Consider Yourself Hugged

This week starts week 1 of a 10-week women's book study of my book, "The Stress Club." Men, listen too as I think it can help! Each week we'll do basically one chapter. Today we'll do chapters one and two. If you don't have the book and would like a free Kindle download, that will be available April 21st - link is in the Show Notes at https://bit.ly/34QBgBg. Thanks for listening!!

As our country is urged today to prepare for the “hardest and saddest week,” I wanted to give you 4 choices to make to get through it together! I hope they'll speak to you in a powerful way! Show notes at bit.ly/34gBVf6CYH59.

Earlier in the month, Dr. Jenny Severson was on the show teaching us about emotions. Today, she's back, talking specifically about trauma. We recorded this before Coronavirus took the toll that it's taking, and I think the timing is perfect. Jenny talks about "little t" trauma vs "Big T" trauma. We are going through something together now that's more than we could have ever dreamed. I pray that her words speak to you today! Show notes at bit.ly/2WUpeVGCYH58.

Last month I was blessed to speak at Hopkinsville, KY Middle School at their Parent/Teacher Conference event. That night I met Claudia and she shared her story. Claudia and her husband Patrick have 2 boys, Lucas and Nicholas. On 3/2/2018 Nicholas passed in the night at the young age of 19. Claudia told me that Nicholas left a legacy forever, and I immediately knew I wanted her to share that with you. We recorded on March 2nd, two years to the date after his death, and before the Coronavirus pandemic. I know you may have lost someone to this illness. Or maybe you're separated from family, elderly parents, children. I know Claudia's words will inspire you through this time! Show notes post by 6:30 am CST on 3/24.

Oh my how the world has changed in a few days! Today, I have a short episode with a few powerful ideas for staying mentally and emotionally healthy during this difficult time. Remember, we are all in this together and I pray for our entire country every day! I hope you'll join me.Show notes at http://bit.ly/3d5NrhsCYH56.

What does it mean to be offended? The Oxford dictionary defines it as: resentful or annoyed, typically as a result of a perceived insult.Synonyms are: upset, hurt, wounded, injured, insultedSo why talk about this? Why admit it? Why now? Listen today, and I'll admit my struggles and walk you through processing those times when you're offended!Show notes at http://bit.ly/3350XNGCYH55.

Dr. Jenny Severson is passionate about gratitude, emotional intelligence, and optimism, even during tough times! Jenny serves schools, corporations, churches, and speaks at conferences across the globe. Today, she shares with you how she learned to take care of herself, serve others, have faith, and understand her body and her emotions at a deeper level. She's a smart one, so get ready!! Show notes at http://bit.ly/32JFEB6CYH54.Love & Hugs

As an ovarian cancer survivor, Jenn did not think it was in the cards to have children. Yet, marrying a single dad immediately blessed her with three children, then Jenn and Kirk were surprised by two miracle babies who are now growing into young men. Today, Jennifer Walden shares her story of hope, love, relationships, healing, generosity, and more. She not only inspires, but also shares practical tips that helped get her through the toughest time in her life!Show notes at http://bit.ly/2VkMf37CYH53.

Today, you get the pleasure and honor of hearing from the bully expert, Donna Clark Love! Donna is an internationally recognized bully expert, workshop trainer and conference keynote speaker. She is a Licensed Chemically Dependent Counselor, a certified trainer for Stephen Covey’s “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” and a certified mediator/conflict resolution trainer. Donna has been featured on the NBC Today Show and the NBC Evening News to highlight successful prevention programming. She has been featured in Forbes Magazine on workplace bullying. Recently, she was asked to provide expert commentary on digital bullying/harassment for Good Morning America. In 2005, People Magazine recognized her as the ‘cyber bullying expert’.I know this will help you, and please pass along to help others! Show notes at http://bit.ly/37EznrkCYH52.Love & Hugs!

Last week I put out the call for stories. If you listened, you might already know that my dear friend Angela Howell was the brain behind the challenge. Today, she called me and said, "Hey, let's talk about the stories together!" It's SO last minute, and I loved it! So, enjoy some of her reader's stories here, and respond to the challenges we give you today. Happy Valentine's Day!! Show notes at http://bit.ly/2uEHgzkCYH51.

Next week is Valentine's Day! Today I'll chat a bit about the weird history of this day, share my favorite Valentine's Day stories, and then challenge you to share your stories with me. Love & Hugs!Show notes at http://bit.ly/2SjfRLcCYH50.

Join me today as 10-year-old Emma and I talk about hugs! It's been one year (almost to the day!) since CYH launched, and this is my first discussion about hugs! Show notes at http://bit.ly/3155DC7CYH49.

Think of someone you want to change some obnoxious behavior. Maybe it’s family, a friend, a co-worker. You know this person: We vent about them with each other. We try to figure it out together. What if that person changed the behavior you've been praying for? What if that person might suddenly be part of your life in a different way? Today I'll talk about 4 reasons that transition is weird (for lack of a better word!). Also, watch the episode on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKzOxDe0AlE.Show notes at http://bit.ly/30KAwvtCYH48.

Happy Day!! This week's episode is definitely "off the cuff!" My oldest son, Jamie (everyone else calls him James, but I'm his mom so I get to call him whatever I want

Happy 2020!! I’m starting the new year with this topic because communication really is foundational for great mental and emotional wellbeing. Can’t say no? Don’t speak up and ask for things? People don’t seem to connect with you? ALL communication issues. (Make sure to listen till the end because in February I’m doing a free webinar for 10 people. Honestly, it’s the 1st of a few freebies as I branch out more into communication and speaker coaching.)How can you be a person that others want to be around? One that has a reputation for being kind, confident, thoughtful, attentive? These 10 tips will include how you mentally process BEFORE you speak as well as what you say Here we go! (Show notes http://bit.ly/2FteofgCYH46.)

I decided to end 2019 with an anniversary story. I’ve told the story a thousand times: 4 am, December 22nd, three days before Christmas, my house burned down in the middle of the night. When we awoke, the entire attic/roof and about 1/3 of the house was already engulfed. My husband at the time and my 3 kids, (ages 2,4, and 6) climbed out of our bedroom window and that was that. Christmas feels different this year. I’m not sure why. Not sure if it has anything to do with it being 25 yrs since that night, but it’s just different. I hope you'll understand as you listen to our final chat of 2019! (Show notes at http://bit.ly/2rWZafnCYH45)

Lori La Bey cared for her mother with dementia for 30 years. She gave up her career to shift the needle in dementia awareness, care and education; stating she would not work in a broken system. Through her passion and dedication, Lori launched Alzheimer’s Speaks an advocacy and media outlet providing multiple platforms shifting perceptions of dementia at home and in healthcare; while creating and exposing new care strategies and resources.Lori has been Recognized by Oprah as a “Health Hero” and AARP MN as an “Inspiring Leader and Disruptor” in 2018, by Maria Shriver as an “Architect of Change” in 2016, and by Dr. Oz and Sharecare as the “#1 Influencer Online for Alzheimer’s” in 2012.Get ready - she has a ton of great advice!!(Show notes at http://bit.ly/2LFgWdHCYH44).

I’m excited to welcome you back from the holidays with an inspirational guest, Erin Jones. Erin and I met a few years ago at an event we’ve both spoken at several times, a week of staff development for the amazing teachers at Cypress Fairbanks, TX a suburb of Houston. She has such an inspiring story of using loss, abandonment, and rejection as the foundation for the good she does in the world. All of us have dealt with these issues in life, some small and some big. I promise you'll be inspired today and ready to use your gifts to be the best you can be! (Show notes at http://bit.ly/2rPFIRoCYH43.)

I know this is a busy week and your energies need to go toward family & friends, or however you plan to spend your holiday, so this’ll be short! Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday! And even though I love it, sometimes I forget to truly be thankful. So let’s do that today. Join me in sharing memories of Thanksgivings past! Yes I'll make it interesting by offering you a possible gift :) And Happy Happy Thanksgiving!!

Last week I interviewed my pastor about addiction. He freely shares his story and is NOT embarrassed by his past. That interview led me to think, "Well, I’m not embarrassed – why?" It really was one of the worst days of my life. Today I'll share three reasons I’m not embarrassed about my mental hospital stay (along with some lessons learned). Regardless of what the skeleton/s is/are in your closet, listen to have a renewed attitude on your plights :). Show notes found at http://bit.ly/2KBQUrjCYH41.