Advice Column (2025)

28/06/2024

How do you create a supportive environment where the people in your life feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences without fear of judgment or ridicule?

My friend and colleague Jackie Reed recently shared this quote with me, and I think it’s so beautiful:

“Most people say that Aloha means hello, goodbye, or love but that’s an overly simplified translation. Aloha literally translates to “Alo,” which is to be present or in front of, and “Ha,” meaning the breath of life. The real translation of Aloha is to be present in the breath of life, acknowledging our connection as living beings and honoring our responsibility to one other as we share space with respect and gratitude.”

Acknowledging our connection as living beings and honoring our responsibility to one another is one of the greatest gifts we can give. It’s a privilege to share a place in the world, don’t you think?

If you want to find connections and share space, join our community Facebook group. We can’t wait to have you join us!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/advicecolumncommunity/

26/06/2024

Hi, friends!

I love Advice Column. I love the community we’ve built together, and I love you for being a part of it. That being said, the Advice Column podcast will be going on pause. At this time, we will be moving forward solely through email newsletters.

Thank you for being on this journey with me. And of course, this community will always be around for encouragement and support—I’m so thankful for that.

If you haven’t already, you can listen to the podcast episode archives and subscribe to the newsletter. You can sign up at https://advicecolumn.com/signup/

25/06/2024

Is it time to dump your bucket list? 📝

I’m a collector of experiences. I view life as a treasure hunt for new places, special people, and neat experiences, and I believe in pursuing our dreams now.

But in the book, “From Strength to Strength,” Arthur C. Brooks makes the point that if we think we have to add things to a bucket that starts out empty in order to have a fulfilling life, we can become frenzied. In that state, we risk missing the joy of the journey we’re on.

Beyond that, we miss seeing that you are already a complete person. YOU have been there all along.

I’m not ready to completely toss out my bucket list, but today, I’m reflecting on how I can slow down and enjoy the journey as it comes. How is my life fulfilling here and now, exactly as I am?

What are some ways you can slow down and enjoy the journey today?

20/06/2024

Your life is not an empty canvas on which you need to create. You are already a complete work of art. 🎨

Your life’s masterpiece emerges as you chip away at everything that is not the essence of you. When Michaelangelo was asked how he created his Statue of David, he answered, “I just saw an angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.”

It’s worth asking ourselves how we might differentiate between which parts of our lives are sculptures and which parts are stones that we can chip away at.

Today, I hope you see a clear vision of the masterpiece that you are!

I love topics like this, and if you enjoy them too, there is more to be found in my newsletter. If you or someone you know might be interested, you can subscribe at https://advicecolumn.com/signup/

17/06/2024

Sometimes, I need a reminder to look at things differently.

When we were kids, my dad sat my sister, brother, and me down by the fireplace in our family room and told us that story to teach us that the frame we choose matters. Even now, I often forget that I can choose how I view something.

It’s all about reframing the situation. We can view the mundane parts of life as just…mundane parts of life. Or we could view them as stepping stones to create something magnificent and beautiful.

For example, I could look at what I’m doing at this moment as simply writing a post, or I could see it as endeavoring to influence your life in a positive way. That choice then affects my motivation and sense of purpose.

My question for you and for myself is, can we be intentional about choosing a different frame? Can we think about how we are “holding” a particular situation? Can we view a broader context of our lives and enjoy the journey?

12/06/2024

Do you feel like your habits have the best of you?

Self-compassion and mindfulness can be the antidote.

In this podcast episode, Lisa Liguori and Brad Tunis explore addictive behaviors and talk about why self-discovery helps. They touch on practical advice, such as calming breathing exercises to use when dealing with a craving.

👋 Brad Tunis left his career as a hospital administrator to support people through his training as a highly sought-after Hypnotherapist and Mindfulness Coach. He enjoys surfing and riding gravel bikes with his wife, Sarah.

👋 The founder of the Advice Column Podcast, Lisa Liguori is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and adventurer. She loves to host game nights, pilot a small plane, and write in her journal. She loves hearing what others are learning in their life's journey and sharing what she is working through.

Listen to the episode for insights on weathering cravings with self-compassion, and enjoy it as an opportunity for self-reflection.

10/06/2024

🐸👑 There was a frog who dreamed of becoming a prince. He’d imagine THE kiss, the transformation, the people he’d rein over when he had legs, and the glory he’d enjoy.

One day a princess finally laid one on him, and BINGO! He got his wish. In a swirl of sparkling dust, he transformed into a regal human housed in a royal palace.

But there was a problem.

That frog ended up hating his new life. The palace air was dry compared to his old pond. The royal robes were itchy. The crown was cumbersome, and the job was bor-ing. Worse yet, the princess was a kind of a “pill.” All day long, that poor frog just longed to be back playing in the mud.

This twist on the ending to a would-be happily-ever-after fairytale was the gist of an amusing poem I read a long time ago. I’ve never been able to find it again, but I’ve thought back on it often.

Today, I’m reminded of the gloriousness of my own “muddy pond.” I hope you’re loving yours as well!

What is your favorite thing about your current life circumstances? If you’d be willing to reply and share, I’d love to hear it!

08/06/2024

I’d rather have an uncomfortable conversation than choose resentment. Why?

Brené Brown once mentioned this in her podcast: choose discomfort over resentment. Have the uncomfortable, difficult conversations up front rather than holding onto how you feel and developing resentment down the road.

When we’re open with one another, it’s not always comfortable. But resentment isn’t comfortable either, and allowing ourselves to let it go by holding tough conversations will create stronger, healthier relationships.

Is there a time you were brave and chose discomfort rather than resentment? Share about it in the comments below!

07/06/2024

I’m not particularly good at self-advocacy.

Sometimes, I feel stuck between a “this" or "that.” For example, I could either support my friend and spend time with them on their birthday, or take care of myself and stay home because I’m tired. I need rest, but I also don’t want my friend to resent me for canceling.

But it doesn’t have to be an either-or.

I can share the conflict I’m having with my friend so that I can advocate for myself AND show my support for that person I care about. I could tell them, “I’m really tired. Could we celebrate together soon?” This third option of communicating clearly while also noticing my personal needs is a little uncomfortable, but it spares both of us from developing resentment.

If you have trouble with self-advocacy like I do, the Advice Column community on Facebook is full of people who will support and encourage you. Join us!

27/05/2024

Let me tell you about my friend Dave Carey.

Dave was a prisoner of war in Vietnam and endured unimaginable challenges. But in the darkness of that time, he and his fellow captives would quietly knock on their walls, letting each other know they weren't alone.

"Are you out there, or am I in this scary place all alone?" they'd ask, then receive the reassuring response, "I am here with you."

Their story reminds me of the life-saving strength found in unity, even in the most dire circumstances. As many of us navigate our own challenges and feelings of isolation, we can always remember the importance of reaching out to our support communities, just like Dave and his fellow prisoners did in Vietnam.

Together, we are stronger. Together, we are better.

23/05/2024

Most people understand the deep satisfaction of giving, but it took a time of profound loss to teach me the humbling and uplifting comfort of receiving.

When my precious father died of brain cancer, I received enormous support.

One kind soul spent his days and nights helping me search for a venue and think through logistical details for the celebration of life. Two new friends spent multiple days helping me find a dress that fit properly after a year of stress eating.

It was amazing—and uncomfortable—to receive support from people I had never done anything for and whom I could not help in return. Accepting this unearned “just-because” love that I cannot repay has been really humbling but uplifting at the same time. It feels vulnerable, but it is also heartwarming.

Advice Column is a forum for sharing our real-life experiences so that we can learn from one another and feel supported. Sometimes, sharing what’s real makes us vulnerable and uncomfortable, but it can also be beautiful.

How do you experience the vulnerability of “receiving”? What is it like for you? I’d love to hear your thoughts as I ponder this unsettling, powerful experience.

Advice Column

28/06/2024

26/06/2024

25/06/2024

20/06/2024

17/06/2024

12/06/2024

10/06/2024

08/06/2024

07/06/2024

27/05/2024

23/05/2024

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