Kevin Polky - The Journey

What is the reason we stop and notice when someone makes a mistake? In this reflection, I talk about the tendency we have to focus pointing on the mistake but reluctant to praise the successes.

In this reflection, I share some of the ideas that I have discovered in the research on how to develop resilience with students. Listen to this episode for the basic steps to prepare yourself to help develop resilience in others.

Heaven’s Bell I want to introduce you to a wonderful storyteller. Sherrie has a story of what she believes happens in heaven when people die. She turned the story into a book. An amazing story to give hope and comfort to anyone who has everyone lost someone. Go to www.heavensbell.com

Typically, New Year resolutions are about eliminating behaviors. But what if this year we chose to add behaviors to our daily routine. What if we chose to look for opportunities to be kind to others and pay it forward? Listen to this episode for reason for this year’s New Year’s challenge.

As we are coming to the end of this calendar year, it is a time to reflect on 2021. Take a moment and reflect on what you experienced personally and professionally. Reflect on the past 12-month journey. I would encourage to share with someone or in the chat feature what you experienced. Take another pause to contemplate on what you would like to accomplish in the next 12-months. Be intentional to take a moment to reflect and dream.

Suffering is part of life that we all experience at one time or another. The holiday season can sometimes make those losses or setbacks harder. We can’t avoid losses or suffering but we can choose to transform from the pain rather than transmit to someone else. And, we can choose to not add to someone’s pain but being judgmental. Choose to be kind.

As we enter the month of December, some of us feel the stress of the season. Listen to this episode to look for some tips to lessen your distress that can accompany the Christmas and holiday season.

Check out this episode which I share an ancient story of a mom who everyday she is worried about her two daughters. No matter what the weather she worried how her daughters would be impacted. Listen to how the wise man guided her to find happiness and how you can follow the same guidance for your life.

The month of November has long been my favorite time of year. Maybe it is because of the beautiful leaves to the bare trees, the warm days to cold mornings, football, and family. But, in my life it has come also with loss and setbacks. Listen to this episode as I share about the paradox of living in the tension of the best and the hardest time of the year.

Keeping Going Lisa was quiet and reserved growing up. She was involved in a relationship which she felt could not escape. But after an extended period of suffering in silence, she broke free. She is now committed to making a difference for other victims.

He Found True Love John grew up in Southern California and sports was where he felt connection and confidence because he was above average. He had asked the players if they loved football. John did not know how to answer the question but years later he understood when he applied the same question to music. Listen to this episode and John share his story of discovering his voice and his passion. Go to www.jaeanthonie.com

Wanting to Make a Difference Danielle has been intrigued by how other people see the world. She has been making significant impact on the greater Rockford area through the organization which she leads NAMI-Northern Illinois. Listen to this episode on all the things she is doing with NAMI.

Making Difference in Rockford Caitlin was born and raised in a small town south of Rockford. She followed her passion for the arts and after graduation she found herself in Rockford. She has been working with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce in a variety of roles. She is bringing to Rockford an all-day conference about empowering women. Go to www.rockfordchamber.com.

Passionate about Raising Awareness about Domestic Violence October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Therasa has spent her entire career studying and helping individuals who have been impacted by domestic violence. She is in a new position working with individuals who have been impacted by complicated trauma. If you know anyone who needs help due to domestic violence please contact: National Domestic Violence Hotline-800.799.7233; Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline-877.863.6338; Remedies815.962.6102; OSF STRIVE TRC-815.227.2688

Shatter Our Silence, SOS was formed in 2016. Once a year, we have an annual fundraiser to raises resources for the awareness and educational campaigns. This past week was the 5th Annual SOS Fundraiser, and it was a success. Listen to this episode about the details on the event and SOS.

No Longer Why Did This Happen Xavier’s worst nightmare happened. Her son died from suicide over 7 years ago. Initially, asked why did this happen? Now she has discovered the journey of what she is going to do with her grief and pain. She is a mental health advocate, group leader and mental health first aid instructor. Now, she is hosting her first retreat for restoring and resilience. Go to www.tommycorralmemorialfoundation.com.

Screw City Uprising Listen to this episode on how Will has brought a cool event to the Rockford area on September 25th. This will be a substance-free event with skateboarding, live music, artists and vendors raising awareness of mental illness and substance abuse. Join us for this great event!

Turning Her Grief into Purpose Laura has had numerous struggles throughout her life. She thought all her dreams were going to come to true and then the most tragic thing happened, her son died from suicide. The pain and grief were beyond words. During her grief, she found purpose. Listen to this episode and what Laura has done with her grief to be the Light in others darkness. Be part of the solution. Together, we can prevent suicide. Be the Light in others darkness.

It’s the start of the month in which we focus on increasing our awareness of suicide prevention. This episode is focused on the nonprofit I started 5 plus years ago and a handful of things I have learned during this part of the journey. Listen and be part of the solution to prevent suicide. Be a Light in others’ darkness.

Take a listen to this episode as I read a version of the original story that inspired the book “The Obstacle is the Way”. I share some insights and thoughts on how you can utilize this simple story in your everyday life. Enjoy!