Kevin Polky - The Journey

The month of November has long been my favorite time of year. Maybe it is because of the beautiful leaves to the bare trees, the warm days to cold mornings, football, and family. But, in my life it has come also with loss and setbacks. Listen to this episode as I share about the paradox of living in the tension of the best and the hardest time of the year.

Keeping Going Lisa was quiet and reserved growing up. She was involved in a relationship which she felt could not escape. But after an extended period of suffering in silence, she broke free. She is now committed to making a difference for other victims.

He Found True Love John grew up in Southern California and sports was where he felt connection and confidence because he was above average. He had asked the players if they loved football. John did not know how to answer the question but years later he understood when he applied the same question to music. Listen to this episode and John share his story of discovering his voice and his passion. Go to www.jaeanthonie.com

Wanting to Make a Difference Danielle has been intrigued by how other people see the world. She has been making significant impact on the greater Rockford area through the organization which she leads NAMI-Northern Illinois. Listen to this episode on all the things she is doing with NAMI.

Making Difference in Rockford Caitlin was born and raised in a small town south of Rockford. She followed her passion for the arts and after graduation she found herself in Rockford. She has been working with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce in a variety of roles. She is bringing to Rockford an all-day conference about empowering women. Go to www.rockfordchamber.com.

Passionate about Raising Awareness about Domestic Violence October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Therasa has spent her entire career studying and helping individuals who have been impacted by domestic violence. She is in a new position working with individuals who have been impacted by complicated trauma. If you know anyone who needs help due to domestic violence please contact: National Domestic Violence Hotline-800.799.7233; Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline-877.863.6338; Remedies815.962.6102; OSF STRIVE TRC-815.227.2688

Shatter Our Silence, SOS was formed in 2016. Once a year, we have an annual fundraiser to raises resources for the awareness and educational campaigns. This past week was the 5th Annual SOS Fundraiser, and it was a success. Listen to this episode about the details on the event and SOS.

No Longer Why Did This Happen Xavier’s worst nightmare happened. Her son died from suicide over 7 years ago. Initially, asked why did this happen? Now she has discovered the journey of what she is going to do with her grief and pain. She is a mental health advocate, group leader and mental health first aid instructor. Now, she is hosting her first retreat for restoring and resilience. Go to www.tommycorralmemorialfoundation.com.

Screw City Uprising Listen to this episode on how Will has brought a cool event to the Rockford area on September 25th. This will be a substance-free event with skateboarding, live music, artists and vendors raising awareness of mental illness and substance abuse. Join us for this great event!

Turning Her Grief into Purpose Laura has had numerous struggles throughout her life. She thought all her dreams were going to come to true and then the most tragic thing happened, her son died from suicide. The pain and grief were beyond words. During her grief, she found purpose. Listen to this episode and what Laura has done with her grief to be the Light in others darkness. Be part of the solution. Together, we can prevent suicide. Be the Light in others darkness.

It’s the start of the month in which we focus on increasing our awareness of suicide prevention. This episode is focused on the nonprofit I started 5 plus years ago and a handful of things I have learned during this part of the journey. Listen and be part of the solution to prevent suicide. Be a Light in others’ darkness.

Take a listen to this episode as I read a version of the original story that inspired the book “The Obstacle is the Way”. I share some insights and thoughts on how you can utilize this simple story in your everyday life. Enjoy!

Self-care is a term that is used quite bit at this time. You would think this term would be self-evident though the definition may be, but how to care for yourself may not be. Listen to this episode as I talk about the need to push ourselves out of our comfort zone with balancing when to pull back and be still to rest and rejuvenate. Enjoy!

In modern times it can be confusing to identify self-worth. A natural development indicator is what the people around mirror back to you. But this needs to be only one aspect of looking at what is your self-worth. Listen to this podcast as we breakdown some steps to discovering your self-worth.

In the midst of so much change over the past 16 months there has been pattern of overreaction and quick judgment. How do we pause to assess before we make a conclusion? Listen to this episode as I share thoughts about the ancient story about the Chinese farmer.

I continue to reflect on concepts from Ryan Holiday’s book “Stillness is the Key. Take a moment. Grab something to write with. And, put your thoughts down on paper. Listen to this episode about the multiple benefits of journaling.

I continue to reflect on concepts from Ryan Holiday’s book “Stillness is the Key. Take a moment. Grab something to write with. And, put your thoughts down on paper. Listen to this episode about the multiple benefits of journaling.

I am inviting you to listen to this episode as I reflected on a recent experience that occurred during a stillness moment. The ripple effect afterwards continues to multiple days afterwards. Enjoy this episode and share with someone who may need to hear this reflection.

Have you ever found yourself in situation where felt everything was coming down all around? This reflection about some easy steps on what to do when you are faced with an obstacle or a conflictual situation with another person.

Gratitude to my father for his sacrifices. Gratitude for the men who spoke into me either as a teacher, coach, or mentor. Grateful for being able to be a father. Enjoy and be grateful.