Stories that Empower

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 place of belonging that you call home - strive to have a safe place of refuge to go to - we cannot solve anything with anger - it is much harder to practice love and kindness - forgiveness is at the heart of it - feel the depth of your 'self' and your voice - allow your heart to expand - we all have inner voices to listen to - there can lay a dormant higher, truer self that is capable of love, creativeness and happiness - follow the path you're searching - don't be afraid to open up, listen and follow your inspirations - strive to see the see the 'we/us/you' of the world - go forward with an open heart and courage https://cindyrasicot.com tags: Cindy, Rasicot, writer, author, Finding, Venerable, Mother, Daughter's, Spiritual, Quest, Thailand, story, stories, that, empower, empowering, empowerment, inspire, inspiring, inspiration, encourage, encouraging, encouragement, hope, light, podcast, Sean, https://storiesthatempower.com

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 options. He could either believe the words of his martial arts instructors, where he was taught that he can do anything he puts his mind to. Alternatively, Mark could believe the doctors and feel that there's no hope. He chose the former. Mark feels that the disease is just another sparing partner opponent and he doesn't know how he's going to do it. However, he knows he must believe that winning is a possibility. Mark shares the following nuggets of life wisdom: - humor is often our best tool in our arsenal - remain open and flexible - be willing to adapt and adjust - challenges can feel isolating, so find others like you - form your own journey and story - believe that winning is a possibility https://hopeforataxia.org https://www.facebook.com/hopeforataxia https://www.instagram.com/hopeforataxia tags: Mark, Desa, Hope, for, Ataxia, personal, trainer, martial, arts, coach, story, stories, that, empower, empowering, empowerment, inspire, inspiring, inspiration, encourage, encouraging, encouragement, hope, light, podcast, Sean, https://storiesthatempower.com

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 compartmentalize her life helped her to stay afloat and be a survivor. Valerie shares the following nuggets of life wisdom: - you can get through it and get to the other side - accept what you can and cannot control - accept responsibility for things that are in our control - go forward with your life - there's nothing stronger than a broken woman, who has rebuilt herself - seek therapy - it's good to talk with someone who's unbiased https://valerietaylorauthor.com [email protected] tags: Valerie, Taylor, writer, author, What's, Not, Said, What's, Not, True, story, stories, that, empower, empowering, empowerment, inspire, inspiring, inspiration, encourage, encouraging, encouragement, hope, light, podcast, Sean, https://storiesthatempower.com

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 trauma. He hopes that his book can serve as a healing tool for others and shows them that there's someone who understands their experience. Phil shares the following nuggets of life wisdom: - it's ok to speak out - you can heal - allow you to live your true, authentic self - silence about abuse only perpetuates more abuse - it's an act of bravery to speak up - there's so many different facets to trauma - forgive yourself for not speaking up - find a trauma informed therapist - you are not alone - it's nothing to be ashamed of - it's ok to tell someone you trust https://www.philagoldstein.com tags: Phil, Goldstein, poet, journalist, content, marketer, childhood, sexual, abuse, survivor, How, to, Bury, a, Boy, at, Sea, story, stories, that, empower, empowering, empowerment, inspire, inspiring, inspiration, encourage, encouraging, encouragement, hope, light, podcast, Sean https://storiesthatempower.com

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 following powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - find within yourself that which is magnificent - identify with something that is greater than yourself - find quiet serenity - ask yourself "is that my story or someone else's story?" - we have the ability to change our stories - sit in quiet or be in nature to connect to a rhythm - recognize our emotional baggage and let go of it - we are not helpless - bring our energies up to a higher level - strive to be grateful - gratitude is a quick way to move from fear to love - live your authentic life - change is the order of the day - growth means change - strive to look at change as an adventure To receive the first 3 chapters of Jean's book for free, email her at [email protected] and mention this podcast interview. https://spiritualtransformation.com tags: Jean, Walters, personal, growth, consultant, teacher, author, lecturer, motivate, inspire, lead, story, stories, that, empower, empowering, empowerment, inspire, inspiring, inspiration, encourage, encouraging, encouragement, hope, light, podcast, Sean, https://storiesthatempower.com

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 generosity from a supportive community and mentors. They empowered her to become what she wanted to become. Michelle now helps other aspiring writers. She shares these nuggets of life wisdom: - see the joy in it - be open to take a risk - be willing to be critiqued - look for a mentor - you need to have a community around you - you don't need to do it alone https://michelle-cameron.com tags: Michelle, Cameron, author, poet, writing, instructor, freelance, writer, story, stories, that, empower, empowering, empowerment, inspire, inspiring, inspiration, encourage, encouraging, encouragement, hope, light, podcast, Sean https://storiesthatempower.com

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 the people we've loved and touched - we can normalize the conversation around death - have end of life conversations and make those decisions - sometimes, we need to shift focus and pick a different path - there are multiple parts to all of us Martha invites you to join her at her free virtual book launch party on Thursday, November 11 at 7:00 PM Eastern. Here is the link to join: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-book-launch-party-tickets-185081552907 https://www.fivestoneswellness.com/ tags: Martha, Calihan, MD, integrative, holistic, medicine, Loudoun, Virginia, story, stories, that, empower, empowering, empowerment, inspire, inspiring, inspiration, encourage, encouraging, encouragement, hope, light, podcast, Sean https://storiesthatempower.com

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 found compassion and an incredible sense of freedom that she didn't even know she needed. Elizabeth shares the following powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - it is healing to name things - there's freedom that comes by putting things to words - forgiveness is our superpower - by using forgiveness, we find freedom - redemption is powerful - when we forgive, we can find freedom from our past https://elizabethbbristol.com tags: Elizabeth, Bristol, writer, author, Mary, Me, One, Woman, Incredible, Journey, with, God, story, stories, that, empower, empowering, empowerment, inspire, inspiring, inspiration, encourage, encouraging, encouragement, hope, light, podcast, Sean https://storiesthatempower.com

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 his dream at the age of 25. Aaron shares the following nuggets of wisdom: - know what you are capable of - if you are driven to achieve your dream, then you can - being told 'no' can be a blessing in disguise - focus on your goal and dream - don't give up - put people around you that enable you to succeed - get creative - know the impact that you can make on individuals - focus on moving forward - keep an open mind mentality http://www.revolvingmind.com tags: Aaron, Zack, Revolving, Mind, Media, marketing, brand, athlete, @aaronzack21, story, stories, that, empower, empowering, empowerment, inspire, inspiring, inspiration, encourage, encouraging, encouragement, hope, light, podcast, Sean https://storiesthatempower.com

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 wisdom: - don't let anyone make you afraid of something that's new and different - life will direct us if we look and listen - trust that we're going to be directed beyond our physical senses - you are bigger and brighter than you can imagine - there is a way out - joy, peace and love - allow yourself to be loved and nurtured https://www.listenwithlorie.com tags: Lorie, Gelsheimer, inspire, dream, listen, with, Lorie, Empowering, Life, Stories, story, stories, that, empower, empowering, empowerment, inspire, inspiring, inspiration, encourage, encouraging, encouragement, hope, light, podcast, Sean, https://storiesthatempower.com