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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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147 Christine Ristaino
Stories that Empower
Christine was molested by a family member. She was also attacked and beaten up by a stranger. Christine never talked about these things, as she felt shame and experienced low self esteem. She didn't trust her own voice. Then, Christine's place in the world shifted. Getting her story out there really made the difference. Today, Christine feels empowered.
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146 Rebecca Duvall Scott
Stories that Empower
Rebecca's youngest child was diagnosed with sensory processing disorder. She didn't want others to struggle, as she did. So, Rebecca decided to write a book. She feels that the experience saved her family.
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145 Carolyn Karcher
Stories that Empower
Carolyn came of age during the Vietnam war. She had wrestled with and had doubts about things that she had been taught. Carolyn began a journey and career to answer the question "how did we get here". She strives to help change others' lives and perspectives, just as hers were changed
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144 Patrick Schwardtfeger
Stories that Empower
Patrick always wanted to be a speaker, even as a child. Initially in his speaking career, he was struggling and hadn't turned the corner yet. Patrick thought he had made it, when he was asked to give a TED talk. Unfortunately, his TED talk did not air, because the video files were corrupted. Patrick could have given up, but chose not to. He decided to provide value, content and a service to others.
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143 Alexis Marie Chute
Stories that Empower
Losing her baby as a newborn really shook Alexis. She pulled away from her art initially. After some time, Alexis made peace with it. She realized that we can't control all the things in our lives. Alexis feels there is a mystery to the human experience that we should submit to. Her visual art, a safe and healing place, helps her cope with her depression.
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142 Nancy L. Pressly
Stories that Empower
Nancy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She was given a 50-50 chance to survive. Nancy knew she still had a whole life to live. She realized that she has the ability to control her circumstances. Nancy sought all of the information that was available. She created 'guide posts', when there were none.
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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. Virginia shares the following nuggets of life wisdom, which are so applicable in this current time:
- be fully alive and present
- be real
- whatever you're going through, look for the gift in it
- find that place of joy or kernel of gratitude
- out of desperation, we often find gratitude
- gratitude is the vine that helps you climb out of the cave
- those who have the least, then to be the most grateful
- life is wondrous
- the darker it is, that's when you can see the stars
- life gives us lessons
- find a way to work with the trauma, your body and your spirit
- embrace each day with as much joy as possible
Virginia A. Simpson, PhD, FT is a bereavement care specialist and the Executive Counseling Director for hundreds of funeral homes throughout the United States and Canada. She is the founder of The Mourning Star Center for grieving children and their families, which she ran from 1995 to 2005. She is the author of the memoir The Space Between (She Writes Press, April 2016) about her years as her mother’s caregiver and the journey to heal their relationship before her mother’s death. Simpson has appeared on numerous television and radio programs. She holds a Fellowship in Thanatology from the Association for Death Education & Counseling (ADEC), and has been honored for her work by the cities of Indian Wells, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, and Rancho Mirage. She lives in El Dorado Hills, California with her husband Bob and golden retriever Shelby.
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