Kevin Polky - The Journey

In this episode, I talk about the process in which we all walk through life. When we have setbacks or obstacles, how do we respond: do we respond as victim, villain, hero/heroine or guide. Listen as I go through the process of the Hero’s Journey and the use of some ancient wisdom to guide us.

Many of you have heard this story numerous times. It is a story from the ancient wisdom text, The Bible. During this episode, I give my reaction to this story and some comments themes. But, like all great stories, ask yourself what is the story saying to you as you listen to this episode.

There is a lot of things we do not have control over when it comes to the future. And the more out of our comfort zone and our familiar the more threatening. A normal reaction is critical and negative. But, logically the future could as easily be improved and better. It is our ability to choose our perception of the future.

How do you develop resilience? How do you emotionally and spiritually develop? During this episode, I focus on some basic elements of emotional and spiritual development. Similar to mental and physical development, it is more about going thru something versus getting over something.

He Changed His Stars by the Vows He Made to Himself This is one of those exciting episodes where my guest, Jason shares about the setbacks in his childhood and adult life and the promises he made to himself. “Try harder. I’ll show you! Don’t give up!” They drove him to be successful until they drove him to burnout. Check out the discoveries Jason shares regarding what he has learned in his life for true success.

Because He was Given Much, He Wants to Give Back Ivan was born in Mexico. He moved with his family first to New Jersey and then to Wisconsin. He loved playing soccer, and all was going great preparing for his senior year in high school. But something was not right. His stamina was not there, he was making mistakes that he normally would not make, and he was tired all the time. After months of being misdiagnosed, finally a physician orders a specific panel of tests. He has Stage IV Hodgkinson Lymphoma. Ivan shares his journey with cancer and treatment. It has been 9 years since his senior year! Today, Ivan is giving back by working at Red Oak Counseling as a counselor specifically with youth. Great story, check it out!

She is in 1% Club! On February 2, 2018, Heather Baker went to work like any other day, but this day was different. On this day, she died from cardiac arrest. Due to the quick response from her fellow educators who performed CPR, use of a defibrillator and the first responders, Heather’s life was saved. She was 28 years old, athlete who was health and exercise conscious. She became 1% of the individuals who survive cardiac arrest who no significant long-term damage. Listen this amazing story of Heather experience and her journey to recovery. Check out her story on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEC4MwZCYL0&t=10s

Air Force. Teacher. Therapist. Author. Theresa has traveled to many places throughout her life. She has made the inner journey of healing as well. She spent time in the Air Force. Worked as a teacher and later got a master’s in social work. She is passionate about learning and teaching. She has written wonderful children books to help with feelings and cope with anxiety. Go to Amazon for Theresa’s books: “Ice Cream Cone Feelings” and “There’s a Squirrel in My Tummy”.

giving grace and mercy and being courageous to help others are lessons from this episode. Enjoy!

There is one sporting championship that brings in more fans and attention then any others, The Super Bowl. There may be a handful of different reasons. But, what it is for me and many others, is that it is more than the game. It is one of the times of year that family and friends come together. The game is playing and being watched but it is more than football, it is about being together and sharing a common experience. I am grateful for the Super Bowl.

A reflection on how a change in the elements can influence your perspective. Just a small change allows it to be easier to be mindful and less distracted. How does new information and opportunity for a new relationship change our perspective? Do we use new information to help us to grow and develop or do we negate it because it is too challenging to our comfort zone.

Your God is to Small Pastor Dan Hinz rejoins me on The Journey and we talk about his current sermon series about “Your God is to Small.” During this episode, we talk about the historical perspective of religion and how that impacts our image of God. Pastor Dan shares what he has learned preparing from this series and I shared some of my insights since listening to this series. Welcome!

What is the reason we stop and notice when someone makes a mistake? In this reflection, I talk about the tendency we have to focus pointing on the mistake but reluctant to praise the successes.

In this reflection, I share some of the ideas that I have discovered in the research on how to develop resilience with students. Listen to this episode for the basic steps to prepare yourself to help develop resilience in others.

Heaven’s Bell I want to introduce you to a wonderful storyteller. Sherrie has a story of what she believes happens in heaven when people die. She turned the story into a book. An amazing story to give hope and comfort to anyone who has everyone lost someone. Go to www.heavensbell.com

Typically, New Year resolutions are about eliminating behaviors. But what if this year we chose to add behaviors to our daily routine. What if we chose to look for opportunities to be kind to others and pay it forward? Listen to this episode for reason for this year’s New Year’s challenge.

As we are coming to the end of this calendar year, it is a time to reflect on 2021. Take a moment and reflect on what you experienced personally and professionally. Reflect on the past 12-month journey. I would encourage to share with someone or in the chat feature what you experienced. Take another pause to contemplate on what you would like to accomplish in the next 12-months. Be intentional to take a moment to reflect and dream.

Suffering is part of life that we all experience at one time or another. The holiday season can sometimes make those losses or setbacks harder. We can’t avoid losses or suffering but we can choose to transform from the pain rather than transmit to someone else. And, we can choose to not add to someone’s pain but being judgmental. Choose to be kind.

As we enter the month of December, some of us feel the stress of the season. Listen to this episode to look for some tips to lessen your distress that can accompany the Christmas and holiday season.

Check out this episode which I share an ancient story of a mom who everyday she is worried about her two daughters. No matter what the weather she worried how her daughters would be impacted. Listen to how the wise man guided her to find happiness and how you can follow the same guidance for your life.