On this episode of The Life Shift Podcast, Stephen Wilson shares his powerful journey of overcoming the trauma of sexual assault and the subsequent battles with mental illness, including bipolar disorder and depression. He reflects on how the shame of his experience led him to keep his story hidden for over 30 years, affecting his life in profound ways.

As he discusses his early struggles, including a severe depressive episode in childhood and the lack of support during that time, he emphasizes the critical need for compassion and understanding for those facing mental health challenges.

Stephen's story is not just about personal survival; it’s also about his mission to help others navigate their own struggles through support groups and outreach. His book, "Teetering on a Tightrope," serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring those who feel alone in their experiences and showing that recovery is possible, even after deep pain.

Takeaways:

• Steve's journey illustrates the long-term effects of childhood trauma and the difficulty of sharing such experiences.
• He emphasizes the importance of support from loved ones for those dealing with mental health issues.
• Steve's experience demonstrates how mental health journeys can be complex, requiring patience and tailored approaches.
• Steve's commitment to helping others through support groups showcases the power of community in healing.

Steve Wilson, the Author of "Teetering On A Tightrope, my bipolar journey," was born in Delaware, Ohio, and now resides in Scottsdale, Arizona, with his wife, Lenni. They have been married for 51 years and have three daughters and two granddaughters. Steve spent 50 years in the custom clothing business. He retired in 2019. In 1978, he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. It was not until 2000 that he was able to conquer the disorder. Since 2015, he has facilitated two mental health support groups. In 2024, he appeared on 30+ podcasts describing his journey and raising mental health awareness. One main focus is to discuss the inadequacy of government programs and the damage done by insurance companies when providing mental health care.

Teetering on a Tightrope: https://www.amazon.com/Teetering-Tightrope-My-Bipolar-Journey-ebook/dp/B0BTJ9DHNN

Resources: To listen in on more conversations about pivotal moments that changed lives forever, subscribe to "The Life Shift" on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate the show 5 stars and leave a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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In this episode of The Life Shift Podcast, Ashley Gould candidly shares her transformative journey following her father’s cancer diagnosis. In this conversation, we explore the impact of grief, the resilience required to navigate life’s unexpected challenges, and the importance of embracing change. Ashley reflects on her father's enduring influence, the pivotal shift in her life after his diagnosis, and how it shaped her path toward creativity and fulfillment.

• The Impact of Grief and Resilience
• Embracing Change and Finding Meaning
• Family Influence and Emotional Strength

Ashley Gould discusses the profound impact her father's cancer diagnosis had on her life, marking a pivotal shift that forced her to confront the realities of grief and loss. She shares how this experience shattered her perception of life’s continuity, leading to a journey of resilience and personal growth. The episode underscores the importance of acknowledging grief’s path, allowing it to guide healing and transformation.

Ashley’s story highlights the courage required to embrace change and find new meaning in life’s challenges. Despite the anticipatory grief and eventual loss of her father, Ashley’s journey emphasizes the power of living intentionally and pursuing joy. Her experience demonstrates that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to find fulfillment and purpose by following one’s passions and embracing the unknown.

Throughout the episode, Ashley reflects on her close relationship with her father and how it shaped her emotional strength and perspective on life. Her father’s warmth, humor, and presence continue to influence her, underscoring the enduring impact of familial bonds. Ashley’s narrative illustrates how these relationships provide both comfort and strength, serving as a foundation for navigating life’s transitions and honoring loved ones through personal growth.

Ashley Gould is a former corporate lawyer turned entrepreneur and podcaster. She founded Ame Atendre, a company dedicated to creating elevated everyday objects, and hosts the podcast "On the Table with Ashley," focusing on conversations about often-avoided topics.

• Website: Ame Atendre - https://ameatendre.com/
• Podcast: On the Table with Ashley - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2282727/share

Resources: To listen in on more conversations about pivotal moments that changed lives forever, subscribe to "The Life Shift" on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate the show 5 stars and leave a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Access ad-free episodes released two days early and bonus episodes with past guests through Patreon.

https://patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

Connect with me:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

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Reflecting on my conversation with Betsy Pepine, I really connected with her journey, especially her struggle against societal expectations. Betsy opens up about breaking free from that exhausting success checklist that so many of us feel obligated to follow. She shares those pivotal moments when two major parts of her life unexpectedly disappeared, and it's clear how these events pushed her to rethink her priorities and find joy in the most surprising places. This theme of rediscovering oneself and chasing genuine happiness feels so relatable. Many of us find ourselves in similar situations, wondering if we’re on the right path and searching for fulfillment beyond the traditional markers of success.

Takeaways:

• Reflecting on conversations helps me gain new insights and perspectives on my guests' stories.
• Challenging societal checklists can lead to discovering true joy and personal fulfillment.
• Betsy's journey illustrates the importance of finding joy and purpose outside conventional paths.
• Engaging in different therapeutic modalities can provide valuable personal growth and healing tools.

Full episode: https://www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com/breaking-free-betsy-pepines-journey-from-boxes-to-boundless-joy/