Flourishing in a Complex World with Emiliya Zhivotovskaya

Let’s do a Mid-Year Check-In

Can you believe that we are half-way through 2026? In this episode, Julie shares her mid-year ritual and the questions she asks herself to review, realign and reset. Reflecting on progress, celebrating wins and learning from our successes and setbacks is an essential part of our growth, along with staying open to new possibilities, and a willingness to adjust our goals if need be. Here are the questions to explore: Am I prioritizing myself? Am I doing all the things that I know support my mental and emotional wellbeing? For me those are my morning routine, moving my body, making time for authentic connections, and doing work that is purposeful and meaningful? Next, How do I feel in my body? What is my energy level? Am I feeling energized these days or depleted? Am I sleeping and moving my body in ways that support feeling good? I have a couple minor injuries right now…What are the activities that are feeling most in service to me in this season? Finally, does my work and how I am showing up in all aspects of my life support my big P purpose, which is the impact you want to make in the world.  After I do that inventory,  I sit with the goals that I set out in January.  1. Which goals am I on track to achieve by the end of the year? 2. Are there any goals that I am struggling with or have not yet started? If there are, what is happening? Which leads me to  3. Are my current goals still relevant to my overall vision and long-term objectives? 4. Have any of my priorities changed since the beginning of the year? 5. Do any of my goals need to be adjusted or redefined to better align with my current situation? 6. What resources (time, money, skills) have I used effectively to work towards my goals? 7. Are there any additional resources or support I need to achieve my goals? 8. How motivated do I feel about each of my goals? 9. What successes and milestones have I celebrated this year? 10. What have I learned from both my successes and my setbacks? 11. What specific actions have been most effective in progressing towards my goals? 12. What new actions or strategies can I implement to enhance my progress? 13. Are there any habits or routines I need to change to better support my goals?   And here is where I get really excited.... 16. What are my top priorities for the next six months? 17. What do I want to keep doing? 18. What do I want to stop doing? 19. What do I want to start doing? 20. How can I maintain momentum and stay focused both on my goals? 21. What will success look like for me at the end of the year?   Check out this episode for all the tools you need for YOUR mid-year check in! Thank you for listening. We are so happy you found us. If you enjoyed today’s episode, follow Nine to Thrive: The Well-Being Podcast so our new episodes are automatically delivered to your favorite podcast feed, and please share it with a friend! Reviews and ratings matter <3  We would be so grateful if you left a 5 star rating and a few words about what you liked (or loved) about this episode.    Want more tools and strategies for thriving and flourishing?  -Check out Julie’s website and subscribe to her monthly newsletter here [https://www.juliefischercoaching.com/] -Follow Julie on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/juliefischer_coaching/] -Follow her on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-fischer-pcc-03002913/]  -Interested in working with Julie? Book an inquiry call here [https://calendly.com/juliefischercoaching/inquiry-call]

Let’s Get Curious

What do you do when you are? In this solo episode, Julie  makes a case for curiosity as the most reliable way through. Not pushing harder, not forcing clarity — but asking yourself better questions. The kind of questions that open doors instead of closing them. Drawing on Barbara Fredrickson’s Broaden-and-Build theory and her own coaching practice, Julie walks you through 18 self-coaching questions organized around three different flavors of stuck: not knowing what you want, knowing what you want but not being able to move, and the kind of stuck that’s really exhaustion in disguise. Think of this episode as a self-coaching session you can return to anytime you need it.   In This Episode Why curiosity works (the science) Fredrickson’s Broaden-and-Build theory explains why stress narrows our thinking — and why curiosity opens it back up. Julie also explores the shift from self-judgment to self-inquiry, and why that shift alone can be transformative. There are 18 self-coaching questions in this episode, organized into three categories - here is a sample from each - When you don’t know what you want ❮❯  What would I do if I knew I couldn’t fail? And what would I do if I knew I might? ❮❯  What lights me up — and when did I last actually let myself do it? ❮❯  What’s something I keep returning to that I keep talking myself out of as “not realistic”?   When you know what you want but can’t move ❮❯  What’s the story I’m telling myself about why this isn’t possible for me? ❮❯  What am I afraid will happen if I go for this? And then what? And then what after that? ❮❯  Who am I being when I stay here — and who am I becoming when I move?   When the stuck is really exhaustion ❮❯  What do I need or want,  that I keep waiting for permission to have? ❮❯  Where in my life do I feel most like myself? When did I last go there? ❮❯  If I gave myself full permission to rest and restore — what would that look like today?   Perhaps one of the most important questions…. ❮❯  What do I most need to be honest with myself about right now?   Four ways to work with these questions * Journaling — pick one question and write for 10 minutes without stopping * Walking inquiry — carry a question into your next walk and just notice what surfaces * Voice memo — ask yourself the question out loud and talk it through * Bring it to someone you trust — not for advice, just to be witnessed as you think out loud    Your Reflection Prompt Which of the three categories resonated most with you today — not knowing what you want, knowing but not moving, or running on empty? Pick one question from that section and sit with it this week. You don’t have to solve it. Just stay curious.   If today's episode moved you, we would be so grateful for a five star rating and a few words about what resonated. It helps more people find the show — and that matters. Follow Nine to Thrive so new episodes are automatically delivered to your favorite podcast feed, and share this one with someone who needs it. Stay connected with Julie:  Want more tools and strategies for thriving and flourishing?  -Check out Julie’s website and subscribe to her monthly newsletter here [https://www.juliefischercoaching.com/] -Follow Julie on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/juliefischer_coaching/?hl=en] -Follow her on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-fischer-pcc/]

Flourishing in a Complex World with Emiliya Zhivotovskaya

What does it really mean to flourish — not just survive, not just keep up, but genuinely thrive from the inside out? In a world of political polarization, chronic stress, loneliness, and uncertainty, that question feels more urgent than ever. In this episode Julie sits down with Emiliya Zhivotovskaya — founder of The Flourishing Center, pioneer of the PERMA-V model, and one of the world's leading voices in the science of human flourishing — for a conversation that is equal parts practical, filled with tools and practices you can use today, and deeply human. What you'll hear in this episode: Emiliya's origin story — a deeply moving account of losing her brother at 14 and her mother to ovarian cancer a decade later, and how those experiences of grief and adversity became the foundation of her life's work in positive psychology.  The PERMA-V model — Emiliya walks us through the evolution of positive psychology's foundational framework, from the original PEM model to PERMA, and explains why she pioneered the addition of Vitality — and why Martin Seligman ultimately endorsed it. The body is not separate from well-being. It is an integral part of it. What flourishing actually means — while some definitions might be setting the bar impossibly high,  Emiliya offers a more accessible and deeply resonant definition: flourishing is being able to show up in the world the way that you want to. Flourishing in a poly-crisis — how do we define and pursue flourishing in a world of political polarization, loneliness, climate anxiety, AI disruption, and social media overwhelm? Emiliya and Julie explore why the answer lies not in bypassing the difficulty but in holding both the hardship and the possibility at the same time. The neuroscience of helplessness — one of the most surprising and important findings in this conversation. New neuroimaging research suggests that helplessness isn't learned — it's actually biologically wired. What IS learned is efficacy and hopefulness. This reframe changes everything about how we approach flourishing. The mental health continuum — Dr. Corey Keys' groundbreaking two-by-two model that shows why mental health and mental illness are not opposites. Languishing is not the presence of illness — it is the absence of the skills of mental health. And those skills can be learned and practiced. From languishing to flourishing — what the pathway actually looks like, and why wellbeing is not something you have but something you do. Just like physical fitness, the skills of mental health require consistent practice and tending About Emiliya: Emiliya Zhivotovskaya is the founder and CEO of The Flourishing Center, a New York City-based benefit corporation dedicated to increasing well-being worldwide. She was among the very first cohort to earn a master's in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania under Martin Seligman, and is the pioneer of the PERMA-V model — which adds Vitality to the foundational framework of positive psychology. Drawing on a decade-long prior career as an entertainer, Emiliya blends science with practical tools to help people build resilience, lead effectively, and sustain well-being. The Flourishing Center's Certificate Program in Applied Positive Psychology recently became the first program in the world to receive accreditation from the International Positive Psychology Association. Where to find Emiliya: Check out The Flourishing Center — www.theflourishingcenter.com [http://www.theflourishingcenter.com] and learn more about Certificate Program in Applied Positive Psychology — upcoming cohorts in May, June, July, August and November Check out her new book “How We Flourish” on Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/How-Flourish-Science-Backed-Practices-Well-Being/dp/1998724409/ref=sr_1_1?crid=379EQ5QQK46SN&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.F7hMMWqZ0nolVF2-YJiZwjA1BBWr4PetXiZv99fsZtcPY_P8jgy_bV-yS0ZxfTklD_ATSqTDABsB8wZg4jNzZ4rI82HJbd7uX3MzEW3NVIrv90OXsk691KN2o1I164KMe59zNJPIWMp-040oo0IfRy7-8WzQ3pJfpAYScYeIiPP-Dgmv63sF8VRY3UcOI41clC4gw_wr_MHhc3NPjroJkg0aSLfz6RXndNrpEkEDj4g.5p8LPyDLBIkcEbvYEkW8UIKH4rgEZZ-INZPZ3WdIfoI&dib_tag=se&keywords=how+we+flourish+book&qid=1779386293&sprefix=how+we+flour%2Caps%2C202&sr=8-1]  "How We Flourish “ Interested in the Certificate Program in Applied Positive Psychology? Reach out to Julie directly — she would love to share how this program has transformed the way she sees and moves through the world. If today's episode moved you, we would be so grateful for a five star rating and a few words about what resonated. It helps more people find the show — and that matters. Follow Nine to Thrive so new episodes are automatically delivered to your favorite podcast feed, and share this one with someone who needs it. Stay connected with Julie:  Want more tools and strategies for thriving and flourishing?  -Check out Julie’s website and subscribe to her monthly newsletter here [https://www.juliefischercoaching.com/] -Follow Julie on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/juliefischer_coaching/?hl=en] -Follow her on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-fischer-pcc/]

Uncovering AWE in the Ordinary

When was the last time something stopped you in your tracks — not in a stressful way, but in a “wonder” kind of way? If you're struggling to remember, or want to create more moments like this in your life, this episode is for you. One of the most powerful well-being practices available to you requires nothing more than slowing down and paying attention. In this episode, Julie dives into the science (and practice) of everyday awe — drawing on the groundbreaking research of Dr. Dacher Keltner at UC Berkeley — and shares four simple tools for cultivating more awe in your daily life. In this episode: We cover the science of awe — what it actually is, what it does to your brain and body, and why it might be the most underrated well-being tool we have.  The "small self" effect — how awe shrinks self-focused thinking and anxiety and expands our sense of connection and purpose.  The eight categories that most reliably trigger awe — and how to use them to design your personal awe practice.  Why collective effervescence — the awe of shared experience — matters more than ever in a divided world.  Four awe practices to start today: the Awe Walk, the Awe Journal, your personal Awe Triggers, and the 1000 Awesome Things. This week's micro-practice: Take a 10-minute awe walk. No phone. Eyes wide open. Find one thing that makes you go wow — and let it stop you for a moment. Resources mentioned: Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder by Dacher Keltner 1000 Awesome Things by Neil Pasricha — www.1000awesomethings.com [http://www.1000awesomethings.com] Greater Good Science Center — www.greatergood.berkeley.edu [http://www.greatergood.berkeley.edu] Thank you for listening. We are so happy you found us. If today's episode added a little wonder or awe  to your day, we would love a five star rating and a review — it helps more people find the show. Want more tools and strategies for thriving and flourishing?  -Check out Julie’s website and subscribe to her monthly newsletter here [https://www.juliefischercoaching.com/] -Follow Julie on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/juliefischer_coaching/?hl=en] -Follow her on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-fischer-pcc/]    Remember, your well-being is the fuel for everything you are and everything you do. 🌿

The Art of Deep Rest — Rethinking Rest, Productivity, and What It Really Takes to Thrive

The Art of Deep Rest — Rethinking Rest, Productivity, and What It Really Takes to Thrive Episode Overview What if rest isn't the obstacle to thriving — but actually the foundation? In this episode, Julie is joined by Maegan Megginson, a spiritual strategist and sabbatical coach for small business owners, to explore why so many of us struggle to rest, what real rest actually looks like, and how designing a sustainable rest practice can transform not just our well-being, but the lives of everyone around us. What We Cover in This Episode The cultural story around rest — and why so many of us have inherited the belief that productivity equals worthiness and rest equals laziness. Julie and Megan explore the generational roots of this pattern and how it shows up today in the age of social media and the 24/7 hustle culture. Deep rest as a practice — Megan defines deep rest not as simply collapsing at the end of the day, but as any action that simultaneously regulates the nervous system and recharges the energy battery. Understanding the difference between hyperarousal, hypoarousal, and healthy homeostasis — and why both matter for true restoration. Your personal rest menu — drawing on the research of Dr. Sandra Dalton-Smith, Megan walks through seven categories of rest and why your recipe for restoration will look different from everyone else's: * Physical rest * Mental rest * Spiritual rest * Sensory rest * Social rest * Creative rest Vision as an entry point — why connecting to the vision you have for your life — and asking "how could I make it 10% more beautiful?" — is one of the most powerful starting places for shifting out of hyper-productivity. Alignment vs. misalignment — how to identify where your daily life and work are aligned with your values and vision, where they aren't, and how to begin making slow, intentional shifts. Plus: a closer look at the "shoulds" that quietly drive so much of our busyness. Rest and intuition — why the voice of intuition is always the quietest voice in the room, and how rest creates the conditions to finally hear it. Megan's powerful metaphor: rest reduces the static on the phone line between you and your own knowing. The sabbatical as an act of resistance — why saying yes to deep rest, when you have the privilege to do so, isn't selfish. It's a ripple effect that touches everyone in your life, your work, and your community. If you have been curious about what more rest might look like and feel like, this episode is for you. Remember, your well-being is the fuel for everything you are and everything you do and rest is an essential part of your well-being recipe.   Thank you for listening. We are so happy you found us. If you enjoyed today’s episode, follow Nine to Thrive: The Well-Being Podcast so our new episodes are automatically delivered to your favorite podcast feed, and please share it with a friend! Reviews and ratings matter <3  We would be so grateful if you left a 5 star rating and a few words about what you liked (or loved) about this episode.  Want more tools and strategies for thriving and flourishing?  -Check out Julie’s website and subscribe to her monthly newsletter here [https://www.juliefischercoaching.com/] -Follow Julie on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/juliefischer_coaching/?hl=en] -Follow her on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-fischer-pcc/]    About Maegan Megginson Maegan is a spiritual strategist and sabbatical coach who helps small business owners recover from burnout, reconnect with their intuition, and design sustainable ways of working. Her approach blends practical business wisdom, therapeutic insight, and grounded spiritual guidance. A former therapist and group practice owner, Megan experienced a pivotal burnout in 2018 that led her to what she now calls an "emergency sabbatical" — and ultimately to her life's work of guiding others through transformative sabbatical experiences. Where to find her: * Subscribe to Maegan's weekly newsletter: https://maeganmegginson.com/newsletter/ [https://maeganmegginson.com/newsletter/] * Watch Maegan's YouTube series, Let's Go Outside: https://www.youtube.com/@deeply-rested [https://www.youtube.com/@deeply-rested] * Listen to Maegan's podcast, Deeply Rested: https://maeganmegginson.com/deeply-rested-podcast/ [https://maeganmegginson.com/deeply-rested-podcast/] * Sabbatical Playbook, Maegan's free sabbatical planning resource: https://www.youneedasabbatical.com/playbook [https://www.youneedasabbatical.com/playbook] * Dr. Sanda Dalton-Smith's 7 Types of Rest: https://www.drdaltonsmith.com/ [https://www.drdaltonsmith.com/]