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Can Life's Greatest Adversities Become Our Strongest Triumphs?

In this episode, we delve into the incredible story of J.R. Martinez, a true testament to turning life's greatest adversities into powerful and inspiring narratives. J.R. Martinez, a former U.S. Army soldier, will not forget the harrowing roadside bomb explosion that left him with severe burns on 34% of his body. Enduring 34 months of recovery and 33 surgeries, J.R.'s journey of healing forged an unbreakable spirit and a renewed sense of purpose.

Without a clear path forward, J.R. would be challenged to make peace with his new identity and what this would mean for the future. Yet, since this life changing event, J.R. has been on a trajectory previously unimagined. From the battlefields of Iraq to winning ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" and acting on "All My Children," J.R. embodies optimism, resilience and what it means to live fully.

In his memoir, "Full of Heart: My Story of Survival, Strength, and Spirit," J.R. gives us a glimpse into what he has realized when you lean in, listen and learn. Join us as we explore J.R. Martinez's extraordinary life lessons, the power of vulnerability and the value of hope.

Website: jrmartinez.com

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What does it take to transform life's most challenging seasons into a story of hope and inspiration?

In this episode, we delve into the extraordinary journey of Patricia Morgan, author of "Love Her as She Is." Patricia's story is a testament to the unpredictable, heartwarming, and often heartbreaking journey of motherhood. When Patricia and her husband adopted their daughter Kelly at 6, they embarked on a journey of profound love, unique challenges and endless fears. After years of facing the peaks and valleys together things became more clear when Kelly was diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

As a mother, coach, clinical counsellor and author, Patricia is no stranger to adversity. Both a student and teacher of life, Patricia shares her inspiration for writing this book for Kelly, what Kelly taught her and what feeds the limitless love and strength that resides within us.

Patricia identifies some of the adversities that informed her resilience journey and lets us in on her "secret sauce" for maintaining such extraordinary energy and drive. Currently battling cancer, Patricia’s spirit remains unshaken and her light shines bright.

Website: https://www.solutionsforresilience.com

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“You're not focused enough unless you're mourning some of the things you're saying no to."

When Cindy first read these poignant words from James Clear, it felt like they were written just for her.

For 30 years, Cindy has helped folks grow, heal, and reach for their potential as a clinical counsellor, executive coach and host of A Resilience Project. Yet counsellors and coaches are humans, too—and we ALL can easily overextend ourselves (even with the activities we love most).

In this special episode, Cindy shares what she has discovered in gauging her capacity and stewarding her energy while preventing burn out.

Joined by retired fire chief, fellow podcaster and executive coach, Arjuna George, the tables have turned as Arjuna interviews Cindy for this insightful and rich conversation.

Check out Arjuna’s podcast, Beneath the Helmet, and his website: silverarrowco.com.

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Have you ever stopped to consider the emotional toll on those who are committed to the unique lifestyle of farming and the agriculture industry?

In this episode we are digging deep into the roots of mental health challenges in the field of agriculture and the families impacted by this lifestyle. Our guest, Lewellyn Melnyk, plants seeds of insight as she shares her journey from journalism to cultivating resilience as a farmer. As the author of "Rooted: How I stay small town strong when life gets hard," Lewellyn bravely reveals her walk with depression and the risk factors common to those in the farming community.

We uncover alarming statistics from the Mental Health Commission of Canada, revealing the fertile ground for depression, anxiety, and even suicide among farmers. Lewellyn uncovers several factors contributing to these challenges while sowing seeds of hope and resilience.

Join us for a harvest of wisdom as we cultivate a deeper understanding of mental health in agriculture that will ring true for many. Adversity is universal, and yet we can grow a greater understanding of the strength and challenges in this vital but often overlooked industry.

Website: www.lewellynmelnyk.com

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In this episode, we delve into the extraordinary life of Janet Applefield, whose journey through adversity began during the invasion of Poland in 1939. Separated from her parents at the age of 7 during the upheaval of the Holocaust, Janet endured years of uncertainty and danger, learning the necessity of silence to protect her cultural identity.

Generously giving us a glimpse into her memoir, "Becoming Janet: Finding Myself in the Holocaust” and no longer content to remain silent, you will learn of the lifelong journey back to herself, and the resilience practices she came to rely on. Her journey is a testament to the power of having a voice, honouring your family heritage, and standing up for what you believe in.

Now residing in Massachusetts, Janet reflects on her career as a clinical social worker, emphasizing the importance of learning from one another despite our cultural differences. Join us for this inspiring conversation as we delve into Janet Applefield's tale of perseverance, strength, and enduring human spirit.

Website: http://www.janetapplefield.com/

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Ever since she was two years old, Debra Atlas felt like she was living behind a mask.

It wasn’t until later in life that she was treated for depression – a diagnosis that has brought her tremendous insight, empathy, and strength.

As an environmental journalist, author, professional speaker, blogger and workshop leader, Debra is widely celebrated as a thought leader, driven by her desire to inspire and empower her readers and clients.

An expert communicator, she was also a radio personality with a weekly feature that ran for almost two years.

You can get your hands (or ears) on her inspiring book and audiobook, You Aren’t Depression’s Victim, which chronicles Debra’s life-long journey with depression. Every page offers life-changing perspectives and practical strategies to motivate people to find ways to take back their lives.

Learn more here: https://debraatlas.com/

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In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of embracing life fully, even amidst challenges. Our guest, Jocelyn Dettloff, shares her remarkable journey from adventurous escapades to unexpected setbacks and the resilience that emerged.

Jocelyn, author of "It Rained in the Desert," exemplifies living without regret by following her passions and trusting that inner voice that whispers “keep moving”. From daring escapades in Namibia, Africa, to overcoming unforeseen challenges, Jocelyn's story is a testament to the resilience that resides within us all.

Sometimes our greatest adversities become the plot twist that sends us on a different kind of adventure. Once a place of healing, Jocelyn’s relationship with Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital transitioned into a career in fundraising and a passionate advocate for others.

Get ready to feel empowered and forever changed by this enlightening conversation.

Website: www.jocelyndettloff.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/itrainedinthedesert

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In this compelling episode of A Resilience Project podcast, Cindy Thompson engages in a rich conversation with her daughter, Breanna Thompson, a counselor, and Claire Miller, a youth pastor and social worker both serving as missionaries in Nairobi, Kenya. This episode delves into their experiences of living and working in a foreign culture, offering profound insights and wisdom.

Breanna's journey, starting as a teacher at an international school seven years ago, and now completing her master's degree in counseling psychology, is a testament to adaptability and personal growth. The discussion, touches on the challenges faced by missionary workers who uproot themselves to serve in unfamiliar and sometimes perilous locations.

The conversation highlights key themes such as mindset, community, effective communication, and the importance of finding normalcy in new environments. Breanna and Claire offer powerful resilience practices applicable not only to missionary work but also in navigating cross cultural experiences, relationships, and everyday challenges.

In a world of inevitable adversity, this podcast emphasizes that resilience is not just a trait but a practiced art. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on cultural adaptation, personal growth, and the resilience needed to thrive in any environment.