4 Questions to Ask Yourself When You’re Feeling Discouraged
The AC is cranked, the backpacks are stuffed, and you’re juggling back-to-school schedules with end-of-summer exhaustion. We're talking showing up when it doesn’t make sense and a simple practice to reclaim inspiration in just a few minutes.
Why now? A timely back-to-school reset
August always carries a mix of energies.
There’s the end-of-summer slump. You’re worn down by: the heat, travel, camp drop offs, and lack of structure that summer brings. The Autumnal Equinox is on Monday, September 22nd this year. So there’s still time left in summer. But instead of trying to make the most of it, what if you found ways to luxuriate in what remains?
And there’s all the back-to-school vibes. Your kids are returning to school, you’re adjusting to new schedules, and everyone is creating fresh routines. With a brand-new notebook in hand, you it’s easy to feel like you have to “get organized” now.
I’m also celebrating a big podcast milestone. This is the 200th episode of Celebrate Cultivate!!! Behind the scenes, I’ve been wondering if the time and cost of this podcast are worth it. But taking time to reflect with one of my favorite practices brought me back to my why. That’s exactly what I’m sharing with you today.
A Year of Coaching for Your Work/Life Balance
Regain self-trust so you can show up as your favorite self at work, at home, and even the soccer mom group chat.
The framework: four reflection questions
This practice works across occasions and feelings. You can use it when you’re setting new intentions with the moon cycle, navigating back-to-school chaos, or in desperate need to overcome discourgaement.
Ask yourself:
What do I want to celebrate?
What do I want to cultivate?
What am I ready to release?
What am I ready to receive?
These aren’t just journal prompts, there’s lenses to look through for wisdom and guidance. They bring clarity when results feel fuzzy and motivation when you want to quit.
Listen to the episode for stories, practical examples, and how I work through this framework:
Celebrating 200 episodes
Cultivating connection, contemplation, and clarity
Releasing my grip on time and outcomes
Receiving depth and growth
Ritual stack: reset without tons of free time
A Ritual Stack is a way to layer intention into your everyday life. Try this:
Light a candle or incense.
Pour a delicious drink (hello, espresso tonic).
Reflect on the 4 questions.
Your rituals, reflections, and little moments matter
When you’re ready to finally show up as your favorite self in every room, join the waitlist for A Year of You. My signature, year-long program will help you stop overthinking, start trusting yourself, and feel confident at the office, at home, and in every season of life.
Keep Reading for More Inspiration
Celebrating and Cultivating 100 Episodes
In this special episode, I’m reflecting on how Celebrate Cultivate began as a free event in 2018, grew into a podcast in 2020, and is now a thriving company with big dreams for the future.
Take a Moment to Scroll
Come find me in the DMs, I’m @kaileenelise
About Kaileen Elise Sues
Hi, I'm Kaileen! Intuition coach, host of the Celebrate Cultivate podcast, and mom of three.
Until I found my inner voice, I was a perfectionist always on the edge of overwhelm. This practice changes everything.
That’s why I’m here to help you access your intuition. So you can heal old wounds, manifest magic, and find calm in the chaos of daily life.
