Welcome back to "An Open Conversation with Mark and Monica." In this episode, we delve into the theme of "Expectations." Monica and Mark Neubauer share real stories and insights on the impact of expectations in various aspects of life. From managing grocery expenses to parenting styles, aging, and societal norms, the Neubauers discuss the influence of expectations on relationships, work environments, and the real estate industry. They explore the importance of clear communication, adapting to changes, and embracing imperfections. Join us as we navigate through the complexities of expectations in this open and honest conversation. Timestamped overview 00:00 Adapting to changing workplace expectations across generations. 04:20 Frustration with agent's text-only communication preference. 07:41 Prioritizing healthy food, balancing expenses creates tension. 10:26 Joy can be found despite suffering expectation. 15:05 Overprotective parenting aims for an ideal childhood. 19:55 Parenting and gardening have similar outcomes. 20:43 Value in different approaches; imperfection is universal. 25:39 Miscommunication happens when words don't match feelings. 27:12 Enjoyment, challenges, and perspective on life's journey. 33:18 Value achieving easier movement and aging well. 34:18 45-minute strength training class for older women. 37:01 Seeking normality and adapting to situations positively. Key Points and Bullet Underpoints Primary Topic: Grocery Expenses and Financial Management - Impact of food expenses on finances - Importance of managing grocery shopping - Need for better financial management to avoid high grocery bills - Unexpectedly high grocery expenses due to Mark's surgery Primary Topic: Aligned Expectations in Life - Raising children and managing leisure activities - Reflecting on finding joy amidst suffering - Societal expectations of a perfect life and handling disappointments - Concept of misery being optional when reality does not meet expectations - Illustration of road trip and the impact of false expectations Primary Topic: Communication in Relationships and Work Environments - Importance of clear communication in developing new relationships - Poor communication leading to frequent failures - Adjustments in work environments to meet the expectations of new generations - Impact of lack of communication in the real estate industry - The value of scheduled check-ins for evaluating and improving systems in relationships Primary Topic: Aging and Expectations - Tailored exercise classes for specific age groups - Normalizing and adapting to changes in the body as it ages - Need to adjust expectations and embrace imperfections - Kids feeling pressure to be perfect in various domains - Lack of chance for people to make decisions and explore on their own - Unaligned expectations in midlife with the reality of aging - Challenges of unexpected physical changes and adjustment to aging     If you want to start the journey to having better conversations, share your spiritual journey and listen to An Open Conversation, sign up at: https://www.anopenconversation.com/contact.   We will send you 10 conversation starters to help you with having AN OPEN CONVERSATION. Follow us on FB at:  https://www.facebook.com/AnOpenConversation  Receive updates on podcast releases and share your pain journey with our Open Conversation Community. About The Neubauers: Monica Neubauer is a Speaker, Author and Everything DiSC consultant.  Follow Monica at: www.MonicaNeubauer.com Mark Neubauer is a creator of many things. This website is for his art.  www.TheLaughingArtist.com

Mark and Monica are looking forward to the holidays and time with family and friends.  And with their favorite movies.  Here is a review of the points Monica made at the end of the conversation. Remember, you cannot control others.  You can only control yourself.  Have some fun! Say you are Sorry.  I am sorry.  Forgive others.  It is easier when they apologize, but it is good for you to do this all the time, regardless of whether they say it or realize it or not. Do your best to understand them.   In conversation and time with others - at holidays or any gathering.  Listen to what others are saying.  If you disagree, listen until they finish.  Thank them for the conversation and move on to another conversation.  There is no need to argue.  You won't change them.  If you are a bit tired or don't want to "have to stay a long time".  You don't have to stay.  Go, have fun and leave early at an appropriate time.  If it is at your house, you can go to bed and let your guests continue to have fun. Be in control of yourself.  Whatever that means for you. For me, it means eating and drinking in moderation.  Give grace to others.  We all make mistakes.  Let more things go.  Give more hugs.  Choose to no be offended. Take time to process the feelings you have when anyone is late or does something you don't like - process the feelings, snuggle the pet, or get or give a hug, and then move on.  AnOpenConversation.com

Are you committing ASSUMICIDE? We have lost the Art of Listening. We are facing an epidemic of people not being able to listen effectively. People are caught in the habit of Assumicide where we only hear half of the things that people say and just assume what we believe people are saying. Sue Mohr, a Master Certified Life and Business Coach/Consultant has joined Monica Neubaue to have An Open Conversation about Actively Listening. About 90% of the problems in relationships come from not listening. Everyone wants to be heard and wants to talk, but we need to take away our automatically self-focused nature and learn how to actively listen to hear other’s perspectives. Sue shares with Monica’s listeners her technique of repeating back. When someone is talking, repeating in your head what the person is saying transforms you into an active listener. This allows you to stop your own thinking, pushing out the other thoughts swirling in your head and centering you to just focus on the person talking. Sue and Monica discuss the awareness that you need  to be an effective listener. There are 3 main areas that will help you master the art of listening: Know the person speaking - their personality and history Respect the person the person speaking Understand yourself Once you become an active listener, you won’t believe how your world will change! Sue MohrMaster Certified Life and Business Coach/Consultanthttps://www.theinnervizion.com/ Sue Mohr  started a coaching and consulting firm in 2003 called The Inner Vizion. The company serves creatives and entrepreneurs through a whole-istic approach focusing on mental, emotional, and business wellness. Sue's goal is to co-create with others, helping them find their true passion and vision. Her book, Hope Is … is sharing the message that No matter the circumstances Hope is available to YOU right now. Join An Open Conversation CommunityJoin  An Open Conversation Community and be a part of our open conversations about improving your life through Civil Duty and Civil Service. Sign up at: https://www.anopenconversation.com/contact We will send you 10 conversation starters to help you with having AN OPEN CONVERSATION. Follow us on FB at: https://www.facebook.com/AnOpenConversation Receive updates on podcast releases and share your pain journey with our Open Conversation Community. About The Neubauers:Monica Neubauer is a Speaker, Author and Everything DiSC consultant. Follow Monica at: www.MonicaNeubauer.com Mark Neubauer is a creator of many things. This website is for his art. www.TheLaughingArtist.com

Global Living Doreen Cumberford works with expats, global nomads and international returnees to create happier, easier and more successful transitions while globally mobile. She is joining An Open Conversation with Monica Neubauer to discuss Living Internationally. Although Doreen’s heart is in Scotland where she grew up, she has a love for the 8 other countries that she has lived in from England, South Africa, Dubai, United States, Japan, Saudi Arabia and now Mexico where she resides. Through her experiences as a global housesitter and relocating overseas she has learned how to navigate traveling and moving internationally.  Doreen shares with Monica’s listeners her tips for being a successful Global Housesitter and relocating successfully to different countries. Tips for Living and Working Internationally: ●       Know the sacrifices - There will be sacrifices no matter what choices you make ●       Have Cultural Intelligence - Have the imagination, communication skill and tolerance to work across cultures ●       Remain Global Hearted with an open mind, heart and voice ●       Be willing to adopt people into your life and enjoy the varied cultures ●       Be considerate of the mindset of others ●       Have conversations of what is possible in your life - you can create the life of your dreams Both Doreen and Monica leave us with the  question, “Are You Willing to be Transformed by Travel!”   Doreen Cumberford Expat Author, Global Housesitter, Transition Expertwww.doreenmcumberford.com  A Certified Coach, and 30 year licensed Practitioner, Doreen speaks, writes and teaches about the principles and practices necessary to navigate global mobility while maintaining vitality through health and well-being. The author of Life in the Camel Lane, Arriving Well and Home Again, Home Again – Jiggedy jig she is currently compiling her second book on Repatriation. A native of Scotland, her experience in 8 overseas postings over 3 plus decades, on 4 continents have enabled her to constantly create new lifestyles and trained her to constantly move with ease and grace. Doreen helps globally mobile people master transitions, relocate well and find joy in-between. Join An Open Conversation CommunityJoin  An Open Conversation Community and be a part of our open conversations about improving your life through Civil Duty and Civil Service. Sign up at: https://www.anopenconversation.com/contact We will send you 10 conversation starters to help you with having AN OPEN CONVERSATION. Follow us on FB at: https://www.facebook.com/AnOpenConversation Receive updates on podcast releases and share your pain journey with our Open Conversation Community. About The Neubauers:Monica Neubauer is a Speaker, Author and Everything DiSC consultant. Follow Monica at: www.MonicaNeubauer.com Mark Neubauer is a creator of many things. This website is for his art. www.TheLaughingArtist.com

The Power of Habits Terry Lancaster, Nashville born and raised, is a marketing strategist, speaker, and best-selling author. He has written the book, Self Help for the Rest of Us and is joining An Open Conversation with Monica Neubauer to share with our listeners his journey to self-help.   One of the most influential pieces of advice Terry utilizes in his life is the “Jerry Seinfeld” method which is to approach change by working at it every day, not just when you feel like working. How do you make changes in your life become a habit? Monica and Terry discuss how what you do everyday matters more than what you do every once in a while. Here are some tips to help you succeed in your path to change: ·        Just start.  ·        You can’t skip the small steps. ·        Sustainable change is incremental.  ·        Don’t try to be perfect each day, just try to be a little bit better. ·        You have to feel good to be good. Celebrate the small victories! Terry also shares his strategies for creating good habits in the workplace.  He utilizes the Pomodoro or Time Blocking Technique, the strategy of focusing all your attention for a designated period of time, to improve his work habits. Whether it is making changes in your life or in the workplace, Monica and Terry have armed their listeners with the tools to lead them to victory in their path to change and a better life.   Terry Lancaster Marketing strategist, Speaker, and Best-selling AuthorHowToSellMoreCars.com Terry has helped thousands of business owners create billions in revenue by putting the right words in the right order to tell the right story and providing proven strategies for making the cash register ring. He has been featured in Forbes, Automotive News, and Dealer Marketing Magazine, spoken from the TedX stage and at national conventions for the automotive and broadcasting industries. Terry is a survivor! “I've had a gun held to my head and a knife held to my throat. I've survived Cancer... twice. I've been inside a building that was hit by a tornado, onboard a boat that sank and a plane that dropped a mile out of the sky in the middle of the Bermuda Triangle. I lived through three teenage daughters and I've been married over 30 years... in a row!  When I'm not battling for truth, justice and the American Way, I spend most of my free time, like every other middle-aged, overweight, native southerner, at the ice rink playing hockey.” - Terry   Join An Open Conversation CommunityJoin  An Open Conversation Community and be a part of our open conversations about improving your life through Civil Duty and Civil Service. Sign up at: https://www.anopenconversation.com/contact We will send you 10 conversation starters to help you with having AN OPEN CONVERSATION. Follow us on FB at: https://www.facebook.com/AnOpenConversation Receive updates on podcast releases and share your pain journey with our Open Conversation Community. About The Neubauers:Monica Neubauer is a Speaker, Author and Everything DiSC consultant. Follow Monica at: www.MonicaNeubauer.com Mark Neubauer is a creator of many things. This website is for his art. www.TheLaughingArtist.com

Being Your Authentic Self   Heather serves as an upbeat and spunky REALTOR® on the Dayton Real Estate Crush team located in the Dayton, Ohio region. There is never a shortness of smiles, laughs, or dresses with pockets with Heather. Heather is known to many people as, “Sunshine” because of her bright personality. She is the perfect person to discuss this week’s topic of living an authentic life.   Monica Neubauer and Heather Hause are tackling the topic of “How to Be Your Real or Authentic Self.” It is hard to be true to yourself when your style or ideas do not fit the norm. We live in a “cancel culture” where we fear if we speak up or do things differently from the crowd, then people will stop following us or choosing us. Introverts have more of a challenge staying true to themselves with their fear of being in a crowd. If you're an introvert, it is even more difficult.   Heather shares her transition from trying to fit in to being her real self in both her life and work. She shares tips on how to be comfortable being you. The most important advice Heather gives is to stop worrying about the people who don’t like you or your style and instead to focus on finding your tribe - the people who relate to you. When you are your real self, you will not please everyone. You may be challenging to some, delightful to some and awesome to some. That is ok! You will find your people! Be yourself and live your authentic life!   Heather Haase Home Experts Realty   Heather pursued real estate because she wanted to help and meet new people and be involved in her local community. Real estate came with the added benefit of pursuing her passions of education, networking, and involvement. Now she also travels the country educating and inspiring others in their real estate careers on topics such as social media, authenticity, and mindfulness. Heather is the past chair of both Ohio YPN and Dayton YPN, as well as a former NAR YPN Advisory Board member. She is a National Association of REALTORS® C2EX ambassador as well as a Director for both her local and state associations. On top of that Heather also helps run Dayton REbar camp In her spare time, you can find her spending time with her daughter, traveling the country, karaoke, going to museums, and educating others on the industry on networking   Join An Open Conversation Community Join An Open Conversation Community and be a part of our open conversations about to measure success, Sign up at: https://www.anopenconversation.com/contact We will send you 10 conversation starters to help you with having AN OPEN CONVERSATION.   Follow us on FB at: https://www.facebook.com/AnOpenConversation Receive updates on podcast releases and share your pain journey with our Open Conversation Community.   About The Neubauers: Monica Neubauer is a Speaker, Author and Everything DiSC consultant. Follow Monica at: www.MonicaNeubauer.com Mark Neubauer is a creator of many things. This website is for his art. www.TheLaughingArtist.com

The Illusion of Success Burton Kelso is the owner of Integral, a computer repair and IT support services company as well as a national, speaker, and international media Tech Expert.  Monica Neubauer and Burton Kelso are having An Open Conversation about success. What is the definition of success in your life and business? How do you stop comparing yourself to others as a definition of your success and start realizing that you ARE successful! There is an “Illusion of Success” that the world is getting caught up in. We are looking at the people around us through social media and media wanting and wishing for someone else’s life. We yearn for someone else’s successes instead of sitting down and thinking about what our goals in life are and what would make our life happy. Monica and Burton discuss a list of tips that you can follow to help change your definition of success. 1.      Take time to look back at your achievements. Pat yourself on the back- Look at the view and enjoy it. 2.      Analyze your competition globally and locally and realize how far you have come. 3.      Help others succeed. Be a good person. 4.      Be excited for others' success instead of doing the comparison game. 5.      You cannot be everything to everyone. It is ok if not everyone likes you. 6.      Success is not just measured by your business but in your marriage, relationships, friends, children, and health. 7.      Celebrate your successes! Both Monica and Burton agree that in life the best way to be successful is to contribute to the success of others and to take care of yourself to the best of your abilities. Think about what you value and think is success and continue on that pathway so you can live a full life. Burton Kelso The Technology Expertwww.burtonkelso.com Burton Kelso’s vision is to remove the frustrations and complexity of computers and technology and open people up to a world of new ideas, experiences, and opportunities. He loves technology, he’s read all the manuals, and he’s serious about making technology fun. safe, and easy to use for everyone! Join An Open Conversation CommunityJoin  An Open Conversation Community and be a part of our open conversations about to measure success, Sign up at: https://www.anopenconversation.com/contact We will send you 10 conversation starters to help you with having AN OPEN CONVERSATION. Follow us on FB at: https://www.facebook.com/AnOpenConversation Receive updates on podcast releases and share your pain journey with our Open Conversation Community. About The Neubauers:Monica Neubauer is a Speaker, Author and Everything DiSC consultant. Follow Monica at: www.MonicaNeubauer.com Mark Neubauer is a creator of many things. This website is for his art. www.TheLaughingArtist.com

The Benefits of Civil Service Aaron Masliansky, a REALTOR® at Dream Town Realty, who is connected with his local and global community, has joined Monica Neubauer in An Open Conversation to discuss how Civil Duty and Civil Service can improve your life and the world around you. Choosing to be involved in Civil Service and being engaged in your community allows you to be connected to the people around you. It allows you to find people with similar interests. Aaron’s motto is “by doing good, you feel good and can continue to do more good. “ The number one factor that makes people happy is community. If you step into the part of society that wants to do good and surround yourself with positive people, then these acts of service can change your moods and your outlook on the world. When you do good, it spreads and continues to grow. Monica and Aaron discuss the challenges to living a life of service and give solutions and how we can be involved in civil service even if our time is limited. There are so many service opportunities in our community with varying degrees of commitment. Find something that you are passionate about and volunteer. Service can work in your schedule even if you have a busy life. Spend time with a friend or family member doing service together. There is strength in numbers. Not only are they company for you but you can motivate each other to be committed to the service you choose. Monica and Aaron show us how we can help improve the world and our community by doing our duty through Civil Service. Aaron Masliansky REALTOR® at Dream Town Realty https://www.skevanston.com Aaron Masliansky is a Realtor at Dream Town Realty. He is the past Chairman of the Global Real Estate Council at the Chicago Association of Realtors, a Young Professional Ambassador with the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, and a member of the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center and Rotary International. Aaron hosts two podcasts to connect with his local and global communities. The first podcast is Inside the Skev, which is an exploration of the stories and life of the people and places of Skokie and Evanston, Illinois, a community rich in history, culture, and diversity. It was featured in the Chicago Tribune and the podcast for the National Association of Realtors. The second podcast is The Real Estate Diplomat, which is an American's guide to global real estate looking through a geo-political lens. Join An Open Conversation Community Join An Open Conversation Community and be a part of our open conversations about improving your life through Civil Duty and Civil Service. Sign up at: https://www.anopenconversation.com/contactWe will send you 10 conversation starters to help you with having AN OPEN CONVERSATION. Follow us on FB at: https://www.facebook.com/AnOpenConversation Receive updates on podcast releases and share your pain journey with our Open Conversation Community. About The Neubauers:Monica Neubauer is a Speaker, Author and Everything DiSC consultant. Follow Monica at: www.MonicaNeubauer.comMark Neubauer is a creator of many things. This website is for his art.www.TheLaughingArtist.com

Conflict Resolution How do you resolve conflict in your relationships? Mark and Monica Neubauer are back with an open conversation about resolving conflict in your marriage and potential with friends and teams as well. Without weathering storms or conflicts, there is no transformation of one’s self or the relationship. The Neubauers  take you through the stages of a relationship from forming, norming, storming and ending with transforming. They give you tips for resolving conflict with your spouse and others so that it may lead to having more open conversations and better relationships.   M&M Words of Wisdom: ●      “In conflict there can be some joy.” ●      “Have serious conversations face to face.” ●      “Do not fear the phrase, ‘we need to talk.’” Tips for resolving conflict: ●      Attitude - Be aware of the attitude that you bring to the conversation. ●      Body Language -Pay attention to your body language and your spouse’s body language. What is being communicated? ●      Timing - Have difficult conversations at a time that is good for both parties.. ●      Voice Inflections -listen to a person’s voice when they are talking during the conversation. Actions speak louder than words. ●      Avoid words like, “You always…” ●      Use positive reinforcement when talking about difficult situations. If you want to start the journey to having better conversations, share your spiritual journey and listen to An Open Conversation, sign up at:https://www.anopenconversation.com/contact  We will send you 10 conversation starters to help you with having AN OPEN CONVERSATION.  Follow us on FB at:  https://www.facebook.com/AnOpenConversation  Receive updates on podcast releases and share your pain journey with our Open Conversation Community.  About The Neubauers: Monica Neubauer is a Speaker, Author and Everything DiSC consultant.  Follow Monica at:www.MonicaNeubauer.com Mark Neubauer is a creator of many things. This website is for his art.  www.TheLaughingArtist.com