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In this powerful episode of "The Motion of Gratitude," host Shannon Missimer sits down with Alicia Smith, a best-selling author, educator, TEDx presenter, and a woman of remarkable resilience. Alicia opens up about her life-altering experience of being caught in a gang-related shooting and her incredible journey of recovery and personal growth. She discusses the harmful nature of advice that suggests simply "getting over" trauma and advocates for acceptance and integration as pathways to true healing.

Alicia highlights the importance of shifting our perspective on traumatic experiences, embracing them, and allowing them to shape us without controlling our lives. She shares insights from her TEDx talk, "A Guide to Resilience and Joy After Trauma," and provides practical tools like the "gratitude pause" to combat negative thoughts.

Throughout their conversation, Alicia’s vulnerability and wisdom shine through, offering guidance and hope to listeners navigating their own dark times. She emphasizes that trauma comes in many forms and reminds us that self-acceptance is crucial for holistic well-being.

Join us as we explore themes of gratitude, presence, and the profound impact of resilience. Follow Alicia's inspiring story on her website aliciasmithspeaks.com and learn how you too can embrace life's changes and find empowerment through acceptance.

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In this inspiring episode of "Motion of Gratitude," host Shannon Missimer sits down with Mandy DiMarzo, the dedicated athlete and founder of "Burn," an innovative online workout platform that has become a global community. Mandy shares her deeply personal journey from battling overuse injuries and an eating disorder to becoming a beacon of strength and resilience for many.

Throughout the conversation, Mandy reveals the genesis of "Burn" – her sweat family that emerged during the pandemic to keep people motivated and connected through daily live classes. She discusses the power of authenticity, the importance of community, and how sharing personal struggles can inspire and uplift others.

Mandy emphasizes the significance of self-care, gratitude, and the ongoing process of redefining strength and success. Listeners will gain valuable insights from her TEDx talk on overcoming life's challenges and her empowering philosophy of making positive daily choices. Mandy's raw and authentic storytelling, coupled with her relentless pursuit of mental, emotional, and physical well-being, is sure to inspire and motivate.

Join Shannon and Mandy as they delve into the transformative power of perseverance, community support, and the relentless pursuit of a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Highlights:

• Mandy DiMarzo's journey and the birth of "Burn" during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The importance of authenticity and accessibility in fitness.
• Overcoming personal struggles, including eating disorders and mental health barriers.
• Empowering messages from Mandy's TEDx talk on resilience and growth.
• Discussions on redefining strength, success, and the role of perspective.
• Practical advice for maintaining well-being through holistic approaches.

Tune in for an episode filled with heartfelt stories, practical tips, and the inspiring message that no matter how difficult life gets, there's always a path to recovery and empowerment.

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In this insightful episode of The Motion of Gratitude, host Shannon Missimer sits down with the dynamic duo, Evan and Susan Money, who share their transformative journey of sustaining a marriage filled with love, growth, and continuous recommitment. Married for over 30 years and having celebrated 33 weddings to each other, Evan and Susan offer a wealth of wisdom and practical advice for couples.

The episode delves into the importance of intentionality in relationships, emphasizing that marriage is a dynamic and ever-evolving commitment. Evan shares his realization during the early years of his marriage about the value of coaching and how continuous improvement in marriage is akin to the practice needed for athletes. Susan discusses the critical role of understanding each other's love languages and keeping one another’s 'love tank' full.

They introduce a refreshing perspective on continuously renewing vows in different locations as a means to keep the relationship vibrant and stress-free. Evan and Susan also highlight the significance of building daily habits and routines, such as morning affirmations and disconnecting from electronics, to foster a strong and peaceful partnership.

Listeners will discover how guardrails and proactive measures (‘prehab’) can prevent potential relationship pitfalls and the profound impact of shared experiences on personal growth and intimacy. The episode concludes with details on their free vow renewal handbook and exclusive retreats designed for couples seeking to strengthen their bonds.

Join Shannon, Evan, and Susan for an engaging conversation that reminds us of the beauty in intentional living and the ongoing journey of love and connection.

Tune in to learn:

• How intentionality and continuous growth are key in sustaining a strong marriage.
• The dynamic and constantly evolving nature of marital relationships.
• The importance of understanding and applying the "5 Love Languages."
• Tips for creating meaningful daily habits and routines.
• The benefits and philosophy behind regular vow renewals.
• Insights into the Money's retreats and resources for marriage enrichment.

Don't miss out on this heartwarming and enriching episode of The Motion of Gratitude!

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• Follow us on social media @TheMotionofGratitude for more content related to holistic well-being. 

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In this compelling episode of "The Motion of Gratitude," host Shannon Missimer sits down with Ted Rath, the Vice President of Player Performance for the Philadelphia Eagles. Fresh off a season that saw all 22 starters available in Super Bowl 57, Ted shares invaluable insights from a career spanning 16 professional seasons and multiple accolades, including two NFL Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year awards.

Join us as Ted delves into the intricacies of creating outcome-based goals, the importance of a process-focused mindset, and the concept of "zoom ability"—the ability to detach emotionally for a broader perspective. Ted discusses how these principles go beyond the realm of sports, resonating in business, personal growth, and daily life. Learn how he applies holistic approaches to performance, considering mind, body, and soul, and why deep conversations and vulnerability are essential for genuine connections.

Shannon and Ted's dialogue underscores the challenges posed by our tech-centric world, emphasizing the dual impact of overstimulation and disconnection, especially on men's ability to form deep connections. They talk about leveraging sports experiences for life's highs and lows, the role of spirituality and mental health, and the pursuit of building a meaningful legacy over merely impressive resumes.

Ted also shares practical advice on daily routines for success, including his morning "daily deposits" of worship, workout, and writing, and a unique "Toe Test" to kickstart your day. Personal anecdotes about fatherhood and intentional parenting add a touching layer to this rich conversation.

Don't miss this inspiring episode filled with stories of resilience, grit, and the power of showing up. Listen in to learn from Ted Rath's journey and apply his holistic performance philosophy to elevate your own life.

For more information on connecting with Ted Rath and updates on his upcoming book, check the show notes. Continue your journey of gratitude and growth with the "Motion of Gratitude" program, available on multiple podcast platforms.

Connect with Ted Rath: LinkedIn | All Social Platforms: TEDRAS or TEDRAS Train Coach

Hosted by: Shannon Missimer

Tune in now for an episode that promises to elevate your mindset and inspire actionable change!

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In this compelling episode of the The Motion of Gratitude podcast, host Shannon Missimer sits down with Michelle Schultheis, the principal consultant of Everarch Consulting, to explore the profound shifts that led her from a hectic corporate HR life to prioritizing family joy and launching her own business. Michelle recounts the significant losses and personal health crisis that forced her to reevaluate her priorities, shedding light on the pivotal moments that reshaped her perspective.

Driven by a passion to support others, Michelle embarked on her entrepreneurial journey with Everarch Consulting, offering innovative HR solutions to small businesses. She delves into the creative and customized approaches needed in HR, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, trust, and empowering employees. The conversation touches on the challenges of small businesses lacking in-house HR resources and the benefits of fractional HR support.

Michelle and Shannon delve deeply into the nuances of work culture, intergenerational differences in the workforce, and the evolving importance of leave – from maternity and paternity to mental health. They discuss the critical need for smooth transitions back into the workplace and the role strategic HR plays in fostering a supportive environment.

Join us as we explore the diverse aspects of HR, from compliance and employee relations to performance reviews and succession planning. Michelle's insights offer valuable guidance for businesses striving to create better work dynamics and a culture of trust and creativity.

Toward the end, Shannon shares how listeners can engage further by exploring more offerings at motionofgratitude.com and emphasizes the importance of creativity and alignment in one's work journey. Tune in for this heartfelt conversation full of actionable insights and inspiration.

**Listen now and follow us on social media! Subscribe to the Lou Diamond podcast on your favorite platform to stay updated with our latest episodes.**

**Guest:** Michelle Schultheis, Principal Consultant at Everarch Consulting

**Host:** Shannon Missimer

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The Power of Audacity and Resilience with Erika Rothenberger

In this empowering episode of The Motion of Gratitude, host Shannon Missimer sits down with the incredible Erika Rothenberger to explore the transformative power of resilience, grace, and intentional living.

Erika Rothenberger, a corporate professional turned wellness leader, podcaster, and author, shares her remarkable journey from surviving a traumatic assault to thriving through audacity and self-belief. She opens up about the harrowing event on June 16, 2020, and how it led her to a path of forgiveness and inspiration.

Together, Shannon and Erika discuss the importance of self-reflection, checking in with oneself, and maintaining a positive influence on those around us. Erika emphasizes the significance of gratitude, connecting with nature, and being intentional in our daily actions. She also delves into the value of surrounding ourselves with a "board of directors"—a supportive community that helps us grow.

Listeners will glean valuable insights from Erika’s BOLD method for living life audaciously and authentically. Erika also shares personal anecdotes about motherhood, including how her son’s entrepreneurial spirit motivates her to be a role model.

Tune in to this episode for a dose of inspiration, actionable advice, and the motivation to live a life full of purpose and resilience.

**Key Takeaways:**

- The benefits of self-reflection and belief during challenging times.

- How to leverage personal trauma as a source of growth and empowerment.

- The importance of audacity and bold actions in achieving life goals.

- Strategies for intentional living and making meaningful connections.

- The role of motherhood in personal and professional transformation.

Don’t miss this heartening conversation that promises to leave you feeling inspired and ready to embrace the power of audacity in your own life.

**Connect with Erika Rothenberger:**

- Erika's Website

- Erika on Instagram

This episode is brought to you by the Motion of Gratitude podcast. Subscribe and join us in making the most of every chance life offers!

For any listener inspired by Erika’s story, this episode invites you to reflect on your own journey and find the courage to take bold steps toward a more intentional and impactful life. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!

#Resilience #Audacity #IntentionalLiving #Motherhood #Inspiration 

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Welcome to Season 3 of the The Motion of Gratitude Podcast! In this exciting premiere, hosts Shannon Missimer brings back her husband Matthew Missimer.

The two delve into profound personal transformations and the pursuit of genuine happiness. Matthew shares his enlightening journey of moving away from materialism and discovering deeper fulfillment, starting with his transformative experiences in Costa Rica. The couple reflects on their major life changes, including selling their Utah home, moving into a historic 1700s farmhouse, and how these shifts have impacted their outlook on life.

Shannon takes listeners through their two distinct phases of adulthood: an initial focus on external achievements and a current journey towards internal re-identification and integration. As they discuss the significance of their new home, Matthew and Shannon open up about the importance of gratitude, presence, and establishing new foundations for living.

Stay tuned as Matthew talks about his book, "The Paradox of Having Your Shit Together," and how it aligns with their life philosophies. The Missimers share their adventures, family decisions, and how intentional gratitude and empathy have guided their path. 

Join us for an inspirational episode that promises insights into living a more connected, meaningful life.

Don’t forget to explore more about gratitude practices at themotionofgratitude.com and follow us on social media @themotionofgratitude. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform to never miss an episode!

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Joel Zuckerman shares his journey of writing over 250 letters of appreciation and the impact it has had on his life. He discusses the seven pillars of expressive gratitude, including how it makes the writer and recipient feel good, fosters a positive ripple effect, and leaves a lasting legacy. Joel also introduces his upcoming book, 'Gratitude Tiger,' which emphasizes the importance of proactively experiencing gratitude. In this conversation, Joel Zuckerman and Shannon Missimer discuss the power of gratitude and its impact on mental and emotional well-being. They explore the difference between reactive and proactive gratitude, emphasizing the importance of expressing gratitude rather than keeping it silent. Joel shares his personal experience of practicing gratitude during a challenging time after a serious accident in Peru. He highlights the perspective shift that gratitude brings and how it helps him cope with difficulties. 

You can learn more about Joel at GratitudeTiger.com, where he offers speaking engagements and resources on gratitude.

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• Follow us on social media @TheMotionofGratitude for more content related to holistic well-being. 

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In this episode of the Motion of Gratitude podcast, Shannon Missimer interviews her Incredible friend Laura Di Francesco. Laura shares her diverse range of businesses and passions, including her law firm (Dean Street Law) , lifestyle brand, Flourish ( co-working space)  and Ethereal Farm ( Her gorgeous Air BnB in Southern PA!). Laura shares her mindset shift towards embracing her multi-passionate nature and finding balance in her life.  They dive deep into the idea of being a renaissance woman when the world is saying to niche down.  Laura  shares her insights into what has allowed her to navigate the logic of law, with the free flow of her lifestyle brand and her many incredible hobbies.   She shares her journey to becoming a lawyer and her mission to provide equitable access to legal information and the approach she takes to make law approachable to business and entrepreneurs.  Laura shares her exciting news about running for Miss Pennsylvania USA pageant and her incredible perspective of how she lives her life. 

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Background

03:48
Embracing Multi-Passionate Nature and Finding Balance

06:21
Taking Small Steps and Being a Student of Yourself

10:26
Navigating Between Analytical and Creative Pursuits

22:39
The Power of Participating in Pageants

If you are as excited as we are to follow along on Laura's journey you can find all her information below! 

Here's where you can find Laura on Social Media:
INSTAGRAM:
@lauradifrancesco
@deanstreetlaw
@flourishwestchester
@etherealfarms

Laura's Website:
lauradifrancesco.co

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Dr. Amit Kakar, owner of Avalon Pharmacy, shares his journey of prioritizing family over business and the importance of being present and connected with his wife and children. He shares his personal family tools to foster open communication and understanding. Dr. Kakar also highlights the significance of vulnerability as a parent, and how it creates a safe space for children to open up and seek guidance. He discusses the challenges men face and the importance of finding like-minded individuals who can provide support and understanding. Dr. Kakar also touches on the prevalence of mental health struggles and the role of mindset in overcoming them. The conversation focuses on the importance of mindset, nutrition, and fitness in promoting mental wellness. To here the perspective of a pharmacist, who has given out more than 3 Million prescriptions, and of that 3 Million, 70% are for mental health, Amit has a beautiful perspective on focusing on our wellbeing and what he is doing to help! Check out his story, and all the incredible tools he has to offer!

You can learn more about Dr. Amit's programs through:
@amitkakarpharmd
www.amitkakar.net


Takeaways

• Prioritize family over business and be present and connected with your spouse and children.
• Hold Sunday family meetings to discuss the upcoming week and ensure everyone is on the same page.
• Create separate one-on-one time with each child to foster open communication and understanding.
• Practice vulnerability as a parent and apologize when necessary, creating a safe space for children to open up.
• Seek like-minded individuals who can provide support and understanding in the journey of parenthood.
• Recognize the prevalence of mental health struggles and the importance of mindset in overcoming them. Mindset plays a crucial role in shaping one's perspective and influencing the mindset of children.
• Nutrition has a significant impact on mental health, and education and awareness in this area are essential.
• Being an example for children and maintaining a united front as parents is crucial.
• Resilience and the ability to bounce back from setbacks are important for personal growth.
• Paying attention to details and being in tune with one's role as a parent is essential.

Chapters

00:00
Choosing to Be a Family Man with a Business

02:37
The Power of Sunday Family Meetings

09:40
Creating One-on-One Time with Each Child

11:31
The Importance of Vulnerability and Apologizing

14:49
Finding Support in Like-Minded Individuals

24:44
The Power of Mindset

26:42
The Golden Statues: Diet, Mindset, and Fitness

30:03
The Impact of Nutrition on Mental Wellness

38:28
The Importance of Resilience and Bouncing Back

46:52
Being an Example and Maintaining a United Front

50:50
Paying Attention to Details as a Parent

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