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It's Therapy Thursday!

What happens when life breaks you completely? After losing her teenage son to a violent crime and surviving an attack by a serial killer just months later, Sylvia Moore Myers discovered a profound truth that transformed her understanding of trauma: we aren't designed to heal—we're designed to scar.

This realization sparked her journey to become a traumatologist and author of "Gold Scars," where she shares how trauma and grief can become beautiful parts of our story rather than permanent sources of pain. Drawing from Japanese Kintsugi—the art of mending broken pottery with gold—Sylvia teaches that proper mending actually makes us more beautiful and valuable than before.

Throughout our conversation, Sylvia dismantles common misconceptions about grief recovery. She explains why touching someone during emotional sharing disrupts the healing process, how our culture "broke grief" by making death sterile and ceremonial, and the importance of supporting the bereaved long after the funeral. Her practical wisdom offers hope without minimizing suffering—a rare combination in trauma recovery.

Most powerfully, Sylvia shares her personal miracle story of beating cancer during pregnancy against medical advice, demonstrating how faith sustained her through impossible circumstances. Her "seven H's" framework for healing provides actionable steps for anyone navigating their own trauma journey.

Whether you're personally working through grief or supporting someone who is, this episode offers transformative insights that honor pain while illuminating the path forward. As Sylvia explains, "I didn't need a way to forget what happened—I needed a better way to remember."

CONNECT WITH SYLVIA
linktr.ee/goldscars

sylviamooremyers@gmail.com

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Host Candace Fleming
Co-host Janet Hale

visit the website at https://www.essentialmotivation.com/
visit the store at https://shopessentialmotivation.com/
Instagram instagram.com/essentialmotivationllc

visit Janet's website https://haleempowermentllc.com/

To be a guest on our show email me at candacefleming@essentialmotivation.com
In the subject line put EMH Guest

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Music by Lukrembo: https://soundcloud.com/lukrembo
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What would our lives look like if we had learned financial literacy from an early age? Sean Lax, who joined us on Essential Mental Healing, answers this question through his remarkable journey from childhood homelessness to successful real estate agent.

Sean's story begins in suburban St. Louis where his family embodied the American dream – until they lost everything in 1992. At just 12 years old, Sean experienced the devastating shift from comfort to sleeping in the family car. This profound early experience instilled in him a deep fear of financial insecurity that would follow him for decades.

With raw honesty, Sean shares how joining the Air Force at 18 provided stability but not financial wisdom. Despite earning regular paychecks, he lived paycheck-to-paycheck until a Black captain mentored him about homeownership. This pivotal relationship led to his first home purchase at 22 during the 2008 housing crash – the beginning of his financial awakening.

What makes Sean's story particularly powerful is his vulnerability around mental health. He discusses the psychological impact of financial insecurity and advocates for breaking the stigma around therapy in the Black community, especially for men. His perspective on utilizing both traditional therapy and community resources like barbershops, churches, and family elders offers listeners practical avenues for healing.

Now a successful real estate agent with millions in sales, Sean approaches his work with unique empathy, treating clients like family because he understands the profound importance of home. His journey illustrates how financial education can transform lives, while his advice on humility, perseverance, and utilizing free financial resources provides actionable wisdom for listeners at any stage of their financial journey.

Whether you're facing hardship or building wealth, Sean's story reminds us that our past doesn't determine our future. Join us for this inspiring conversation that proves it's never too late to learn, grow, and create financial security.

Support the show

Host Candace Fleming
Co-host Janet Hale

visit the website at https://www.essentialmotivation.com/
visit the store at https://shopessentialmotivation.com/
Instagram instagram.com/essentialmotivationllc

visit Janet's website https://haleempowermentllc.com/

To be a guest on our show email me at candacefleming@essentialmotivation.com
In the subject line put EMH Guest

Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988

Music by Lukrembo: https://soundcloud.com/lukrembo
Provided by Knowledge Base: https://bit.ly/2BdvqzN

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Have you ever noticed how life seems to move in cycles? That's because there truly is nothing new under the sun.

In this soul-nourishing conversation, Janet and Candace explore how ancient patterns repeat throughout our lives while revealing that our unique power lies in how we respond to these timeless challenges. Janet shares her journey back to veganism and how physical nourishment connects to spiritual growth, remembering that "what I put in this body determines how this body is going to be." Meanwhile, Candace reflects on how our trauma responses often perpetuate familiar cycles that feel safe but might be holding us back from authentic healing.

The mother-daughter duo discusses how the parent-child relationship naturally transforms over time – from parents caring for children, to a period of independence, to adult children eventually helping aging parents navigate new challenges like technology. Janet humorously compares teaching parents technology to "changing diapers," illustrating how role reversals are simply part of life's natural progression. Their conversation explores how observation and presence, rather than performance, creates the deepest connections with loved ones.

Most powerfully, they remind us that finding goodness in difficult situations can dramatically change our trajectory. While circumstances may follow predictable patterns, our response to them doesn't have to. As Candace suggests, "magnify what is good and continue to search for those things and you will draw those things to you more often."

Ready to break old patterns? Listen now to discover how ancient wisdom can transform your modern life. Then share your own story of transformation with us – we'd love to feature different perspectives on healing family relationships in future episodes.

Support the show

Host Candace Fleming
Co-host Janet Hale

visit the website at https://www.essentialmotivation.com/
visit the store at https://shopessentialmotivation.com/
Instagram instagram.com/essentialmotivationllc

visit Janet's website https://haleempowermentllc.com/

To be a guest on our show email me at candacefleming@essentialmotivation.com
In the subject line put EMH Guest

Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988

Music by Lukrembo: https://soundcloud.com/lukrembo
Provided by Knowledge Base: https://bit.ly/2BdvqzN

Send us a text

Michael Pereira's journey from corporate traveler to autism advocate began when his son Christian started showing developmental concerns around his first birthday. Like many parents, Michael and his wife initially struggled with denial – a phase he now recognizes was rooted in focusing on their own feelings rather than their child's needs. "The extent of denial reflects the extent of selfishness," Michael shares with remarkable candor, explaining how acceptance finally allowed them to move forward and create real solutions.

The turning point came when COVID temporarily halted Michael's 80% travel schedule, revealing how his son's symptoms improved with his consistent presence. When travel resumed, Christian's difficulties with transitions, head-banging behaviors, and communication regressions returned, ultimately leading to his autism diagnosis. Rather than immediately seeking external support groups, the family chose to strengthen their internal bonds first – a powerful reminder that healing journeys aren't one-size-fits-all.

What makes Michael's story particularly valuable is how personal challenge transformed into purpose. Frustrated by financial advisors who couldn't address special needs planning without trying to sell products, he created The Autism Voyage, a resource helping families navigate everything from early diagnosis to financial security. His comprehensive approach focuses on three critical areas: income protection strategies, using life insurance to fund special needs trusts, and long-term care planning – protections many families don't realize they need until it's too late.

Beyond practical advice, Michael offers profound wisdom about balancing the needs of both his children (Christian with autism and three-year-old Amanda), choosing positive mindsets daily, and embracing discomfort as necessary for growth. As former IBM CEO Ginni Rometty wisely noted, "Growth and comfort cannot coexist." For anyone navigating unexpected challenges in parenting or life, these words and Michael's lived experience offer both comfort and courage to move forward.

Michael Pereira, Founder of The Autism Voyage®, helps parents of special needs children navigate financial and life-planning challenges. As a financial professional focusing on insurance planning, and autism dad himself, Michael knows firsthand how critical it is to have a proactive plan in place. His mission is to bridge the gap between insurance strategies and real-life challenges, empowering families to secure their future with confidence. No one understands the challenges, wins, and fears quite like another parent walking this path.

• Website: www.TheAutismVoyage.com
• Instagram Personal: https://www.instagram.com/autismdrivendad/
• Instagram TAV: https://www.instagram.com/theautismvoyage/

Support the show

Host Candace Fleming
Co-host Janet Hale

visit the website at https://www.essentialmotivation.com/
visit the store at https://shopessentialmotivation.com/
Instagram instagram.com/essentialmotivationllc

visit Janet's website https://haleempowermentllc.com/

To be a guest on our show email me at candacefleming@essentialmotivation.com
In the subject line put EMH Guest

Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988

Music by Lukrembo: https://soundcloud.com/lukrembo
Provided by Knowledge Base: https://bit.ly/2BdvqzN

Send us a text

Tired of failed relationships? You might be asking one person to fill too many intimacy needs. In this deeply thoughtful episode, relationship expert Tannaz shares her transformative concept of the six intimacy tanks we all have: physical (non-sexual touch), sexual, emotional, experiential, intellectual, and spiritual connection.

Instead of expecting a single person to fill every tank, Tannaz encourages taking inventory of your relationships to identify who fills which roles in your life. When your partner lacks emotional capacity, who else can you turn to? Which tanks are non-negotiable for your romantic relationships? This perspective removes the crushing weight of expecting partners to "be everything" while honoring our need for community.

The conversation takes a powerful turn when Candace vulnerably shares her post-divorce experience with a situationship, revealing how honesty about what she could and couldn't give transformed a confusing dynamic into a nurturing friendship. "When I can't give you what you deserve, I need to be honest about that," she reflects, demonstrating how candor creates safety in relationships.

Tannaz, who left a law career after witnessing too many divorces, explains the crucial components of relationship healing: cognitive understanding paired with somatic bodywork to help our nervous systems feel safe enough for change. "We will always choose familiar chaos over unfamiliar peace," she notes, highlighting why we stay in dysfunctional patterns.

Whether you're single, dating, partnered, or married, this episode offers practical tools to evaluate your relationships and create more intentional connections. As Tannaz reminds us: "Your presence matters — you were born with a unique blueprint to share gifts with the world."

Tannaz Hosseinpour is a certified life coach specializing in relationships—both with oneself and with others. With an academic background in conflict resolution law and counselling psychotherapy, she blends neuroscience, psychology, and mindfulness to help individuals regulate their nervous system and build healthy, secure connections.

Explore more resources at minutesongrowth.com, where Tannaz offers a free ebook on nervous system regulation and consultations for those seeking relationship guidance.

Website: www.minutesongrowth.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/minutesongrowth

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/minutes-on-growth/id1294464255

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6L0KjxeqLW0WFMsHVJnQe0

Support the show

Host Candace Fleming
Co-host Janet Hale

visit the website at https://www.essentialmotivation.com/
visit the store at https://shopessentialmotivation.com/
Instagram instagram.com/essentialmotivationllc

visit Janet's website https://haleempowermentllc.com/

To be a guest on our show email me at candacefleming@essentialmotivation.com
In the subject line put EMH Guest

Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988

Music by Lukrembo: https://soundcloud.com/lukrembo
Provided by Knowledge Base: https://bit.ly/2BdvqzN

Send us a text

It's Therapy Thursday

Your screen time is shaping you in ways you might not realize. Every show, movie, and social media scroll leaves an imprint on your mind, influencing everything from your daily thoughts to how you interact with others.

Candace and Janet take us on a revealing journey through their personal media consumption habits, examining how what we watch creates a "mental diet" that nourishes or depletes us. Candace shares the surprising story of experiencing her first panic attack while watching a television drama during her separation, highlighting the powerful connection between emotional vulnerability and media consumption. Janet explains why she deliberately avoids fear-based news programming, choosing instead content that fosters hope and community connection.

The conversation takes delightful turns as the hosts laugh about their Grey's Anatomy obsession leaving them convinced they could diagnose medical conditions ("I could probably give some surgery!"), while also exploring deeper territory about how religious programming can bring ancient texts to life. The contrast between "trash TV" and spiritual content reveals that it's not about judging what we watch, but rather understanding its impact on our mental well-being.

What makes this discussion particularly valuable is the practical wisdom shared. The hosts suggest mindfully observing how different shows affect your mood, behavior, and outlook, then adjusting accordingly. They explore how algorithms shape what appears in our feeds and how we can take control by deliberately curating content that aligns with our values and goals.

Whether you're a binge-watcher, social media scroller, or selective viewer, this conversation will transform how you think about your screen time. Take a moment to reflect on your own media habits – are they feeding your mind with what truly nourishes you? Subscribe now and join our community of mindful media consumers who are learning to harness the power of what they watch to create more positive, purposeful lives.

Support the show

Host Candace Fleming
Co-host Janet Hale

visit the website at https://www.essentialmotivation.com/
visit the store at https://shopessentialmotivation.com/
Instagram instagram.com/essentialmotivationllc

To be a guest on our show email me at candacefleming@essentialmotivation.com
In the subject line put EMH Guest

Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988

Music by Lukrembo: https://soundcloud.com/lukrembo
Provided by Knowledge Base: https://bit.ly/2BdvqzN

Send us a text

Dive into a heartfelt conversation that tackles the complex emotions surrounding imposter syndrome and the often-hidden feelings of inadequacy we carry with us. In this episode, we peel back the layers of self-doubt and explore how our upbringing, societal expectations, and personal narratives shape our perception of worthiness.

Janet and I share candid stories from our experiences as parents, navigating the challenges of helping our children while facing our own anxieties. We discuss the beauty of supportive relationships and how genuine care from loved ones can help us confront feelings of being a fraud in our personal and professional lives. Together, we unpack five distinct types of imposter syndrome, shedding light on how each manifests and impacts individuals differently. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, we reveal the power of vulnerability and the importance of community in countering the narratives that keep us stuck in self-doubt.

As we prepare to wrap up, we acknowledge the intertwining nature of grief and acceptance, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique journeys and understand their inherent worthiness. This episode serves as a reminder that while the journey may be fraught with challenges, we all possess the potential to thrive. Join us in this thought-provoking discussion on self-worth, acceptance, and the transformative power of connection. Remember to subscribe, share, and leave a review as you reflect on your own path to embracing your worth.

Support the show

Host Candace Fleming
Co-host Janet Hale

visit the website at https://www.essentialmotivation.com/
visit the store at https://shopessentialmotivation.com/
Instagram instagram.com/essentialmotivationllc

visit Janet's website https://haleempowermentllc.com/

To be a guest on our show email me at candacefleming@essentialmotivation.com
In the subject line put EMH Guest

Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988

Music by Lukrembo: https://soundcloud.com/lukrembo
Provided by Knowledge Base: https://bit.ly/2BdvqzN

Send us a text

It's Therapy Thursday

Sipping our morning coffee, we invited the enchanting Misty Bell Stiers, an artist, storyteller, and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, to share her inspiring journey. As a creative director and author, Misty sprinkles a touch of magic into her mission to create systemic change. Our conversation dances through the joys and challenges of parenting in small living spaces and the nostalgia of having kids at home, all while celebrating the beautiful connections between family, creativity, and personal growth.

Our chat with Misty delved deep into her personal experiences with embracing diversity and inclusion. From her privileged upbringing to a life-changing accident that opened her eyes to accessibility issues, Misty's journey is both heartfelt and transformative. Her work in digital design became a powerful platform for advocating representation and inclusivity, driving her to make a difference for future generations while honoring those who fought for equality before her.

Misty opened up about her spiritual evolution from a Catholic upbringing to embracing modern paganism, a journey filled with introspection and soul-searching. We explored the intersection of spirituality, friendship, and motherhood, finding magic in everyday moments and the powerful practice of gratitude. Misty's insights into love and understanding across diverse perspectives left us feeling inspired to open our hearts and minds, appreciating the rich tapestry of experiences that make life meaningful. Join us for an episode filled with love, laughter, and a touch of magic as Misty shares her wisdom and warmth.

Misty Bell Stiers is an artist, storyteller and boss witch who has spent her career focused on leveraging her passion for diversity, equity and inclusion—and a little bit of magic—to create systemic change at every level. As a creative director, podcast guest, speaker and author, Misty has mastered using her unique perspective to help people find ways to truly connect to the world around them and the people in it.

@mistybellstiers (all social)

Mistybellstiers.com

https://apollopublishers.com/index.php/witch-please/

https://apollopublishers.com/index.php/light-fire-abundance/

Support the show

Host Candace Fleming
Co-host Janet Hale

visit the website at https://www.essentialmotivation.com/
visit the store at https://shopessentialmotivation.com/
Instagram instagram.com/essentialmotivationllc

To be a guest on our show email me at candacefleming@essentialmotivation.com
In the subject line put EMH Guest

Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988

Music by Lukrembo: https://soundcloud.com/lukrembo
Provided by Knowledge Base: https://bit.ly/2BdvqzN