Every one of us within this cleft, craniofacial and facial difference worldwide community will face struggles and hardship at different times, whether it is from our anomalies or just life itself. Yet there is an opportunity, once the struggles cease or simply rest for a bit, that we can find a lesson or two to help us live better lives. In this "CleftCast" podcast, host Joe Rutland discusses struggles around health issues -- both physical and mental -- that have played a role in life. His hope is that others will hear this #podcast and find some solace no matter what struggles and challenges they are facing. #cleftstrong

At times, it is extremely difficult for people with facial differences to look in a mirror. Something as simple as that, to many people, might seem so ridiculous in regard to being filled with shame and guilt about one's looks. Yet it can happen. Seeing the beauty within yourself, no matter how your face or even body looks, is one of the great challenges for children and adults who deal with cleft, craniofacial and/or facial diffferences on a daily basis. In this "CleftCast" podcast, host Joe Rutland talks about looking in the mirror at himself, what emotions arise at times, and offers a couple of suggestions that can get all of us toward the goal of smiling more and loving ourselves in the midst of anger, sadness, fear and guilt.

When facing uphill battles or struggles in the facial difference community, the adage of "keep on smiling" might feel heavy ... and, at times, it is. It does not have to be that way, though. For all of us, life provides tests of strength and weakness. We can either steadfastly hold our heads up high during the strong moments, or turn into a victim in those weak states.

In this "CleftCast" podcast, host Joe Rutland talks about the empowering way that keeping on smiling -- even when the chips are down -- can actually prove beneficial. This is not some woo-woo or too-fancy idea. Smiling is something that, because of our facial differences, that some might have trouble doing out of shame, fear, guilt or another emotion. Our smiles are what keep us balanced and in touch with the pulse of life.

Adversity strikes everyone in the facial difference community nearly every day. Whether it is an emotional matter or a health-related concern, every person can identify that moment in time where trouble rears its ugly head and sends you spinning out of control. In this "CleftCast," host Joe Rutland talks about learning to smile through adversity and offers helpful tips and suggestions along the way.

The power of our thoughts is something that has been discussed for millennia, whether in the schools of philosphy, religion or social settings. Well, we're going to break down how thoughts do matter within the worldwide facial difference community. In this "re-birth" "CleftCast" podcast, host Joe Rutland will offer some words on how much more powerful kind, loving thoughts can help ease the pain of emotional disturbances versus filling minds with shame, guilt, fear, loneliness and anger. Rutland will talk about where these thoughts do have a place in people's lives, but they don't have to be so dominant. "CleftCast" is pleased to be back on the air!

Sometimes, it is really good to have helping hands support you through life's ups and downs. A recent "CleftCast" podcast discussed this in greater detail. Our "addition" podcast is short, sweet and to the point. Just a little extra love shown ... from host Joe Rutland to others.

There are times in life where the roads get bumpy and helping hands are needed. This is true whether dealing with a child in pain or life's twists and turns become an out-of-control ride. After some time away, "CleftCast" host Joe Rutland gets back in the saddle talking some about his recent adventures. He'll also offer words of encouragement and support for those children, adults and parents looking for peace in the midst of choppy waters. Here is one hint: Helping hands really do help. Subscribe to "CleftCast" at iTunes, Stitcher and Blog Talk Radio.

It is inconceivable that there are situations where people turn violent against those who have facial differences. But it does happen, and it must stop. Physical abuse, which also includes sexual abuse, has no place in a sane world. Living and attending to everyday life as part of the cleft and craniofacial community is difficult enough. This type of behavior makes it harder, and must be faced in spite of whatever fears keep the victims from doing so. Host Joe Rutland talks about this very personal area in this week's "CleftCast."

Many times, people in the cleft and craniofacial community will have a lot of emotions and feelings stirred up inside. You name it. Frustration, sadness, anger, joy, happiness, etc. They all have a tendency to well up ... especially those that are soul-sucking ones and offer no peace and joy over an extended period of time. In this week's "CleftCast," host Joe Rutland talks about taking action around these emotions and offers suggestions toward addressing them. Attached to this description is a worksheet on where you might be emotionally in the moment. Download "CleftCast" at iTunes, Stitcher and Blog Talk Radio. Every minute counts ... and you are loved.

Worksheet link:

http://www.easel.ly/viewEasel/1787853

Everyone has their own journey or path to follow when it comes to their cleft or craniofacial anomaly. It can be stress filled and, at times, funny and humorous. Yet the strand that does tie many people together, in spite of different opinions and thoughts, is our connection within this worldwide community. This week's "CleftCast" talks about following the journey of your life. Host Joe Rutland discusses how following the journey of his life has led to great awareness, painful growth and a semblance of sanity. He also offers three actionable tasks that can help anyone discover their own life's course ... no matter how they look on the outside. Every minute counts ... and you are loved.