Stories that Empower

Dr. Stacee began her transition into a transgender woman at 19 years old. Growing up, she was humiliated, was treated as 'other' and felt 'less than'. Dr. Stacee's 'family of choice' supported her as she persevered. Now, she lives out and identifies herself as transgender and helps others move through their own experiences. Dr. Stacee shares these nuggets of life wisdom: - let go of your past - li...

Poonam is a survivor of sexual assault, abuse and the aftermath and cultural humiliation of divorce. Writing about her experiences was one of the hardest things she's ever done. Today, she helps others overcome trauma, to enable them to feel lighter and better. Poonam shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - our lives are beautiful gifts - we can take control of our lives - we are the pivot...

When Terry Sue's alcoholic mother passed away, she embarked on a 40 year journey to search for her absent biological father. She realized she just simply wanted a sincere apology from him. Another challenge that Terry Sue faced was functional illiteracy. She feels a debt of gratitude for having escaped alcoholism and illiteracy, to where she is today, as a published author. Terry Sue shares these...

Growing up, Robert realized that his spirituality and sexuality was not consistent with the models that are formed by others. Those views did not resonate with him. Robert felt a hollowness and emptiness. He moved and fortunately found kindred spirits. This enabled him to have a fulfilled experience and a spiritual illumination. Robert shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - our spirituali...

Growing up, Jean realized that her mother's negative outlook was not working for her. So, she sought to live her life in a different way in light and higher energy. Today, Jean brings people to the light. She shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - bring people to the light - let's understand who we truly are - everyone has light within them - see the goodness in others - people come in an...

Isolde (a singer, song writer and musician) shares the challenges of her mother in the music industry. As a child, she may not have fully understood her mom's struggles as a female music composer. However, as Isolde matured, she was able to witness her mother's fight for equality in the music composition industry. She is very grateful for her mother's sacrifices and guidance. Isolde shares the fol...

Rikki, who was not an athlete, decided to join a gym in her 60s and practice kickboxing. The illness of her mother drove a wedge between her and her sister. They no longer spoke to one another. When Rikki found out that her sister had terminal tumors and had only a few months to live, she knew she wanted to be a stem cell transplant donor. Rikki's meditation and prayer became a symbol of stamina a...

Pamela shares her family's story of being disrupted by her father's mental illness. When her parents dropped her off at college, she felt abandoned and her trauma escalated. Pamela's repressed memories were stuck in her body, but after many years 'wanted out'. Her trauma therapist helped her release the feelings of abandonment and she felt like an observer of her life rather than a participant. Pa...

Cindy's relationship with her mother was challenging. She felt fractured growing up and had a yearning to heal her broken self. Cindy sought sanctuary, that sacred place of belonging that she calls home. She moved to Thailand, where she met a Thai Buddhist nun, who led her on a spiritual and healing journey. Cindy shares the following powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - find sanctuary, that sacred...

Mark's passion and mission is to raise global awareness on ataxia, a neurological/movement disorder which affects the nervous system. When he was in his 30s, he noticed that he slurred his words, had brain fog and was losing his balance. Mark was diagnosed with ataxia. Initially, he was severely depressed and wanted to stay in bed. Later, Mark felt this presented him with a challenge with two opti...

Valerie's story is one of survival. Her extraordinary and well-developed survival instinct helped her navigate a life filled with turmoil, such as parents divorcing before she was a year old, being abandoned by her mother to the neighbors who became her foster parents and having an abusive, alcoholic step father. Valerie does not consider herself a victim nor in denial. Her ability to compartmenta...

Phil is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. When he was between 10-12 years old, his older brother molested him, then the abuse stopped. Phil pretended it didn't happen, didn't tell anyone, carried it deep down and masked the pain. With the help of therapist, he told his fiance and his parents, who believed him. Phil decided to go public about the abuse, which is helping him to work through the...

Growing up, Jean didn't like that her mother was living her life in fear, was always upset, critical and a nervous wreck. So, she made a commitment to herself that she was going to look for another way and live a different life. Through practice and discipline, Jean strives to be in sync with the universe and have an expanded consciousness. Today, she helps people find the light. Jean shares the f...

When Michelle first started writing, she thought she wasn't good enough. So, she shelved those dreams and convinced herself that she was never going to be a writer. Then, as Michelle watched her youngest son start to write, she noticed the joy he took in writing. She knew she also wanted to get that joy in writing. So, Michelle attended readings and workshops, where she was experienced a spirit of...

Martha shares story of the end of life of her husband of 30 years, Charles. Since her spouse had his end of life conversations and decisions with his family in advance, she was able to be fully present for his dying. Martha feels that it was a sacred and beautiful moment. She shares the following nuggets of life wisdom: - the only thing that matters is love - love is the essence - life is about th...

Elizabeth grew up in a controlling family with high expectations. She didn't thrive in those environments, so she moved out. Initially, Elizabeth found herself still drawn to codependent relationships. So, to take the edge off, she took drugs and alcohol. Nothing seemed to quench her soul. Elizabeth went on a journey of confronting the people that had hurt her and others. As she forgave them, she...

Growing up, Aaron dreamed of becoming the youngest NFL sports agent. He was told that he can't get there. Aaron needed someone to push him. It took a 'no' for him to launch his own business. Initially, he had no direction nor clear map. Aaron formed a team with the right individuals, who shared his qualities: go getter mentality, motivation, drive, people skills and strong work ethic. He achieved...

Lorie grew up as a shy, sensitive child and had low self esteem. The experiences in her life made her angry and she felt she lacked courage. So, Lorie asked for a sign of assistance, which she received. She became less shy, deepened her faith and began believing in miracles. Lorie realized that she's mean to use her voice, share stories and inspire others. She shares the following nuggets of life...

Growing up in a war torn region of the world and hiding in shelters, Matt knew what it was like to lack safety and security. To provide for his family and give his kids a decent childhood, he worked 17 hour days. Matt lived an unhealthy and unbalanced life, where he weighed 400 pounds. He was given 5 months to live. That moment changed his life. Matt realized that people needed him and he wasn't t...

Cerridwen lost her husband very unexpectedly. She became devastated. Cerridwen allowed herself to grieve, then learned to piece her life back together one piece at a time. She shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - it's not just the big ticket items that get us into paradise - sometimes small things can be our ticket to happiness - we have to learn how to piece our life back together with...

Anne's journey is a story of healing and life transforming experience. At 26, while she was out cycling, she was violently beaten and raped. This shifted her world. The trauma affected her physically, causing her anxiety and breathlessness. Ann tried different types of healing. The shift came when her daughter was born. Ann leaned into spirit. She knew trust would come, which it did. By forgiving/...

Margie's journey with emotional eating began as a child. She struggled getting that part of her life under control. Margie realized that we wasn't practicing self care. So, she embarked on a new journey to heal old wounds and build resilience. Margie knew she was moving in the right direction as her desire to eat food for comfort was lessening. She now shares this knowledge with her clients. Margi...

Ashley was violently assaulted by a man that she loved. This ended the relationship. She locked the grief away into closets for a long time. Recently, she thought about what she should do with the time that's been gifted to her. So, Ashley confronted her long buried pain and gave herself permission to revisit the assault. She took the time and room to uncover her own hurt, although it was extremel...

Ron empowers others to see potential they have, may have taken for granted and/or may be hidden for them.

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.