Wake Your Dream

67 - Ugly Truth or Beautiful Lie?

In this episode, Annaliese and Alan dive into the “beautiful lie” versus the “ugly truth”—why we often choose a comforting delusion over a hard reality, and how facing the truth can drive real growth. Annaliese explains that sometimes, the truth you most need is the one you’re avoiding. But learning to face it, even when it feels uncomfortable, is key to navigating life’s challenges with the resilience you want.
YOU'LL HEAR ABOUT:
-Why We Avoid the Truth: Choosing a beautiful lie may seem easier, but it tends to distance you from the information you need to make meaningful changes. Facing the ugly truth actually can help reduce stress and get you back on track.
-Truth Feels Hard Because of Emotions: The truth often feels abrasive because it brings up things you don’t want to face. But recognizing it offers you a deeper relief because you gain insight to make empowered decisions.
-Repeating Patterns by Avoiding Reality: Believing “everything’s fine” can lead you into cycles of burnout and frustration. Facing the ugly truth breaks that cycle inside you, showing you how to make real changes.
 -Value of Facing Mistakes: Owning mistakes proves you’re capable of handling life’s ups and downs. It lets you redefine yourself based on truth rather than denial.
RESOURCES:Experience coaching with Annaliese! Book your free 1-hour Discovery Chat at www.linktree.com/coachannaliese and learn tips to create lasting change.
Benefits of Facing the Ugly Truth:
- True empowerment and growth- Increased confidence and self-trust- Proving to yourself it’s not as painful as you feared- Gaining valuable insight to make real, lasting changesLooking for your own practical ways that could help you truly face what's going on in your life more? Can't wait to have you listen in with us.

66 - Be Patient, You Have Plenty Of Time

In this episode, Annaliese and Alan talk about what it feels like to grow personally and how it often takes more time than we expect. Annaliese highlights the importance of practicing patience and recognizing the person you're becoming along the way. Meaningful growth takes time, and it's important to remind yourself that you have that time to give!
You'll learn that:- Growth, like anything beneficial, takes time to build. Remembering this helps you practice patience and stay on track like you want to.- Personal growth happens through small, consistent steps. While it may take longer than you'd like, embracing your inner development as a priority (and those small steps as valuable) helps you stay motivated and less discouraged.- It's crucial to check if you're being overly critical or unrealistic about your growth. By noticing and celebrating your progress, you cultivate the patience you need and a healthier perspective that you want on your journey.
FREE COACHING CALL: Experience a free, 1-hour Discovery Chat with Annaliese! Visit www.linktree.com/coachannaliese to schedule a session where she’ll help you take real steps toward positive change in your own life!
3 Ways to Practice Patience: 1. Notice where you're uncomfortable with waiting. Where are you getting discouraged? Help yourself tolerate a little bit more the discomfort of being delayed as you go (that’s all part of real growth!).2. Identify if your own personal growth standards are working for or against you.3. Celebrate your small wins and tiny steps to stay encouraged inside yourself along the way, and feel closer to your goals and process.Listen in to help yourself practice patience with the truly valuable growth process you're practicing in your life today!

65 - Treating Yourself Like A Friend

In this episode, Annaliese and Alan explore how stress and overwhelm can affect your relationship with yourself. When things start piling up in life, it’s easy for your brain to become harsh and critical, which directly impacts how you handle stress and solve problems. Annaliese emphasizes the importance of pausing and noticing your own experience—because your self-talk is making a bigger impact than you realize.
YOU'LL HEAR ABOUT:- How your brain tends to be more critical when life gets tough, even when things are out of your control. Your thoughts, whether positive or negative, are heavily influencing how you navigate stress.  - Why making decisions from a self-compassionate, confident place actually builds self-trust and helps you treat yourself more kindly, making problem-solving smoother and more creative.  - How self-talk, the thoughts constantly running under the surface, affect your experience. The best way to shift negative thinking is to start noticing it. Check in with yourself a couple of times a day, and see what thoughts could make you feel better.
3 Steps to Treat Yourself Like a Friend:  
1. Why Practice It? Your brain can get harsh during tough times, which affects how you handle stress. Self-compassion builds self-trust, leading you problem-solving more effectively.   2. When to Practice It? Check in with yourself a couple of times a day (set an alarm on your phone!), especially during stressful moments, to catch your negative thoughts early. 3. How to Practice It? When you notice self-criticism in your mind, ask: "Would I speak this way to a friend?" Replace harsh thoughts with kinder ones.  
FREE COACHING CALL:  Experience personal coaching with Annaliese! Visit www.linktree.com/coachannaliese to schedule your own FREE, 1-hour Discovery Chat to focus on whatever result you'd love to see in your life. No strings, just value for you!Listen in today to get helpful ways and reasons to treat yourself more like a good friend and add quality to your life!

64 - When People Don't Support You

In this episode, Annaliese and Alan discuss how much influence others have on our personal goals and self-perception. Annaliese highlights the challenges of feeling unsupported by others, how this can impact our sense of progress in life, and how to help ourselves get more of what we need, no matter how other people are showing up.
You’ll Hear About:-Noticing where you depend on others for validation: Annaliese walks you through how to recognize areas in your life where you may rely too heavily on others for support and approval, and why you might feel this way.-What lack of support makes you believe about yourself: When you don't receive the validation or support you’re hoping for, it can lead to assumptions about your own worth. Annaliese offers tips for identifying the limiting beliefs that arise in these situations.-Acknowledging that you can’t control others: It’s important to notice when others are trying to help but just miss the mark. Are you expecting too much from them? Reflect on how these expectations might be limiting your ability to meet your own needs.-Building inner awareness and self-support: Are you clearly communicating what you need from others? Can you see how you are capable of providing some of that support for yourself? Listen and you'll hear more practical advice for strengthening self-reliance.-FREE Coaching Chat: Experience coaching with Annaliese! Schedule your own personal 1-hour Discovery Chat, for any life results you want, at www.linktree.com/coachannaliese.  Questions to Ask Yourself:- What areas in my life feel dependent on others’ support?- What do I believe I’m missing without it?- What can I start doing to better support myself?
PRACTICING SELF-SUPPORT:- Notice your needs and how you can meet them independently by asking yourself reflective questions that help you see it:             -Who am I relying on to support my needs more? Have I communicated my need closely? Do I agree they can actually support me in this?             -Is this need something I can be giving to me? What need I can start meeting for myself? How can I act differently to do this better?- Use your resources—time, money, energy—more mindfully to align with what truly matters to you.- Practice self-compassion by anchoring yourself in truths you can repeat to yourself about your identity, reminding yourself you also have the power to meet your own needs.Listen in today to learn how to give yourself more the support you need, no matter your circumstances or what you experience from others.
 

63 - Enneagram Series Part 5: Energy Stances (Types 1-9)

In this episode, Annaliese and Alan wrap up their Enneagram series by diving into the three Energy Stances: Assertive, Dependent, and Withdrawing. Each Enneagram Type fits into one of these stances, which deeply influences how they navigate life, make decisions, and interact with others. Annaliese explains what it feels like to be each Type, in each stance, and how these default patterns impact and shape daily life.
YOU'LL HEAR ABOUT:- Understanding the energy behind your Enneagram Type can deepen your self-awareness and improve your growth journey. Discover how balancing your own body, mind, and heart on a more conscious basis in your day leads to wiser decisions and better interactions with others.- The Assertive Types (3, 7, 8) move forward (sometimes against others) because they tend to be focused on the future. They’re usually standing in the present with one foot, and with the other they’re always stepping forward to get what they need, even if it means they need to move against or past others. Their traits are that they usually are Overthinking + Overdoing, and neglecting their Feelings. A good way for these Assertive Types to act in more wise, proactive ways is to interrupt their moments regularly during their day to ask themselves “What am I Feeling?”. In this way these Types can invite their neglected heart (Wise Heart) into their moment of decision-making.- The Dependent Types (1, 2, 6) depend on others in order to move, because they’re focused on the present. They tend to have both feet in the present, trying to get others to work with or agree with them to get what they need. Their traits are Overdoing + Overfeeling, and neglecting their Thinking. A good way for these Dependent Types to act in more wise, proactive ways is to interrupt their moments regularly during their day to ask themselves “What am I Thinking?”. In this way these Types can invite their neglected mind (Wise Mind) into their moment of decision-making.- The Withdrawing Types (4, 5, 9) move away from others because they’re focused on the past. They tend to be standing with one foot in the present and the other foot stepping back away from people to get what they need. Their traits are Overthinking + Overfeeling, and neglecting their Doing. A good way for these Withdrawn Types to act in more wise, proactive ways is to interrupt their moments regularly during their day to ask themselves “What am I Doing?”. In this way these Types can invite their neglected body (Wise Body) into their moment of decision-making.
Free Coaching Call!Want a personalized coaching session? Book your free 1-hour Discovery Chat with Annaliese at www.linktree.com/coachannaliese.WAYS TO USE THE ENNEAGRAM TO GROW:-Build a space of openness and safety for your own growth. All personality information (weaknesses, strengths, fears, desires) is useful to create better growth habits. Notice where you feel that sensitive or uncomfortable information is working against you or against other people, and see that it’s meant to work FOR you - we all have capacity for constructive change and growth, and your growth is your own responsibility  -Tune in to what you’re learning, even when it’s about a Type that’s not yours. There are valuable insights that Type cares about and brings to the table that can help you grow your own perspective of how life works and what more options are as you navigate it.-Let yourself practice using this tool safely and honestly inside yourself. Practice focusing on using any knowledge you uncover about yourself to benefit and grow from in simple, daily ways, not to judge yourself or tear yourself down.Listen in for how becoming aware of your natural energy impacts your experiences, relationships, and choices in life!

62 - Enneagram Series Part 4: The Head Triad (Types 5, 6, 7)

In this episode, Annaliese and Alan explore the Enneagram’s Head Triad (Types 5, 6, and 7), focusing on their similarities and differences. Annaliese shares key insights on each Type, including their core fear, desire, strengths, struggles, and the core messages they need to hear. You'll discover how understanding these Types—even if they aren't your own—can help you live more authentically and understand others on a deeper level.
YOU'LL HEAR ABOUT:
- How each Enneagram Type sees life through their own unique lens and how that affects how they relate to themselves and others.- The Head Triad Types (5, 6, 7) are thinkers who aim to create safety and competence in their lives.   - Type 5 overidentifies with thinking and tends to withdraw.  - Type 6 struggles to trust themselves and often looks outward for security.  - Type 7 distracts themselves from anxiety by staying busy.- How each of the Head Types handles anxiety and fear differently, influencing how they make decisions.  - Type 5 withdraws into isolation.  - Type 6 seeks external validation but remains anxious or confrontational.  - Type 7 tries to outrun fear by overcommitting.- How understanding each Type’s reactions to stress can lead to more effective personal growth and intentional living.
RESOURCES:
- Curious about personal coaching with Annaliese? Visit www.linktree.com/coachannaliese to schedule your FREE 1-hour Discovery Chat - no strings attached, and get great tips for what you want results in.
What the Head Triad Teaches Us:
- Practicing intentional thinking helps create clarity and steadiness in life.- Thoughtful, grounded decision-making leads to more freedom and balance.
Ways to Use the Enneagram for Growth:
- Use personality insights (strengths, fears, desires) to build growth habits.- Learn valuable lessons from Types outside your own.- Practice self-awareness without judgment to foster personal development.Listen in today for more insights on the Enneagram Head Types - and applying these ideas to yourself too!

61 - Enneagram Series Part 3: The Heart Triad (Types 2, 3, 4)

In this episode, Annaliese and Alan explore Enneagram Types 2, 3, and 4, focusing on their similarities and differences. Annaliese unpacks each Type’s core fear, desire, strengths, struggles, and the key message they need to hear. She explores how understanding these Types—even if they aren’t your own—can help you live more authentically as you, and build deeper connections with others.
You’ll hear about:- How each of the 9 Enneagram types has a distinct perspective on life and how paying attention to other viewpoints can expand your understanding.- The Heart Triad (Types 2, 3, and 4) is highly focused on identity, belonging, and significance, with each type feeling life is about understanding others: Type 2 seeks to meet others’ needs, Type 3 is concerned with how others perceive them, and Type 4 wants to stand out as unique.- Each type in the Heart Triad struggles most with their feelings of shame. Type 2 often feels others' emotions more than their own (shame about their own needs), Type 3 dismisses their feelings to stay productive (shame about not performing perfectly), and Type 4 overidentifies with their emotions (shame about feeling like they don't belong).- Noticing how these Types handle stress can help you manage your own tendencies more effectively and live with greater balance.- Each Heart Type relates to others based on how they relate to themselves: Type 2s want to be indispensable, Type 3s want to be valuable, and Type 4s strive for uniqueness. Recognizing this can help you better understand their motivations and behaviors.
FREE COACHING SESSION!- Experience coaching with Annaliese! Visit https://linktree.com/coachannaliese to schedule your FREE 1-hour Discovery Chat with her. Share what you want in life, and get tips to make real changes so you can get there!
What the Heart Triad Teaches Us:- All people, no matter their differences, are important and deeply valuable.- Practicing empathy for others and ourselves builds our confidence and naturally strengthens relationships, helping us navigate life’s ups and downs.- Building authentic relationships is key to a more satisfying life.
Ways to Use the Enneagram to Grow:- Create a safe space for growth. Every personality trait—whether a strength, weakness, fear, or desire—offers valuable insight to help you build better habits.- Tune in to lessons from all types, not just your own. Other types bring valuable insights that can expand your understanding of life and how you navigate it.- Use the Enneagram with kindness. Use what you learn to grow and improve, not to judge or over-criticize yourself. Your growth is your responsibility, and the Enneagram is a tool to support that journey.Listen in today to learn about how prioritizing relationships more and tuning in to others (and your own needs) can help you build some of the strong emotional skills you're looking for!

60 - Enneagram Series Part 2: The Gut Triad (Types 8, 9, 1)

In this episode, Annaliese and Alan start exploring the Enneagram Types, focusing on The Gut Triad, Types 8, 9, and 1. They talk through their similarities and differences, and Annaliese breaks down the core fear, core desire, top strengths, struggles, and essential messages that each Type needs to hear.
YOU'LL HEAR ABOUT:- The 9 Enneagram Types each represent unique perspectives on life. For Types 8, 9, and 1 (the Gut Triad), their focus is on fairness, rightness, and reacting to their environment.- Each Gut Type handles anger uniquely: 8s express anger outwardly, 9s suppress it, and 1s control and deny it.- Understanding how these types react to stress can help boost personal growth.- The way each Gut Type relates to themselves impacts how they connect with others. 8s assert themselves, 9s deny their needs, and 1s strive for perfection. Recognizing these patterns can reveal strengths and areas for improvement.
FREE COACHING DISCOVERY CHAT:- To experience one-on-one coaching with Annaliese, schedule your FREE 1-hour Discovery Chat with her at: www.linktree.com/coachannaliese.
USING THE ENNEAGRAM TO GROW:- Create a safe space in yourself for personal growth by practicing being honest, open, and embracing both your strengths and weaknesses as you learn more about them.- Learn from all Types to help you see where you want to step outside your comfort zone or broaden your perspective.- Use Enneagram insights for yourself daily to foster more positive, constructive change in your life by being yourself in ways that feel healthier and more authentic.Listen in for insights in Types 8, 9 and 1. Even if you aren't personally one of these Types, you can grow your own perspective of life by learning more about these different approaches to life and showing up in the world! 

59 - Enneagram Series Part 1: Introduction

IN THIS EPISODE: Annaliese and Alan introduce the Enneagram, a personality tool designed for personal growth, deeper self-awareness, and better interpersonal dynamics. Annaliese explains how she uses it in her life and coaching practice, offering insights for those interested in learning to use it in practical, helpful ways to grow and change in their lives, personally and professionally.
YOU'LL HEAR ABOUT:- How each Enneagram Type has its own strengths—there are no “bad” Types. Understanding your core Type's traits and how you impact others frees you up to live more authentically and purposefully.- How the Enneagram helps you uncover the reasons behind your choices, feelings, and behaviors, leading to a more engaging and fulfilling life. Gaining self-awareness gives you the tools and options to make empowered decisions.- How learning about your Type—and the Types of those around you—can transform your relationships and dynamics with others (both personally and professionally). Using the Enneagram effectively leads to personal growth and more positive, healthy dynamics.
FREE COACHING CHAT:- Experience coaching with Annaliese for yourself! Schedule a FREE 1-hour Discovery Chat at [Linktree](https://www.linktree.com/coachannaliese)ENNEAGRAM TESTS:- Take the RHETI Enneagram test ($20): [Enneagram Institute] https://tests.enneagraminstitute.com/orders/create
- Try a free Christian-based Enneagram quiz: [Your Enneagram Coach] https://assessment.yourenneagramcoach.com/Listen today to learn a tool that will help you create better ways to be you at home , in your relationships, and at work!

58 - Handling Procrastination

IN THIS EPISODE:Annaliese and Alan explore the common reasons we procrastinate and share actionable strategies to help us follow through on our commitments more consistently. Annaliese emphasizes the value of becoming aware of our personal procrastination patterns, recognizing why we avoid tasks, and reminding ourselves that we have what we need to take action and stop procrastinating.
YOU'LL HEAR ABOUT:- Procrastination is a stress coping reflex that encourages avoiding action instead of moving forward.  - How fear and feelings of inadequacy can trigger procrastination. Where might this be the reason behind your delays and what support you need to overcome it? - Procrastination might be driven by convenience, and a sense of unfairness or laziness, with thoughts that waiting for more motivation or a better mood will make things easier. Where might this be holding you back and what do you need more than just comfort or convenience in these areas?  - Perfectionism and comparison can lead to procrastination, making you feel like others have figured out the “right” way while you haven’t. Where does this mindset shows up for you? What accessible, realistic standards can you set that would work best for your situation?  - The importance of taking action to move forward. Recognize why it matters so much to you to follow through on certain tasks.
HANDLING PROCRASTINATION DIFFERENTLY: - Notice what actions you’re avoiding. Ask yourself:    - Why is procrastination telling me to avoid this?    - What am I worried will happen if I take action?    - What cost do I fear? Are these assumptions valid?  - Identify why this task, project, or goal is still on your mind:    - What’s the deeper reason for wanting to follow through?    - Why is this task important to me?    - What simple forward actions could I begin with?  - Choose one simple, accessible action you can take to start moving forward:    - Break the task into smaller steps (e.g., four steps).    - Set a short timeframe for starting (e.g., only 15 minutes).    - Remind yourself of your “why” and how accomplishing this will make you feel.
FEELINGS ASSOCIATED WITH PROCRASTINATION vs FOLLOWING THROUGH: - Procrastination: Avoiding, weighed down, guilty, pressure, anxiety, overwhelm - Following Through: Satisfaction, lightness, peace, resolution, relief
FREE DISCOVERY COACHING CHAT: - Experience 1 hour of personal coaching with Annaliese! Visit www.linktree.com/coachannaliese to schedule your FREE, 1-hour Discovery Chat and get tips to make real changes in your life.Listen in today for more encouragement in how you handle your own procrastination patterns, and help yourself move forward more intentionally!