Get What You Need and Feel Good About It

Desirée A. Christian is a Visually Impaired Person Coach, entrepreneur, and lifelong learner with a passion for helping others navigate transitions with resilience, clarity, and kindness.

Raised in a multigenerational blind family, she grew up with independence as the expectation and learned early that determination, not outside barriers, shapes success. Over the past 25 years, she has balanced managing a household with complex medical and dietary needs, raising two medically fragile daughters, and pursuing her own growth as a legally blind woman.

For the last four years, Desirée has taught virtual classes and led peer support groups for people experiencing sight loss. Two of those years were spent as a hired coach and facilitator with the Hull Foundation, where she expanded her reach and deepened her experience supporting the blind community.

Her professional life extends beyond coaching. She is the founder of FlauntYourAbility.com, “Cheeky Tees for those daring enough to be human,” an online shop featuring witty disability-related and fandom-inspired designs, along with custom work. She has also volunteered with the American Council of the Blind, fandom-based charities, and other community organizations.

Her creative spirit shows up in her love for sewing, knitting, dance, and world cuisine, and her intellectual curiosity is fed by reading more than 150 books a year across history, science, and fiction. With decades of choir singing behind her and experiences ranging from solo traveling to Alaska to see the aurora borealis, to experimenting with diverse crafts, Desirée embodies adaptability and joy in exploration.

Marja Byers

VIP Coach

Marja Byers has lived through sight loss in ways few can imagine—three times in her life she has been declared legally blind. Each experience bringing its own challenges and lessons. Today, with only a small field of vision remaining, she uses her white cane with confidence and a deep understanding of what it means to adapt and keep moving forward.

Before blindness changed her path, Marja spent more than 30 years working in obstetrics as a surgical technician. Since losing her sight in 2010, she has dedicated herself to serving the blind and visually impaired community. She has led Blindskills as Executive Director, provided vocational assessments, taught Zoom classes with the Hull Foundation and Learning Center, and is a Certified Peer Support Specialist in Oregon—a role that allows her to use her lived experience to guide and encourage others.

Her passion for this work began at her very first support group meeting. Feeling overwhelmed and disconnected, Marja remembers the simple moment when the woman beside her gently touched her arm as she grew emotional. That small act of kindness sparked something inside her: “This is where you belong.” From that day forward, she has been committed to helping others find the same sense of community and hope.

When she isn’t coaching, Marja loves listening to audiobooks and playing music on the jukebox at her neighborhood spot—curating the mood of the room one song at a time.

Her gift for creating connection, whether through music or mentorship, is what makes her work so meaningful.

Marja brings warmth, humor, professional skill, and lived experience to VIP Coaching, believing wholeheartedly that no one should face vision loss alone.

Teresa Christian

VIP Coach

Teresa Christian is a certified Empowerment Coach with VIP Coaching in the Dark, where she helps people with vision loss build independence, confidence, and resilience so they can create the lives they truly want to live.

Her coaching approach is rooted in compassion, persistence, and humor. Believing that growth is easier when learning feels enjoyable, she brings warmth and positivity into the process—even when challenges arise. Clients often describe Teresa as someone who can find clarity in chaos, turn obstacles into opportunities, and keep going until solutions are found.

Teresa’s background spans over 15 years as a massage therapy business owner, followed by studying social work with direct service experience serving the senior and disabled populations. Her work with those populations continued with her recent role as a Sight Loss Instructor at the Hull Foundation and Learning Center.

She has also given back extensively through her volunteer work with the American Council of the Blind (ACB). Teresa served on the ACB of Oregon state board for ten years, edited the state newsletter for eight years, and led a local chapter as president for six years. On the national level, she contributed as vice president for an ACB affiliate for blind entrepreneurs for three years.

Alongside her career and volunteer service, Teresa raised two children as a single parent, assisted in caring for two medically fragile granddaughters, and supported her mother through 10 years of dementia care. These experiences deepened her resilience, empathy, and ability to meet people exactly where they are.

Her personal journey with blindness began at age eight. Inspired by her father, who was blind and thrived as a minister, teacher, and school principal, she learned early on that persistence and creativity open doors to independence. Later, seeing blind professionals succeed at national conventions gave her the confidence to live boldly and embrace possibility.

Today, Teresa is passionate about empowering others with vision loss to recognize their own strengths, adapt with creativity, and live fully with style and grace.

Todd Fahlstrum

VIP Coach

Todd Fahlstrom is a seasoned rehabilitation professional with over two decades of experience spanning vocational counseling, recruitment, instruction, and leadership in the disability services field. His career began in management roles at Walgreens and the Dining Service at Mankato State University, where he honed his skills in team leadership, customer service, and operational oversight. Todd transitioned into rehabilitation counseling through an internship at the South Dakota Rehabilitation Center for the Blind, which laid the foundation for his impactful work with the Colorado Department of Human Services and the community of individuals with vision loss. There, he provided comprehensive guidance and support to clients with disabilities, leveraging his expertise in case management, vocational assessment, and counseling.

Todd’s commitment to empowering individuals with vision loss is evident in his recent role as a Sight Loss Instructor at the Hull Foundation and Learning Center, where he led virtual classes, provided resources, and collaborated with staff to ensure mission-driven support. His tenure as a Virtual Recruiter for Durable Life Skills Inc. showcased his adaptability and technical proficiency, as he successfully staffed multiple offices using diverse recruitment platforms. As a Director at Melaleuca, Todd demonstrated entrepreneurial skills by educating customers, building networks, and aligning with the company’s mission to promote wellness and sustainability.

Beyond his professional achievements, Todd is a dedicated advocate and leader in the blindness community. He has served as State President and Chapter President of the Montana Association for the Blind, participated in the American Foundation for the Blind’s Blind Leader Mentor Program, and founded FM Visions, a support group for individuals with vision loss. His accolades—including the Dorothy Bridgman, Durward K. McDaniel, and Eagle Scout awards—reflect his unwavering commitment to service and leadership. Todd holds a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor since 2007.

On a personal note, Todd has been married for 18 years and has 2 teenagers living in the home. Todd often helps manage the home life from cooking, cleaning, and juggling household responsibilities.

These skills tie into the classes he currently teaches on Exploring Life Skills for Independence. He enjoys the outdoors, connecting with others around the country and always seems to have a cup of coffee in his hand. As Todd loses more sight from Retinitis Pigmentosa, he keeps up on technology, mobility, and various other skills of vision loss.

Darian Slayton Fleming is a Certified Happiness Trainer and licensed clinical social worker.

Contact Darian:

office@embracehappiness.me

Find out about her services:

https://www.embracehappiness.me

To learn more about Darian:

https://www.getcounselingportland.com

Order Darian’s books:

Defying Death: Living an Empowered Life with Multiple Disabilities

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S2E21 - Moving From Basic Survival to Success

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 20:11:52 -0000

Episode Notes

Moving From Basic Survival to Success: The Power to Create the Life You Want is Within You!

Meet Brenda Mosby: Rehabilitation Counselor and Certified Heal Your Life Coach

Brenda Mosby is an advocate, educator, and empowerment voice dedicated to helping individuals tap into their inner power to create the life they truly want. Through her work, Brenda equips people with knowledge about their rights, benefits, and opportunities, especially those navigating disability, employment, and life transitions—so they can move from survival to stability and purpose. Her approach blends education, lived experience, and heart-centered guidance, inspiring others to reclaim confidence, make informed choices, and build a future rooted in self-worth and possibility.”

“It is not what happens to you, but what you do with what happens to you.”

Contact Brenda:

blm@mosbyservices.com

Website:

https://brendamosby.com

The Brenda Fix Podcast:

https://www.podcastics.com/podcast/the-brenda-fix/

Darian is a Certified Happiness Trainer and licensed clinical social worker.

Find out about her services:

https://www.embracehappiness.me

To learn more about Darian:

https://www.getcounselingportland.com Order Darian’s books.

Defying Death: Living an Empowered Life with Multiple Disabilities

Find out more at https://get-what-you-need-and-feel-goo.pinecast.co

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S2E20 - What is Codependence?

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 22:39:25 -0000

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Episode Notes

Meet Abigail Gazda

Heart-centered entrepreneur, Abigail Gazda has transformed her passion for education into a full-time career as an author, publisher, and life coach.

Abigail is the CEO of Hearts Unleashed, a full-service transformation company committed to empowering people to operate with full freedom, power, and self-expression in every area of life.

As the Founder of Hearts Unleashed House Publishing, she helps authors share their mission and message with the world.

She is a Clarity Coach and supports souls speaking up about their silent struggle and unleashing the authentic leader within. She also empowers heart-centered leaders to create a life of fulfillment, impact, and legacy.

As the Host of the Hearts Unleashed Podcast, she is committed to turning dreamers into doers and helping raise the frequency of humanity with the development of Emotional Intelligence.

As a best-selling author, she personally thrives the most in life while writing, educating, and spending time outdoors. Born and raised a proud Indiana Hoosier, Abigail enjoys traveling the world to speak, work with clients, and adventure.

Reade Chapter 11 in her book, Alchemizing Judgment, about codependence:

Chapter on Codependence

Meditations and podcast episodes:

https://www.heartsunleashed.com/blog/337-15-min-fill-up-using-oreo-for-powerful-communication

https://www.heartsunleashed.com/blog/277-15-min-fill-up-overcoming-adversity3933948

https://www.heartsunleashed.com/blog/222-15-min-fill-up-setting-maintaining-boundaries

https://www.heartsunleashed.com/blog/261-15-min-fill-up-resignation-vs-surrender

https://www.heartsunleashed.com/blog/228-15-min-fill-up-the-5-basic-human-needs

https://youtu.be/pIkOfVbs4_8?si=HnanMc3tkpJtnF9x

https://youtu.be/9HgUec2aFGs?si=5jjXXrbxsum-sDu4

https://youtu.be/VErvKhVCIP4?si=ikWFxfZqvcF_jiA_

https://youtu.be/cO6edcSVM64?si=_PsmsES5bxuMP5yl

https://youtu.be/acsIeGXVfAI?si=W4BAopsABgxsTR0H

https://youtu.be/sWgL8sEQ2LQ?si=c1C25Aaz5Rx-abcA

https://youtu.be/byOKWMDPxGo?si=abql0KsbG7dc235p

https://youtu.be/Tphk1k-G8ho?si=tPGivvuRTEwLfRIC

https://youtu.be/URMPCfgSR_w?si=3b3gGGm-_Fhzfop-

https://www.heartsunleashed.com/blog/331-15-min-fill-up-emotional-endurance

https://www.heartsunleashed.com/blog/333-15-min-fill-up-emotional-recovery

https://youtu.be/xUWYpDqvG4w?si=MqbUgiA5Oza24T7I

https://youtu.be/Og4zonlxZ70?si=uG1YzUr0HL_Jg8rb

https://youtu.be/GtXKg9EFTCM?si=0_6clF0mi0YU2fCd--

Connect with Me:

abigailgazda.com

heartsunleashed.com Instagram Facebook

219.718.8318

Darian is a Certified Happiness Trainer and licensed clinical social worker.

Find out about her services:

https://www.embracehappiness.me

To learn more about Darian:

https://www.getcounselingportland.com

Order Darian’s books.

Defying Death: Living an Empowered Life with Multiple Disabilities

Find out more at https://get-what-you-need-and-feel-goo.pinecast.co

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/get-what-you-need-and-feel-goo/6d565f49-eebf-4594-8c4e-37627b17fd31

S2E19 - Whole Happy

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 18:48:00 -0000

Whole Happy:

True, Lasting Happiness from the Inside Out

Meet Amber Needham:

Amber Needham is a public speaker, Happy for No Reason Certified Trainer, Energy healer as a Reiki Master, content creator and International Best-Selling Author of The Blind Girl Sees.

For more information and to get registration details for Amber’s upcoming online Course: Whole Happy, email Amber:

Find out more at https://get-what-you-need-and-feel-goo.pinecast.co

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/get-what-you-need-and-feel-goo/7c73e97c-6144-4557-9d59-7c4602f334d3

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S2E18 - Start Your Able Savings Account

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 02:45:36 -0000

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Able Savings Accounts: Financial Empowerment for People with Disabilities

Meet Edward Mitchell: Edward Mitchell was a victim of a hit-and-run bicycle accident in 2003 when he was hit by a truck, thrown into a ditch, and found by his little brother. Edward has quadriplegia with an incomplete spinal cord injury at the C5 and C6 levels. Edward crossed into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. by way of the Beta Pi chapter on the campus of Lane College in 2008. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in 2009 from Lane College, a private HBCU, and his MBA in 2011 from Union University. That hasn’t slowed him down; he works as Executive Director of The Statewide Independent Living Council of Tennessee, while serving on numerous boards. In 2018, Edward was selected as an inaugural ABLE Advisor for the Able National Resource Center. ABLE Accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with disabilities. In the summer of 2018, Edward was confirmed by the Republicans & Democrats of T.N. to testify. Before the Washington D.C. - Senate Special Committee on Aging. The hearing titled, “Supporting Economic Stability & Self Sufficiency as Americans with Disabilities and their families. Edward was inducted into the Lane College Hall of Distinction for the Young Alumni Achievement Award and was honored to accept the Jefferson -Multiplying Good Award from Leaders Credit Union. Last but not least, Money published its inaugural list of Changemakers, the 50 people impacting Americans’ wallets. Edward was featured as one of the 2023 Changemakers by Money Magazine for his advocacy. Darian is a Certified Happiness Trainer https://www.embracehappiness.me To learn more about Darian: https://www.getcounselingportland.com Order a copy of Darian’s new book on Kindle or in Paperback: Defying Death: Living an Empowered Life with Multiple Disabilities https://www.amazon.com/Defying-Death-Empowered-Multiple-Disabilities/dp/B0DKXV5N3Y/ref=sr_1_1?crid=11PJ6GMXCPQY8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MhfjbxMdL7zLHR7pCWeJLA.SxxBBVYPwAutUDtb8puxbzkl0fHFsgEPeCsM2QmjdwI&dib_tag=se&keywords=Defying+Death%3A+Living+an+Empowered+Life+With+Multiple+Disabilities&qid=1746401139&sprefix=defying+death+living+an+empowered+life+with+multiple+disabilities%2Caps%2C184&sr=8-1 Order a copy of Darian’s first book in paperback or on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Speak+Up+For+Yourself%3A+Get+What+You+Need+and+Feel+Good+About+It&i=stripbooks&crid=1TGVTFEBCG839&sprefix=speak+up+for+yourself+get+what+you+need+and+feel+good+about+it%2Cstripbooks%2C164&ref=nb_sb_noss

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S2E17 - Become a Mindful Mom

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 01:26:30 -0000

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Episode Notes

Episode 17: Mindful Mom Revisited

Meet Juli Womack:

Juli is the founder of Mindful Mom, a space of healing and hope for mothers walking through the heartbreak of disconnection from their adult children. Through her own journey of loss and self-discovery, she found peace and joy again — and now helps other moms do the same. Juli shares mindful practices, honest conversations, and safe spaces where women can heal, rediscover themselves, and remember that joy is still possible.

For moms who feel ready to go a little deeper:

Juli has created an eBook of prayers called Grace Between Us to help you through those tough moments-you can find it at:

Grace Between Us

Juli also offers a Mindful Mom Mentoring Call. It’s a safe, one-time call and supportive space to talk through what you’re facing and start finding some new pathways forward. “If that feels like something you need, I’d love to walk alongside you.” Here’s the Facebook link:

Reconnect With Your Grown Children

Darian is a Certified Happiness Trainer She offers one-on-one happiness coaching as well as courses and groups designed to help you eliminate core beliefs that no longer serve you, become happier, improve your quality of life, and live the life you love. Check out her services at:

https://www.embracehappiness.me

Reach out to Darian at:

office@embracehappiness.me

To learn more about Darian:

https://www.getcounselingportland.com

Order a copy of Darian’s book on Kindle or in Paperback:

Defying Death: Living an Empowered Life with Multiple Disabilities

https://www.amazon.com/Defying-Death-Empowered-Multiple-Disabilities/dp/B0DKXV5N3Y/ref=sr_1_1?crid=11PJ6GMXCPQY8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MhfjbxMdL7zLHR7pCWeJLA.SxxBBVYPwAutUDtb8puxbzkl0fHFsgEPeCsM2QmjdwI&dib_tag=se&keywords=Defying+Death%3A+Living+an+Empowered+Life+With+Multiple+Disabilities&qid=1746401139&sprefix=defying+death+living+an+empowered+life+with+multiple+disabilities%2Caps%2C184&sr=8-1

Order a copy of Darian’s book in paperback or on Kindle:

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Speak+Up+For+Yourself%3A+Get+What+You+Need+and+Feel+Good+About+It&i=stripbooks&crid=1TGVTFEBCG839&sprefix=speak+up+for+yourself+get+what+you+need+and+feel+good+about+it%2Cstripbooks%2C164&ref=nb_sb_noss Notes go here

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S2E16 - Celebrate

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 21:11:52 -0000

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Episode 16: Celebrate: The White Cane Safety Day Law Meet Mary Lee Turner: Email Mary Lee: smilingmarylee@gmail.com Oregon Department of Transportation Video #1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdEF2ibNFJk Oregon Department of Transportation Video #2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HLVQMBhhyM Oregon Department of Transportation: Additional Digital Resources for White Cane Safety Day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HLVQMBhhyM American Council of the Blind Links About the White Cane Safety Law: https://www.acb.org/search/node?keys=white+cane+law Pedestrian Environmental Access Committee: https://www.acb.org/PEAC National Federation of the Blind: https://nfb.org/search?keys=pedestrian+safety&honeypot_time=OiHiMEM65RXov2ux-rzQWNErq4DwfLnYgl1ce-3srwc&membershipemail= Darian is a Certified Happiness Trainer Email Darian: office@embracehappiness.me Subscribe to Darian’s Newsletter: https://www.embracehappiness.me/the- If you are an entrepreneur looking to grow your business, join Darian’s Marketing Exchange Group: https://www.embracehappiness.me/marketing-exchange/ Darian’s Happiness Work: https://www.embracehappiness.me To learn more about Darian: https://www.getcounselingportland.com Order a copy of Darian’s book on Kindle or in Paperback: Defying Death: Living an Empowered Life with Multiple Disabilities https://www.amazon.com/Defying-Death-Empowered-Multiple-Disabilities/dp/B0DKXV5N3Y/ref=sr_1_1?crid=11PJ6GMXCPQY8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MhfjbxMdL7zLHR7pCWeJLA.SxxBBVYPwAutUDtb8puxbzkl0fHFsgEPeCsM2QmjdwI&dib_tag=se&keywords=Defying+Death%3A+Living+an+Empowered+Life+With+Multiple+Disabilities&qid=1746401139&sprefix=defying+death+living+an+empowered+life+with+multiple+disabilities%2Caps%2C184&sr=8-1 Order a copy of Darian’s book in paperback or on Kindle:

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Speak+Up+For+Yourself%3A+Get+What+You+Need+and+Feel+Good+About+It&i=stripbooks&crid=1TGVTFEBCG839&sprefix=speak+up+for+yourself+get+what+you+need+and+feel+good+about+it%2Cstripbooks%2C164&ref=nb_sb_nossEpisode Notes

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S2E15 - Don't Worry, Be Happy!

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 03:48:18 -0000

Don’t Worry. Be Happy Let Go of Thoughts That No Longer Serve You I am a Certified Happiness Trainer I offer one-on-one happiness coaching as well as courses and groups designed to help you eliminate core beliefs that no longer serve you, become happier, improve your quality of life, and live the life you love. Check out my services at: https://www.embracehappiness.me Reach out to me at: office@embracehappiness.me To learn more about me: https://www.getcounselingportland.com Order a copy of my book on Kindle or in Paperback: Defying Death: Living an Empowered Life with Multiple Disabilities https://www.amazon.com/Defying-Death-Empowered-Multiple-Disabilities/dp/B0DKXV5N3Y/ref=sr_1_1?crid=11PJ6GMXCPQY8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MhfjbxMdL7zLHR7pCWeJLA.SxxBBVYPwAutUDtb8puxbzkl0fHFsgEPeCsM2QmjdwI&dib_tag=se&keywords=Defying+Death%3A+Living+an+Empowered+Life+With+Multiple+Disabilities&qid=1746401139&sprefix=defying+death+living+an+empowered+life+with+multiple+disabilities%2Caps%2C184&sr=8-1 Order a copy of my book in paperback or on Kindle:

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Speak+Up+For+Yourself%3A+Get+What+You+Need+and+Feel+Good+About+It&i=stripbooks&crid=1TGVTFEBCG839&sprefix=speak+up+for+yourself+get+what+you+need+and+feel+good+about+it%2Cstripbooks%2C164&ref=nb_sb_nossEpisode Notes

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S2E14 - Let Go, Forgive

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 19:29:30 -0000

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Let Go, Forgive and Set Yourself Free Free Master Class: Keys to Letting Go, Forgiving and Setting Yourself Free: Date: Saturday July 12, 2025 Time: 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM Pacific Time: https://www.embracehappiness.me/keys/ Email Darian for the Zoom Link: office@embracehappiness.me Let Go, Forgive and Set Yourself Free · Do you frequently feel misunderstood? · Do you find yourself holding onto hurt feelings and injustices? · Do you want more peace and love in your life? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this course is for you. Register now for: Let Go, Forgive and Set Yourself Free With Darian Slayton Fleming: Certified Happiness Trainer and Licensed Clinical Social Worker In this Six-Week course you will: · Uncover, soothe, and validate the wounded parts within you! · Learn to let go of guilt, shame, and self-judgment. · Learn to let go of hurt feelings and injustices. · Learn to reframe thoughts and feel good about yourself and others. · Learn to speak up for yourself. · Learn to set and enforce appropriate boundaries. · Learn what forgiveness is and is not. · Learn to forgive yourself. · Learn to forgive others. · Identify what is good and lovable within you. Build Positive Self-regard: · Name it, acknowledge it, celebrate it. · Transform your relationship with happiness. · Create a Mindfulness-based practice and feel loving, lovable, happy, and expanded every day. Dates: Six Thursdays, on Zoom, Beginning August 7, 2025 Choose 1: 11 AM to 12:30 PM Pacific Time 6 PM to 7:30 PM Pacific Time Cost: $297.00 Pay In Full Or 3 monthly payments of $107.00* link for Paid Course-Let Go, Forgive and Set Yourself Free https://www.embracehappiness.me/let-go-forgive-and-set-yourself-free/ Darian is a Certified Happiness Trainer https://www.embracehappiness.me To learn more about Darian: https://www.getcounselingportland.com Order a copy of Darian’s new book on Kindle or in Paperback: Defying Death: Living an Empowered Life with Multiple Disabilities https://www.amazon.com/Defying-Death-Empowered-Multiple-Disabilities/dp/B0DKXV5N3Y/ref=sr_1_1?crid=11PJ6GMXCPQY8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MhfjbxMdL7zLHR7pCWeJLA.SxxBBVYPwAutUDtb8puxbzkl0fHFsgEPeCsM2QmjdwI&dib_tag=se&keywords=Defying+Death%3A+Living+an+Empowered+Life+With+Multiple+Disabilities&qid=1746401139&sprefix=defying+death+living+an+empowered+life+with+multiple+disabilities%2Caps%2C184&sr=8-1 Order a copy of Darian’s first book in paperback or on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Speak+Up+For+Yourself%3A+Get+What+You+Need+and+Feel+Good+About+It&i=stripbooks&crid=1TGVTFEBCG839&sprefix=speak+up+for+yourself+get+what+you+need+and+feel+good+about+it%2Cstripbooks%2C164&ref=nb_sb_noss

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S2E13 - Grief and Happiness

Sun, 25 May 2025 21:50:00 -0000

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Episode 24: Grief and Happiness: Did I Actually Use Those Two Words in the same sentence? Meet Emily Thiroux Threatt Emily Thiroux Threatt has experienced the deaths of two husbands, as well as the many family members and friends, so she has much experience in the grieving process and has learned to face life with love, optimism, and joy. Her books, The Grief, and Happiness Handbook, and Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief, provide guidance for navigating the downs and ups of the unfamiliar territory of grief. She also hosts the Grief and Happiness Podcast and is the founder of the Grief and Happiness Alliance. She is the CEO of the Grief and Happiness Nonprofit Organization. She is a certified Happy for No Reason Trainer. She has kept journals and written to express herself most of her life. She earned a master’s degree in English with a concentration in writing which led to a career teaching writing at the university level including being a pioneer in online education. She wrote three university textbooks. She naturally turned to writing to deal with her grief. She also teaches those dealing with loss how to use writing to deal with their grief. Emily’s Books: The Grief and Happiness Handbook: https://www.amazon.com/Grief-Happiness-Handbook-Supportive-Grieving/dp/B0C9KFL8W6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=203CS9T57W175&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.37ff5tZ4RTNwReWV1lxO1k7CO_Lm1qx1WWn964VSH2vax1hBZ4oQhX4oyFqUIiB2JhtnaBAnO2ynGrqcrBNiQHsvltYZj2j-lru1Ti4EMv9fmVMlapheg4E4ZRtnfMhydUvOswnq4-D4CrUis0j40DksMN1SnQ2v1HT9V_sFFIIUoQIxU82TUMS8KXskweVvhOkj9C4whKH_e1ewaauVjWJTM4ai5HenuM127ji4GBg.hBCJCU_y0t3oBGWiaxQvOj9B6KdNAthfowHBoa1u0BQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=Grief+and+Happiness+Handbook&qid=1746399288&sprefix=grief+and+happiness+handbook%2Caps%2C226&sr=8-1 Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Loving+and+Living+Your+Way+Through+Grief&crid=JSZC1VYZ0W4P&sprefix=loving+and+living+your+way+through+grief%2Caps%2C147&ref=nb_sb_noss Grief and Happiness Card Deck: https://www.amazon.com/Grief-and-Happiness-Card-Deck/dp/B0CK545BZ3/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1QZFPWV3VLCAX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fUuAbglHyAh4xOxx_5lVu8hUJe2mbc48Hb-oq2qouo1W7w9NHmUKGy4DxiAgd7VJXzdwf7ekQafWYx237YIbJI0JBD_dW97JyhSwlVfqe8dHKtnPm5WDm6JnGYhq-bmA.XGglFwffOcOWi3VCar9wljsSKmwmPC_AKCICIr3VApg&dib_tag=se&keywords=Grief+and+Happiness+Card+Deck&qid=1746399871&sprefix=grief+and+happiness+card+deck%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-1 Email Emily: [mailto:Emily Threatt

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S2E12 - Self-Love

Sun, 27 Apr 2025 21:28:22 -0000

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Episode 23: Self Love Find Your Gems

Meet Michelle Ballantyne:

Michele grew up in Corvallis, Oregon, the 2nd of 6 children. She went to art school, married, divorced, married again, and has 9 children. Now she lives in Salem, Oregon. She went to Tom Brown Jr's Wilderness Awareness and Survival School called Trackerschool and found herself under all the layers she had built up around herself. She was a homemaker and mom most of her life. She just recently began writing and making art for others. Her writing contains stories from her life that have taught her things that changed her life for the better. Some are simple stories and philosophies, and some are almost unbelievable but true. She lives in a world of contrasts: her body sometimes hurts yet her soul delights in her daily life. There are emotional pains, too, that live within her and those are always present just below the surface, but she doesn't spend much time there. She entertains herself by making art and sharing her art and stories, reading to her son, reading about other people's lives, and enjoying nature. Her favorite quote is something she was told and shown in a meditation, "Our bodies are made of countless entities that have come together out of love to give us this experience." In meditation she saw that every particle is aware and cooperating and loves us.

Michele’s website:

https://www.MicheleBallantyneDesigns.com

Her Blog is on her website and tells her story in book form, that grows week by week, with a new chapter that she sends out by email to her followers. She has another older blog site where she has lots of blogs about her life:

https://www. MicheleBallantyne.com

Email Michele:

MicheleBallantyneDesigns@gmail.com

Tom Brown’s Tracker School:

https://www.trackerschool.com/

I am a Certified Happiness Trainer

https://www.embracehappiness.me

To learn more about me:

https://www.dsflemingcc.com

Order a copy of my new book on Kindle or in Paperback:

Defying Death: Living an Empowered Life with Multiple Disabilities

Defying Death

Order a copy of my first book in paperback or on Kindle:

Episode Notes

Notes go here

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S2E11 - All Aboard

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 22:31:50 -0000

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Episode Notes

Meet Ron Brooks: Ron Brooks is a graduate of Indiana University and a 30-year veteran of the public transit industry where he is focused on making bus, rail, paratransit, and other services accessible and equitable for everyone, including people with disabilities. Ron is the founder and CEO of Accessible Avenue, and he is the Senior Director for Policy and Stakeholder Engagement for UZURV, a Transportation Network Company adapted to meet the needs of people with disabilities. Ron is a frequent presenter and author on topics related to public transit accessibility, including accessible public involvement, digital accessibility, wayfinding to, from and within transit networks, autonomous vehicle accessibility, and strategies for modernizing ADA paratransit. He is a co-author of the book, “All Aboard – Conducting Accessible Community Involvement for Public Transit.” In his off time, Ron is a committed advocate within the blind/low-vision and disability communities where he serves on a number of Boards and committees for several non-profit community-based organizations. In 2023, Ron began serving as the Co-Chairperson of the Aging and Vision Loss National Coalition’s Transportation Working Group, which has been working to educate AVLNC member organizations and other blind/low-vision community constituents on public transportation accessibility issues and advocacy priorities. Impactful quote: In his book, “4000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals,” Oliver Burkeman points out that the average person will live for 4,000 weeks (about eighty years). There’s not enough time in eighty years to do everything that society, our bosses, our friends, our families, and we, demand of ourselves. It’s necessary to recognize this and let a lot of things go. The only real question is: “Which things do we give up?” Ron’s Company Web site: https://accessibleavenue.net/all-aboard Ron’s LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-brooks-066b174/ Book page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/All-Aboard-Conducting-Accessible-Involvement/dp/B0DFMQY9LX/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1UKTAVTWC6273&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.SqC1uWLbFsdiSCnBFVQcMg.9rLL56TSCyIGPvYKc1Gk3ZMa0cemZB5NBb6QsSW28Vs&dib_tag=se&keywords=all+aboard+conducting+accessible+community+involvement+for+public+transit&qid=1737061080&sprefix=all+aboard+conducting+accessible+community+involvement+for+public+transit%2Caps%2C127&sr=8-1 Free Course: Gearing Up for Transit: Options and Advocacy Skills for People who are Blind, or have Low Vision: https://nrtc.catalog.instructure.com/courses/gearing-up-for-transit UZURV website: https://www.uzurv.com Press Release About His Book: Media Contact: Ron Brooks, CEO | Accessible Avenue Connect@AccessibleAvenue.net (602) 616-1171 Book Launch: A Guide to Making Public Outreach Accessible for Everyone Including People with Disabilities. Written for the Transit Industry by Transit Industry Veteran, this Practical and Informative Guide has Lessons for Any Industry PHOENIX, Ariz., Aug. 30, 2024 – Ron Brooks lost his eyesight while playing a pick-up basketball game with friends when he was fourteen years old. Now, as a 30-year veteran of the public transit industry, Ron is a sought-after expert for his work to make public transportation more accessible and inclusive for everyone. Drawing on both his professional and lived experience, Ron teamed up with Kristen Joyner, one of the transit industry’s foremost experts in the areas of event planning, marketing, and training, to author a brand-new book, “All Aboard: Conducting Accessible Community Involvement for Public Transit.” When a transit authority or public agency designs, builds, launches, or makes significant changes to its public transit services or the infrastructure that supports it, there’s a requirement to communicate with the public in order to obtain comments. And while many public agencies do a good job with most aspects of community outreach and engagement, people with disabilities (who depend on public transit at much higher rates than other members of the public) are often left out of the process. In their book, Ron and Kristen, with help from contributing authors, Michelle Witman and Mary Liz McNamara, explain how different types of disabilities can impact a person’s ability to participate in traditional public outreach activities. The book lays out simple steps public agencies and transit authorities can take to ensure that their in-person and virtual meetings, presentations, reports, and other documents, and even their ongoing communication strategies can be made more accessible. And while many of the book’s recommendations can be implemented for little or no cost, they can make community outreach and involvement easier and more effective for virtually everyone. In her foreword to the book, April Rai, CEO of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials, points out: “Implementing an accessible community involvement strategy does not have to be a wildly expensive or cumbersome process. And it may be surprising to learn that many of the strategies outlined in this book will provide practical benefits that will enhance the experience for individuals with and without disabilities. More information about the book can be found here: https://accessibleavenue.net/all-aboard, and it is available for purchase in paperback or Kindle versions on Amazon at this link. # # # About the Authors Ron Brooks is a graduate of Indiana University and a 30-year veteran of the public transit industry where he is focused on making bus, rail, paratransit and other services accessible and equitable for everyone, including people with disabilities. Ron is the founder and CEO of Accessible Avenue, and he is the Senior Director for Policy and Stakeholder Engagement for UZURV, a Transportation Network Company adapted to meet the needs of people with disabilities. Ron is a frequent presenter and author on topics related to public transit accessibility, including accessible public involvement, wayfinding to, from and within transit networks, autonomous vehicle accessibility, and strategies for modernizing ADA paratransit. Kristen Joyner is the founder of KJ Backpack, LLC, and a 35-year veteran of the public transit industry, who leads with creativity, energy and enthusiasm. Her areas of expertise include: strategic planning, executive coaching, board and workforce development, safety awareness, human trafficking awareness, transit marketing, and event planning. Together with Ron Brooks, Kristen created and marketed the Southwest Transit Association’s Accessible Meetings Guide to make events more inclusive for people with disabilities, a project which spurred her desire to help transit agencies and other public-facing organizations to design and deliver community outreach that is accessible and inclusive. Darian is a Certified Happiness Trainer https://www.embracehappiness.me To learn more about Darian: https://www.dsflemingcc.com Order a copy of Darian's new book on Kindle or in Paperback: Defying Death: Living an Empowered Life with Multiple Disabilities Defying Death Order a copy of Darian's first book in paperback or on Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Speak+Up+For+Yourself%3A+Get+What+You+Need+and+Feel+Good+About+It&i=stripbooks&crid=1TGVTFEBCG839&sprefix=speak+up+for+yourself+get+what+you+need+and+feel+good+about+it%2Cstripbooks%2C164&ref=nb_sb_nossNotes go here

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S2E10 - Document, Document, Document

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 19:18:46 -0000

Episode Notes

Get What You Need and Feel Good About It Episode 21 (10): Document, Document, Document: Written Records Trump Verbal Agreements

Gary Ryan Blair:

“Your mind, while blessed with permanent memory, is cursed with lousy recall. Written goals provide clarity. By documenting your dreams, you must think about the process of achieving them. https://www.everythingcounts.com/

About Darian Slayton Fleming: I am a mom, a grandma, a widow, a therapist, an advocate, and author and a deep thinker. I am a bit of a comedian and a bit of a rebel.

I m a woman with multiple disabilities who doesn’t let anything stop me. I own a home in Portland, Oregon. I operate a thriving therapy practice in which I encourage clients to find their voices and speak up for themselves, get what they need and feel good about it. Does your life feel like a roller coaster ride? Are you disappointed in yourself and others? Do you struggle with self-doubt, guilt, and shame? Do you feel powerless to change? I have been where you are. I have been deeply unhappy, happy for bad reasons and even happy for good reasons. Through the Happy for No Reason model for finding and maintaining true and lasting happiness I have discovered that I can be happy despite my circumstances. This is the definition of “Happy for no reason.” The key to overcoming unhappiness is changing your core beliefs, thoughts, habits, and behaviors. My mission is to encourage others to find strength and joy in present moments. I will collaborate with you to intentionally become empowered through: · Exploring and building on your strengths · Exploring and building on your interests · Exploring and building on your skills · Identifying hidden barriers to your success · Eliminating core beliefs that no longer serve you · Rewriting your story to Define what true, lasting happiness looks and feels like in the here and now. · Creating an empowered sense of self · Exploring and implementing your dreams · Living the life you love

I am now a Certified Happiness Trainer.

Coming soon:

https://www.embracehappiness.me

To learn more about me:

https://www.dsflemingcc.com

Order a copy of my new book on Kindle or in Paperback:

Defying Death: Living an Empowered Life with Multiple Disabilities

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKWCRVXD/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1YYN5DMX3FS12&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MhfjbxMdL7zLHR7pCWeJLA.SxxBBVYPwAutUDtb8puxbzkl0fHFsgEPeCsM2QmjdwI&dib_tag=se&keywords=Defying+Death%3A+Living+an+Empowered+Life+With+Multiple+Disabilities&qid=1729899459&sprefix=defying+death+living+an+empowered+life+with+multiple+disabilities%2Caps%2C152&sr=8-1

Order a copy of my first book in paperback or on Kindle: Speak Up for Yourself: Get What You Need and Feel Good About It: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Speak+Up+For+Yourself%3A+Get+What+You+Need+and+Feel+Good+About+It&i=stripbooks&crid=1TGVTFEBCG839&sprefix=speak+up+for+yourself+get+what+you+need+and+feel+good+about+it%2Cstripbooks%2C164&ref=nb_sb_noss Notes go here

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S2E9 - Tips for Staying Organized

Sat, 16 Nov 2024 21:51:02 -0000

episode Notes

Get What You Need and Feel Good About It Episode 9: Tips for Staying Organized: How Using a Schedule Helps Manage Appointments Company: EZ2See® Products LLC https://EZ2SeeProducts.com Edward Cohen is a senior living in Minnesota. In 1995 at age 45, he was declared legally blind due to Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP.) Throughout his life, he used print planner style weekly calendars to manage his professional and personal life. After retiring in 2010 it became progressively difficult to use the calendars, he had been using that were called large print. By 2014 he decided to make one for himself that he could easily see and use. Upon seeing it, people with and without vision challenges, asked where he got it. They would say either they could use it, or they knew someone who could. When told where it came from, they encouraged him to start making them because it would help others. After much consideration and effort, in 2015 he came out of retirement, became an entrepreneur, and launched EZ2See Products. Annually, thousands of that original calendar design are sold. Its design incorporates unique features not found elsewhere, which is why it is so accessible. Since starting, he has added additional print-based products useful for staying organized. See and order his products on Amazon.com and on his website at EZ2SeeProducts.com.. Check out his Retailer’s page for a possible local location. If you prefer ordering over the phone call, (800) 234-8291. By email, reach his exclusive distributor at Info@PreventProducts.com. His website also offers other information. It includes a growing list of testimonials from actual customers, A blog page filled with both practical tips and thoughts on dealing with vision loss and a way to begin receiving his monthly newsletter. Quotes: “I’m doing as much as I can, as long as I can, as well as I can.” – Edward Cohen - I’ve always been creative and handy with my hands. But vision decline required coming up with alternative techniques or even ending certain tasks. So this is where that saying comes from. Edward uses this one at appropriate frustrating moments as a way to laugh. “Why are simple things so complicated?” Carry on Accessibility: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCraSGW8s4NMaFKrJ5YbjB4w Darian is now a Certified Happiness Trainer. Coming soon: www.truelastinghappiness.com To learn more about Darian Slayton Fleming: https://dsflemingcc.com Order a copy of Darian’s new book on Kindle or in Paperback: Defying Death: Living an Empowered Life with Multiple Disabilities https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKWCRVXD/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1YYN5DMX3FS12&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MhfjbxMdL7zLHR7pCWeJLA.SxxBBVYPwAutUDtb8puxbzkl0fHFsgEPeCsM2QmjdwI&dib_tag=se&keywords=Defying+Death%3A+Living+an+Empowered+Life+With+Multiple+Disabilities&qid=1729899459&sprefix=defying+death+living+an+empowered+life+with+multiple+disabilities%2Caps%2C152&sr=8-1 Order a copy of Darian’s book in paperback or on Kindle: Speak Up for Yourself: Get What You Need and Feel Good About It: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Speak+Up+For+Yourself%3A+Get+What+You+Need+and+Feel+Good+About+It&i=stripbooks&crid=1TGVTFEBCG839&sprefix=speak+up+for+yourself+get+what+you+need+and+feel+good+about+it%2Cstripbooks%2C164&ref=nb_sb_noss Notes go here

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S2E8 - Transform Your Relationship with Success

Sat, 26 Oct 2024 19:03:00 -0000

Episode Notes

Get What You Need and Feel Good About It Episode 8: Transform Your Relationship With Success: Seen Through the Eyes of An Ultimate Frisbee Coach Meet Brent Steepe:

One of Brent Steepe’s main goals in founding Advanced Training Techniques was to guide clients away from pain killers and other medications and supplements, helping them to establish healthy lifestyles and to get in tune with their body signals. “All too often we, as a society, became too quick to ‘lean’ on the ‘crutches’ of pain killers, blood medications, supplements, fat burners, and bad advice without even giving the body a fighting chance with lifestyle changes and proper body signaling,” he says.

Through his company, which he founded on a vision to make personal training affordable for all, he’s been able to do just that,

through on-site training, video training through Skype, as well as post-rehabilitation therapy, multi-level fitness instruction, massage, healthy living seminars and lifestyle coaching. “In every journey in life I seek to better those around me,” he notes on his LinkedIn profile, “thus providing a more positive and productive life for myself in the process.”

Quote: Success is a natural conclusion to preparation, persistence and integrity. Swim upstream everyday. Challenge yourself to challenge others.”

Website:

https://www.brentsteepe.com/

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentsteepe/

Visit Powerform Detroit Mechanix Team Website:

www.detmechanix.com

Breaking the Historic Losing Streak Article:

https://www.watchufa.com/league/tuesday-toss/2024-ufa-week-9-recap

CBS News Clip on Breaking the Streak:

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=367643316375597 Powerfirm.fit Fitness and Movement Tool www.powerform.fit

Darian is now a Certified Happiness Trainer. Coming soon:

www.truelastinghappiness.com

To learn more about Darian Slayton Fleming:

https://dsflemingcc.com

Order a copy of Darian’s new book on Kindle or in Paperback:

Defying Death: Living an Empowered Life with Multiple Disabilities

Order a copy of Darian’s book in paperback or on Kindle: Speak Up for Yourself: Get What You Need and Feel Good About It: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Speak+Up+For+Yourself%3A+Get+What+You+Need+and+Feel+Good+About+It&i=stripbooks&crid=1TGVTFEBCG839&sprefix=speak+up+for+yourself+get+what+you+need+and+feel+good+about+it%2Cstripbooks%2C164&ref=nb_sb_noss Notes go here

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S2E7 - Writing to Heal

Sat, 28 Sep 2024 21:17:51 -0000

Get What You Need and Feel Good About It Episode 6: Write to Process and Express Yourself

Meet Ann Chiappetta:

Ann Chiappetta, M.S. Poet and author Ann’s award-winning poems, creative nonfiction, and essays have appeared internationally in literary journals, popular online blogs, and print anthologies. Her poems have been featured in The Avocet, the Pangolin Review, Plum Tree Tavern, Magnets and Ladders, Oprelle, Western PA Poetry Review 2024and Breath and Shadow, and others. Ann’s short story, The Misty Torrent appeared in the Artificial Divide anthology published by Renaissance Press (2021).

Ann is the recipient of the 2019 GDUI Excellence in Writing award and the WDOMI 2016 Spirit of Independence award. Independently published since 2016, the author’s six volume collection includes poetry, creative nonfiction essays, short stories, and contemporary fiction. Diagnosed in 1993 with a rare form of progressive retinal disease, Ann accepts vision loss as part of her life but doesn’t let it define her as a whole person.

Contact Ann by visiting her website: w ww.annchiappetta.com subscribe to Ann’s blog www.thought-wheel.com Facebook

Interview Questions

1.Welcome, Ann. Please tell us a little about your journey. How did you decide to become a writer? What needs does writing fulfill for you? 2.Tell us about one or two barriers you have had to overcome in your profession as a writer. 3.What has helped you stay your course? What gives you meaning on this journey? 4.Let’s talk about how writing is a way to process and express our feelings. How does it help us process, clarify, heal those parts of us that need expression and release? What kinds of ideas might we find ourselves writing about in these times? Loss, confusion, hope, joy? Let’s have you read a piece or two that you have written to address these kinds of feelings you have experienced. How does writing fill your cup? 5.Where can people find writing prompts if they need support to get started? 6.In closing, do you have a piece you want to read to leave our listeners with?

Darian is now a Certified Happiness Trainer.

Coming soon:

www.truelastinghappiness.com

Coming Soon: Defying Death: Living an Empowered Life with Multiple Disabilities By Darian Slayton Fleming

https://dsflemingcc.comEpisode Notes

Notes go here

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S2E5 - Mindful Parenting

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 18:00:58 -0000

Meet Julie Womack:

mindfulmom808@gmail.com

Julie is a mother and grandmother of one beautiful adult daughter and three precious grandsons, ages 3, 6, and 13. She became a single parent when her daughter was about 3. If it weren’t for her family, particularly her mom She was not sure how her daughter would’ve turned out. Other than having divorced parents her upbringing was full of love with no real drama. She was born and raised in Hawaii. Had 2 wonderful hard-working parents, 4 siblings and grew up in the 60’s. It was a wonderful time. When she was little, she always felt different. She never really excelled in school and went through the motions of trying to be a good student.

She never really had any ambition for herself. She was a dreamer but not very ambitious. Instead she was more interested in what her friends were going through and the feelings they carried with them. It’s clear to her today that being the supporting, nurturing figure has always been important to her even as a little girl. So now as she has her own life experiences, she finds herself wanting to relate and help others struggling through their adversities. A big part of that is why she started Mindful Moms. She wants to take her personal mom experience and share what she did to break down the stories we create in our heads and how to deal with it while staying fulfilled. Most recently, an unfortunate incident led her to a path of deep personal growth. She dabbled in the personal growth arena before but now more importantly she is implementing and practicing it to create real change in her life.

Since being retired and on her own she now has the time to rediscover who she truly is and what is possible. She lives a very simple life, but she loves going to the beach. The water is very healing, and she loves being out in nature. She also likes to bake and love shopping for little gifts that remind her of special people in her life. She also loves sending out handwritten notes. For her it’s a way of sharing her love and energy with people in her life that she doesn’t always get to be with. Julie’s quote to herself: “Awareness is the key to how I want to be.”

Coming Soon: Defying Death: Living an Empowered Life with Multiple Disabilities By Darian Slayton Fleming

https://dsflemingcc.com

Notes go here

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S2E4 - Do You Complain, Shame Or Blame Yourself Or Others?

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 15:17:27 -0000

Episode Notes

Get What You Need and Feel Good About It Episode 4: Do You Shame Complain Or Blame Yourself or Others? Strategies For Letting Go of This Habit

Meet Dr. Lori Criswell.

Lori was born in Philadelphia Pennsylvania and raised in Allentown Pennsylvania. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from West Chester University and her Master of Physical Therapy at the University of Delaware. She then went on to earn her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2014 at the University of South Florida- Morsani College of Medicine. Lori is the director and CEO of Palm Coast Physical Therapy, founded 18 years ago and located in Naples Florida. She has been a physical therapist for 33 years specializing in Myofascial release, vestibular dysfunction, Cervicalgia, and headache relief. Lori has specialty training in manual therapy from the University of Saint Augustine and is a certified lymphedema therapist. Lori has recently become impassioned and intrigued in the areas of happiness, energy work, quantum and metaphysics, and epigenetics as they relate to healing. She has attended Dr. Joe Dispenza’s weeklong intensive coursework and is currently training to be a facilitator of Dr Sue Morter’s Energy codes. Most recently, she completed her certified trainers program for “Happy for no Reason” by Marci Schimoff. When Lori is not working or attending classes, she enjoys hiking, biking, and being in the outdoors with her dog Ollie. She spends as much time as she can with her 90-year-old mother and makes it a daily practice to meditate and exercise.

Check out Patty Lennon:

https://magic.pattylennon.com/thereceivingschool

Your Year of Miracles:

https://youryearofmiracles.com/

Brene Brown:

https://brenebrown.com/ "The Sedona Method: Your Key to Lasting Happiness, success, peace and emotional well-being. www.sedona.com

Coming Soon: Defying Death: Living an Empowered Life with Multiple Disabilities By Darian Slayton Fleming

Find out more at https://get-what-you-need-and-feel-goo.pinecast.co

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/get-what-you-need-and-feel-goo/12632421-3d5b-4752-9e22-5ebb7df5fdd7

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Deepen Your Communication and Connection

Sat, 29 Jun 2024 17:46:55 -0000

Get What You Need and Feel Good About It

Episode 3: Deepen Your Communication and Connection: Ask Questions and Ask for Clarification

Again Featuring Amber Needham:

Amber Needham is an International Best-Selling Author, long time entrepreneur and the founder and co-creator of the Tandem Ride for Sight, a fundraising initiative to raise awareness of LSCD, ( Limbal Stem-Cell Deficiency ) and funds for the creation of a stem-cell donor registry. Amber is a visually impaired life-long student of life itself. Her unique journey has given her the fuel, passion, drive, and experience to share her life’s adventure through her book, podcast, TV, and radio interviews along with her public and on-line speaking engagements. Her book, ‘The Blind Girl Sees’ is a journey of discovery of seeing through the heart and not the eyes. All royalties are 100% donated to UHN, Toronto Western Hospital, Ophthalmology department. In her book, Amber offers her vulnerability, wit, passion, and ah-ha’s as she breaks down the 4 key strategies to living your best life regardless of any disability, setback, illness, breakdown or breakthrough. “‘The biggest discovery I have made is that being blind isn’t a disability at all; it was my former sighted life of 50 yrs. that truly was my disability. Thank goodness I learned to see differently.”

amberneedham.com

Links to Articles:

Understanding Open-Ended Questions: Understanding Open-Ended Questions https://www.wikihow.com/Ask-Open-Ended-Questions Why: The Most Dangerous and Powerful Question: http://blog.kevineikenberry.com/communication-interpersonal-skills/the-most-powerful-and-dangerous-question-in-the-world/

Coming Soon: Defying Death: Living an Empowered Life with Multiple Disabilities By Darian Slayton Fleming

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S2E2 - Respectful Communication

Sun, 26 May 2024 16:55:27 -0000

Get What You Need and Feel Good About It Episode 14: Respectful Communication Use These Strategies and Improve Your Outcomes and Enrich Your Relationships Meet Joe Roan Joe is a professional accessibility tester for web sites and applications. His employer is Geographic Solutions, Inc., serving over 38 States, Counties, and Municipalities with over 95 web sites with applications for Unemployment, Workforce, and Virtual Career Center services. He grew up in New England but has made his home on the West Coast of Florida for the last quarter century. Joe has hobbies including computer and anything tech and has also been a musician, attending New England Conservatory, playing Tuba and Trombone. He currently sings Bass in Barbershop quartets. Of course Joe counts Toastmasters as his current most important avocation. He is also spiritual and always working on personal growth. Read How to Win Friends and Influence People By Dale Carnegie ** https://www.amazon.com/How-win-Friends-Influence-People/dp/8189297813 Read Nonviolent Communication https://www.amazon.com/Nonviolent-Communication-3rd-Marshall-Rosenberg/dp/B0B5TGPKYM/ref=sr_1_11?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.d-OUcvay98ssPkpAxYX3FxNBo_4RoqADL_G_PRDP3hlBGs7VPFj4JfQcoMNSc7qlX88tsfcNy5td8ljowNd5ET6h4CYuWpgAViGlKtNu6rGBREuR2QVM-O2b-zjDN7nKj3zvcscB_ZLuax7ERS9t3pOyDpEo4vSpVtYWUruP4SEtySf0geahA_lzNEPSXlD2wz3z202SxZ5qApSge1GPrLAzVr3Zkg8pNi-yHplsAjc.HblN2pg5y1tTLLgGY2RkESXJCQ5Pzb8baLVPtb4_Sxs&dib_tag=se&qid=1716684744&refinements=p_27%3AMarshall+B.+Rosenberg+PhD&s=books&sr=1-11&text=Marshall+B.+Rosenberg+PhD John and Julie Gottman: https://www.gottman.com/author/drs-john-julie-gottman/ Here is a link to Secure Marriage: https://www.securemarriage.com/ Check out Your Year of Miracles with Marci Shimov Join our Miracles Community and receive monthly videos on how to live your life in the Miracle Zone.** https://youryearofmiracles.com/ Order a copy of Darian’s book in paperback or on Kindle: Speak Up for Yourself: Get What You Need and Feel Good About It: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Speak+Up+For+Yourself%3A+Get+What+You+Need+and+Feel+Good+About+It&i=stripbooks&crid=1TGVTFEBCG839&sprefix=speak+up+for+yourself+get+what+you+need+and+feel+good+about+it%2Cstripbooks%2C164&ref=nb_sb_noss To learn more about Darian Slayton Fleming go to: https://dsflemingcc.com

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S2E1 - Happiness is a Choice

Sat, 27 Apr 2024 20:46:01 -0000

Get What You Need and Feel Good About It Season 2 Episode 1: Happiness is a Choice Meet Amber Needham Amber Needham is a visually impaired life long student of life itself . Her unique journey has given her the fuel, passion, drive and experience to share her life’s adventure through her book, podcast, TV and radio interviews along with her public and on-line speaking engagements. She writes: “‘The biggest discovery I have made is that being blind isn’t a disability at all; it was my former sighted life of 50 yrs. that truly was my disability. Thank goodness I learned to see differently.” Her book, The Blind Girl Sees is a journey of discovery of seeing through the heart and not the eyes. All royalties are 100% donated to UHN, Toronto Western Hospital, Ophthalmology department. In her book, Amber offers her vulnerability, wit, passion and ah-ha’s as she breaks down the 4 key strategies to living your best life regardless of any disability, setback, illness, breakdown or breakthrough. Amber Needham Amber’s book can be purchased right from her website : amberneedham.com

Marci Shimov and Year of Miracles: https://youryearofmiracles.com/

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S1E12 - Communication 101

Sat, 30 Mar 2024 23:38:49 -0000

Episode 12: Communication 101: Setting the Course Darian reviews the past year of episodes and sets the tone for the next series of episodes. Order a copy of Darian’s book in paperback or on Kindle: Speak Up for Yourself: Get What You Need and Feel Good About It: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Speak+Up+For+Yourself%3A+Get+What+You+Need+and+Feel+Good+About+It&i=stripbooks&crid=1TGVTFEBCG839&sprefix=speak+up+for+yourself+get+what+you+need+and+feel+good+about+it%2Cstripbooks%2C164&ref=nb_sb_noss To learn more about Darian Slayton Fleming go to: https://dsflemingcc.com

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S1E11 - Make the Impossible Possible

Sat, 24 Feb 2024 21:56:15 -0000

Meet Ardis Bazyn:

Ardis Bazyn is an inspirational speaker, business coach, and author of 4 books, manuals, and many articles. After receiving her master’s in arts in Teaching, she started her current business Bazyn Communications

“Making the Impossible Possible”

www.bazyncommunications.com.

https://www.acb.org/ https://www.acb.org/affiliate-RSVA https://www.acb.org/affiliate-RSVA https://www.acb.org/affiliate-IVIE https://www.acb.org/affiliates

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S1E10 - Episode 10 Toast Masters

Sat, 27 Jan 2024 20:50:51 -0000

Get What You Need and Feel Good About It Episode 10: Toast Masters Speaking With Confidence "If you think you can or you think you can't, you are right" - Henry Ford "Beliefs become thoughts become acts become habits become character becomes destiny." - Gandhi - "Be the change you want to see." - Gandhi - Meet Joe Roan Joe is a professional accessibility tester for web sites and applications. His employer is Geographic Solutions, Inc., serving over 38 States, Counties, and Municipalities with over 95 web sites with applications for Unemployment, Workforce, and Virtual Career Center services. He grew up in New England but has made his home on the West Coast of Florida for the last quarter century. Joe has hobbies including computer and anything tech and has also been a musician, attending New England Conservatory, playing Tuba and Trombone. He currently sings Bass in Barbershop quartets. Of course Joe counts Toastmasters as his current most important avocation. Joe's 3rd place finish speech at the Toastmasters International Video Speech Contest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aJFRbzRnA8 VIP Online toastmasters: www.viponlinetoastmasters.com You may attend as a guest each Sunday from 3:30 to 5 PM Eastern Time Meeting Link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85418803399?pwd=NVNyY3ZSaEIwWVV3QXE2dG1LaWdBUT09 Dial by your location +1 646 876 9923 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) Meeting ID: 854 1880 3399 Passcode: 425202 One tap mobile +13052241968,,85418803399#,,,,425202# US +13092053325,,85418803399#,,,,425202# US Order a copy of Darian’s book in paperback or on Kindle: Speak Up for Yourself: Get What You Need and Feel Good About It: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Speak+Up+For+Yourself%3A+Get+What+You+Need+and+Feel+Good+About+It&i=stripbooks&crid=1TGVTFEBCG839&sprefix=speak+up+for+yourself+get+what+you+need+and+feel+good+about+it%2Cstripbooks%2C164&ref=nb_sb_noss To learn more about Darian Slayton Fleming go to: https://dsflemingcc.com

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S1E9 - Dazzle Desserts

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 00:48:00 -0000

Get What You Need and Feel Good About It

Episode 9: Dazzle Desserts: See How Her Cookie Didn't Crumble

Katie Zinno Owner of: Dazzle Desserts www.dazzledesserts.com Katie was born with a genetic condition that wasn't diagnosed properly until she was 19 years old. She had her first surgery at age 15. By the time she was 33 she had had over 33 surgeries. Her body falls apart. “To achieve greatness, start where you are, use what you have, do what you can.” Order a copy of Darian’s book in paperback or on Kindle: Speak Up for Yourself: Get What You Need and Feel Good About It: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Speak+Up+For+Yourself%3A+Get+What+You+Need+and+Feel+Good+About+It&i=stripbooks&crid=1TGVTFEBCG839&sprefix=speak+up+for+yourself+get+what+you+need+and+feel+good+about+it%2Cstripbooks%2C164&ref=nb_sb_noss To learn more about Darian Slayton Fleming go to: https://dsflemingcc.com Episode Notes

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S1E8 - Bakeability

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 17:18:54 -0000

Get What You Need and Feel Good About It Episode 8: Carina Comer Owner of: Carina’s Bakery Bake to thrive. Taste the passion and the ABILITY in disability.

Born in Connecticut to family businesses on both sides started by immigrant grandfathers, it’s no wonder she blazed her own trail. As an infant, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor that, while mostly respected, affected her eye nerves and hormone receptors that caused partial blindness, weight struggles, and a myriad of other life-long health challenges. To balance out the difficult medical regiments, she found herself spending a lot of time seeking comfort, family, and creative self-expression in the kitchen. What started as helping her mom soon became an obsession with food, an escape from social and health challenges, and a connection to Lu a Swedish heritage and to others. It grew into a small business peddling baked goods on a tricycle as a teenager and soon to pastry school. There I learned how cutthroat the industry is but took free internship after free internship until someone would give her a job. Frustrated, she left the vegan bakery she had finally gotten a prep job at and headed to Oregon, where she had visited and fallen in love enough to apply to graduate school. Learning how to connect business with nonprofit work and entrepreneurship opened her eyes to what was possible with her bakery dreams. When the job market still wasn’t proving fruitful, she got her family to help her open the store of her dreams in Beaverton in 2017.

Quote: we all have something in us that makes us unique- be it a disability, a visual flaw, a personality quirk. We go about life in different ways and fight various levels of pain. People with disabilities just happen to deal with a little more and wake up with it every day. Instead of feeling sorry for ourselves we should use that innovation to impact our work and our works, to show the Ability in disability.”

Find Carina Here:

www.carinasbakery.com

(503) 339-3187

To learn more about Darian Slayton Fleming go to: https://dsflemingcc.com

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S1E7 - Living With the Multiple Sclerosis (M. S. MonSter

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 22:19:18 -0000

Get What You Need and Feel Good About It Episode 7: Living With the Multiple Sclerosis (M.S. MonSter

Candace (Candy) Cole shared this quote:

“Human potential is a state of mind.” -- Col. Edward L. Hubbard Vietnam War POW Author: Escape from the Box: The Wonder of Human Potential

Candy mentioned that she often follows this motto: Though the Marines have a lot of mottos and slogans. Their unofficial slogan is, "Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome." They are trained with this slogan to be able to deal with all obstacles and serious situations they must face.

Candy recommends the following resources:

National Multiple Sclerosis Society www.nationalmssociety.org The Multiple Sclerosis Diet Book Roy Laver Swank M.D., Ph.D. Real Talk MS Podcast www.nationalmssociety.org

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S1E6 - An Ingenious Way to Live

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 18:46:34 -0000

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Get What You Need and Feel Good About It Episode 6: Georgena Moran: Author of: An Ingenious Way to Live: Moran, Georgena: 9798218131586: Amazon.com: Books An Ingenious Way to Live is about one woman's determination to continue her life's passion for adventure after a disability left her paralyzed from the shoulders down. This book is a memoir of her life, chronicling her thirst for adventure and how disability inspired a way to give back to a broader community of adventure seekers. Joined by her friends and constant companion and spouse, Sharon, Georgena discovered new, ingenious, ways to continue and expand on her passions. Living an interconnected life was more fulfilling and love-filled than she could have ever imagined possible. Until the age of 42, Georgena worked as a self-taught, self-employed cabinet maker, allowing her to follow her creative passions, and thirst for adventure. Always seeking the next greatest feat, she tested her strength and ingenuity. After 20 years, MS robbed her of her movement. Facing, then making peace with her condition, she created new ways to venture forth and help others find outdoor recreation in the Portland-Vancouver region. Founding Access Recreation, Georgena and trail agency representatives developed trail information guidelines and consumer resources for people of all abilities to identify parks and trails that meet their desired experience. Her work and adventures continue. Georgena is the founder and Project Manager of Access Recreation and the co-owner of Access for All, LLC, consulting, training and advocating for the rights and empowerment of people with disabilities. Georgena is an ICC certified Accessibility Specialist with over 20 years of experience. She is well versed in the ADA and ABA Accessibility Standards, applying them to facilities and parks, specializing in hiking trail assessments. Other Websites She Works On: 1) Access Recreation (www.accessrecreation.org) – that hosts all of the projects I co-created with federal, state and city park agency representatives 2) Guidelines for Providing Trail Information to People with Disabilities (https://www.accessrecreation.org/Trail_Guidelines/Inside_title_page.html) – for park and trail organizations to use to improve their website information on all trails so people with disabilities can choose for themselves what park or trail meets their needs and desired experience AccessTrails, (www.accesstrails.org) a website that Access Recreation created that applies the Guidelines to 36 parks and trails in the Portland-Vancouver Region. Interview Questions 1. Georgena, please tell us about your book. What is the title, and what prompted you to write it? 2. Have you had any experiences with people discouraging you from pursuing your goals? Would you tell us about one? How did you handle it? 3. Was there a time when you wanted to give up on your goals? How did you handle it? 4. How do you remain positive and determined? What helps? 5. I subscribe to a theory or technique called “Bibliotherapy.” This is a process that people who face difficult life events can benefit from reading books about others who have overcome similar obstacles. What are some takeaways you hope our listeners, your readers, might find helpful? Thanks so much, Georgena. Order a copy of Darian’s book in paperback or on Kindle: Speak Up for Yourself: Get What You Need and Feel Good About It: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Speak+Up+For+Yourself%3A+Get+What+You+Need+and+Feel+Good+About+It&i=stripbooks&crid=1TGVTFEBCG839&sprefix=speak+up+for+yourself+get+what+you+need+and+feel+good+about+it%2Cstripbooks%2C164&ref=nb_sb_noss To learn more about Darian Slayton Fleming go to: https://dsflemingcc.com

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S1E5 - About Your Hostess With the Mostess

Sat, 26 Aug 2023 16:57:47 -0000

Episode 5: About Your Hostess with The Mostess: How I got here and Where This is Going! 1.What Happened Age 2 2.Learning I was different. A. My Mom My Role Model: Talked with my teachers. B. Second Grade I realized I was different: Braille during their Writing lessons. C. Being Singled Out D. Fifth Grade E. School for the Blind: What I couldn’t do: tying my own shoes F. A sense of acceptance: Kim G. Experiences Shape Us 3. Steps Toward Independence: A. Wally Curtis-high school B. Under Grad C. Student Assistant Western Oregon U. D. U. of W. E. Career Choices F. Other Choices: Marriage and children 4. Healing and Loss A. Tim B. John: My Soul Mate C. Friends D. Myself 5. Where I am Now 6. What I Learned H. How This Matters Now!1

This is the link to the Brave Thinking Institute. Here you will find information about Mary Morrissey and her various transformational programs including DreamBuilder Workshops. I have learned a lot from her teachings, some of which I have shared in this podcast: https://www.bravethinkinginstitute.com/

Also check out Year of Miracles founded by Marcy Shimov, author of Happy for No Reason and Love for No Reason and Dr. Sue Morter, author of The Energy Codes: The 7-Step System to Awaken Your Spirit, Heal Your Body, and Live Your Best Life

https://members.youryearofmiracles.com/ Order a copy of Darian’s book in paperback or on Kindle: Speak Up for Yourself: Get What You Need and Feel Good About It: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Speak+Up+For+Yourself%3A+Get+What+You+Need+and+Feel+Good+About+It&i=stripbooks&crid=1TGVTFEBCG839&sprefix=speak+up+for+yourself+get+what+you+need+and+feel+good+about+it%2Cstripbooks%2C164&ref=nb_sb_noss To learn more about Darian Slayton Fleming go to: https://dsflemingcc.com

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S1E4 - How Can I Possibly Ask For Help?

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 16:00:00 -0000

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Get What You Need and Feel Good About It Episode 4: How Can I Possibly Ask for Help?: Determine To Ask For a Little Help From Your Friends!

Meet Chris Cooke:

As a life-long learner, Chris Cooke has embarked on three distinct career paths, musician, doctor and rehabilitation instructor. This seemingly unrelated trio is united by her passion for teaching and encouraging her students to use their skills to reach their goals. As a totally blind teacher, she taught students piano, flute, and other band instruments in both the classroom and private studio settings. Cheering each student on while they learned her beloved musical craft was a joy for 15 years. When health problems of her own caused her to research healing options, she found life-changing benefits from naturopathic medicine. As the first blind naturopathic doctor, Chris graduated from the National University of Natural Medicine in 2006. In private practice, her favorite patients were children who experience significant behavioral issues. As doctor/teacher, Chris extended hope and compassion to families through teaching and recommending natural therapies. When Chris needed to make another life-change, she put her Braille-reading and technology skills to work and entered the full-time position of Rehabilitation Instructor where she remains with the Oregon Commission for the Blind. Taking each student as an individual, she seeks to help adult learners overcome barriers to realize their goals through literacy and technology. When not working, she enjoys listening to podcasts, reading, knitting, and spending time with her two cats and guide dog.

Chris submitted this poetic biography. It speaks to her thoughts, her heart, and her process of Personal growth:

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

Chris says This is a piece she wrote that really captures what she was thinking five-and-a-half years ago as she thought about two careers, music and medicine. It’s called the Duet of Grit and Grace and does involve asking for help.

The Duet of Grit and Grace

The duet of grit and grace sing together to create a life song. The grit to problem-solve is smoothed by the grace to accept help. There is the ever-present Grit to do the uncommon and the grace to find joy in simple pleasures. There is a counterpoint between music and medicine--a life-long passion for music and the desire to pursue a medical career. Can there be a marriage between two diverse deeply-felt callings? Can the first blind naturopathic physician restart a career after And intermission of four years to help young children who are the beacon of the future? Yet, if medicine crescendos, can you hear the musician composing and arranging hymns that are the song of her heart? In the same life there is one song that sings to uplift the composer and the listener, to bring healing to heart and soul--to all who listen.

Check out Chris Cooke’s Website:

https://playhymns.com Oregon Commission for the Blind Resources

https://www.oregon.gov/blind/livingwithvisionloss/Pages/Brochures_Resources.aspx (Chris publishes online sheet music, has some accompaniment tracks, and demo recordings.)

Oregon Commission for the Blind Resources:

https://www.oregon.gov/blind/livingwithvisionloss/Pages/Brochures_Resources.aspx

Interview Questions for Chris Cooke:

If you’re comfortable, would you tell us a little about when and how you and I met and where you were then on your personal journey?
What you were experiencing then was following your path toward independence, and adulting as a young woman who has specific dreams and goals who also happens to have a visual impairment, I know your journey has been challenging at times. What helps you stay the course? How do you determine to keep taking the steps forward?
how did you handle overcoming obstacles that arose as you entered the naturopathic college and educated your educators about your abilities and thinking outside the box regarding overcoming their concerns about perceived barriers to performing clinical work?
I have a feeling this process also involved asking for collaboration, which is another way to look at asking for help. What do you think asking for help looks like? How can we reframe our thoughts about asking for help and experience the benefits of support as we accomplish our goals or dreams?
What are you doing now and how is your journey continuing? How are you using these same life skills now? Mention work and something fun like your sheet music.
What advice would you give students about advocating for themselves?
It occurs to me that these ideas can apply to anyone who is determined to realize a dream. How do these strategies transfer to good work ethics and life skills?
Thanks so much for joining us.

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S1E3 - Determine to Be Determined

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 18:44:31 -0000

Get What You Need and Feel Good About It

Episode 3: Determine to Be Determined Define Determination: From the Marriam Webster Dictionary: The act of coming to a decision. From the Collins Dictionary: Determination is the quality that you show when you have decided to do something, and you will not let anything stop you. Synonyms: Intentional Intent Purposeful Resolute Resolve Courage Decided Will Power Strength of Will Persevere Persistent Tenacious Guest Expert: Mona Huntley Mona Huntley moved to Grants Pass, Oregon in 1981 when she was 41. Her husband, Frank, was still recovering from an industrial accident that left him 98% Disabled. Frank was in constant pain and could not stand for long periods of time. Mona and Frank started a Mobile Dog Grooming and Training business. Three years into their new business Mona was diagnosed with Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) and told “you will probably be blind in 5 to 7 years. Due to Frank's condition, Mona was the family provider. Her fallback occupation was as an art printer. She realized she needed to figure out how she was going to be able to continue to support her little family of two. First, she needed to find out what she was really facing. She went through the eye clinic at Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU.) Second, she needed to prepare for the future. She enrolled in Courses from Hadley Institute for the Blind, learning everything she could about staying Independent. Fear became Determination. "I had watched my father, grandfather and great aunt become isolated and sidelined by Blindness. It wasn’t going to happen to me!" Find out more : President: Rogue Valley Chapter American Council of the Blind of Oregon (ACBO) https://acboforegon.org/ Interview Questions: 1.What does being determined mean to you? 2.Would you tell us about a time when you decided you wanted to do something and you weren’t sure you could do it? Did you want to give up? Was there fear or anxiety? How did you handle it? 3.Can you tell us about a time when you were determined to accomplish a goal and others discouraged you? What happened? What was that like? How did you handle it? 4.Would you tell us about one of your success stories? What skills did you use? How did you celebrate that success? 5.Do you have any parting words for us about how to remain determined and focused on our goals and dreams? Closing: Mona, thanks so much for being my guest on Get What You Need and Feel Good About It. Your stories are so inspiring. I wish us all courage and determination as we go about pursuing our dreams and doing what we love. See the show notes for more information about Mona Huntley. In the meantime, I want to leave you with these encouraging words From Mary Morrissey’s Brave Thinking Institute DreamBuilder Workshops: “Go for the dream. Face the storm. Do it afraid. Stay the course. Go for the dream.” Order a copy of Darian’s book in paperback or on Kindle: Speak Up for Yourself: Get What You Need and Feel Good About It: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Speak+Up+For+Yourself%3A+Get+What+You+Need+and+Feel+Good+About+It&i=stripbooks&crid=1TGVTFEBCG839&sprefix=speak+up+for+yourself+get+what+you+need+and+feel+good+about+it%2Cstripbooks%2C164&ref=nb_sb_noss To learn more about Darian Slayton Fleming go to: https://dsflemingcc.com

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S1E1 - Intentional Living

Mon, 29 May 2023 16:12:04 -0000

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Get What You Need and Feel Good About It Episode 2: "Intentional Living: Mindfulness in Everyday Life"

Meet Rebekka Mars:

Modern Mindfulness Podcast

Cruiseletter Newsletter

Rebekka Mars is an aliveness coach who blends ancient practices into modern living, helping people come back home to their truest, most awake selves. She's been in the mindfulness mix her whole life and has specifically been teaching yoga, meditation, along with personal training for over 15 years. During that time, she's created a hybrid approach to working with individuals to implement shifts that create lasting wholeness, connection, Truth, and vitality from the inside out in all layers, physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. It became very clear that at a certain point in her work in groups and individuals, the results would only go as far as the peoples' inner blocks would allow. Her latest deep dive and offering has been through studying Somatic Experiencing® to enable embodied trauma healing and regulation of the nervous system. This mind/body approach helps to move and mend stuck energy {aka trauma} of the past and allows for even more LIFE on the other present side. Working with individuals and groups around the world, Rebekka holds virtual and in person sessions, classes, and events on topics like Modern Mindfulness, Reclaiming Your Inner Peace & Power, and her trademarked practice and brand of Modern Meditation™, encouraging meditation as not just a practice but a way of life. Rebekka Mars Yoga. Meditation. Movement. Life. If she's not holding space for the people or interviewing other inspiring guests on her podcast, Modern Mindfulness, you can find Rebekka soaking up the Southern California life with her partner John.

hello@rebekkamars.com www.rebekkamars.com

Welcome to Episode 2 of Get What You Need and Feel Good About It. Today’s episode is entitled: "Intentional Living: Mindfulness in Everyday Life" In episode 1, Anything is Possible, I featured John Fleming as he shared his formula for finding strategies for continuing to do what you love and pursuing your dreams despite barriers that seem insurmountable. Although John presented his formula from the perspective of succeeding despite sight loss, his formula may be, and often is, followed by anyone. Sometimes it feels risky, like skydiving, but when we are determined, do creative problem solving and seek support, we are more likely to get what we need and feel good about it. John pursued his dream intentionally or mindfully. To help us understand what mindfulness in everyday life means, I have invited Rebekka Mars, yoga instructor and mindfulness trainer, extrordinaire to be our guest and help me share this concept. Welcome, Rebekka, I’m so please to have you join me on my second-ever podcast episode. I was so impressed with the thoughts you share, and your presentation, in your podcast, Modern Mindfulness, that I took a chance on inviting you to be my guest, even though we’ve never met. I am so grateful to you, and to the universe, for making it possible to share this important information. I thought I’d start simply by sharing with our listeners a simple definition of mindfulness. One definition of Mindfulness is being aware, on purpose, in the present moment, without judgment. That is such a packed definition, I feel like I need to define each clause. Each clause is packed full of important meaning. Being aware. What does that mean to you? What are your thoughts, Rebekka? Here are some ideas: What about really seeing, hearing, observing, and acknowledging what is happening in present moments? Personal Growth Expert, Mary Morrissey, describes it as “notice what you’re noticing.” How do you experience awareness in your life? Now, add to this equation the concept “on purpose.” What are your thoughts, Rebekka? To me this means intentionally. Intentionality, I am learning, also involves choice. And I find it liberating that choice is one of my rights. Knowing I have choices is very empowering. So, when I have a dilemma to solve, positive or challenging, if I know what my options are, I am better able to make informed decisions or intentional, well thought out choices. John decided it was not an option to give up skydiving. So, he and his buddies studied and experimented with the options that made it possible for him to continue skydiving solo safely with the best methods they could devise. And as they practiced the systems, they refined and improved strategies as they studied and improved upon the science of the sport. All along the way, John and others had to make intentional choices so they could all continue to enjoy skydiving, the sport they loved doing, together. Being determined, doing creative problem solving and asking for, in fact, inviting support, are the strategies John followed. This is a formula I challenge myself and you to follow as we go about learning to express how we feel, ask for what we need, and feel good about it. Whether it is negotiating reasonable accommodations at a naturopathic college where they have never provided services from the point of view of a student who experiences vision impairment; or asserting your rights as a parent with disabilities; or even negotiating reasonable working conditions on a job, using John’s formula can guide you through the process of charting your course and accomplishing your goals. Today I want to demonstrate how developing an intentional mindfulness practice can improve our results, enrich our relationships, and help us feel good about asking for what we need. Question: Rebekka, do you engage in a purposeful mindfulness practice, and what does that look like?

Question: What prompted you to get more serious about having a daily mindful practice?

Question: How do you think it benefits us to follow a regular mindfulness practice?

Question: How would you advise our listeners to go about developing a regular mindfulness practice?

Question: We talked about a couple of mindfulness practices that we can all use to gain clarity, set our intention and feel good about taking intentional action. Would you set the stage and walk us through one or two of those exercises now?

Closing: What a session. Thanks so much for walking us through those exercises, Rebekka. Do you have any encouraging words before we close to get our listeners started on their intentional journeys toward getting what they need and feeling good about it?

Thank you so much, Rebekka. We’ll look for you on your Modern Mindfulness Podcast. And I’ll be back With you at the end of June for another episode of Get What You Need and Feel Good About It.

Find out more at https://get-what-you-need-and-feel-goo.pinecast.co

Episode 1-Anything is Possible

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Get What You Need and Feel Good About It is produced by Darian Slayton Fleming: LCSW, CRC, with a little help from her friends. Episodes will air monthly during the fourth week of each month. In this episode I emphasize the idea that certain thought processes and actions can help you shift your mindset and set your intentions for getting what you need and feeling good about it. To illustrate this point, John Fleming describes his process for pursuing your dreams, getting what you need and feeling good about it. Find his July 2005 speech at the American Council of the Blind Conference and Convention archives: And his story on the American Council of the Blind Memorial Angel Wall: See John’s Story:

Order a copy of Darian’s book in paperback or on Kindle: Speak Up for Yourself: Get What You Need and Feel Good About It: To learn more about Darian Slayton Fleming go to her website