Kevin Polky - The Journey

Do you feel like society is divided? Have you found yourself persuaded by someone’s strong opinion? Or have you found yourself going in the opposite direction and having prejudgment of others on minimal information? We all have blind spots. Check out this episode as I talk about blind spots and what we can do not be “blinded”.

During this episode, I reflect on the benefit and power of this well-known prayer. Today, it is not is not tied to a specific religion. It is most known in the recovery community, but you do not need to be an addict to benefit from practicing this prayer.

It was one of those perfect nights. The air was warm but not hot. A slight breeze. The sky was clear and covered with stars. And the not-so-distant field was full of dancing fireflies lighting up the field. I was mesmerized by the fireflies and their dance and the beautiful lite up sky. Listen to this episode about what I learned about self this wonderful night.

Breaking the Stigma and Our Relationship with Food During this episode we have a special guest, Rachel Bagne shares her experience and thoughts on eating disorders and disorder eating. She believes whole-heartedly eating disorders do not have a face. Every situation is different and unique to the person. Along with our society this is heavily body conscious and diet driven. She is making difference with the services she is offering at her company Real Beautiful You. Check out www.realbeautiful.me.

More than a Softball Player Ava loves softball. She has aspirations to play in college. She works hard and at times hard on herself regarding her performance. Listen to this episode because there is so much more to this 17 year old. She has a passion to help others and pass on to others what she has learned to help her own mental help. Her passion and commitment lead the way for her high school to have suicide and mental health awareness campaign. Great conversation.

In this episode, I talk about some struggles along the journey when someone close to you dies. I share a couple of observations and suggestions to take along the grieving journey.

Following Her Own Questions Lead Her to Help Others Great episode with one of kp’s newer therapists. Ashton shares how she got started in the counseling field and how here earliest questions and curiosity lead her to being a social worker. Take listen to this great conversation.

There is a lot of information and content available for personal growth. Where do you start? The fact you are asking where to start is the start. Choose to be curious and follow that curiosity. Guard yourself to not be too hasty in conclusions and judgement. Remember it is a journey of self-discovery and enjoy.

As we continue this month increasing the awareness surrounding mental health, silence and shame is a common response to trauma and mental illness. The story we tell ourselves about trauma can haunt us years after our body heals. It is ok to not be ok and ask for guidance along your journey. Summon the courage to break the silence and ask for guidance.

May is mental health awareness month. Originally, it was started to break the stigma around mental illness and seeking help. For me, it is also about the idea of looking at mental health differently. The invitation is viewing mental and emotional health like our physical health. And it starts with who is in the mirror and what do you see. Do you have trusted individuals giving you honest feedback? Are you open to that feedback?

In this episode, I talk about the process in which we all walk through life. When we have setbacks or obstacles, how do we respond: do we respond as victim, villain, hero/heroine or guide. Listen as I go through the process of the Hero’s Journey and the use of some ancient wisdom to guide us.

Many of you have heard this story numerous times. It is a story from the ancient wisdom text, The Bible. During this episode, I give my reaction to this story and some comments themes. But, like all great stories, ask yourself what is the story saying to you as you listen to this episode.

There is a lot of things we do not have control over when it comes to the future. And the more out of our comfort zone and our familiar the more threatening. A normal reaction is critical and negative. But, logically the future could as easily be improved and better. It is our ability to choose our perception of the future.

How do you develop resilience? How do you emotionally and spiritually develop? During this episode, I focus on some basic elements of emotional and spiritual development. Similar to mental and physical development, it is more about going thru something versus getting over something.

He Changed His Stars by the Vows He Made to Himself This is one of those exciting episodes where my guest, Jason shares about the setbacks in his childhood and adult life and the promises he made to himself. “Try harder. I’ll show you! Don’t give up!” They drove him to be successful until they drove him to burnout. Check out the discoveries Jason shares regarding what he has learned in his life for true success.

Because He was Given Much, He Wants to Give Back Ivan was born in Mexico. He moved with his family first to New Jersey and then to Wisconsin. He loved playing soccer, and all was going great preparing for his senior year in high school. But something was not right. His stamina was not there, he was making mistakes that he normally would not make, and he was tired all the time. After months of being misdiagnosed, finally a physician orders a specific panel of tests. He has Stage IV Hodgkinson Lymphoma. Ivan shares his journey with cancer and treatment. It has been 9 years since his senior year! Today, Ivan is giving back by working at Red Oak Counseling as a counselor specifically with youth. Great story, check it out!

She is in 1% Club! On February 2, 2018, Heather Baker went to work like any other day, but this day was different. On this day, she died from cardiac arrest. Due to the quick response from her fellow educators who performed CPR, use of a defibrillator and the first responders, Heather’s life was saved. She was 28 years old, athlete who was health and exercise conscious. She became 1% of the individuals who survive cardiac arrest who no significant long-term damage. Listen this amazing story of Heather experience and her journey to recovery. Check out her story on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEC4MwZCYL0&t=10s

Air Force. Teacher. Therapist. Author. Theresa has traveled to many places throughout her life. She has made the inner journey of healing as well. She spent time in the Air Force. Worked as a teacher and later got a master’s in social work. She is passionate about learning and teaching. She has written wonderful children books to help with feelings and cope with anxiety. Go to Amazon for Theresa’s books: “Ice Cream Cone Feelings” and “There’s a Squirrel in My Tummy”.

giving grace and mercy and being courageous to help others are lessons from this episode. Enjoy!

There is one sporting championship that brings in more fans and attention then any others, The Super Bowl. There may be a handful of different reasons. But, what it is for me and many others, is that it is more than the game. It is one of the times of year that family and friends come together. The game is playing and being watched but it is more than football, it is about being together and sharing a common experience. I am grateful for the Super Bowl.