You're Welcome with Hilary Rushford

I’m feeling like the black duckling these days, the one who doesn’t fit in. My experience of Rona (as Jeremy and I are calling this surreal moment) isn’t what I’m seeing from most people. The general memes, advice, and game plans … they just aren’t ringing true for me. Listen in to see if you relate - or if this is the advice you too need to hear. I would LOVE to hear from you afterward in my IG comments, truly, to hear how you’re processing this so we can support one another more. Leave a comment on Instagram @HilaryRushford and follow along on IGTV. Links in this episode: - The 5 stages of grief - My wedding florist @EastOlivia

Links: @HilaryRushford HilaryRushford.com/podvip Consider this our happy hour via Zoom friend. (wink) I’m pausing the episode I had scheduled for today for a personal chat about our travels and experience over the last few weeks as we found ourselves in Mexico just before everything happened at home in the US and New York. Including the very surprising place we ended up, where I’m recording this on a strange bed, on my iPhone, without any of my fancy equipment. And enjoying this chance to share what’s been happening in our life. Would truly love to hear what’s happening in yours? Leave a comment on Instagram @HilaryRushford. Or send me a voice memo on this or other topics you’d love to discuss here on the podcast in this season at HilaryRushford.com/podvip. Links in this episode: Ep 49: Open Letter on Opinion Culture Jimmy Fallon + Justin Timberlake song

Links: @HilaryRushford HilaryRushford.com/podvip Exploring the 7-9 causes and antidotes inside the groundbreaking New York Time’s Best Selling book, “Lost Connections: Why You’re Depressed and How to Find Hope” by Johann Hari. This episode is the first in a three-part series, exploring the issues he teaches that I find most relevant to us at Dean Street Society. Whether you or somebody you know has struggled with depression and anxiety, this is a topic that needs all of us to lean in, think deeply, and truly take action on. Links in this Episode: Lost Connections: Why You’re Depressed and How to Find Hope by Johann Hari Ep 44: Life Changing Essentialism + Doing Less Part 1 of Closet Organizing on IGTV Join the conversation: Would truly love to hear your thoughts and experiences below my latest post, whatever it is, on Instagram @HilaryRushford And/or send me a voice memo on this or other topics you’d love to discuss here on the podcast! HilaryRushford.com/podvip

Whether 25 or 58, I received so many replies when I began to discuss how we feel around our age. Starting a business, getting married, having a baby, whatever the life milestone or decision it’s clear there is far more we have in common than different, wherever our present age. A few Q’s to journal on or discuss with a girlfriend, your mother, or daughter this week: Notice culture prizes youth, but we don’t have to be. What are the stories we have? Why do they feel important? What does it look like to stop focusing on it for ourselves? Being aware that the language we use for ourselves, puts those same expectations on all the other women around us. What if we focused on what we do want instead? Being inspired by anyone doing something at an age we’ve yet to reach? What examples do we have of that? Finally, taking empowered action TO feel more beautiful, accomplished, joyful, however we desire to feel. Instead of feeling we don’t have a choice, what can we do to look, live, and feel the way we want today and

It’s taken me a year to speak out on this topic, but in doing so I feel lighter, safer, and stronger. I’m confident this will leave you feeling the same in your online and in person relationships, with more compassion for all, especially anyone willing to vulnerably share their life with you. UPDATE: Between recording and publishing, I realized there were some additional steps I could take to be empowered. For the time being I’ve saved them in a pinned Story here. _____ 10 Elements of Grace: Do I see LOVE in their life? Do I know them PERSONALLY? Have they ASKED for advice on this topic? Is there any chance there may be MORE to the situation than I know? What is the HEART of this message? The STARBUCKS Test Replying to vulnerability not with feedback, but VULNERABILITY yourself Am I feeling the need to put in any CAVEAT? Can I SANDWICH this to ensure there is zero misunderstanding of my tone? Look ahead to the next DOMINO, what might they reply? The pinned Stories mentioned by another blogger (as long as th

Be even more empowered over your dreams with today’s action-inspiring episode. Although I love dreaming + wishing, I’m all about action + making small shifts towards accomplishing those goals.Are you workshopping your life? Try not coming at it from an “either/ or” perspective, as having a “yes/and” mentality can open up even more possibilities! Clarity comes from action. You don’t need to know every step to pursue your dream life. What’s something in your life you’re dreaming of? Career change? Moving across the country? If travel, pretty please tell me where to! I’m over on Instagram @HilaryRushford or leave me a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip.  Other resources: Ep 18: (Pt 1 On Travel) Three personalities for your dream itinerary Ep 19: (Pt 2 On Travel) To work or not, money honey + what to wear Ep 33: How to choose your dreams  And if your dream is to Get Paid To Be Creative, teaching my annual free workshop this week!

Why do we love + loathe this place we spend so much time? After a few friends went on a “social media fast” for January and reported being happier… while also confessing that despite that they didn’t want to give it up… I started to ponder if there’s a middle ground. Listen in for ideas on how to slow your roll, literally. (wink) Plus spring clean your feed, consider your motives, reevaluate what brings you joy and the reason for your relationships on Instagram, and perhaps beyond! Would love to go deeper over at @HilaryRushford. How are you using this challenge to be more intentional with the content you consume? Have any follow up Qs on today’s episode? Leave me a voice memo at  HilaryRushford.com/podvip. Paid to Be Creative webinars this week >>Save your seat!Morning Apps mentioned: Luminosity Peak  TinyBeans Jesus Calling She Reads Truth Abide Calm Tapping Solution

Wake up feeling more empowered and less behind. In my constant pursuit of being more of an Essentialist, I started a morning routine to get into a daily rhythm. I share my biggest takeaways on how to be more accountable to myself and starting my day more gracefully mindful. Other resources:Ep 35:A Week in the Life BTSMy Daily Schedule Ep 39: Welcome to the Royal 20’s! >>Free Paid To Be Creative workshop live this week!

What if you don’t have enough money, time, or don’t know how to do something you want in your life? Whether that’s start a business, get out of debt, care for an aging parent, or heal racial inequality?I asked one of my colleagues, Marie Forleo, to join us today after having read her new book, Everything is Figuroutable. Her advice was so applicable, yet compelling, and seemed to help with so many of the DMs I receive from you on Instagram. Would love to hear your favorite takeaways @HilaryRushford. As well as a voice memo with a Q or topic for a future episode HilaryRushford.com/podvip. >>> PS If you’re a fellow entrepreneur, I have some special resources for you in the month of February to celebrate my own anniversary at DeanSt.co/26!

To live a life that’s extraordinary, with ease. This is what it is to be an essentialist. After reading the book Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less four times in the last five years, I share my 5 most powerful takeaways on how to stop trying to make too much happen, and only do what truly brings me the most joy. You have to know what you want, have a vision TO aspire to. You have to choose between really good things, to have great things. Requires saying no a lot. Truly about less is more, in such a more culture Asking the right questions More resources in your own pursuit of doing “less but better”: Elegant Excellence Goals Journal

A love note from God/the universe. A meditation. A pump-up pep talk from your coach. A voice memo from your best friend.  Save this and press play anytime you need it. Share this and encourage a friend as you let my words pour courage into them with you. Then, let’s go deeper:1. Subscribe! A new conversation here each Wednesday for more joy, less overwhelm 2. Rate + review! Spread the love to a stranger who comes across this special place. 3. Listen to Ep 39 ‘Welcome to the Royal 20’s” as a compliment to today’s episode 4. Own your royal mindset of growth and confidence with the Elegant Excellence Goals Journal ← special promo happening now 5. Come say hello @HilaryRushford or leave me a voicememo HilaryRushford.com/podvip!

My DMs flooded with the phrase “I needed this” when I shared just a snippet of today’s message on Instagram.In addition to our vision from Ep 39 of what it means to be crowned with confidence, what does it additionally mean and change when we become people who celebrate ourselves? Truly celebrate?  Elegant Excellence Goals Journal: special promo right now as it’s absolutely not too late to start dreaming and planning for this year and decade Leave me a voice memo at  to suggest podcast topics or Q’s for 2020 HilaryRushford.com/podvip. Share today’s special 2-part episode in your Instagram Stories and tag me @HilaryRushford. 

In part 2 of this convo... when my dear friend Brian lost 140 pounds in one year I was fascinated! Not by the weight loss methods, but by what prompted the change. Why do we finally change something that’s been making us unhappy? How do we start and stick with it? What makes the difference from all the times we’ve tried before? If Brian’s story resonated with you today, you can follow his journey on Instagram @brianbrister. This is the year for change for many of us. Take advantage of the special promo for Elegant Excellence Goals Journal to help you gain clarity on the change you'd like to see this year. What change are you seeking in your life this year? Let’s chat over on Instagram @HilaryRushford. Leave me a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip to suggest podcast topics or Q’s for 2020!

When my dear friend Brian lost 140 pounds in one year I was fascinated! Not by the weight loss methods, but by what prompted the change. Why do we finally change something that’s been making us unhappy? How do we start and stick with it? What makes the difference from all the times we’ve tried before? If Brian’s story resonated with you today, you can follow his journey on Instagram @brianbrister. This is the year for change for many of us. A few resources to kick off your 2020: Doors close for applications for the Elegant Excellence Mastermind this week Save your seat for 2020 Vision Workshops live all this week Special promo for Elegant Excellence Goals Journal  What change are you seeking in your life this year? Let’s chat over on Instagram @HilaryRushford. Leave me a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip to suggest podcast topics or Q’s for 2020!

What if we asked a different question to shape our goals and vision for this new decade? Not what do we want to do, accomplish, have or achieve, but who we want to be and become?Sharing deeper on the topic of confidence and courage, today we ponder what that feels like in small shifts of how we show up in our work, relationships, and daily life. How would you act in a scenario if you believed you are worthy, invited, welcomed, honored, and belong? Special holiday promo for Elegant Excellence Goals Journal to kickoff your 2020 Save your seat for 2020 Vision Workshops live the first week of January More holiday, wedding, and new year joy on Instagram @HilaryRushford. Leave me a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip to suggest podcast topics or Q’s for 2020!

As we enter a new decade, how can we be our happiest selves? After watching this study on happiness, I rethought the one factor that should most motivate and shape the goals we set for ourselves. Special holiday promo for Elegant Excellence Goals Journal to get it before 2020 Save your seat for 2020 Vision Workshops live the first week of January More holiday, wedding, and new year joy on Instagram @HilaryRushford. Leave me a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip to suggest podcast topics or Q’s for 2020!

Let’s bring more ease, grace, and freedom into our 2020 remembering that feeling beautiful is not always about more clothes or weighing less. Use these small intentional shifts, or if you’re seeking more I teach in depth inside my signature course Style & Styleability. Know your “go to outfits” Choose 1-of-3 outfit/hair/makeup Consult an expert on your skin or hair (psst: that volume paste) Work on inner confidence Stop apologizing for how you look Don’t leave the house hoping not to see anyone Play with cozy yet chic around-the-house clothes (grey one on my IG feed @HilaryRushford today or this black one as inspo What shifts are you choosing to feel more beautiful + confident in 2020? Leave me a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip Other resources: ElegantExcellenceJournal.com (get yours before the holidays!) Cartagena Wedding Photos Our 1 minute wedding video

You asked, I’m answering. In a slightly different, but holy heck so much deeper way! Applications close this week: ElegantExcellenceMastermind.com Business workshop this week: DeanSt.co/2020vision Can’t make the free workshop & have Qs? Watch my “EEM Q&A” pinned stories @HilaryRushford, then submit your own if you have more!

Today, I answer a listener Q about how my faith has affected my anxiety + confidence. If there are areas you are called to be more confident in, hear these lessons: Lesson #1: ACTION - Things are worse before you do them. Do them + it gets easier. Lesson #2: INDEPENDENCE - Separate disappointment/pain in their behavior, from the truth of their words/actions Lesson #3: GROWING - There is wisdom in getting help + growing in your own understanding. Lesson #4: TRUST + REST - Listen to the signs from the universe. Draw courage in these ways: #1: HISTORY - how you would act in another area of your life. Where else are you more confident?  #2: OTHERS -  Words you have been told, what others see to be true #3: ACTION - Write a script, journal, have conversations, gather evidence #4:ACTION - Say it + start, do #5: OTHERS - There are wise people around you who have answers, insights, feedback. #6: HISTORY - Make a list of everything I have and am to be proud of. Lean into your faith: #1: I am worthy of…. #2: I am

If you prioritize everything, nothing is a priority. If you have no deadlines, things will never get done. I take you behind the scenes while I work remotely in Nashville and South Carolina to help you consider your own rhythms and priorities as we step into this new year afresh with more clarity.Two more resources right now: - At ElegantExcellence.com to order your Elegant Excellence Goals Journal - Join me this week for 2020 Vision: Design Your Life + Business free workshop Know anyone looking for a plum job? We’re hiring! P.S. Is there a topic you want to chat about as 2019 comes to a close? Leave me a voice memo at HilaryRushford.com/podvip and say hello @HilaryRushford P.P.S. The book I’m loving lately: A Well Behaved Woman: A Novel of the Vanderbilts