Episode 122

This One’s for the Ladies: Life Is Too Short to Not Show Up

In this vulnerable episode, Michelle reflects on a heavy week where her social media feed was filled with grief, loss, and obituaries. This sudden wake-up call shifted her perspective, making her own business stress and restructuring feel small in comparison. She dives into the importance of showing up for others even when you don’t know exactly what to say, and how witnessing the struggles of others can be a powerful reminder to hold space for gratitude in our own lives.

Instead of staying stuck in a work-focused mindset, Michelle shares a moment of real-time intentionality—taking a detour to assemble a "thinking of you" care package for a colleague. With her mother’s birthday approaching, she emphasizes that we cannot take time for granted. She challenges listeners to drop their guards, let people in, and move past the "bullsh**" that keeps us from connecting with the people who matter most.

Michelle encourages everyone to make an accountability commitment to make others feel special and to live with fewer regrets by saying the meaningful things now. After all, life is far too short to wait—show up, be kind, and choose what truly matters today.

00:00 Welcome to Beyond the Bombshell (Meet Michelle)

00:30 When You Don’t Know What to Say: Showing Up Anyway

01:40 A Feed Full of Loss: Cancer, Obituaries, and the Wake-Up Call

04:01 Perspective Shift: Stress, Work Changes, and What Really Matters

05:46 The Conference Mindset: Getting in Rooms That Challenge You

06:33 Posting Without Context: Holding Space for Grief

09:24 Hitting Pause: Keeping the Podcast Real (Not Just Noise)

11:11 Detour for a Care Package: Choosing Kindness in Real Time

11:36 You Don’t Have to Know Them to Support Them

12:52 Mom’s Birthday & Gratitude: Don’t Take Time for Granted

16:12 Show Up With Golden-Retriever Energy

17:24 Final Takeaway & Sign-Off: Life’s Too Short—Say the Thing

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About the Podcast

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Beyond the Bombshell: Confidence, Style, and Empowerment for Women

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About your host

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Michelle Stokes

Meet Michelle Stokes, the ultimate multitasking dynamo! As a wife and mother, she knows a thing or two about balancing the chaos of everyday life. But that's not all—Michelle is also a passionate advocate for local women in business, supporting and cheering them on every step of the way. Born and raised on Fogo Island, she brings a vibrant bay-girl energy to everything she does.

Michelle is a visionary & empire builder owning multiple businesses & investment properties. As the co-owner of @sold.by.stokes, she works hard to make a difference and provide opportunities to agents, staff & clients. With a background in nursing, she knows the importance of building trust with clients, a value she carries into her real estate career.

When she's not working, Michelle loves walking, hiking, and exploring new destinations. Her zest for life is contagious, keeping us engaged on social media and inspired to chase our own adventures.

Join Michelle on this fun and relatable journey as she shares insights on fashion, stunning home designs, motherhood, and the excitement of changing careers. Get ready to put your needs first and embrace a life filled with joy, style, and endless possibilities with Michelle Stokes as your guide.