Meet Michelle Schmer

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michelle Schmer. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Michelle, so glad you were able to set aside some time for us today. We’ve always admired not just your journey and success, but also the seemingly high levels of self-discipline that you seem to have mastered and so maybe we can start by chatting about how you developed it or where it comes from?
My parents were very strict but also very fair. I had to work for things. Things weren’t given to me. For example, if I wanted to go to the movies with my friends, I had to do my chores to earn the funds to go out. This taught me work ethic and values. From these basic principles I learned early on that nothing is free. As an only child, I learned not to eat all the cookies or treats at one time. If I did, I had to wait until the next store run. Self-discipline was never explained to me. It was just something that was expected through my parents’ actions and mine. Those actions continued to foster good habits. I try to have moderation with most things. Coffee is my greatest weakness, however, I want all the coffee  🤪😉🤣

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My podcast: Coffee Fueled Stories was recently rebranded from the CoffeeFitnessUnicorn Podcast. The podcast won the Positive Change Award in Society and Culture as CoffeeFitnessUnicorn!! I am happy to share the message and spread the joy through my show.

The podcast is my Virtual Coffee Spot©️. I’m your pocket DJ and this podcast is where storytelling and coffee hang out.
As a super-survivor I have turned my trauma and grief into a powerful, creative force for good. And I learned, it’s never too late to start a podcast—at 51. This show is where I can share my stories and connect with you. Each episode is both informative and entertaining. Imagine Jimmy Fallon and Ellen DeGeneres talking to indie authors.
The show focuses on helping indie authors with the writing process, proving it’s never too late to follow your dreams.

DREAM…EPICALLY is my self-published, mini-memoir. I was terrified to write my book, but finally published it at age 53. The reception to the podcast and my book helped me face my fears and now the show is going on it’s 4th season and I am working on book two: Dreaming Epically: Living, Loving and Healing.

I’ve learned from the authors I’ve chatted with that facing your fears and following your dreams isn’t so scary when you have friends who want to support and help. We are all here to lift each other up. I wouldn’t be writing this without the encouragement of F.R. Diaz. She is fierce and passionate; I had the pleasure of talking with her and watching her is a true inspiration. I just spoke with a guest, who at 58, just published his first book. I am grateful to share their stories and thankful to share mine as well.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I pride myself on my honesty, integrity, and authenticity. If I screw up, I admit it and own it. I have bee called to the carpet by thinking I could handle something on my own, to find myself being in trouble for not going to my boss with the issue. Many times I took on more than I could handle. I learned to ask for help, I learned to be honest when I messed up and my bosses and anyone who works with me knows that because I possess these principles that I am someone who will fix my error and learn from it. I had a boss say I was predictable; I said, “I was consistent and dependable. There is a difference.” Either way, they knew I would do whatever it took to complete the task and I never complained. In the Air Force I learned that I was rewarded when I worked my ass off and smiled. I had a General compliment me in Basic Training and I was the lowest ranked person in the room. Great work ethic with great values will take you far.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
As an over-achiever being overwhelmed is my daily status. I constantly make lists for myself and have post its everywhere. Sometimes I am inundated with task so I stop, take a deep breath and ask myself what needs tending to the most. Is the laundry overflowing or can it wait until tomorrow while I clean the whole place today? I put things in order or prioritize them. I had a boss that would meet with me weekly and he would say, “what can I take off your plate?” We would reorder my task list. Now that I am retired I am in both positions so I ask myself what can be moved to relieve my struggle today. So I learned to make a smaller, simpler list and take bite-size chunks to ease the stress. I try to add exercise to my routine and eat nutritious food while keeping my coffee intake in check (some days are harder than others). I try to get good sleep and do my breathing exercises in bed. My philosophy is KISS: Keep it Super Simple. Small, bite-size chunks; it took me years to learn these skills. Don’t give up, keep working on what works for you. People say meditation will help, I like the treadmill. I’d rather meditate while being active. 😉🤪🤘

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