These past few weeks I have been focused on forming new habits. I want to start of this new part of life with solid habits that can follow me for years to come, one of these habits is going to the gym. Looking over the past few years Ive realized that I have never been able to stay consistent with the gym. Its not like I was ever taking the gym seriously, but I still didn't expect that I would be so on and off with the process. This led me to realize that staying consistent has become very hard,...
Jul 17, 2023•57 min
This weeks episode is fairly short and light hearted. I usually like to talk about really intriguing topics or at least something that offers a new perspective. However, last week I was really lacking the motivation to plan a full episode and I didn't want to talk about something if I wasn't going to be fully present with what I was saying. So instead, I decided to talk about the things in my life that have made me happy and/or think clearer. I talk about cleaning my room, spending less time on ...
Jul 10, 2023•22 min
In my last podcast episode about sustainability, I briefly covered the idea of gardening/ owning plants. I think there are many well rounded, eco-friendly aspects of plants and gardening. Whether or not you decide to grow some of your own food, or just have a pretty house plant. I think it is environmentally friendly, good for our mental health, and a great way to liven up our living space! Even though I have a rough past with plants, only grew 1 carrot, and severely water deprived my Covid plan...
Jul 03, 2023•33 min
Lately, Ive been thinking of our environment. There are so many things that are stressful and overbearing to think about. There's plastic pollution, Methane emissions and green house gasses, micro plastics, the burning of fossil fuels and non renewable resources, and honestly just the overall wastefulness that we see every day in our society. I decided that I wanted to do my research and figure out what it is that I can do to become a more sustainable person. This episode is an accumulation of w...
Jun 26, 2023•32 min
Since the end of the school year, I've been trying to take the time to set a morning routine that actually works. For the longest time I had either had no routine at all or my routine was so long and extensive that I just never did it. In this episode, I talk about my morning routine and I share some advice on morning routine ideas. I also talk about my new beef with instagram and the videos that I'm constantly seeing that promote a glamorized, unrealistic, aesthetic morning routine. Im not oppo...
Jun 19, 2023•35 min
In this episode, Leigh and her most influential study mentor (her Mom) talk about how to write the argument essay on the New York State ELA Regents. They share a step-by-step process on how to write this essay, and also discuss the simple ways you can become a better writer. Covered in this episode: Study tips/ how to best prepare yourself for this essay Why this is applicable for the future Step by Step guide to addressing and writing the essay Better transitions between paragraphs What to do i...
Jun 12, 2023•43 min
In this episode, Leigh talks about handling a mental breakdown and the different ways you can react in order to do what's best for yourself. She talks about situations that make her more likely to shut down and also talks about the fact that shutting down is OKAY. It happens to the best of us and its normal for there to be someone who makes you mad or aggravates you. The most important thing is learning how to respond and learning about what you can and cannot handle, so that these situations ha...
Jun 06, 2023•49 min
In this episode, Leigh talks about her struggles with productivity and her inability to relax. Lately, life has felt rushed and it has seemed as if there is is never enough time to get work done or to feel accomplished and productive. Leigh talks about some of her beliefs that are actually holding her back from growth. She also talks about her fear of being lazy and how that fear has led her to jump to an opposite extreme. Leigh explains her unhealthy obsession with productivity and what it mean...
May 29, 2023•41 min
In this episode, Leigh talks about her mindset when she originally started the podcast and how it has shifted and changed over the past year. Its time for a season two! Leigh talks about her new goals for the podcast and the direction she will be taking it in. SOCIALS: ( lets connect <3) +Podcast Instagram << If you are interested in learning more about the podcast or want to become apart of the Take a Step Back community, click the link below! https://www.instagram.com/takeastepback_po...
May 22, 2023•15 min
In this episode, Leigh talks about the top three things that have made her past summers, less enjoyable. She shares stories about being at the beach and her inner insecurities. She shares her struggles with comparison, FOMO, social status and society's BS rules . This is the last episode in the Take a Step Back summer series. LEIGHS ADVICE FOR TODAY: take a moment today and write down the things you are grateful for! Sometimes we forget about the amazing things that are happening in our lives. R...
May 15, 2023•23 min
In this episode, Leigh talks about the small steps you can take to have mental spring cleaning. The weather has gotten progressively better and now seems like the best time to reflect on our lives and see what areas are in need of improvement. Leigh talks about creating routines, journaling, stepping out of your comfort zone, and getting rid of the negative energy that may come from toxic friends or activities. WEEKLY QUOTE: “Your story is what you have, what you will always have. It is somethin...
May 08, 2023•29 min
In this episode, Leigh talks about creating balance over the summer. Balance between productivity and relaxation. Summer is the MUCH NEEDED time away from school. Experiencing fun things like going to the beach, relaxing, and making memories, is a good thing! It's also a perfect time to set goals and find ways to utilize your time and be productive. Its about finding the balance that works for you! Leigh also talks about her struggles with being herself on social media and unhealthy coping mecha...
May 01, 2023•28 min
In the previous social media episode, Leigh talked about why she deleted Tik-Tok and Pinterest and why social media has many negative side effects. In this episode, Leigh gives a social media update and talks about why she decided to delete Snapchat as well. She talks about setting boundaries and why its important to think about social media NOW. If we don't start to think about it now, when will we? WEEKLY QUOTE: "let go of who you think you're supposed to be; embrace who you are " - Brene Brow...
Apr 24, 2023•15 min
In this episode, Leigh shares her top 5 pieces of advice that she wishes she could share with her younger self. She talks about hanging out with family, dealing with the lows in life, and the belief that the Universe is always on our side. WEEKLY QUOTE: “Hitting a rough patch doesn’t undo the progress you’ve made” - Jo Design Co (found this quote on Insta) SOCIALS: ( lets connect <3) +Podcast Instagram << If you are interested in learning more about the podcast or want to become apart o...
Apr 17, 2023•12 min
In this episode, Leigh talks about her top 3 ways you can start preparing for summer. Since the summer of 2023 is going to be the first summer after Leigh's high school graduation, she wants it to be a memorable one. For these reasons, the need for a summer series was higher than ever! In this series, Leigh is going to be sharing all of her advice for summer. It is the season where there are no distractions and she has all the time to focus on big goals and aspirations. As always, you are invite...
Apr 11, 2023•19 min
In this episode, Leigh talks about her past experiences with socializing and everything she has done wrong. She also talks about honesty, wanting to fit in, and body language. If you want more friendship advice from Leigh, checkout episode #7 " all about friendships!" Leigh and her friend Vinny both talk about red and green flags in friendships and share tips so that you can create a better one. DAILY QUOTE: "In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our frien...
Apr 03, 2023•28 min
In this mini episode, Leigh talks about spring and simple steps you can take to relieve stress. She talks about how getting out of the house, off of screens and even being alone, are ways you can become grounded and more relaxed. This episode is dedicated to spring time and reducing anxiety and stress. WEEKLY QUOTE: "to kindness and love, the things we need most" - The Grinch ( I love the Grinch ) SOCIALS: ( lets connect <3) +Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/takeastepback_podcast/ ...
Mar 27, 2023•8 min
In this episode, Leigh shares her experience with social media. She talks about why she deleted Tok-Tok and Pinterest, as well as her current struggles with mindless scrolling. She gives her tips on how to reduce your screen time and also talks about the negative side effects that come with social media. WEEKLY QUOTE: "It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop" SOCIALS: ( lets connect <3) +Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/takeastepback_podcast/ +Leigh's Instag...
Mar 21, 2023•43 min
In this episode, Leigh shares her tips for navigating the lows in life. She talks about how it is normal to go through phases in life, and how every situation is meant to help you grow as a person. She talks about her struggles this month and the four main tips she has for navigating the lows. WEEKLY QUOTE: "If life were predictable, it would cease to be life, and be with ought flavor" -Eleanor Roosevelt SOCIALS: ( lets connect <3) +Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/takeastepback_po...
Mar 13, 2023•24 min
In this episode, Leigh talks about what being a workaholic is and her struggles with overbooking and constantly doing something. She talks about how it's not always a clear cut answer and how being dedicated and proactive are good things, but too much of a good thing can become a problem. Overall, she talks about the ways relaxing can be just as proactive and beneficial as normal work. QUOTE OF THE WEEK: " Fear defeats more people than any other thing in the world" - Ralph Waldo Emerson SOCIALS:...
Mar 06, 2023•29 min
In this episode, Leigh talks about high school graduation and that these last few months do not need to be a stressful time. She talks about "the real world" and how for so many years we have been told that it is a scary place to be. This episode is a mini episode and is meant to be a midday/week (or whenever you are listening) reminder that everything is going to be OKAY. WEEKLY QUOTE: "Let go of who you think you're supposed to be; embrace who you are" - Brene Brown SOCIALS: Podcast Instagram:...
Feb 26, 2023•16 min
In this episode, Leigh shares her step by step guide to advice giving. She covers the importance of understanding your listeners needs, respecting other peoples space, and the real reason why so many people get upset after hearing advice. She also shares the main obstacles she has faced while advice giving, and how you too can overcome them. DAILY QUOTE: "when you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place." SOCIALS : Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com...
Feb 20, 2023•19 min
In this episode, Leigh, Sam, and Lucy all talk about sibling relationships and how to create a better one. They talk about handling arguments and rough situations, what it means to respect someone space and privacy, and share some funny story times. They also have a little *bonding moment* when they go around and share what they feel they could do better to create a better sibling dynamic! This episode is Pt2 in the becoming a better sibling series. Pt1 was all about sisters and sisterhood, so c...
Feb 13, 2023•52 min
Leigh and her sister Lucy talk about everything sisterhood. They discuss what it was like sharing a room and how becoming closer siblings, sometimes means giving each other space. They share funny story times, the importance of sympathy, and all their tips for becoming a better, nicer and more understanding sister. DAILY QUOTE: "Good judgement comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgement" SOCIALS: Podcast Insta: https://www.instagram.com/takeastepback_podcast/ Leighs Insta: htt...
Feb 06, 2023•55 min
In this episode, Leigh shares her tips and tricks to handle things like: drama, test taking, rumors, trends and literally everything she can think of. She also talks about her overall perspective shift and small, simple ways you can make your high school experience more enjoyable. This episode is her attempt to prevent you from making the same dumb, awkward, embarrassing mistakes she did. DAILY QUOTE: "you spend most of your life inside your head..make it a nice place to be in." UPDATE: I delete...
Jan 30, 2023•33 min
In this episode, Leigh shares her new realization that the universe is actually on our side. It seems like we are always (or at least most of the time) focusing on the negative things, the things we don't like, the situations we wished we could avoid. At this point in time, half way through the school year, stressed with midterms, Leigh believes it is time for a MENTAL SHIFT. In this episode, Leigh proposes the idea that there is an ultimate power out there that is actually on our side, and the ...
Jan 23, 2023•31 min
In this episode, Leigh and Amelia share their advice on everything bullying related. They cover topics like: healthy coping mechanisms, toxic friends, social media, criticism, and overcoming the negativity and judgement that we often face. Amelia shares her experiences with bullying and what she has learned from being in middle school. Whether it be: verbal, physical or cyber bullying, this episode is a guide to handling the uncomfortable situations, helping others, and staying true to ourselves...
Jan 18, 2023•1 hr 13 min
In this episode Leigh and Parker share their advice on dating and having meaningful relationships. They cover the importance of loyalty, trust, setting intentions for your relationship and making the "first move". Leigh and Parker share stories from their relationship and cover topics like fighting and unspoken *rizz*. DAILY QUOTE: "Most people are fast to stop you before you get started but hesitate to get in the way if you're moving." -Tim Ferris SOCIALS: Podcast Insta: https://www.instagram.c...
Jan 09, 2023•43 min
In this episode Leigh shares her tips on how you can regain the self belief you are searching for, build up confidence and shift your perspective. There are many different ways you can boost your self confidence and make a difference within yourself. Leigh presents the methods that she has used, plus small and simple actions that you can take to improve the faith you hold within yourself. DAILY QUOTE: "One day you will tell your story of how you overcame what you went through and it will be some...
Jan 02, 2023•19 min
In this episode Leigh talks about three important things to remember before the start of 2023. She talks about F.O.M.O ( fear of missing out) and her experiences with big friend groups, parties and the overall idea of a "high school career". Leigh also talks about the unwanted angst that comes with goal setting and shares healthy goal ideas to make new year resolutions less stressful. She also reminds you of one of her favorite mottos and why its a necessity for the upcoming year. REMEMBER: It d...
Dec 26, 2022•20 min
