The Lazy Genius Podcast Episode #416: What’s Saving My Life
Host: Kendra Adachi, The Lazy Genius
Release Date: May 5, 2025
Podcast Description: Part systems expert, part permission giver, Kendra Adachi, The Lazy Genius, is here to help you be a genius about the things that matter and lazy about the things that don't.
In Episode #416 of The Lazy Genius Podcast, titled "What’s Saving My Life," host Kendra Adachi delves into the personal practices and tools that sustain her well-being during challenging times. Inspired by Barbara Brown Taylor’s concept of regularly noting what saves one’s life, Kendra shares her top 10 lifesaving elements for the current season of her life. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of balancing preparation, adjustment, and most importantly, noticing the meaningful aspects of everyday life.
Introduction to "What's Saving My Life"
Kendra begins by explaining the ethos behind the episode, emphasizing the importance of the letter N in her "PLAN" framework—Notice. She articulates how easy it is to become engrossed in preparing and adjusting one's life without taking the time to acknowledge what truly makes life beautiful and meaningful. This conscious act of noticing helps prevent falling into a monotonous, robotic existence.
Kendra Adachi [05:30]: "Without noticing, without noticing what is alive, what is working, what is making life beautiful and meaningful and fun, we can skew into robot territory pretty fast."
The 10 Things Saving Kendra’s Life
1. John Guerra’s Album "Jesus" [06:15]
Kendra starts her list with John Guerra’s new album, "Jesus." As a music enthusiast, she finds Guerra's honest and soulful approach to Christian music both grounding and spiritually uplifting.
Kendra Adachi [05:45]: "His voice is a stunner and the lyrics are straight to the soul in the best, most authentic way."
She highlights the single "I See the Birds" as a standout track that resonates deeply during tough times, serving as a musical anchor for her faith.
2. The Bama Podcast [07:10]
Closely tied to her faith, Kendra praises the Bama Podcast, which offers an Eastern and Jewish perspective on the Bible. This fresh take has enriched her understanding and kept her spiritually nourished.
Kendra Adachi [07:45]: "This podcast has just been really grounding for me."
3. DIY Color Analysis [08:30]
Switching gears to personal style, Kendra shares her journey of performing her own color analysis. Initially misclassified as a "summer," she discovered through self-analysis that she is actually a "winter," leading to a wardrobe transformation that made her feel more authentic.
Kendra Adachi [09:10]: "Now that I am wearing stronger, deeper, brighter colors like you're supposed to when you're a winter, I just feel so much more myself."
4. Coconut Clean Cleansing Balm from RMS [12:00]
Skincare takes the fourth spot with the Coconut Clean Cleansing Balm by RMS. This dual-action product simplifies Kendra’s skincare routine by combining makeup removal and cleansing in one step, leaving her skin feeling clean yet moisturized.
Kendra Adachi [12:15]: "This stuff makes my skin feel so good, like really clean but not stripped or dry."
5. Noticing the Small Things [13:21]
Beyond tangible items, noticing serves as a critical lifesaver. Amidst busyness and personal challenges, Kendra practices mindfulness by appreciating small joys, such as her children’s laughter or the sight of birds at her feeders.
Kendra Adachi [13:40]: "Noticing my kids laughing with each other or the new gray catbird that started visiting my feeder… it has to be a mantra."
6. Deleting Instagram [14:05]
In an effort to reclaim her time and mental space, Kendra has deleted Instagram from her phone for extended periods. This digital detox has allowed her to focus on more fulfilling activities and reduce the compulsive urge to scroll endlessly.
Kendra Adachi [14:30]: "Removing Instagram has freed up space for reading, music, and more quiet moments."
7. One Strength Training Video Every Weekday [15:00]
Physical health is another pillar of Kendra’s well-being. She commits to doing one strength training video each weekday, choosing accessible routines that fit her lifestyle and help maintain her physical strength without overwhelming her schedule.
Kendra Adachi [15:25]: "By giving priority and regularity to strength training, I can let the other more natural things fall into place."
8. Merlin App and Bird Feeding [16:00]
Kendra finds solace in nature through the Merlin App, which helps her identify and enjoy the birds visiting her feeders. This practice not only calms her mind but also fosters a deeper connection with her environment.
Kendra Adachi [16:20]: "Watching birds is like a spiritual practice for me. It’s very calming and connects me to where I am physically."
9. Watching Family Feud with Her Boys [17:00]
Family time is highlighted through her nightly ritual of watching Family Feud with her children. This shared activity not only entertains them but also provides insights into different perspectives and fosters family bonding.
Kendra Adachi [17:15]: "Watching Family Feud has been a hilarious and magical source of joy for us as a family."
10. Spring Playbook [17:30]
Closing her list, Kendra introduces the Spring Playbook, a tool designed for seasonal planning. This playbook helps her organize her current season of life, reflecting on what’s important and what needs to be adjusted, thereby maintaining a sense of control and calm.
Kendra Adachi [17:40]: "The Playbooks absolutely saved my life. They help me see my life for what it is and get the things done that I need to do."
Conclusion
In "What’s Saving My Life," Kendra Adachi offers a transparent and relatable glimpse into the practices and tools that sustain her. From spiritual nourishment and personal development to mindful habits and family activities, her diverse list underscores the multifaceted nature of well-being. This episode serves as an inspiring reminder to listeners to identify and cherish the elements that truly make a difference in their lives.
For those looking to implement similar strategies, Kendra encourages engaging with her tools, such as the Lazy Genius Playbooks, and adopting the habit of noticing the small yet significant aspects of daily life. Whether it’s through music, mindful practices, or family traditions, Kendra’s insights provide a roadmap for fostering a balanced and fulfilling life.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
-
"Without noticing what is alive, what is working, what is making life beautiful and meaningful and fun, we can skew into robot territory pretty fast."
— Kendra Adachi [05:30] -
"His voice is a stunner and the lyrics are straight to the soul in the best, most authentic way."
— Kendra Adachi [05:45] -
"Now that I am wearing stronger, deeper, brighter colors like you're supposed to when you're a winter, I just feel so much more myself."
— Kendra Adachi [09:10] -
"Removing Instagram has freed up space for reading, music, and more quiet moments."
— Kendra Adachi [14:30] -
"The Playbooks absolutely saved my life. They help me see my life for what it is and get the things done that I need to do."
— Kendra Adachi [17:40]
Resources Mentioned:
- John Guerra’s Album "Jesus"
- Bama Podcast
- Coconut Clean Cleansing Balm by RMS
- Caroline Girvan’s YouTube Channel
- Merlin App
- Lazy Genius Playbooks
- Lazy Genius Collectives Newsletter
For more insights and resources, visit thelazygeniuscollective.com.