Your Stories Dont Define You, How You Tell Them Will

412 Ego and Soul When was the last time you were proud of yourself? When was the last time you took a moment to truly look at yourself and say "I am proud of the person I am and I want other people to see how amazing I can be."? When was the last time YOU fed your soul? It's easy to forget when we're cheering others on that we also need to cheer ourselves on, because if we don't then who will?  In this episode Sarah Elkins and Sharon Rolph discuss their own personal growth and the pride they feel in the people they have become and are still growing into.    Highlights The desire to be visible and relevant as we grow.   The importance of ego in our growth. Be proud of yourself and how far you have come. Embracing visibility. Just because something is uncomfortable, doesn't make it inauthentic. It only makes it uncomfortable.  The importance of having Soul and Ego in an authentic manner.    Quotes "I think a lot of us women have been too quiet." "The butterflies flying in your stomach, just get them

411 Encouraging Change and Growth   In today's episode Sarah Elkins and Rachael Bohns discuss the significance and necessity of change as well as the importance of acknowledging and catering to the strengths of yourself and those around you.    Highlights Doing what's best for you even if no one knows, and especially for your own sake. Collaboration and commitment instead of obligation. Driving desire.    Quotes "Most of the time change is thrusted upon us." "Change is individual to people." "Reward is individual."   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, My question for you is what will you do with this information? When you think about the ADKAR framework; the Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, and Reinforcement, what example can you come up with from your life, where you had something that needed to change and you went through that process, or what if you had gone through that process would it have changed anything in your change? Made it more successful or faster. And then think about a change th

410 Holding Space For Grief    What can one say when faced with tragedy? Do you reach for a simple "I'm sorry" to let another know you sympathize with their pain? Do you offer an anecdote to show you empathize with what they are going through? Regardless, it is important that whatever you do you also hold space for your grief as well as those who need to know they are not alone in their grief.   Highlights The importance of holding space for grief in the face of tragedy.  Using healthy coping mechanisms to combat pain.  You can sit in your grief and melancholy, just remember you must continue to move on.   Quotes "I can't fathom how this is okay in the year 2025. Why haven't we evolved further than to allow the murder of innocents?" "It brought me a sense of peace and comfort, knowing we are resilient people. That we will come through this. That we will find love and community as we make the efforts to do so."   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, Find a place outside where you can stand on grass or d

409 Expanding Your Comfort Zone   In today's episode Sarah Elkins ruminates on how she has expanded her comfort zone by stepping into what she calls the "stretch zone", where you aren't entirely comfortable yet but willing to try just so that you can see what you're made of. If we never stretch our wings, we'll be trapped in the nest forever, so have faith in yourself, step into your stretch zone, and see how far it can take you.    Highlights Telling stories to connect with another, not to change their mind.  Taking time to calibrate yourself and find inner peace.  Turning your stretch zone into your comfort zone, one step at a time.    Quotes "The stories we share influence how we're perceived, and even when a listener isn't consciously aware they're picking up signals about who we are and whether we can be trusted." "To be comfortable with discomfort we have to embrace and define what our comfort zone looks like, and how it feels." About Sarah "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences

In this episode Sarah Elkins and Judit Piros discuss the importance of change in one's self, how healing often needs to be sought out and made active strides to achieve. From the highs and lows of being a parent, to the life of an artist, as well as the deep intrinsic self learning that comes from our unique walks of life that we must share with those around us. In doing so, we find we aren't that different after all.     Highlights Shifting perspective to see scenarios differently, especially if it is a scenario you didn't expect to not work out.  Taking time for yourself to heal, find your counterweight, take whatever is thrown at you and still stand up. Especially for yourself and those you love.  Proportional responses and how necessary they are to healing. Try to be gentle with yourself.    Quotes "The way you were born has very very much defined how you lived and how you experience life." "All life begins in darkness." "You need suffering in order to transform, and this is when you learn your

407 Being Intentional With Our Energy   In today's episode, Sarah Elkins and Christopher Parsons discuss the importance of a moment of silence to take inventory with yourself, and not to be distracted by screens or unwanted voices, as well as the importance of genuine human connection.    Highlights Being silent to find your best self. You never know who will hear your stories. Making real human connection as opposed to consuming or scrolling. Stepping away from our phones to focus on one thing at a time, specifically the things that really matter.   Quotes "It's something we all have to tame because we all live with it." "Sit back and look at your life as if you are looking at a painting."   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, Where will you find silence? Will you take moments in a conversation, in the middle of a conversation especially if it's via text, to take time to consider what's next. Will you take inventory? Taking opportunities to walk away from a situation, to sit and make a cup of coffe

Screen Time for Young Children: A Parent's Search for Answers and Options In this day and age of smartphones, electronic billboards, TVs, and the seemingly impossible-to-avoid screen, it's easy to lose connection to what matters most, our community as human beings. We crave connection, and by mindlessly scrolling or putting on a video to appease ourselves or a child, we inherently rob ourselves and our charges of a chance to truly connect, oftentimes causing irrevocable damage to the brain. We know screens are here to stay, so the question becomes how we can shift how we use them to encourage in-person interaction and relationship-building. In addition to researching how to undo the damage to young people's brains, thanks to the addictive nature of shows and games, we need to research how to reduce the harm in the first place. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Will Maurer discuss the how research on screentime for infants has been limited because of the blanket prohibition and shame related to it, and why it's

405 A Love Letter To My Future Self Throughout life there will come times where we must take up our skills and talents as a knight would a sword and shield, wielding our innate and powerful gifts to further our lives for the better. By facing these moments, refusing to make excuses, and instead put in the hard work, we are bound to succeed.  In this episode, Sarah Elkins contemplates the events that lead up to her presence on the TEDX stage, how the encouragement of her closest confidants, the peacefulness of nature on her hikes, and her own self reflection has brought her to this pivotal moment in her life.    Highlights What are you hesitating on? What is giving you pause as you take this next step in your life? How social media and our own personal responsibility can potentially contribute to division. Connecting as a human being is all you need to be to make your life and the lives of those around you more fulfilling. Are you making excuses? Or are you avoiding doing something hard even though it

404 The Unpredictable Nature of Our Stories   Like the humble ant, we go about our lives caring for those in our home, seeking new horizons, and using our natural talents to build monuments to our success. However, just like the ant, we are subject to things out of our control; be it a rainstorm that floods known pathways or a cruel child with a magnifying glass. These things can break us, they often do, but just like the ant we must settle again, rebuild, and make our home safe again. In this episode Sarah Elkins and Anne Plaisance discuss the many trials and tribulations they had faced and how they channeled it into something beautiful and powerful.   Highlights How have you surprised others? With your choices, strengths, and/or stories? How have you turned the hard parts of your story into something inspiring? How have you transformed? When was the moment your relief finally turned to joy?    Quotes "What you don't transform, you transmit." "I'd say it's a little bit like kintsugi, the japanese art

403 Choosing Love First   It’s easy to forget that we have free will, that we can choose what we love, what we like, how we choose for others to perceive us. It takes a great deal of self reflection and growth to find the parts of ourselves that are willing to speak up and fight for what we believe in, even if we must speak up and fight against ourselves.  In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Edward Simberg discuss everything from how they met, to their deep love of storytelling, to the core beliefs they both hold dear.    Highlights How do you live the stories you share? How do your stories reflect your values? Do you put genuine human effort into reaching out to a person?  How are your self perceptions skewed? Are you conscious of how you want to be perceived? What is something you want? And what are your next steps in getting there? If you can have foundational love and gratitude your life will change.   Quotes “You need to burn that candle a little bit, before you realize how big that fire real

402 Freedom in Healing Throughout life we may make decisions, or be subject to decisions made involving us. Whether it’s first or second hand, inevitably we begin to believe in a pattern in the behavior around us, oftentimes leading to self doubt and worse. However, if we keep moving forward, actively choosing to make the best of a situation, to learn and grow in order to better ourselves for ourselves, we will find our freedom in healing.   In today’s episode, Sarah Elkins and Holli Tabren McEachern discuss the importance of growth, healing, and the honesty that comes with self reflection. Honesty not just with the world, but with yourself and what has happened to make you feel the way you do, and how it triggers you.    Highlights Empathy in a world of cruelty is the bravest rebellion.  How have you been programmed?  Have you ever encountered favoritism?  What choices are you making that reflect your behavior? Do you feel like you have to justify these choices?   Quotes “I think it’s because we lo

401 Exploring Our Identities   It can be daunting to explore outside of your comfort zone, it is vital to your growth. Whether that be leaving your hometown or simply stepping into a new field, we must challenge ourselves to unlock our true potential.  In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Sarah Degn discuss how important it is to spread your own wings and to travel outside of your comfort zone and to find who you are through your own skills and knowledge.    Highlights Leaving home behind to pursue your dreams. It’s never too late to try and to explore. Learning and growing as an individual to in turn help your community.   Quotes “You can come back, just the reminder that yes you absolutely should go experience something beyond your small town.” “You just need to find the new opportunities and things that are missing.”   Dear Listeners it is now your turn, Sarah and I spoke for nearly an hour about what it’s like to explore our identities through our youth and maybe come back home, and find out what l

In celebrating the 400th Episode of Your Stories Don’t Define You How You Tell Them Will, Sarah Elkins ruminates on the many lessons and gifts she has been given throughout her journey as a podcaster, an entrepreneur, and a person. From returning to what truly matters, to reciprocating the good and beautiful things in life.    Highlights What goals have you met that still shock you? What are you reflecting on and have you made amendments to others and yourself? How do you reciprocate in your relationships? Especially in the relationship with yourself. Are you surrounding yourself with the people who help build you? Who reciprocates your intentions? How do you hold space for the stories of those around you?   Quotes “She thinks about it in terms of returning to our core goodness. She believes this is our opportunity to return, find, and bring our hearts back to that core in action.” “When I receive, what am I giving in return? When I give, what am I receiving in return?” “Stop chasing people who do

399 Support In All Its Different Forms   When it comes to feeling comfortable, confident, and seen, it is important that we dress ourselves in a way that reflects how we want to feel. When it comes to women, a good bra that is comfortable and supportive is absolutely vital. We feel good when we have clothes that fit our body and flatter us. In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and LaJean Lawson discuss not only Doctor Lawson's extensive research into the comfort and support of sports bras and how it has impacted the people in her life that needed something so vital and yet so easily overlooked.    Highlights When we have access to things that make us comfortable it will make us feel more confident. Are you pushing the right buttons in your life? How do you know you are on the right path? How have you felt like your voice was heard?   Quotes “I so love and respect the trades, and I try to do a project every year, especially in really hot or really cold weather because what that does is it raises my awarenes

398 Everything We Do Can Create A Story   Every living breathing moment, we contribute to our own story. Every job, every interaction with another soul, every moment we reflect, we write a significant line in our story and oftentimes we must take time to truly consider what we truly want to have in our story. Do we want exhaustion or loneliness to rule our narrative? Or do we want to forge our own community based on that which brings us joy and cherish the light within us? These are the questions we must ask ourselves. In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Tracy MacDonald discuss the importance of living as much as possible, from adventures around the globe, to taking a moment to just breathe and take in the beauty of nature. And how in doing so you create a life for yourself and those you love to be proud of.    Highlights Are your actions in alignment with how you want people to remember your story? What is grounding to you?  What relationships, whether it be a place like nature or people around you, ha

When you first take the Strengths Finder quiz, we often feel like those skills and talents are what you can use to guide and influence others, however if we forget to take time for ourselves, to turn our talents inward and focus on ourselves, we are failing ourselves by not acknowledging what we bring to the table.   In today's episode Sarah Elkins and Lindsey Van Gorp discuss the importance of introspection, fostering and growing our strengths, as well as how we need to wield our talents and skills in order to be the best version of ourselves, not just for others but for ourselves so that we may feel fulfilled in our lives.    Highlights Have you ever done anything out of character for the sake of someone else? Are you direct in your communication or do you soften the edges of your words? Recognizing the innate strengths in everyone and how that builds community when you’re aware of it. Do you use your talents solely for those around you or are you using them more introspectively to best show up for

396 Curiosity and Authenticity   It is in human nature to be curious, to ask questions, and seek out insight in an attempt to make sense of the world we are thrust into. It is when we craft our own personal board of directors do we get the opportunity to finally seek the answers we crave and in doing so find our own purpose. In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Cole Mannix discuss how curiosity led them to find their authentic selves as well as the many paths their hunger for answers took them on.    Highlights Curiosity and the questions it makes us ask often shape how we grow, even if we don’t see where it’s taking us at first. Drawing in voices from all over can lead to new perspectives and new questions as well as answers. Although our path can change throughout life, our mission will always remain the same.    Quotes “What you serve really matters.” “What can I give my life to? What is worth the limited time, y’know we all have a limited time, and life no matter what, no matter how rich it is will

395 Carpe Diem    It’s easy to think we have all the time in the world to do something we’re putting off. Whether it’s changing jobs, or finishing your novel, or finally folding the laundry, we always think we’ll have more time. However time is a finite resource, and one day it too will run out. So we carry with us reminders of that which matters most to us and in doing so we remind ourselves to seize the day and to not take time for granted. In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and George Schunk discuss their own collections of sentimental items, their own art they have dedicated themselves to, as well as how important it is to act on an opportunity instead of waiting for the perfect time.    Highlights What are you holding on to that means a great deal to you? What is something you read or wrote that you still think about? Are you doing something because you want to? Is the story you tell about it fair to the other people involved in it? Those stories matter, and not just to you. Don’t wait for the per

394 The Driver of Innovation is Curiosity   Curiosity is in our nature as human beings, we crave knowledge and the answers to the how’s and why’s. Whether it be from a scientific standpoint, raising a child, or to work more cohesively with our coworkers, we must always stay curious so that we can always be growing.  In this episode Sarah Elkins and Jeff Ikler discuss not just their vital work, but how they have maintained healthy relationships, and a positive mental state by always staying curious.    Highlights Avoiding the after conference hangover by having a support team to further your ideas and goals. Taking something you deem important and holding onto it while using it as the foundation for something meaningful to be built. You can’t please everyone, so cast a smaller net, tend to your audience. How are you furthering yourself either with academic education or social education? Walk away with at least one idea, even if you need to come up with it yourself or seek it out. Be intentional about

393 Being Direct and Intentional in Conversations   It can be far too easy to let yourself be passive in conversations, whether it be to let another person make a decision or to avoid conflict. However in doing so we rob ourselves and others of deep meaningful connection, which is why it is so important to be direct and intentional with your words. In today’s episode Sarah Elkins talks about these points while also bringing up times in her life where she was passive and direct in conversation, and why it is so important to her to be direct and intentional.   Highlights Be direct and honest with your words, don’t leave room for doubt or miscommunication.  Don’t leave a conversation completely up to one person. Communication goes both ways. Being intentional in conversation, as well as understanding and compassionate.   Quotes “I realized a lot of miscommunication and unintended injury happens when we’re passive in our language.” “I also remembered a few people from my past who were especially difficult