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10 Things I Learned (and relearned) this Summer · The Wholehearted Enneagram Podcast

• 0:01
  SPEAKER_00: Well hey friend, how's it going?
• 0:03
  SPEAKER_00: I mean, how's it really going?
• 0:06
  SPEAKER_00: How's summer been for you?
• 0:08
  SPEAKER_00: Are you pulling your hair out, or has it been as blissful as ever?
• 0:13
  SPEAKER_00: Maybe somewhere in the middle?
• 0:15
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah, me too.
• 0:17
  SPEAKER_00: Uh for us, we traveled a ton, and honestly, my kids have consumed more media than I would have liked, or that fit my ideals.
• 0:27
  SPEAKER_00: I have definitely worked some weeks more than my kids would have liked as well.
• 0:32
  SPEAKER_00: And then there have been other weeks this summer that I was surprised how little I could work and nothing imploded or exploded.
• 0:41
  SPEAKER_00: And all in all, summer has been a gift, and I do appreciate the summer rhythm.
• 0:48
  SPEAKER_00: Now, here in my neck of the woods, the Midwest, we are still in the dog days of summer weather, and the pools will be open for at least another month, but our summer rhythm has ended very quickly.
• 1:02
  SPEAKER_00: In fact, the day this reflection, this episode comes to you, it's my kids' first day back to school.
• 1:10
  SPEAKER_00: I know.
• 1:11
  SPEAKER_00: Now for you, that might be ghastly because your kids don't start until after Labor Day, or maybe you're in it with me because I happen to know I'm not the only one whose kids are going back this week.
• 1:24
  SPEAKER_00: But here's the deal.
• 1:25
  SPEAKER_00: The reason why I am sharing this episode with you or bringing some of my thoughts and reflections to you is that ultimately when something ends, a new beginning emerges.
• 1:36
  SPEAKER_00: And over the years, I have matured to give a little time to reflection.
• 1:41
  SPEAKER_00: At least I am making an effort to do that more.
• 1:45
  SPEAKER_00: At the end of each season, asking myself what is working, what is not working, and why?
• 1:52
  SPEAKER_00: What do I let go of, and what do I fight for?
• 1:56
  SPEAKER_00: As I've done a little extra praying and wondering about this podcast, yes, the overall vision for the podcast, it came to my mind that I was to share some of what the Lord has been showing me this summer.
• 2:09
  SPEAKER_00: I imagine I'm being compelled to share, maybe just to help normalize some of what you're facing, because I do love any episodes or conversations that I'm able to hear someone say something that I have experienced too, and I go, yes, me too.
• 2:25
  SPEAKER_00: That's me.
• 2:25
  SPEAKER_00: That's exactly what I'm experiencing.
• 2:27
  SPEAKER_00: Just that normalization helps me feel so much better.
• 2:31
  SPEAKER_00: And I don't know, maybe I'm not so alone in it, whatever, whatever it is.
• 2:38
  SPEAKER_00: So, what I'm gonna reflect on today, well, it began as an entry in my journal.
• 2:42
  SPEAKER_00: In fact, I almost recorded this episode just reading from those pages, but I decided that your listening time is valuable and it was best for me to put it in order and make my thoughts a little bit more cohesive.
• 2:56
  SPEAKER_00: Because trust me, my scribbles are all over the place.
• 2:59
  SPEAKER_00: What you hear today looks nothing like my journal entry, but it is my heart and are a lot of what words are on the pages, just a different order.
• 3:10
  SPEAKER_00: And honestly, some of what I'm gonna share with you today is just simplistic.
• 3:14
  SPEAKER_00: It's ultimately hopefully short, but maybe a little bit of funny and some serious heartfelt moments thrown in in my reflection with you.
• 3:24
  SPEAKER_00: So as I reflect in front of you, I would love to invite you to reflect on your life over these last several summer months.
• 3:32
  SPEAKER_00: I am sure that you've experienced a lot as well.
• 3:39
  SPEAKER_00: Hey there, I'm Amy Wicks, your guide by the side for your wholehearted journey.
• 3:44
  SPEAKER_00: And friend, I get it.
• 3:46
  SPEAKER_00: Life can be a whirlwind, juggling family, work, and all the in-betweens.
• 3:51
  SPEAKER_00: As a wife, mom to three teenagers, and building a growing business, I felt the overwhelm, the doubts, and the struggles too.
• 3:59
  SPEAKER_00: But here's the thing: the Lord took my broken-hearted pieces and turned them into a beautiful story of clarity, peace, and joy.
• 4:07
  SPEAKER_00: And now I'm here to help you do the same.
• 4:10
  SPEAKER_00: With years of experience as a certified Enneagram coach, spiritual director, and working genius facilitator, I am here to provide you with practical wisdom and inspiration.
• 4:21
  SPEAKER_00: Through expert interviews and real life examples, you can uncover your strengths, motivations, and God's unwavering love.
• 4:29
  SPEAKER_00: And together, we're gonna explore biblical truths, different personality profiles, and life rhythms that will empower you to break free from anxiety, shame, and frustration.
• 4:40
  SPEAKER_00: I have walked the path, my friend, and I know the challenges you face.
• 4:45
  SPEAKER_00: But that's why I'm here, by your side, cheering you on as you embrace wholehearted living.
• 4:51
  SPEAKER_00: So grab your headphones, invite a friend, and let's embark on this transformative journey together.
• 4:57
  SPEAKER_00: Welcome to Simply Wholehearted, where we laugh, learn, and flourish as a community.
• 5:04
  SPEAKER_00: The first few things that I've learned fall in a category I'm gonna call the mom category.
• 5:10
  SPEAKER_00: And I've done you a favor and grouped a few of them together to make sure my list is truly only 10, right?
• 5:16
  SPEAKER_00: Because that's what I decided I was supposed to call a list 10 things I've learned or relearned this summer.
• 5:23
  SPEAKER_00: The first thing I've learned is I love having fun with my kids.
• 5:28
  SPEAKER_00: It's so simple, but I think you know what I mean when I say that parenting is not always fun.
• 5:34
  SPEAKER_00: In fact, these teenage years, it's really quick for me to lose sight of the joys and the pleasures of parenting and the gift of it ultimately.
• 5:42
  SPEAKER_00: But this summer I've truly looked forward and delighted in hanging out with my kids, just talking, doing quick drives to get drinks or traveling.
• 5:51
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah, we did a lot of traveling, playing games, of course, and even we developed this fun little routine.
• 5:57
  SPEAKER_00: A lot of evenings when we're all at home, we watch old survivor episodes, and I end up staying way past my normal bedtime.
• 6:06
  SPEAKER_00: It's me usually going, all right, guys, I gotta go to bed.
• 6:09
  SPEAKER_00: You can finish this episode, fill me in tomorrow.
• 6:12
  SPEAKER_00: It's true.
• 6:14
  SPEAKER_00: The other thing along with this is that I have found out that I love going to the pool more than my kids do right now.
• 6:22
  SPEAKER_00: It's really made me sad.
• 6:24
  SPEAKER_00: And I wish I could tell my younger mom self that the stage of logging all the things to the pool and dealing with the kids' tantrums and meltdowns and feeling so tired after an afternoon in the sun.
• 6:35
  SPEAKER_00: Well, that it was truly going to be fleeting.
• 6:38
  SPEAKER_00: So, well, I didn't go to the pool by myself this summer.
• 6:42
  SPEAKER_00: I will have to do that next year because, yep, they just don't want to go right now, or they're too busy, or they're working, or they want to hang out with their friends, or they could drive themselves.
• 6:53
  SPEAKER_00: And that's okay.
• 6:54
  SPEAKER_00: I think they'll come around because it's gonna be a fun childhood memory that they get to spend a lot of time at the pool.
• 7:01
  SPEAKER_00: But for now, you'll see me there, hopefully by the pool next year with my favorite books, which leads me to this fun little idea.
• 7:10
  SPEAKER_00: Now, last summer I did an episode about how to read more books, and I'll link to it in the show notes.
• 7:16
  SPEAKER_00: But ultimately, while I have done a lot of nonfiction reading this summer, I have rediscovered or relearned that having good fiction in the summer is a must.
• 7:26
  SPEAKER_00: Yes, even if it's one of my old favorites that are on my bookshelf, I need that rhythm to escape and enjoy so that way I can just embrace a little bit slower fun frivolty during the summertime.
• 7:40
  SPEAKER_00: So I can feel it in my spirit, my mind, and body.
• 7:44
  SPEAKER_00: Maybe it sounds silly to you, but those of you who love good fiction know it is a must in the summertime.
• 7:50
  SPEAKER_00: Now, as I segue into what I've learned regarding running a small business, I've learned that juggling motherhood and working from home is challenging no matter the age of your kids.
• 8:00
  SPEAKER_00: I used to think that when my kids were younger, that when they got older, it would be easier and straightforward to divide my time.
• 8:07
  SPEAKER_00: Well, the truth is, my friend, even teenagers need you.
• 8:11
  SPEAKER_00: Yes, they need you, they want you, and you actually want to spend time with them.
• 8:15
  SPEAKER_00: So there is a struggle to be present.
• 8:18
  SPEAKER_00: And while I don't have a formula for that, I've talked a lot about it over the years, and it's like that paddle board.
• 8:25
  SPEAKER_00: It's never perfectly balanced.
• 8:27
  SPEAKER_00: I've just learned to try to go with the flow a little bit better and enjoy the sweet time of having them at home with me.
• 8:35
  SPEAKER_00: Now, the second thing, I know, I crammed a lot in the first thing, and I promise I don't do that the rest of this, but the second thing that I've learned fits in the business and faith category because when God is your CEO, it all blends together.
• 8:50
  SPEAKER_00: I'd sum up my second reflection in this.
• 8:53
  SPEAKER_00: You can make plans and diligently follow through with those plans, but God still has his way.
• 8:59
  SPEAKER_00: In short, one of my plans this year was the annual summit, which you have come to love and look forward to, and has even been on my calendar since last year.
• 9:09
  SPEAKER_00: But it's not gonna happen.
• 9:11
  SPEAKER_00: At least not as I planned.
• 9:14
  SPEAKER_00: So, yes, it's said with sadness, but for now, I am getting to host a retreat in my favorite place for an in-person time of connection, which if you haven't heard about it yet, you do need to check it out.
• 9:28
  SPEAKER_00: Of course, I'll have all the information there in the show notes and on my website.
• 9:32
  SPEAKER_00: But until the Lord shows me his new plan for the summit, I'm gonna focus in on connecting with you at the retreat and trust that that's his plan and his way right now.
• 9:45
  SPEAKER_00: Plus, I think being in person is always better, even if it takes a little extra effort.
• 9:51
  SPEAKER_00: And I know it does, but so worth it.
• 9:55
  SPEAKER_00: The third thing that I am learning or relearning is that being a business owner is tough.
• 10:02
  SPEAKER_00: And I wrote that in all caps.
• 10:04
  SPEAKER_00: Tough, tough, tough.
• 10:06
  SPEAKER_00: And because it's so challenging, you need to have an emotional support team.
• 10:11
  SPEAKER_00: I don't care who you are and or what you do, you need to get some folks that can be brutally honest and meet with them frequently and who are willing to pray for you and empathize about the struggle of being a business owner.
• 10:25
  SPEAKER_00: Of course it's worth it, but you need a team, even if they're not working with you, supporting you emotionally in it.
• 10:33
  SPEAKER_00: The fourth thing that I've learned or relearned is I love working with my coaches in the collective and in the 2023 mentorship group, specifically with the wholehearted mentorship and certification program.
• 10:46
  SPEAKER_00: These 10 women are phenomenal.
• 10:49
  SPEAKER_00: And of course, my four collective coaches are as well.
• 10:51
  SPEAKER_00: And I knew I loved coaching coaches because honestly, I love the multi-passionate, different scenarios, business strategies, and faith and motherhood and all of that coming together.
• 11:05
  SPEAKER_00: But I wasn't sure what it was gonna look like to coach a group of coaches, but I love, I look forward to our weekly Zoom calls.
• 11:14
  SPEAKER_00: This year we're getting to do two Zoom calls together and we connect regularly on Foxer.
• 11:19
  SPEAKER_00: It is just so fantastic.
• 11:21
  SPEAKER_00: These women are truly incredible.
• 11:23
  SPEAKER_00: And I imagine this won't be the last time I'm gonna mention them, or you'll probably get to hear more about them here in the near future.
• 11:31
  SPEAKER_00: The fifth thing I've learned or relearned this summer is that when the heat gets turned up in climate, it also happens spiritually.
• 11:40
  SPEAKER_00: The question I have asked myself and asked some others that I'm coaching is that summer is a chance to really live what we believe.
• 11:50
  SPEAKER_00: Do I really believe that God is the CEO, that he can take my loaves and fishes, the little that I can give during the summer, and will he expand his work?
• 12:01
  SPEAKER_00: Or do I have an orphan mindset that it's all up to me?
• 12:06
  SPEAKER_00: Ultimately, this summer has been an awesome opportunity to take time to explore.
• 12:12
  SPEAKER_00: Do I live what I believe?
• 12:13
  SPEAKER_00: Do I live as God's beloved or as an orphan child who has to do it alone?
• 12:19
  SPEAKER_00: The sixth thing I've learned this summer, and this is a first time, not a relearn, is something I am really excited to tell you about.
• 12:26
  SPEAKER_00: And I'm going to find more ways to tell you more.
• 12:29
  SPEAKER_00: But for now, I'll sum it up that I went back to school this summer and I got certified as a working genius facilitator.
• 12:37
  SPEAKER_00: I received hands-on training from the table group team, which if you haven't heard of, look it up.
• 12:42
  SPEAKER_00: It's Patrick Lincioni, amazing, amazing organization and author and business leader.
• 12:48
  SPEAKER_00: But during the certification, I got to be equipped with loads of tools and resources so I can help others leverage the working genius model with their teams as an individual, organizations, and their leadership.
• 13:01
  SPEAKER_00: My excitement about this tool or framework is up there with Enneagram, truly, maybe even more, because it's not as in-depth as a framework because Enneagram goes so deep, right?
• 13:12
  SPEAKER_00: Those motivations and desires and vices, pitfalls, like deep, deep stuff.
• 13:19
  SPEAKER_00: And that's why I love it.
• 13:21
  SPEAKER_00: But in the Six Working Genius framework, it's simplistic.
• 13:26
  SPEAKER_00: It's a straightforward two-hour or four-hour presentation.
• 13:29
  SPEAKER_00: And in that time frame, I can offer massive transformation to a team of people.
• 13:34
  SPEAKER_00: Maybe it's church leadership, a real estate team, maybe Google will invite me.
• 13:39
  SPEAKER_00: Or, or honestly, I've been working with fellow coaches so that they can work smarter, not harder, with clarity and unity.
• 13:46
  SPEAKER_00: And best of all, it really illuminates what brings joy to people, which as a seven, of course, that's super fun.
• 13:54
  SPEAKER_00: When I first came across this resource and this tool, it was in my personal business leadership and development.
• 14:01
  SPEAKER_00: So I've been implementing it with myself and my team, and I've experienced so much revelation.
• 14:07
  SPEAKER_00: I'm purposely going to end my joy sharing here, but trust me, you're going to hear more about this in the new future.
• 14:13
  SPEAKER_00: And if you haven't heard of this or this idea has piqued your interest, you are going to want to learn more.
• 14:19
  SPEAKER_00: And guess what?
• 14:20
  SPEAKER_00: There's a fantastic book that's a quick, easy read, and a podcast that you can binge.
• 14:25
  SPEAKER_00: I'm going to link it in my show notes so you can check it out.
• 14:29
  SPEAKER_00: The seventh thing I've learned or relearned brings me to my last several reflections.
• 14:36
  SPEAKER_00: The first is sometimes clarity happens in real time in front of others.
• 14:42
  SPEAKER_00: Therefore, stay humble, friend.
• 14:45
  SPEAKER_00: I won't elaborate except to say this: it's okay that you don't know everything or that you're learning something for the first time.
• 14:52
  SPEAKER_00: Be honest with those following or watching and apologize when necessary.
• 14:57
  SPEAKER_00: I really believe that that will go a long way in building lasting trust.
• 15:03
  SPEAKER_00: The eighth thing is an intentional pause for some things is a must, especially during the summer months.
• 15:11
  SPEAKER_00: Every May, every May, and I'm not exaggerating, every May I look dreamy-eyed into summer since I can remember.
• 15:18
  SPEAKER_00: And I have naively thought that it will be freer and easier, easier, and I'm going to have more time and I'm going to do all these projects that I've been waiting to do.
• 15:26
  SPEAKER_00: But friend, that is not the case.
• 15:29
  SPEAKER_00: Instead, I am learning slowly or relearning that I have to look at the summer months and consider what I need to pause or what I can take a break from so summer can be all that it needs to be for my soul.
• 15:45
  SPEAKER_00: And if there is a project that I've been holding on to or waiting, well, I'm going to have to carve very strategic and intentional time to make that happen.
• 15:54
  SPEAKER_00: In summertime, it's just not going to happen.
• 15:56
  SPEAKER_00: Suddenly, there's not going to be this wide open space that you can do that thing.
• 16:02
  SPEAKER_00: The ninth thing that I am learning or relearning, if you will, is that coffee with Jesus never goes on summer break.
• 16:10
  SPEAKER_00: Again, my coffee with Jesus is another, another way I love talking about my morning office routine, or what some people call quiet time.
• 16:20
  SPEAKER_00: While I did just mention that summer might be a time to pause some things, this rhythm has to be solid.
• 16:27
  SPEAKER_00: There's no pausing it.
• 16:28
  SPEAKER_00: Even if I sleep in a little bit later than normal because, yep, I stayed up too late watching Survivor, or I know I need to work a little bit before the kids get up, first things are first.
• 16:40
  SPEAKER_00: For me, the anchor of time in God's word, prayer and journaling, it really makes the summer less harried, frazzled, and frustrating than I can guarantee you it would be if I didn't have that rhythm.
• 16:53
  SPEAKER_00: So if you haven't listened to my episode that I shared again last summer about this rhythm, there's a couple of them that actually relate.
• 17:00
  SPEAKER_00: I'm going to leave those to the show notes, and I think you'll appreciate that as you continue to finish out these dog days of summer.
• 17:09
  SPEAKER_00: Last but not least, the 10th thing I've learned this summer is a round of phrase, new levels, new devils.
• 17:17
  SPEAKER_00: I've heard it often and I have wondered, is that truly the case?
• 17:23
  SPEAKER_00: Or maybe is it if we're truly living unto wholeheartedness, loving the Lord our God with all of our heart, mind, and strength, and loving others as ourselves?
• 17:34
  SPEAKER_00: Is it just that we're going to constantly become more aware of our sins and our shortcomings and our inability to do life in our own strength?
• 17:44
  SPEAKER_00: I personally am experiencing new and deeper struggles.
• 17:48
  SPEAKER_00: And I've thought, is this new levels, new devils?
• 17:52
  SPEAKER_00: Or is it, yes, old-fashioned resistance?
• 17:55
  SPEAKER_00: It's the enemy, maybe, but maybe it's really about God calling me into greater intimacy with him so I can better reflect his love and character.
• 18:05
  SPEAKER_00: All right, friend, that's a lot.
• 18:07
  SPEAKER_00: And I wanted to keep this episode short and sweet.
• 18:10
  SPEAKER_00: We'll see what the final time on this one is, but I want to leave you with this scripture that I'm returning to as I reflect on this last thing I am in the middle of learning.
• 18:20
  SPEAKER_00: The passage of scripture that I want to share here is 2 Corinthians 4, and it's verses 7 through 10.
• 18:26
  SPEAKER_00: We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure.
• 18:35
  SPEAKER_00: This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.
• 18:39
  SPEAKER_00: We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed.
• 18:44
  SPEAKER_00: We are perplexed, but not driven to despair.
• 18:47
  SPEAKER_00: We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God.
• 18:51
  SPEAKER_00: We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.
• 18:54
  SPEAKER_00: Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.
• 19:05
  SPEAKER_00: Well, friend, I hope that by following the Lord's leading and sharing some of what I've been learning or relearning prompts you to reflect on what the Lord is showing you as you in this season and begin a new one.
• 19:18
  SPEAKER_00: I am so grateful for you and this opportunity to spend a little extra time with you today.
• 19:23
  SPEAKER_00: And I look forward to all that is ahead for the both of us.
• 19:26
  SPEAKER_00: Perhaps you'd want to share this episode with another friend who would like to reflect with you as well, so you can continue to encourage and pray for one another.
• 19:35
  SPEAKER_00: And I know I mentioned a lot of different resources today, so before you download the next episode on your playlist, check out the show notes to follow up on those next steps.
• 19:45
  SPEAKER_00: Until next time, friend, continue to pursue God's perspective, purpose, and plans for your simply wholehearted life.