Podcast #1 - beginnings

In this week’s episode, I talk all about the magic of beginnings. How perfect especially since I am leaping into beginning this podcast as well as this epic community.  I dive into how when things seem scary we don't want to start, but then we do it anyway.  I also share about why I choose to connect a community to this podcast and how important it is to say "good enough" and take the leap. 

This is just the beginning and I can't wait to see what unfolds.  

---

Writing Prompt

After listening in, grab a pen and paper and explore the following prompt by imagining that you have already started.

Then join us over in the Soul Circle Community to share your response.

Join me over on Instagram @jbelthoff

Gallery Block

This is an example. To display your Instagram posts, double-click here to add an account or select an existing connected account. Learn more

taking a leap

There is a path in front of you, always.  You may not know where the path is leading, but you need to trust the importance of taking steps forward.  If you don’t take any steps you stay exactly where you are.  Yes, it’s comfortable.  You know your surroundings.  You can pretty much anticipate what is going to happen next.

But when you follow the unknown you open the door to possibility.  You don’t know what may happen, but that is really all part of the journey.  Setting your intentions then giving life space to unfold.

Today I am taking a bold step forward.  I am diving into two dreams that have been living in my heart for a very long time. 

#1 - This is something I have been longing for, needing, wanting.  But I couldn't find it no matter how hard I looked.  I thought if I was feeling this so deeply, there had to be others like me out there feeling the exact same thing therefore I decided to take the leap and create it. 

Welcome to the Soul Circle Community

A FREE online community space for creative hearts.
A place where you can show up exactly as you are. 
A space to share stories, ideas, and inspiration to unearth the inner light that is burning inside you.

Because we all need a place where we can gather.  A place to be seen and heard.  And one thing I know for certain is that we aren't meant to take the journey alone.  We need one another.  

I invite you to join me in an online community space hosted on Mighty Networks. A platform off of social media that has it's own app and provides the space to connect more deeply with one another.  

I intentionally choose to do this off of social media to eliminate some of the background noise and have a place where we can all land that feels a little bit like home. 

 Each month will be centered around a particular theme. This will provide the opportunity to dive in a little bit deeper.  There will be weekly questions, secret missions, an opportunity to celebrate with one another, and a weekly podcast.  

#2 - Yup, that’s right!  I am starting a podcast.  I am leaning into sharing my voice in a whole different way and leaping into the great expanse which is the podcasting world.  The Soul Circle podcast is designed to delight the inner fire that is burning inside you and encourage you to step into your unique gifts as you unleash your authentic self. 

 Stating a podcast is scary and exhilarating all rolled into one.  It’s wild.  It feels right to step up to the challenge and it is also teaching me to lean into that unknown path and see what will unfold.  

 You will be able to listen in on all the usual podcasting platforms starting today with the Trailer episode.  

I am looking forward to being able to dive in deeper with you.  To connect, engage and grow …. Together.  Can’t wait to spend time with you over in the community space.  

Join me over on Instagram @jbelthoff

Gallery Block

This is an example. To display your Instagram posts, double-click here to add an account or select an existing connected account. Learn more

I want to say yes to

I want to say YES to sinking into joy and not worrying about what others think of me. As the saying goes;

“dance as if no one is watching”

I want to say YES to that unbridled freedom that comes from unlocking the door. The door I have bolted shut in front of my heart and soul so that only invited guests could see what was behind it.

I want to to give in to the joy like it is something I deserve because gosh darn it, I deserve it!

Laughing, singing, dancing.

Why do I hold back? When I’m at a red light why do I stop singing? Why do I hide my JOY?

Joy isn’t meant to be in the shadows. It is something to share, to savor. It is contagious

It’s time to say yes, a whole-hearted yes to JOY.

Writing Prompt

What are you ready to say yes to? Don’t hold back? Grab your pen and paper and put it down. Putting something down helps put it into motion. It’s time to put it into motion

I am saying yes to ….

Not sure where to begin? Start by making a list. A list is a perfect entryway to getting something down on the page.

Let’s Get Together {virtually}

The prompt above was from the Write Together Community class that I host each Monday night. It’s a space for people to come together and spill words onto the page. No prior writing experience is required. Come and join us!

Upcoming Classes

Wanna view all classes, check out the calendar!

---

Join me over on Instagram @jbelthoff

Gallery Block

This is an example. To display your Instagram posts, double-click here to add an account or select an existing connected account. Learn more

if I could tell you one about me

If I could tell you one about me, it would be that it took me a long time to unlock my inner happiness. I may look like I have it all together, but being able to stand where I am today took a lot of work. I stumbled, lost my way, made mistakes, thought for sure I was getting it right but really had it all wrong. I learned so much on the journey.

I’m still not exactly sure when I finally “got it”. Maybe that’s because it’s not a one and done lesson learned. It’s something that requires intention, compassion, and the ability to be vulnerable.

I learned that the key to my happiness is leaning into who I truly am and then not being fearful to share that spunky, colorful, radiant person with the world.

To stand tall, head held high, shoulders back, smiling wide as I walk into a room and don’t feel the need to alter or change but to proudly be me.

I need to share my perspective because it is unique to the life experiences I have and the lessons I learned. I need to love the way I do. Bringing someone close by touching their arm, listening intently, and laughing with my whole heart. I need to share my excitement around my passion for writing, my dream to build a community filled with connection and my love of being outside. I need to not shy away when the spotlight is on me but stand in my light and shine.

Because being true to ourselves is the biggest gift we can give to the world. No one sees things the way you do. No one experiences things the way you do. No one else is YOU! And who you are, how you feel, the way you show up … it matters. All of YOU matters.

It’s important to stand in your light. To show the world the beautiful, divine, unique radiance that only you hold. When you stand in your joy you inspire and invite others to do the same. You carve the path forward by showing them that it is possible. You become a beacon in the dark times.

I know, it’s not always easy. We are constantly tested. Pushed to our limits. Challenged time and time again. But I see your strength. I know your worth. And I feel how deeply the world needs you. Not the you who is pretty and polished after you showered, put on your favorite outfit, and a hint of lipstick. No, not that version. But the raw authentic you that just rolled out of bed. Hair messy, still in your pj’s, fluttering your eyes open, ready to take on the world. You are the one the world is waiting for. You are the one who is filled with brilliance, courage, and compassion.

It’s time we all stepped into our own inner happiness, paving the way for others to do the same.

Writing Prompt

if you had the chance to tell someone just one thing about you, what would it be? Begin writing with the following words and see what spills open.

If I could tell you one thing about me ….

Let’s Get Together {virtually}

The prompt above was from the Write Together Community class that I host each Monday night. It’s a space for people to come together and spill words onto the page. No prior writing experience is required. Come and join us!

Upcoming Classes

Wanna view all classes, check out the calendar!

---

Join me over on Instagram @jbelthoff

Gallery Block

This is an example. To display your Instagram posts, double-click here to add an account or select an existing connected account. Learn more

here's what I know to be true

In this time of “social distancing,” so much of my routine has been disrupted. I used to be on the go. Running from one thing to the next. Never catching my breath.

But then something happened. The world forced me to come to a standstill. I couldn’t leave my home. i wasn’t expected to be in the office, host girl scout meetings, say yes to events I really wanted to say no to.

In a strange way, I was given permission to just be, exactly where I was.

I remember a day in April. Dustin and I were sitting in the backyard. On any other day, I would have a long list of ‘things’ we should be doing. Errands to be run. Tasks that needed taken care of. But all the “should’s” were thrown out the window and I was given permission to be exactly where I was. What a gift I never knew I needed.

I remember sitting in the backyard and smiling so wide that day. Grateful for being exactly where I was, with nowhere else to go.

We sat in the backyard. Music playing. Sun shining. Just us, together. All we had to do was be in the moment and enjoy each other’s company. It was time we never realized we needed. Time we never had before.

Now here we are, six months later and although some things have opened we still have not chosen to venture beyond our comfort. We choose home-cooked meals over nights out. Time together over time with others. We are continuing to sink into the moment and be home together.

I appreciate the slower movement. Not having to run from one thing to the next. Working from home and not having that long commute. Being given permission to carve our own path forward. A path that looks and feels right for us.

2020 has been an incredible year. Thinking back to January I never, ever imagined I would be sitting where I am today. But oh how incredibly grateful I am. For this space. For this trust. For this opportunity to be right where I am.

I have no idea what the future will hold. Each day is a new adventure. But one thing I know for sure, I am going to keep listening. Keep being. Keep showing up to what feels right in my heart. Because that is all we can do right now. Be true to ourselves and express that truth to others.

Here’s my truth. I love working from home. I am grateful for the amazing, loving relationship I have I am grateful for the way the community I have been nurturing since the end of March has been forming. I couldn’t imagine this time without them. I am so glad I have space to spread out into. Space to be outside. Space to breathe. I am grateful for the inspiration to move my body each day. Grateful for my legs that keep taking one step at a time. I know I could never do all of this alone. I am grateful for the incredible individuals who fill my heart with love and inspiration.

In dark times it can be hard to find the truth, to find the light. But oh my goodness, it is so important. What is true for you right now? What path are you carving?

Writing Prompt

In what way are you unbecoming. Pull out your notebook and pen and give the following prompt a try. To not judge what you put down, simply give it space to breathe on the paper.

Breaking open….

We Need One Another

The prompt above was from the Write Together Community class that I host each Monday night. It is a space for people to come together and spill words onto the page. No prior writing experience is required as the blank page will catch anything you throw at it.

Upcoming Classes

Wanna view all classes, check out the calendar!

---

Join me over on Instagram @jbelthoff

Gallery Block

This is an example. To display your Instagram posts, double-click here to add an account or select an existing connected account. Learn more

unbecoming

Breaking open into the unknown.
Unsure of the path before you.
The breaking hurts. Stinging the heart.
The feeling of pain seems insurmountable to heal.

The pieces lay on the ground.
Sharp. Piercing.
Unknown layers shedding.
But before you is not what it appears to be.

It’s not all pain.
It’s not all sorrow.
It’s an unbecoming of what you thought you had to believe.
A rising up of what you know to be true in your heart.

A moment of chaos leading to a blank path before you.
You take the lead.
Chart the course and find your way.
To where you are going you need not know.

Trust.
Trust in the journey.
In the unfolding.
In the opening and closing.

Trust in the letting go.
In the inviting in.
Keep stepping forward. One foot in front of the other.
This is how you find your way. This is how you unearth, become and sink into joy

Writing Prompt

In what way are you unbecoming. Pull out your notebook and pen and give the following prompt a try. To not judge what you put down, simply give it space to breathe on the paper.

Breaking open….

We Need One Another

The prompt above was from the Write Together Community class that I host each Monday night. It is a space for people to come together and spill words onto the page. No prior writing experience is required as the blank page will catch anything you throw at it.

Upcoming Classes

Wanna view all classes, check out the calendar!

---

Join me over on Instagram @jbelthoff

Gallery Block

This is an example. To display your Instagram posts, double-click here to add an account or select an existing connected account. Learn more