157 Janna Lopez
Stories that Empower
Janna experienced grief in her midlife and her internal dialogue felt interrupted. She spent two weeks in a casita (a small house) by herself, where she made room for and listened for what was being said. What Janna heard was profound, empowering, inspiring and affirming. She realized that she was not experiencing a midlife crisis, but rather grief as we say goodbye to things.
info_outline
156 Stefanos Sifandos
Stories that Empower
Stefanos was living a life of lies, compulsions and addictions. He was unfaithful in his relationships. Then, Stefanos was caught. This was catalyst that changed his life. He realized that his soul wanted to be caught all along, but he didn't have the courage to stop it. This also helped him to realize the hardship, trauma, abuse and isolation that he felt as a child. Stefanos realized that he had dishonored others and himself.
info_outline
155 Rebecca Munn
Stories that Empower
Rebecca walked the path of cancer with her mom twice, including when she was going through a divorce with small children. She knew she had a choice. Rebecca could crumble under the weight of it all or accept that change is how we grow. She took on her mom's strength, chose to live a life of gratitude and became an observer in her life.
info_outline
154 Diane Dewey
Stories that Empower
Diane lived in an orphanage, then adopted by a family. She felt rejected and abandoned, as if no one was coming to retrieve her. Diane internalized the trauma. She became her own mother and father; with inner logical voices of wisdom. Then, Diane's biological father contacted her. Initially, her cart was turned over, as she had to become conscious of her new and old self. Then, Diane began to feel complete and utter relief and thought 'at last'.
info_outline
153 Joan Cohen
Stories that Empower
Watching her mother and grandmother experience alzheimer's disease, encouraged Joan to pursue to educate and empower herself on the disease.
info_outline
152 Randall Rush
Stories that Empower
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.
info_outline
151 Jordan Goldrich
Stories that Empower
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.
info_outline
150 Nora Riva Bergman
Stories that Empower
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 opened a journey into mindfulness. Today, she coaches clients on mindfulness practice and training.
info_outline
149 Virginia Simpson
Stories that Empower
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.
info_outline
148 Ilene English
Stories that Empower
Ilene lost her mother and sister. Events outside of her control affected her life. Ilene struggled with 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.
info_outline
When Michelle's first husband died unexpectedly at the age of 32, she was left caring for a 2 year old son by herself. The experience brought her to her knees. Michelle questioned everything and felt a loss of identity. She dug herself out of that dark place. Michelle shares these powerful nuggets of life wisdom:
- there's no timeline for grief
- be kind to yourself
- don't rush through it
- talk through your grief
- you will get through it
- leverage your faith system
- you will love again
- there's no limit on love
- the hole inside will eventually heal
- read books on grief
- join grief groups
Michelle Cox is the author of the multiple award-winning Henrietta and Inspector Howard series as well as “Novel Notes of Local Lore,” a weekly blog dedicated to Chicago’s forgotten residents. She suspects she may have once lived in the 1930s and, having yet to discover a handy time machine lying around, has resorted to writing about the era as a way of getting herself back there. Coincidentally, her books have been praised by Kirkus, Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, Booklist and many others, so she might be on to something. Unbeknownst to most, Michelle hoards board games she doesn’t have time to play and is, not surprisingly, addicted to period dramas and big band music. Also marmalade.
tags: Michelle, Cox, author, writer, Henrietta, Inspector, Howard, book, series, Novel, Notes, Local, Lore, blog, Chicago, storiesthatempower.com, stories that empower, empowering stories, empowerment stories, stories of empowerment, stories of empowering others, self empowerment stories, stories empower, inspire, inspiring, inspiration, uplift, uplifting, upliftment, hope, light, Sean