Gifts from God are more than things, people or talents. They are also the trials and triumphs we walk through in life. In this episode,  we explore how embracing faith can transform our past experiences, the good and the bad, into tools for fulfillment. Lanée shares a single sentence that changed the course of her life, insights on adjusting to new seasons and situations, and the unexpected blessing of an ailment that led to a healthier lifestyle. Sandy opens up about receiving divine reassurance through dreams, her reflections on empathy born from challenges, and the encouragement to stay true to ourselves in our personal and professional lives. We intertwine the messages of our own stories with timeless biblical wisdom, highlighting how even the most challenging moments can be stepping stones to a more fulfilling path when viewed through the lens of faith. This episode of the Imagine Yourself Podcast isn't just about storytelling; it's an intimate session of sharing, caring, and preparing to handle life's wide range of situations with grace and acceptance. Everything can have a meaningful impact when we partner with God. So grab a cup of coffee, experience the comfort of conversation that feels like sitting with caring aunties, and let's delve into the reality that with divine guidance, we're never alone in rewriting our stories.RELATED: 7 Ways to Use Your Past to Set Up Future SuccessDo You Wish God Would Speak to You?For more info on IMAGINE YOURSELF with Lanée Blaise and Sandy Kovach or to contact us, visit imagineyourselfpodcast.comJoin the conversation on our FACEBOOK, TWITTER or INSTAGRAM pages. Email at imagineyourselfpodcast@gmail.com Thanks for being part of the Imagine Yourself Family! Follow or subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

Let’s look at how your past can be the ultimate playbook for future wins. We’re moving beyond the motivational clichés for some real talk about setting goals that actually stick, bouncing back when life throws you curveballs, showing yourself some much-needed love, and seeking divine guidance along the way. So, if you're tired of spinning your wheels and ready to turn your past into a launchpad for success, hit that play button and let's get this journey started!For more info on IMAGINE YOURSELF with Lanée Blaise and Sandy Kovach or to contact us, visit imagineyourselfpodcast.comJoin the conversation on our FACEBOOK, TWITTER or INSTAGRAM pages. Email at imagineyourselfpodcast@gmail.com Thanks for being part of the Imagine Yourself Family! Follow or subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

Life definitely has peaks and valleys. It's easy to have joy and gratitude when things are looking up. But can we keep our high hopes when it gets tough, like really tough? That's the question we dove into after learning some great tips to keep a positive mindset in the middle of our "challenges" from Robin Shear, the Joy Coach, in our last episode, 'Inviting God into Your Mess.' In this episode, we decided to put her advice to the test. Fortunately (or unfortunately) for us, we were able to test this against some pretty stinky situations in our personal lives. We'll take an honest look at both our success and failures here. Finding gratitude and joy isn't always a walk in the park, and that's totally okay! We explored the importance of giving ourselves and others grace.  Also drawing from both our personal experiences and expert guidance, we discussed how to support others through rough patches, finding that balance between empathy and uplifting encouragement. Spoiler alert: There are definitely things we discovered that we can all do for ourselves and to support others, that can make tough times a bit easier. RELATED:Inviting God into Your Mess (with Joy Coach Robin Shear)What to Say and Not Say When Someone Is Going Through Tough TimesFor more info on IMAGINE YOURSELF with Lanée Blaise and Sandy Kovach or to contact us, visit imagineyourselfpodcast.comJoin the conversation on our FACEBOOK, TWITTER or INSTAGRAM pages. Email at imagineyourselfpodcast@gmail.com Thanks for being part of the Imagine Yourself Family! Follow or subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

Discover how to sprinkle joy into the chaos of real life with our latest guest, certified joy coach, speaker, and author, Robin Shear. During a heartwarming conversation filled with life-tested wisdom, Robin shares her passion for finding happiness in the midst of life's inescapable messes and even trauma. Her personal story includes PTSD, chronic pain, and suffering a serious head injury…but God!  Join us and deepen your understanding of God's role in life's journey and discover serenity in the acceptance of His will, even when it mystifies you. We think you’ll find Robin to be both authentic and vulnerable, giving us encouragement without sugar-coating what we go through when facing tough circumstances. 🌟 Episode Highlights:- Robin Shear unveils the concept of "messy joy" and the power of embracing joy in life's imperfections.- Learn how everyday challenges can be opportunities to practice joy for when larger hardships hit.- Engage with the idea of inviting God into your struggles and finding divine guidance toward a joy-filled life.Find our more about Robin and her book "Messy Joy: How Joy Can Begin Before Your Difficulties End"Download the Messy Joy QuestionsThe app we talked about THROUGH THE WORDFor more info on IMAGINE YOURSELF with Lanée Blaise and Sandy Kovach or to contact us, visit imagineyourselfpodcast.comJoin the conversation on our FACEBOOK, TWITTER or INSTAGRAM pages. Email at imagineyourselfpodcast@gmail.com Thanks for being part of the Imagine Yourself Family! Follow or subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

What’s in the secret sauce of a successful relationship? Unpack the answers with Lanee and Sandy as they delve into the core components of thriving partnerships. With both guidance from relationship experts and their personal stories, discover three essential keys that are customizable to fit your unique bond. Whether you're seeking to reignite passion, strengthen communication or just grow closer together, this podcast offers practical insights to elevate your relationship. Join us for 20 minutes of invaluable wisdom and watch your love flourish!LINKS TO RESOURCES MENTIONED For more info on IMAGINE YOURSELF with Lanée Blaise and Sandy Kovach or to contact us, visit imagineyourselfpodcast.comJoin the conversation on our FACEBOOK, TWITTER or INSTAGRAM pages. Email at imagineyourselfpodcast@gmail.com Thanks for being part of the Imagine Yourself Family! Follow or subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

Everyone tells us communication is key, but HOW we communicate actually enables that key to unlock the door to maintaining a good relationship. In this episode, our guest, Relationship Coach, Monica Humpal dives into the ways to make it happen. We’ll get invaluable advice on navigating emotions, boundaries, and the importance of approaching conversations without preconceived expectations.Listen for tips to transform the way you communicate and resolve conflicts with your partner. In fact, many of these tips can actually apply to ANY relationship. We think it’s a game changer.  Click play if you’re in need of a communication upgrade.RELATED:   Are You Fighting Fair With Your Partner (w/Relationship Coach, Rev. Monica Humpal)The Power of Prayer in MarriageFor more info on IMAGINE YOURSELF with Lanée Blaise and Sandy Kovach or to contact us, visit imagineyourselfpodcast.comJoin the conversation on our FACEBOOK, TWITTER or INSTAGRAM pages. Email at imagineyourselfpodcast@gmail.com Thanks for being part of the Imagine Yourself Family! Follow or subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

We all have a story to tell and sharing it can inspire others in ways we may not realize. Sometimes, it's easy to downplay the significance of our own stories in the grand scheme of things, but the truth is, your story matters. It holds weight not only for you but for those around you and, believe it or not, for the world at large. God uses both our struggles and triumphs to help other people. You never know the difference you could make, and the ripple effects it can have. This episode serves as a reminder to seek out opportunities to be inspired by those around us while embracing our potential to be a source of encouragement for others, no matter our own circumstances. Click play to hear more, and we’ll even include a few awesome stories that we’ve heard recently. For more info on IMAGINE YOURSELF with Lanée Blaise and Sandy Kovach or to contact us, visit imagineyourselfpodcast.comJoin the conversation on our FACEBOOK, TWITTER or INSTAGRAM pages. Email at imagineyourselfpodcast@gmail.com Thanks for being part of the Imagine Yourself Family! Follow or subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

We all carry the weight of our some of our more negative past experiences, and at times, they can seem impossible to shake off.  To be sure, there are people who have had  a harder road than others.  Our guest Toni Kennedy is one of them.  It is her healing, however; that is the real story. With gritty honesty and unwavering hope, Toni shares both difficult childhood and adult experiences and the impactful moments that have shaped her journey. Her story is a compelling testament to the power of healing, the resilience of the human spirit, and the transformative impact of walking with God. Click play for a touching conversation that celebrates resilience, kindness, and the limitless potential for healing and growth. Toni’s Podcast What’s Poppin’ Penny? Toni on Instagram For more info on IMAGINE YOURSELF with Lanée Blaise and Sandy Kovach or to contact us, visit imagineyourselfpodcast.comJoin the conversation on our FACEBOOK, TWITTER or INSTAGRAM pages. Email at imagineyourselfpodcast@gmail.com Thanks for being part of the Imagine Yourself Family! Follow or subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

We've all been there—facing tough decisions, at a crossroads in life, or just in need of a little divine reassurance. Whether it’s wisdom or comfort we seek, we may struggle to know what to do. Sometimes it helps to hear how God has impacted the lives of others. Lanée and Sandy open up about their personal experiences and share stories about how they and people they know have found comfort and clarity in ways they definitely didn’t see coming.This heartwarming episode serves as a reminder that God's messages can be found in the seemingly ordinary and everyday moments of life. If you're seeking faith-based inspiration and assurance during times of waiting, we believe this episode will provide a touching reminder that God's guidance may come in unexpected and beautiful ways. Settle in with your coffee or tea and click play to join us on the journey.Related: God Please Speak to Me w/ Kelli Shelton from Seek Well Ministries For more info on IMAGINE YOURSELF with Lanée Blaise and Sandy Kovach or to contact us, visit imagineyourselfpodcast.comJoin the conversation on our FACEBOOK, TWITTER or INSTAGRAM pages. Email at imagineyourselfpodcast@gmail.com Thanks for being part of the Imagine Yourself Family! Follow or subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

In life we can find ourselves in a season of waiting, where we long for something that seems just out of reach or when we are going through a difficult period.  This episode dives into the concept of patience, exploring both short-term and long-term waiting and the challenges that come with each.  We mix a blend of practical tips and comforting reassurances, encouraging you to imagine yourself patiently and contentedly awaiting what comes next.  Click play and let’s learn to navigate the rhythm of life as we encounter periods of waiting: finding peace in the art of patience, trusting God’s timing, and knowing that the best things are worth waiting for.For more info on IMAGINE YOURSELF with Lanée Blaise and Sandy Kovach or to contact us, visit imagineyourselfpodcast.comJoin the conversation on our FACEBOOK, TWITTER or INSTAGRAM pages. Email at imagineyourselfpodcast@gmail.com Thanks for being part of the Imagine Yourself Family! Follow or subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

It can be the most wonderful, but also the most unhealthy time of the year. Welcome to the holidays where more food, less exercise and an extra helping of stress are served. We'd like you to have a joyous season without the worries, so we're bringing back a fabulous holistic health coach with hacks to help us enjoy all the holidays have to offer AND stay fit while doing it.  If you listened to our last episode, you met Jennifer Oknin, a Certified Integrative Health Practitioner. She joined us for: From Exhausted to Energized.   This time she shares her top 5 tips for enjoying all the holiday festivities while staying on track with our fitness goals. Whether we’re trying to avoid weight gain, not get off track with our exercise routine, stop stress, or just have the energy to deal with the extras that the holidays throw on our calendars; Jennifer comes prepared with proven strategies.  Got 10 minutes? Click play for tips  you can use during the holidays and beyond. Connect with Jennifer Oknin LinkedIn Website For more info on IMAGINE YOURSELF with Lanée Blaise and Sandy Kovach or to contact us, visit imagineyourselfpodcast.comJoin the conversation on our FACEBOOK, TWITTER or INSTAGRAM pages. Email at imagineyourselfpodcast@gmail.com Thanks for being part of the Imagine Yourself Family! Follow or subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

Our energy level touches everything we do. It can feel overwhelming and frustrating to not have enough to fully engage in daily activities and get the most out of life. If it feels like you're sometimes running on empty, dragging yourself through the day, Certified Integrative Health Practitioner, Jennifer Oknin is here to help. A former self-described “Runnin’ on Dunkin’ girl,”  Jennifer shares valuable insights into achieving a more energized and balanced life that goes beyond what we eat or how much we exercise. Hormones, stress, and sleep also play a huge part in our journey to good health and high energy. She says we should look at our health as a whole package and get some good foundational habits in place. But how do we get there? We’ve got questions and she’s got answers!If you want to kick exhaustion to the curb and invite in a wave of energy, this episode may be a total game-changer! Click play and let’s learn how to up our energy and get healthier together. REACH OUT TO JENNIFER OKNINJennifer on LinkedInFor more info on IMAGINE YOURSELF with Lanée Blaise and Sandy Kovach or to contact us, visit imagineyourselfpodcast.comJoin the conversation on our FACEBOOK, TWITTER or INSTAGRAM pages. Email at imagineyourselfpodcast@gmail.com Thanks for being part of the Imagine Yourself Family! Follow or subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

Feeling stuck in life can be a paralyzing experience. It can leave us questioning our ability to reach our personal and professional goals. It can also hinder our day-to-day activities and put a damper on enjoying our lives. It becomes hard to achieve the contentment we crave. Feeling stuck is a familiar experience for most of us from time to time. Whether it's struggling to take the next step toward a big dream or goal, feeling overwhelmed and unable to move forward, or battling with procrastination. Being in a state of inertia can hinder our personal, professional, health and even spiritual growth. But fear not! We're here to share five unique and effective ways to get UNstuck. From digging deep into the reasons behind our inertia to daring to do things differently, we're looking to provide valuable insights and even counterintuitive strategies to help break free from our limitations. So join us as we embark on this transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Click play and spend the next 15 minutes  with us. It may finally get you unstuck and moving again! RELATED Stop Talking Yourself out of Following Your Dreams (w/Coach Jackie Prewitt)How to Stop Procrastinating and Get Stuff Done!For more info on IMAGINE YOURSELF with Lanée Blaise and Sandy Kovach or to contact us, visit imagineyourselfpodcast.comJoin the conversation on our FACEBOOK, TWITTER or INSTAGRAM pages. Email at imagineyourselfpodcast@gmail.com Thanks for being part of the Imagine Yourself Family! Follow or subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

No, it’s probably not laziness or making excuses. Usually, we believe we are making the best decision possible when we talk ourselves out of our dreams. To be fair, there absolutely are times when common sense needs to prevail; but often our reasoning needs to be reexamined. Sometimes it’s fear, doubt, overthinking or other self-limiting belief that squashes our big goal before we can even get started. Or, maybe we’re waiting to have it all “figured out” before we begin!   In this episode,  Business and Mindset Coach, Jackie Prewitt talks about taking what she calls “messy action” and embracing imperfection along the way. Jackie shares her journey from being on the shy side and afraid to move forward to someone who is proactive and confident. The road wasn’t a smooth straight path for her and typically isn’t for anyone. She says so many of us give up along the way because we don’t pick ourselves back up from failure and remember that we have done and can do hard things. We can also grab onto God to help pull us through.  Whether you’re just in the “discovering your passion” stage, needing to find the motivation to begin or get some encouragement to keep going -- we think Jackie’s nonjudgmental, fun approach will have you dreaming big dreams again. It sure was a kick in the pants for us! (in a good way, of course!) Click play for some tips that will not only make you think, but want to act, too! Reach Out to Jackie Prewitt on InstagramFor more info on IMAGINE YOURSELF with Lanée Blaise and Sandy Kovach or to contact us, visit imagineyourselfpodcast.comJoin the conversation on our FACEBOOK, TWITTER or INSTAGRAM pages. Email at imagineyourselfpodcast@gmail.com Thanks for being part of the Imagine Yourself Family! Follow or subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

If someone asked you a decade ago, “where do you see yourself in ten years?”, how close to reality did that turn out to be?  If you’re like a lot of us, despite your best intentions, it looks very different.Life doesn't always go as planned, but that doesn't mean it's a bad thing. In fact,  the unexpected can lead us to incredible blessings.  Not everything that doesn't work out is a failure. Sometimes, those closed doors help us to pivot to something much better. In this episode we look at tapping into the joy we do have, but we also discuss how to better tolerate or even embrace adversity. It’s in the tough times that strength is forged. Could you use a change in perspective? Click play and let’s see if we can really let go and let God. RELATED:  Five Steps to Stop OverthinkingFor more info on IMAGINE YOURSELF with Lanée Blaise and Sandy Kovach or to contact us, visit imagineyourselfpodcast.comJoin the conversation on our FACEBOOK, TWITTER or INSTAGRAM pages. Email at imagineyourselfpodcast@gmail.com Thanks for being part of the Imagine Yourself Family! Follow or subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

Overthink: verb: to spend more time thinking about something than is necessary or productive. This little word can activate everything from little annoyances to major mental roadblocks.  It comes in many forms:  constantly worrying about the future, “analysis paralysis” that stifles decision-making, over-analyzing past mistakes, and second guessing ourselves in social situations and relationships. Those are just a few of the ways we tend to overthink.  In this episode, we’ll detail the major ways many psychologists categorize overthinking. There’s a good chance you’ll recognize yourself in one or more. Then, we’ll follow up with five steps to slow down or stop the overthinking cycle. Along with tips from pros, we’ll recount some successes and failures we’ve had along the way. Some of these situations include Sandy’s recovery from “catastrophizing” (otherwise known as drama) and  Lanée  learning to cope with embarrassing situations (and we DO mean embarrassing). Join us as we imagine a life free from the burdens of overthinking and discover how to find inner peace and embrace the unexpected. We’ll talk about tapping into our faith and how trusting God and His timing can have a huge effect on our clarity and comfort level. Plus, we focus on silencing that ever-present inner critic. So grab some coffee or tea, click play, and let's navigate the path to a more balanced and positive mindset together.For more info on IMAGINE YOURSELF with Lanée Blaise and Sandy Kovach or to contact us, visit imagineyourselfpodcast.comJoin the conversation on our FACEBOOK, TWITTER or INSTAGRAM pages. Email at imagineyourselfpodcast@gmail.com Thanks for being part of the Imagine Yourself Family! Follow or subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

We've all been there – those moments when we find ourselves trapped in a cycle of negative self-talk, dwelling on missed opportunities, and regretting past decisions. The "should've, could've, would've" mentality can be a heavy burden to carry. It can steal our joy and blind us to our blessings.  We wanted to explore ways to break free from this pattern, whether it occasionally gets in the way of our happiness or full-out sabotages our life. Inspired by one of our former guests, psychotherapist Blaine Lawson, this episode has us looking at how to shake loose the grip of regret, silence our inner critic and help us appreciate our “perfect imperfectness”.  Remember, fretting over the past doesn’t help. Let’s leave those “alternate realities” to movie and TV show plots and accept where we are in this present moment. Changing our mindset also helps us build a better future because every setback is an opportunity for growth. Instead of allowing failures to define us, let's use them as stepping stones towards a better version of ourselves while we trust God’s timing in our lives. Are you ready for some change? Click play for actionable ideas on how to get rid of “should coulda woulda” once and for all. Listen to:  How to Stop Negative Thoughts from Holding You Back (w/Psychotherapist Blaine Lawson)For more info on IMAGINE YOURSELF with Lanée Blaise and Sandy Kovach or to contact us, visit imagineyourselfpodcast.comJoin the conversation on our FACEBOOK, TWITTER or INSTAGRAM pages. Email at imagineyourselfpodcast@gmail.com Thanks for being part of the Imagine Yourself Family! Follow or subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, sometimes taking us down paths we never imagined. Whether it's a career setback, a change in relationship, a health challenge or anything else, detours can be daunting and disorienting. Bouncing off our last episode called “Reinventing Yourself at Any Age” with Tami Garcia,” we reflect on the importance of taking a self-audit, finding gratitude, trusting God’s timing and making small changes that can lead to personal growth. Through lessons learned with our personal struggles as well as practical tips and advice from experts,  we reframe setbacks as opportunities for growth and self-discovery, gaining a new perspective on life's unexpected events.  Whether you're facing a detour right now or preparing for the uncertainty of the future, we hope this episode will equip you with the tools to thrive amidst life's unforeseen journeys. Remember, it's not about avoiding detours but embracing them and turning them into steppingstones towards a brighter and more fulfilling future! Click play for this  quick 20 minute detour that may be just the encouragement you need for your journey. For more info on IMAGINE YOURSELF with Lanée Blaise and Sandy Kovach or to contact us, visit imagineyourselfpodcast.comJoin the conversation on our FACEBOOK, TWITTER or INSTAGRAM pages. Email at imagineyourselfpodcast@gmail.com Thanks for being part of the Imagine Yourself Family! Follow or subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

Let's talk about the struggle between sticking with what we know and taking risks. Have you ever felt torn between playing it safe and stepping out of your comfort zone? Our guest: mom and entrepreneur, Tami Garcia says growth is on the other side of change. To be fair, she’s probably taken more risks in a few years than most of take in a lifetime. However, reinventing yourself doesn’t have to be that drastic. If you have the desire to step out and do something different (big or small) at virtually any age or stage in life, this episode is for you. Tami is the founder and CEO of Mully Lingua.  Her company helps people connect with their cultural heritage. Tami shares her incredible story of leaving a secure corporate job, starting the new company, adopting a daughter from Ethiopia and moving to another country -- all within a few years’ time! She radiates with the transformative power of the courageous choices she had to make to fulfill her vision. However, she says she could not have done it without her faith, believing that if God has gives her a vision, He will  help her achieve it. We'll hear how our guest has also used past adversity for fuel in her ambitions to change things for herself, her daughter and her community. From childhood struggles to health issues (including a near-death experience!), she’s not only been able to overcome many tough circumstances, but also use them as a growth experience for herself and to share her wisdom with others. There are just so many uplifting aspects to her story, the kind that can help you feel ready for your next challenge!So, what do you want to be when you “grow up”? Re-inventing yourself is something you can do at any point in your life. Whether you have a whole new vision for yourself or just want to make a few adjustments, click play for the inspiration to take the next step! Tami Garcia on InstagramMully Lingua on InstagramFor more info on IMAGINE YOURSELF with Lanée Blaise and Sandy Kovach or to contact us, visit imagineyourselfpodcast.comJoin the conversation on our FACEBOOK, TWITTER or INSTAGRAM pages. Email at imagineyourselfpodcast@gmail.com Thanks for being part of the Imagine Yourself Family! Follow or subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

Imagine that you’re in a race, but instead of focusing forward on the hurdles in front of you or on the finish line, you’re looking at all the other racers to your right and left. It probably would not end well. However, when you think about it, that’s how we are sometimes in life. In this short episode, we take a look at the insights we gained from our last guest, Angela Scott in “Comparison Detox.” Through personal stories of both successes and failures, we share what we’ve learned about casting aside comparison and competition…and running our own race, even when it’s the most difficult.  This can be an uncomfortable topic that forces us to be honest with ourselves.  We promise to try to be transparent and encourage you to do some soul-searching as well. Click play for some encouragement in finding your own God-given gifts instead of worrying about how others are “stacking up” against you. The only competition you really have is yourself.For more info on IMAGINE YOURSELF with Lanée Blaise and Sandy Kovach or to contact us, visit imagineyourselfpodcast.comJoin the conversation on our FACEBOOK, TWITTER or INSTAGRAM pages. Email at imagineyourselfpodcast@gmail.com Thanks for being part of the Imagine Yourself Family! Follow or subscribe so you don't miss an episode!