When I curate photos, as a photographer, I have to decide which ones are relevant, which ones are beautiful, which ones take me back to a time or place or situation, which ones are most likely to be valued by the recipient or by me, and can I get rid of the rest? 

Curating life is much the same. What things matter most? What are the greatest distractions in my life? If you were to take the experiences of your life and display them on a wall, sort of a panorama of your loves and your losses, the good and the bad, the lifespan of who you really have become, the picture of who you really are on the inside, the picture of what your life has contained... what are the greatest distractions?  

The third thing I would invite you to write down is, "if I am distracted from what matters most, what do I lose?" if you're distracted from something unimportant, you don't lose much. But if you're distracted from those things that matter most, you may lose a great deal. 

We live in a world full of distraction. Some of the distractions are really tasty. Some of them are really exciting. Are you willing to let them go? Are you willing to let the focus be the focus? 

I invite you to curate your life and join me in that exercise.   

Quotes referenced in this podcast are taken from:

• https://www.npr.org/2013/05/10/182861382/the-myth-of-multitasking
• https://www.breakthetwitch.com/minimalism/

In this podcast, Nathan discusses the importance of The Three R's™: Respect, Respond, and Redirect™. Nathan helps us understand and address the underlying emotions driving disruptive behavior to effectively defuse conflicts.

Illustrated by an incident during a training session in New York City, Nathan explains how to effectively handle interruptions and conflicts in multiple settings, including work, family, and public interactions. By sharing a story where a participant's disruptive behavior was met with understanding and engagement rather than dismissal, the speaker highlights the importance of recognizing the underlying issues behind someone's behavior. 

I invite you to find me on Instagram @natesschoolofthought, or go to natewalkercoaching.com/contact-1 and share your thoughts, notes, comments, or aspirations in the comments section. Tell me how I can help you best, and we'll schedule some time together, free of charge, to discuss it. 
 
 Let me know if there are topics you would like me to discuss, and as always, please share this podcast if you find it helpful.

In this episode, I share personal reflections on my 40-year marriage journey with my wife, starting from our humble beginnings with no understanding of how to navigate life together, to celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary. I recount the challenges we faced, including financial difficulties, the birth of our children, and the trials of raising a family, with a focus on the spontaneous and unpredictable nature of life. Despite the hardships, I highlight the importance of gratitude, growth, and the realization that life's meaning is shaped by our responses to experiences. Through the story, I talk about hope, resilience, and the endless potential for learning and becoming better, including an inspiring quote from Jordan Peterson. Ultimately, I encourages you to search for beauty and meaning in your own lives, recognizing the eternal nature of important, true, and real things.

I invite you to find me on Instagram @natesschoolofthought, or go to natewalkercoaching.com/contact-1 and share your thoughts, notes, comments, or aspirations in the comments section. Tell me how I can help you best, and we'll schedule some time together, free of charge, to discuss it. 
 
 Let me know if there are topics you would like me to discuss, and as always, please share this podcast if you find it helpful.

This podcast delves into the profound impact stories have on individuals and societies, illustrating through historical and literary examples how narratives can inspire change, dictate perceptions, and influence actions. It discusses the effect of literature like Sun Tzu's 'The Art of War', the moral dilemmas in Victor Hugo's 'Les Miserables', the deceptive tranquility in Nazi Germany during the 1936 Berlin Olympics, and the motivational power of Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense' during the American Revolutionary War. I emphasize the dual nature of stories to both build and destroy, and urge listeners to consciously choose and curate the narratives they tell themselves and others. Highlighting the permanence of practiced thoughts and actions, I encourage you to focus on positive, virtuous, and noble ideas to to build the story that becomes a fulfilling life.

I can help you get where you want to go. Message me on Instagram @natesschoolofthought, or click the Contact link on my website: https://natewalkercoaching.com.

Revitalizing Relationships: Don't Let Your Bonds Become Stagnant

In this heartfelt talk, I share analogies that  highlight the importance of keeping relationships fresh, just like spring water. I emphasize the concept of honoring the 'bids', or attempts at connection, from others, to encourage healthy progress in relationships. Stagnant water in a stream is akin to stagnant relationships and in this podcast, I underline the significance of 'emotional deposits' in ensuring the prosperous flow of relationships.

I can help you get where you want to go. Message me on Instagram @natesschoolofthought, or click the Contact link on my website: https://natewalkercoaching.com.

Episode 78

Happiness  and Change, No Matter What Others Think: Confronting Self-Consciousness & Embracing Your Ability To Become

In this reflective talk, Nathan discusses the often subtle insecurities we carry about our appearances and how these thoughts can impact us. He deciphers how insecurity is common, and that the best way to confront it is by shifting our focus from how we look, to the value we provide to others. Nathan talks about the importance of dressing appropriately and the influence it has on our self-perception and performance. Additionally, he critiques an attitude of superiority based on appearances and encourages us to pursue the positive changes we can make in ourselves, whether it's related to appearance, fitness or attitude. In conclusion, Nathan empowers the viewers to retain their personal power, to be the person they aspire to be, and to not give away their power to others' opinions.

I can help you get where you want to go. Message me on Instagram @natesschoolofthought, or click the Contact link on my website: https://natewalkercoaching.com.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections

00:33 Dealing with Self-Consciousness

01:49 The Impact of Appearance and Dress

02:51 The Danger of Superiority Complex

03:29 Embracing and Improving How You Are Seen

03:50 Addressing Perceptions and Judgements

04:31 Dealing with Unfairness and Challenges

07:28 The Power of Attitude and Response

09:21 Choosing Happiness and Personal Power

10:36 The Journey to Self-Improvement

12:08 Embracing Your Identity and Potential

13:37 Conclusion: The Power of Choice

Podcast 77: Regret, Loneliness, and Good Things To Come

In this episode, Nathan discusses the experience of regret and provides a deeper exploration of the feelings that arise during the holiday season. He urges the listener to not dwell on past mistakes and instead embrace the learning opportunities they provide. Reinforcing this point, Nathan quotes John Greenleaf Whittier and Henry David Thoreau about regret. Nathan discusses the choices we make, and the importance of accepting responsibility for these choices to gain personal power and influence outcomes. He suggests that, instead of trying to erase past experiences, it is healthier and more fruitful to make those experiences meaningful. Nathan concludes with a reflection on the story of the baby prophesied by Isaiah, who grew to suffer for humanity, and offer hope and healing. He encourages listeners to look forward with faith, learning from past mistakes, and celebrate hope this Christmas.

00:01 Introduction: Contemplating Regret

00:40 Understanding the Downward Spiral of Regret

01:40 The Dangers of Dwelling on 'It Might Have Been'

02:21 The Complexity of Choices and Regret

03:37 Taking Responsibility for Our Choices

04:31 Dealing with Regrets of Unmade Choices

05:11 Turning Regret into a Learning Experience

05:49 The Importance of Moving Forward from Regret

06:09 Finding Meaning in Loneliness and Difficulty

06:39 Finding Hope in the Story of Christmas

08:02 Conclusion: Embracing the Future with Hope


I can help you get where you want to go. Message me on Instagram @natesschoolofthought, or click the Contact link on my website: https://natewalkercoaching.com.

This episode is titled "Podcast 76: Childhood Trauma, Adult Shame, and Grace." It follows Nathan’s personal experience of feeling ashamed and embarrassed after nearly missing a VIP dinner at an event he was invited to. He reflects on the childhood trauma that can trigger similar emotions and reactions in adult relationships. Nathan’s counsel emphasizes the importance of giving grace and understanding to others who may be responding from their past experiences.

I am willing and ready to help you. Find me on Instagram @natesschoolofthought, or on the web at natewalkercoaching.com.

This episode is  podcast 75:  Gratitude - the Wonder Drug." In it, Nathan talks about the power and benefits of gratitude. He shares a personal experience from his youth on the farm, where he felt overwhelmed with gratitude for his family and everything he had. He then goes on to discuss various studies and research that show how gratitude can improve sleep, mood, immunity, decrease depression and anxiety, strengthen relationships, promote generosity, and more. Nathan concludes by expressing gratitude towards his listeners and wishing them a happy Thanksgiving.

Articles referenced in this podcast include:

• https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/can-expressing-gratitude-improve-health
• https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2022/11/practicing-gratitude/
• https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/September-2016/When-Looking-for-Happiness-Find-Gratitude
• https://namica.org/blog/the-impact-of-gratitude-on-mental-health/
• https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/is_gratitude_good_for_your_health
• https://time.com/5026174/health-benefits-of-gratitude/

I can help you get where you want to go. Message me on Instagram @natesschoolofthought, or click the Contact link on my website: https://natewalkercoaching.com.