When life throws you lemons, make lemonade; when you think the world is a dark place, look out for the helpers; there is always a silver lining. There are many platitudes we offer when people face hardship and sometimes, they're not very helpful - because you're allowed your pain and validation in your struggles. However, life's a balancing act, and if you allow challenges - and obstacles - to become your full and all-consuming storyline and focus, you're likely to enter a bleak state of mind that can be truly harmful to your emotional wellbeing. And let's be honest, 2020 was a rubbish year globally! It was full of pain and hurt. Even for those who made the most of this year, or who enjoyed the slower pace and the introversion paradise of lockdown, there was no denying the pain others felt. Looking at life and seeing sour lemons as an opportunity to make lemon meringue pie, lemon drizzle cake or lemonade is a choice but sometimes the sourness can feel so overwhelming that it doesn't seem that way - I get it. Been there, done that! And that's why I created the podcast and started interviewing ordinary people who had faced real hardship and yet has used this as a motivator and springboard for better things to come, who refused to let these obstacles become their dominant story - and in so doing, became extra-ordinary people, not due to fame and fortune but by choosing a life of purpose and joy rather than sorrow and fear. Each week (Monday), I'll share a new interview with someone who's faced an obstacle and refused to let it define them or hinder them in their goals, dreams or wants for a better outcome or life. The idea - the hope - is that these stories will inspire you if you're feeling stuck and unhappy or if you're struggling with your own obstacles and give you the motivation to turn your own story into one of options, opportunities, learning, and growth. I'm one of those annoying people who believe that there is no such thing as a failure, only a learning curve.
I'm Teri Kansted, and I'm originally from Denmark but ran away from adulthood and responsibilities when I was 21 and never returned to Denmark - or any real responsibilities or 'adulting' (as us Millennials like to call it). I'm now settled in Scotland where I work as a narrative coach (meaning, I help you see how the story you tell about yourself, life, and the people in it might be hindering you in moving forward and creating the life you want for yourself, examining your belief system and assumptions and create a more empowering story). I love writing and never thought I'd be the sort of person to start a podcast (who out there likes the sound of their own voice!?) but here I am! With everything going on and so much that feels out of my control (though is it?), I wanted to create as much fun and joy as possible for myself during 2021 which has meant starting this project of getting to hear other people's fantastic, life-affirming stories, writing about things I'm passionate about, and meeting new, fascinating people from all walks of life across the world.
