Happy Birthday: Reflections

🎂🎙 SEASON 22: WHO’S THERE: REFLECTIONSA Seven-Year Birthday Episode of Other People’s Shoes🚪 SEASON THEME: WHO’S THEREThis season asks a quiet but powerful question:Who’s there when life knocks?Sometimes it’s loud.Sometimes it’s gentle.Sometimes it’s barely noticeable.Season 22 is about learning to listen, especially to the small nudges we’re tempted to ignore.🎉 SEVEN YEARS AND A DIFFERENT KIND OF BIRTHDAYThis episode marks seven years of Other People’s Shoes.In the past, birthday episodes have looked like celebrations and countdowns.This year felt different.Instead of looking outward, this milestone called for reflection on growth, on listening, and on how this show has quietly shown up, week after week, like a steady presence.So rather than a traditional birthday episode, I brought back a familiar voice from the past, echoing a line from the Season 22 intro itself.👣 My guest today is Cindy Ryan, who first joined the show on October 5, 2022.Cindy’s work has always centered on reflection, listening inward to find healing and clarity. That way of listening didn’t just shape her work. It shaped her life.In 2024, Cindy felt a nudge.A quiet knock.A sense that something needed attention.She listened.That nudge led to a cancer diagnosis.Had Cindy ignored it, had she brushed it off, or stayed busy, she would not be here today recording this episode.🎵 THE SONG THAT REOPENED THE DOORIn the midst of Cindy’s journey, including a vulnerable, hairless Instagram post during treatment, I felt led to reach out.I didn’t have the right words.So I sent a song.If You Heard It from a Friend.That song became the bridge to the reconnection and ultimately, the reason Cindy is back on the show today.Because sometimes what someone needs most isn’t advice…It’s a reminder.🪞 A FRIEND HOLDING UP THE MIRRORThe heart of that song feels like the heart of this episode and, honestly, the heart of this show:“Here I am holding up a mirrorHoping you might seeYourself a little clearerBeyond a shadow of a doubtFrom where I’m standing nowI see the light in you.”In seasons when Cindy couldn’t always see herself clearly, the song spoke what a friend would say when words fall short.And maybe in some small way Other People’s Shoes can be that too.A place you come back to.A voice that reminds you who you are.A steady presence that shows up, even when things aren’t pleasant or easy.🚨 THE POWER OF LISTENINGThis episode isn’t about guarantees.There was no promise that Cindy would “make it out.”Only the choice to listen.To respond.To take the next step when the knock came.As Cindy shares in this conversation:Cancer changes your priorities.Sometimes, listening to the smallest nudge changes everything.💭 QUESTIONS THIS EPISODE INVITESThis conversation doesn’t rush answers. It invites reflection:How do you respond when you feel a nudge to reach out?What reassurance do we really have?Can the community carry us when we’re unsure?What happens when a friend reminds you of what you can’t see?🔗 CONNECT WITH CINDY RYAN🌐 Website📸 Instagram🎙️ Podcast🪞 REFLECTION FOR THE SHOW AND FOR YOUThis birthday episode isn’t just about seven years of Other People’s Shoes.It’s about listening to the knocks, the nudges, and the quiet reminders that we’re not alone.Sometimes life knocks.Sometimes a friend does.And sometimes, you just need to hear it… from a friend.🎧 LISTEN & FOLLOW OTHER PEOPLE’S SHOES🩵 Instagram👍 Facebook🐦 X📺 YouTube👟 Website📣 LEAVE A REVIEWIf this episode felt like a friend showing up right when you needed it, a review helps keep this space open for others.👉 Leave a review