Kevin Polky - The Journey

As we transition into autumn, I am reminded of the small things all around if I just look around. This episode is focused on a time to reflect on the gratitude of the little things. Enjoy!

During this reflection, I focus on how to create space in your home or work to be scared and life-giving. Many times we think we have to go to some special place to be tuned in with God or to be sacred. But, I believe we can intentionally create that space wherever we are. During this episode we will be doing a breathing and meditation exercise please do not listen when active or operating machinery. Enjoy!

Sharing Her Story of Resilience and Self Discovery Take a listen to my conversation with Sarah who shared what she learned about herself through the setbacks and trauma in her life. She discusses about it is about her responsibility to address the story she tells herself and resist blaming and judging others. Some great take aways! And, she has memoir that tells her story, “Mama Called Me Crazy”.

From Hopeless to Sharing a Message of Hope This is one powerful episode which you do not want to miss. Mark shared how he is world changed 19 years ago when he attempted to die by suicide. As a suicide survivor, he became an advocate for civil rights, mental health advocate and shares a message of hope through education and his music. Take a listen to this powerful conversation!

During this episode, I share more about Frankl’s work on we have personal choice on our mindset regarding setbacks and obstacles. I focus on the essential component for growth is being able work through the obstacles versus avoiding them. Enjoy!

Viktor Frankl is quoted as saying many during this century as having the means to live but do not have a meaning to living. During this episode, I discuss new material that I have been developing for new workshops on discovering meaning in a time of hopelessness.

She is Making Changes in Her Office to help the Community I had the honor to have the 3rd speaker for the SOS Annual Fundraiser on The Journey, Jennifer Muraski. She shared her story of how she became a funeral director and later appointed to Winnebago County Coroner’s office. She shared how she is working to expand the understanding of the office and the services they offer.

Living her Best Life Welcome back to The Journey, Erica! It has been four years since Erica has been on The Journey. A lot has changed in her life. Listen to her catch us up on all the great strides she is making to live her best life.

She has Developed Many Tools for Her Healing Welcome back Tonya to The Journey. Tonya is going to be one of featured speakers at the Shatter Our Silence Annual Fundraising Dinner on September 21, 2023. During this episode, Tonya shared the complicated grief she experienced when her brother, friend and uncle died from suicide in less then 18 months. She shared the variety of tools and techniques she has developed to help her heal and move forward in her life.

She is Healing and Finding Her Purpose As we start preparing for suicide awareness month, Shannon has an extra special story of her work with the military and veterans. She has over 20 years of experience in the military primarily focused on suicide prevention and mental health. During this episode, Shannon does a great job sharing the work she does as a veteran peer support counselor for the Captain John D. Mason Program in Wisconsin.

Many times, we question if we are on the right the path for our life. We question are choices and then question our fate. In this episode, I talk about the path you are on right now is exactly where you are supposed to be, but it is up to you if you want to stay on the path or make change. That is part that you can influence. Enjoy!

Sports have taught many things throughout my life. During this episode, I talked about how sports are a metaphor for life. I talk about being hurt versus injury. The paradox of getting relief as move toward the pain versus avoiding it. Enjoy!

I love competitive sports and the arts. I think they provide an opportunity for us to be challenged and stretch ourselves to be our best self. During this episode, I share about my observation of how art reflects life and how when you focus on developing your character, preparation + opportunity = success. Enjoy!

During this episode, I reflected on an interview with Carey Lohrenz, the first-ever female F-14 Fighter Pilot. She shared about three elements of character: courage, tenacity, and integrity. Check out this episode as go deeper into each of these elements.

An Advocate for Attorney’s Mental Health Adam openly shares his story of the complex trauma he endured as a child and “masks” he wore into adulthood until all came crashing down in June of 2018. He is now living his best life and advocating for mental health awareness for attorneys. Check this special episode out. Go to his website www.adamstivers.com for resources and more information.

In a time when there is an abundance of information, what is the basis of making the decisions in your life? Fear? Appearance? Judgement, of others? During this reflection, I share about some ideas of what we can build a firm foundation of decision making.

Soul Shine Sister I wonderful conversation with this new friend, Lisa. Check out this episode in which Lisa shares about her experiences throughout her life’s journey turns that she made and how she ended up exactly where she was supposed to be. One of my favorite conversations. Go to www.ltkcounseling.com for more information.

Champion for Juneteenth Tommy has shared his passion for bringing the holiday, celebration Juneteenth to the Rockford area for the past 33 years. During this episode, Tommy shares the history and the importance of Juneteenth and his why is important for all Americans to share in the celebration. For more information go to Facebook Rockford Juneteenth Celebration for the schedule of events for Sunday and Monday.

At the beginning of summer there is excitement of school being out and the days being longer. But before we know we could be preparing to return to school and the fall activities. What can you do to plan for having the best summer possible.

During this episode, I share about my personal sanctuary for grounding and spiritual growth. It is not some exotic place. It is my backyard and my new activity (hobby) watching my feathered friends. Enjoy! Enjoy!