Solo: Fitness Plateaus, Managing Relationships, Imposter Syndrome, Fertility Update & Q+A
In this episode of the Pursuit of Wellness podcast, host Mari Llewellyn shares insights from her multifaceted life as an entrepreneur, wellness enthusiast, and individual on a fertility journey.
Llewellyn delves into the challenges of running a business with her husband, including expanding their product line and finding balance between personal and professional responsibilities. She also discusses prioritizing health and fitness through practices like gut healing protocols and maintaining an active lifestyle while traveling.
Additionally, Llewellyn touches on topics like setting boundaries with loved ones, overcoming imposter syndrome as an influential figure, and exploring conception options while supporting friends facing similar fertility struggles. Her candid reflections offer a holistic glimpse into navigating the various aspects of life.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jul 18, 2024 episode of the Pursuit of Wellness
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1-Page Summary
Business and Entrepreneurship
Mari Llewellyn discusses expanding Bloom's product line and the challenges of running a business with her co-founder husband, Greg.
Expanding Product Line and Retail Partnerships
Bloom is launching a new product in a different category, securing placements at major retailers like Walmart and Sam's Club. The launch involves heavy promotion across Bloom's social media channels and strategically timed sales events like Prime Day.
Navigating Personal and Business Demands
Mari shares the difficulties of balancing Bloom's business needs with her romantic relationship. During high-stress periods, their marriage was neglected, but they've since found equilibrium by separating their spousal and co-founder roles.
Health, Wellness, and Fitness
Mari provides updates on her ongoing gut health protocol and efforts to maintain an active lifestyle during busy travels.
Gut Health and Skin Healing Journey
Now in phase three of her H. pylori treatment, Mari notes significant skin improvements. She's rebuilding her gut health with a regimented supplement routine, including Bloom's colostrum product.
Maintaining Fitness While Traveling
Despite her hectic schedule, Mari prioritizes staying active through activities like walking, Pilates, and weightlifting to boost her energy levels. Even during travel disruptions, she seeks outdoor activities to remain physically engaged.
Relationships and Personal Life
Mari offers insights on setting personal boundaries and overcoming imposter syndrome as a successful entrepreneur and personality.
Setting Boundaries with Family
Mari advises communicating needs for alone time and schedule flexibility firmly yet politely. Respecting one's own boundaries is an act of self-love, she says.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
To combat self-doubt, Mari adopts a bird's eye view of her accomplishments. She also challenges herself by facing situations that scare her, like upcoming interviews.
Fertility and Family Planning
Mari shares her emotional fertility journey and the importance of support during this difficult process.
Exploring Conception Options
Mari is considering intrauterine insemination (IUI) before in vitro fertilization (IVF) due to IVF's greater demands. She acknowledges the mental toll of failed attempts.
Supporting Friends' Fertility Struggles
For friends struggling with infertility, Mari suggests listening without advice and focusing conversations on the eventual joy of pregnancy and parenthood.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While expanding a product line and securing retail placements can be a sign of growth, it also increases operational complexity and risks, such as overextending the brand or failing to meet increased demand.
- Heavy promotion and timed sales events can drive short-term revenue but may not build long-term customer loyalty or brand value.
- Separating spousal and co-founder roles is beneficial, but it may not always be possible to fully compartmentalize personal and professional issues, which could lead to stress in both areas.
- While supplements can support gut health, they are not a cure-all and should be part of a holistic approach that includes diet and lifestyle changes.
- Prioritizing fitness is important, but rigorous travel schedules can lead to inconsistent routines, which may affect overall fitness and health goals.
- Setting personal boundaries is crucial, but it can sometimes be perceived as selfish or create tension, especially with family members who may not understand or respect those boundaries.
- Adopting a bird's eye view of accomplishments can help with imposter syndrome, but it may not address underlying issues of self-worth or prevent future bouts of self-doubt.
- Considering IUI before IVF is a personal choice, but it's important to note that both procedures can be emotionally and financially draining, and there's no guarantee of success with either method.
- Supporting friends through fertility struggles by focusing on the eventual joy of pregnancy might not always be comforting, as it could minimize their current pain or pressure them to remain optimistic during a challenging time.
Actionables
- You can explore new hobbies or interests by setting up a monthly "exploration day" where you dedicate time to trying something different, like a new fitness class or a creative workshop, to find activities that energize you.
- This approach allows you to discover what activities boost your energy levels and can be incorporated into your routine, similar to how walking, Pilates, and weightlifting might work for someone else. For example, if you find a dance class exhilarating, you could schedule regular sessions to maintain your energy.
- Create a personal "achievement map" by writing down your successes and the obstacles you've overcome each month, then review it whenever you face self-doubt.
- This visual reminder of your resilience and capability can serve as a motivational tool, much like adopting a bird's eye view of accomplishments. For instance, if you successfully navigated a difficult project at work, add it to your map as a reminder of your problem-solving skills.
- If you have friends facing challenges, such as infertility, you might start a book club or discussion group focused on positive narratives and stories of overcoming adversity.
- This provides a supportive space for friends to connect and share experiences without the pressure of unsolicited advice, emphasizing the joy and hope in the journey. Choose books or stories that celebrate triumphs over challenges, which can offer comfort and inspiration during tough times.
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Business and Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneur Mari Llewellyn shares insights on expanding her company Bloom's product line and the personal challenges of running a growing business with her co-founder and husband, Greg.
Expanding Bloom's product line and securing major retail partnerships
Bloom is broadening its horizon by launching a new product, entering a different category. The product has already been spotted on shelves prior to the formal announcement, stirring excitement among consumers.
Announcing the launch of a new, exciting Bloom product in a different category, securing placement at Walmart and Sam's Club
Mari plans to officially announce the new Bloom product across her personal and Bloom's branded social media channels, such as Instagram and TikTok. Securing retail space is no small feat; Bloom's existing products, such as greens and pre-workout supplements, have gained traction and are available at Walmart. The addition of this new product, which will also be sold at Sam's Club, involved pitching the product to Walmart due to it being in a new category, which included meeting with a new buyer and engaging with Sam's Club representatives.
Preparing for the product launch and promotion with Bloom's team and social media channels
The rollout of the new product category is strategically timed to coincide with major sales events; for example, Mari highlights the significant sale they have planned for Amazon Prime Day featuring products like Colostrum and greens. Additionally, she teases another substantial product drop, rallying consumer anticipation.
Navigating the challenges of running a growing business as a founder
While scaling a company can be immensely rewarding, it is not devoid of personal challenges, especially when working closely with a significant other.
Balancing the business aspects of Bloom with the personal aspects ...
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Business and Entrepreneurship
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While consumer excitement is noted, it's possible that the early spotting of the product could lead to uncontrolled narratives or misinformation about the product before the official launch.
- Securing retail space at Walmart and Sam's Club is impressive, but it may not guarantee success; the product still needs to meet consumer expectations and perform well in sales.
- Timing a product launch with major sales events like Amazon Prime Day can be strategic, but it also means competing with numerous other deals, which could potentially overshadow the new product.
- Using personal social media channels for business announcements can be effective, but it also blurs the line between personal and professional life, which could be a point of contention or stress.
- Anticipation for new products is good, but if the subsequent product drops do not meet the hype, it could damage the brand's reputation.
- Balancing business and personal relationships is complex, and while Mari and Greg have found equilibrium, this balance ...
Actionables
- You can create buzz for your own projects by "accidentally" leaking information or images on social media. For instance, if you're an artist, you might post a blurred image of your upcoming artwork or share a cryptic message about an upcoming exhibition to pique interest.
- To balance your professional and personal life with a partner, schedule regular 'relationship audits' where you discuss the state of your relationship and business. This could be a monthly dinner where you both reflect on what's working and what needs improvement, ensuring that both your business and personal relationship receive dedicated atten ...
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Health, Wellness, and Fitness
As Mari continues her health journey, she updates us on her progress with both gut health protocol and maintaining an active lifestyle amid busy travel.
Continuing Mari's gut health protocol and skin healing journey
Progressing through the phases of her H. pylori treatment plan, including supplements and rebuilding a healthy gut
Mari is now in phase three of her H. pylori gut protocol and has observed considerable improvements in her skin condition. The left side of her face is almost completely smooth, with only residual hyperpigmentation from prior acne. She’s experiencing some expected breakouts on the right side and chin. Believing the protocol has been effective, Mari now concentrates on rebuilding her gut health to prevent the recurrence of H. pylori. Her protocol at this stage involves the intake of prebiotics, colostrum (naming Bloom's colostrum specifically), BPC 157, and glutamine. She follows a regimented schedule, taking supplements multiple times daily, such as before meals and at bedtime.
Maintaining Mari's fitness routine amid a busy travel schedule
Prioritizing walking, Pilates, and weightlifting to stay active and energized
Despite a busy schedule filled with travel and social events, Mari finds ways to prioritize her health and fitness. Walking and eating whole foods are her constants when other aspects of her routine feel out of control. Weightlifting is a critical component of her routine she plans to return to, as it helps her manage energy levels. Pushing her limits each time she enters the gym is a goal, even if every workout isn't perfect.
On rest day ...
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Health, Wellness, and Fitness
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While Mari has seen improvements in her skin condition, it's important to note that correlation does not imply causation, and other factors might be contributing to her skin's improvement.
- Rebuilding gut health to prevent H. pylori recurrence is a complex process, and while the supplements mentioned may help, they should not replace medical advice or proven medical treatments.
- A strict supplement schedule may not be necessary for everyone, and the benefits of such a regimented intake are not universally supported by scientific evidence.
- Prioritizing walking, Pilates, and weightlifting is beneficial, but it's also important to have a balanced routine that allows for adequate rest and recovery.
- While weightlifting is crucial for managing energy levels for some, others may find different forms of exercise more beneficial for their energy management.
- The goal of pushing limits in the gym could potentially lead to injury if not done with proper guidance and attention to one's own body's limits.
- Staying active on rest days is generally good advice, but complete rest is sometimes necessary for recovery, especially after intense physical activity or when the body signals the need for it.
- Travel can disrupt workout routines, but it can also be an opportunity to explore new forms of exercise and p ...
Actionables
- You can enhance your gut health by experimenting with fermented foods like kimchi, kefir, or homemade yogurt, which are natural sources of probiotics and may complement your existing regimen.
- Incorporating these foods into your diet can offer a variety of beneficial bacteria that work synergistically with prebiotics and other gut health supplements. Start by adding a small portion to one meal a day and observe how your body responds over time.
- To maintain your fitness routine while traveling, consider packing resistance bands and a jump rope in your luggage for an impromptu workout.
- These lightweight and portable fitness tools enable you to perform strength training and cardiovascular exercises in your hotel room or outdoors. Create a short circuit routine combining resistance band exercises with intervals of jump roping to keep your energy levels up when you can't access a gym.
- Create a personalized activity challenge that aligns with ...
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Relationships and Personal Life
Mari Llewellyn offers insights on how to navigate personal boundaries and overcome imposter syndrome as a successful business owner and media personality.
Setting and enforcing personal boundaries, especially with family
Communicating needs for alone time and schedule flexibility in a polite, firm manner
Mari advises on the importance of setting boundaries with family, specifically articulating the need for alone time and schedule flexibility. She emphasizes the need to communicate these needs in a manner that is both polite and firm, ensuring that one's personal boundaries are understood and respected.
Recognizing the importance of respecting one's own boundaries as an act of self-love
Mari also notes that consistently practicing boundary setting is crucial, as it teaches others what to expect and helps them understand and respect an individual's needs. She believes that respecting one's own boundaries is an act of self-love and underscores the importance of such self-respect.
Overcoming imposter syndrome as a successful business owner and media personality
Adopting a "bird's eye view" perspective to recognize her accomplishments and qualifications
To cope with imposter syndrome, Mari shares that she adopts a broader perspective on her career, reminding herself of her significant achievements. She recounts her success, such as having a show in the top fo ...
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Relationships and Personal Life
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While setting and enforcing personal boundaries is important, it's also crucial to maintain a balance between personal space and family obligations. Overemphasis on boundaries can sometimes lead to isolation or strained relationships.
- Communicating needs for alone time and flexibility must be balanced with the understanding that family members may also have their own needs and expectations that require compromise.
- Respecting one's own boundaries is indeed an act of self-love, but it's also necessary to ensure that this self-respect doesn't turn into self-centeredness, where one's own boundaries consistently take precedence over the needs of others.
- Adopting a "bird's eye view" to recognize accomplishments can be helpful, but it's also important to stay grounded and not lose sight of areas for improvement and growth.
- Continuously putting oneself in situations that are ...
Actionables
- Create a personal boundary charter by writing down your non-negotiables for time and space, then share this with close contacts to establish clear expectations. For example, if you need an hour each evening to unwind, include this in your charter and inform your family so they understand this time is essential for your well-being.
- Develop a "success portfolio" where you document every small win or positive feedback you receive. Whenever you feel self-doubt creeping in, review this portfolio to remind yourself of your capabilities and achievements, which can be as simple as positive comments from colleagues or milestones in personal projects.
- Start a "comfort zon ...
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Fertility and Family Planning
Mari Llewellyn shares her personal experiences with fertility treatments and the emotional journey that accompanies them, highlighting the importance of support and empathy during this challenging time.
Exploring options for conceiving, including IUI and IVF
Considering the potential benefits of trying IUI before pursuing IVF
Mari is considering intrauterine insemination (IUI) before in vitro fertilization (IVF) due to IVF's more demanding nature, involving medications and anesthesia for egg retrieval. IUI is a less intense process where fertility drugs like [restricted term] induce ovulation, followed by a trigger shot and the strategic insertion of high-quality sperm to coincide with ovulation.
She discusses the challenges of the IUI process, including the need for precise timing with her menstrual cycle and the added difficulty when traveling complicates tracking ovulation. Despite missing her ovulation window this month due to her travel schedule, Mari is determined to prioritize conception and seek assistance for perfect timing.
Acknowledging the mental and emotional toll of the fertility journey
Mari candidly describes the emotional roller coaster associated with trying to conceive. Initially filled with hope, the continuous effort without success led to self-blame and comparison with others, contributing to a feeling of isolation. Many fertility challenges remain unexplained, which adds to the stress. She emphasizes finding peace by accepting that some aspects of timing cannot be controlled.
Providing support and empathy for friends struggling with infertility
Listening without offering unsolicited advice, and focusing on positivity and encouragement
Mari ...
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Fertility and Family Planning
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Counterarguments
- While IUI is less invasive than IVF, it also generally has lower success rates, which could lead to more attempts and prolonged emotional distress.
- The emphasis on positivity and discussing future pregnancy might not be comforting for everyone; some individuals may find this approach dismissive of their current struggles and prefer to focus on the present.
- Not everyone may find the discussion of baby names and parenthood uplifting; for some, it might increase feelings of pressure or sadness if they are facing infertility.
- The narrative could inadvertently contribute to the stigma that conceiving naturally or without medical assistance is the preferred or "normal" way, which might marginalize those who choose other paths to parenthood like adoption or surrogacy.
- The idea of prioritizing conception and seeking assistance for perfect timing might not be feasible or desirable for everyone due to various life circumstances, financial constraints, or personal beliefs.
- While the text emphasizes empathy and support, it does not address the potential need for professional mental health support, which can be crucial for so ...
Actionables
- Create a personal fertility journey calendar to track your cycle and important dates, which can help manage the timing challenges associated with treatments like IUI. Use a digital calendar or a specialized app that allows you to input your menstrual cycle dates, medication start dates, and any appointments or procedures. Set reminders for each significant event to stay organized and reduce stress related to timing.
- Start a support group chat with friends who are also going through fertility treatments to foster a sense of community and shared understanding. Use messaging platforms like WhatsApp or Telegram to create a private space where you can share experiences, offer support, and celebrate small victories together. This can help mitigate feelings of isolation and provide a network of empathy and understanding.
- Develop a self-care routine that includes activiti ...
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