Encouragementology
Professional Life & Recovery Coach, Kendell Boysen gives a positive spin on some of life’s challenges in this weekly segment. Identify with the topic, learn positive ways to overcome, and receive a weekly challenge.
Question: Are You Giving as Much as You’re Taking?
SHOW NOTES:
On this show… we’re flipping the script and asking, are you giving as much as you’re taking? Have you ever felt like life just isn’t fair? Like you’re stuck playing the hand you were dealt while others seem to coast through with a royal flush? Maybe you’ve caught yourself thinking, “Why do they get all the breaks?” or “When is it my turn?” It’s easy to feel that way when we’re hyper-aware of what we’re not getting, but how often do we pause to consider what we’re giving?
Sometimes...
The Power of Pausing: What Rest Really Reveals
SHOW NOTES:
On this show…we’re exploring the power of pausing to see what rest can really reveal. We’ll be slowing things down. Literally. In a world where “fast” is the default setting: fast food, fast lanes, fast Wi-Fi, it’s easy to feel like we’re always rushing. Have you ever found yourself impatient in the “wrong” line at the store, agitated by the buffering wheel, or frustrated that someone isn’t replying fast enough? It’s almost as if our value is tied to how quickly we can move through life.
But then, without warn...
Knowing When to Listen, When to Help, and When to Let It Breathe
SHOW NOTES:
On this show…we’re learning when to listen, when to help, and when to just let it breathe. Have you ever found yourself halfway through someone’s story and already mentally rolling out the action plan? They’re still explaining how overwhelmed they feel, and you’ve already drafted three possible solutions, ranked by efficiency. Guilty? Me too.
If you’re a natural-born fixer, hearing a problem can feel like a challenge to solve — like someone just lobbed a ball your way and you’re already mid-pitch with a winning strategy. But here’s the thing...
The Human Need for Connection in an AI-Driven World
SHOW NOTES:
On this show…we’re exploring something that has always been at the heart of Encouragementology: the simple, powerful, and essential need for connection. Not surface-level chatter or algorithmic affirmations, but real, human-to-human interaction. The kind that looks you in the eye, senses your mood, leans in when you’re struggling, and celebrates when you’re rising.
Have you ever found yourself surrounded by communication but still feeling completely alone? Maybe your phone lights up all day with notifications, you scroll past hundreds of smiling faces and inspirational quotes, and yet… you can’t remember t...
The Middle of the Journey: Too Late to Start Over, Too Soon to Give Up
SHOW NOTES:
On this show… we’re facing that uncomfortable yet familiar middle stretch. Have you ever looked around and thought, “How did I get here? Am I doing enough? Is it too late to change direction, or too soon to stop trying?” That moment where the rearview is full of decisions, detours, and dashed hopes, while the road ahead seems just out of focus?
I want to tell you about a song that’s been living rent-free in my heart—and it just happens to be my husband’s new single, “The Horizon.” It’s been 15 years in t...
Choose Your Hard: Finding Strength in Life’s Tough Choices
SHOW NOTES:
On this show…we’re talking about the idea of choosing your hard. Have you ever felt like life just keeps piling on the challenges, like no matter what direction you take, it’s tough? Marriage is hard, but so is divorce. Being in debt is hard, but so is being financially disciplined. Communication is hard, but so is staying silent. The truth is, there’s no easy route. But what if instead of feeling like life is happening to us, we recognized that we get to choose which hard we live with?
It’s tem...
Searching for Fulfillment and Discovering True Satisfaction
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On this show…we’re talking about searching for fulfillment and discovering true satisfaction. Have you ever felt like you were on a constant quest for “the next thing”—a new job, a new relationship, a new milestone—believing that once you achieved it, you’d finally feel complete? It’s a familiar cycle: the anticipation, the accomplishment, and then the quiet realization that the longing is still there. What if the reason we keep searching isn’t because we’re broken, but because our hearts are tuned to look for something deeper than surface-level success?
We l...
Letting Go of Outdated Thinking: Why Silence, Perspective & Last Words Hold You Back
SHOW NOTES:
On this show, we are letting go of our old ways of thinking to learn why silence, perspective, and always needing the last word may be holding us back.
Have you ever caught yourself clinging to a belief simply because it feels like yours to protect, even when it no longer fits the moment or serves the relationship? Or felt compelled to say one more thing, just to make sure you’re understood, validated, or seen as right, only to walk away feeling a little more frustrated than fulfilled?
We’re taki...
The Power of Encouragement: How Lifting Others Lifts You Too
SHOW NOTES:
On this show… we’re exploring the power of encouragement by diving into the beautiful ripple effect that starts when you decide to show up for someone else—with nothing more than your time, your compassion, and your belief in them. Have you ever offered someone a kind word or a listening ear, only to walk away feeling you were the one who had been lifted? That’s not coincidence. It’s connection. It’s one of life’s quiet miracles that when you encourage someone else, you get a little more wind under your own wings.
...Redefine Your Story: Who You Are, Not What You’ve Done
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On this show… I’m inviting you to step out of your résumé and into your real self as we redefine your story because it’s about who you are, not just what you’ve done. In a world obsessed with titles and accomplishments, we’re exploring the depth of identity that extends far beyond a job title. Let’s peel back the layers, laugh at our own career clichés, and reclaim the core traits that make us resilient, creative, and deeply human.
We’ll explore how your strengths, values, and patterns, not your...
You Can Do Hard Things: Build Resilience & Beat Procrastination
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On this show…we’re exploring how you can do hard things, build resilience & beat procrastination! We’re diving into that moment when your brain whispers, “nah, let’s just wait, doing hard stuff is hard.” And you know what? That’s totally okay. Procrastination isn’t about laziness, it’s your body’s way of dodging discomfort. We’ll explore how resilience isn’t about superhero strength, it’s about learning to lean into the challenge, even when you’d rather binge‑watch from your comfort zone.
Life tosses curveballs; overwhelm, fear of failing, perfectionism, or...
Purpose Isn’t a Title, It’s a Tuning Fork
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On this show…we’re tuning into something deeper than ambition, goals, or even success—we’re exploring purpose. But not the kind that fits neatly on a resume or hangs on a nameplate. Purpose Isn’t a Title—It’s a Tuning Fork. It’s not about what you do, but how in tune you are with who you are—and how that tone carries into the world around you.
You’ve probably heard the saying, “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” That idea tu...
Disappointment: Rebuilding Trust with Yourself After Letdowns
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On this show… we’re leaning into the uncomfortable yet universal feeling of disappointment and uncovering how to rebuild trust with yourself after life doesn’t go as planned. It’s that gut-punch moment when expectations crash into reality, leaving behind a mess of frustration, doubt, and “now what?” You might feel like you’ve been knocked off course, your momentum stalled, and your confidence shaken. But what if, instead of seeing disappointment as a dead end, you viewed it as a detour—a nudge toward something you might have missed if things had gone “perfectly” the fir...
Information Overload: Finding Peace in a World That Won’t Stop Talking
SHOW NOTES:
On this show…we’re exploring the exhausting reality of modern communication and asking: how do we find peace in a world that won’t stop talking?
Every ping, ding, scroll, and swipe chips away at your attention. You’re bombarded with messages—from friends, strangers, brands, and bots. You’re constantly evaluating: Is this urgent? Is it true? Is it for me? Even before you form a thought, you’re nudged to like, reply, share, or shut down. And in the middle of all that noise, it’s easy to lose your own voice or, wo...
When You’re Tired of Hurting But Not Ready to Heal
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On this show, we’re diving into a tough but necessary question: What happens when you’re tired of hurting—but not quite ready to heal? Healing isn’t just a switch you flip or a checklist you complete—it’s a layered, deeply personal journey that unfolds in its own time.
Maybe you’ve reached that point where the pain is exhausting, but the idea of letting go feels…terrifying. Sometimes, we hold on because the hurt is familiar—our pain becomes part of our identity, even a security blanket. We might say we want to fee...
Enjoy the Ride: How to Stop Rushing Toward What’s Next
SHOW NOTES:
On this show…we’re talking about how to stop rushing toward “what’s next” and start enjoying the ride. Have you ever caught yourself racing through life, so focused on the finish line that you barely notice the scenery around you? It’s easy to fall into a pattern of “when I get there, then I’ll be happy,” only to find that there keeps moving further away. Whether it’s the next promotion, the next milestone, or just the next weekend, we’re often living for the future—and missing the now.
In this episode, we’ll...
Balancing Act: Love, Money & the Real Pursuit of Happiness
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On this show… we’re exploring the balancing act between love, money, and the real pursuit of happiness. What happens when one area becomes the focus at the expense of the others? You might be building wealth but losing touch with your relationships, or maybe you’re all-in for love but silently stressed about your financial future. It’s easy to get off-kilter, especially when life demands you juggle multiple priorities at once.
The truth is, balance often becomes obvious only in hindsight. But what if you could spot the imbalance before it knocks y...
What If It’s Not a Setback—But a Setup? Turning Roadblocks Into Redirection
SHOW NOTES:
On this show…we’re asking: What if your setback isn’t the end of the road, but a setup for something greater? Too often, we treat failure like a stop sign—something to fear, avoid, or be ashamed of. But what if it’s actually a signpost pointing us toward a better path, one we couldn’t have seen without the detour? This week, we’re flipping the script on disappointment and getting curious about the hidden wisdom in rejection, reroutes, and redirections.
Think about a time when something didn’t go your way—and now...
Who Am I Without the Title? Exploring Identity Beyond the Roles We Wear
SHOW NOTES:
On this show…we’re talking about identity—what it means, where it comes from, and who gets to define it. Ever stop to wonder who you really are when the titles fall away? It’s a strange thing—how we cling to labels like “parent,” “manager,” “helper,” or even “hot mess,” as if they were our full name. Titles can help us navigate the world, but when we rely too heavily on them, they can box us in or even blur the truth of who we are underneath.
We live in a world that loves a good la...
Find Your Voice—Without the Guilt Trip
SHOW NOTES:
On this show, we’re talking about what it really means to find your voice—without dragging along the guilt trip. Maybe you’ve been biting your tongue, nodding when you mean to shake your head, or saying “sure” when every fiber of your being is screaming “no!” Sound familiar? You’re not alone. So many of us, especially the people-pleasers and peacekeepers of the world, have been taught to smooth things over rather than speak up. But here’s the thing—your voice matters, and your truth deserves airtime.
Now, I’m not talking about shou...
Controlling What’s Controlling You: Breaking Free from Habits, Hangups, and Denial
SHOW NOTES:
On this show… we’re exploring the sneaky ways we lose control—without even realizing we’ve handed it over. Have you ever found yourself doing something—again—and thinking, “Why do I keep doing this?” Maybe it’s late-night scrolling, that one more drink, the need to say “yes” when you’re screaming “no” inside. These patterns creep in, settle down, and before you know it, they’ve built a little nest in your life. We call them habits, but sometimes, they’re more than that. Sometimes they’re hangups, hurts, or full-blown addictions masquerading as routines. And here...
Permission to Be a Work in Progress: You’re Not Behind – You’re Becoming
SHOW NOTES:
On this show… we’re giving ourselves permission to embrace progress—not perfection—as we unpack what it really means to be a work in progress. That nagging feeling that you’re somehow behind in life? Yeah, we’re going to challenge that head-on. Because maybe you’re not off track at all… maybe you’re right on time for your own becoming.
Have you ever looked around and thought, “Wait, am I the only one who doesn’t have this whole life thing figured out?” If so, you’re in good company. Today, we’re tossing out t...
Read the Chapter You’re On: Embracing the Present in Life’s Ongoing Story
SHOW NOTES:
On this show…we are going to stick to reading the chapter we’re on by embracing the present in life’s ongoing story. Have you ever found yourself mentally rewriting chapters of your past or trying to peek ahead at pages you haven’t reached yet? It’s human nature to replay moments we wish had gone differently or to worry about what’s coming next. But while we’re busy editing old plotlines or predicting future twists, we miss out on the beauty and clarity of the chapter we’re actually in—the one unfolding righ...
Pinned by the Past: Breaking Free from the Weight of Old Mistakes
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On this show…we are breaking free from the weight of old mistakes by unpinning ourselves from our past. Ever feel like no matter how much you grow, your past keeps showing up like an old playlist you didn’t ask to hear again? You’re finally moving forward—changing your habits, setting boundaries, maybe even feeling hope—but suddenly, wham, a memory, a regret, or a “what-if” slams into your progress like a closed door. I recently came across this line in a book that hit me right in the heart: “I was a butterfly pinned...
Detaching with Love: Boundaries, Codependency, and Letting Go Without Giving Up
SHOW NOTES:
On this show…we are detaching with love as we learn the importance of setting healthly boundaries, explore the many faces of codependency, and understand how to let go without giving up. Have you ever felt like someone else’s happiness—or healing—was somehow your responsibility? Like if they were struggling, it meant you had to jump in and fix it, smooth it over, or carry it for them? If that sounds familiar, you might be brushing up against something I’ve wrestled with myself: codependency. For me, learning to detach with love has been one o...
Risk, Reward, and the Fear That Keeps You Stuck
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On this show…we are exploring risk vs reward and the fear that keeps you stuck. If you’re someone who shies away from taking risks because you’re terrified of failure, I’m speaking to you today. We’re diving deep into the tension between risk and reward, why people stay stuck, and how you can break free from the cycle of fear. We’ll explore why fear holds us back, how to bounce back when things don’t go as planned, and most importantly—how to take calculated risks that can lead to growth, success...
Take Your Own Medicine: Practicing What You Preach for Personal Growth
SHOW NOTES:
On this show…we are making a commitment to take our own medicine and practice what we preach to achieve authentic personal growth. Have you ever caught yourself dishing out great advice—maybe even life-changing advice—only to realize you’re not actually taking it yourself? You’re not alone. For me, this became very real when I paused and thought, Wait a minute… am I applying the very same healing and growth tools I’ve spent years teaching others? It’s easy to guide, encourage, and support someone else’s transformation—it feels great, even! But when it co...
Beyond the Smile: Growing Through What You Don’t Want to Feel
On this show…we are going beyond the smile to understand that sometimes you have to grow through what you don’t want to feel. How often have you heard, “Just stay positive!” as a magic fix for life’s problems? It sounds good—and sometimes it is good—but what happens when positivity turns into a clever disguise for real, messy emotions? For a lot of us, especially those who are naturally peacekeepers or conflict-avoiders, it’s easier to slap on a smile, let things “roll off our back,” and move on… at least on the outside. But inside? Inside, we mig...
Mood Matters: How Your Inner World Shapes Your Outer Experience
SHOW NOTES:
On this show…we are recognizing that moods matter because our inner world dramatically shapes our outer experience. Have you ever waited on someone—or something—to change the energy in the room, cheer you up, or just make the day feel better? Maybe you’ve thought, “If they’d just smile,” or “If one good thing would happen, maybe I’d feel different.” We’ve all been there, hoping for a rescue from a funk we can’t quite shake. But what if we’ve been giving away way too much power? What if the secret to turning the d...
Unspoken: How Body Language Communicates What Words Can’t
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On this show… we are exploring the unspoken to learn how body language communicates what words can’t. Have you ever walked into a room and immediately felt something… off? No one said a word, but somehow, you just knew—you weren’t welcome at that table, or someone just had an argument in the kitchen. That’s the beauty (and sometimes the awkwardness) of body language. It speaks loud and clear—even when our mouths are saying, “I’m fine!”
In this episode, we’re digging into all those silent signals we send—whether we mean to...
Manifesting Your Destiny: Embracing Personal Responsibility to Shape Your Future
SHOW NOTES:
On this show…we are embracing personal responsibility to shape our futures as we manifest our destiny. Have you ever paused to consider the role you play in crafting your own life story? It’s a compelling notion that the outcomes we experience—both triumphs and setbacks—are not merely products of chance, but reflections of our own intentions and actions. This perspective invites us to delve into the profound connection between our thoughts, behaviors, and the realities we encounter.
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In this episode, we’re embarking on an enlightening journey to explore the...
The Certainty Trap: Are You as Right as You Think?
SHOW NOTES:
On this show…we are attempting to avoid the Certainty Trap by asking, "Are you as right as you think you are?" Have you ever felt so sure you were right about something, only to later discover there was more to the story—or a completely different side you hadn’t considered? That moment can be humbling, even a little uncomfortable, but it’s also where growth begins.
We’ve all been there—standing our ground, convinced that our perspective is the correct one. Whether it’s a debate about current events, a disagreement i...
Beyond Comfort: Embracing Growth by Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone
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On this show… we are going beyond comfort as we step outside of our comfort zones and embrace growth. We’ve all been there—nestled comfortably in our routines, sipping the same coffee, walking the same paths, and binge-watching that favorite series for the umpteenth time. It’s cozy, predictable, and safe. But have you ever wondered what lies beyond that snug bubble? What adventures, opportunities, and personal growth await when you dare to venture into the unknown?
Stepping outside your comfort zone isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s a transformative journey that...
Emotional Shape-Shifting: Adapting Emotions in Social Situations
SHOW NOTES:
On this show…we are diving into the idea of emotional shape-shifting or adapting our emotions and behaviors in different social situations. Have you ever found yourself slipping into the role of mood manager—filling awkward silences, lifting a heavy atmosphere, or shifting your tone just to keep the peace? Maybe you’ve walked into a room, scanned the emotional temperature, and instinctively adjusted yourself to fit in, smoothing out discomfort like a social glue stick. If so, congratulations! You might be what I like to call an Emotional Shape-Shifter—the person who intuitively adapts to meet...
From Dreams to Reality: Taking Action to Live Your Best Life
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On this show…we are turning dreams into reality as we take action to live our best lives. Have you ever caught yourself saying, “One day, I’m going to…” or “I wish I could…” only to let time slip by without taking action? Maybe you’ve dreamed of starting your own business, writing a book, switching careers, or finally diving into that passion project you can’t stop thinking about. But somehow, between responsibilities, self-doubt, and the comfort of routine, those dreams get placed on the back burner. And the longer they sit, the easier it is to conv...
Beyond the Hammer: Expanding Your Toolbox for Life’s Challenges
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On this show…we are going beyond the hammer as we strive to expand our toolbox to handle life’s challenges. Have you ever found yourself approaching every problem with the same solution, even when it’s not the best fit? Maybe you’re the “tough love” person, doling out hard truths when sometimes a little empathy would go further. Or maybe you’re the peacemaker, smoothing things over when what’s really needed is some constructive conflict. We all have our go-to tools, and when they work, they work—but what about when they don’t? That’s why...
Feeding the Right Wolf: Balancing Your Inner Emotions
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On this show…we are balancing our inner emotions as we decide, which wolf to feed. Ever feel like there’s a tug-of-war happening inside you? One part of you wants to lounge on the couch, scrolling endlessly, indulging in snacks, and just existing in cozy bliss. Meanwhile, the other side is nagging at you—reminding you of the gym membership you’re paying for, the book you said you’d read, or that goal you promised yourself you’d chase. It’s an internal battle, and let’s be honest, some days, the lazy wolf wins. But w...
Anxiety or Excitement? Mastering Your Mind’s Balancing Act
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On this show…we’re cracking open the psychology of emotions, specifically the fine line between anxiety and excitement. Have you ever found yourself on the edge of a thrilling adventure, heart racing, palms sweaty, only to wonder: “Am I anxious or just excited?” If so, you’re not alone. Anxiety and excitement are emotional doppelgängers, mirroring each other in physical symptoms—rapid heartbeat, fluttering stomach, and that all-too-familiar rush of adrenaline. But here’s the twist: our mind plays the role of narrator, deciding whether this moment is a threat to be feared or an opportuni...
Seeing Both Sides: Expanding Your Perspective for Deeper Understanding
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On this show…we’re diving into the art of seeing both sides of the coin. Have you ever been so convinced you’re right about something, only to later realize you were missing an entire side of the story? It happens to all of us! We get comfortable in our own experiences, opinions, and beliefs, seeing the world through a lens shaped by our past. But what if we took a step back and considered another perspective—one that challenges our assumptions, expands our thinking, and maybe even changes the way we see the world? T...
Change: The Only Constant – Navigating Life’s Twists for Personal Growth
SHOW NOTES:
On this show..we’re diving into a topic that’s as inevitable as that laundry pile you’ve been avoiding: change. Whether it’s the subtle shift of seasons or a complete life overhaul, change is the only constant. But fear not! We’re here to explore how embracing these twists and turns can lead to a stronger, more resilient you. So, grab your favorite beverage, get comfy, and let’s embark on this journey together.
Change comes in many forms—planned or unexpected, minor tweaks or major transformations. It’s the process of becom...