Are you waiting for permission to chase what makes you come alive? Maybe you've convinced yourself you need more time, more certainty, or more proof that your curiosity is worth following. But what if the real work isn't in achieving—it's in cultivating the conditions for growth?Kelly Jackson Crabb, author of Beyond the Bloom, joins me to talk about courage, second chances, and the messy beauty of blooming right where you are. Through the lens of her cut flower garden, Kelly shares hard-won lessons about brave starts, the pressure to always be productive, and why slowing down might be the most radical act of all.Highlights• Why Beyond the Bloom is part memoir, part pep talk—and definitely not just a gardening book• The emotive response that became Kelly's breadcrumb to starting a cut flower garden• How turning 50 shifted Kelly's relationship with "shoulds" and freed up energy for what truly matters• What we lose when we tie our worth to being in bloom all the time (hint: our humanity)• The surprising introvert revelation that changed how Kelly shows up in relationships• Why cultivating your life is more about preparing the soil than forcing the bloom• Kelly's decade travel tradition and the sacred significance of seeing monarch butterflies in Mexico• The permission to try things simply because they make you come alive—even if you're bad at themChapters[0:00] Introduction[1:04] Brave Starts Quote[3:16] What Beyond the Bloom Is[5:38] Why She Wrote It[9:40] Curiosity Versus Distraction[12:19] Pressure to Always Bloom[17:01] Goals and Cultivating Life[19:20] Letting Go of Shoulds[25:52] Slowing Down and Success[28:30] 50th Birthday Monarch Trip[31:18] Decade Travel Reflections[33:15] Final Takeaways and Where to Find HerResources• Beyond the Bloom by Kelly Jackson Crabb• The Lost Kitchen with Erin FrenchConnect with Kelly Jackson Crab:Instagram: @IamKellyCrabbLinkedIn: Kelly Jackson CrabbWant to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of 'A LOT with Audra!' I'm beyond excited to finally launch this podcast, a dream set into motion when my husband gifted me a microphone back in 2022. This podcast is dedicated to women who’ve ever been called 'a lot' and those with big dreams they're afraid to pursue. I'll share my journey from corporate marketing to failed startups, and ultimately building a successful small business in the Midwest. We’ll talk entrepreneurship, balancing life and work, building a business that aligns with your passion, and so much more. Join me and my team every Monday as we dive into insightful conversations designed to inspire and empower you. Thank you for listening and don't forget to subscribe!00:00 Welcome to A Lot with Audra01:22 Who Is This Podcast For?03:54 My Entrepreneurial Journey08:22 Building My Business10:58 Lessons Learned and Future Plans15:15 Values and Growth16:23 Motherhood and Entrepreneurship16:37 Join Me Every Monday17:15 Subscribe and Stay TunedWant to learn more?http://thethreadwlc.com/Be sure to follow me @audradinell