Each Step - Big or Small - Makes A Big Difference

In 1996, Dave Mowry had a total breakdown. He was driving down the freeway. under a lot of stress, and his mind was racing. And then, his mind snapped. He heard it like a snapping twig and felt it like a small electric shock in his brain. He was broken. He lost everything and was homeless for 18 months. He was living in hell for 14 months.

Dave Mowry’s story is one that you will want to share with anyone who is struggling with or has a family member battling mental illness. His story is one of inspiration, healing, and hope. He has lived with bipolar disorder and severe anxiety his entire adult life. He was a successful businessman until he lost it all due to mental illness.

After 14 lost years and being homeless with his family for 18 months, Dave took a stand-up comedy class for people with a mental illness. It changed everything. He went from his mental illness having control over him to finding the humor in his experiences and regaining control of his life.

Dave teaches stand-up comedy to people with a mental illness and performs on stage. We find humor in our pain and tell our stories one joke at a time. We let people know that they are not alone and that it is okay to laugh about our challenges, and shatter stigma.

Dave's interview will help you to understand the depths of mental illness and how to rise above the limitations.

                       Winner: Best bipolar disorder books of all time by BookAuthority.

What started out as a couple of blog posts blossomed into a following of over one million people who have read and been touched by Mowry's stories. The most extraordinary thing he found when writing about his experiences is that the most common comment about his work is “OMG, that's me”. You are telling my story. I don't feel so alone now.

Living with mental illness is hard, but it's especially difficult when dealing with more than one condition at the same time. Many books about coping with mental illness focus on one disorder, such as anxiety, panic attacks, or depression. Because Dave Mowry didn't see any that dealt with his situation of living with multiple disorders simultaneously, he decided to write about it himself.

OMG That's Me! It is sometimes funny, often poignant, but always deeply honest, open, and personal. Mowry's stories let others know there is help and there is hope, and that they, too can recover and live a full life. This book is a must-read for family members and friends who will gain true insight into the experiences of loved ones living with a mental illness. This book is a must-read for mental health professionals who will better understand the symptoms faced by their patients. And ordinary people will see the strength, resilience, and beauty of people who will shatter the stigma surrounding mental illness.

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You Have Cancer - What Do I Do to Win the Battle?

When Ray Hartjen was diagnosed with multiple myeloma - cancer, it was the first thing he thought about when he woke up, and pretty much the last thing he thought about before he nodded off to sleep. It occupied his thoughts most of the day.

“I’ve got cancer!”

After his diagnosis in 2019, Ray became a cancer fighter every day of the week that ends in a 'y'. Along with the soundtrack of life continuously playing in his head, Ray also performs and records with his two-piece acoustic band, the Chronic Padres.

To snap out of the trauma, he asked himself what type of role model he wanted to be for his family, friends, and community. What would be his legacy?

Ray Hartjen is a writer and musician whose professional career has spanned parts of five decades. Ray has pivoted on many occasions, from investment banking to pharmaceuticals, from consumer electronics to software. One constant throughout his career path has been storytelling with topics as far-ranging as sports to business.

Me, Myself & My Multiple Myeloma is a cancer-patient memoir written by Ray Hartjen, a multiple myeloma patient diagnosed in March 2019.

In this intimate and inspiring account, Ray reflects on every step of his relentless battle with cancer, from working toward a final diagnosis, through an initial induction treatment and an autologous stem cell transplant, and on to maintenance and continuing active treatment. Through it all, Ray shares personal insights into his fight, tending to his systemic physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs.

Fighting cancer or any serious health issue, particularly a chronic condition, can be a daunting quest. Me, Myself & My Multiple Myeloma shows the importance of being mission-forward. Mission, of course, is unique to each individual and based on values, roles, and the accountabilities associated with each that matter most.

Written for cancer patients, their caregivers, and their friends and family, Me, Myself & My Multiple Myeloma is a personal story of proactive accountability, stubborn perseverance, evolving perceptions, growing maturity, and, ultimately, hope

                      CLICK HERE TO BUY RAY'S BOOK

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Severe Disability and Paralyzed from the Neck Down - Did NOT Stop Ken

Paralyzed from the neck down while playing college football in 1970, Ken Kunken was led to believe the best he could hope for was a career selling magazine subscriptions over the phone. But he battled back from the depths of depression and despair to become an award-winning assistant district attorney.

Some men see things as they are and say, "Why?" Ken dreamed of things that never were and said, "Why not?"

But the Ken Kunken story is more than overcoming adversity. There's more -- much more.

After a lengthy hospitalization, Ken returned to Cornell, where he completed his undergraduate degree in engineering. Ken earned a Master of Arts degree at Cornell in education, as well as a Master of Education degree at Columbia University in psychology. 

Ken became a nationally certified rehabilitation counselor. He worked for more than two years at Abilities, Inc., where he provided vocational and placement counseling to severely disabled individuals. 

Was that enough?  Not for Ken! He enrolled in Hofstra University's School of Law and worked for more than 40 years as a Nassau County assistant district attorney, where he became a Deputy Bureau Chief. 

It’s also a love story that leads Ken to become the biological father of triplets, which was thought to be impossible. Ken's true-life story inspires and motivates others to fight for their dreams against overwhelming odds.

Ken never ever gave up hope. He believed he could lead a useful, productive, and happy life despite his physical disability.

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“I Dream of Things That Never Were” describes Ken Kunken’s journey from the lowest point in his life after a serious football injury to the pinnacle of happiness and success.

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No Obstacle Too Great Not to Overcome and Be Successful

Dr. Fidele Sebahizi's powerful story of courage and perseverance will inspire you to create your own life from the ashes, no matter what giants are in front of you.

Dr. Sebahizi was born and raised in a poor village in the Democratic Republic of Congo. His life was rough. He experienced lots of terrible things, including escaping a genocidal killing at least twice. When he arrived in the United States in 2007, he felt tremendously blessed to have been given such a wonderful opportunity to achieve his unfulfilled dreams, especially going back to school. 

He overcame life obstacles as an immigrant in the United States to achieve the American dream. He became the first immigrant to join and work for the Abilene Police Department in Texas as a police officer. While working for the APD, Fidele earned multiple degrees: a B.A. in Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University in New Hampshire, an M.S. in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University in Texas, and a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice—Homeland Security from Liberty University in Virginia.

In his interview, he shares incredible stories of courage. In 2004, when he was trapped in a house between two heavily armed forces fighting each other, he didn't know if he would be alive today. In addition, he witnessed a genocidal massacre against his people in a United Nations refugee camp in Burundi, Africa, witnessing the burning bodies of his relatives and friends. 

His faith in Jesus Christ is the common denominator that helped him to overcome life's obstacles and struggles. He knew God was always with him and was determined never to give up.

 

 

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Embark on an extraordinary journey from a remote African village, through the horrors of a refugee camp massacre, to a remarkable life as a police officer and PhD holder in the United States. "Creating a Life from the Ashes: A Memoir" is a testament to the indomitable spirit of an African refugee who chose to face and overcome insurmountable challenges.

In this book, you will discover:

• How to build a life from nothing, regardless of your beginnings or struggles.
• The importance of confronting challenges head-on.
• Why avoiding challenges can lead to greater difficulties.
• The true happiness that comes from overcoming adversity.
• The power of rejecting excuses and embracing responsibility.

"Creating a Life from the Ashes" inspires readers to rise above their circumstances with determination and resilience. This memoir demonstrates that no matter how humble your beginnings, you can achieve greatness and make a significant impact.

Don't miss out on this powerful story of courage and perseverance. Be inspired to create your own life from the ashes.

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How Do You Overcome Mental Health Stigmas, with Balance and Peace?

Dr. Fred Moss felt disillusioned with the conventional approaches to mental health, particularly the over-reliance on medication. This sense of hopelessness fueled his determination to find alternative ways to help people, and it ultimately led to the creation of his unique approach to mental health and well-being through creativity and self-expression.

Today, Dr. Moss will share the importance of finding and expressing one’s true voice, the challenges of overcoming mental health stigmas, and the power of creativity as a healing tool.

Dr. Fred Moss is a mental health advocate, psychiatrist, keynote speaker, podcaster, and life optimization coach with over three decades of experience as an expert witness in psychiatry.

He has worked with over 40K patients to help others find balance and peace. He was compelled to challenge the status quo and embrace a more holistic and humanistic approach to mental health.

In his interview he will explain why he is called the UNDOCTOR - an UNDIAGNOSING psychiatrist.  

CREATIVE 8 offers a surprisingly simple healing method, utilizing creativity & self-expression. Transformative psychiatrist and coach Dr. Fred Moss developed the Creative 8 methodology in his private practice and has used it successfully with both psychiatric patients and coaching clients alike. 

The method is easy to learn—anyone can implement it, and it can take less than five minutes per day. Surprisingly simple and fun, the power and impact of the CREATIVE 8 should not be underestimated.

In CREATIVE 8, Dr. Fred not only teaches the method itself but also provides helpful tips and coaching on optimal mindsets and attitudes for deriving the greatest value from the methodology.

CREATIVE 8 provides readers—whether they be fellow practitioners, coaches, or individuals seeking hope and healing—with a simple, powerful, easy-to-implement practice that harnesses the uniquely human powers of creativity and self-expression to bring about healing.

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In this groundbreaking book, you will learn:

• The roots of reluctance
• Why authentic messages are contagious
• The difference between altering your message and altering the way you frame your message
• Why and how we suffer when we are not authentic
• How speaking your truth can create new levels of vitality, lightness, and consistency

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Do You Know What to Do if You Are the Victim of Narcissistic Abuse?

Martina Gruppo was horrified to realize how this had happened to her. She felt numb at the deceit and the stolen time out of her life. Her goal was to change the image of a hysterical, spiky harridan her husband had painted her out to be, leaving her in a crying, crumpled heap. Martina’s story may resonate with many of you who have been victims of narcissistic abuse.

 

Martina Gruppo’s work experience ranges from office management to running an ethical, award-winning coffee company. Her passion for education has led her to raise funds for educational resources and to build classrooms in a cloud forest community in northern Nicaragua. She has also worked as a primary school teacher.

 

Her journey has been marked by challenges such as infertility and breast cancer. Now living in Italy, she runs a successful Airbnb business as well as her own B&B.

 

In this interview, Martina explains how hidden the concept of narcissistic abuse is and how the abusers are shielded by the shame of the very people they are systematically abusing. This is because they count on the love that person feels for them. 

 

Narcissism is often incorrectly labeled; it is not simply bad behavior or infidelity. It is a systematic take down of a decent, empathetic person until they are left empty and doubting their own mind.

 

That is where Martina found herself - beaten down and feeling empty.

 A memoir documenting a narcissistic love story spanning several decades.

 

Self-deprecating, heartbreaking, and sometimes funny, this is ultimately a realistic and revealing insight into how even the strongest person can be susceptible to the most insidious form of abuse—and yet find the courage to walk away and shine again.

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How to See Children with Eyes of Compassion

 "I wasn't adopted, but I remember hugging my mother at the age of four and never seeing her again for decades. When she held me in her arms once again I was thirty-nine years old."

For years, all Abigail Dominguez knew about her mother was her legal name, date of birth, and how she met her father. 

Abigail's story of growing up without knowing where or who her mother has left a profound emptiness, crippling her mind and body with bitterness, anger, frustration, fear, low self-esteem, and feelings of abandonment.

"Children deserve to be seen with eyes of compassion."

This story of restoration will touch you deeply.  Abigail also shares how you can soar above any circumstance.

 My Mom's Incredible Voice is a deeply moving story of love, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of family. Through separation and reunion, heartbreak, and healing, the Hansons prove that true love transcends time, carrying them forward together - yesterday, today, and forever.

 

 Purchase your copy here

 

Heart-to-Heart with Abagaba is a collection of short stories in honor of celebrating emerging conservationists - children! A former nanny and current early education teacher's reflection on life lessons taught by the children she once cared for. The zest they had for life in expressing and informing her through simple daily interactions. A delightful delivery of their pure narratives as expressed through their language skills, cognitive abilities, emotional articulation, and more. A celebration of their innate perspectives on how the world worked around them. May it encourage you to celebrate the awesomeness of children in your own lives.

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Every Day Holds a Gift—Find it, Embrace it, and Let it Inspire Your Purpose

On August 26, 2020,  Christopher Cochran’s son, Christian, received a terminal diagnosis, and on September 1, 2021, he died. 

Christopher's interview will touch your heart but more importantly will motivate you to see life from a different perspective - full of hope - no matter what you may be going through.

At the core of who Christopher is are the roles of a father, husband, and a friend. These purposes have profoundly shaped his journey and are the heart of his book, "What's GOOD about TODAY?"  This deeply personal work is inspired by his son Christian, who courageously battled terminal cancer. His extraordinary perspective on life is exemplified by this daily question. 

Christian teaches us to embrace each day with positivity and his legacy of hope and resilience is a precious gift he committed to sharing with the world.

Do life's challenges weigh you down?

Are your days filled with a sense of emptiness and a tendency to focus on the negative?

Have overthinking, anxiety, or anger consumed your mind and heart?

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Envision a future where you lead with positivity and feel uplifted and inspired each day. How

might life look different if you could easily answer the question: "What's good about today?"

Christopher Cochran is an experienced business professional who has helped many

companies grow and improve. His years of experience with sales and marketing motivate people to realize their full potential. 

However, even more illuminating than anything in the corporate sphere are the lessons his amazing son, Christian, taught him about embracing joy and living each day to the fullest.

In his brief, but notably well-lived 23 years of life, Christian's uplifting spirit, powerful words, and brilliant example not only is inspiring but will draw a map to lead you down the path to a purpose-driven life.

This story shares the journey and challenges this family faced and the valuable lessons they learned to help show you how to find the good within each day.

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How Do You Change Adverse Childhood Experiences to Empower You

There were times in Courtney Koh's life when she could have given up. One time in particular was when her father left the country because her mother did not want to live with him anymore. Then her brother left so he would not have to deal with the situation - he was a meth addict and she has not heard from him since.

Courtney is a Korean-American with a wide range of experiences, personally and professionally, which allows her to understand people from various walks of life. 

Courtney is a health and wellness coach focusing on adults who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Her passion is to help adults overcome their ACEs to break the cycle and create a life they truly love and enjoy every single day.

ACEs impact families, communities, schools, and workplaces. Nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults have experienced one or more ACEs according to the CDC-conducted survey. The highest ranking categories are Emotional, Parental separation/divorce, and Household substance use out of eight total categories.

Her determination to not allow her past to define her future has allowed her to create a life that she didn't think was possible. She would like to show you how to accomplish the same for yourself. Here is her story:

CONNECT WITH COURTNEY HERE

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At GratitudeBC, our mission is to empower individuals to take control of their health and well-being through personalized coaching and guidance.

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What Dance Techniques Can Be Used to Teach Children with Severe Disabilities?

When the pediatrician placed the measuring tape around her infant’s head and noted, “His head is a little small,” Joanne De Simone knew that motherhood wouldn’t be as she had dreamt. After a devastating diagnosis, she was not prepared to raise a child with life-limiting brain malformation – and then her second child was diagnosed with autism.

Joanne De Simone is a graduate of Hunter College with degrees in dance and special education. After dancing professionally, she dedicated her life to teaching children with disabilities and supporting families.

“It’s realizing that we live simultaneously in love and grief. In the end, dance teaches us not only how to move freely through pain but also how to fall and recover.”

Her story will grip your heart as she shares how this struggle drove her to reconnect with the lessons she learned as a modern dancer.

Special educator Joanne De Simone bears all in this raw and transformative memoir that captures how she used lessons of modern dance in her journey through motherhood with two children with disabilities.

Inspired by her experience performing José Limón’s There Is a Time, based on Ecclesiastes 3, each chapter of Fall and Recovery details a dance lesson and the dichotomy of parenting children with disabilities. Over time, Joanne discovers that surviving motherhood isn’t a matter of strength, bravery, or faith. It’s about linking your past experiences and creating your own purpose. It’s realizing that we live simultaneously in love and grief. In the end, dance teaches Joanne not only how to move freely through pain but also how to fall and recover.

Fall and Recovery 

Joanne is a special education advocate for the Alliance of Private Special Education Schools of North Jersey. Her writing has appeared in the Washington Post, Exceptional Parent

Magazine, and the Rumpus among other publications. She is a contributing author to “Barriers and Belonging: Personal Narratives of Disabilities.” Joanne and her son, Sebastian, were instrumental in a legislative change allowing students with intellectual disabilities to participate in NCAA D3 intercollegiate sports. Joanne has been featured in the Philadelphia Inquirer, on HuffPo Live, CNN, and GMA3.

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How 15 Minutes a Day Can Change Your Life and Your Health

When Kim Rahir was in the hospital, paralyzed from the hips downwards, she felt like she had lost her power, dignity, and humanity. This totally shifted her perspective on what she valued in life. 

Kim is a 60-year-old mother of three who was diagnosed with MS ten years ago and decided to ignore her doctor's advice and muscle her way back to a happy life. Last year she became European Champion in Masters Weightlifting in her age and weight category. Her journey inspired her to leave her career in journalism in her 50s and become a health coach for middle-aged women - with a big focus on reactivating and rebuilding muscle.

Today, she helps women tap into an abundant source of vitality. It works by reactivating and maintaining muscle and eating to nourish and flourish.

Listen to her interview and start the Fabulous in 15 approach. Just fifteen minutes a day can change your life. Her approach helps women become lean, strong, and fabulous in fifteen minutes daily.

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