Beacons of Bravery Podcast

Your Current Situation Isn’t Permanent--Looking Back to See the Way Forward

Welcome to episode 39 of the Beacons of Bravery podcast!
Tune in if you feel stuck in life and don't see a way through your current circumstances.  There's always a silver lining to whatever you're going through.
We'll talk about Neil Pasricha's work with the "Invisible Staircase" of our life and that we often are terrible predictors of our future.  Our current circumstances, set-backs and trials are often a blessing in disguise for a future far beyond what we could imagine.
We'll also talk about looking at our lives in the perspective of the growth rings of a tree, they tell a lot of our history but also show us why we are strong enough to face the future.
As always, I'd love to hear from you if you connect with anything on this episode.  You can email me at beaconsofbravery@gmail.com.  Or DM me on Instagram @ cari.normand or on Facebook @ Cari Yocom Normand.
YOU are why I do this podcast!

The Sneaky Fear of Success--and the invisible stories holding us back

In this solo episode we dive into an insidious fear, one that most of us don't think we have, yet it rears it's head when we least expect it.  The Fear of Success.
While we can all relate to the fear of failure, public embarrassment, etc.  We don't realize that our dreams and goals may be extinguished by the fear of success.
We delve into the phenomena of "Tall Poppie Syndrome" and the "Crabs in a Bucket" mentality.
Also referenced (and highly recommended) is the book "Change Your Story, Change Your Life" by Kendra Hall.  This book relates to all obstacles that may keep us from achieving our goals, not just the fear of success.
The book "Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway" by Susan Jeffers, PhD is also referenced.  This book will be revisited frequently in the episodes relating to fears of all kinds.
If you have a take-away, or Ah-Ha moment, from this episode,  please share it on your social medial and tag me.  I can be found on Instagram @ cari.normand or on Facebook @ Cari Yocom Normand.  Or email me at beaconsofbravery@gmail.com.
I will respond to every comment and would love to have you as a guest if your story can be of service to the BOB audience.
Thanks for listening! 

Travel May be the Answer to Help You Get ”Unstuck”

Welcome back to the Beacon's of Bravery podcast, where we rejoin the "What keeps us stuck? series."  Today I have a special guest, Colleen Frazier.  One of my very best childhood friends.  We lost touch after our high school senior trip, but reconnected 5 years ago.  We decided this past Christmas that we needed to go on a trip to celebrate turning 50 this year.
So we did just that and this episode gives a run down of our adventure in the UK and Ireland.  Yes, you could say it was "just a trip."  But we learned so much about ourselves and others during this time.  Its a broader perspective that can help us get "unstuck" in our lives.  I needed it, and if you're feeling stuck, I hope you will listen in to be inspired to do something you want to do, especially if it involves leaving your comfort zone.
As always, you can connect with me on Instagram @cari.normand.  Or give Colleen a shout on Instagram @colleen_frazier.  You can also message me on Facebook at Cari Yocom Normand.
If you liked this show, please share it with others who would enjoy it.  And if you would take the 30 seconds to leave a rating and review on Apple podcasts it would be the icing on top.  Its the best way to help others find this podcast and spread the message of hope.

The Trap of Perfectionism--in the ”What Keeps Us Stuck” Series

We're starting our themed series "What Keeps Us Stuck" with the first culprit--Perfectionism.
Perfectionism is what (we think) makes us appear good on the outside, while it keeps us small and unfulfilled in our lives, especially if we want to achieve new things and big goals.  It's what also keeps us from being relatable.
Even if you don't self-identify as a perfectionist, you should listen in to see how we all have a shade of perfectionism and also to help you understand the perfectionist you love.
We explore Brene Brown's explanation of perfectionism in her book "Daring Greatly" where she explains that this is one of the armors we pick up in our early years to protect us from feelings of shame and judgement.  
We also share quotes from Cathy Heller's book "Don't Keep Your Day Job", a quote from author Daniel Pink, some information from Carol Dweck's YouTube video on perfectionism, a quote from the famous inspirational speaker Les Brown and some helpful information from Sam Laura Brown's podcast "The Perfectionism Podcast."
I highly recommend you check out any and all of these people's work if you identify that perfectionism may be holding you back from fulfilling your dreams.  Credit goes all to them, I've just curated their information and given examples from my own life.
If you enjoy this episode, or if you would like to be a future guest,  please let me know by tagging or DM'ing me on social media @ Cari.Normand or Beacons of Bravery on IG, Cari Yocom Normand on FB or email me at Beaconsofbravery@gmail.com.  Let me know how perfectionism has affected your life.  
And a huge thank you for listening, sharing and reviewing the Beacons of Bravery podcast.  You are why I'm here and I love to hear your feedback!

Best of Times, Worst of Times: Perspective on the Year, Life, Chutes and Ladders and Connecting the Dots

Welcome to this solo episode where we get into perspective on life, through good times and bad.  We've all had our ups and downs, and its easy to get stuck in the downs.  But we'll talk through it using the following concepts:
-Life isn't a strait, linear path; rather its a spiral staircase
-The first few lines of Charles Dickens "A Tale of Two Cities."
-Analogy of life like the game of "Chutes and Ladders"
-The Chinese parable of the Farmer who lost his horse
-Steve Job's quote about connecting the dots
My hope is that you walk away from this episode with perspective on your past and hope for your future.
If you want to connect with me or message me, you can find me on Facebook @ Cari Yocom Normand and on IG @cari.normand or Beacons of Bravery.  If you liked this episode, please take a screenshot of the episode to share and tag me.  If you also rate and review the podcast  on Apple podcasts, send me that screenshot and I will send you a gift.
I love to hear from you!
 
 

You CAN Change Your Life: Facing the Dragons that Guard Your Treasure

Shannon Wallis is our featured guest today.  You won't want to miss her story because each of you will relate in some way.
Shannon is currently quite successful as an author of the outstanding book "WE the Change:  Launching Big Ideas and Creating New Realities."  She is also a consultant and coach to high level leaders. But this hasn't always been her story.  She describes her humble beginnings in a dysfunctional family living below the poverty line--that's why she believes change is truly possible.
In her book, and this episode, Shannon describes her pilgrimage on El Camino de Santiago, a 500 mile track across northern Spain.  It's used as a metaphor for our life journey.
Some of my favorite quotes from her book:
"Dragons are found guarding the treasure, the bigger the dragon, the bigger the treasure...facing and fighting the dragons is required to complete the journey."  And as Shannon describes in this episode, this dragon is often our inner critic who whispers in our ear that we are not worthy of the treasure.
As Shannon describes the most trying day in the pilgrimage, she relates a story of how we are never alone.  We need to find the help and supporters that will keep us on track.
And then there's her husband Joe's famous advice that reverberates throughout the journey:
"It wouldn't be a pilgrimage if it weren't challenging."  Meaning anything worth getting in life comes with a bit of a price and requires effort.
Here are a list of her recommended books:
"Your Lion Inside: Discover the Power Within and Live Your Fullest Life" by Kimberly Faith
"Path of Least Resistance: Learning to Become the Creative Force in Your Own Life" by Robert Fritz
Synchronicity: The Inner Path of Leadership" by Joseph Jaworski
 
You can reach out to Shannon directly at:  shannon@cascadeleadership.solutions
or another staff member at: carmen@cascadeleadership.solutions
or on the Shannon Wallis Solutions Facebook Page.
Please reach out to her and tell her how her story impacted you--it makes all the difference in the world!
And finally, don't forget to get her book:  "WE the Change: Launching Big Ideas and Creating New Realities."

Dealing With Anxiety and Depression... ANTS and BIRDS

Welcome Back to the Beacons of Bravery podcast.
Today I discuss the somewhat difficult topics of depression, anxiety and panic attacks.  If you suffer from any of these, you are not alone!
I share my own struggles but also offer the ANT vs. BIRD strategy, if you suffer as well.
Most of all, after you listen to this episode and feel like you can relate or if you need help in any way, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at beaconsofbravery@gmail.com
Your life matters and I'm here for you!

Living Full-Out: Don’t Bury Your Talents

Welcome to today's solo episode where we talk about living fully.
We go over a scenario about meeting a death angel suddenly--would you beg for one more week?  Realize that you haven't been living the life you were meant to live?  This concept was adapted from Jennifer Forster's book:  "The Power of a Peaceful Woman."
Then we delve into the parable of the talents.  What it means literally and figuratively:  Don't bury your talents.  Referenced in the Bible, Matthew 25: 4-30.
I hope this inspires you to live each day to the fullest! (As it is a reminder for me to do the same)

The Power of Perspective: You Can Overcome any Obstacle and Live Your Life Wholeheartedly instead of Half-Heartedly

Welcome today's Beacon, Jenny Lisk!  She's a woman who has overcome devastating life circumstances and lives to inspire others to do the same.  She is an author, a podcaster and a consultant to other aspiring authors.  This is a must listen episode for everyone--because at some point in life, we all go through adversity.
In today's episode we delve into the her story which has been largely impacted by the her late husband's battle with terminal brain cancer--and how to parent through that.  Not only that, but how to find perspective and meaning for life moving forward.  And ultimately how she has learned to overcome procrastination.
We cover sooooo many important topics, some of which include:
-how to start over when your corporate job no longer works for you (she went from an IT corporate job to an author and podcaster)
-how to support children of a parent who is terminally ill, or who has died
-how to gain perspective: when you've done the most difficult thing imaginable...anything else that seems hard really isn't that hard
-how to not live your life half-heartedly after you've lost someone or something
-how to not compound a tragedy by destroying the rest of your life
-how to think on this:  if your life is the same 5 years from now as it is today, would you be OK with this?  If the answer is no, then now is the time to do something about that
-ask yourself:  what situations bring out your discipline and focus, and then..
-ask yourself: what situation bring out your procrastination?
-how to write a memoir
Her book:  "Future Widow: Losing My Husband, Saving My Family, Finding my Voice" is available on all bookselling websites.
Her podcast: "The Widowed Parent" is available on all podcast apps.
Things Jenny mentions in this episode that you'll want to check out:
-Los Olas Surfing--a retreat in Mexico whose motto is " We make girls out of women."
-Book:  "The Anatomy of Story" by John Truby
-Book: "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl
-Quote by Ghandi: "Be the change you wish to see in the world,"
Please connect with Jenny and tell her how her story impacted you!
On all social media @Liskjenny
Her main email is: jenny@jennylisk.com
Her main website is: jennylisk.com
She has a downloadable document available free of charge:
Jennylisk.com/topten (for the top ten tips she's learned form over 100 interviews with people dealing with loss)
And as always, you can connect with me on social media--share this episode and tag Jenny and I and tell is what it meant to you.
on IG @ cari.normand on FB @Cari Yocom Normand, or you can email me at beaconsofbravery@gmail.com.
If you, or someone you know would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to me.
I'm always looking for Beacons to shine your light and inspire me and my listeners!

Your treasure lies within the cave you fear

Welcome to today's show!  If you've ever had to make a big decision (who hasn't?) this show is for you.
In this solo episode, we delve into what it takes to make a decision in your life that "goes against the grain."  And how this can ultimately help you from having regrets on your death bed--referencing Bonnie Ware's work on the 5 regrets of the dying.  
#1 of which is:  "I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me."
Some other quotes referenced in this show:
"The cave that you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek." --Joseph Campbell
"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference."--Robert Frost
"Curiosity will conquer fear even better than bravery will."--James Stephens
We go back in time to historical examples of bravery:  Christopher Columbus, George Washington Carver and Daniel from the Karate Kid movie.
I would love to hear from you if you connect with anything in this episode. On IG @ Cari.Normand, on FB @ Cari Yocom Normand or via email @ beaconsofbravery@gmail.com
Subscribe to this podcast if you want to hear at least another 70 episodes!  Share and tag me on social.  Love you Beaconators!