Kevin Polky - The Journey

Stockdale Paradox Admiral Stockdale was POW during the Vietnam War. He shares with Jim Collins his profound experience during this time. I share what Stockdale believes was the two key ingredients that allowed him to survive his imprisonment. These two key ingredients may help us through this time period as well.

Relapsing Back to Old Behaviors Pat has been addiction specialist during the majority of his career. I asked him about his observation of what is happening with individuals who early on in recovery from substances during this pandemic. Also, shares about what are some specifics you can do to prevent returning old negative behaviors.

We all have worked to do. And, we all love good story. Listen to the classic tale about a princess in a tower and knight who faced his inner demons to free her and liberate himself. She is the beauty and he has what it takes because they do their work.

Grief through a Time Like no Other Dr. Christina Warden fell in love with helping others many years ago. One of her most profound experiences was when she worked with Heartland Hospice assisting with end of life care. Christina shares her thoughts on the additional difficulties that COVID-19 is having on terminal individuals and their families. This is a must listen to as Christina shares her thoughts.

Maybe in the midst of the harshest winter, I need to focus on what I can control. Choose to dress appropriately. Take the time to make good decisions for the elements. Maybe, this time period with COVID-19 impacting every aspect of our life it is like that harsh winter. Decipher what I can control and accept what I can’t. And, know Spring will come!

Have you ever woke up and not sure what day it is? Each day is starting to look like the last. For some, their number one drug has been taken away, “being busy”. When the busyness is gone, we grow restless and frustrated. It may come out in anger or may come out in our dreams. What is our unconscious trying to tell us? We need to move into the feelings and see what it is trying to tell us.

A Marine turned Trainer Klyde went into the US Marine Corp immediately upon completing high school. What he learned from his 6 years in the Marines was for a life time. Listen to this great conversation when Klyde shares about his experiences in the Marines and how he was initiated from boyhood to manhood. Now he is using those same tools to help others transform their bodies and their lives.

Collective Sadness As I was driving, I sensed a feeling of heaviness. It was not coming from my own personal loss but it was coming from a greater awareness of sadness and grief in our community at large. We are all in this together and together we will be able to get through.

Find Your Pace When I first was receiving the information about the closing of schools, businesses and “normal” life for 2 weeks, my thoughts were how was I going to get through this. Later, the closings were extended for additional 5 weeks. My mind shifted from a mile race to a half marathon. I need to find my own pace.

She Companions You through the Darkest Times Years ago, Delinda experienced what no family ever wants to experience. Through her grief she found purpose. She now works as a social worker who specializes in bereavement. Listen to this amazing conversation about her journey and how during this unique time the way we grieve is impacted.

Warrior for Our Life Source Heidi has committed her career to make sure our community has enough of an essential component to our lives. Blood. Heidi does an amazing job explaining the process of giving blood and how important it is to be a regular donor. Listen to this critical interview to this warrior for our essential life source.

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.