4 years ago, On March 13th, I put out my 1st podcast. Take a minute, think back to March 13th, 2020. Where were you and what were you doing? Covid was the main conversation! It’s hard to believe we were shut down and told to shelter in place. Death tolls from covid were updated daily on TV. A time in our country we had never experienced before. So much fear and uncertainty! Doesn’t that all seem like a blur now?
What was your life like back then? How has your life changed? This is so surreal to talk about. My youngest daughter was told to take her computer and work from home. She was living in San Diego at the time, and she decided to come and work from here. We had such a special time with her.
During that time, she bought me a mic and set me up on a podcast platform and encouraged me to start the podcast I had talked about wanting to do. That is how my podcast got started. When I put out that first episode I was scared to death. What if no one listens? What if my friends and family think I’m crazy? What if I run out of things to talk about? So many questions!
Well, I have to say, this has been the most incredible journey and I’m still here! I’m celebrating this special date because I believed this could be my thing. And it is! I had no idea how to do it. I started writing and recording podcasts on my side porch. Those first few are pretty funny to listen to now! Not my best. What a ride this has been. I just knew I had this passion to share and help people with their life—and here I am.
I have always been an avid learner. I have always wanted to share ideas of things I have learned and help someone else with that knowledge. I must admit, at times, I still second guess myself. When I go to that place, I must remind myself: “Monette take the focus off yourself. What you are sharing is so valuable, and it’s changed your life, and it can change someone else’s life.” It’s been incredible over the last several years having so many people reach out and let me know how some episode was exactly what they needed to hear. My hope is that what I have shared with you has made an impact on your life. I appreciate you! My passion is still real. Thank you for joining me on this journey—and now, my ideas are available in written form too. Through this blog, I can reach even more people! Four years is a big milestone and I will continue to podcast/post and promote my podcast/blog posts which brings me to what I want to address today!
What If?
Let’s talk about these two powerful words. My last post, I talked about that finding your passion, and pursuing your passion, could be the very thing that changes and improves your marriage. Why? Because growing personally and using your gifts and talents and challenging yourself, brings you satisfaction. It changes you and it changes the expectations of your spouse to give you something that maybe he can’t. You’re a couple but you’re also separate. You are an individual! For me personally, when I really put the time and effort into figuring out what comes naturally; what gifts and talents God has given me and pursued that (which for me was creating my podcast), it changed my marriage. So, this is going to be somewhat of a continuation of my previous post.
When God brings you to a great place, it brings your marriage to another level. You free your spouse up from being the person you unconsciously blame for your unhappiness.
Let’s use these two words to dream. I want you to get out that journal and write at the top the words “what if” and let’s play a game. I did this four years ago before I started my podcast. I used those words to create possibilities. I want you to do the same.
If you are stuck, it’s the same ole same ole. God has given you this amazing tool, your brain. Sometimes I think we get on autopilot we think this is as good as it gets. This is the best it will ever be. I think this is one of Satan’s biggest lies and tools. If he can get us to believe that, then we are not a threat. We’ve resigned ourselves to the status quo.
Let’s start with marriage. What if this distance you have felt between you and your husband disappears and he becomes the person you confide in more than your girlfriends? What if he becomes your best friend? What if you laugh and joke around like you did when you first got married? What if you came up with new ideas to do together and you exit the daily rut you’re in? What if I actually prayed for my spouse daily?
Dormant Purpose
Let’s take this idea and talk about this dormant purpose you have inside you! What if you’re good at leading people, so you start a group of like-minded people? What if you’re good at decorating and you find a staging company that needs a person with your skill? What if you’re good at teaching yourself, now that we have the internet you learn to create cool ads, or create a spreadsheet because you like numbers? What if you once were an athlete and you decided to learn pickle ball and make some new friends? What if you have knowledge you want to share and you think podcasting looks interesting? Do you see the power of “What if?” You can use this in so many ways. It’s two words and your imagination. What if what I’m sharing with you pivots your marriage, your next thing, your health, your Christian life because you’re in a rut? What if you find a new thriving Bible study and meet new people. The ideas are limitless. The power of the two words: “What if?”
You can use your imagination and take advantage of the time we are in—especially with technology. Using technology to create and not just consume is up to us. God gave us free will and our brains. What are your aspirations? Get connected with that part of yourself. This is what God is continually showing me.
That’s why I bring this up, on the 4th anniversary of my podcast. The “what if” question. That is where the idea came from for me: “What if, Monette, you use what you already love to do and create a podcast? What if you commit to put out an episode once a week? What if you get better at talking into a mic. What if you get better and better at promoting your podcast? What if it actually helps people? What if this is your passion and it works?”
I’m confident that when you pursue your passion, figure it out, and start contributing with the gifts and talents God has given you, this will change your life. I know for myself, even when it’s not perfect, I love the pursuit. I have loved the journey. I have loved hearing that I’m making a difference in someone’s life. I feel I’m a better wife and mother at this stage of my life. I believe finding your passion that makes you feel alive, that gets you excited is so worth it.
Do the journaling, use those two words “What if!” Pray about it!
I appreciate you for listening/reading and being with me on this journey. Now use these powerful words and your imagination! Because WHAT IF I’M RIGHT?
Monette hosts a weekly podcast: Mornings with Monette. She has been a lifelong learner and and appreciates the opportunity to share what she has learned–both through her podcast and here at The Best-Life Project (based on the content of her weekly podcast). Her messages are raw, honest and straight from the heart. She lives in Albuquerque, NM with her husband Leland. They have three adult children and are enjoying living their best lives filled with travel and adventure.