In September 2024, I went in for my annual physical and everything seemed "fine". I had no aches or pains to complain of, yes, my clothes fit tighter than they had a year ago but I'm also on the verge of menopause. My body has changed and I didn't have any issues with that.
However, all was not as it appeared.
For the first time ever, I had elevated blood markers in EIGHT categories: liver enzymes (liver disease concern), all the cholesterols (heart disease concerns), hemoglobin A1C (diabetes concern), APOEB (cardiovascular disease). It was a serious wake-up call.
My cholesterol has been inching up every year of perimenopause, so that wasn't completely unexpected, but I realized that it was pulling the rest of my good health along for the ride, so I decided to focus on the cholesterol and the A1C and hope the other things came down with it.
ONE YEAR LATER...all but one of the markers is in a healthy zone and I weigh ten pounds less.
In this episode, I talk about the small daily changes that have had an outsize impact for me!!! (I'm not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV. This is just my experience.)
Next Episodes
Nov 13, 2025: Interview with Flow Expert Diane Allen
Nov 20, 2025: A Chat with My Friends
Nov 27, 2025: Planning for Holiday Leftovers (rebroadcast)
Resources:
-Get Organized 2026 https://tinyURL.com/getorganized2026 (watch the podcast for a special code for 25% off)
-Website: http://BYWDreams.com
-My books: http://TinyURL.com/BYWDbooks
I used to be really unhealthy. At one point, a doctor asked me when was the last time I'd eaten a piece of raw fruit and I couldn't answer. It had been over a decade.
When I started on my health journey, I knew nothing about nutrition. Since then, I've found that one of the best ways to ensure I eat healthy is to eat repetitively. The side benefit of this is that it also saves me lots of time and energy. It also reduces decision fatigue which makes me feel less stressed. 😋
Listen to this episode to find out more about how to come up with an eating plan that you'll enjoy and stick with!
Next Episodes
Nov 6, 2025: Thanksgiving Planning (in detail!)
Nov 13, 2025: Interview with Flow Expert Diane Allen
Resources:
-Get Organized 2026 https://bywdreams.mailerpage.com/getorganized2026 (watch the podcast for a special code for 25% off)
-Website: http://BYWDreams.com
-My books: http://TinyURL.com/BYWDbooks
Holidays or Holidaze? The holidays should be fun, right? So why are so many people stressed out about them? Because they don't prioritize the many opportunities that come their way.
In this episode I give you a simple, 3-step plan to ensure MORE FUN and LESS STRESS this holiday season. Remember, planning makes everything easier...especially the holidays. 🎃🪔🎁
Next EpisodesOct 30, 2025: Save Time and Reduce Stress with Repetitive Eating
Nov 6, 2025: Thanksgiving Planning (in detail!)
Nov 13, 2025: Interview with Flow Expert Diane Allen
Resources:
-Start my life design course "Harness the Power of Planning" now! http://tinyurl.com/hpopondemand
-Website: http://BYWDreams.com
-My books: http://TinyURL.com/BYWDbooks
Although many people think I'm an extrovert, in many personality tests, I score right on the cusp of being an introvert, which is why I loved meeting Mandi. She gave some great planning tips that ensure success at networking events.
In this episode, we talk about these tips, her career in sales for a conference planning broker, and sweatworking (it's a thing!)
Next Episodes
Oct 23, 2025: Coming Up with a Fun and Manageable Holiday PlanOct 30, 2025: Eating Repetitively: Save Time, Reduce Stress, Ensure Health
Resources:
-Mandi's website http://www.mandigraziano.com
-Start my life design course "Harness the Power of Planning" now! http://tinyurl.com/hpopondemand
-Website: http://BYWDreams.com
-My books: http://TinyURL.com/BYWDbooks
How long can I focus? You probably already have a sense of how long your attention span is. You are also probably aware of the fact that some things hold your attention more than others.
In this episode, I explain Ultradian Rhythms and how knowing yours will help increase your productivity. I also discuss the one thing that hijacks these rhythm: FLOW, and how figuring out your entry point to flow is the key to more joy and productivity in your work life. Did I say "joy"? Yes, I did!
Next Episodes
October 16, 2025: Interview with Sales and Networking Expert Mandi Graziano
October 23, 2025: Coming Up with a Fun and Manageable Holiday Plan
Resources:
-Diane Allen book on FLOW https://amzn.to/4pTQNtc-My Favorite Planning Tools (stickers, ink, etc) https://tinyurl.com/shopbywd
-Start my life design course "Harness the Power of Planning" now! http://tinyurl.com/hpopondemand
-Website: http://BYWDreams.com
-My books: http://TinyURL.com/BYWDbooks
Most of us have something we'd like to change or improve, but sometimes change can be hard.🤔 In this episode I explain the Trans-Theoretical Model of Change that will give you insight into why behavior modification can seem difficult.
I will also give you tips for overcoming this challenge so that next time you want to implement a new habit, it will be easier! 🫰🏽
Next Episodes
October 9, 2025: How Long Should I Work on One Thing? Ultradian Rhythms and Flow.
October 16, 2025: Coming Up with a Fun and Manageable Holiday Plan
Resources:
-My Favorite Planning Tools (stickers, ink, etc) https://tinyurl.com/shopbywd
-Start my life design course "Harness the Power of Planning" now! http://tinyurl.com/hpopondemand
-Website: http://BYWDreams.com
-My books: http://TinyURL.com/BYWDbooks
Sleep hygiene? That's just a fancy term for making sure you get a good night's sleep. 😴 Having an evening ritual is the solution to ensuring you have good "sleep hygiene" so that your brain and body can get the rest and repair they need to function optimally. If you don't get enough sleep, you will be impaired. In fact, driving drowsy has been show to be as dangerous as driving drunk!
Natascha and I also chat about a mind-blowing 🤯 tip for breaking the habit of negative thinking.
Resources mentioned in this podcast:
Resources:
-My Favorite Planning Tools (stickers, ink, etc) https://tinyurl.com/shopbywd
-Start my life design course "Harness the Power of Planning" now! http://tinyurl.com/hpopondemand
-Website: BYWDreams.com (http://BYWDreams.com)
-My books: TinyURL.com/BYWDbooks (http://TinyURL.com/BYWDbooks)
REBROADCAST
In this podcast, I walk you through a powerful planning exercise: the monthly course correct. This is the tool that keeps you on track so that you can make progress on the big and little goals you set for yourself. 🚀 (Grab my free printable in the link below before you start this so you can follow along!)
Resources:
-Course Correct Printable http://TinyURL.com/BYWDcoursecorrect
-My Favorite Planning Tools (stickers, ink, etc) https://tinyurl.com/shopbywd
-Touchnote https://touchnote.com/us/
-The Big Leap https://amzn.to/4dO9F7v
-Spying on the South https://amzn.to/4mOwHis
-Start my life design course "Harness the Power of Planning" now! http://tinyurl.com/hpopondemand
-Website: BYWDreams.com (http://BYWDreams.com)
-Our books: TinyURL.com/BYWDbooks (http://TinyURL.com/BYWDbooks)
-Our life-design course: BYWDreams.mailerpage.com/hpop (http://BYWDreams.mailerpage.com/hpop)
Your chronotype is the label that helps describe your ideal schedule in terms of sleep and work. I'm sure that this system is partially influenced by geography and culture, so I don't like to overly generalize, but when I speak about chronotypes to American audiences, I get a lot of affirmative head-nodding.
In this episode I explain how understanding your chronotype can help you lead a more productive (and dare I say it, happier?) day. 🦁🐻🐺🐬
Find out your chronotype with this quiz: https://sleepdoctor.com/pages/chronotypes/chronotype-quiz
The Power of When book by Dr. Michael Breus https://amzn.to/4poHCAY
UPCOMING TOPICS
Sept 18, 2025: Why is Change so Hard? And How Understanding that Can Make It Easier!Sept 25, 2025: How Long Should I Work on One Thing?
MY LINKS
-My website: BYWDreams.com
-Shop my favorite planning tools: https://tinyURL.com/shopBYWD
-Take my on-demand life design course "Harness the Power of Planning" http://tinyurl.com/hpopondemand
-My books: http://TinyURL.com/BYWDbooks
I'm a big fan of paper planners. I've used one for over 35 years, and so I have some thoughts on what makes a paper planner perfect (say that 3x fast!)
To start with, there is no PERFECT planner. The perfect planner is the one that you use. It's different for everyone.
In this episode I outline three things to consider when choosing a paper planner so that you can ensure it is perfect for you! 📔
UPCOMING TOPICS
Sept 11, 2025: Interview with Sales Coach and Networking Expert Mandi Graziano
Sept 18, 2025: What's Your Chronotype and How it can Help You be More Productive
MY LINKS
-My website: BYWDreams.com
-Shop my favorite planning tools: https://tinyURL.com/shopBYWD
-Take my on-demand life design course "Harness the Power of Planning" http://tinyurl.com/hpopondemand
-My books: http://TinyURL.com/BYWDbooks
When I start working with someone on using a paper planner, I often notice that they neglect to make time for the many steps that don't have fixed date and time associated with them. I call all these steps the invisible work.
For instance, if you have a dinner party in your planner for October 1 at 6pm, you need to write in your planner 6 weeks before to come up with an invite list, 4 weeks before invite people, 2 weeks before choose menu, 1 week before go grocery shopping for nonperishables, 3 days before shop for perishables, 2 days before cook the stuff that can keep and get house in order, 1 day before set the table and cook some more. All of those steps should be in your planner.
This works in your professional life too. October 1 at 10am new client meeting probably started 6-8 weeks before at that networking event you attended, the day after you followed up on LinkedIn, three days later you followed up by email, then you had that zoom call, the follow-up email, then you did some research to think about how you could work together, then you invited them to the meeting, then you prepped all the paperwork and logistics for the meeting, then after the meeting you have weeks of months of follow-up. All those steps should be in your planner.
In this episode I talk about how and why you should do this!
UPCOMING TOPICSSept 4, 2025: How to Pick the Perfect Planner
Sept 11, 2025: Interview with Sales Coach and Networking Expert Mandi Graziano
Sept 18, 2025: What's Your Chronotype and How it can Help You be More Productive
MY LINKS
-My website: BYWDreams.com
-Shop my favorite planning tools: https://www.amazon.com/shop/alegreramos/list/3EMEZU2VFUPUB?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_2QST996TGJ27HKC589RQ
-Take my on-demand life design course "Harness the Power of Planning" http://tinyurl.com/hpopondemand
-My books: http://TinyURL.com/BYWDbooks
This book is a great introduction to the world of the brain 🧠. It's science that reals like a novel! In this episode I discuss some of the high points and hopefully pique your interest enough that you will buy/borrow this fantastic book. You can buy the book here https://amzn.to/415vEBA
Next week's topic (8/21/25): [PLANNING] Make Invisible Work, Visible
Two weeks: [PLANNING] How to Pick the Perfect Planner (for You!)
Resources:
-My Favorite Planning Tools (stickers, ink, etc) https://tinyurl.com/shopbywd
-Start my life design course "Harness the Power of Planning" now! http://tinyurl.com/hpopondemand
-Website: http://BYWDreams.com
-My books: http://TinyURL.com/BYWDbooks
Sometimes letting go is the hardest thing to do. In this episode, I tell you about three experiences I've had with letting go of expectations, and the way I prepare beforehand so that I feel ready to release.🕊️
Next week's topic (8/14/25): [BOOK SUMMARY] "The Dueling Neurosurgeons"
Two weeks: [PLANNING] Make Invisible Work, Visible
Resources:
-My Favorite Planning Tools (stickers, ink, etc) https://tinyurl.com/shopbywd
-Start my life design course "Harness the Power of Planning" now! http://tinyurl.com/hpopondemand
-Website: http://BYWDreams.com
-My books: http://TinyURL.com/BYWDbooks
The first day of school is two weeks away which gives you just enough time to implement my 5-step back-to-school plan.
Next week's topic (8/7/25): Control What You Can and Let Go of the Rest
8/14/25 topic: Book Summary "The Dueling Neurosurgeons"My website: http://BYWDreams.comMy books: http://tinyurl.com/bywdbooks
As a 51-year-old, I notice when my skin isn't looking it's best. And because I hate wearing make-up (always have), I have an extra incentive to keep my skin looking good because I'm not going to use make-up to cover it up. When people find out my age, they often ask "what skincare brand do you use," and while I think good products are a component of good skin, they are not the most important!In this episode I go through the lifestyle choices I make on the (almost) daily to keep my skin looking its best. Do I look like I'm 21 and just had a deep-plane face list (IYKYK), no, but I feel good about my skin and it's my daily habits that are responsible for that. 🧘🏽♀️💤🚶🏽♀️🥬🪞
Resources:
-My Skincare Ritual podcast #71 (with lots of skincare product links) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ijRiCx3Iok
-Fitting Exercise In podcast #113 https://youtube.com/live/2EKKjGr7C6U
-My Favorite Planning Tools (stickers, ink, etc) https://tinyurl.com/shopbywd
-Start my life design course "Harness the Power of Planning" now! http://tinyurl.com/hpopondemand
-Website: http://BYWDreams.com-My books: http://TinyURL.com/BYWDbooks
NOT SURE WHAT HAPPENNED TO THE AUDIO, WILL SEE IF I CAN FIX AUDIO ONLY VERSION IN EDITOR.
At the top of the show I speak to the Alexandra Stoddard quote, "What we do today, right now, will have an accumulated effect on all our tomorrows." It was a great segue into my topic.
I've been in a long-term relationship for 27 years and I have some thoughts on what got us here. In this episode I talk about
-My plan for finding a long-term partner (it involves a list of 22 dealbreakers) 📋
-How I knew I was ready to get married 👰🏽♀️
-How we stay aligned so the day-to-day doesn't wear us down 🥳
Resources:
-"My Wife Said You Might Want to Marry Me" https://amzn.to/4kQJ6QR
-My Favorite Planning Tools (stickers, ink, etc) https://tinyurl.com/shopbywd
-Start my life design course "Harness the Power of Planning" now! http://tinyurl.com/hpopondemand
-Website: http://BYWDreams.com-My books: http://TinyURL.com/BYWDbooks
At the top of the show I pulled the quote "Listen to Your Life. All moments are key moments." ~Frederick Buechner, and discussed the quiet moments that coalesced into my decision to start doing stand-up comedy.
Then I summarized the amazing memoir "The Education of Eva Moscovitz". (https://amzn.to/4kBtYqu) Ms. Moskovitz is the founder of Success Academy Charter Schools, a network of 57 public schools that has had a 100% college acceptance rate for eight years in a row and vastly outperforms traditional public schools.
This book was a fantastic primer on:
It's a non-fiction book that reads like fiction! Give it a go. You'll learn a lot and be inspired. Buy it here: https://amzn.to/4kBtYqu
Resources:
-My Favorite Planning Tools (stickers, ink, etc) https://tinyurl.com/shopbywd
-Start my life design course "Harness the Power of Planning" now! http://tinyurl.com/hpopondemand
-Website: http://BYWDreams.com
-My books: http://TinyURL.com/BYWDbooks
At the top of the show I pulled the quote "Listen to Your Life. All moments are key moments." ~Frederick Buechner, and discussed the quiet moments that coalesced into my decision to start doing stand-up comedy.
Then I summarized the amazing memoir "The Education of Eva Moscovitz". (https://amzn.to/4kBtYqu) Ms. Moskovitz is the founder of Success Academy Charter Schools, a network of 57 public schools that has had a 100% college acceptance rate for eight years in a row and vastly outperforms traditional public schools.
This book was a fantastic primer on:
It's a non-fiction book that reads like fiction! Give it a go. You'll learn a lot and be inspired. Buy it here: https://amzn.to/4kBtYqu
Resources:
-My Favorite Planning Tools (stickers, ink, etc) https://tinyurl.com/shopbywd
-Start my life design course "Harness the Power of Planning" now! http://tinyurl.com/hpopondemand
-Website: http://BYWDreams.com
-My books: http://TinyURL.com/BYWDbooks
Movement is our privilege as beings with limbs, but sometimes it can feel like a chore. However, it's not something that can be ignored as we need it to keep our heart💓, muscles💪, bones🩻, and brain🧠, healthy.
As a working mom, I don't have as much time as I used to for leisurely, 90-minute classes or three hours of squash, followed by weights, followed by leisurely swims in a pool (I can't believe that was my life!) Now I'm all about "sneaking" movement in because USE IT OR LOSE IT!
In this episode, I explain 5 tips for making movement a joyful habit. 😅
Resources:
-My Favorite Planning Tools (stickers, ink, etc) https://tinyurl.com/shopbywd
-Touchnote https://touchnote.com/us/
-Start my life design course "Harness the Power of Planning" now! http://tinyurl.com/hpopondemand
-Website: BYWDreams.com (http://BYWDreams.com)
-Our books: TinyURL.com/BYWDbooks (http://TinyURL.com/BYWDbooks)
-Our life-design course: BYWDreams.mailerpage.com/hpop (http://BYWDreams.mailerpage.com/hpop)
Every podcast I pull an inspiring quote and chat about it. This week's quote:
Let the winds of enthusiasm sweep through you. Live today with gusto. ~Dale Carnegie