Focus, Devotion & Inner Work

In this conversation, Laurel Holland and Laurel Boivin explore how focus and devotion guide our inner work and ultimately shape the lives we create. Drawing inspiration from a recent episode, Becoming Resilient with Nick Tucker, they reflect on how devotion isn’t just a spiritual word or heavy commitment. It can be as simple as daily practices that keep us aligned with what matters most.

Together, they discuss the importance of clarifying what you’re truly devoted to, breaking free from old family patterns, and shifting from chasing material success to cultivating meaning and becoming. Through vulnerable stories, practical tools, and encouragement, the Laurels remind us that inner work is not only beautiful—it’s the foundation for a fulfilling and purpose-driven life.

If you’ve ever wondered how to stay focused on what truly matters, or how to weave devotion into the everyday, this episode offers guidance and grounding wisdom for your journey.

00:17 Introduction

00:33 Season Overview

01:18 Podcast Format & Flow

03:15 Episode Topic Introduction

03:43 Personal Stories of Devotion

04:55 The Role of Desire in Inner Work

06:39 Focus, Devotion, and Commitment

08:24 Simplicity in Devotion

10:50 Material Desires vs. Greater Purpose

12:58 Breaking Family Cycles & Personal Purpose

16:31 Finding Your North Star

17:35 Devotion in Career and Life Choices

19:57 Becoming vs. Having

21:11 Practicing New Ways of Being

23:15 Emotional Processing & Self-Compassion

25:34 Strategies for Starting Inner Work

26:27 Final Reflections & Listener Engagement

31:00 Invitation for Feedback

32:01 Closing Remarks

Journaling prompts are suggested to further your exploration:

1. What is something I feel deeply devoted to in my life right now? How does that devotion show up in my daily actions?
2. When I think about what I don’t want in my life, what does that reveal about what I truly desire instead?
3. Where in my life have I confused “having” (material success, achievements) with “becoming” (the person I want to grow into)?
4. What would my life look like if I shifted even more of my focus toward becoming rather than having?
5. What family or generational patterns am I ready to release or transform?
6. If I were at the end of my life, what would I most want to have experienced, created, or contributed?
7. Who are the trusted people I could ask about my natural gifts, and how might their perspective help me see myself more clearly?
8. When have I felt most aligned with my true self, rather than living from conditioning or expectation?
9. What daily practice, no matter how simple, could I commit to as an act of devotion to myself and my growth?
10. How do I want to contribute to the world, even in small, everyday ways?
11. Where in my life might I need to course-correct because my devotion has shifted away from what truly matters to me?
12. How do I want to show up in my relationships, as a parent, partner, colleague, or friend?
13. What emotions or stories have I avoided processing that might be holding me back from growth?
14. How would my life feel different if I practiced showing up as the person I want to become, one interaction at a time?
15. What does “inner work” mean to me personally, and how can I make space for it this week?

Links/Books mentioned

Becoming Resilient with Nick Tucker: https://www.liveyourinnerpower.com/podcasts/beautiful-work-beautiful-life/episodes/2149071852

The email to send questions to Laurel Boivin is [email protected] and for Laurel Holland - [email protected]

The link to our private Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/beautifulworkbeautifullife

Host/Cohost/Guest Info

Guiding others to become effective leaders of their own lives, Laurel Holland has been on a journey of awakening and transformation throughout her life. Writing about inner work, Laurel has authored four books, including Crossroads and Love’s 8 Laws. Her books, Live Your Inner Power, the Journal, and Courageous Woman, introduce, share, and explore the eight foundational practices for creating transformation from the inside out. Through her books, programs, and innovative talks, Laurel’s great desire is to lift others up and courageously step into the life they came here to live. You can learn more about Laurel Holland at www.liveyourinnerpower.com.

Laurel Boivin, life and leadership coach and founder of Flux+Flow Professional Coaching, helps high-performing professionals overcome overwhelm and disillusionment by increasing self-awareness and shifting perspective to improve performance, increase personal contribution, and experience a greater sense of fulfillment and purpose. Laurel began coaching after a 30-year corporate career.  A Reiki master and yoga practitioner, collector of sea glass and antiques, she lives in New Hampshire and summers in Maine. You can learn more about Laurel Boivin at www.fluxflowcoaching.com.