Kevin Polky - The Journey

We can’t always control what happens to us. But we do have a choice of how we respond. Here are some quick reflections on how to choose to be the hero of your story and avoid falling into the victim thinking of your situation.

Man Following His Passions and Giving Back Brigham has always loved music and being active. He has learned the benefit of setting goals and working hard toward them. Regardless if was 6am workouts in high school, mopping floors at jobs he would rather not be at or practice his craft of DJing and working toward a goal 70 days snowboarding this season. He knows self-awareness and self-discipline is critical to growth and development. Listen to this great conversation about Brigham’s journey. And he shares about his new adventure with develop and creating his beard and body oil company, Brigg’s Beard Co.

Between I brought our dog on her morning walk believing that it was just an ordinary morning. And, maybe it was. And, maybe that was the point. I reflected on the special moments between the events. Take a listen and let me know what you think.

COVID-19: Year in Review, What I Learned. It has been one year since the world has changed due to COVID-19. I shared some of my losses and what I learned about myself. And, I share some tools to bring along the journey of the future.

Her Journey through her Childhood Trauma led to Being a Healer of Others Listen to this amazing conversation with Jacquelyn about her journey of childhood trauma which lead to an eating disorder and struggling young adult years. Through years of healing and recovery, Jacquelyn shares what she learned and now shares with others. A must listen to conversation!

Her Journey with an Eating Disorder Bri shares her story of being a competitive swimmer and cheerleader for years and when the competitions ended there was a void. Unfortunately, the void was filled with an unhealthy focus on her body image and an eating disorder began. She is blessed with a courageous family and a treatment team who has helped her discover whole new life. Listen to this amazing story of a young adult woman’s healing and recovery.

During this episode, I begin to share my story of wrestling with body dysmorphia throughout my life. I talk about the body image seeds that were planted in grade school and began to flourish in middle and high school. My experience with body dysmorphia is that it never goes away it changes in levels of intensity. I do know that I will not be silent regarding these struggles any longer.

Accountability: How are you doing with your New Year’s Resolutions. Research shows, over 80% of individuals who set New Year’s Resolutions abandon them after 6 weeks. During this episode, I share about how to not be a statistic and steps to fulfill the goals you have for 2021.

She found her purpose by creating an experience for others. Cassie has always loved stories, collecting items and seeing beauty in all things. Also, she had always wanted to be a teacher. After working her way through graduating school and later working as a teacher, she realized a calling in a different direction. Five years ago, she bought a quilt shop in Pecatonica, IL. She is making a difference in people’s lives by creating space where beauty, hope and inspiration are experienced.

In 2016, I started a nonprofit young adult suicide awareness program called Shatter Our Silence. One of the primary metaphors that I utilize when teaching is the concept of Light in the darkness. Listen to this episode as I explain some of the behind scenes influences to those teachings as well as four steps to letting your Light shine bright.

Being the Hero of Your Story We see them on the movie screen, the newspaper and the evening news. Individuals who do extraordinary things to help others. Everyone faces challenges! And because we all have challenges, we have a choice to be the hero of our own story. Here a few practical steps to be the hero of your story.

Behind the Story of Rockford Buzz Jake loves Rockford and he wanted to let others know there was good things in Rockford. What started off as hobby is now a full-time job. He shares some of the setbacks and opportunities during the journey of Rockford Buzz. And he shares that the commitment to giving back to your community natural sets up a relationship for the community to give back to you.

Steps to Make 2021 the Best Year The beginning of the new year is a time to reset and make goals. But historically most resolutions are shelved by February. I will give three strategies to make 2021 resolutions come to fruition and your best year ever.

She is Doing What She Loves This is an awesome conversation with Liz who openly and candidly talks about her journey as a radio personality and later as a free lance communicator. She shares about her relationships the best parts and the struggles. Her family has endured tragedy and loss and she let us know how they also come together to heal.

Holidays and the Blues during COVID-19 Steve has been on the radio for 38 years. He shares about what has changed over almost 4 decades but more importantly what has stayed the same. A great conversation about how to cope with loss, depression, Seasonal Affect Disorder during the holidays and how this has been impacted due to COVID-19. Great conversation and some good ideas.

She is Walking with Them to Unravel their Past Daveda has a wonderful story of self-awareness and discovery. What she has learned along her journey she is now giving back to others. She specifically works with women unraveling their stories and to be their authentic self. But everyone can benefit from what she has learned throughout her life. Check out this conversation and go to Amazon.com and check out her book, “Unraveled”.

She Gives Back Because of the Obstacles in Her Life Laura shares her story of being born in Mexico City and traveling back and forth through her young life as her family attempted to create a better life for her and her two younger sisters. This is a great conversation about the struggles and difficulties of being an immigrant in the US. Laura thank you for sharing your story and making a difference in the Rockford community.

The Story of the Obstacle is the Way A few years ago, I was introduced to stoicism and the modern application of this ancient philosophy by Ryan Holiday in his book, “The obstacle is the way”. A couple of years ago, I created a program for educators and students regarding the development of resilience. Listen to a story by Jenn Nash and her student, Bunny and their adventures in the Obstacle is the Way.

Seven Steps to Develop Resilience On the 100th episode of The Journey, I decide to tell a story of some personal experiences in my life and what I learned from them. I have always loved and valued history. This episode about some of my life experiences and the gold that came from it. Take a listen as a share stories of the seven steps to developing resilience. Enjoy!

A Man Who is Giving Back Because He was Given To Josh is dynamic and energetic man. A poet, musician, real estate broker and entrepreneur is just a few of the hats Josh wears. He is a father of a beautiful 4 year old boy who is teaching him to be the man he wants to be. This is a rich conversation about politics, 2020, leadership and how to make difference in your community and in other. A blessed conversation. Hope you take a listen!