Kevin Polky - The Journey

In this reflection, I talked about the idea discovering being in love versus falling in love and we explore Howard Thurman’s quote about the world needs people who are doing what makes them come alive. We dive into what are some possible ways to discover what makes you come alive.

Tami loved school and learning. After high school, she discovered working out and running. She was then lead down a path of self-discovery of meditation, yoga and other alternative therapies. Tami is owner of Forest City Float and during this episode she shares the benefits of float therapy for your physical, mental and spiritual health.

A Story of Resilience and Persistence Alex thought he was on top of the world when he was 29 years old. A series of events happened out of his control brought him to his knees more than once. Alex shares his story of setbacks and what he learned about himself. He is in a new position at the Midway Village Museum working with the team to revitalize the Rockford Museum.

Ring to Remember Sherrie returns to The Journey to share about her new workbook and companion to her book Heaven’s Bell. A Ring to Remember is a workbook for individuals to continue talking about their loved one, language to express their loss and a space to be curious. Sherrie thank you for the work you are doing.

I continue the focus on the benefits of intentionally choosing to focus on gratitude as it directly impacts the development of resilience. Listen to the end when I share a piece I wrote about discovering the beauty in all times. Enjoy!

Marshmallow’s Hope Expands Services Laura has been extremely hard over the past 4 years to cope with the grief of losing her 16-year-old son to suicide. She started Marshmallow’s Hope 2 years ago and she has faithfully committed her life to develop a program to be a resource for struggling youth in our community. Check out this episode to learn more. www.marshmallowshope.org.

You have heard me share about the idea that we all exist on a continuum. I have talked about the factors that lead to individuals having a predisposition to the darkness. What can we do when we find ourselves in the darkness. Know that it is not permanent. Reach out to someone. Go through the exercise of gratitude. Check out this episode to learn more.

Reflecting on the latest sermon I listened to, the topic was your character and integrity. Simply put, who are you when no one is watching. Listen to this episode as discuss steps that I work on to increase congruence in my own life and the benfits.

This is one of my favorite times of the year. I enjoy the gift each day that is revealed in the changing of the weather and the leaves turning color and revealing their hidden beauty. Enjoy and savor!

If we learned anything from the recent pandemic, we learned that there is no way control or eliminate all the stressors in our lives. But, we are responsible for controlling are stress levels and manage our stress. Currently, one of the workshops that I am bringing to the community multiple times a month. Check out this episode for a glimpse of how to complete the stress response cycle.

Conversation about Suicide Awareness Welcome Theresa back to The Journey. She shared her thoughts and experience as an Air Force veteran, school and clinical social worker and now writer and instructor. Great conversation check this one out and enjoy

Making a Difference with our Youth Teaching Mindfulness Movement Nick, co-founder of Rockford Barbell shares his story of his passion to help our youth by teaching weightlifting and yoga. He is a social worker, avid outdoorsmen and weightlifter. He brings this unique combination to the students to form healthy relationships and teach self regulation.

Teaching Movement to our Youth Elliot is a special education educator who has a passion for exercise and movement. He is a co-founder of Rockford Barbell a special community program for our youth. He believes using movement will be able to develop resilience and social emotional life skills.

Sanity vs. Vanity This a very special episode about a extraordinary woman who is very passionate about her work. She has taken her different physical and emotional setbacks to drive her work. She is passionate about changing how we prepare future leaders for the business world. Definitely check out this episode.

It is time for school to start. Like when you start a new job, move to a new city or go to a new gym, all the awkwardness of the unknowns. The temptation to fit into the group is readily available. Listen to this episode as take a deeper dive into the difference between fitting in versus belonging.

What makes a space sacred? How does one spot have more value than another. Listen to this episode as I reflect on what I “must” intentional to be in sacred space. Because all space is sacred.

Growing up I watched my dad work 50 plus hours per week. When I was bodybuilding, I became very efficient at managing my time to get the maximum out of each day. Similar when I became a business owner, I would work to having my schedule/day full. But there were days in which I would describe as “busy”. Ironically, on other days I had just as many appointments that were not described as “busy” days. What was the difference? Listen to this episode as I look deeper into the difference.

During this episode, I share some deeper thoughts about spiritual beliefs. What if there is no such thing as darkness? What if there is no such thing as cold? What if we are conceived with an eternal “Light”? Join me as I explore these questions.

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.