Giving Your Best Life

No matter your age, gratitude is an important part of life. It’s easy to remember to thank some people - especially those you love and those who you see often.  But there are so many people who work behind the scenes to make our lives better - we don’t want to forget to thank them for their hard work and make them feel seen and loved. Being grateful and loving others is just another way for you to...

Your clutter affects more than just your physical space - it causes you mental and emotional stress as well. As a professional organizer, I share my tips on helping you declutter whether you’re in the moving process or you just want to live a bit more minimalistic and simplistic. The stuff that is causing you stress can be used to help others by donating your books to a local library or giving ite...

Is there a really nice car that you’d like? When I worked for a big company, I had a really nice rental car for a couple of weeks and thought about buying that type of vehicle. My husband & I ended up doing some research and finding a similar vehicle in a similar color, but it saved us tens of thousands of dollars. There are really nice cars out there, but all you really need is a reliable veh...

Does social media bring you discontentment, frustration, debates, arguments? Do you feel like you waste time and energy on social media that could be used to build real life relationships? I have a rule I use on social media that has helped me have more peace and less strife. This rule has helped me focus on sharing goodness rather than spewing negativity. This rule has helped me with uniting peop...

Do you feel stuck by a set back? If you don’t now, you probably will at some point in life. My dad gave me the best advice when we were out trail running and I fell. I was complaining about the fall, even though I wasn’t injured. But he was focused on the positive truth: “It doesn’t matter that you fell; you got back up.” This has helped shape how I handle disappointments in life - whether it’s a...

Do you say “I’m sorry” all the time? Maybe when you don’t even really have anything to be sorry for? I was once told that I say “sorry” too much. In fact, overusing "sorry" can undermine the meaning when you do need to apologize. I’ve really tried to work on only saying sorry when I have a reason to. Here are some tips for not apologizing too often. Let's connect! Follow me on TikTo...

Do you want to deepen and strengthen your relationship with your parents (or grandparents or mentor or really anyone)? Call them every week. Texting doesn’t count. Connecting on a weekly basis allows you to get closer and share what’s going on in your life. You never know how much time you have with your loved ones - so don’t miss the opportunity to call your parents! Let's connect! Follow me...

Want a tip for feeling happier when you are down or sad? There is an easily accessible tool that you can use to feel happier. The research points to it, and it is highly effective. I also give an additional tip on how to help others feel happier (which in turn, makes you feel happier too!). Check out this episode to feel happier and give your best life! Let's connect! Follow me on TikTok @giv...

What I wish I knew in my 20s - how to be good with money! Out of college, I had some debt, and even though I was working hard, I got into credit card debt by buying things I didn’t need with money I didn’t have. By the time my husband & I got married, we both had student loans and credit card debt and cars to pay off! How did we get out of debt? How do you make a budget? How do you use money w...

Do the words you speak matter? The Bible tells us that life and death are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). Are you speaking life? Sometimes we use words and phrases that we don’t know what they mean or we don’t think about what they mean. For example, do you tell your friends “good luck” before a test? Things such as luck, charms, and “knocking on wood” are not Biblical. We have to thi...

Who are you trying to impress? How often do you buy name brand or trendy styles not because you like them, but because you want other people to like what you have? Often we can buy into the consumerism mindset of trying to buy our happiness or buy things to please other people in attempts to make us happy. Is your goal to please someone else? Do you buy into the lie that you can buy happiness? Let...

Recently, my dog took off running while I was still holding onto the leash and I fell on my face. It was very scary and painful, but I have found things to be grateful for in the midst of recovering. If you are going through a hard time, finding gratitude is a great way to help you get through it. Even if things are going well for you right now, practice gratitude now so that it’s a muscle built u...

For the first piece of advice I wish I understood in my 20s: Talk to God everyday. He will not let you down! Friends will let you down at some point - and sometimes we need to cut them some slack (they’re figuring out life too). But we can come to God with any problem, any decision, any sin in need of forgiveness. God is by your side, so talk to Him everyday! Let's connect! Follow me on TikTo...

The pause from Giving Your Best Life Podcast has been intentional. In this time, I started a new podcast called the "only God" Podcast - sharing stories only God could write. On the new podcast, I interview other Christians and also share my own only God stories. You can check out that podcast on YouTube , Spotify , Apple Podcasts , or Buzzsprout . Now, I'm ready to re-launch GYBL -...

Have you ever experienced one of those moments where something incredible happens and all you can say is "Only God could have done this"? These divine interventions—both dramatic and subtle—reveal a profound truth about living beyond our limitations. Stephanie unpacks her phrase of the year, "Only God," exploring how this perspective transforms everything from career setbacks t...

This episode emphasizes the journey of faith amid fear and obedience challenges. The conversation highlights personal anecdotes, biblical insights, and a fresh call to action for listeners seeking renewal and connection to God. • Reflecting on the need to apologize less and embrace confidence  • Understanding the lessons from Hebrews 11 on faith and obedience  • Exploring the importance of intenti...

Skipping an event might seem trivial, but prioritizing well-being is a powerful act and often a mindset shift. In this episode of "Giving Your Best Life," I share my journey in recognizing when to hit pause for the sake of longer-term goals. Discover how understanding our reasons for saying "yes" can guide us toward intentional decisions that prevent burnout. I also recount lea...

Have you ever considered that sometimes our greatest lessons come from unexpected places? Join me, Stephanie, as I recount a surprising Sunday at church that reshaped my understanding of serving and giving.  Through my story, I invite you to explore the notion that service doesn't always mean being in the spotlight but contributing joyfully, even when plans shift unexpectedly. This revelation...

Have you ever had to make a life-changing decision that went against the advice of your loved ones? Join me, Stephanie, as I share my journey of leaving a career in law enforcement and choosing not to return to corporate America after a layoff, all in pursuit of following Jesus. Reflecting on Luke 15:25-27, we'll explore the emotional and relational costs of true discipleship and discuss why...

Have you ever wondered how to support a friend when distance separates you? In episode 119 of "Giving Your Best Life," I share the heartfelt journey of staying connected and providing meaningful support to loved ones who are far away. Then switching gears, get ready to be inspired by an unforgettable trip to Montana, where personal growth met breathtaking landscapes. Accompanied by my hu...

Can you truly define success in a way that aligns with both your faith and business aspirations? Join us on the Giving Your Best Life Podcast as Stephanie and Zach Lloyd, Sustainable Anti-Diet Coach, share their personal journey of navigating these two worlds. Discover how they've struggled yet persevered in finding validation beyond worldly measures like income and social media engagement, a...

Imagine the transformative power of movement on mental health. Join us on this enlightening episode of Giving Your Best Life Podcast, where Stephanie and Zach Lloyd delve into the profound connection between physical activity and mental wellness. Hear Stephanie’s touching story about a friend's triumph over depression and anxiety through consistent exercise. Supported by Zach’s detailed scien...

Ready to make the most out of summer? Learn how intentional planning and a "summer dream list" can transform your season from mundane to magical. Stephanie dives into her tactical approach to seizing sunny days in Northwest Indiana, a region where winters are notoriously long and dreary. By categorizing summer activities—whether it's home projects, physical fun, or quality time with...

Have you ever felt paralyzed by worry, unable to seize new opportunities? Reflecting on a heartfelt conversation with a close friend, Stephanie uncovers how worry and anxiety can become a major distraction in our lives.  In this episode of Giving Your Best Life, we delve into the power of prayer and gratitude as tools to combat anxiety. Inspired by a specific Bible verse, we emphasize the importan...

Get ready to debunk some fitness myths and learn effective exercise strategies with our special guest, Zach Lloyd, a Sustainable Anti-Diet Coach. Have you ever wondered why walking with small weights seems ineffective? Zach explains how minimal weights like one-pound dumbbells quickly become part of your body weight, losing their effectiveness. We'll also break down the benefits and risks of...