Positive Solutions 4 Life-Transforming Your Mind & Body from the Inside Out

Ignite Your Purpose with Karen Ansen

In this episode of Positive Solutions 4 Life, Karen shares her inspiring journey of rediscovering herself, building confidence, and finding purpose later in life.
After raising her children and working in government jobs for many years, Karen realized she had lost sight of her own identity. That moment of questioning led her to make a bold decision—returning to university to study law. The experience not only gave her a degree but completely transformed her belief in herself.
Karen opens up about the tools and practices that helped her shift from staying stuck in negative emotions to moving forward with confidence. From breathwork and affirmations to gratitude and small daily steps, she shows how simple, intentional choices can create powerful change.
Now the founder of Ignite Your Purpose, Karen helps leaders—especially in the aged care sector—move beyond stress and compliance to lead from authenticity, calm, and purpose. She reminds us that purpose isn’t a lightning-bolt revelation, but a journey of discovering who we are, what we love, and how we can serve.
✨ Listen in for Karen’s powerful story and practical wisdom that will inspire you to strip away the masks, honor your needs, and trust the path unfolding before you.
👉 Connect with Karen:Website: www.ignitehr.com.auFacebook: facebook.com/ignitehrlaw
👉 Connect with Peggy & Positive Solutions 4 Life:Website: https://positivesolutions4life.com

Survival Mode–Recognize, Escape, and Thrive

Are you “just surviving” instead of truly living? In this episode of Positive Solutions 4 Life, Peggy Meyer explores the powerful concept of survival mode—the body’s built-in stress response—and why so many of us get stuck there.
You’ll learn:
What survival mode really is and how it impacts your body, mind, and emotions
The difference between short-term survival mode and chronic survival mode
Signs you might be running on autopilot, hypervigilant, or emotionally checked out
Practical tools to regulate your body, restore balance, and start moving toward a thriving state
How awareness, self-care, boundaries, and connection can pull you out of survival and into flow
Survival mode isn’t a life sentence—it’s a message that something needs to change. Once you recognize it, you can begin to shift from just getting by to living with purpose, energy, and joy.
 
Connect with Peggy Meyer:🌐 Website: https://positivesolutions4life.com/

The Power of Self-Compassion with Massimo Backus

In this episode of Positive Solutions 4 Life, Peggy Meyer sits down with executive coach and author Massimo Backus to explore a leadership principle that’s both radical and profoundly human: self-compassion.
Massimo shares his personal journey—from struggling with dyslexia as a child to building a thriving executive coaching practice—and how a hard truth from his team sparked an epiphany that changed his life. Instead of striving for perfection, he discovered that the key to authentic leadership lies in embracing our humanness first.
Together, Peggy and Massimo dive into:
Why self-compassion is often misunderstood in leadership.
The three core elements of self-compassion: awareness, common humanity, and self-kindness.
How letting go of the “leadership costume” creates trust, connection, and resilience.
The freedom that comes with showing up authentically—for ourselves and those we influence.
Whether you’re leading a company, a team, or simply yourself, this conversation will inspire you to rethink what it truly means to lead.
 
📘 Learn more about Massimo Backus and his book Human First, Leader Second.
https://massimobackus.com/
🌐 Connect with Peggy at positivesolutions4life.com📲 Follow on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube: @positivesolutions4life

Foundation of Emotional Intelligence

In this episode, we’re exploring three foundational skills that fuel emotional intelligence: self-reflection, self-awareness, and self-regulation.
These aren’t just buzzwords. When practiced, they can transform the way you handle challenges, relationships, and even your sense of self.
Here’s what we’ll cover in this episode:
The five components of emotional intelligence and why the first two—self-awareness and self-regulation—are essential.
What self-reflection really means (and what it’s not).
How self-awareness helps you recognize emotions in the moment.
The role of self-regulation in choosing thoughtful responses over impulsive reactions.
How these three skills work together like a cycle to build resilience, stronger relationships, and better decision-making.
Practical strategies you can start today: journaling, mindfulness, feedback, stress management, and “if/then” plans.
Think of it this way:
Self-reflection = GPS check
Self-awareness = your dashboard
Self-regulation = your driving skillsTogether, they form the foundation of emotional intelligence, guiding you safely toward the life you want with more clarity, confidence, and compassion.
🔗 Connect with me here: Positive Solutions 4 Life
 

Building an Iconic Brand with Cynthia Maselli

Starting a business can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, strategy, and clarity, it can also become an exciting journey. In this episode of Positive Solutions 4 Life, I sit down with Cynthia Maselli, marketing and branding expert and author of The Iconic Brand Blueprint, to explore what it really takes to create a brand that connects, grows, and lasts.
Cynthia shares how she launched her own business—going from uncertainty to a full roster of clients in just two weeks—while balancing life as a mom. She breaks down the important distinctions between brand, branding, and brand identity, and why each matters in building a business that stands out.
You’ll hear why slowing down and getting clear on your vision, values, and goals is essential before diving into logos, colors, or taglines. Cynthia walks us through her Iconic Brand Blueprint workbook, designed to help entrepreneurs at any stage—whether just starting out, leveling up, or reevaluating after years in business—gain clarity and alignment in their strategy.
We also dive into her unique approach of intuitive listening, which goes beyond surface-level answers to uncover what clients truly want for their business. Cynthia emphasizes that effective branding is about building trust, consistency, and cohesion across all parts of your business, so that your message resonates with the right audience.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The difference between brand, branding, and brand identity
Why entrepreneurs should focus on clarity and vision before creating a brand identity
How misaligned branding can send the wrong message
What the Iconic Brand Blueprint workbook offers for new and established business owners
How intuitive listening helps uncover deeper insights for building a brand strategy
Why aligning business structure, values, and audience is key to growth
Whether you’re just starting your entrepreneurial journey or looking to refine your brand after years in business, Cynthia’s wisdom will help you build a foundation that drives sales and creates long-lasting impact.
🔗 Connect with Cynthia MaselliWebsite & Book: thebrandstrategist.co
 
Connect with Peggy Meyer: Positive Solutions 4 Life

Your Brain on Stress: Emotional vs. Self-Regulation

Why does stress feel like it hijacks your entire system? And how can you take back control? In this episode of Positive Solutions 4 Life, Peggy Meyer breaks down the fascinating science of how your brain manages emotions and self-control when stress strikes.
You’ll learn:
The difference between emotional regulation (handling feelings in the moment) and self-regulation (aligning thoughts, emotions, and behaviors with your bigger goals).
The roles of the amygdala (your brain’s alarm system) and the prefrontal cortex (your wise CEO).
Why your amygdala is like a gas pedal, and your prefrontal cortex is the brakes and steering wheel.
Practical strategies to calm stress and strengthen your brain’s self-regulation system—like mindfulness, reframing, breathing, and healthy daily habits.
When your brain’s “gas pedal” and “brakes” work together, you don’t just survive stress—you thrive through it.
 
🔗 Connect with Peggy:Website: positivesolutions4life.com

From Overwhelmed to In Control with Leslie Shreve

Do you ever feel like you’re slogging through your workday—constantly interrupted, weighed down by endless emails, scattered notes, and tasks that never seem to get done? You’re not alone.
In this episode of Positive Solutions 4 Life, I sit down with Leslie Shreve—workload management and efficiency expert, founder of Productive Day, and creator of Taskology®: The Science of Getting Things Done.
Leslie shares her 22-year journey of helping professionals and corporate leaders cut through the chaos, reclaim hours in their day, and reduce stress by up to 90%. We talk about:
The critical difference between a to-do list and a true task system
Why email management is really task management in disguise
How to stop wasting time with “pending piles” and missing files
The hidden cost of indecision and head trash—and how to become a decision-making ninja
Two powerful new programs: The Productive Day Powerhouse (a complete system for mastering your workload) and the Fast Action Formula for Tasks (a crash course in creating small, actionable tasks that move you forward).
If you’re ready to move from overwhelmed to in control, this episode is packed with practical insights and proven systems that can transform the way you work—and live.
🔗 Connect with Leslie: ProductiveDay.com
🔗 Connect with Peggy: PositiveSolutions4Life.com
 

Your Brain the Story Builder Part 2--Gossip & Rumors

Have you ever believed a rumor… only to find out later it wasn’t true? Or felt hurt by gossip that spread like wildfire? In this episode of Positive Solutions 4 Life, host Peggy Meyer unpacks why our brains are so quick to believe gossip and rumors — and how they can damage relationships, trust, and even entire communities.
Building on last week’s episode about the brain as a story-builder, Peggy explains how gossip, rumors, and assumptions sneak into our lives, why they feel like truth, and the powerful ripple effects they create. She also shares practical tools for healthier communication — so you can protect relationships, encourage truth-telling, and build deeper connections.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The difference between gossip, rumors, and truth-telling — and why your brain confuses them.
Six psychological reasons gossip and rumors feel like facts.
The hidden costs of gossip and rumors on relationships and trust.
How assumptions in personal communication create misunderstandings.
Practical tools to reduce gossip, clarify conversations, and strengthen connections.
The T.H.I.N.K. test for deciding what’s worth repeating.
Ten clear communication strategies you can start using today.
Key Takeaway:Your brain craves certainty — but when it fills in the gaps with stories, those stories often create confusion and pain. By slowing down, checking the facts, and communicating directly, you can move from division to connection and build stronger, more authentic relationships.
👉 Choose truth. Choose kindness. Choose connection.
🔗 Learn more and connect with Peggy:Website: https://positivesolutions4life.com/Facebook: Positive Solutions 4 LifeInstagram: @positivesolutions4lifeLinkedIn: Peggy MeyerYouTube: Positive Solutions 4 Life

The True Essence of Leadership with James Robbins

In this episode of Positive Solutions 4 Life, Peggy Meyer sits down with leadership expert, author, and speaker James Robbins to explore what leadership truly means—and why it has nothing to do with titles or positions.
James shares a refreshing perspective: leadership is influence, and you don’t need a formal role to lead. Whether you’re managing a corporate team, running a household, or simply influencing your peers, real leadership is about vision, connection, and authenticity.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Redefining leadership – Why influence, not position, makes a leader.
The power of vision – How vision often starts with discontent and the belief that something better is possible.
Types of influence – Positional, mastery, and relational—and how to strengthen each.
The 100 Names Challenge – A simple but powerful way to build relationships and increase your influence.
The principle of reciprocity – Why caring deeply for people creates loyalty and trust.
Authentic leadership – How humility and humanity outshine tactics and tools.
Listening to your soul – What to do when life feels “out of alignment” and how to reconnect with your true self.
Breaking free from autopilot – Identifying the old scripts and fears that keep you from living your most authentic life.
Transformational change – Why befriending anxiety is the ticket to growth.
The three core human desires and fears – How understanding them can help you push past fear and take action.
About James Robbins
James is the author of The Call to Climb, a fable about rediscovering your authentic self and courageously pursuing the life you’re meant to live. He teaches leaders how to influence others with integrity, connect meaningfully, and inspire change—both in organizations and in everyday life.
📖 Learn more about James’s work:Website: jamesrobbins.comBook: iwillclimb.com
 
Connect with Peggy Meyer: https://positivesolutions4life.com/

Your Brain--The Story Builder (Part 1)

Have you ever walked past two people whispering, caught a quick glance, and instantly thought, They’re talking about me? Ten minutes later you learn they weren’t talking about you at all—they were planning a surprise.
What happened in that gap?Your brain built a story. Fast.
Our brains are incredible problem-solving machines. Give them a few puzzle pieces and—boom—they fill in the rest. Sometimes that’s useful. But other times, it gets us into trouble because our “fast gear” jumps to conclusions before we’ve gathered all the facts.
In this episode, we’ll explore:✅ The difference between facts, truth, and stories✅ Why our brain automatically fills in missing information✅ How those completions can be wrong—and misleading✅ Tools to pause, check, and rewrite the story before acting on it
You’ll also learn:
Why your brain operates in two gears—fast (automatic, emotional, efficient) and slow (analytical, deliberate)
How assumptions, emotions, and memory distort our perception of reality
A practical exercise to separate facts, truth, feelings, and story so you can see more clearly
💡 Key Takeaway:Your brain’s fast gear writes the first draft. But your slow gear is the editor—and it’s your responsibility to pause, fact-check, and make sure your story matches reality before acting on it.
✨ Try This:Grab a piece of paper and create four columns: Facts – Truth – Feelings – Story. Pick a recent situation and write out each part. Notice where your assumptions and emotions colored the story. This simple practice can dramatically reduce misunderstandings and miscommunication.
Tune in to learn how to stop letting snap judgments run your life—and start creating space for more accurate, compassionate, and connected stories.
🔗 Connect with me at positivesolutions4life.com
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