The Lazy Genius Podcast: Episode #393 - What’s Saving My Life
Release Date: November 25, 2024
Host: Kendra Adachi, The Lazy Genius
Kendra Adachi returns in Episode #393 of The Lazy Genius Podcast with an introspective and heartfelt discussion titled "What’s Saving My Life." In this episode, Kendra delves into the personal practices, tools, and relationships that sustain her through a particularly demanding season of life. From engaging television shows to meaningful personal connections, Kendra shares a comprehensive list of elements that keep her grounded, joyful, and efficient. Below is a detailed summary of the episode's key points, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.
1. Embracing Comfort Television: The Great British Baking Show
Kendra begins by highlighting the immense comfort she derives from engaging with feel-good television, particularly The Great British Baking Show. She contrasts this with her occasional forays into shows like Brooklyn Nine-Nine and New Girl, noting the unique solace the former provides.
“There is something about the Great British Baking show that just makes my whole body feel like everything is going to be okay.”
— Kendra Adachi, [06:30]
She shares an emotional moment upon watching the newest season's first episode, where the theme music moved her to tears, underscoring the show's profound positive impact on her mood.
2. Implementing Sam Kelly's "Notice and Do"
Kendra discusses the transformative influence of Sam Kelly's audio course, Little Cycle Breakers, which emphasizes empowering parents—especially mothers—to engage their children in household responsibilities through the "notice and do" philosophy.
“Her phrase notice and do has become a staple in the Adachi house.”
— Kendra Adachi, [10:15]
This approach has successfully delegated tasks like unloading the dishwasher among her three children, significantly reducing her daily burdens and fostering a sense of responsibility in her kids.
3. The Joy of Thrifting
In a nod to sustainability and personal fulfillment, Kendra shares her growing passion for thrifting. Inspired by a friend and motivated by the holiday season, she recounts a memorable thrifting trip where her daughter, Annie, discovered several unique clothing pieces.
“I have felt such contentment in finding treasures and giving them life again.”
— Kendra Adachi, [13:45]
Kendra emphasizes that while thrifting isn't a universal solution, it brings her joy and aligns with her family's values, promoting both sustainability and creativity in their wardrobe choices.
4. Building a Reading Connection: Meeting Her Reading Twin, Katie
Kendra introduces Katie, a newfound friend with whom she shares a deep literary bond. Their synchronized reading habits and mutual recommendations have enriched Kendra’s reading experience, making it more engaging and consistent.
“Sharing books with Katie has made me read more often because I kind of want to tell her about what I'm reading and I want to make room for what she's reading.”
— Kendra Adachi, [18:20]
This partnership not only fosters a love for reading but also strengthens their friendship through shared intellectual pursuits.
5. Cultivating Kindness Towards Her Body
Addressing personal well-being, Kendra reflects on her evolving relationship with her body. Unlike previous seasons marked by disordered eating and rigid exercise routines, she now practices unconditional kindness and responsiveness to her body’s needs.
“The kindness and softness in my soul that comes from listening and responding to what my body needs in the moment, it has been incredibly healing.”
— Kendra Adachi, [21:10]
This shift towards self-compassion has alleviated past anxieties related to body image and health, allowing her to embrace a more balanced and peaceful existence.
6. Discovering RMS Makeup
Kendra introduces RMS Makeup, a brand founded by renowned makeup artist Rose Marie Swift. She praises the brand for its high-quality products that enhance her natural beauty without overwhelming her, making daily makeup routines simpler and more enjoyable.
“Every single product is not only a winner, but it makes me look and feel more like myself.”
— Kendra Adachi, [24:05]
Her endorsement highlights the brand's ability to cater to diverse skin types, particularly aging skin, ensuring that makeup serves as a tool for self-expression rather than a mask.
7. The Quest for the Perfect Coffee Mug
A seemingly small but impactful discovery, Kendra recounts her successful search for a non-seasonal, oversized coffee mug. This find eliminates the inconvenience of using limited or seasonal mugs, enhancing her daily coffee experience.
“I found my big mug. I found my big mug.”
— Kendra Adachi, [27:50]
This simple addition to her kitchenware has significantly improved her morning routine, providing both functionality and aesthetic satisfaction.
8. Tackling Overwhelm with Small Tasks
Kendra shares her strategy for managing household chaos by addressing small tasks immediately. By questioning, “Is this small enough that I can do it right now?” she prevents minor issues from accumulating into overwhelming burdens.
“Is this small enough to do right now? Yep. All right, cool. Let's do it.”
— Kendra Adachi, [30:30]
This tactic has streamlined her environment, reducing clutter and enhancing her sense of control and calmness within her home.
9. Simplifying Protein Intake
To combat decision fatigue surrounding dietary protein, Kendra outlines her reliance on two key products: Vital Proteins collagen powder and Chobani high-protein yogurt drinks. These staples ensure she and her son maintain adequate protein levels effortlessly.
“They just show up at my door, helping me stay consistent without the effort.”
— Kendra Adachi, [34:10]
Her practical approach underscores the importance of integrating simple, effective solutions into daily routines to support overall health and well-being.
10. Letting Go of Over-Planning
Concluding her list, Kendra reflects on the pressure to manage every aspect of life simultaneously. By embracing the present moment and resisting the urge to visualize the entire scope of her responsibilities, she fosters a more manageable and less stressful lifestyle.
“I am keeping my caffeinated squirrel like she's taking a nap because I'm reminding her that spinning out on seeing everything at once is not how we feel better.”
— Kendra Adachi, [38:45]
This mindset shift has been pivotal in maintaining her productivity and mental health during a particularly hectic period.
11. Introducing New Playbooks
Kendra unveils her latest creation, the New Playbooks, designed to help individuals organize their lives according to seasonal needs. These playbooks serve as practical tools to maintain focus and clarity without becoming overwhelmed by long-term planning.
“They help you see where you are, see the season that you're in and organize what matters to you.”
— Kendra Adachi, [40:20]
By compartmentalizing tasks and goals into manageable segments, the playbooks embody the Lazy Genius philosophy of being a genius about what matters and lazy about what doesn’t.
Special Segment: Lazy Genius of the Week
Kendra celebrates Megan Green as the Lazy Genius of the Week. Megan shares an ingenious method for hiding Christmas gifts using a large Christmas tree storage bag, which camouflages presents effectively throughout the year.
“It's huge, easily accommodates awkwardly sized and shaped gifts, and it's available at just the right time of year.”
— Kendra Adachi, [43:15]
This tip exemplifies the spirit of the podcast by blending practicality with creativity, providing listeners with actionable advice to simplify holiday preparations.
Conclusion and Insights
Throughout Episode #393, Kendra Adachi offers a candid and relatable exploration of the tools and practices that sustain her during a bustling season. Her emphasis on simplicity, kindness, and mindful engagement serves as a blueprint for listeners seeking to enhance their own lives without succumbing to overwhelm. By sharing personal anecdotes and practical solutions, Kendra reinforces the core tenets of the Lazy Genius philosophy: prioritizing what truly matters and letting go of unnecessary complexities.
Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own lives, identify what sustains them, and implement strategies that align with their unique seasons and circumstances. Kendra's heartfelt narrative and actionable insights provide both inspiration and guidance, making The Lazy Genius Podcast a valuable resource for anyone striving to navigate life's challenges with grace and efficiency.
For more insights and resources mentioned in this episode, visit thelazygeniuscollective.com. Subscribe to the Lazy Listens email for episode recaps and updates, and explore Kendra's three books and new playbooks to further embody the Lazy Genius philosophy in your daily life.