Stories that Empower

Tina shares a story of her family's difficult migration to the US to ultimately become US Citizens. She realizes that none of this would be possible without compassionate Americans stepping outside their comfort zones to help them. Tina feels so proud and thankful to be considered a part of the American fabric. She shares the following powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - love has no language - we a...

David found himself to be motherless within seconds of birth. He went to an orphanage, foster care and was eventually adopted. David was open to possibilities as he was trying to 'find his way' through life. He went on a journey of self-discovery and identity. Initially, David was reluctant to search for reunion with his biological family. However, the search and writing enabled him to reflect on...

Mary Jane escaped from her emotionally and physically abusive spouse. She remarried, but unfortunately she lost her second spouse to pancreatic cancer. Mary Jane felt moments of despair, but by asking for help and using her inner tools, she began to rebuild herself back up. She shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - you are not defined by your reality - continue to have hope, - in the mid...

Elena's spouse was diagnosed with AIDS and died of complications. Also, she was a pediatric nurse at the height of the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s. Elena felt burnt out, washed out, wiped out and was drowning. She was looking for a way to renew her own energy and find new connections. Elena returned to a place she visited 20 years earlier, filled with positive energy and spirit. This enabled her to...

Christa shares how abundant loss and grief in her life/community enabled her to realize that the yoga practice is not limited by a physical space. It is something much bigger than our bodies, as the practice is always within us. This awareness gave her a sense of freedom, broke open physical boundaries and has made her practice more accessible. Additionally, by rediscovering one of her first loves...

Tyra's father passed away, when she was 9. Her spouse died in Vietnam and she was left with a 2 year old daughter. Tyra was diagnosed with clinical depression. She got the help she needed and found a supportive community. Tyra never forgets the sensitivity and love that was shown to her. Today, she makes a difference in the lives of others by telling her stories. Tyra shares these powerful nuggets...

As a mother to two young children, Sande went through a divorce. She felt disconnect. Sande sought help from a community of like-minded people. She knew she had to change herself and become strong. Sande noticed that a new part of her life was beginning. She felt fulfilled while reconnecting with her creativity, poetry and art work. Sande shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - writing hel...

This is a special episode of "Message to Dad" about integrity. My dad lives in a dementia care nursing home. I've been struggling to stay connected with him. So, I figured that he might enjoy receiving these personal recorded messages from me. I hope you enjoy them too. tags: message, to, dad, stories, that, empower, podcast, Sean, https://storiesthatempower.com

As a former US Marine tasked with locating explosive devices, Akshay experienced Post Traumatic Stress, depression and drug/alcohol addiction. He studied neuroscience as he was fascinated by it. Akshay learned that he is not defined by a disorder and refuses to accept it. His divorce caused him to break his sobriety. He decided to go 'within' on inward journey. So, Akshay spent 7 days in complete...

This is a special episode of "Message to Dad" about integrity. My dad lives in a dementia care nursing home. I've been struggling to stay connected with him. So, I figured that he might enjoy receiving these personal recorded messages from me. I hope you enjoy them too. tags: message, to, dad, stories, that, empower, podcast, Sean, https://storiesthatempower.com

When her daughter was convicted to a life sentence in prison without parole, it impacted Bonnie's life and she found herself in a dark place. However, spending time in nature and appreciating the tiny miracles of life helped her survive. Bonnie shares the following nuggets of wisdom: - look at your situation in a different light - turn your perspective around - look for the positives - there are b...

This is a special episode of "Message to Dad". My dad lives in a dementia care nursing home. I've been struggling to stay connected with him. So, I figured that he might enjoy receiving these personal recorded messages from me. I hope you enjoy them too. tags: message, to, dad, stories, that, empower, podcast, Sean, https://storiesthatempower.com

While walking back to her university dorm building, Karen was assaulted at knife point. She managed to escape, physically unharmed. However, the assault traumatized Karen. She experienced periods of peace and power, but her life unravelled again, when her marriage was dying, she experienced financial loss and her mother was slipping into dementia. These additional sources of trauma caused her to s...

Hi friends. I want to tell you about a wonderful human being, Jean Walters. She brings so much light, hope and positivity into the universe. I am in awe every time that I speak with her. Jean has an abundance of love, wisdom and enlightenment that she gives away freely and unconditionally. She is a very special human being and I am honored to have met her. It is with great pleasure that I am able...

Having experienced life setbacks, Meryl chose not to allow herself to be stuck or feel like a victim. She reinvented herself multiple times and enabled herself to be empowered. Meryl shares the following nuggets of life wisdom: - practice the 3 Rs: reinvent yourself, be resilient and stay relevant - get yourself a project - nothing is permanent - everything is temporary - we are one family of huma...

Stephanie Raffelock and I bring you another episode of "Holiday Stories" with our special guest, Jill Sherer Murray. tags: Jill, Sherer, Murray, author, TEDx, speaker, communications, expert. Big, Wild, Love, Let, Go, For, It, storiesthatempower.com, story, stories, that, empower, empowering, empowerment, inspire, inspiring, inspiration, encourage, encouraging, encouragement, hope, light, podcast,...

As a child, Charlene experienced PTSD from an unhealthy home environment. She ran away from home and was attracted to the 'dark side'. Her life took a positive turn, when she began following in the footsteps of a meditation teacher. Today, she helps people understand there are powerful ways to heal, empowers those that are stuck and teaches meditation. Charlene shares these powerful nuggets of lif...

Stephanie Raffelock and I bring you another episode of "Holiday Stories" with our special guest, Diane Dewey. tags: Diane, Dewey, writer, author, podcast, host, Fixing, the, Fates, Dropping, In, storiesthatempower.com, story, stories, that, empower, empowering, empowerment, inspire, inspiring, inspiration, encourage, encouraging, encouragement, hope, light, podcast, Sean https://storiesthatempower...

Evelyn grew up as a self-sufficient child and adult. She served in the Peace Corps, where she learned to take risks. Evelyn also found herself questioning certain rules and regulations. She shares the following nuggets of life wisdom: - travel transforms us - people that have the least tend to be the most content - be mindful of the serendipity of life - travel teaches us not to take things for gr...

Stephanie Raffelock and I bring you another episode of "Holiday Stories" with our special guest, Eileen Harrison Sanchez. tags: Eileen, Harrison, Sanchez, writer, author, Freedom, Lessons, A, Novel, storiesthatempower.com, story, stories, that, empower, empowering, empowerment, inspire, inspiring, inspiration, encourage, encouraging, encouragement, hope, light, podcast, Sean https://storiesthatemp...

Jane initially struggled with being an introvert. However, she discovered that it can actually be an asset. Jane went outside of her comfort zone. Now, she empowers introvert that may be struggling in the workplace and empowers them. Jane shares the following nuggets of wisdom to those that consider themselves introverts: - embrace the 'introversion' - being an introvert helps you build relationsh...

Stephanie Raffelock and I bring you another episode of "Holiday Stories" with our special guest, Mary Helen Sheriff. https://maryhelensheriff.com/ tags: Michelle, Cox, writer, author, Henrietta, Inspector, Howard, storiesthatempower.com, story, stories, that, empower, empowering, empowerment, inspire, inspiring, inspiration, encourage, encouraging, encouragement, hope, light, podcast, Sean https:/...

Lisa grew up in a home, where she witnessed domestic violence and emotional brutality. She experienced shame and isolation. Lisa managed to get herself out into a healthy life. Writing about it helped her speak her truth. She shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - speak your truth - be disciplined to tell your story - be brave to reach and talk to a trusted person - writing can help make...

Stephanie Raffelock and I bring you another episode of "Holiday Stories" with our special guest, Michelle Cox. tags: Michelle, Cox, writer, author, Henrietta, Inspector, Howard, storiesthatempower.com, story, stories, that, empower, empowering, empowerment, inspire, inspiring, inspiration, encourage, encouraging, encouragement, hope, light, podcast, Sean https://storiesthatempower.com

Patricia survived sexual abuse from a family member. Initially, she became very good at self sabotage. Patricia found the courage to thrive, release the shame, and live fully. This enabled her to free her voice. Patricia shares the following nuggets of life wisdom: - stand up and speak up for the truth - there are gifts even in loss and tragedy - seek people that nourish you - develop compassion f...