This Is Your Time: Power, Process, and Playing Bigger: July Insights

What does it look like to claim your power in the middle of the mess? In this month’s July Insights conversation, K. Margaret and I are sitting down to reflect on what this midpoint of the year is asking of us — and what it might be asking of you.

We’re talking about the volcano effect: how the most destructive-looking seasons in our lives are often laying the most fertile ground for what’s coming. We talk about the summer solstice as an invitation to pause, honestly assess what you’ve been growing, and recalibrate toward what actually lights you up now — not the dusty goals that no longer feel juicy.

We also dig into what it means to take action before you feel ready, why the universe can’t respond if you don’t move, and how to use reflection tools — from astrology to oracle cards — as values exercises rather than prescriptions. And this month’s card pull? Power. Mountain and thunder. Consider yourself warned.

If you’ve been waiting to feel more certain before you take the next step, this episode is your sign to move.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• The volcano reframe: why chaos creates the most fertile ground for growth
• Summer solstice as a midyear check-in — what to reflect on and what to release
• Why the universe can’t respond if you don’t move (and what to do about it)
• How to use astrology, human design, and other frameworks as self-reflection tools
• Playing small vs. playing bigger: the thought exercise that changes everything
• Celebrating what’s actually grown in the last six months
• This month’s card pull: Power — and what it’s calling you toward

KEYWORDS:

midyear reflection, summer solstice, women’s personal development podcast, claiming your power, self-trust, aligned goals, playing small, personal growth for women, inner trust, taking action before you’re ready, July Insights, Clear and On Purpose podcast, K. Margaret, oracle card reading, astrology for self-reflection

If this episode resonated, there may be deeper hidden patterns shaping the way you operate, respond to pressure, and move through burnout, overthinking, or self-sabotage.

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Transcript

 /​ ​​ What if the chaos you're in right now is actually laying the most fertile ground of your life? This month, Kay Margaret and I are sitting down for our July insights conversation, and we're talking about what it means to stand in your power when things feel uncertain, how to use the midpoint of the year to reflect honestly on where you've been and what you actually want, and why the universe literally cannot respond if you don't move. Pull up a seat and enjoy this conversation. Welcome to Clear and on Purpose. I'm Christina, and around here, we slow down, get honest, and talk about the real-life moments that shape us. Each week, I share personal stories, perspective shifts, and simple truths to help you live with more intention and ease. I'm glad you're here. Hello, Christina. How are you? I'm good. How are you doing? I'm doing well, too. I was thinking about getting together today and recording this, and what came up for me was that image of a volcano- Mm-hmm ... and all the potential power. That has come up in conversation multiple times over the past month, and just the idea of, one, I love when we flip the script on something. Like, when I meet somebody who's been called a bad name and makes that name their mantra in a positive way, like, has been able to completely flip it. And volcano, for me, has always been so destructive and scary. And then to think of it this month, I was like, no, potential power and awesomeness, and like, the actual force that creates the earth we live on, and all these positive things, has been inspirational. I really like that reframe that you did, and I think that we did talk a little bit about it last month too. But that idea of something that we can see as destructive, and you had said at the end, like, it's something that makes the earth that we're living on. Like, makes- Yeah ... all of the stuff. And I just... It's bringing to mind the whole concept of, like, how when it forms and it has all of it, that, that ash and that lava, when it hardens and turns into the soil, like, it's very, very fertile. And then you get these really lush- That's a good point ... like, beautiful, abundant jungle areas. And that it's a whole process. And I think that this is something that we touch on a lot. This is something that I personally come back to all the time, and it's that inner faith and inner trust in the process. And I think that when you were talking about flipping the script, I think that's something that- Is really great to be able to do just in our regular everyday lives too. And I see some people being like, "Oh, I'm getting really delulu," or, "I'm getting... You know, I'm, I'm just thinking really delulu about everything." And when I think about it, I'm like, yeah, like that makes sense, and the, the concept behind it is like just get really delusional about how things are gonna be. Like, almost getting out of how the every day is in your life and just thinking in like, yes, I am the luckiest person here. I am, like, bringing all these things. Like, all of these things are working out for me. And I think that that's great, but I also think that that can create that, like cognitive dissonance where it's like, yeah, I'm saying these things, or I'm saying these affirmations, or I'm talking about this stuff, but it doesn't feel like that in my real life sometimes. It feels like this is a challenge that I have here. Mm-hmm. Um, but I think that if we can marry it into something that does resonate and that does make sense for us, so for instance, having something not go the way that you want it to, or you get stuck in traffic, or you do whatever, and just thinking like, yeah, how could this be for my greater good? Like, how could me getting stuck at this red light when I am late for work already, how could that have been for my greater good? How could this- project that I thought was gonna go a certain way, or this offer that I was sending out and I didn't get the response that I wanted, how could that actually be setting me up for something even better? And the reframe of like, "Huh, I wonder what this is gonna look like." Like, what's the bigger story here? Because there's always something bigger, and I think we get so- Mm-hmm ... caught in the weeds- That's really true ... that, yeah. That, like, being able to just have that inner trust of like, my life is working out exactly as it should be, and I am just gonna embrace all of this. And the more that I lean into that trust, that faith, that being delusional, if that's what works for you. Like, how can I bring in more of that? And looking on that positive side, and moving into, like, I can see this volcano as super destructive in my life, or I can see it as bringing in so much more, and this is just the chaos that comes first. Yes. And there's so much hope. I love what you said about the volcano creating, or the fire creating this fertile ground for change. I think, like you said, we, a lot of us, I mean, we're human. We all go through obstacles. But also the growth, and we focus a lot, I know we both do a lot on personal development and this constant idea of, okay, how can I do something a little better? How can I be better? How can I enjoy more? There's al- I feel like there's always this kind of piece of expansion. And with that growth comes either you walk right up to your resistance, or there's an obstacle, or, you know, there's always something. And I think that fertile gran- ground reminder is so hopeful that you're, like, laying the groundwork, for more. Yeah. And I think, too, like, this is a really great time of year to have those reflections, too, because, like, we're just coming off summer solstice. Yay. It is this time of year. It's beautiful, right? It's these longer days. It's all of this greatness. And I'll- Ooh, I gotta- Yeah ... interrupt. Yeah. Sorry. You were right mid-sentence. I just learned yesterday that solstice literally translates from Latin to sun stand still. Ooh. So you were talking about reflecting, 'cause it looks in the sky as if it stands still and then kind of reverses direction after the- Yeah ... solstice. But that, when you said reflecting, I was like, oh yeah, you kind of ha- the sun itself feels like it's taking a pause in the sky. I love that. Right? I love that. Yeah, and I think that this is a great time for manifesting things. It's a great time for bringing in new intentions. But at the same time, it's also a really good chance to take a look at with- Really truthful, honest, compassionate eyes on what you've been growing. Mm-hmm. I think that sometimes when we get into that manifestation and I'm w- it's just focusing on all the things I want to bring in that still aren't here. But taking a minute too to just be like These are all the things that I have been growing, that have been growing, and I'm going to appreciate them because I've had six months since, you know, the, the winter solstice, and that standstill, and that pause, and, like, right before the start of the year to look and see and notice. And if things aren't working out the way that I think that they should be in my head, how can I notice and reflect on that in terms of what am... What is actually stopping me? Because if I'm not doing the things that I think that I should be, is that because maybe they're not what I actually want? Like, look at where my actions are and see if the disconnect is between the actual actions themselves and I'm just not doing the things that I really know I need to and I really desire to, and how can I create more of that space in my everyday? Or are these things just not actually aligned with who I am, and so my actions, I can't get them to fall in line because that's not actually what I'm desiring anymore. And I think this is a really good time to be able to go through and say, like, "What are the things that I really want? What have I learned in these last six months? What have I... How have I grown? How have I changed?" And then take that information and bring it in so that you can adjust and you can change up what you're doing, and you can really build on the things that are lighting you up now rather than, like, trying to reincorporate dusty goals that maybe just don't feel juicy anymore. That's a fantastic alliteration. Uh, or what's the right word? Yeah ... visualization of those terms. I love that you remind us to celebrate, 'cause I think you're right. We so es- especially when we're working on manifesting, it's so easy to blast past everything and forget to, like, turn around and go, "Whew, look at me now versus me six months ago." Mm. "Different person. That's a big deal." And to enjoy that, and to embrace that, and to keep going with it in mind, and be very intentional and conscious of that, I really appreciate it. And I thought of you also this week. I'm reading a book that reminded me about thinking about the, How do I say that? The experiential the feeling that you get from your goals. So, like, a l- it talks about happiness allocation and, like, here's what you want. That's how you see it, yourself getting to that feeling, but k- reverse engineering kind of from the feeling and going, "What are other ways that you can fulfill that and get there?" And not just the one that seems obvious. You know? Like, yeah, flipping it to the experience. And I think that's a really nice perspective, and something also you remind us of regularly, that not just to celebrate, but to be open to opportunity. Because what we want is... what's available to us is so much bigger. But also, what we want when we align with our values is what, how we wanna feel in what we're creating, and not just what we want it to look like. Yeah. And that's when it'll actually feel really good. That's when that growth- Not to mention, that's the point. Yes. Yeah. Yeah, but that's when, like, that growth and that resistance feels good. It feels good to push through resistance when it's aligned. It doesn't feel good- Amen ... to push through resistance when it does not. When it's not where we're actually wanting to go. And- Amen ... um, when you were talking, it reminded me of something that, uh, one of my clients had shared with me. And she was talking about how she was in a group, and somebody had said that the universe can't respond if you don't move. Mm. And it can't catch you if you don't try to fly, and if you don't take that chance and that fall. She said it a little bit more eloquently. But it just got me thinking, like, that's it. So often we get stuck in, or I can find myself, and I'm sure that other people can, 'cause there's other people that I talk to that can, find themselves stuck in this loop of, "I need to know more. I need to be more certain. I need to have these things more figured out. I need to get this more fleshed out, and then I'll be ready." Mm. And it's just that reminder to step back and say, "No, I need to move now. I need to move from here," and then I get that information. Mm. And then I do get that feedback, and then I can get more clarity. And being able to, like, have that trust that things are going to work out in whatever way it is, whether that is more information, whether that is more contrast, and no, actually, this is not what I want. If this is more information on like, this is exactly the opportunity that I need, but I need to put myself out there into situations where I can bring in more of that. If I'm sitting here at home just manifesting my little heart out and visualizing and do all the things, but I'm never taking action, I'm never moving, I'm never getting myself in different places or into new spaces to be able to experience things differently, I'm not going to find those opportunities. They're not just gonna fall in my lap from my ceiling. So I need to be able to experience and appreciate and share from this space of imperfection and possibly not in clarity all the time, you know? This, this murkiness. Definitely. And that's what's gonna resonate. Yes. That resonates a lot Right ... with me, but surely with everyone else. It is not clear, and I love that idea of, choose left instead of right every time just to get a different perspective. Mm-hmm. Um, but yeah, there's a lot going on, so there's so much grounding and being reminded of the process and the opportunity and the reflection and the celebration. I appreciate that. Yeah. I, um, feel like recently I have been diving a little bit more into... I did my solar return chart, and I just had it, like- What is that? ... go through and do that. Okay. So it's gonna be my birthday. So solar- Ah. Your birthday ... return is, like, on the year, and then you can kind of look with your natal chart, and then see what the transits are for the year coming, and kind of get an idea of where focus areas might be or where- Ooh opportunities or challenges might be. And forgive me, this is as- Astrology ... astrology or human design? It's astrology. Okay. So my background, uh, just in this is I do a lot of the human design stuff, and I- Mm-hmm ... really enjoy all of that. But then I've been looking into some of this astrology stuff. And just digging more into, like, what does this mean and what does that mean? And I, because I'm super curious and because I love all of this stuff, and I just like the human nature part of it, really enjoy the research. Really enjoy it. Also, I can get really stuck in the research and into the intellectualization of it all, and, like, trying to figure it out. But what I've been learning and what I've been noticing as I'm doing this is- That I think that it's not the medium, because before that it was the Enneagram, and before that it was the Myers-Briggs- Mm-hmm and before that it was all of these things. And what I think that it is is that I have such curiosity, and I think the reason that these, whatever, uh, version you use is of trying to understand our own human nature and trying to understand other people's human nature. And I think that the most powerful thing and why for me it doesn't necessarily matter which system you use, but I just really like to see all the different systems is that whatever it's giving you, like this is what it is, you are reflecting. You're thinking about how that impacts you. You're thinking about, "Is this true or not? Is this what I want to be or not? How can I look at this and, and bring in the, the parts that I really want to bring in? Or if I don't really like this ar- or this over here, like how can I flip it? How can I bring in more of the things that I want?" And I think it's, for me it's like a values exercise all the time. It's not a, "This is my prescriptive and this is who I am." It's like, "How I, how do I choose to interpret this? How do I choose to bring in these qualities that are potentially there that I want to bring in more of? How do I choose to interpret these things that may be considered, hard aspects or whatever, that are gonna be able to grow and allow me to change and develop?" And I think that so much more, and this is why, like, sometimes I'll use this with my coaching clients is when they're open to these kinds these different systems, is because I do think that allows, like, that opportunity to just reflect and choose and make that intentional choice rather than just living and, and not noticing. Yeah. I love it. I agree. I think uh, especially when we're learning and growing and putting ourselves in new territory physically or mentally, the, to find the words to describe what you want or what you're going through or where you w- y- all the things is not easy. So to have... I always say try everything you can till you find what works for you. But I do love the few times I've gotten to interact with astrology, that reflection, that it's so on point. And even if it's past reflection or fu- future reflection, it's just this, like, frame of reference, and some of this language of, like, oh, okay, and like you said, helps you make more conscious choice and also feel those energetic ties to everything. I think it helps me feel part of the universe and not so floating around by myself kind of feeling. Yeah. Yeah. I think that's very accurate. I think that grounded-ness and that ability to see things in a bigger lens- Yes. Oh ... of- That would be the same for me ... of just you and a part of it You've said that a few times. Yeah, I agree. Yeah. It helps you step back, but in appreciation. I think, you know, some, so many times, like you said, we get either in our day-to-day routine or we get in our own worlds, and we figure out how to do something for ourselves, and we forget that, like, we think we're the only one who, who knows how to do it, or the only one who does it this way, or the only one who needs that kind of rest. And then you get that bigger perspective, and it's oh, right, I am one of a species of billions, or I am one of- Yeah ... like, an energetic, tie to all things on this planet, or one of the universe, and the universe is literally always expanding, so why not be, too? Like, it just puts that different... It gives... There's so much relief. You know? It allows you to let go of the little things, but also, like you said, ground and appreciate that you're part of something bigger. Yeah. For this time, like, being at almost the midway point of the year to being at that, you know, time of the longer days and all of those things, is there any things that you like to or that you bring in either to your day-to-day routines? Any reflections? Are there things that you want to incorporate more into your business? Anything like that, that- Takes advantage of the separation of this, like, six months in kind of a thing No. Short answer is no. But this year is a real energetic shift for me. It's a real transition, and everything that I... Not everything, it just feels that way. A lot of things that I rely, used to rely on and kind of bounce off of, it- I've let go. So whether that's schedule or, like, demanding certain things are important or... You know, I really just try to lead by example. I've found for me, exercise, meditating, journaling, and reading every day- it doesn't have to be a lot. It can be 15 minutes of one, five minutes of the other. Com- combo of half an hour total for the day. Doesn't have to be a lot, but if I get that in every day, much better. Yeah. So on a personal level. On a business side, I think right now, and you've, you helped me get that ball rolling in the spring, is just w- looking for ways to keep an open mindset- Mm-hmm and not fall back into what you were talking about earlier in this episode of getting comfortable and lost in the day-to-day and thinking what you're doing is aligned with where you wanna go, and instead keeping that door open to possibility and going, "Okay, how do I keep that mindset open- Mm-hmm and think good things about myself- Mm-hmm ... so that I, I am a magnet for what I actually want and not this push through, think I'm supposed to be this kind of way magnet for what's not working?" Yeah. You know? So for me, I th- I love the re- rem- reminders to l- reflect. This month is, July, is gonna be four years for the podcast for me- Oh, congrats which feels huge, um, and very exciting. And so yeah, just the obstacles and the resistance I, I even this week have come across, it's that m- mindset piece where I find myself observing that I'm playing small. And not at a bad... Not trying to be bad, but, like, what I thought I was thinking and what I'm doing, Yeah is not aligned. Yeah. So I think that half year for me is just like, look how far you've come, but keep the the weather vane pointed in the right direction. Yeah. Or the direction you want. Yeah. When you were talking about that too, it reminds me of, like, sometimes, and again, like, having those big audaci- audacious goals or whatever they wanna call them of, like- I am open to anything. Like, this is my thing that I'm shooting for, and it might be, whatever it is, like podcast number, whatever. Okay, so I just hit in the top 10% of the worldwide podcasts, uh, last month, you did. And that's amazing, and that wasn't maybe necessarily something that I had, like, strategized out or planned or anything. But also, this could just be the beginning. Yes, it does feel like that. And just because I'm at top 10%, you know, like, it could be like this could just... tell me how good it can get. Show me how good it can get. I'm gonna be open to it being something that just seems crazy in my head right now. Because when we are working towards things, if we are working towards... And this is, again, I feel like there is nuance in all of these things, but I feel like if there is something that you are working for and you are like, "Okay, I'm going from 5K in a month in my business right now, I wanna get to 8K," you're gonna do things a little bit differently. You're gonna do things... You're gonna, you're gonna push a little bit more. You're gonna do a few more things. But if you're going, "I wanna get from 5K to 50K in your business," you are going to change radically all the things that you're doing because that goal requires a completely different version of you. And so sometimes It can be a way to get yourself shaken up just a little bit to bring in like, "Huh, what would that version of me be doing? What would that version of me be putting out there, prioritizing? How would she be spending her time? Who would she be talking to? Who are the people that maybe she thinks she's not enough for that she would be reaching out to if she was at that level?" And just having that thought exercise, and again, not doing it in a way... I am all about, like, doing things from a su- a sustained, stable nervous system. Mm-hmm. So if those kinds of things bring in a bunch of anxiety, and it's not the good kind, that's not the I'm excited kind, then pull back. But just having the exercise of just considering and looking at where you may be playing small or doing things that you think are a realistic goal. It is fantastic to have realistic goals because we are much more likely to achieve them, and then we can build on that momentum, and we can keep going. So realistic goals are amazing. And also sometimes as a thought exercise, it could be good to bring in, what are these things that I just think may not be possible or would be, like, five years down the road? And just look at it and think about- The only timeline that I'm putting on is my own. My own expectations- Mm-hmm ... and my own thoughts of what it's gonna be, because there are plenty of examples of that, plenty of examples of just moving slowly and inching up, and there are also examples of people just blowing up and going from zero to 100, and all of a sudden their life is completely changed, too. So using that as, like, guideposts of just where you wanna go and what you wanna bring in, and where you're set at. And maybe it's like, "No, no, no. I am not ready for that. I am not... I don't want to. That seems scary. That seems whatever." And that's totally valid. But I think just being able to have those check-in points so we don't all... It's just another version of, like, don't get stuck in the day-to-day. Yeah. Or don't get... lose sight of your values. Like, what am I even opening myself up to? And where am I maybe holding myself back just because I'm only thinking realistically? That's fantastic. I have to ask, did you get to pull a card today? I sure did. And I, um, did, uh, see what it was, which I think... And I didn't read the thing. I don't ever read it beforehand. But I think builds on our last month. So let's just see here. All right. So we have- Power ... power, and it's like a thunderstorm with lightning strike. Power. Mountain thunder. Like the fist of God thrusting up toward the heavens, the stark, ragged mountain holds firm as thunderbolts crash down on all sides. The sound is deafening as it echoes from mountain peak to mountain peak. Mountains represent strength, power, and permanence, as well as being a potent symbol for attaining spiritual heights as they extend into the sky toward the heavens. Thunder and lightning traditionally represent surging power, enlightenment, and revelations of divine matters. Thunder ignites our deeper self and activates our primal and deep emotions. Together, the mountain and thunder symbolize immense power, vitality, and strength. This is your time. This is the time to claim your power and step into your potential. This doesn't necessarily mean that you will be without fear. You might feel uncertain, but do it anyway. Be courageous. Let the world hear your voice. Take a stand. Stand up for yourself and for others. Share your passion. Teach from the heart. Write, and your words will have great meaning. Hold your body as if you are incredibly valiant, noble, and brave. After all, you are That's so beautiful. You know, it's funny, I was reminded once I went for a job interview, and there was a m- a man and a woman across the table from me asking questions, and one of them asked, "If you w- could be a thing, like a kitchen utensil or a what would you be?" And I was like, "This is the silliest... This has nothing to do with the job I'm applying for." And I remember sitting there thinking for a moment, and I said, "Mountain." And, uh, and I was like... And that didn't go over well. Wasn't what they were looking for. It wasn't what they were looking for. No, didn't get that offer. But I just remember thinking, "Oh, how funny." And then to have it described, and I was like, "Oh, perhaps they were taken aback by the power that is the mountain, that I-" Yeah ... picked the mountain. But you're right, it is such a beautiful segue from volcano last, or potential last month, into power. I'm very excited for everyone to see where this lands this month. It's just we got... There, there's a lot of energy. Seems like there's a lot of energy going through, and just to be able to take advantage of it. Yeah. And really just own your gifts, and move forward with confidence and be brave. Yes. Amen. Oh, that's a great ending. All right. Happy birthday. Happy July. / Here's what I want you to walk away with today. The universe cannot catch you if you don't try to fly. You don't need more certainty, a more fleshed out plan, or a perfectly clear next step before you start. You need to move from right here with what you have and let the information meet you in motion. The chaos, the obstacles, the hard seasons, they're not evidence that something's wrong. They're the ash and the lava before the fertile ground, and that fertile ground is where everything grows. This is your time. Claim your power and let the world hear your voice. Thank you so much for being here. If this conversation landed for you, share it with someone who needs it, and I'll see you next week. Take care. 📍 /