220 Valerie Taylor
Stories that Empower
Valerie's story is one of survival. Her extraordinary and well-developed survival instinct helped her navigate a life filled with turmoil, such as parents divorcing before she was a year old, being abandoned by her mother to the neighbors who became her foster parents and having an abusive, alcoholic step father. Valerie does not consider herself a victim nor in denial. Her ability to compartmentalize her life helped her to stay afloat and be a survivor.
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219 Phil Goldstein
Stories that Empower
Phil is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. When he was between 10-12 years old, his older brother molested him, then the abuse stopped. Phil pretended it didn't happen, didn't tell anyone, carried it deep down and masked the pain. With the help of therapist, he told his fiance and his parents, who believed him. Phil decided to go public about the abuse, which is helping him to work through the trauma. He hopes that his book can serve as a healing tool for others.
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218 Jean Walters
Stories that Empower
Growing up, Jean didn't like that her mother was living her life in fear, was always upset, critical and a nervous wreck. So, she made a commitment to herself that she was going to look for another way and live a different life. Through practice and discipline, Jean strives to be in sync with the universe and have an expanded consciousness. Today, she helps people find the light.
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217 Michelle Cameron
Stories that Empower
When Michelle first started writing, she thought she wasn't good enough. So, she shelved those dreams and convinced herself that she was never going to be a writer. Then, as Michelle watched her youngest son start to write, she noticed the joy he took in writing. She knew she also wanted to get that joy in writing. So, Michelle attended readings and workshops, where she was experienced a spirit of generosity from a supportive community and mentors.
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216 Dr. Martha Calihan
Stories that Empower
Martha shares story of the end of life of her husband of 30 years, Charles. Since her spouse had his end of life conversations and decisions with his family in advance, she was able to be fully present for his dying. Martha feels that it was a sacred and beautiful moment.
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215 Elizabeth Bristol
Stories that Empower
Elizabeth grew up in a controlling family with high expectations. She didn't thrive in those environments, so she moved out. Initially, Elizabeth found herself still drawn to codependent relationships. So, to take the edge off, she took drugs and alcohol. Nothing seemed to quench her soul. Elizabeth went on a journey of confronting the people that had hurt her and others. As she forgave them, she found compassion and an incredible sense of freedom that she didn't even know she needed.
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214 Aaron Zack
Stories that Empower
Growing up, Aaron dreamed of becoming the youngest NFL sports agent. He was told that he can't get there. Aaron needed someone to push him. It took a 'no' for him to launch his own business. Initially, he had no direction nor clear map. Aaron formed a team with the right individuals, who shared his qualities: go getter mentality, motivation, drive, people skills and strong work ethic. He achieved his dream at the age of 25.
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212 Lorie Gelsheimer
Stories that Empower
Lorie grew up as a shy, sensitive child and had low self esteem. The experiences in her life made her angry and she felt she lacked courage. So, Lorie asked for a sign of assistance, which she received. She became less shy, deepened her faith and began believing in miracles. Lorie realized that she's mean to use her voice, share stories and inspire others.
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212 Matt Korban
Stories that Empower
Growing up in a war torn region of the world and hiding in shelters, Matt knew what it was like to lack safety and security. To provide for his family and give his kids a decent childhood, he worked 17 hour days. Matt lived an unhealthy and unbalanced life, where he weighed 400 pounds. He was given 5 months to live. That moment changed his life. Matt realized that people needed him and he wasn't there for them. He felt scared. Matt asked for a second chance, which he got.
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211 Cerridwen Fallingstar
Stories that Empower
Cerridwen lost her husband very unexpectedly. She became devastated. Cerridwen allowed herself to grieve, then learned to piece her life back together one piece at a time.
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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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