Stories that Empower

Patrick always wanted to be a speaker, even as a child. Initially in his speaking career, he was struggling and hadn't turned the corner yet. Patrick thought he had made it, when he was asked to give a TED talk. Unfortunately, his TED talk did not air, because the video files were corrupted. Patrick could have given up, but chose not to. He decided to provide value, content and a service to others...

Losing her baby as a newborn really shook Alexis. She pulled away from her art initially. After some time, Alexis made peace with it. She realized that we can't control all the things in our lives. Alexis feels there is a mystery to the human experience that we should submit to. Her visual art, a safe and healing place, helps her cope with her depression. Alexis shares these powerful nuggets of li...

Nancy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She was given a 50-50 chance to survive. Nancy knew she still had a whole life to live. She realized that she has the ability to control her circumstances. Nancy sought all of the information that was available. She created 'guide posts', when there were none. Nancy shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - empathy is a way of experiencing the worl...

When Marianne was diagnosed with breast cancer, she realized that she hadn't been living the life that she was meant to live. She wanted to change. Marianne left her husband of 10 years. He committed suicide. She struggled with the guilt. Marianne went on a journey of self compassion, where she learned to be kind to herself. She shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - practice self compass...

Colleen shares some powerful observations during the current Covid-19 stay at home order. She feels that we're on a threshold of the past and future, what she calls a "liminal space". It's an uncertain and uncomfortable time for some. Somehow, Colleen is able to bring some clarity to the current situation. What I found fascinating about my conversation with her was her ability to help me to see it...

Deborah felt compelled to write about her unconventional, charismatic, yet narcissistic mother, more than 20 years after her death. This set her on a creative journey that liberated her from the things that she held as true but were not. The book became an unraveling of the myth with her mother. Today, Deborah feels that her relationship with her mother has made her resilient. She shares these pow...

Kathryn shares her author journey. When she was as a large conference, she initially began doubting herself and whether she belonged. Fortunately, Kathryn's supportive community reminded her that she belonged there as much as anyone else. She shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - we are all interconnected - we cannot control what will happen in our lives, but we can control who we will b...

Barbara shares the story of her great aunt, who lived through the horrors of two World Wars. Her aunt chose resilience, found love in the most unlikely circumstances and shared that love abundantly with others. Barbara shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - choose resilience - your resilience can be a beacon for others - build it and it will come - choose to find authentic relationships a...

When Linda left the religion that she was raised in, she was shunned by her community and even her family. Initially, it was hard, as Linda felt alone. However, she eventually found 'her people', that helped her to feel more aligned with her beliefs and values. Today, Linda feels more connected to spirit and the divine that ever before. By losing her religion, she found herself. Linda shares these...

Linda, the mother of a daughter with special needs, walked the 500 mile Camino de Santiago. She realized that it's about the journey, not the destination. The experience taught Linda to leave her burdens behind and she began to feel more at peace. She shares these powerful nuggets of wisdom: - turn around and see how far you've come - let go - some things are outside of our control - take one day...

When Michelle's first husband died unexpectedly at the age of 32, she was left caring for a 2 year old son by herself. The experience brought her to her knees. Michelle questioned everything and felt a loss of identity. She dug herself out of that dark place. Michelle shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - there's no timeline for grief - be kind to yourself - don't rush through it - talk...

Growing in a family of 9 children, Cheryl learned that 'many hands make light work'. Her parents empowered their children, then watched them rise to the occasion. Cheryl shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - train children, then trust them - don't do for children, what they can do for themselves - the past can live on in memory as a source of strength - recite comforting prayers/mantra/s...

Growing up, Tim didn't have a clear idea of his future. He experienced lots of anger and criticism in his home and didn't feel safe. After becoming a developmental and behavioral pediatrician, he created summer camps, where children can experience a safe and nurturing environment, that accepts them for who they are. Tim shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - our lives unfold - our lives a...

Even though Mindy is having to let go of her home and barn, she feels that by scaling down, she can best serve those that need to be served. She is open to what might be and trusts that she will be held. Mindy shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - when we're suffering, we need to feel felt - connect with others that can offer us support - live with openness, curiosity and non-judgement -...

Keturah feels that some women tend to take one for 'the team' or have this noble honor to self sacrifice for the greater good. She realized that this did not serve her. So, Keturah has chosen to say "no thanks" to motherhood and marriage. She unchained herself from what she is supposed to be. Keturah gave herself permission to be whomever she wants. She shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom...

Tanner's spouse experienced postpartum depression due to the physical hardship. Tanner was doing his best to support his extended family, work and attend graduate school. This put a lot strain on their relationship. They even considered divorce. Tanner shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: -our most precious asset is time - when you're feeling negative, take a deep breath, reflect on what...

Angela's grandmother "nana" made a big impression on her. Angela shares a story of how her nana slipped, fell and broke her hip during a large thunderstorm. Nana did not call any relatives, because she didn't want anyone to make fuss of it. Angela finds inspiration and strength in Nana's strong constitution and resilience. She shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - it's easy for us to get...

Dr. Michael Myers, not only saves lives due to suicide prevention, but also heals families that have lost doctors to suicide. He feels honored and humbled to sit with grieving families, who feel that their loved ones have taken the answers with them. Dr. Myers is also working to change the stigma that is associated with physicians asking for assistance, as they may be concerned about being judged...

When Allison was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, she chose not to see it as a broken wing. She began to see herself as the perfect person that she is. Allison feels compelled to share her experience with others, so they can share their magnificence with the world. She does this by encouraging them to be authentic, have integrity, accept and like who they are. Also, Allison recognizes that there m...

The abundant love given to Nick by his parents, as a child, made him feel rich. However, he realized that his family was actually poor. Nick did not allow his past to define him. He took inventory of his gifts, tools and skills. Nick worked with what he had. Through hard work and perseverance, he met his goals and built a successful chiropractic practice. Nick shares these powerful nuggets of life...

Peter feels his ADHD is a gift of curiosity and creativity. He figured there had to be others like him, so he started the "Faster than Normal" podcast and wrote the best selling book by the same name. Peter believes that in the next ten years, 35% of companies' employees and customers will be Neurodiverse. He coaches companies on the benefits of ADHD and consults them on how to attract/retain incr...

Living in a remote area of Alaska, Chris realized that it was not conducive to a young family. So, he left his good paying job. Chris didn't know what he was going to do. It wasn't easy. Chris felt compelled and called to go in a new direction. He eventually found traction. He gives credit for his ability to operate on limited income. Chris shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - when tran...

Paul was taught to get a corporate for 40 years, then retire. He realized that this wasn't for him. Paul wanted to enjoy life each day. He empowered himself to start his own business of coaching and consulting others. Paul shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - it's all about the journey - see where your path takes you - have an open mind - allow momentum to take over - keep doing what yo...

Witnessing her mom's health after a stroke, Sheila felt compelled to write her mom's story, then realized she wanted to write more. She transitioned from her first act to her second act as an author or dreamer, where she does not experience objective measurements. Sheila is very passionate about language, as she loves the way words and images resonate. She feels that writing is a way to share what...

Katherine knew some things were brewing in her life; in her marriage, her father's alcoholism and abandonment of the family. She developed a food addiction and attempted suicide. Then, Katherine had a wake up call. She began a journey of healing her body and heart. Katherine changed her relationship with food and body. Now, she helps people with the process of healing from the inside out. Katherin...