Épisodes

  • I Am Deb
    Aug 28 2025
    Hello and Welcome to "Be Your Empowered Self."Here's a quote for you:"When we are truly seen, our souls are ignited, our hearts are validated, and our truest selves are set free." - Debra FodorThis quote resonates deeply. The idea that being truly seen can ignite our souls, validate our hearts, and set our truest selves free is incredibly powerful. It speaks to the profound impact of genuine connection and understanding.When we're seen for who we are, without judgment or expectation, it can be transformative. It's as if the weight of hiding or pretending is lifted, and we can finally breathe, be ourselves, and shine.This quote reminds me that being seen is not just about being noticed, but about being understood and accepted. It's a reminder of the importance of empathy, compassion, and authentic relationships in our lives.I want to leave you with this: I hope your day is filled with blessings. Thank you for being here. Thank you for being you.And welcome — truly welcome here — to Be Your Empowered Self — my podcast, Instagram, and especially Facebook, where we’re creating a community together.I’m Deb. See you soon… and hang on — this is going to be a ride.”You Got This.Here's disclaimer for this podcast:"The views and opinions expressed on 'Be Your Empowered Self' are those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views of any individuals or organizations mentioned. The information shared on this podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only, and should not be considered professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to do their own research and consult with professionals as needed. By tuning in, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own decisions and actions."⸻
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    22 min
  • The Power of the Pause: Gratitude, Growth & a Gentle Exhale
    Jul 30 2025

    Hey friend, welcome back to another episode of Be Your Empowered Self. I’m so glad you’re here.


    “Gratitude is the beginning of abundance. Rest is the beginning of clarity.”

    —Debra Fodor


    Today’s episode is for anyone feeling pulled in too many directions… for anyone who’s forgotten what it feels like to simply breathe.


    We’re exploring The Power of the Pause—and how slowing down can actually move us forward.



    TRUTH MOMENT


    You don’t have to earn rest.

    You don’t need to accomplish more to deserve a pause.


    You are already worthy of breathing room.


    If no one’s told you lately—

    You don’t have to keep holding everything.

    Let something go. Even if just for today.


    The world will still spin.

    But you—

    You get to root into what matters.



    Thank you so much for spending this moment with me.

    I hope this episode gave you permission to soften, to unplug, and to breathe.



    16. R&R MENTION (Gentle Transition)


    I’ll be soaking in some summer moments with my family for a little while—Canada cottage life, lakes, hikes, long coffee mornings.


    But don’t worry—I’ll be back soon.

    Mark your calendar for August 27, when a Power Wednesday Bonus Episode drops. 💛

    You don’t want to miss it.


    If this episode gave you something—a breath, a thought, a shift—would you share it with a friend or post it on Instagram?


    Tag me @beyourempoweredself and let’s grow this courageous community together.



    FOLLOW & CONNECT


    Follow the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen.

    And be sure to subscribe to my newsletter for gentle nudges in your inbox.


    This is your Power Wednesday, my friend.

    Take your time. Take your breath.

    And remember…

    You don’t need to chase the moment. You are the moment.


    Thank you very much.


    You got this🫶🏼


    Take care



    Debxoxo ❤️



    DISCLAIMER


    This podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice.



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    30 min
  • “Rooted & Real: Staying Grounded While the World Keeps Spinning”
    Jul 23 2025

    *Rooted & Real: Staying Grounded While the World Keeps Spinning*


    In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the chaos and lose sight of what's truly important. We're constantly bombarded with information, expectations, and demands on our time and energy. It's no wonder many of us feel like we're spinning out of control, struggling to keep up with the pace of modern life.


    But what if we could find a way to stay grounded, even as the world around us spins? What if we could cultivate a sense of inner peace and stability that wouldn't be shaken by external circumstances?


    The key is to become rooted in who we are, just like a tree that's firmly planted in the earth. As Debra Fodor so beautifully puts it:


    “When the winds of change blow, some build walls, others plant their feet and let their roots grow deeper.”


    These words remind us that we have a choice in how we respond to life's challenges. We can try to build walls to protect ourselves, or we can dig deeper and strengthen our roots. When we choose to plant our feet and let our roots grow deeper, we become more resilient and better equipped to handle life's ups and downs.


    *What does it mean to be rooted?*


    Being rooted means being grounded in our values, principles, and sense of purpose. It means having a strong sense of self-awareness and understanding of our strengths, weaknesses, and emotions. When we're rooted, we're not easily swayed by external opinions or circumstances. We're able to stay focused on what's truly important and make decisions that align with our values.


    *How can we cultivate roots?*


    1. *Practice self-awareness*: Take time to understand your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Recognize your strengths and weaknesses, and be honest with yourself.

    2. *Develop a growth mindset*: Be open to learning and growth. Recognize that challenges and setbacks are opportunities for growth and development.

    3. *Nurture your values*: Identify what's truly important to you and make decisions that align with those values.

    4. *Cultivate inner strength*: Develop resilience and coping mechanisms to help you navigate life's challenges.

    5. *Prioritize self-care*: Take care of your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.


    *The benefits of being rooted*


    When we're rooted, we're better equipped to handle life's challenges. We're more resilient, more confident, and more at peace. We're able to:


    - *Weather life's storms*: Develop the resilience to navigate challenges and setbacks

    - *Grow stronger*: Cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness and inner strength

    - *Thrive*: Live a more authentic, meaningful, and fulfilling life


    In a world that's constantly spinning, being rooted is a powerful way to stay grounded and focused on what's truly important. By cultivating our roots and prioritizing our inner growth and development, we can become more resilient, more confident, and more at peace. So take a deep breath, plant your feet firmly on the ground, and let your roots grow deeper. You got this!


    Debxoxo 💯


    ⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek advice from qualified health professionals with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition.

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    26 min
  • The Beauty of Ordinary Days: Summer, Stillness & the Sacred in Small Things”
    Jul 16 2025

    💬 Opening Quote


    “This is a wonderful day. I’ve never seen this one before.” — Maya Angelou


    And I want to add this:


    “Stillness doesn’t mean stopping. It means noticing.” — Deb


    welcome to Be Your Empowered Self. If you’ve been here before, I’m so glad you’re back. And if this is your first time joining us, take a deep breath. Do you feel that, You belong here.


    Last week, we talked about unplugging from the noise. And today, we’re doing the opposite of hustle. We’re practicing presence.


    This episode is about embracing the sacred in the small. The ordinary. The beautifully uneventful, thats what summer is all about, so enjoy each day to the fullest in whatever you are able to do.



    Finding Joy in Simple Moments: Embracing the Ordinary


    Introduction: In a world that often glorifies the hustle and bustle, it's easy to overlook the beauty in simplicity. Yet, as we pause and breathe, we find that joy often resides in the quiet, unassuming corners of our lives. This is a journey into embracing the sacredness of ordinary days.


    The Power of Presence: "Ordinary moments can hold extraordinary peace," says Deb, reminding us that we don't need grand events to feel whole. It's about noticing the breeze, the light, and the miracle of the moment. As Maya Angelou beautifully put it, "This is a wonderful day. I've never seen this one before."


    Science Backs Simplicity: Research supports what our souls already know: presence heals. A study from the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that spending just 10 minutes a day outside can significantly improve mood. Similarly, journaling small moments of gratitude fosters connection and resilience.


    Personal Reflections: Deb shares a personal story of finding joy in a simple backyard moment with a squirrel, illustrating how nature's small wonders can bring laughter and happiness. It's a reminder that we don't need to chase meaning; we just need to be present when it arrives.


    Practical Steps to Embrace Simplicity:


    Name One Good Thing a Day: Train your brain to notice goodness by acknowledging one positive moment each day. Create a Sacred Pause: Turn everyday tasks into rituals, like lighting a candle while brushing your teeth. Walk Without a Goal: Take a walk with no destination, allowing your body to teach your brain how to be present.


    Conclusion: Joy doesn't always shout; it often whispers. By embracing the ordinary, we find that life doesn't need a climax to be meaningful. Let today be a reminder that you don't need more; you just need to be here, awake, gentle, and present


    Follow Now: For more insights and stories on finding joy in the everyday,


    Love deb😊✌️💯


    ⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek advice from qualified health professionals with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition.


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    26 min
  • “Savor the Season: Finding Joy Without Guilt in a World that’s Hurting”
    Jul 9 2025

    Hey beautiful friends—how are you doing? Take a breath, let your shoulders drop. We’ve officially stepped into the heart of summer. 🌞 do you feel the heat…..


    It’s the season of open windows, bare feet, watermelon slices, BBQs and laughter echoing off cottage walls and the many concerts happening in and around Ontario.


    But I also know this—many of us are holding something heavier in our hearts. There’s grief, injustice, war, uncertainty… and it can feel almost wrong to enjoy anything when the world is hurting.


    This month is all about Joy, last episode we talked about unplug to reset> and since we have done that.….lets fill it with some Joy, wouldn’t you agree we need to, “ savour the season: finding joy without guilt in a world that is hurting”


    But today’s episode is about this exact moment—this tension between global sorrow and personal joy—and the truth that:


    “Joy is not a betrayal. It’s a lifeline.”


    So, if you’ve been wondering, “Is it okay to smile right now? Is it okay to rest?” — this one’s for you.


    Let’s talk about what it means to savor the season without guilt—and how claiming joy might just be the most radical, healing thing you can do right now.


    QUOTE


    “We cannot cure the world of sorrows, but we can choose to live in joy.”

    — Joseph Campbell


    “Joy isn’t selfish. It’s sacred.”

    — Deb 💛


    So my friends……………

    🗞️ WHAT’S MAKING THE NEWS


    A June 2025 study out of the University of British Columbia showed that Canadians who intentionally engaged in “micro-joy practices”—things like gardening, watching birds, or hugging loved ones—had significantly lower levels of anxiety and greater life satisfaction, even while being aware of world events.


    Psychologist Dr. Rina Mehta says:


    “Joy doesn’t mean you’re ignoring the world. It means you’re staying resourced enough to care about it.”


    Listen to the full episode to learn more 😊

    💛


    Until next time, protect your peace and be joyful.

    You Git this


    Debxoxo💕💯


    ⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek advice from qualified health professionals with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition.



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    19 min
  • Unplug to Reset: Reclaiming Calm in a Screen Saturated World
    Jul 2 2025

    Hey friends…… (HAPPY JULY!) I know what you’re all thinking—summer is finally here! We have officially stepped into July. Can you believe it?


    Opening Quote


    “Your peace doesn’t live inside your phone. It lives in your pause.”

    — Debra Fodor


    true peace and calm aren’t found in the constant scroll—they live in the stillness of our own breath, our own body, and the moments we choose to come back to ourselves.



    If this is your first time joining me—you picked a good week. And if you’ve been walking with me for a while now, welcome home.


    So this week, we’re talking about digital overload. The nonstop scroll. The pings. The pressure to be on, all the time. And how we can gently, intentionally step out of that noise and back into ourselves.


    Mindfulness Moment –


    “I am allowed to step away.”

    “My peace is more important than my notifications.”

    “I am present in this moment, and this moment is enough.”

    “I choose rest without guilt.”

    “When I unplug, I return to myself.”


    💭A Real-Life Story from Ontario


    Earlier this month in a small Ontario town, a teacher named Maya challenged her entire Grade 8 class to go screen-free after 6 p.m. for just one week. Instead of scrolling TikTok or gaming, the students read, journaled, helped cook dinner, or sat outside and watched the sky change.


    One student wrote in his final reflection: “I didn’t think I could do it, but I actually felt less tired. My mom and I talked more. It felt like we were a family again, not just roommates with Wi-Fi.”


    Simple, right? But that one act—of unplugging for an evening—reconnected a family. That’s what this is all about.


    National Doctor’s Day in India (July 1, 2025):


    Doctors from various specialties emphasize that “prevention is better than cure,” and that longevity often begins with small, consistent daily habits. News.Az outlines several simple doctor-endorsed routines that can meaningfully enhance long-term health:

    • Start your morning with 10 minutes of silence — quiet reflection helps reset the nervous system, lower cortisol, and stabilize heart rhythm before facing the rush of the day.

    • Finish dinner before sunset — aligning meal times with your circadian rhythm (early time-restricted eating) supports digestion, insulin sensitivity, and reduces inflammation.

    • Use the 30:3 rule — every 30 minutes of sitting, stand or move for 3 minutes to improve blood sugar control and cardiovascular health.

    • Brush (or scrape) your tongue daily — this supports a healthy oral microbiome, reduces inflammation, and even benefits gut and brain health.

    • Write down one stressful thought at night and discard it — a simple decluttering ritual that eases mental load and improves sleep.

    • Drink plain water—but not during meals — sipping between meals (rather than with them) supports digestion and nutrient absorption.



    Thank you for showing up for yourself today—not just for me.

    I hope you take the time this summer to unplug.


    If this episode reminded you to pause, breathe, or unplug—share it with someone who needs the same permission. Let’s normalize rest. Let’s reclaim presence.


    Follow the show, leave a review, and come connect on Instagram @beyoureempoweredself and on Facebook, where we share real life, memories, and moments that matter.


    Until next Power Wednesday, I’m Deb.


    Protect your peace. Reclaim your rhythm.


    You are worthy now. Not later.


    You got this. 💛


    Debxoxo 🫶🏼


    🛡️ Disclaimer


    This episode is intended for educational and motivational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified health provider regarding any physical or mental health concerns. All views expressed are personal reflections and insights shared to inspire well-being and self-awareness.


    Any references to studies or media reports are for context and awareness only, and all listeners are encouraged to explore further sources if needed. Your well-being is your responsibility—and your right.



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    20 min
  • Peace is a Practice-Power of One Calm Day
    Jun 25 2025

    > “Peace is not the absence of noise. It’s the choice to return to yourself—even when everything else is spinning.”

    > — Debra Fodor


    This quote highlights the idea that peace is not necessarily about external circumstances, but rather an internal state of being. It's about choosing to cultivate inner calm, clarity, and connection to oneself, even in the midst of chaos or turmoil.


    The phrase "return to yourself" is especially powerful, as it suggests that peace is a matter of coming back to one's own center, values, and sense of purpose. It's a reminder that we have the agency to choose how we respond to the world around us, and that we can find peace by tuning into our own inner wisdom.


    This encourages all of us to look inward for peace, rather than relying on external circumstances to dictate our own state of mind.


    Mindfulness Moment>


    💬AFFIRMATIONS


    > “I am allowed to be still.”

    > “I choose peace over panic.”

    > “Today, I don’t need to rush to be enough.”

    > “My calm is not a weakness—it is my strength.”

    > “I can be strong *and* soft at the same time.”


    🔑 TRUTH POINTS — GROUNDING WISDOM


    1. **Peace is not a personality trait; it’s a practice.** You’re not “bad at calm.” You’re just learning a new rhythm—one deliberate breath at a time.

    2. **You don’t have to control the future to feel safe in the present.** Safety lives in the choices you make moment by moment.

    3. **The world may be chaotic, but your heart, mind, and body can stay still.** You are not the storm—you’re the ground beneath it. Let the wind pass.


    ---


    💡 DEB’S 2 CENTS


    > “You don’t get peace by waiting for the world to quiet down. You get peace the moment you decide: *I protect it—today.* Not perfectly. Not forever. Just for now.”


    The power’s not in mastering your whole life—it’s in showing up for **one calm day** at a time.


    Life Lessons Learned


    🔁3 PRACTICAL STEPS (no fluff, just what works)


    1. The One-Day Promise:**

    Wake up and whisper: *“Today, I will protect my peace. I will be gentle with myself.”*


    2. The Five-Minute Reboot:**

    Pause. Breathe. Ask: *What do I feel? What do I need? What can I release?*


    3. The Anchor Activity:**

    Pick one thing—tea, a song, a walk, a moment with your hand on your heart—and let that be your anchor today. Don’t overthink it. Just do it.


    If you want to learn what the five key Takeaway please check out the podcast episode 💯


    Until next time, your Power Wednesday…I. Am deb

    Be good to you.

    *Protect your peace.*

    And remember: **You are worthy now. Not later.**

    I’m cheering you on.


    I’m Deb…..And, I’ll see you next week. 💛


    You got this.🫶🏼

    Take care


    Debxoxo 🙌🏽



    🔒 Disclaimer:


    This podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional therapy or medical advice. If you’re struggling, please seek support from a qualified healthcare provider.


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    24 min
  • You’re in Bloom-Don’t Rush Becoming
    Jun 18 2025

    💬 QUOTE OF THE WEEK


    “A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms.”

    — Zen Shin


    🌿 Reflection on the Quote:

    This quote is our reminder today — to stop comparing and start becoming.

    Blooming isn’t a race. It’s a rhythm. Your rhythm.


    Deb 💛 blooming with truth, warmth, and empowerment:


    “A Flower Doesn’t Compete. It Just Blooms.”

    – A Truth We Need to Come Home To


    Have you ever looked at a garden?


    I mean really looked? Watched how each flower rises in its own rhythm? The rose doesn’t side-eye the lily. The daffodil doesn’t shrink because the tulip opened first. They all rise in their own time. No apologies. No competition. Just blooming. Just being.


    And yet—we humans have a way of forgetting that truth.


    We scroll, compare, shrink, strive. We hold ourselves hostage to someone else’s timeline. We feel behind because someone else seems ahead. And in doing so, we abandon our own unfolding. We question the value of our petals simply because another flower is already in full bloom.


    But friend, hear me when I say this:

    You don’t need to race anyone to your becoming.


    Your timing is not broken. Your pace is not too slow. You are not less just because someone else is visible right now. The only thing you are responsible for… is blooming into you.


    Your story is valid. Your voice is needed. And your becoming? It’s divine.


    So plant your roots deep. Soak up your lessons. Take in your light. You don’t need to look left or right. Just rise. Quietly, wildly, faithfully—in your own season.


    Because when you bloom without comparison, without apology…

    That’s when the world stops and says—“Wow.”


    Bloom on.

    Your only job is to be you.

    And that has always been enough.


    —Deb 💛

    #BeYourEmpoweredSelf

    #PowerWednesday

    #NoCompetitionJustBecoming


    🌸 ✨ AFFIRMATION MOMENT


    I am in bloom. I am becoming. I am enough, right here, right now.

    Let that sink in.

    Let your breath match the pace of your growth — steady, beautiful, and unrushed.


    Hey friends is this a good time, bloom, blossom and glow, well here in Canada it's just the right season, but wherever you are, ask yourself….how can I grow, bloom, blossom and glow


    It’s another power Wednesday, and I wish you the best on this day and the rest of your week.


    ⚠️ DISCLAIMER


    This podcast offers educational content and personal reflections.

    It is not a substitute for professional mental health support or therapy.


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    13 min