to step into your power, live with intention, and be brave in pursuing your passions.
Leigh's Website : https://leighlincolnauthor.com/
Connect with Lee : https://www.facebook.com/leighlincolnauthor1

Are you loving this show? I’d be so grateful if you like, rate, review and share with a friend!
Catch the episode on Youtube to see photos and videos related to this story.
Want to spend more time with me? Join me in my 1:1 Coaching Container https://www.coachedbyjess.com/coaching
Explore more wellness conversations with me over on instagram @coached.byjess
Do you have a story that you would like to share on The Pivot Point? Apply now https://forms.gle/hxfmFb5RNJ7VBKQQ9

Have you ever felt like becoming a parent was the most life-altering experience you've ever had? You're not alone. Our guest today, Mia Dixon, a baby and toddler sleep coach and creator of Celebrate Sleep with Mia, shares her touching and inspiring journey of self-discovery through motherhood.
Mia opens up about how the COVID-19 pandemic challenged her as a new mother. She paints a vivid picture of her struggle with her daughter's sleep patterns and how the lack of a support system due to the pandemic's restrictions affected her mental health. She speaks about her battle with postpartum depression, the guilt of not enjoying motherhood, and the subsequent loss of identity. Her experiences, however, led her to realize the power of accepting help and the necessity of making changes for her well-being.
No stranger to life-altering decisions, Mia shares her experience of making a significant career change. She discusses the journey of realigning her values, taking small steps, and how it ushered in a sense of confidence and fulfillment. The final part of our conversation peers into Mia's life as she takes responsibility for her life and decisions, persisting on her path of personal growth despite the challenges. She talks about the importance of perseverance, having a supportive cheer squad, and maintaining a positive energy flow. Through Mia's captivating story, you'll realize that it's okay to ask for help and that success lies in taking one day at a time.
Connect with Mia today : https://celebratesleepwithmia.com/
Instagram : @celebratesleepwithmia
0:09 Motherhood's Unexpected Impact

10:44 The Challenges of Motherhood During COVID

16:49 Motherhood and Sleep Training Challenges

26:28 Values and Career Change Exploration

30:06 Taking Responsibility and Figuring It Out

33:50 Success and Support in Personal Growth

Are you loving this show? I’d be so grateful if you like, rate, review and share with a friend!
Catch the episode on Youtube to see photos and videos related to this story.
Want to spend more time with me? Join me in my 1:1 Coaching Container https://www.coachedbyjess.com/coaching
Explore more wellness conversations with me over on instagram @coached.byjess
Do you have a story that you would like to share on The Pivot Point? Apply now https://forms.gle/hxfmFb5RNJ7VBKQQ9

Have you ever sat at your desk, daydreaming about turning your wanderlust into a way of life? Lora Pope made that leap, and on The Pivot Point, she takes us through the shift from a secure government job to the unpredictable, yet liberating world of travel blogging. This conversation is a candid look at the emotional whirlwinds and the trials of forging a new path where her office is as mobile as she is.
Let's talk about the realities of a digital nomad life, beyond the Instagram-worthy snapshots. Lora gets real with us about the hustle behind the scenes—managing finances, securing visas, and carving out a community in every new destination. This episode is a masterclass in adaptability and resilience. For those of you curious about the nuts and bolts of maintaining a nomadic lifestyle, Lora's insights offer a treasure map to navigate the highs and lows of building a life on the move.
There's nothing like the rush of forging connections across the world, and Lora's tales from hostels to expat communities will inspire even the most hesitant adventurers to take the plunge. In this episode, we don't just explore the globe with Lora; we discover the courage it takes to smile at a stranger and the unexpected friendships that follow. Whether through her travel blog or the personal anecdotes shared here, Lora's experiences are a compass, pointing toward a life of discovery, connection, and the sweet freedom of living beyond borders.
Lora's Website : https://explorewithlora.com/
Lora's Instagram : https://instagram.com/explorewithlora

Are you loving this show? I’d be so grateful if you like, rate, review and share with a friend!
Catch the episode on Youtube to see photos and videos related to this story.
Want to spend more time with me? Join me in my 1:1 Coaching Container https://www.coachedbyjess.com/coaching
Explore more wellness conversations with me over on instagram @coached.byjess
Do you have a story that you would like to share on The Pivot Point? Apply now https://forms.gle/hxfmFb5RNJ7VBKQQ9