Beautifully Restored

Everyone has a story.  And these stories are what make us unique, they are part of what shape us and mold us into who we are and why we do what we do.  It is easy to judge someone by the way they act, or by what they do, before you know their story.  I have a story also, and it is a story that I have wanted to bury and hide with the shame and guilt of mistakes made and hurt that I created.  But I've learned that there is power in TELLING OUR STORY.  It is only through telling others of our journey that we can help others and give hope to those who are facing similar challenges.   What's your story?  

If you or someone you know has a story that needs to be told and could be used to encourage others and give hope and healing, please reach out to me at [email protected] and I would love to set up an interview.

Also, check out my blog at https://www.melissastewarthealthcoach.com/blog where I share more of my thoughts and truths that I have learned along the way!

"I wouldn't change anything."  This is what Casey Acree, an adaptive athlete--born with his left arm not fully developed, told me when asked if he would change anything.  This is an inspiring and unbelievable story of perseverance and determination.  Whereas many would have felt limited and unable to succeed in certain areas, Casey felt even more challenged to learn how to do something, and then to EXCEL at it.  He is now a 4 time winner in his division at Wodapalooza and a 2 time winner at the WheelWod.  With a 425# squat, a 325# best ever squat clean, a 280# power clean, and a 245# squat snatch--Casey knows no limits!!  He has never considered his only have one fully developed arm and one hand as an "issue" but instead as an OPPORTUNITY.

Check him out on Facebook at Casey Acree, on Instagram at @coachcaseyacree, @summitsystems, and online at summitsystems.org

You will want to watch his videos of him lifting hundreds of pounds overhead!  It's unreal!

Staying in an abusive relationship seems crazy right?  When your partner is threatening you, putting his/her hands on you, and is telling you that you're an idiot--the decision seems simple.  Leave!  But....it's not that simple.  Abusers have a method and it is very strategic.  They beat you down, not just physically, but mentally so that you feel both dependent on them AND like you have no options.  It becomes brainwashing to the point where leaving seems like a crazy option.  This is Chrissy's story.  She shares with me what it was like to be on the receiving end of this brainwashing, what finally gave her the courage to leave, and the determination to make an amazing life for herself and her daughter.  

How do you respond when someone you know or are close to falls hard and struggles in life?  Are you there for them?  Do you chose "hard love" and walk away?  Is it awkward to reach out to them and to help them through it?

In this episode, Melissa gets vulnerable and shares a small part of her own story of struggle and difficulty.  She lets you in on what it was like to be "the guilty party" and to feel alone and with very little support.  Learn as she shares, looking back what her support system could have done to help her more easily find her own restoration.  

At the young age of 41, Kari McClain's life was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.  She was a healthy and active wife and full time working mother of three when the news hit her and a whirlwind of doctor's visits and surgeries were about to ensue.  Hear as she tells her story of what it was like to face a double mastectomy, hysterectomy, chemo treatments, and reconstruction surgery.  Find hope and strength in her fight and determination to beat cancer and come back on top. 

Kari McClain is now back to work full time and also teaching several classes at her local YMCA such as Group Power, Spin, and Sub-Strength & Conditioning. She is truly an inspiration to every woman and she has a message that needs to be heard.

Be sure to check out my website and my blog postings at:

melissastewarthealthcoach.com

Be inspired by hearing the story of my dear friend, Byron Hansbro.  As both a successful lawyer AND pastor, you might be surprised to learn of his humble beginnings and his memories of seeing his mother abused by his step-father.  Listen as Byron describes what it was like to be kicked out of his home as a highschool boy and how he learned to live on his own.  As he moved away and went to college and then law school, he also tells of his calling into the ministry to preach the Word of God and to love and care for a congregation.  Find hope in hearing how he has remained optimistic and grateful for his upbringing and all that came with it.

Also be sure to check out my website and my blog postings at:

melissastewarthealthcoach.com

This is an introduction to what you can expect to hear on this podcast each episode and why I decided to create it!