09: Coach April Leinen - Oola Friends

Episode 09

 Date Recorded: April 7, 2023

 Title: Coach April Leinen – Oola Friends

 Description:  As a red headed, curly girl from the upper Midwest, April knows what it’s like to wish she was like everyone else. What she didn’t realize is that her differences would lend itself to a life full of challenging, yet amazing lessons that shaped the person she would become!

These lessons and nearly three decades behind the salon chair, listening to people navigate life’s challenges, have helped April form the ever evolving foundation of her coaching business, Crazy Beautiful Life. Being independent and a bit of a risk taker, and the most curious she knows, she realized she has grown to fit the definition of Divergent a whole lot better than she’d ever have thought! 

Life is Crazy AND it’s BEAUTIFUL… and beautifully Divergent! It’s somewhere in the mix that we are able to discover our calling and learn to lean in to help others. I’ve known for years that I am here for 2 reasons, to learn and grow and to help others learn and grow. 

I look forward to meeting you right where your life’s Crazy, Beautiful, Divergent adventure has brought you!

 How to connect with April:

 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divergent.coaching.co/

 Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aprilleinen

 Website: https://www.divergent.coaching.co

 New episodes of Life Coaches in Cahoots drop every other Wednesday.

Listen and subscribe today.

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Transcript

Stephanie 1:08

Hello and welcome everyone. Today's topic is Oola Friends. In Oola, we put friends into two categories. your true Friends, and your acquaintances. True friends are people. You open up to and share with true friendships, withstand the test of time. They're valued. Deep and enduring. Acquaintances are typically greater in number and lessen, meaning they are people you interact with such as coworkers, teammates, neighbors, or social media friends and followers. And today we have coach April Le with us to talk more about the sixth F of Oola and why it is so I. As a redheaded, curly haired girl from the upper Midwest, April knows what it's like to wish she was just like everyone else. What she didn't realize is that her differences would lend itself to a life full of challenging, yet amazing lessons that have shaped the person she has become I am here today with Coach Melinda, my co-host, and a coach who is living her crazy beautiful life, coach April Linean. Hi Melin.

Melinda 2:08

And greetings everyone. I'm Coach Melinda. Stephanie and I are on a mission to showcase some of our fabulous Oola life coaches and share their stories. And we are very excited to introduce April line And to our listeners today, she shares about herself and Oola friends, welcome April and thank you for joining us.

April 2:29

Hello ladies. I am so excited to join you today. It has been so fun to get to know the other coaches in your, podcast too. So thank you for having me.

Stephanie 2:38

Great, Yeah. so what's new with you up there in North Dakota, in your neck of the woods? Are you doing anything potentially crazy or anything important you're working on

April 2:49

right now? Oh gosh. Super loaded question right now. since we've chatted, a lot of stuff has developed, which is super fantastic. something that you already mentioned that has dropped is my shift into divergent coaching cope. I was the crazy beautiful life girl, you know, my salon that you mentioned, I was crazy beautiful behind the salon chair for almost three decades. And so it was natural for me to add crazy beautiful life to my coaching. In the last year, I have undertaken 75 hard and then gone through the live hard year, and it has really side stepped my coaching into divergent coaching co. it's definitely taken a shift, so it's been really exciting to watch it unfold and be guided into something new.

Stephanie 3:34

that sounds really interesting. I know a lot of people that do that. 75 hard. Um, so when you have been working on that and doing the things in your salon chair and now changing into the divergent coaching Co, you are still utilizing the Oola framework in your coaching and so we are curious to know when you first

April 3:58

heard about U. that's a really good question because I now have noticed, I started sharing Oola in about 2016 and didn't know I was sharing Oola. Like Oola spoke to me in ways through social media and different things, and I have been sharing it. And you know, Facebook gives you all those fantastic memories. And I love that they pop up because here I've been sharing it in all this time and didn't realize that I, I would then become, The team, the coaching team, which has been super exciting for me. but actually as far as first hearing about Oola and, oh gosh, I can't even pinpoint it, because it was such a gradual thing,

Melinda 4:42

Was there a particular aha moment or something Oola shared that resonated with you that you just knew Oola and the lifestyle was for you?

April 4:52

Actually, I have to say yes. all the memes and all the beautiful imagery that Oola has ever shared. Was something that I resonated with and how I got acquainted with it. And I ended up on an aspiring coaches page where I started to get to know Oola and the lifestyle. And I ended up picking up the book. And that is kind of where it all unfolded for me, I didn't know they actually had a coaching certification. I had been searching for a coaching cert for years and I never found one that I felt like I fit with or that resonated with my direction in my life. And of course, as you ladies know, I ended up, you know, it's like we all end up at Oola Palooza, which is such an amazing event. And those two days literally changed my life, and have been living the Oola principles ever since. that's a heart changing, life changing adventure. Right.

Melinda 5:46

Live in and understanding the meaning of Oola is vitally important to your success and the success of the entire community of certified life coaches. It has changed our lives and now we are the experts teaching the principles to everyone else. Can you share with us who you now serve in your role as a life coach with the Divergent Coaching Co?

April 6:07

Absolutely. divergent is kind of, In coaching, you know, that you often end up coaching who you were just a few years ago and what you've come through. and so as far as divergent coaching co goes, I really am here to help women who are ready to get their feedback under them. by the time that you hear this, I will have just turned 50. And I feel like I'm gonna spend the remainder of my life helping other people, other women. Um, I want to help people who have lost their confidence, rediscover it, get their feet back under them, and help them sit back in the driver's seat of life and make things like it's on purpose. Like I kind of say drive it like you stole it. Right? Um, wanna make sure that you can sit in and be confident and. Have a destination that you are driving to and do it with such purpose that nothing else gets in the. That's

Melinda 7:08

great. I think you should fist pump for that. Turn in 50 and join in the club. Cause I gotta be on 50 has been great for me so far. Yeah. Oh,

7:17

I'm

April 7:17

so glad to hear that. Yeah.

Melinda 7:20

Yeah. Welcome.

Stephanie 7:24

So Oola does have some incredible tools to help people live their lives with more balanced growth and purpose. And I am curious, what's your

April 7:32

favorite part about Oola? Oh gosh. I have to say Miracle Mindset, the program has been a fantastic piece. I hang out in the mindset space quite a lot. I feel like that is a pivotal piece of, what I, wanna help people with. Um, so Miracle Mindset has been really fun to like, turn people onto when they're just getting their toes wet into the mindset space because it helps them walk in instead of diving off the. High dive board into the deep end. Right? You know, it lets'em wade in and, and sort of get familiar, and get some healthy habits started As far as mindset goes, other things I have to say, mind and body have to say mind and body. Which are supplements that we have now with Oola, the Mind and Body Company, have been fantastic. have been a bit of a game changer for me too, with clarity and really, really good solid rest and just all around wellness. So, yeah, I,

Stephanie 8:35

I have just finished my first, bottles of each, the mine and body and just opened. Second one's this morning. and Miracle Mindset is a popular one, and so many people like that one. I know Melinda really likes that one too. Yeah. Uh, in Oola we are also all about achieving our goals and pursuing our dreams. And so what is the one main thing you wanted to achieve in 2023? your Oola

April 9:00

one? my Oola one this year is business and. And it sort of sounds like two, but it is all wrapped in one for me. I am finally conquering the Green Gap, which is a fantastic program that Dr. Troy has put out, in regard to, creating that green gap, which being money, and, and getting out of debt. So for me, It really is about building my future. we've had a, a really rough few years past here, and so now I want to be able to actually plan for my future and provide for my kiddo who's 15. and he is banking on D one football, which all of the things that get you to that point are expensive. Like all the things that get you there. And it's so as a single parent or an only parent, um, It's only me, you know? And so it's like, okay, time to pay attention to Green Gap, and also time to start pouring into something that will fulfill me for the rest of my life as far as what I'm here to do. Because I'm at the point where I'm like, I only wanna do what I'm here to do. And I finally feel like I know what I'm here to do. So it's super exciting. You know, most people think about retirement at 50, and I'm like, no, I'm just getting started. I can't wait to get on the road. And live in that space every single day of helping, women become the best versions of themselves and, uh, driving life like they stole it. I just, I'm so excited about that. I love that phrase. Yeah, I'm kind a car girl too, so it sort of fits, but we'll see.

Melinda 10:36

The sixth F of Oola is friends and friends have the power to work for us or against us. And we asked you on today's show because we. Friendships are important to you. Could you share with our listeners what qualities you value and look for in true friendships?

April 10:52

Yeah. This has actually been a really, really good f for me, friends. and you're right, they can be good and or bad. I remember one of my coworkers saying to me in passing, and she was so flippant about it, it was so cute. Well, April, you have to weed your friend garden. And I looked at her and I said, what? And she's like, don't you weed your friend garden? And I was like, I've never heard that. Well, and I sat back and thought about it and, and at times, you know, it's like we grow as humans, right? I mean, we should be growing all the time. And so your friendships are going to go through phases and some of them you're going to grow out of, and that's okay. You know, some of those people come in for a time and some of those people come in for a duration. And it's okay to, to walk away from some of them at times. So as far as what I look for in a friend, loyalty has to be one of them. That is one of my biggest traits as a friend and what I also look for in a friend. and honesty, you know, I don't want somebody that's always going to frost something for me. because, you know, we're all still trying to lose that last five pounds. I don't need the extra frosting. Just give it to me straight. And I wanna be able to be that person for other people at this point too. yeah, loyalty, honesty, enthusiasm, support. They're all just so important. I

Melinda 12:20

totally agree with that. I would say coming into 50, I need way less icing too. For sure. Yep. That resonates with me. How about we go with the motto Sometimes you are who you hang out with. Why don't you elaborate a little bit about that

April 12:41

for us? Yes. The first time I ever heard that phrase, I was in my early twenties and I was in corporate America, in the hair industry. And I was in a review with my boss in Chicago and she said, April, you need to be careful who you hang out with because that is who you'll become. And I took that away and I'm like, it just said, now I'm almost 50. And that still hangs with me. Because it is absolutely true. I can look through different phases of my life and realize who I was hanging around with and realize what an impact they have on your life. what you take in is just as important as who you hang around with. they say if you hang around three millionaires, you're bound to be the fourth. And if you hang around, three people that you maybe don't wanna be, That's most likely you're going to be the fourth as well. I don't want to say anything in specific because I don't wanna railroad that. but it is very true. you are influenced very much by the people that you hang out with and, like take smoking for instance. Chances are if you hang out with all smokers, you probably will end up being a smoker.

Stephanie 13:50

so speaking about a little bit of toxic and unhealthy friendships, have you had experience with those, not divulging any particulars? and if you have, how did you handle that?

April 14:02

Well, it immediately. Two of them to mind, even in the last few years as an adult. And they were both friends that I made as an adult. the one girlfriend of mine, and I really were sort of like a dating couple. by way of, we would get in an argument and then not talk to each other, and then we would get together and go out for the evening, and then we would end up fighting at the end of the night because somebody had too many cocktails. And then the next day we'd be apologizing and sad and it just was in a terrible cycle. And I finally just said, I think we're toxic for each other. and it broke my heart. We, continued to try to be friends, but it, we weren't in the same space of life. And we, definitely didn't connect on some of the basic important things. the loyalty I think was a factor. I don't think the honesty was there either. it is interesting and, we both walked away. Um, and I think we both feel that still, but it's definitely been one of those things that I'm happy to not have that on my. Um, on a regular basis. the other one was actually one of those friends that, you know, you connect every so often, but not real tight with them. And we went on a vacation with our boys and it literally showed me some colors, of this person that I was spending all this time with and we haven't spoken since. and it just was sort of a, severance of that upon returning from vacation. Um, and also mutual. So, um, toxicity can be there really at any age, and it's a matter of choosing what's right for you and where you're going. Instead of feeling like, well, they're my friend, I owe them something. Because the person that you owe is yourself and your future, you and the loved ones that you will take with you. And for me, that would be my son. Yeah, definitely. That

Stephanie 16:03

is tough to make those choices, but I think we might have all been there and have had to do that. So on the other hand, their friendships also include acquaintances, not as valued as those true, deep, meaningful friendships, but definitely have importance in our everyday lives. Can you share with us how you balance and maintain your acquaintances

April 16:24

in your life? I think of acquaintances as fun. You know, those are people that I, love to catch up with. I love to, hear how they're doing, what's new in their lives. but it's not somebody that I'm going to. Call on a daily basis or a weekly basis or that kind of thing. But it is fun to connect with them because human connection is why we're all here. and so it is just a different level that's a surface, fun let's, chit-chat and catch up, maybe meet for coffee or something to that effect. but it isn't something that you drag into the depths of, all the dark corners and, let them hang out with you in those spaces too. Cuz sometimes those. Well, most times, all the time, those spaces are reserved for those, longtime friends. Yeah. I like

Stephanie 17:11

to, especially on social media. I, Go through and get rid of the ones I don't wanna see anymore, the things that aren't really helping me, and then I go and fill those with mentors and people that I can grow from and

April 17:25

learn from. Yeah, I agree. That's a great. What is your

Melinda 17:30

take on the quality and quantity of friends? I know a lot of ladies that I meet, I'll say around my age even, they sometimes will stress over. They don't seem to have a big friend pool, whereas I don't think that that's necessarily the importance. I think the quality of your friends is more important than the quantity. But what do you

April 17:49

think about that? I definitely have to agree. I feel like it's more important to have four quarters than a hundred pennies, being friends. I'm very happy to have those people in my life that I know I can count on. You know, those 3:00 AM friends. Do you know what I mean by that? Like, if I called you at 3:00 AM would you answer? If I hear my phone buzz in the middle of the night, I absolutely will answer. And those are my four quarters that I'm looking for. those people. It doesn't matter what's happening, that you know that they will show up for you. at this point I'm way, way, way more interested in having that type of person and relationship in my life. instead of the a hundred pennies. Now the a hundred pennies are fun as far as acquaintances go. if you're being a social person or you're networking or that kind of thing. It's great to know people and connect people cuz it's fun to be able to say, oh my gosh, I know somebody, you, you need to connect with this person because that's fulfilling to me too. And even though these people are acquaintances, then it's up to them, to, to go the extra mile or the step to get them where they need to be. But, I'm definitely a four quarter girl. When it comes to it,

Melinda 18:55

I think if you have one human, you can call it 3:00 AM you're doing pretty good, right? Yeah. You seem to be an extrovert in your work life. Are you the same way in your friend life?

April 19:07

Uh, yeah. I totally am. in fact, I have, all those cute little ball caps that they have these days that says, I'll bring the bad ideas, all the girlfriends have these different caps, you know? Yeah, yeah. Mine says I'll bring the crazy. So I am, I'm definitely the extrovert. I'm the one that would probably have the wild hair idea, let's hop a plane in the middle of the night kind of thing. And you know, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. But yeah, I'm definitely the extrovert in our group too. It's funny you

Melinda 19:40

say that, cuz in our thirties we all had the wine glasses that said something different. And now I definitely feel like I'm in the Red Hat Club now.

April 19:48

Oh my gosh, that's funny. Yep. Yeah,

Melinda 19:52

Okay. So can you tell us a really good friendship story? One that was heartwarming and

April 19:58

uplifting maybe? Well, it's not a story, it's a person for me. Okay. this particular person. Is my person. in December, I have been single, 10 years divorced. I mean, of course there have been dates and fun things and relationships, but I am still single and in a situation like that, I have been so, so fortunate to have one of my girlfriends really become my person, and she is far more than a 3:00 AM friend. She's a Sunday afternoon friend. She's a pontoon on the lake friend. She's a pick up your broken heart friend. She's a, I'm a single parent and don't know what to do, friend. She is a, I need a new job friend. She's a, what do you think about this business idea, friend? She's my biggest supporter and my biggest cheerleader, and she has literally picked me up at 3:00 AM

Melinda 21:15

She sounds like a fabulous

April 21:17

friend. Oh, I have to say in a situation like this, I have been absolutely so blessed, to have this friend in my life when I don't have that significant other person in my life. So, The blessing is not lost on me. That is for sure. No, just

Melinda 21:36

hearing you say it makes me so happy for you. That's great. Okay. We are asking all of our coaches on our show some questions that are similar to Theist questionnaire. Which has its origins in the Parlor game, popularized by Marcel PRUs, a French essayist novelist who believed that in answering 35 questions, an individual reveals his or her true nature. And we're not gonna ask you 35 questions, The first is, can you tell us something in your life that has grown out of a personal disaster or

April 22:08

hard? my current state of being has grown out of a disaster or hardship. undertaking 75 hard came from a personal disaster of losing my former husband, my son's dad. Because when you become an only parent, you realize the weight of being both parents is pretty heavy. And so the only thing I could think was how do I become the best version of myself because now I have to emulate all the things for this 14 year old who just lost his dad and. I was clueless and terrified and all of a sudden, just like Oola did, 75 hearts started drifting across my page and people started talking about it and I started paying attention and it's a mental toughness program, and I thought, Hmm, I wonder if I need to do this. And then it terrified me and I went back and forth and vacillated and failed the first time. And, Finally got my feet under me and did it. And, um, it is life-changing and it is literally what brought me through to this point of my life and my business endeavors and being an Oola coach and all of the things, were born out of the three years that we spent trying to navigate, losing my former.

Melinda 23:41

Well until meeting you. I hadn't heard of the program you're talking about, but I'm definitely gonna check it out.

April 23:48

It's a doozy. If you have any questions, let me know.

Stephanie 23:51

the next question is, when and where were you the happiest you

April 23:55

have ever been? I have to say, without a doubt, the birth of my son. The thing that I, it's so interesting with kids and I was just telling one of my fellow coaches here in Fargo, he and his wife haven't been married very long and they have a puppy. Right. You know, that's such a great stage. This is so funny. We were talking about love at CrossFit and so we we're like, if you think you love your wife, wait till you have a baby. Because you think your spouse is like, I mean, you love them enough to commit to spending the rest of your life with them, and then that child is born and I can't even put it. Obviously you guys are moms, to put into words the overwhelming love for that child and that creation. Is out of this world. just no words for it. So that without a doubt is my answer for the happiest I've ever been. And since then, it's challenging, but it's just the best job ever. So that

Stephanie 25:00

just leads me into my next question. What relationship defines love

April 25:04

for you? That would totally be him. Yeah, totally. Absolutely. My son. The kiddos

Melinda 25:14

are great, but I'm hearing lately everybody having grand babies and that's like a whole new phase that brings on that whole same emotion all over, but a little bit different. I can't

April 25:24

wait. Oh well I can wait cuz we are 15 at our house. April's like, oh, please let us wait a decade. You know, a whole. You know, but, by then but I have heard that grandchildren are just amazing and yeah, I can't imagine, I, I'm excited to see my son be a dad. Right.

Melinda 25:46

Mine are 34 and 21, and my baby's just coming outta college, so I'm right there with you with 50 I think been so exciting and changing because it's like I'm through all that and. They're just like good little humans and they're at an age where they can take care of themselves and now I can actually do for me and put aside for me. You know, they're 13 years apart. So I went through college and felt like I recovered and the next one started college. Now I'm like, it's mom's turn. Yeah.

April 26:15

Excited. Yep. It totally is. So what

Melinda 26:20

person, place, or experience has shaped you the most?

April 26:24

You know, I thought I had an answer until you're just asking me this and I have to say divorce. Divorce has shaped me the most. I have been divorced twice and the scenarios were different. one was heavy infidelity. And the next one was sort of more standard story of ending up living with a roommate. lost connectivity and only one was interested in, in rebuilding, repairing, or continuing. and that I think was just based on, the capacity of my former husband. I think that he, he didn't have the capacity. To, to get there, you know? but divorce, I think has, has definitely shaped me. and it's shaped who I feel like I'm meant to help, because let's face it, 50% of marriages end in divorce. so there's a lot of people that need help. There's a lot of people that need help through it, that need help how can I prevent it? and I love to have those conversations cuz they're very deep and heartfelt and a lot of women put themselves last and that is sometimes how it happens. So, yeah. No, that's so true.

Melinda 27:42

Yeah. So the last of our questions then is what advice would you give to your younger self?

April 27:48

Learn more about money. Good Lord Almighty. Would you just pay attention? we shoulda

Melinda 27:57

had green gap in high school, that would've been so.

April 28:00

Oh, great. Yes, totally. Yes. At least college, you know? Yeah. Because then it pertains to, having some debt and all that kind of stuff, and what do you do with it and, and where do you go with it. But, yeah, I would have to say to my former self, because, I'm the outgoing one. I'm the. Slide by the seat of the pants. You know, finances don't necessarily flourish that way. So, it's probably not a huge surprise that it's like, oh yeah, I'm still learning some financial lessons. but at least I can, be an example to my son. Like, yes, you can do this and end up where I'm at. Or we together can seek out some guidance and you can learn with. And that way you'll be ahead. So that's what I'm trying to do in our household currently, but that is what I would tell my younger self. Yeah,

Melinda 28:49

the, the statistics are that more people are working through the money things later in life and still trying to get out of debt. So, you know, we're definitely not alone there.

April 28:58

Right.

Stephanie 28:59

We are also asking all the coaches on our show if they have taken an Enneagram test for anyone out there unfamiliar. The Enneagram is a system of personality typing that describes patterns and how people interpret the world and manage their emotions. So April, have you taken an Enneagram test? And if so, what's

April 29:17

your number? I love the Enneagram. I love learning too. So to me it's just entertaining too. But yeah, I'm an enthusiast, which I feel like I wear tattooed on my forehead. and sometimes feel like probably people think I'm a little obnoxious, but it's just cuz I'm excited. it's not cuz I mean any harm, it's not because I'm, truly trying to overstep. It's just because I get excited and I'm gonna probably sing those five words instead of listen to you, because that's what just came across my, you know, Came across my reader board. So anyway, yeah, I'm an enthusiast. It's really funny because

Stephanie 29:54

it's a seven and we have actually had

Melinda 29:57

some sevens on our show.

April 29:58

That's funny. Yeah.

Melinda 30:00

And then funny, our thing is that Stephanie and I are not sevens we're both different.

Stephanie 30:06

do you want me to go over some of the characteristics of a seven? Do you, or did you wanna talk about a little bit more? Do you you agree with your number

April 30:16

on Yeah. You, oh, if you have them handy? Sure. Yeah. Okay.

Stephanie 30:21

All right. So sevens are the enthusiasts. They have a gift to brighten up the mood wherever they go. They're good at seeing the big picture of things. They don't take themselves too seriously, are great at making plans that are fun for everyone. Have an agile mind that is able to switch between multiple things quickly. Sevens want to feel satisfied and content. They try to achieve a place of continued happiness by focusing only on the bright

April 30:45

side of life. I would say 10 out of 10. Yeah. That is great. Mm-hmm. See yourself in writing though. it's like you look at a piece of paper and. How did they do that? Because I feel like there I am just spread out in the paper, like peanut butter, you know, like, what the heck?

Melinda 31:03

I've never been somebody that gets into the enneagrams, so I wasn't sure how it would be perceived, but I actually really like it and everybody's been on board. I think it gives you some good eye-openers even for where personal growth is needed or you know,

April 31:17

so I'm liking it. I would agree with that because again, the seven probably isn't gonna slow down enough to learn about money. Right. And so I'm like, oh yeah, April, you maybe should, just pause and let's think about green Gap for a second. So, yeah, so

Melinda 31:32

meanwhile, I'm a controller, so my seven is stalled. No wonder I'm not a seven.

April 31:38

Right?

Melinda 31:41

And then one of our favorite questions to ask is, what quote or motto do you value and live by?

April 31:48

This has been one, I bet, gosh, aside from the one that we talked about, be careful who you surround yourself with because that is who you'll. That has been something that's been in my life for a long time. But the one that I live by is nothing is a mistake if you learn from it, live by it, because we all make mistakes. we're all still here, so I haven't made a fatal mistake. Right? but sometimes they feel like they're gonna be life ending, whether it's your social life or your love life or your parental life or whatever that is. but I have to say, I have learned so much from falling flat on my face, and if you can pick yourself up and dust yourself off and take that lesson and go, okay, I'm not gonna do that again, or at least I will do better next time, then I feel like you definitely are making progress. I

Melinda 32:40

love that it's no wonder people dwell on their failures and they tend to drag that forward with them. But what about all the great achievements and the personal growths and how they grew in their education? And all of it goes with you forward, step by step, but everybody seems to get hung up on that one losing situation instead of all the triumphs and winning, win lose, it all moves forward. I love it.

April 33:05

Yes, me too.

Stephanie 33:08

Well, this has been fantastic and we can't thank you enough for joining us today. Is there anything we haven't asked you today that you would like to

April 33:16

add? Oh gosh. I think the one thing that I would have to say is thank you. Thank you for bringing Oola to people that maybe haven't heard it before. because Oola really is a life changing thing. Um, When I look back over the last couple years since my first Oola Pooja, I cannot believe how much my life has changed. I'm so, so, so grateful for the community, being around like-minded people, just talking about, careful who you surround yourself with. It is one of the best places to be, whether you're having a good day or a bad day. You know, even though we hang out in this space and we are all certified coaches, it doesn't mean that we don't, sometimes want to, climb under the desk and stay there. not all days are great days and it's super nice to have people that are in your corner, even if they are more of an acquaintance, that you could reach out to and just say, Hey. but I have to say that Oola is, I think something that everybody. I just think it's so important, it's so powerful and it's something that you can't understand until you experience it. it's a little bit of magic. Oh, I agree with that.

Stephanie 34:29

Well, and so what advice would you give our listeners who are struggling to make meaningful connections and

April 34:35

friendships? Never quit trying to be honest with you. whether you are somebody who. heads to the gym or finds yourself at church or even the coffee shop. don't stop trying. I feel like so often as we age, we think that the best years are behind us and I actually don't even think that's true. I don't think that holds. Even an ounce of water. I feel like as we age, we gain all of this knowledge to move forward and become better and help others become better as well. And so if you are feeling like you are without a friend, continue to reach out because there are other people just like you. And I guess my best suggestion in that is to show up authentically so that those other people that are in the same place can find you. And they could

Melinda 35:27

join the Oola aspiring group like you Did I, yeah. That doesn't get mentioned enough. That's a great place to start looking for a community.

April 35:35

Yeah, That is where all of this started to unfold for me. I don't even know how I ended up in that group. I was just like, oh, I'm in this Aspiring Coaches group. Cuz I was looking for a coaching certification and I was like, I wanna hear about this community and learn and whatever. And I. Apparently kept commenting and then somebody finally messaged me and was like, are you interested in hopping on a call? And to me, I'm such a learner, I was like, sure, I'll hear what you have to say. And it was like, whoa. I had to sit down, you know? Okay. Yeah. Nice. Yeah.

Stephanie 36:06

So great advice. April, keep showing up authentically and join aspiring Oola life coaches page.

April 36:13

Yes. At least Find the community and just get in touch. Yeah.

Stephanie 36:17

So before we part ways, we want to let you know that our next episode will showcase coach Deanna Salas Freeman and the topic of Oola Fun. We want to remind you that we are all designed for greatness and purpose, stress less, feel better, and enjoy life a little more. Thanks again for joining us today, April and goodbye everyone.

Melinda 36:37

Thank you. Thank you.