181 Tina Siemens
Stories that Empower
Tina shares a story of her family's difficult migration to the US to ultimately become US Citizens. She realizes that none of this would be possible without compassionate Americans stepping outside their comfort zones to help them. Tina feels so proud and thankful to be considered a part of the American fabric.
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180 Dr. David Reiter
Stories that Empower
David found himself to be motherless within seconds of birth. He went to an orphanage, foster care and was eventually adopted. David was open to possibilities as he was trying to 'find his way' through life. He went on a journey of self-discovery and identity. Initially, David was reluctant to search for reunion with his biological family. However, the search and writing enabled him to reflect on who he was.
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179 Mary Jane Black
Stories that Empower
Mary Jane escaped from her emotionally and physically abusive spouse. She remarried, but unfortunately she lost her second spouse to pancreatic cancer. Mary Jane felt moments of despair, but by asking for help and using her inner tools, she began to rebuild herself back up.
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178 Elena Schwolsky
Stories that Empower
Elena's spouse was diagnosed with AIDS and died of complications. Also, she was a pediatric nurse at the height of the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s. Elena felt burnt out, washed out, wiped out and was drowning. She was looking for a way to renew her own energy and find new connections. Elena returned to a place she visited 20 years earlier, filled with positive energy and spirit. This enabled her to share her experience and expertise.
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177 Dr. Tyra Manning
Stories that Empower
Tyra's father passed away, when she was 9. Her spouse died in Vietnam and she was left with a 2 year old daughter. Tyra was diagnosed with clinical depression. She got the help she needed and found a supportive community. Tyra never forgets the sensitivity and love that was shown to her. Today, she makes a difference in the lives of others by telling her stories.
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176 Sande Boritz Berger
Stories that Empower
As a mother to two young children, Sande went through a divorce. She felt disconnect. Sande sought help from a community of like-minded people. She knew she had to change herself and become strong. Sande noticed that a new part of her life was beginning. She felt fulfilled while reconnecting with her creativity, poetry and art work.
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Message to Dad - Unconditional Love
Stories that Empower
This is a special episode of “Message to Dad” about integrity. My dad lives in a dementia care nursing home. I’ve been struggling to stay connected with him. So, I figured that he might enjoy receiving these personal recorded messages from me. I hope you enjoy them too.
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175 Akshay Nanavati
Stories that Empower
As a former US Marine tasked with locating explosive devices, Akshay experienced Post Traumatic Stress, depression and drug/alcohol addiction. He studied neuroscience as he was fascinated by it. Akshay learned that he is not defined by a disorder and refuses to accept it. His divorce caused him to break his sobriety. He decided to go 'within' on inward journey.
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Message to Dad - Integrity
Stories that Empower
This is a special episode of "Message to Dad" about integrity. My dad lives in a dementia care nursing home. I've been struggling to stay connected with him. So, I figured that he might enjoy receiving these personal recorded messages from me. I hope you enjoy them too.
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174 Bonnie Hirst
Stories that Empower
When her daughter was convicted to a life sentence in prison without parole, it impacted Bonnie's life and she found herself in a dark place. However, spending time in nature and appreciating the tiny miracles of life helped her survive
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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.
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