Both-And Perspective by Project Mel

17. Hello Summer of No

Mastering the Art of Saying Both Yes and No: A Summer of Intentional Living Mel delves into the powerful concept of the 'Year of Yes and No' with guest Jim Hilber. Discover how deciding ahead of time and alternating between a period of saying yes to everything and a period of saying no brings both exploration and focus into your life. Jim shares insights on balancing personal and professional commitments, the importance of deliberate decision-making, and how saying no can be as empowering as saying yes. Whether you're looking to break free from analysis paralysis or simply live more intentionally, this episode offers valuable takeaways for a transformative summer. 00:00 Delighting in Summertime 01:37 Introducing Jim Hilber and His Philosophy 02:35 Jim's Journey with the Year of Yes and No 04:22 Balancing Yes and No in Life and Business 06:27 The Power of Deliberate Decisions 09:01 Gratitude and Growth Through Yes and No 18:21 The Importance of Balance and Intentionality 20:21 Summer Challenge For more info on Jim https://powercore.net/members/jim-hilber

16. Permission to Mess Up, Even, and Especially When It's My Fault

MEL SHARES HER LENTEN JOURNEY BY EXAMINING THE EMOTIONAL COMFORT SHE FINDS IN GETTING THINGS RIGHT AND ALSO THE COST. SEE WHY IT FEELS SO GOOD TO BE RIGHT, AND DISCOVER ACTIONABLE STEPS TO DITCH THE DRIVE TO BE PERFECT, OVERCOME THE VULNERABILITY HANGOVER, AND STOP SEEKING VALIDATION THROUGH EXPLANATION.  Key Takeaways * Perfectionism isn't about achieving perfection but about avoiding painful feelings of blame, shame, and judgment * Vulnerability requires courage to show up when we could have done it better * Letting others be wrong about us is a powerful practice in releasing the need for external validation * Mel's Lenten practice includes doing uncomfortable things daily, not explaining herself, embracing vulnerability, and not managing others' experiences Quotable Moments * "Blessed are we the ones trying, the ones failing." Kate Bowler * "Every decision has things that are right about it and things that are wrong about it." * "What if it was okay even if it was our fault?" * "Business and entrepreneur are both spelled with a "U" on purpose. I want businesses to be the U-est you they can possibly be." Resources Mentioned * Books: "Women Living Deliciously" by Florence Given * People: Brené Brown, Kate Bowler, Brooke Castillo Episode Challenge Where are you diluting yourself to make yourself more palatable? Be the "U-est You" possible, remembering that you're not for everyone in work and in play.

15. Beyond the Helpless Hula: 100 Days of Love and Awe

Caught in the "helpless hula?" - that spinning between wanting to do something and feeling powerless, this episode is for you. Mel asks which feelings we want to keep - even when they hurt. And how she's answering the ones that threaten to freeze her. She shares how she's willing to get it wrong and offers practical steps to move forward, from creating a personal DEI department to finding delight in unexpected places (like that surprise goldfish cracker in the car).  From tigers on corners to beloved communities, discover how you can find your own way to show up fully in challenging times.

14. The Measure of "Better": On Giving and Receiving

If you’re like me, you grew up hearing, “It’s better to give than to receive.” What does better even mean? Maybe easier. What if receiving is not about the gift itself but about the act of being open to what life (and others) want to give us? Even if it's awkward gifts, unsolicited advice, or a blaise coffee shop "good morning." Here’s what’s inside this episode: 🌟 Why receiving is different (and harder) than getting—and why it's so worth it. 🌟 The secret rule that made receiving life-changing during my cancer journey: No one who loves you can give the wrong thing. 🌟 How to become a wide receiver for life’s unexpected “passes,” whether it’s an awkward gift, unsolicited advice, or just a coffee shop “good morning.” We’ll also explore: 🎁 The surprising freedom of receiving without the "shoulds." 🏉 How to adjust, stretch, and make those awe-inspiring “catches” in life—even when it’s not the pass you were hoping for. ✨ The grace of accepting what’s offered while staying true to your own preferences, tastes, and boundaries. With tips, personal stories (like how my sweet pug Elvira taught me grace), and a sprinkle of holiday magic, this episode is here to help you embrace the both-and of receiving. Whether it’s the gift you wanted or the advice you didn’t, the awkward stretch of learning to be a wide receiver can lead to a bigger, fuller life. My Gift To You: Sign up for the FREE goal setting workshop here: https://bit.ly/eureka2025.

13. Thinking Pink: The Business of Breast Cancer

It's Pinktober for better or worse. Drawing from her own journey as a consumer, marketer, and now survivor, Mel dives into how her views on the “pink month” have evolved—from excitement over pink products to questioning the true impact of those purchases. Join Mel as she breaks down the history of breast cancer awareness month and the delicate balance between being charitable and profitable. Are we raising meaningful funds or just buying into marketing campaigns?