The Language Alchemy Podcast

138. Why Women Struggle to Communicate Their Needs Clearly and Directly

Why do so many women find it challenging to clearly articulate their needs? This episode of the Language Alchemy Podcast, hosted by Alejandra Siroka, tackles this question head-on, right in time for International Women's Day.
 
Alejandra discusses the dual purpose of International Women's Day: to celebrate women's achievements and advance gender equality. She stresses the need for women to express their needs as a critical aspect of achieving equality and recognition in society.
 
The episode examines common reasons why women struggle with communication, drawing on Alejandra's experiences and insights from working with women. She identifies societal conditioning, childhood influences, and cultural expectations as key factors that lead to indirect and often unclear expression of needs.
 
Alejandra offers advice for overcoming these communication barriers, focusing on self-reflection, the importance of community support, and the process of unlearning problematic communication patterns.
Quotes
• "When all the women in your life are able to communicate their needs with clarity, confidence, and compassion, they will be able to thrive because they will know in their bones that they matter as much as the male members of our human family. And women cannot thrive if they think they're less than men, or if they believe that they have not earned the right to have needs." (01:37 | Alejandra Siroka)
• "Why is it so challenging for women to simply say, I would like to receive more support from you when the kids are sick? Or, my body is telling me I need to rest and I can't keep volunteering every weekend. You need to find another volunteer. Or, I'm struggling to keep up with all the tasks and deadlines you're giving me. I need one more person in my team if you'd like us to meet the goals for this quarter. Why is it that women can't simply express their needs easily with their partners, with their adult children, with their coworkers, with our parents and other family members, with people in our community, with strangers? Why? Have you ever asked yourself that question?" (5:00 | Alejandra Siroka) 
• “So they say to me, Alejandra, how come my partner doesn't see I need more help with our kids' homework? How come my parents don't see I need more time with my friends and I can't spend every vacation with them? When I ask these women if they've communicated these needs to the other person, just like they're doing it with me, the answer I sometimes get is, um, maybe, or sometimes it's no, or I shouldn't need to. They should already know. I know so many people who think that way. My mother included. Why would we believe that the people in our lives should read our minds and know what we need without us asking them? The answer has to do with language and communication.” (08:12 | Alejandra Siroka) 
• “Why would we believe that the people in our lives should read our minds and know what we need without us asking them? The answer has to do with language and communication.” (08:51 | Alejandra Siroka) 
• “Learning to communicate our needs is part of our journey to become an adult woman.”  (16:52 | Alejandra Siroka)
 
Links
To have group coaching with Alejandra, visit:
https://www.languagealchemy.com/groupcoaching
To work with Alejandra, visit: www.languagealchemy.com/workwithme
To join the Language Alchemy mailing list, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com
To ask questions you'd like Alejandra to answer in the podcast, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/podcastquestion
To find out about 1:1 transformative communication coaching with Alejandra, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/oneonone
To find out about couple transformative communication coaching with Alejandra, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/couples
To schedule a reduced-rate coaching consultation with Alejandra, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/newclient
To follow Alejandra on instagram follow @languagealchemy
Podcast Music composed by Gary Lapow: open.spotify.com/artist/1HlMhcNfKIELxYil5mVqD
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

137. Saying Sorry Is Not Enough: How To Have A Repair Conversation

It is human to make mistakes, to hurt, offend, disappoint, or negatively impact another precious human being. And so it is a valuable skill to learn how to apologize in an authentic, mature, and responsible way.
In this episode of the Language Alchemy Podcast, host Alejandra Siroka delves into the transformative power of repair conversations, offering a more effective approach to healing and strengthening connections compared to typical apologies.
 
Alejandra begins by emphasizing the critical distinction between intention and impact when addressing hurtful actions or words towards another person. Repair conversations focus on acknowledging and taking responsibility for the impact caused, rather than merely justifying intentions, which often leads to defensiveness and resentment.
 
Listeners are guided through a step-by-step process to have a repair conversation. Alejandra emphasizes the creation of a safe space for the other person to express their feelings and impact authentically. Throughout the episode, Alejandra underscores the role of expressing remorse and appreciation during a repair conversation, showcasing its ability to strengthen the connection and foster reconciliation.
 
Mastering the art of repair conversations is a skill that takes time to develop. If you would like support through one-on-one coaching or group sessions to enhance your communication skills and repair relationships effectively, Alejandra invites you to visit her website for more information and resources. Tune in to this episode for valuable insights into transformative communication and healing relationships.
 
Quotes:
• "In a repair conversation, what needs your immediate attention is that the other person was negatively impacted. It doesn't matter whether you had a good intention or whether you had reasons that led you to say or do whatever you said or did. What you need to address first is the negative impact caused by your actions.” (4:21 | Alejandra Siroka)
• “When you have a repair conversation, you address the negative impact caused by your actions.” (4:21 | Alejandra Siroka) 
• "Expressing appreciation during a repair conversation helps the other person get back to a place of connection with you. This is how they connect back to their knowing that you are a good person. You don't need to tell them, you are demonstrating it." (10:59 | Alejandra Siroka) 
• "It is hard to quickly be in a space for a repair conversation after we've hurt another precious human being. So be patient with yourself. Don't say a repair conversation didn't work after trying it for the first time." (17:49 | Alejandra Siroka)
Links
Episode #136: Apologize Like an Adult:
https://www.languagealchemy.com/podcasts/language-alchemy-podcast/episodes/2148547407
Episode #75: When You Don't Like What You Hear: https://www.languagealchemy.com/podcasts/language-alchemy-podcast/episodes/2147833529
Episode #108: Navigating Disagreements, the Path of Meaningful Connection:
https://www.languagealchemy.com/podcasts/language-alchemy-podcast/episodes/2148053621
Episode #109: Empathy Versus Sympathy:
https://www.languagealchemy.com/podcasts/language-alchemy-podcast/episodes/2148071027
Episode #110: Five Strategies for Skillful Empathic Communication:
https://www.languagealchemy.com/podcasts/language-alchemy-podcast/episodes/2148087420
 
To have group coaching with Alejandra, visit:
https://www.languagealchemy.com/groupcoaching
To work with Alejandra, visit: www.languagealchemy.com/workwithme
To join the Language Alchemy mailing list, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com
To ask questions you'd like Alejandra to answer in the podcast, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/podcastquestion
To find out about 1:1 transformative communication coaching with Alejandra, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/oneonone
To find out about couple transformative communication coaching with Alejandra, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/couples
To schedule a reduced-rate coaching consultation with Alejandra, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/newclient
To follow Alejandra on instagram follow @languagealchemy
Podcast Music composed by Gary Lapow: open.spotify.com/artist/1HlMhcNfKIELxYil5mVqD
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

136. Apologize Like an Adult

Do your apologies sound like a monologue? If you find yourself stuck in the cycle of the "typical apology," chances are your apologies aren’t creating a dialogue, repairing damaged connections or getting the results you desire. In this eye-opening episode, Alejandra Siroka unveils the hidden influence of childhood apologies on our adult communication styles. Drawing from personal anecdotes and insightful analysis, she shines a light on how these early lessons shape our approach to reconciliation.
 
By exploring typical apologies in real-life scenarios, Alejandra exposes the limitations of traditional approaches in fostering genuine connection. From deflecting blame to downplaying our impact, she navigates through the common pitfalls that hinder authentic reconciliation and mutual understanding.
 
Advocating for a shift towards conscious apologies, Alejandra emphasizes the importance of accountability and vulnerability in fostering a deeper experience of connection. Through practical guidance and heartfelt insights, she empowers listeners to embrace sincere communication and take ownership of their words and actions.
 
Alejandra promises to lead listeners on a journey towards exploring the art of conscious apologies in the next episode. Encouraging introspection and reflection, she invites listeners to explore how they can communicate with responsibility and authenticity.
 
To further support listeners, Alejandra extends an invitation to email her with the subject line "APOLOGY ACCOUNTABILITY" for personalized accountability support.
 
Tune in to discover the keys to apologizing with sincerity and accountability, paving the way for deeper connections and meaningful reconciliation.
 
Quotes
• “What is a typical apology? Let's break it down. First, you say, I'm sorry. Then, you launch into an explanation about the reasons that led you to your unskillful words, reactions, and behaviors, and you start to feel good about this. After that, you elaborate some more to let the other person, the recipient of your unskillful communication, see that you had a good intention or that you are a good person who made a tiny, completely forgivable mistake. You also feel good about this. After all that, you ask for forgiveness, just to check that the relationship can go back on track. And finally, you end the apology, either thanking the other person for their forgiveness, or you try to make things better with a childlike tone of voice and offer some kind of reward or do something sweet and affectionate. If the person who was negatively impacted tells you they do forgive you, you feel great relief and you consider the matters closed.” (8:22 | Alejandra Siroka)
• “When you communicate a typical apology, you're not taking responsibility for your communication or your behavior because you're simply explaining why you did what you did.” (10:07 | Alejandra Siroka)
• “When you punish the one who is feeling hurt, angry, disappointed, or negatively impacted, or when you punish yourself for not being forgiven, you are generating more pain.” (12:20 | Alejandra Siroka)
• “Connection needs dialogue. It needs two people who are sharing and listening. With a typical apology, the person who was negatively impacted was not given any space to be heard.” (12:53 | Alejandra Siroka) 
 
Links
To have group coaching with Alejandra, visit:
https://www.languagealchemy.com/groupcoaching
To work with Alejandra, visit: www.languagealchemy.com/workwithme
To join the Language Alchemy mailing list, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com
To ask questions you'd like Alejandra to answer in the podcast, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/podcastquestion
To find out about 1:1 transformative communication coaching with Alejandra, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/oneonone
To find out about couple transformative communication coaching with Alejandra, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/couples
To schedule a reduced-rate coaching consultation with Alejandra, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/newclient
To follow Alejandra on instagram follow @languagealchemy
Podcast Music composed by Gary Lapow: open.spotify.com/artist/1HlMhcNfKIELxYil5mVqD
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

135. 6 Love-Boosting Communication Hacks

Are you ready to deepen your connections and infuse your most important relationships with love and meaning?
 
In this episode, host Alejandra Siroka unveils six things that you can include in your communication if you want to bring love to the forefront of a close relationship, such as a relationship with a dear friend, a child, a family member. These tips, applicable not just on Valentine's Day but in everyday life, offer a holistic approach to nurturing relationships with partners, children, and friends. 
Express Positive Acknowledgment: Take a few moments to highlight the wonderful aspects of your relationships and express genuine appreciation and gratitude for specific actions or qualities.
Use Unique Terms of Endearment: Cultivate intimacy by exploring creative and personal terms that resonate with the unique dynamics of your relationship.
Express Gratitude: Regularly express appreciation for the actions and support received from loved ones, reducing tension and conflicts in relationships.
Say "I Love You" Sincerely and Frequently: Dispel the misconception that partners inherently know they are loved, and emphasize the profound impact of genuine expressions of love.
Demonstrate Knowledge and Consideration: Engage in small gestures or actions that reflect understanding and consideration for the other person's preferences and needs.
Communicate Shared Values: Identify and express appreciation for the values that your loved ones contribute to your life, fostering a deeper sense of connection and closeness.
Throughout the episode, Alejandra emphasizes the power of sincerity and authenticity in communication, urging listeners to approach these strategies with genuine love and appreciation rather than as tactics. 
 
Join Alejandra as she guides you through these transformative techniques and invites you to embark on a journey of deeper connection and heartfelt appreciation in your relationships.
 
Quotes
• “When you use a unique term of endearment to address the person you love, this term lets them know that you have a special relationship with them because it's a term just between the two of you and nobody else. It's very connecting and intimate.” (8:35 | Alejandra Siroka) 
• “The expression of gratitude connotes greater affection and warmth. You are using important words such as thank you, I'm grateful, I'm thankful. And these are words that the important people in your life need to hear often to know that they matter and that they are special to you.” (9:41 | Alejandra Siroka) 
• “Before you communicate any of these suggestions, feel the love in your heart first, and then let the words flow with sincerity and authenticity.” (16:14 | Alejandra Siroka)
 
Links
To have group coaching with Alejandra, visit:
https://www.languagealchemy.com/groupcoaching
To work with Alejandra, visit: www.languagealchemy.com/workwithme
To join the Language Alchemy mailing list, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com
To ask questions you'd like Alejandra to answer in the podcast, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/podcastquestion
To find out about 1:1 transformative communication coaching with Alejandra, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/oneonone
To find out about couple transformative communication coaching with Alejandra, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/couples
To schedule a reduced-rate coaching consultation with Alejandra, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/newclient
To follow Alejandra on instagram follow @languagealchemy
Podcast Music composed by Gary Lapow: open.spotify.com/artist/1HlMhcNfKIELxYil5mVqD
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

134. Navigate Sensitive Conversations With These 5 Questions

Are you gearing up for a crucial conversation and hoping to avoid the usual pitfalls of frustration and misunderstanding? In this episode, Alejandra introduces a powerful framework rooted in Buddhist wisdom called "wise speech." It's designed to assist you in navigating sensitive conversations with greater ease, fostering understanding and deeper connections. By asking yourself five profound questions, you can transform your approach to challenging discussions and unlock the potential for positive outcomes.
 
The five questions to ask yourself before having a sensitive conversation are:
Is what I want to talk about useful? Consider whether expressing your feelings and needs would be beneficial for both you and the other person involved. Will it lead to positive changes and a deeper connection?
Is what I want to talk about truthful? Reflect on the accuracy of your perception and whether your feelings are based on facts or assumptions. Ensure that your communication is grounded in truth to avoid misunderstandings.
Is this a good time to talk about this? Assess whether both you and the other person are in a place where you can truly listen and engage in a meaningful conversation. Timing is crucial for skillful communication.
Am I feeling kindness, care, and warmth towards both of us? Check your emotional state and make sure you approach the conversation with empathy and compassion. If you're harboring anger or judgment, it may be better to work on cultivating kindness before engaging in the discussion.
What am I feeling in my body? Pay attention to your physical sensations and assess whether you feel grounded, calm, open, and spacious. If you're experiencing tension or intensity, address those first before initiating the conversation.
 
These questions offer a unique perspective on communication, emphasizing the importance of expressing ourselves with love, compassion, and kindness. They go beyond choosing the right words, delving into the subtleties of body language, tone of voice, and actions. By incorporating these questions into your communication practice, you can turn challenging conversations into opportunities for growth and deeper connection.
 
Quotes
• “The Buddhist concept of wise speech offers us a way to express ourselves anchored in our capacity to let our essential wisdom emerge. According to Buddhism, our essential wisdom is consistently loving, compassionate, and kind.” (3:54 | Alejandra Siroka) 
• "These questions have helped so many of my clients communicate something important skillfully and have a deeper sense of connection with others and even have their support.” (12:52 | Alejandra Siroka)
• “These five questions will help you decide if your communication is likely to be skillful or unskillful, and whether your communication is likely to have a positive or a negative impact. If you notice you can't have skillful conversations with the closest people in your life, or if you now realize that when you bring important things up, there's a negative impact, then it's time to get some support.” (14:36 | Alejandra Siroka) 
 
Links
Language Alchemy episode 51: https://www.languagealchemy.com/podcasts/language-alchemy-podcast/episodes/2147759144
To have group coaching with Alejandra, visit:
https://www.languagealchemy.com/groupcoaching
To work with Alejandra, visit: www.languagealchemy.com/workwithme
To join the Language Alchemy mailing list, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com
To ask questions you'd like Alejandra to answer in the podcast, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/podcastquestion
To find out about 1:1 transformative communication coaching with Alejandra, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/oneonone
To find out about couple transformative communication coaching with Alejandra, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/couples
To schedule a reduced-rate coaching consultation with Alejandra, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/newclient
To follow Alejandra on instagram follow @languagealchemy
Podcast Music composed by Gary Lapow: open.spotify.com/artist/1HlMhcNfKIELxYil5mVqD
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

133. Self-Sabotaging Communication Habits

Creating distance when we yearn for closeness can be heartbreaking, especially when our own communication habits may be the root cause of this outcome. In this episode of the Language Alchemy Podcast, host Alejandra Siroka delves into the painful irony of how our unintentional communication patterns can widen the gap with those we wish to feel closer to. The episode focuses on the adverse effects of unconscious, unskillful, and hurtful communication, which impacts not only the receiver but also the communicator and the overall health of the relationship.
 
Alejandra uses vivid examples to highlight how negative communication can manifest and the repercussions it can have. She discusses scenarios ranging from a parent's judgmental response to their child's actions, which can erode trust and safety, to a coworker's dismissive attitude towards another's discomfort with racist remarks, potentially leading to professional fallout. These examples illustrate how communication can create barriers, breed misunderstanding, and damage the fabric of relationships.
 
The harm caused by such communication isn’t limited to the receiver; it adversely affects the speaker as well. Alejandra points out that unskillful responses can lead to strained relationships, defensiveness, and even the use of offensive language, creating a cycle of negativity. This not only impacts individual interactions but can also lead to a general deterioration in the quality of the relationship, making it superficial, strained, or even leading to disconnection.
 
Recognizing these patterns is the first step towards change, and Alejandra encourages listeners to reflect on their communication habits. She offers listeners a quiz to identify self-sabotaging communication habits and a free mini video training to begin addressing these issues. By transforming their communication, individuals can significantly improve both their personal and professional relationships.
 
Quotes:
• “When your immediate response is to judge, criticize, or shame the other person, the person who's receiving your unskillful or hurtful communication will be affected negatively. And if you keep communicating in ways that have a negative impact, then your kid or that other person will feel unsafe with you. Not only to go to you when they made a mistake or they did something that they feel embarrassed about, but also when they had any kind of deep experience, even experiences of joy.” (3:42 | Alejandra Siroka)
• “When you transform your communication, you transform your life, and when you transform your life, you transform your relationships. On the other side of that truth is that when you communicate unconsciously, unskillfully, or hurtfully, the negative impact is threefold. It affects the person who receives your communication, it affects you, and it affects the relationship.” (9:55 | Alejandra Siroka) 
• “If at this moment you are experiencing that negative impact in your life and in your relationships, then the most honorable thing you can do is to reflect on your communication and choose to do the work to learn to communicate differently in ways.” (10:24 | Alejandra Siroka) 
 
Links
To take my quiz and identify your self-sabotaging habits click here: https://www.languagealchemy.com/quiz
To listen to podcast #105, Are you Communicating with An Intention or an Agenda? visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/podcasts/language-alchemy-podcast/episodes/2148007297
To have group coaching with Alejandra, visit:
https://www.languagealchemy.com/groupcoaching
To work with Alejandra, visit: www.languagealchemy.com/workwithme
To join the Language Alchemy mailing list, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com
To ask questions you'd like Alejandra to answer in the podcast, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/podcastquestion
To find out about 1:1 transformative communication coaching with Alejandra, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/oneonone
To find out about couple transformative communication coaching with Alejandra, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/couples
To schedule a reduced-rate coaching consultation with Alejandra, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/newclient
To follow Alejandra on instagram follow @languagealchemy
Podcast Music composed by Gary Lapow: open.spotify.com/artist/1HlMhcNfKIELxYil5mVqD
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

132. You Probably Aren’t The Communicator You Think You Are

How well do you believe you communicate?  In this episode of the Language Alchemy Podcast, host Alejandra Siroka brings to light a compelling aspect of human nature: the tendency to overestimate our communication abilities. This insight prompts a deeper exploration of the discrepancies between what we intend to convey and the actual impact of our words on others.
 
When we think about communication habits that have a negative impact, Alejandra divides these into three levels of awareness: very obvious, less obvious, and subtle. She explores a range of behaviors, including bullying, passive aggression, and interrupting, to the seemingly benign act of giving unsolicited advice. 
 
The episode emphasizes the crucial role of self-awareness in identifying our communication habits. Alejandra encourages listeners to develop curiosity about how their communication tendencies affect those around them and to be mindful of the impact they have.
 
For those who recognize these habits in themselves and seek to enhance their communication, Alejandra offers the opportunity for personalized coaching. By visiting languagealchemy.com/newclient, listeners can embark on a journey of personal growth, learning to communicate with clarity, confidence and compassion.
 
Quotes:
• “Most people believe they communicate better than they actually do.” (3:21 | Alejandra Siroka) 
• “Many times relationship issues happen because we're not aware of how we are communicating. And specifically, we are not aware of the impact of our communication.” (12:14 | Alejandra Siroka)
• “If you notice you have one or perhaps many of these negative communication habits, congratulations. Yes, now you are having awareness of your communication. And with awareness, you can then have a choice as to what kind of impact you would like your communication to have. (13:06 | Alejandra Siroka)
• “My invitation to you is this, be curious about how you are communicating this week. Notice if you're engaging in one of the very obvious, less obvious, or more subtle communication habits that have a negative impact.” (17:33 | Alejandra Siroka)  
 
Links
To listen to podcast #105, Are you Communicating with An Intention or an Agenda? visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/podcasts/language-alchemy-podcast/episodes/2148007297
To have group coaching with Alejandra, visit:
https://www.languagealchemy.com/groupcoaching
To work with Alejandra, visit: www.languagealchemy.com/workwithme
To join the Language Alchemy mailing list, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com
To ask questions you'd like Alejandra to answer in the podcast, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/podcastquestion
To find out about 1:1 transformative communication coaching with Alejandra, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/oneonone
To find out about couple transformative communication coaching with Alejandra, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/couples
To schedule a reduced-rate coaching consultation with Alejandra, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/newclient
To follow Alejandra on instagram follow @languagealchemy
Podcast Music composed by Gary Lapow: open.spotify.com/artist/1HlMhcNfKIELxYil5mVqD
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

131. Notice How Others Respond To Your Communication: Valuable Feedback

Your communication has a profound influence on the quality of your relationships. In this insightful episode of the Language Alchemy Podcast, host Alejandra Siroka brings to light the crucial need for awareness in how we communicate, underscoring its power to either strengthen bonds or cause harm.
 
Alejandra explores the multifaceted nature of communication, highlighting that it's not just about the words we use. Aspects such as tone of voice, body language, demeanor, energy, and actions play a significant role. She provides examples to illustrate how different styles of communication can have a range of impacts, from uplifting and positive, to negative and damaging.
 
A key focus of the episode is the delicate balance between intention and impact. Alejandra points out that even with the best intentions, our way of communicating might not always yield a positive effect. She introduces the concept of relational communication, aiming to nourish life and foster connections. This approach centers on cultivating love, authenticity, peace, compassion, equity, and equality in our interactions.
 
To develop a deeper understanding of our communication's impact, Alejandra advises listeners to be observant of others' reactions. She challenges listeners to take on a 7-day exploration and pay close attention to facial expressions, tones, body language, word choices, and actions as responses to our own communication style.
 
For listeners inspired to take their communication skills to the next level, Alejandra extends a special invitation. Whether you're interested in one-on-one coaching for personalized guidance or prefer the collaborative environment of group coaching, Alejandra offers programs tailored to help you improve your communication. These sessions are designed to deepen your understanding and practice of effective, relationship-enhancing communication strategies. To explore these opportunities and begin your journey towards more impactful communication, visit www.languagealchemy.com for more details on her coaching programs.
 
Quotes:
• “Communication from the Language Alchemy perspective encompasses, of course, our verbal language, the words we say, how we say them, our tone of voice, the quality of our voice, our body language, such as facial expressions, gestures, body postures, breath, our energy, that is to say what's going on in our bodies, and our actions and behaviors. All of these make up our communication.” (2:33 | Alejandra Siroka) 
• “From the lens of Language Alchemy, the purpose of communication is to contribute to life. The goal is to connect with ourselves and other precious human beings so that we can all thrive together and enjoy the experience of love, authenticity, peace, compassion, equity, and equality.” (8:53 | Alejandra Siroka)
• “During these next seven days, notice how the people in your life respond to your communication and actions. And I'm saying communication and actions here just to be super clear, but remember that from the Language Alchemy perspective, all actions and behaviors are communication. So during the next seven days, notice how the people in your life respond to you.” (14:21 | Alejandra Siroka)
 
Links
To listen to podcast #105, Are you Communicating with An Intention or an Agenda? visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/podcasts/language-alchemy-podcast/episodes/2148007297
To have group coaching with Alejandra, visit:
https://www.languagealchemy.com/groupcoaching
To work with Alejandra, visit: www.languagealchemy.com/workwithme
To join the Language Alchemy mailing list, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com
To ask questions you'd like Alejandra to answer in the podcast, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/podcastquestion
To find out about 1:1 transformative communication coaching with Alejandra, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/oneonone
To find out about couple transformative communication coaching with Alejandra, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/couples
To schedule a reduced-rate coaching consultation with Alejandra, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/newclient
To follow Alejandra on instagram follow @languagealchemy
Podcast Music composed by Gary Lapow: open.spotify.com/artist/1HlMhcNfKIELxYil5mVqD
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

130. Why We Resist Change and What to Do About It

Why does embracing change often feel so daunting? As we set new goals and strive to break old habits in the new year, Alejandra Siroka sheds light on the intricate nature of change and the subtle resistance that frequently accompanies it.
 
Alejandra identifies fear as a primary obstacle to change. Fears like rejection, conflict, or feeling unsupported can loom large, acting as barriers that prevent us from pursuing the life changes we truly desire. She offers insightful commentary on how these fears can keep us stuck, impeding our progress towards our goals.
 
Drawing inspiration from the natural world, Alejandra offers 5 perspectives on change. She compares it to the ebb and flow of the seasons, illustrating that change is a natural, integral part of life's rhythm. This analogy serves as a poignant reminder that growth often requires us to step out of our comfort zones, akin to a seed breaking free to grow.
In discussing the value of professional guidance in navigating change, Alejandra outlines the benefits of both coaching and therapy. She explains how each can provide unique support in understanding and moving past personal barriers to change.
 
Recognizing that life is precious, Alejandra emphasizes the importance of making changes that enrich our lives and those around us. To honor your precious life and embark on a journey of transformation, Alejandra invites you to explore her upcoming three-month group coaching programs, starting January 16th. Limited to just 10 individuals, these programs offer an intimate and impactful setting for growth. Learn more at languagealchemy.com/groupcoaching. Alternatively, for personalized, one-on-one guidance, visit languagealchemy.com/newclient and start your transformative journey with Alejandra as your guide.
 
Quotes:
• “What blocks your ability to take the steps towards the kind of change you want to make in your life and relationship is not other people. It is actually internal. It is just simple fear.” (3:37 | Alejandra Siroka)
• “I'm going to share some differences between therapists and coaches to help you decide who to reach out for support. While both coaches and therapists will ask you about what kind of change you want in your life, a coach is going to help you understand your present experience, help you set goals, and help you develop the skills to achieve your goals. While a therapist is going to help you understand your life history and how your past environment and circumstances led you to the present issues.” (8:52 | Alejandra Siroka)
• “Even though there are some therapists who also help you set goals, therapy is more process-oriented, while coaching is more action-oriented. So when you have a coaching session, you come away with an action to experiment with, and your coach has contact with you in between sessions to keep you accountable.” (9:33 | Alejandra Siroka) 
• “When you experience resistance, something useful you can do is to take inspiration from nature.” (13:47 | Alejandra Siroka)
Links
To have group coaching with Alejandra, visit:
https://www.languagealchemy.com/groupcoaching
To work with Alejandra, visit: www.languagealchemy.com/workwithme
To join the Language Alchemy mailing list, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com
To ask questions you'd like Alejandra to answer in the podcast, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/podcastquestion
To find out about 1:1 transformative communication coaching with Alejandra, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/oneonone
To find out about couple transformative communication coaching with Alejandra, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/couples
To schedule a reduced-rate coaching consultation with Alejandra, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/newclient
To follow Alejandra on instagram follow @languagealchemy
Podcast Music composed by Gary Lapow: open.spotify.com/artist/1HlMhcNfKIELxYil5mVqD
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

129. Behind the Scenes: Cathy’s Transformation

How can changing the way we communicate transform our lives? In this episode of the Language Alchemy Podcast, host Alejandra Siroka explores this question with Cathy Simon, a renowned architect and author.  Cathy generously shares her experience of conscious communication coaching with Alejandra.
 
Cathy's adventure into Language Alchemy began through a friend's recommendation, leading her to Alejandra during a pivotal time in her personal and professional life. This decision marked the start of an impactful nine-month journey. Through one-on-one coaching with Alejandra, Cathy explored her communication patterns, learning to express her desires and needs in more effective and compassionate ways. The process was not just about learning new skills; it was a joyous transformation, reshaping how Cathy interacted with the world around her.
 
The impact of this journey was profound. In her marriage, Cathy's newfound communication skills led to a breakthrough, enabling her to address long-standing frustrations and encourage her husband to seek necessary health treatment, ultimately strengthening their relationship. Professionally, as an architect and author, the enhanced communication skills gained from Alejandra's teachings allowed Cathy to approach her work with a renewed sense of confidence and effectiveness.
 
Listeners looking to experience similar transformative effects in their communication and relationships are encouraged to explore personal communication coaching with Alejandra. Whether it's navigating personal relationships or professional challenges, mastering the art of conscious communication with Language Alchemy can lead to significant growth and development.
 
Quotes:
• “Working with you, Alejandra, has been a game changer for me, not only a game changer, but a life changer.” (5:16 | Cathy Simon)
• “You pointed out some very, very tough things to me about the way I was communicating, what I want versus what other people want and how to express that, and ways of talking together.” (7:54 | Cathy Simon)
• “One of the things I do, because I'm a kind of action-oriented person, I like to make suggestions, and I want everything to be better, and I want things to kind of be my way. And Alejandra, you showed me what that means in terms of its impact on other people, and also how to talk about things that are desired in a very different way with the conversation, with setting the table, in a sense, for a better outcome. And you've helped me set the table very, very beautifully.” (8:57 | Cathy Simon)
• “You give people not only a voice, but also a way to use that voice in the most positive, and productive way. And productive, I mean, because it's not just being positive. But it's actually productive of a result.” (13:08 | Cathy Simon)
 
Links
To have group coaching with Alejandra, visit:
https://www.languagealchemy.com/groupcoaching
To work with Alejandra, visit: www.languagealchemy.com/workwithme
To join the Language Alchemy mailing list, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com
To ask questions you'd like Alejandra to answer in the podcast, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/podcastquestion
To find out about 1:1 transformative communication coaching with Alejandra, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/oneonone
To find out about couple transformative communication coaching with Alejandra, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/couples
To schedule a reduced-rate coaching consultation with Alejandra, visit: https://www.languagealchemy.com/newclient
To follow Alejandra on instagram follow @languagealchemy
Podcast Music composed by Gary Lapow: open.spotify.com/artist/1HlMhcNfKIELxYil5mVqD
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm