Stories that Empower

Watching her mother and grandmother experience alzheimer's disease, encouraged Joan to pursue to educate and empower herself on the disease. She shares the following nuggets of life wisdom:
- there is no way to calculate own personal risk
- we need to be comfortable with the risk of alzheimer's
- good writing is authentic
- educate yourself about alzheimer's at https://alz.org/

Originally from Mount Vernon, New York, Joan Cohen received her BA from Cornell University and her MBA from New York University.

She pursued a career in sales and marketing at computer hardware and software companies until she retired to return to school for an MFA in Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts.

She has been a Massachusetts resident for many years, first living in Newton, where she raised her family, and later in Wayland. She now resides in Stockbridge, in the Berkshires, with her husband and golden retriever.

http://joancohenauthor.com/ 

tags: Joan, Cohen, author, writer, Land, of, Last, Chances, storiesthatempower.com, story, stories, that, empower, empowering, empowerment, inspire, inspiring, inspiration, encourage, encouraging, encouragement, hope, light, podcast, Sean

Randall grew up as a welfare kid, became homeless and considered taking his own life. After winning a $50 million lottery, he became a victim of white collar crime. Randall shares these nuggets of life wisdom: - no matter how dire your situation is there's always hope, - when things get hard, return back to your center (e.g. your family, your faith) - when you go up, don't forget where you come from - ask yourself "what's the silver lining here" - it's amazing what we can accomplish, given the right tools - to whom much is given, much is required https://randall-rush.com/ tags: Randall, Rush, writer, author, 13, Billion, to One, memoir, $50, million, lottery, storiesthatempower.com, story, stories, that, empower, empowering, empowerment, inspire, inspiring, inspiration, encourage, encouraging, encouragement, hope, light, podcast, Sean

Randall grew up as a welfare kid, became homeless and considered taking his own life. After winning a $50 million lottery, he became a victim of white collar crime. Randall shares these nuggets of life wisdom:
- no matter how dire your situation is there's always hope,
- when things get hard, return back to your center (e.g. your family, your faith)
- when you go up, don't forget where you come from
- ask yourself "what's the silver lining here"
- it's amazing what we can accomplish, given the right tools
- to whom much is given, much is required

https://randall-rush.com/

tags:  Randall, Rush, writer, author, 13, Billion, to One, memoir, $50, million, lottery, storiesthatempower.com, story, stories, that, empower, empowering, empowerment, inspire, inspiring, inspiration, encourage, encouraging, encouragement, hope, light, podcast, Sean

Growing up in a loud New York family, Jordan's communication style was very direct. This worked well for him as a Chief Operating Officer. After being fired from his job, Jordan realized that some may have found his direct communication style to be abrasive. So, he started practicing compassion cultivation and mindfulness. As an executive coach, Jordan teaches others to be respectful, tactful and diplomatic, while being authentic. He shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - cultivate compassion - practice mindfulness - if someone is suffering or in pain, try to alleviate that person's pain - instead of viewing yourself as a victim, redefine it as a target - ask yourself what is the opportunity for growth in the challenge Website: https://www.workplacewarriorinc.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/jordangoldrich1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jordan.goldrich Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jordangoldrich LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgoldrich/ tags: Jordan, Goldrich, executive, coach, leadership, development, Workplace Warrior, writer, author, podcasat, host, storiesthatempower.com, story, stories, that, empower, empowering, empowerment, inspire, inspiring, inspiration, encourage, encouraging, encouragement, hope, light, podcast, Sean

Growing up in a loud New York family, Jordan's communication style was very direct. This worked well for him as a Chief Operating Officer. After being fired from his job, Jordan realized that some may have found his direct communication style to be abrasive. So, he started practicing compassion cultivation and mindfulness. As an executive coach, Jordan teaches others to be respectful, tactful and diplomatic, while being authentic.  He shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom:
- cultivate compassion
- practice mindfulness
- if someone is suffering or in pain, try to alleviate that person's pain
- instead of viewing yourself as a victim, redefine it as a target
- ask yourself what is the opportunity for growth in the challenge

Website: https://www.workplacewarriorinc.com 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jordangoldrich1 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jordan.goldrich 
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jordangoldrich 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgoldrich/ 

tags: Jordan, Goldrich, executive, coach, leadership, development, Workplace Warrior, writer, author, podcasat, host, storiesthatempower.com, story, stories, that, empower, empowering, empowerment, inspire, inspiring, inspiration, encourage, encouraging, encouragement, hope, light, podcast, Sean

 

Nora wasn't happy practicing law. She knew she wanted a change, but didn't have the courage to introduce it. Then, one very dramatic incident changed her life. Nora's mother and aunt both passed away, due to a car accident. This gave her the courage to make a change in her life and open a journey into mindfulness. Today, she coaches clients on mindfulness practice and training. Nora shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - mindfulness is an amazing tool that can help us improve our cognition - experiment with mindfulness - mindfulness can change the neural pathways in the brain - there's no guarantee in life - we all struggle with things that are crazy - don't be afraid to ask for help - you are not alone - suggested apps: https://www.headspace.com/headspace-meditation-app https://insighttimer.com/ - suggested books: https://www.amazon.com/Feel-Fear-Do-Anyway/dp/0345487427 https://www.amazon.com/Meditations-to-Change-Your-Brain-audiobook/dp/B0034KHDS0 Nora Riva Bergman brings a unique background to her work as a coach and law practice consultant. She began playing the piano when she was five, but gave it up for the guitar at age 10 and has been playing ever since. After graduating from high school, she worked as professional musician and singer for 10 years before attending college. Music has always been a big part in her life. In fact, the Real Life Practice logo was inspired by the "fermata," a musical notation. After graduating from law school, Nora practiced as an employment law attorney and certified mediator. She has served as an adjunct professor at Stetson University College of Law and the University of South Florida. Nora has also served as the executive director of the St. Petersburg Bar Association, a voluntary bar association with over 1,000 members. And she has spoken at conferences for the American Bar Association, The Florida Bar, and other national and regional bar associations and legal organizations. Nora's background as a musician, attorney, mediator, law professor, and bar executive, coupled with her warm, informal approach, makes her a powerful coach. She understands the challenges lawyers face and all aspects of law practice management from the inside out. https://www.reallifepractice.com/ https://twitter.com/lawfirmcoach https://www.linkedin.com/in/norarivabergman https://www.instagram.com/norarivabergman/ tags: Nora, Riva, Bergman, Real, Life, Practice, coach, consultant, attorney, storiesthatempower.com, story, stories, that, empower, empowering, empowerment, inspire, inspiring, inspiration, encourage, encouraging, encouragement, hope, light, podcast, Sean

Nora wasn't happy practicing law. She knew she wanted a change, but didn't have the courage to introduce it. Then, one very dramatic incident changed her life. Nora's mother and aunt both passed away, due to a car accident. This gave her the courage to make a change in her life and open a journey into mindfulness. Today, she coaches clients on mindfulness practice and training. Nora shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom:
- mindfulness is an amazing tool that can help us improve our cognition
- experiment with mindfulness
- mindfulness can change the neural pathways in the brain
- there's no guarantee in life
- we all struggle with things that are crazy
- don't be afraid to ask for help
- you are not alone
- suggested apps:
https://www.headspace.com/headspace-meditation-app 
https://insighttimer.com/ 
- suggested books:
https://www.amazon.com/Feel-Fear-Do-Anyway/dp/0345487427 
https://www.amazon.com/Meditations-to-Change-Your-Brain-audiobook/dp/B0034KHDS0 

Nora Riva Bergman brings a unique background to her work as a coach and law practice consultant. She began playing the piano when she was five, but gave it up for the guitar at age 10 and has been playing ever since. After graduating from high school, she worked as professional musician and singer for 10 years before attending college. Music has always been a big part in her life. In fact, the Real Life Practice logo was inspired by the “fermata,” a musical notation.

After graduating from law school, Nora practiced as an employment law attorney and certified mediator. She has served as an adjunct professor at Stetson University College of Law and the University of South Florida. Nora has also served as the executive director of the St. Petersburg Bar Association, a voluntary bar association with over 1,000 members. And she has spoken at conferences for the American Bar Association, The Florida Bar, and other national and regional bar associations and legal organizations.

Nora’s background as a musician, attorney, mediator, law professor, and bar executive, coupled with her warm, informal approach, makes her a powerful coach. She understands the challenges lawyers face and all aspects of law practice management from the inside out.

https://www.reallifepractice.com/ 
https://twitter.com/lawfirmcoach 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/norarivabergman 
https://www.instagram.com/norarivabergman/ 

tags: Nora, Riva, Bergman, Real, Life, Practice, coach, consultant, attorney, storiesthatempower.com, story, stories, that, empower, empowering, empowerment, inspire, inspiring, inspiration, encourage, encouraging, encouragement, hope, light, podcast, Sean

 

Virginia looked death in the face, when she nearly lost her spouse. She also started experiencing challenges with her eyesight. Virginia realized that not being to see well helps her see better with her heart. These experiences were opportunities for their growth and for finding more joy in their lives. Virginia shares the following nuggets of life wisdom, which are so applicable in this current time: - be fully alive and present - be real - whatever you're going through, look for the gift in it - find that place of joy or kernel of gratitude - out of desperation, we often find gratitude - gratitude is the vine that helps you climb out of the cave - those who have the least, then to be the most grateful - life is wondrous - the darker it is, that's when you can see the stars - life gives us lessons - find a way to work with the trauma, your body and your spirit - embrace each day with as much joy as possible Virginia A. Simpson, PhD, FT is a bereavement care specialist and the Executive Counseling Director for hundreds of funeral homes throughout the United States and Canada. She is the founder of The Mourning Star Center for grieving children and their families, which she ran from 1995 to 2005. She is the author of the memoir The Space Between (She Writes Press, April 2016) about her years as her mother's caregiver and the journey to heal their relationship before her mother's death. Simpson has appeared on numerous television and radio programs. She holds a Fellowship in Thanatology from the Association for Death Education & Counseling (ADEC), and has been honored for her work by the cities of Indian Wells, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, and Rancho Mirage. She lives in El Dorado Hills, California with her husband Bob and golden retriever Shelby. https://virginiaasimpson.com/ tags: Virginia, A, Simpson, bereavement, care, specialist, executive, counseling, director, writer, author, The, Space, Between, storiesthatempower.com, story, stories, that, empower, empowering, empowerment, inspire, inspiring, inspiration, encourage, encouraging, encouragement, hope, light, podcast, Sean

Virginia looked death in the face, when she nearly lost her spouse. She also started experiencing challenges with her eyesight. Virginia realized that not being to see well helps her see better with her heart. These experiences were opportunities for their growth and for finding more joy in their lives. Virginia shares the following nuggets of life wisdom, which are so applicable in this current time:
- be fully alive and present
- be real
- whatever you're going through, look for the gift in it
- find that place of joy or kernel of gratitude
- out of desperation, we often find gratitude
- gratitude is the vine that helps you climb out of the cave
- those who have the least, then to be the most grateful
- life is wondrous
- the darker it is, that's when you can see the stars
- life gives us lessons
- find a way to work with the trauma, your body and your spirit
- embrace each day with as much joy as possible

Virginia A. Simpson, PhD, FT is a bereavement care specialist and the Executive Counseling Director for hundreds of funeral homes throughout the United States and Canada. She is the founder of The Mourning Star Center for grieving children and their families, which she ran from 1995 to 2005. She is the author of the memoir The Space Between (She Writes Press, April 2016) about her years as her mother’s caregiver and the journey to heal their relationship before her mother’s death. Simpson has appeared on numerous television and radio programs. She holds a Fellowship in Thanatology from the Association for Death Education & Counseling (ADEC), and has been honored for her work by the cities of Indian Wells, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, and Rancho Mirage. She lives in El Dorado Hills, California with her husband Bob and golden retriever Shelby.

https://virginiaasimpson.com/ 

tags:  Virginia, A, Simpson, bereavement, care, specialist, executive, counseling, director, writer, author, The, Space, Between, storiesthatempower.com, story, stories, that, empower, empowering, empowerment, inspire, inspiring, inspiration, encourage, encouraging, encouragement, hope, light, podcast, Sean

 

Ilene lost her mother and sister. Events outside of her control affected her life. Ilene struggled as a single mother on welfare. Then, she began to go on a journey of who she is and what matters to her. Ilene learned that she is resilient, has life skills and experiences. Her self compassion grew, she became proud of herself and recognized that she has wisdom to share with others. Today, as a therapist, Ilene helps those that are trying to figure out who they are. She shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom: - be present - you can get through it with a bigger heart and wisdom - learning how to deal with loss and grief brings humility and gratitude - start writing your story - seeing the difference between feelings and reality can be liberating - thoughts and feelings are not the same - have the courage to put one foot in front of the other - ask for help - reach out and lend a hand to someone that is struggling Ilene was an early psychedelic pioneer, experimenting with LSD during a time when it was still legal, and its effects not yet fully comprehended. During the early sixties, she, along with an entire community of fellow trippers, innocently thought that they could change the world into one that valued love over materialism, particularly though the use of psychedelic drugs. Years later, Ilene is now a licensed psychotherapist. She helps people reunite with their innate wisdom, so they can experience more of the love, connection and happiness that she believes is every human's birthright. She helps people develop a deep knowing of who they are and what they stand for. Her book "Hippie Chick, Coming of Age in the 60s" is her discovery about herself and life, and her journey to become who she is today. She is happy to connect with readers. https://www.hippiechickmemoir.com/ https://www.therapygroups.com/ tags: Ilene, English, writer, author, Hippie, Chick, memoir, therapist, mental, health, professional, psychotherapy, storiesthatempower.com, story, stories, that, empower, empowering, empowerment, inspire, inspiring, inspiration, encourage, encouraging, encouragement, hope, light, podcast, Sean