Empowerment Through Adversity: Elizabeth Miles' Journey and Mental Health Advocacy

This script is for an episode of the 'Suicide Zen Forgiveness' podcast hosted by Elaine Lindsay, focusing on mental health, suicide prevention, and the power of sharing personal stories to combat stigma and shame. The episode features Elizabeth Miles, founder of March Forth Media Company, a magazine editor, podcast host, author, certified life coach, and Reiki master instructor. Elizabeth shares her struggles with mental health from a young age, including eating disorders, depression, and navigating a toxic and abusive marriage, highlighting how these experiences shaped her resilience and determination. The discussion covers the significance of asking for help, the process of personal growth and healing, and the importance of spreading awareness and fostering open conversations about mental health. The dialogues underscore the mission to end the silence and stigma surrounding mental health issues and suicide, advocating for a community-based approach to support and empowerment.

00:00 Meet Elizabeth Miles: A Journey of Resilience and Empowerment

01:37 Introducing Suicide Zen Forgiveness Podcast

04:11 Elizabeth's Personal Struggle with Mental Health

13:10 The Power of Pivoting: Elizabeth's Transformation

18:46 Breaking the Cycle: Advocacy and Awareness

21:05 The Importance of Community and Acceptance

26:43 Embracing Differences: A Call for Curiosity and Understanding

29:00 Exploring Cultural Fascinations and the Impact of Technology

29:31 The Power of Open-mindedness and Curiosity

29:57 Navigating the Digital Age with Caution and Wisdom

30:42 Personal Passions: Food, Clothing, and Cultural Expressions

32:02 Educational Insights and the Magic Wand of Change

32:22 The Journey of Self-empowerment and Making Choices

34:50 Harnessing Emotions for Growth and Understanding

43:43 The Impact of COVID-19 on Social Interactions and Development

49:59 The Future of Technology, AI, and Human Connection

51:55 Upcoming Projects and the Importance of Community Work

54:40 Closing Thoughts and Acknowledgments

Elizabeth Miles is an expert at authenticity in business, and is an author, transformational life and business coach, and podcast host. She teaches others to dance through and with fear, overcoming obstacles and challenges to help them transform their lives. After spending nearly 20 years in an abusive and toxic relationship, she finally discovered the power to pivot, and share this story in her books and on The Power to Pivot Podcast, where she discusses the power of choice. Her books include: This Is Where You Pivot: The Shift from Fear to Freedom, The Journey to Healing: Love, Yourself, and Connect You: A Guide to Your Authentic Life.

Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/marchforthmediaco

https://www.facebook.com/MarchForthMediaCompany

https://www.tiktok.com/@marchforthmediaco?lang=en

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6WLVN5JeUgwqRv11epyiqQ

Podcast:

Spotify:

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/powertopivot

iTunes:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-to-pivot-podcast/id1500480887

Books:

Chapter Preview:

www.thisiswhereyoupivot.com/chapterpreview

Book Bundle:

www.thisiswhereyoupivot.com/bookbundle

In an episode of 'Suicide Zen Forgiveness,' hosted by Elaine Lindsay, guest Nancy Debra Barrows shares her transformative journey from experiencing sexual abuse and struggling with mental health to finding healing and empowerment. Nancy discusses the role of therapy, the impact of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and the importance of vulnerability and self-care in her recovery. The episode closes with a note of gratitude towards guests and sponsors, emphasizing the show's commitment to suicide prevention and mental health advocacy. It encourages listener participation and promotes future episodes aimed at breaking the silence on critical mental health issues.

00:00 Welcome to the Show: Introducing Nancy Debra Barrows

00:45 The Mission of Suicide Zen Forgiveness Podcast

03:33 Nancy's Journey: From New York to Healing*

05:51 Confronting the Past and Embracing Therapy

06:21 The Struggle with Anorexia and Seeking Control

08:30 College Challenges and Dropping Out

12:21 Finding a New Path in Los Angeles

13:35 The Power of Sharing and Healing

13:38 Embracing the Real You: #RadiatingReal Campaign

15:56 The Impact of TMS on Depression

17:27 The Importance of Sharing Your Story

39:58 Learning to Forgive and Love Yourself

41:45 Unpacking Emotional Abuse and Its Repetition

42:44 The Comfort in Discomfort: Understanding Domestic Abuse Dynamics

43:18 Exploring the Human Psyche: Love, Needs, and Survival

46:03 The Power of Perception: How Our Brains Shape Our Reality

49:23 Embracing Vulnerability and Building a Virtual Toolbox

52:03 Acts of Kindness: A Personal Journey Towards Healing

55:04 The Importance of Self-Care and Setting Boundaries

01:03:34 Challenging Gender Norms and Embracing Emotional Expression

01:16:15 Finding Passion and Purpose Later in Life

01:16:49 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

*FootNote Mandated Reporter In the United States and Canada, a mandated reporter is a person who is legally required to report to Child Protective Services if they observe or suspect abuse or neglect in children. Mandatory reporting laws generally apply to professionals who come into contact with children (for example, physicians, nurses, teachers, therapists, and childcare providers) while in other places, it applies to all adults regardless of profession. If a mandated reporter fails to report, they may incur civil penalties, criminal prosecution, or both. -From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Nancy Debra Barrows M.S. CCC-SLP (She/Her)

* 5 Time #1 Best Selling Author

* 5 Time LinkedIn TopVoice

* Top 50 Most Impactful People of LinkedIn

* Please use calendly.com/nancybarrows to set up an appointment

* Top 50 Most Inspired Connections On LinkedIn

* Top 250 Rising Stars and Influencers to Watch on LinkedIn

* Chief Excitement Officer/Founder; The Chick With The Toolbelt

* Chief Engagement Officer, VoiceYourVibe

* Co-Host/Producer of the Global Award winning LIVE shows "Shout Out Saturday" & "What's Good Wednesday"

* Creator/Host of "Connected Human Conversations"

* Keynote Speaker

* Creator, The #RadiatingReal Movement

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

"The challenges you overcome become your superpowers."

~ Nancy Debra Barrows

For more ways to connect, click below

https://linktr.ee/voiceyourvibe

In this emotionally rich episode of the Suicide Zen Forgiveness podcast, host Elaine Lindsay sits down with poet Icess Fernandez Roja to discuss her debut poetry collection, 'The Opposite of Breathing is Cement.' The collection explores themes of identity, love, mental illness, and suicide. Icess shares her personal journey of overcoming suicidal ideation and how it led to writing poetry as a means of healing and reaching out to others experiencing similar struggles. The conversation delves into the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide, providing support for those in need, and the power of finding and sharing hope through creative expression. The episode highlights the significance of talking about mental health openly and using one’s experiences to help others feel less alone. Icess's story is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability and the transformative potential of art in navigating the darkest of times.

00:00 Introducing Icess Fernandez Roja and Her Poetry on Mental Health

00:42 The Mission of Suicide Zen Forgiveness Podcast

01:25 A Deep Dive into Identity, Suicide, and Healing Through Poetry

08:29 The Journey from Darkness to Diagnosis

14:59 Finding Hope and Purpose Through Sharing and Connection

20:40 The Power of Kindness and Community in Healing

24:12 Using Art to Open Conversations on Mental Health

27:11 Revolutionizing Customer Service: A Personal Touch

28:23 The Power of Genuine Compliments

29:54 Breaking the Cycle of Robotic Interactions

30:50 The Impact of Positive Feedback

31:13 A Lesson in Kindness from a UPS Driver

33:06 Sharing a Poignant Poem

37:59 Navigating Depression and Suicide Ideation

40:15 Preemptive Measures Against Depression

48:11 Finding Hope in the Smallest Things

49:47 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude

Summary

Icess Fernandez Rojas is a highly acclaimed international writer, Houston educator, and former journalist. Her debut poetry collection, "The Opposite of Breathing is Cement: Poetry and Prose," delves into the intricacies of life, touching on themes of healing, identity, love, and mental illness.

A graduate of Goddard College's MFA program, Rojas's work has earned international recognition, gracing the pages of prestigious literary journals such as Queen Mobs Lit Journal, Poetry 24, PANK Magazine, Rabble Lit, Minerva Rising Literary Journal, and the Feminine Collective's anthology, "Notes from Humanity." Her compelling Houston-based story, "Happy Hunting," found a place in the esteemed "Houston Noir" anthology.

Her latest work is called: "The Opposite of Breathing is Cement: Poetry and Prose" and is available in bookstores and online now.

Notably, Rojas's nonfiction and memoir pieces have left an indelible mark in publications like Dear Hope, NBCNews.com, HuffPost, and the Guardian. Her exceptional contributions to the literary world have garnered her numerous accolades, including the Owl of Minerva Award, and she is celebrated as an alum of the VONA/Voices of Our Nation Arts Foundation, a Dos Brujas Workshop alum, a Kimbilio Fellow, and a member of the illustrious Yale Writers’ Workshop.

Website links: https://icessfernandez.com/

And the book links:

Barnes and Noble:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book/1144308727?ean=9798218280390

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Opposite-Breathing-Cement-Poetry-Prose/dp/B0CMC722QG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=2IZGWDNJ15SV1&keywords=the+opposite+of+breathing+is+cement%3A+poetry+%26+prose&qid=1699935853&sprefix=%2Caps%2C122&sr=8-1

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-opposite-of-breathing-is-cement-poetry-prose-icess-fernandez-rojas/20765841

Navigating Grief and Finding Hope: A Deep Dive into Suicide Loss and Healing

In this episode of Suicide Zen Forgiveness, host Elaine Lindsay invites guest Deva Neely to share her poignant journey through trauma, loss, and personal growth.

Deva, a former music and French teacher who lost her brother to suicide in 2013, discusses the profound impact this event had on her life, including the isolation and stigma she faced and how it launched her on a path to healing.

Deva and Elaine address the taboo surrounding discussion of suicide, the importance of honest conversations about mental health, and the need for improving support systems.

Deva, now a psychic medium, emphasizes the transformational power of reconnecting with her abilities to aid her healing process and assist others in navigating their grief. The episode highlights the critical role of education, resilience building, and open dialogue in preventing suicide and fostering a supportive community for those affected.

00:00 Introduction to Diva's Journey and Mission

02:23 The Impact of Suicide: Diva's Personal Story

03:25 Navigating Family Dynamics and Personal Healing

06:47 The Importance of Naming and Remembering Lost Loved Ones

09:55 Breaking the Silence: Discussing Suicide and Mental Health

20:20 The Role of Education and Support in Suicide Prevention

25:24 Addressing Trauma: From Personal Experience to Broader Implications

27:46 Understanding Trauma and Resilience

29:37 The Emotional Journey of Animals vs. Humans

31:49 The Struggles and Resilience of Teachers

38:37 The Importance of Mental Health Awareness

47:33 Connecting with the Beyond: A Psychic Medium's Journey

51:39 The Power of Connection and Kindness

55:29 Closing Thoughts and Acknowledgements

Deva has worn many hats over the years including spending 20 years in the classroom teaching music and French and running her own performance academy to young, up and coming singers and actors.

Life changed drastically for Deva when she lost her brother in 2013 to suicide. The trajectory of her life catapulted her into realms she wasn’t expecting.

On her grief journey she tapped back into a gift she had since childhood and it was her brother who helped her get it back.

Deva is now a psychic medium and grief coach helping others on their grief journeys teaching people that death is not a finality.

Deva now helps people tap into their own intuitive abilities to learn how to communicate with their departed loved ones, sealing the gap between the human and spirit worlds.

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/deva.neely

Grief Relief FB Group: www.facebook.com/groups/griefreliefwithdeva/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/Deva_Neely_

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@devaneely4

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deva-neely/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChL-_Xeuwnf9vPc9OEZdZNw

Website

https://stan.store/2Woo4U

This episode of the Suicide Zen Forgiveness podcast features Michelle E. Dickinson, a workplace resilience coach, speaker, and author, who shares her personal journey of growing up with a bipolar mother and how it shaped her understanding of resilience and mental health. Host Elaine Lindsay dives into Michelle's revolutionary perspective on mental health, emphasizing the importance of emotional well-being, self-reliance, and personal mastery to thrive in life. Through her TED talks, memoir, and work with various organizations, Michelle aims to empower individuals, particularly educators facing burnout, by equipping them with resilience tools. The podcast also underscores the significance of addressing mental health proactively to avoid burnout and encourages breaking the silence around suicide and mental health issues.

00:00 Introducing Michelle E. Dickinson: A Force of Nature in Mental Health Advocacy

01:21 The Mission of Suicide Zen Forgiveness Podcast

02:13 Michelle's Journey: From Caregiver to Resilience Coach

04:04 The Power of Resilience and Personal Mastery

11:14 Understanding Mental Illness Through Personal Experience

13:08 The Path to Healing and Empowerment

22:59 Shifting Perspectives: From Treatment to Prevention

25:44 The Importance of Self-Care and Mindset Shift

26:55 Breaking the Silence: Advocacy and Resilience

27:42 The Power of Positivity and Connection

28:26 Building Resilience: Practical Tips and Tools

28:43 The Impact of Simple Acts of Kindness

29:38 Digital Disconnection and the Quest for Authentic Interaction

31:41 Navigating Negativity: Strategies for a Positive Outlook

37:44 Supporting Educators: A Mission to Prevent Burnout

42:30 Empowering Teachers: The Need for Systemic Support

46:15 The Future of Education: A Call to Action

48:48 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

Michelle's journey is not just about her own triumph over adversity; it's about inspiring others to discover their own capability, and ability to self-heal while enriching their lives. Through her engaging talks, transformative workshops, and insightful book, she invites individuals to embark on their own journey of self-discovery, where they break free from limitations, embrace their inner strength, and create a life filled with purpose, fulfillment, and unyielding joy.

Michelle is not your ordinary Workplace Resilience Coach, TED speaker, and bestselling author. She is a force of nature, igniting powerful shifts and critical impact in the national education space, Fortune 500 companies, and even among our brave first responders.

Drawing from her own experiences as a caregiver to her bipolar mother, Michelle understands the immense challenges life throws our way. But instead of merely surviving, she believes in thriving. She has shattered the traditional notion of mental health, and instead, champions the path of emotional well-being, self-reliance, and personal mastery. Michelle's revolutionary perspective has resonated deeply with people from every corner of society, empowering them to lead more fulfilling lives.

Website

https://www.michelleedickinson.com

Website #3

https://breakingintomylife.com

LinkedIn URL

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-e-dickinson-7882013

Facebook URL

https://www.facebook.com/michelle.dickinson.146?ref=bookmarks

Twitter URL

https://twitter.com/mdickinson13

YouTube URL

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8Vt31TIEWh6dW_V2-qmtTQ

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/michelledickinson71