Podcast: Play in new window
Have you ever thought about what would happen if you took a chance on yourself?
Or maybe what would happen if you believed that the dream you have in your heart could actually come true?
Do you have a passion or talent that you don’t make the time to cultivate and nurture?
Are you afraid to take the opportunities that come your way because you are not sure they are worth the risk?
You are not alone.
There are lots of people just like you who need the encouragements to believe the hopes of their heart, trust their God-given talents, and engage in the opportunities that God brings their way.
Today I interview an “in-real-life” friend of mine, Michelle Stimpson, who has done the work of cultivating in her life and has some nuggets to help you do that same work in your own.
Not only does she give tips for being a great writer, she shares wisdom on living a great life.
Michelle is an author more than 30 times over and is not planning to quit anytime soon.
But she didn’t start out as a writer, in fact, she had a completely different career altogether.
But Michelle is a great example of what can happen when we nurture our gifts, make room for them to grow, value our talents, and seize opportunities.
Some opportunities won’t come until you make room in your life for them. {Click to Tweet}
Today we talk about a little bit of everything – Michelle’s current writing career, her previous career and how she made the switch, marriage, avoiding the trap of perfectionism, and why you should obey God sooner than later.
Most things don’t need to be perfect. They just need to be finished. Then you can fix it. {Click to Tweet}
We get one life.
Live well.
Don’t let the fear of missing the mark keep you from moving forward.
And if you need tips for how to do that, today’s podcast is a great start!
Highlights from Today’s Episode:
“Cultivating Your Heart, Talents, and Opportunities”
- Nurture your gifts. Make time for what matters to you.
- Leave room for God to bring new opportunities into your life.
- Obey sooner rather than later.
- Some things just won’t happen unless you create the space.
- It’s only when you’re working with somebody who’s unlovable that you really get a chance to practice love.
Quick Links
==> Links for Today’s Show
- Visit Michelle’s website or check our her Amazon store!
- Did you miss last week’s podcast? CLICK HERE!
- Want to receive my blog post in your inbox? CLICK HERE
- Want to read my book? Check out Kingdom Woman!
- Need more writing encouragement? Check out these links:
- “On Becoming a Writer” – Jen Hatmaker.
- “Self Doubt and Writing” – Sally Lloyd-Jones
- “Bird by Bird” – Anne Lamott (This book is so encouraging!)
Let’s Talk!
After you’ve listened to the podcast, I’d love to continue the conversation. Be sure and leave a comment or ask a question!
- What was helpful to you after listening to today’s podcast?’
- What opportunities have you let slip by?
- What old things, habits, people, or comfort zones should you discard to make space in your life for the new?
Connect with me…
How to Listen to The Podcast
If you’re new to podcasts, think of them like little radio shows that you can listen to at your convenience. They are perfect to listen to and learn from as you workout, fold laundry, wash dishes or conquer the world.
1. Listen right here on the blog. Click the little play button at the beginning of this post.
2. Listen on iTunes or Stitcher! – Be sure and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!
3. Share today’s show – I could use your help with getting the word out there about my new podcast. Would you take a minute to share today’s post? Email the link to a friend or share on social media. Just click on the sharing buttons at the bottom of this post. Thanks!
Can I ask you a favor? However you found me, will you be so kind as to leave a rating on iTunes and/or write a 2-3 sentence review there or on Stitcher? Your commentary or rating helps make the podcast more “findable” by others who might not know it exists! Thanks in advance for your help!
Oh, how I needed to hear this! The most catching statement Michelle Stimpson said was if there is no grace, then it’s time to move. This podcast was God’s reminder to me that my writing & the book ideas He’s given me are not in vain. Thank you, Chrystal & Michelle!
You are welcome Shanta! Thanks for listening in!
This was such a good podcast. Going to listen to it again. And boy is she right about dreading Sunday evenings because of Monday coming up. And I don’t think I was made to be employee although I do my work as expected and beyond sometimes but I don;t like leaving my kids.
Even worse, with grey hairs I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up tucked with a Master’s degree.
I love learning – will always be a learner.
I love to read.
I love to write.
Thanks Chrystal for bringing us Michelle’s insights.
What a great Podcast! I am not a writer, but, it is time for me to find and operate in my purpose. There is definitely no grace in my place of employment. This has motivated me to earnestly seek the LORD regarding my next move.
Amen to that!
Thank you so much Chrystal for this podcast. It was EXACTLY what I’ve been searching for to confirm some things God has been developing in me for quite awhile. Even me making this comment is a Big Deal, because I’m not the “commenter”. I’m the one who reads the comments and “secretly” nay or yay my opinions. So again, Thank you! This podcast has me excited about taking a step.
I loved this podcast. My favorite part was when Michelle was asked how she knew it was time for her move on. She replied, “I kept getting written up”. I can relate to that. I’m a few months away from retirement and didn’t know the journey would be more difficult the closer I got to my goal. I stayed at the job because it was secure, even though I’ve dreaded Monday for several years. God is definitely not making it comfortable to stay where I am. I believe he has something else for me and I will be stepping out on faith.
Hi Chrystal–
I listened to your interview with Michelle Stimpson…and I’m hear to t ell you, it crapped the whip for me to write. I dreamt of blogging (and I do) but its everyday stuff. I am a blogger!!!! I’m not popular nor a ‘I got to read her blogs’ bloger. But I’m MESSED UP and Jesus is my SAVIOR. I was reading 1 Chronicles, chapter 28 and it relieved to me my plan.
Thank you for your connection with Michelle and your courage to podcast your ‘writing’ struggles to the world.
Respectfully–
Zee
Thank you for the encouragement! I needed to hear those words.
Chrystal, just listening to this interview and it definitely blessed me as an aspiring author. I can relate to Michelle on many levels. This interview was real, refreshing and honest. I hope to see you soon at She Speaks. I plan on coming to your podcast session. Thanks so much and be blessed! – Kia
[…] Previous podcast with Co-Author of 5 minute marriage, Michelle Stimpson […]