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    • Embrace your power to save yourselfRecognize inner abilities to overcome toxic situations and live up to potential, self-awareness and engagement crucial in healing process, pandemic a catalyst for introspection and self-discovery, unique situations may call for different approaches.

      It's essential to recognize and utilize our inner abilities to "save ourselves" from toxic situations or living beneath our potential. And while self-care and kindness are crucial, they should not replace the importance of self-awareness and engagement in our own healing process. The pandemic has given many an opportunity for introspection and self-discovery, highlighting the power within us to overcome impediments and move forward. The concept of "saving yourself" applies to those who are unaware or unwilling to acknowledge their abilities to do so. It's important to remember that everyone's situation is unique, and this concept may not apply to all. But for those it resonates with, it's a call to action to embrace your power and take control of your life.

    • Babying oneself hinders growthSelf-care becomes detrimental when it hinders personal growth, preventing us from identifying reasons for actions, learning from experiences, and using critical thinking.

      Babying oneself, or treating oneself like a baby, can hinder personal growth and development. This behavior can stem from harsh self-talk or a desire for attention and validation. When we baby ourselves, we fail to identify reasons for our actions, learn from our experiences, and use critical thinking. Instead, we remain stagnant and diminish our potential. Saving ourselves, on the other hand, means taking responsibility for our lives and acknowledging the power within us to seek help and tools for growth. This approach fosters personal growth and maturity.

    • Recognize and utilize inner power to navigate challengesMake conscious choices for mental health and well-being, set boundaries, seek support, practice self-care

      Saving yourself means recognizing and utilizing your inner power to navigate life's challenges, rather than feeling isolated and helpless. It's about making conscious choices to improve your mental health and well-being, even when things aren't perfect. This can involve setting boundaries, seeking support, and practicing self-care. Remember, saving yourself doesn't mean being a lone warrior, but rather being aware of what you need to feel together and taking steps to make that happen. It's an ongoing process, not a destination. So, consider what are the ways you save yourself and make a commitment to prioritize your own well-being today.

    • Comparing mental control to flying a kiteManaging thoughts requires effort and tools, remember you're not alone in self-improvement journey, focus on personal growth and joy in solitude

      Saving oneself from mental turmoil and negative thought patterns can be compared to flying a kite. If you let the string get too long, you lose control, but by reeling it in, you regain control and can navigate the wind better. Similarly, managing thoughts requires effort and application of tools and practices. The journey to self-improvement can feel lonely, but it's important to remember that it won't always be that way. Change is the constant, and finding a supportive tribe, no matter the size, can help alleviate feelings of isolation. Ultimately, the goal is to focus on personal growth and finding joy in solitude, even during challenging times.

    • Setting and maintaining high standards: Be true to yourselfIdentify what truly matters, be self-honest, handle challenges with ease, give yourself breaks, and remove toxic influences for inner peace

      Setting and maintaining high standards for oneself requires self-honesty and identifying what truly matters to us. Being best friends with oneself allows for easier handling of life's challenges, but it's important to give ourselves breaks when necessary and not babysit ourselves. The hardest part is attaching our standards to things that genuinely matter to us, rather than comparing ourselves to others or adhering to external pressures. Saving ourselves includes removing ourselves from toxic relationships and cutting out unhealthy influences, allowing us to find peace within ourselves.

    • Identifying and eliminating sources of disruption to find peaceHonestly communicate and compassionately handle disruptive relationships, understanding disappointment and letting people down are natural, and it's never too late to find good friends.

      Taking care of yourself and finding peace is a powerful ability, akin to a superpower. It's important to identify and eliminate anything that disrupts your peace and joy, including unhealthy relationships and habits. However, dealing with people who may be bothered by your self-care can be challenging. Remember, you don't have to internalize their feelings or solve their issues. Instead, be honest and compassionate, and understand that disappointment and letting people down are a natural part of life. If someone consistently disrupts your peace, they may not be meant for your space. Keep in mind that it's never too late to find good friends and build strong relationships.

    • The importance of a solid support systemBuilding relationships and finding acceptance is essential for personal growth and self-discovery, even if it takes time and effort.

      Building a solid support system and finding people who understand and accept you is a valuable and worthwhile endeavor, even if it takes time and effort. This is especially important for those who are unconventional or have unique perspectives. The example from the movie "Working Girls" illustrates this concept, as Melanie Griffith's character takes a risk and seizes an opportunity to advance in her career without harming others. Similarly, in "The Color Purple," Sealy finds liberation and self-empowerment through the influence of a strong, independent woman. Both stories remind us that saving ourselves doesn't require hurting others and that the journey to self-discovery and growth is often made easier with the help and support of those around us.

    • Reclaiming Power and Saving OneselfWomen in 'The Color Purple' and 'Where'd You Go Bernadette' demonstrate the strength and resilience needed to save oneself from toxic relationships, reminding us that self-preservation is essential and sometimes drastic actions are necessary.

      Saving yourself from toxic situations or regaining your lost strength can be a challenging and complex process. Abusive relationships can make you feel like you depend on the abuser for your identity and understanding of yourself. Leaving such relationships can result in significant consequences, including having to leave home, family, or even incriminate the abuser. However, it's essential to remember that everyone has the inherent ability to save themselves, and sometimes, an external influence can help remind us of that. The movies "The Color Purple" and "Where'd You Go Bernadette" provide powerful examples of women reclaiming their power and saving themselves, even if it seems drastic or erratic to others. It's crucial to recognize that self-preservation doesn't always mean abandoning others, and sometimes, taking care of oneself is the best thing we can do for those around us. Alanis Morissette's "Jagged Little Pill" album is an excellent reminder of the importance of self-expression and refusing to be kept down.

    • Finding Angels in Life: Valuable Guidance from Influential FiguresReflect on influential figures in your life, let go of toxic relationships, prioritize emotional and mental equality, and take action to receive what you deserve.

      We all need people in our lives who can help us see things from a new perspective and guide us towards making positive changes. The speaker shares her personal experience of having angels or influential figures who have come into her life at pivotal moments, providing her with valuable advice and helping her make important realizations. She emphasizes the importance of letting go of toxic relationships, recognizing the value of emotional and mental equality in significant others, and being resolute in making decisions that prioritize self-care. The act of "saving yourself" is about recognizing your worth and taking action to receive what you deserve in life. It's essential to be aware of the relationships and interactions that drain us and prioritize our own well-being. The speaker encourages us all to reflect on the people in our lives who have had a profound impact on us and to be open to receiving guidance and wisdom from others.

    • Protect and Save YourselfTrust others but never abandon self-defense, seek joy and abundance, and utilize resources like FAFSA for financial aid and scholarships to secure your future.

      We all need to be prepared to protect ourselves and save ourselves, just as the woman in the image holds both vulnerability and strength. As Apollo Coelho's quote suggests, we should trust others but never abandon our own defense. This means cutting out what doesn't serve us and continuing to seek joy and abundance in our lives. The pandemic may eventually end, but the enduring importance of self-care and looking out for each other remains. Furthermore, opportunities for financial aid and scholarships, like the FAFSA, can help individuals save themselves and secure their futures. So, remember to keep your sword sharpened and continue seeking ways to save and better yourself.

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    255: Finding Light in Darkness

    255: Finding Light in Darkness

    As we go through life we collect stories that we will carry with us for our whole lives, they often are evidence of the trials we have survived, but it's how we tell the story of our past that makes the difference.

    In this episode Sarah Elkins and her guest Mike Coleman discuss the importance of our stories and sharing them in a way that will inspire others and give yourself peace. 

    Highlights

    • Find the cracks that let the light in.
    • Tell your story in the way you want to tell it.
    • Be international about the stories you share.

     

    Quotes

    “There are more important things than the next big story.”

    “It’s incumbent upon us as storytellers to make a story interesting, and the cracks help do that and how we deal with them and how we survive them.” 

    “How can you not be happy? How can you not accept the way you are? How do you get to the point where you can say ‘Yes, I wouldn’t change this about me.’ and I realized I have a lot of work to do to get to that point.”

     

    About Mike 

    A professional writer for nearly 45 years, Mike Coleman won awards for news reporting and writing for nonprofit organizations and businesses in the technology industry. He went on to launch his own branding and content development firm, which served international technology companies for more than a decade. After retiring in 2020, he wrote THE WAY FROM ME TO US, a memoir about his nearly 50-year relationship with his husband. It's a story of a couple carving out a life for themselves against a backdrop of major cultural change in attitudes toward LGBTQ people. THE WAY FROM ME TO US is scheduled for release in fall 2022 from Riverdale Avenue Books, NYC.

    Connect with Mike on his LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!

    Interested in Mike’s book? Get it here!

    About Sarah

    "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision."

    In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with.

    My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home.

    The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available!

    Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana.

     Show notes by Chinook Bromlie.



    251 Our Magic Is Limited Only By Our Belief In Ourselves

    251 Our Magic Is Limited Only By Our Belief In Ourselves

    251 Our Magic Is Limited Only By Our Belief In Ourselves 


    As we grow we have a tendency to be rather ignorant of our skills and abilities, or we may even downplay just how significant our impact can be. It is only when we look inward and see that despite perceived imperfections we are capable of anything, we just need to get up and do it.

     

    In this episode Sarah Elkins brings the esteemed Fatima Williams on to discuss the importance of your magic in every setting, from work to interpersonal relationships, and how that magic inspires not just others but yourself as well. 


    Highlights

    • What you do is because of them, the people who believed in you and inspired you.
    • Don’t let the pain destroy your spark.
    • Knowing and thinking about your contribution isn’t enough, you need to actively participate and contribute with your magic to have others see it.

    Quotes

    “Just thinking about it inside your head won’t get you the results you want.”

    “To embrace who we are and what we can do, that is something that is instrumental to illuminating other people’s path and our path in the process.”


    About Fatima Williams

     Fatima Williams is a Career Growth Strategist and a Certified CIPD HR with more than a decade of experience in the industry. She is on a mission to help 100,000 career professionals especially Women in particular to achieve DREAM CAREER MASTERY and build a career they love with the job they love waking up each morning. Her mantra is "It is in giving we receive, in receiving we learn and in learning we grow, shining a light so bright that we light up the path for everyone with and around us."

     

    Connect with Fatima on her personal website fatimawilliams.me LinkedIn, and be sure to follow her on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. And be sure to subscribe to her Dream Career Strategies Newsletter.


    About Sarah Elkins 

    "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision."

    In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with.

    My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home.

    The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available!

    Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana.

     

    Interested in NLV? Sign up here!


    Show Notes by Chinook Bromlie






    250: Satisfying Relationships Are A Choice

    250: Satisfying Relationships Are A Choice

    250 Satisfying Relationships Are A Choice


    Sometimes what we want in life are things that may not be the best fit for us, be it a new leadership position and you’re either too bossy or too shy to effectively get the job done, or maybe it’s just a car that doesn’t run as well as we hoped it would. Regardless it is important to be able to keep our companions close in these times due to the valuable insight our inner circle can give us. 

     

    In this episode Sarah Elkins reflects on the importance of having people in your life who are willing to point out the mistakes you make with compassion, and why it is so necessary to be willing to change for the betterment of the relationships that are held dear. 


    Highlights

    • Being willing to change and being able to flow with change.
    • Choice and Consequences will define how you want to grow.
    • Find people who will call you out when you make a mistake.

    Quotes

    “If you want to be a leader people have to trust you, they have to know you’ll help them without judging them for needing help.”

    “As a leader you have to create an environment where people will see the positive impact of being there.”


    About Sarah Elkins

    "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision."

    In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with.

    My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home.

    The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available!

    Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana.

     

    Interested in No Longer Virtual? Check out the details and register at elkinsconsulting.com/nlv-home

     

    Show Notes by Chinook Bromlie

    314 What Builds Community (Like Chickens)

    314 What Builds Community (Like Chickens)

    314 What Builds Community (Like Chickens)

     

     Want to join this year's NLV Conference? Register here!

     

    Community is the life blood of our growth and success as human beings, even in the very beginning of humanity’s first steps across the globe we were hyper social creatures who relied on one another to survive, whether that be to have enough food or blankets for the cold months or maybe even knowing you could go to your local carpenter to ask for a new chair. We have always relied on one another to build ourselves and each other up, and without that fundamental part of our humanity we wouldn’t be where we are today and we will only stagnate and mold if we distance ourselves from it.

    In this episode Sarah Elkins and Jake Cinti discuss the importance of community and helping the places we call home to thrive, true although the experience of cultivating community isn’t always sunshine and roses, it is always an important and vital process. Jake Cinti brings equal parts intelligence, awareness, and compassion to the conversation, offering an insight into the world of reality and social work that is often overlooked or unseen. His values only becoming stronger as he has continued his work with his brother Dylan, Yarrow, and Ypsilanti.

     

    Highlights

    • Your niche is just as important as everyone else’s, take pride in that.

    • Holding true to your values even if you are not seen in the best light.

    • Caring for your community is the foundation to success.

    • What helps you build community with other people? What are your Chickens?

    • Just because you hit bumps in the road does not mean you should compromise your values and goals in the journey.

     

    Quotes

    “Space, being able to have space, in this case it was literally saving people’s lives. And so I think that's a microcosm in general for how important space can be for social impact.”

    “Creating, where we can, where we can find the opportunity to create micro-communities within a piece of real estate whether it’s a one multi family building or multiple adjacent. It’s something we think is very special and very important, and also hyper local which is a big part of Ypsilanti and how we hope to continue to work for and with Ypsilanti.”

     

    Dear Listeners it is now your turn,

    What is something that you’ve been considering that you can contribute to your community? What is one small way that you can encourage somebody else to do something that you know will help within your community, will build something important? How can you support the people that you need to support in order to build a community that’s healthy and caring for eachother? It doesn’t have to have a label, it doesn’t have to be real estate, it doesn’t have to be about homes and properties, it doesn’t have to be about helping people on a scale, as what we’re talking about with Jake and Dylan, but even swapping dough with somebody who has chickens find somebody in your community to contribute, build those relationships and let me know how that goes. 

    And, as always, thank you for listening. 

     

    About Jake (From Yarrow)

    Jake is devoted to helping people and organizations drive lasting change. As an undergraduate and later an MSW student at the University of Michigan, Jake learned the fundamentals of positive organizational scholarship through his work with Ann Arbor teen center The Neutral Zone and the Ross School of Business’ Center for Positive Organizations. Jake then moved to New York City to pursue a career in social impact real estate. After spending several years growing Transwestern’s nonprofit practice, Jake shifted into a leadership role at OPEN Impact Real Estate, a firm dedicated to helping mission-driven organizations flourish in meaningful spaces. Jake was recognized as one of Commercial Property Executive’s “Stars to Watch” in 2020. He currently lives in Brooklyn with his wife Emily and their assorted plants and vinyl. He also serves on the board of Bloomingdale School of Music.

    Be sure to check out Yarrow! As well as Jake’s LinkedIn

     

    Please check out the nonprofit mentioned by Jake and if you can make a donation within your means please do so; Mobile Studio Inc!

     

    Overdose Prevention Model from the FDA



    About Sarah

    "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision."

    In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with.

    My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home.

    The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available!

    Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana.

    Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!



    298 You Have To Take Care of Yourself In Order To Be Your Best

    298 You Have To Take Care of Yourself In Order To Be Your Best

    298 You Have To Take Care of Yourself In Order To Be Your Best

     Everything we do, whether it be work, caring for our families, or even going for a morning walk, all starts with ourselves and in today’s work culture of burning the candle at both ends, it can be easy to forget that we need to take breaks and prioritize our well being in order to do our best in everything we do. Hopefully by doing so we can model a behavior that others can follow and make a change for the better.

    In this episode Sarah Elkins and Mandy Hoskinson discuss the importance of self care in today’s day and how others will follow by example, especially when it comes to creating a healthy and thriving environment.

     

    Highlights

    • You have to learn about others and actively listen to them to learn about them and shift your perspective into belonging. 

    • Surrounding yourself with the things you want to incorporate into your life.

    • Choosing your battles and taking the breaks that will help you do what you do better.

    • Everything you do starts with you, so take care of yourself. Take a break.

     

    Quotes

    “Competition makes life expensive, it makes social interactions kind of strange, and I was reflecting on how I could incorporate slowness in my life and I think that comes from being in places where people are more sane and more kind because they have chosen a life where they’re not overwhelmed all the time.”

    “You can still choose that busy life anywhere and you can still choose a peaceful life anywhere, but if your environment encourages it and your community encourages it that can really help.”

    “You find your people anywhere if you look for them and stay open.”

     

    Dear Listeners it is now your turn,

    When you think about the work you do whether you work as an internal innovator, or as an entrepreneur, maybe you have a side hustle, what will you do with the information you just heard? Will you learn to take those breaks, will you choose to be that person that models the behavior that you want to see in the people around you, will you bring your best self by choosing to be that model and live the way that you know is going to benefit you and everyone around you.

    And, as always, thank you for listening. 

     

    About Mandy

    Mandy Hoskinson is a marketing agency founder, community leader, and creative person. Her award-winning agency, Zolay (@zolaystudio) works with clients spanning B2B, B2C, SAAS, government and creative industries. This social impact-focused agency also gives away 20% of its work away pro-bono (WIP). Mandy is also the President of the Social Media Club of Los Angeles. You can find her most places as @mediamandy.

    Be sure to check out Mandy’s LinkedIn and Instagram, as well as her website Mandy Hoskinson, Zolay Studio and Zolay Studio Instagram!

     

    About Sarah

    "Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision."

    In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with.

    My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home.

    The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available!

    Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana.

    Be sure to check out the Job Interview Storytelling Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!