Kevin Polky - The Journey

I believe Jesus’s teachings were showing us that God is abundant. But, my default mind set is about me being a certain way or doing certain things to win His favor or avoid His punishment. So, by default I perceive God as being of scarcity and the relationship is transactional. But, what if God is abundant like Jesus taught. Then, maybe all my experiences are opportunities to transform through God.

Self-Care during Shelter-in Our “normal” routine has been disrupted. The shelter-in order is in place in most communities. This is not a staycation, but it is our life right now. Listen to these basic steps in how to take care of yourself and make the most out of this time period.

Warrior Spirit: Love and Action Alicia is on The Journey, sharing her amazing story of home-grown Rockford girl who has spent her life wanting to make difference in her Rockford community. She is a licensed architect who with husband, Eric own a skateboarding shop. She shares her story of her journey with cancer and what she has learned about herself along the way. Slow down, love and action!

In a time when it feels like everything is out of control, pause. Discern what needs to be accepted as out of your control and what needs your attention to act. Self- care, be kind to others and look for opportunities for growth.

Stress is not bad. Stress is necessary for growth. Distress is negative response to constantly being in fight or flight. Here are some steps to manage your perception of the threat.

The Dark Night of the Soul I have talked about the concepts from the Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey numerous times. We have talked about the invitation into initiation and the refusal. Due to the circumstances surrounding COVID-19, we have all been thrust over the chasm into the dark night of the soul and disorder. This is the time to address and face our fears. We are not alone. It is part of The Journey.

I Have Been Practicing for Awhile Kylie shares about what she has been doing during these unprecedented times. She has been looking for the opportunity for self-growth in this uncertain period. Great conversation about what she is doing with her disappointment, fear and aspirations. She shares about her book that you can preorder and growth that can come in change.

The International Committee for the Study of Victimization talked about the three different outcomes as result of people enduring great trauma. Listen to what the three doors are and follow the lead of very strong lady who turned her pain into purpose.

A long time ago during the Great Depression, President Roosevelt on first day in office talked about fear of fear was paralyzing our great nation. Today, we are facing a similar situation. Fear is driving overreaction and denial. Listen to these on what we can lead others through these dark times.

The Pain and Secrets Lead to the Edge of Darkness and the Light gave her Freedom Jeri knew at the early age of 8 something was wrong. She did not believe she could tell anyone. So, she tried to fit in and act “normal”. Her secret lead to failed attempts at college, career and marriage. The “pain” lead to numb out with drugs and the darkness of suicidal thoughts. After breaking the silence, her life began changing but the pain did not immediately go away. Two specific spiritual experiences were life changing and has helped her to face the grief of losing her loving partner and different health issues. This powerful conversation is a must listen to.

What Will Be the Story you Will Tell During these uncertain times and the disorder of our normal day, we have choices. We can follow directives by our leaders, we can focus on family and friends and we can focus on self-care. The story we writing currently is the story we will tell when the storm calms.

Part of life is suffering. It is not if setbacks happen, it is when they will happen. And more importantly what will you do. Developing resilience in self and others maybe the most important conversation. Check on these steps to develop resilience.

Young Business Leader Who is Getting Involved Rob is inspired to be a servant leader. He wants to make Rockford a great place to live. He has some direct and basic ideas he wants to put into action. During this episode, he shares about his involvement with ending domestic violence and educating the underprivileged. Listen as he shares his desires to make an impact at Winnebago County Board level if elected.

An Actor, Mom Playing an Important Role as a Mom Katie has always loved acting and the theater. It has always been her safe place. Katie shares the ups and downs as an actor and the importance of theater has served her. Katie goes into the behind the scenes of her latest role as Jessie in “Cry it Out” by Artists' Ensemble. The show is brilliant. It is hilarious as it authentically tackles the tough aspects of being a new mom in the pressure of a modern world.

Lessons from the Wrestling Room: More than the Mat Dalton shares about his vision to resurrect his alumni wrestling program. In two years, the Belvidere Co-Op wrestling went from under .500 to undefeated in dual meets and second in both conference and regional tournaments. Dalton shares about the vision, the leadership team he created and modeled the desire to win. With timing, inspiration and hard work he showed Belvidere what it could be.

Stress is not bad. Actual stress and resistance are essential for growth. Distress can be toxic for the body and needs to be managed. Listen to for some basic steps to managing your distress.

Wife and Mom finds Her Passion in the Second Half with Yoga Nancy was a farm girl. Daddy’s favorite. She rebelled and went to the big city, Milwaukee to be a hairstylist. After getting married, she had four children in four years. Loving being a wife and mom she was set until they grew up. In the midst of being the care-giver for her aging parents, she needed to do something for stress release. She discovered yoga. She faced her fears and became an instructor. Now at almost 70 years old, she is loving life instructing and running her yoga studio.

Over the past 30 years, the mental health industry has changed quite a bit. My perspective has changed just as much. The keys to transformational change is making sure the person is able physically to be the mental emotional work. Therapy is essential to transform from the wounds to victory. And a healthy lifestyle is the final key to transformation being lasting change.

Working to Help Individuals Come Out of Ashes I had the opportunity to present to a group of parents at the Rockford Rescue Mission on developing resiliency. Teresa Reeverts is the director of support services and she shares about the importance of resiliency in helping these individuals transform their lives from survival to thriving. She shares some great stories of how individuals went from homeless to master level therapists by hardworking and persevering.

The Pizza Guy becomes The Community Guy Brian loves pizza and everything about the industry. He also loves to connect with and help people. Listen to this fascinating conversation about how Brian bringing pizza to a small community lead him to his current passion to change a school district and community.