Kevin Polky - The Journey

A Biker Bringing Light in the Darkness Shawn Nisius is a young man who has a ton of energy and is driven to payback a friend who helped him during a time when he was struggling. Shawn loves working out, motorcycles and wants to make a difference regarding the perception of suicide. Listen to this episode as he shares his story of his struggle, along with the passion he has to raise awareness about suicide through his upcoming motorcycle run.

Critics, it appears everyone has them. And the one in our head seems to be the loudest. This episode focuses on what we do with comments or feedback from others. Do we take others’ opinions and give it more weight than our own thoughts? Can we learn from others’ feedback and then let the criticism go and follow our dream?

Regardless of going on vacation, starting the educational process, or entering the life changing steps of counseling, the tendency is to focus on the endpoint then the process. It natural but what about the process of the journey. During this reflection I share my thoughts about the importance of embracing the journey and avoid the distraction of focusing only on arriving at the destination.

Carpe Diem, we have heard the saying numerous times as it has been used in movies and in songs in modern times. Carpe Diem means to seize the day. But what does that mean? As I reflected on the phrase, I thought of intention, mindfulness, and discipline. Take a listen and would love to hear what it means for you.

What is character? Does it matter? I believe it does. Listen to this episode as I attempt to explain what character is and why I believe it is important. What will you do on the abandoned country road? Take a listen.

During this Reflection on The Journey, I read the famous poem “Footprints in the Sand” and share some thoughts and insights into my own spiritual journey. Please share any thoughts that may be sparked by this episode.

The famous Robert Frost poem is what I utilize as central point of thought on this podcast. I share about the times I have taken the familiar path over the path less traveled. And those times when I have chosen the narrow path, what difference it made.

I constantly amazed in how there is opportunity for me to be taught by God about myself, spirituality, and others through nature. If I will just slow down and be present the teacher is always present. Take a listen to this reflection on how God taught me another lesson about myself.

We all have those stories or movies that move us. They not only impact us when we hear them, but they stick with us and continue to motivate and inspire us long after when we first heard the story. Check out this reflection on a message I recently heard.

Mindfulness what is it and how can I do it? It seems like for the longest time, I was trying to figure out how to be more mindful. During this episode, I share about my experience on a walk and what has helped me to be more mindful.

We can’t always control what happens to us. But we do have a choice of how we respond. Here are some quick reflections on how to choose to be the hero of your story and avoid falling into the victim thinking of your situation.

Man Following His Passions and Giving Back Brigham has always loved music and being active. He has learned the benefit of setting goals and working hard toward them. Regardless if was 6am workouts in high school, mopping floors at jobs he would rather not be at or practice his craft of DJing and working toward a goal 70 days snowboarding this season. He knows self-awareness and self-discipline is critical to growth and development. Listen to this great conversation about Brigham’s journey. And he shares about his new adventure with develop and creating his beard and body oil company, Brigg’s Beard Co.

Between I brought our dog on her morning walk believing that it was just an ordinary morning. And, maybe it was. And, maybe that was the point. I reflected on the special moments between the events. Take a listen and let me know what you think.

COVID-19: Year in Review, What I Learned. It has been one year since the world has changed due to COVID-19. I shared some of my losses and what I learned about myself. And, I share some tools to bring along the journey of the future.

Her Journey through her Childhood Trauma led to Being a Healer of Others Listen to this amazing conversation with Jacquelyn about her journey of childhood trauma which lead to an eating disorder and struggling young adult years. Through years of healing and recovery, Jacquelyn shares what she learned and now shares with others. A must listen to conversation!

Her Journey with an Eating Disorder Bri shares her story of being a competitive swimmer and cheerleader for years and when the competitions ended there was a void. Unfortunately, the void was filled with an unhealthy focus on her body image and an eating disorder began. She is blessed with a courageous family and a treatment team who has helped her discover whole new life. Listen to this amazing story of a young adult woman’s healing and recovery.

During this episode, I begin to share my story of wrestling with body dysmorphia throughout my life. I talk about the body image seeds that were planted in grade school and began to flourish in middle and high school. My experience with body dysmorphia is that it never goes away it changes in levels of intensity. I do know that I will not be silent regarding these struggles any longer.

Accountability: How are you doing with your New Year’s Resolutions. Research shows, over 80% of individuals who set New Year’s Resolutions abandon them after 6 weeks. During this episode, I share about how to not be a statistic and steps to fulfill the goals you have for 2021.

She found her purpose by creating an experience for others. Cassie has always loved stories, collecting items and seeing beauty in all things. Also, she had always wanted to be a teacher. After working her way through graduating school and later working as a teacher, she realized a calling in a different direction. Five years ago, she bought a quilt shop in Pecatonica, IL. She is making a difference in people’s lives by creating space where beauty, hope and inspiration are experienced.

In 2016, I started a nonprofit young adult suicide awareness program called Shatter Our Silence. One of the primary metaphors that I utilize when teaching is the concept of Light in the darkness. Listen to this episode as I explain some of the behind scenes influences to those teachings as well as four steps to letting your Light shine bright.