The Michelle Chalfant Show — Life from the Adult Chair

Most of us long for deeply connected relationships — it's a core part of our wiring as humans! But even when we're in a relationship, many of us don't know how to create the connection we crave. We might spend time with those we love, talk frequently and even get along with each other easily, but that doesn't necessarily mean we know how to really let ourselves be known and how to really see and hear each other. In today's episode, I want to give you some practices and tips you can use to more deeply connect with your partner — or really any significant person in your life. Real intimacy happens when we learn to share our reality and inner world, ask for what we need and stop trying to fix ourselves or our partners. I'm sharing some of the habits my husband and I use to stay connected in our marriage, some of the road blocks all couples run up against and how healing your own wounding can help you become stronger in relationships. Listen to discover: How sharing your inner world changes your relationship (and how to make this a habit) The art of active listening and mirroring Cultivating safety and making each other feel seen and heard How your childhood wounding affects your relationships as an adult Why triggers in a relationship can be a gift Effective communication and the importance of weekly check-ins There is magic when we learn to really communicate with our partners and let ourselves be fully known and fully loved. I hope the practical tools in this episode help you start building rituals of connection into your life today and every day! "Your childhood wounding and your partner's childhood wounding are magnetic...They are here to help you to see it, feel it, know it and heal it." - Michelle Chalfant "Don't go into stories about what you think your partner is doing and why they're doing it. You really want to spend time asking questions and sharing your reality." - Michelle Chalfant "When you're sharing and being witnessed, you're having the experience of being seen and heard." - Michelle Chalfant Resources Episode #146: Healthy Relationships https://theadultchair.com/podcasts/146-healthy-relationships/ 14 Days To Peace & Balance Journaling Prompts https://theadultchair.com/14days Cultivating Inner Peace Meditation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PKAxhVgOu0 More Adult Chair The Adult Chair https://theadultchair.com The Adult Chair Membership https://theadultchair.com/membership/ The Adult Chair Coaching Certification https://theadultchair.com/certification-program/ The Adult Chair Workshop - Nashville https://theadultchair.com/events/ The Adult Chair Workshop - New York https://theadultchair.com/events/ Stay Connected Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.chalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleChalfantFanPage/ The Adult Chair Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

As we discuss the rise of domestic abuse during the COVID-19 crisis and the pervasiveness of this issue around the world, I wanted to shed some light on another group of survivors: the children of domestic abuse. Whether a child is directly abused or witnesses the abuse of their father or mother, abuse during childhood can have lasting traumatic effects and shape our view of relationships and the self in unhealthy ways. On today's episode, we have another brave and beautiful woman, MaryBeth, who has agreed to share her story of growing up in an abusive household. She regularly witnessed her father verbally, physically, emotionally and spiritually abusing her mother while also verbally and spiritually abusing her and her siblings. She shares the way that growing up in that environment impacted her life, even as an adult, as well as her hopeful journey of healing and transformation. Many adults in abusive relationships cite the children as the reason they stay together. I hope hearing MaryBeth's experience as a child witnessing domestic abuse will offer a new perspective and bring awareness to the way abuse affects families for generations. In this episode, MaryBeth shares: Her powerful story of witnessing and experiencing abuse for most of her childhood, adolescence and young adulthood The impacts of abuse on her life and her journey of healing The way children take abuse on and can personally feel at fault How childhood abuse can skew a child's sense of what's normal in relationships Spiritual abuse and the role religion can play in abuse How to break the lineage of abuse The importance of grace and forgiveness for yourself and others I know you will be so encouraged by MaryBeth's courageous journey of healing, how Adult Chair work has played an instrumental role in her transformation and her arrival at a place of hope and forgiveness. Her story is such an inspirational reminder that we CAN heal, one step at a time, and that there is power in telling our stories, seeing and speaking the truth and offering grace to ourselves and even those who hurt us. If you are in an abusive situation right now, remember that your children are soaking in everything they are seeing. This becomes their model of relationship; we're teaching them what's normal. For those staying for the kids, please consider getting out for the kids. If you are recovering from an abusive childhood, know that healing is possible. There are dozens of resources on The Adult Chair website, including podcasts, meditations, courses and more that can help you in your journey of healing. If you are in danger, please tell someone. The Adult Chair community (closed Facebook group linked below) is always here for emotional support. If you need help, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/ 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) Deaf or hard of hearing, use TTY 1-800-787-3224 If unable to speak, text LOVEIS to 22522 If you are in an emergency situation, please call 911. "It's like you're in a warzone, and you're always looking at your back. We were always trying to prevent, anticipate what he might be upset about. But it didn't matter. It was never good enough." - MaryBeth, childhood domestic abuse survivor "I didn't even know I was a child of abuse. Why would anything be wrong, because I was the one who was wrong. I was the one that was the mistake. I was the one causing his frustration." - MaryBeth, childhood domestic abuse survivor "You break that lineage of abuse when you speak up and say, 'No, I'm done!'" - Michelle Chalfant "If you're in a domestic abuse situation, your children are growing up thinking, 'This is normal.'" - Michelle Chalfant Resources National Domestic Violence Hotline https://www.thehotline.org/help/ Inner Child Resource https://theadultchair.com/innerchild/ The Adult Chair Private Facebook Group (safe place to connect, get emotional support and share your story) https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair/ The Adult Chair https://theadultchair.com Stay Connected Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.chalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleChalfantFanPage/ The Adult Chair Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

Studies show that since the start of the COVID-19 quarantine, domestic abuse is up by 30 to 40 percent worldwide. Abusers are using the global crisis to increase their sense of power and control, and women are trapped at home with abusive partners, making them more vulnerable to frequent abuse. This is something that enrages me and that I'm so passionate about shedding light on. Domestic abuse isn't just a quarantine issue. Far too many women (and men) suffer abuse from their partners daily, and I felt compelled to do something to bring awareness to this topic. I reached out to our Adult Chair community and asked if any survivors would be willing to share their stories of abuse and triumph — and in this episode, I am interviewing two incredibly brave and strong women who are sharing how they escaped and rebuilt their lives after abuse. In this episode, the women share: Their stories of abuse and the insidious pattern of how their abusers slowly whittled down their self-esteem How verbal abuse can turn into physical abuse Their turning point, when they realized it was time to leave How they left, even without a place to go (it IS possible, and there is help for you!) The triumph and increased sense of self after they escaped Advice for others currently trapped in abusive relationships This episode is powerful, raw and real, and I'm incredibly grateful to these women for sharing their very important stories. The thing about abuse is that it puts you in a fog where all your energy is going towards survival. Each woman I interviewed shared about her "turning point" moment where she moved from being on the defense into a place of being on the offense, shifting from just trying to survive to consciously figuring out how to get out. I can't imagine being quarantined with an abuser, but I pray this will be a turning point for many. I hope this episode shows you you're not alone and gives you the hope and encouragement you need to know that you CAN leave and you can find a beautiful, empowered, triumphant life after abuse. If you are in danger, please tell someone. The Adult Chair community (closed Facebook group linked below) is always here for emotional support. If you need help, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/ 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) Deaf or hard of hearing, use TTY 1-800-787-3224 If unable to speak, text LOVEIS to 22522 If you are in an emergency situation, please call 911. "I stopped at a payphone at a convenience store a block away from the police station. I called the police, it's almost midnight, and I told them 'I can't go home.'" - Kathleen, domestic abuse survivor "I didn't have anything, but I had the determination to get out of it." - Lea, domestic abuse survivor "I would look in the mirror, and being a faith-based person, I would say to myself 'God did not have you be born for this.'" - Kathleen "There are others out there not only that have walked in those shoes, but are willing to help you reach those resources." - Lea "Pay attention to how your partner makes you feel. If it feels bad, pay attention...if someone's making you feel less than or talking down to you, it's not ok." - Michelle Chalfant Resources National Domestic Violence Hotline https://www.thehotline.org/help/ A Guided Meditation on Worthiness https://theadultchair.com/portfolio_page/a-guided-meditation-on-worthiness/ Episode #139 Cultivate Self-Worth https://theadultchair.com/podcasts/139-cultivate-self-worth/ The Adult Chair Private Facebook Group (safe place to connect, get emotional support and share your story) https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair/ The Adult Chair https://theadultchair.com Stay Connected Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.chalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleChalfantFanPage/ The Adult Chair Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

Today, we're talking about two of our listeners' favorite topics — narcissism and codependency. I've discussed these topics individually on the show before, but in reality, they are deeply connected with each other. And I'm honored to welcome back to the show Ross Rosenberg, a psychotherapist and leading expert on codependency, narcissism, trauma and addiction, on the show to help us understand the connection between these two traits and how to break the cycle. Ross explains the "dance" of codependency and narcissism, exploring how codependency often forms from narcissistic abuse in childhood and why codependents and narcissists are like magnets for each other. We tend to be attracted to what feels familiar to us, which is why codependents often experience intense chemistry with a narcissistic partner — until the "soulmate" becomes the "cellmate." It's not until we learn to fill our own self-love deficit that we can break the cycle of abuse and start forming relationships with partners who love and respect our whole selves. Listen to discover: Why narcissism and codependency go hand in hand Attachment wounds and the origins of codependency Why codependency is really a self-love deficit The different types of narcissism Gaslighting and the distortion of our reality (the greatest tool of the narcissist) Setting boundaries with a narcissist (and why it often doesn't work) Narcissists and codependents in quarantine: the three most important tools we have to make it through This was SUCH a great episode that will help you understand the "why" behind narcissism and codependency while also giving you practical tips for taking care of yourself in a relationship with a narcissist and rebuilding the self once the relationship ends. "The child intuitively knows that the world's not safe, and they somehow have to adapt to it or mold themselves to it so they are the type of child that engenders being cared for." - Ross Rosenberg "How you mold yourself [as a child] ends up being how you're going to be as an adult in relationships." - Ross Rosenberg Other Episodes with Ross #54: Narcissism, Codependence and the Self-Love Deficit: https://theadultchair.com/podcasts/54-narcissism-codependence-and-the-self-love-deficit-with-ross-rosenberg/ Resources Ross Rosenberg Website http://selfloverecovery.com/ Ross Rosenberg YouTube https://www.youtube.com/rossrosenberg Ross Rosenberg Book: "The Human Magnet Syndrome" https://www.amazon.com/Human-Magnet-Syndrome-Love-People/dp/1936128314 Video: When You Unmask a Covert Narcissist, RUN, But Quietly! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3an9crV9feM Video: Boundaries Don't Work with Narcissists! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iF9hDRhx_hU Ross Rosenberg Event at The Art of Living September 2020 https://www.artofliving.org/ 14 Days To Peace & Balance Journaling Prompts https://theadultchair.com/14days The Adult Chair https://theadultchair.com The Adult Chair Membership https://theadultchair.com/membership/ The Adult Chair Coaching Certification https://theadultchair.com/certification-program/ The Adult Chair Workshop - Nashville https://theadultchair.com/events/ The Adult Chair Workshop - New York https://theadultchair.com/events/ Stay Connected Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.chalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleChalfantFanPage/ The Adult Chair Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

For the first time in history, the entire world is sharing the same fears and the same hopes. With so much chaos all around us and with everyone's life impacted by this virus and the quarantine, is it really possible to find peace? I believe you can find peace no matter where you are in life, and I believe that because I have lived it! I spent the first part of my life living with anxiety and depression every day, and now I wake up most days in a state of peace...one that I would have never thought possible during my days of anxiety. And while there isn't a magic pill to find peace, the good news is that we have a choice and can take small steps every day to live in greater peace. Today, I want to share my step-by-step guide to cultivating peace with you — the exact practices I use to stay in peace in my life. These steps are practical, quick and easy to practice, but they make ALL the difference. Listen to discover: How the ego responds to emotions (and why that creates problems for us!) How our stories and assumptions get us out of balance How to honor and truly feel your emotions Why you are the only one who can take care of you The five steps you can do today to find greater peace Here are the five steps I share in the episode. Listen to find out exactly how to practice these, starting today! Slow down Put your feet on the floor and ground Breathe (slowly) Check in with yourself (body and emotions) Journal to process what you are feeling Happiness is fleeting, but peace is a state of being that we can choose and sustain. This quarantine is an opportunity for healing and transformation, but we have to take care of ourselves. I hope these five steps give you the tools you need to stay in peace and balance in any season of life. "One of the things that we do when we have an emotion that's rising up inside of us is we speed up. Because what's happening is the ego is trying to solve the "problem," which is the emotion that we're having." - Michelle Chalfant "When we sit in our healthy Adult Chair, we know emotions are not a bad thing. They are a beautiful gift." - Michelle Chalfant Resources The Adult Chair https://theadultchair.com The Adult Chair Membership https://theadultchair.com/membership/ The Adult Chair Coaching Certification https://theadultchair.com/certification-program/ The Adult Chair Workshop - Nashville https://theadultchair.com/events/ The Adult Chair Workshop - New York https://theadultchair.com/events/ Stay Connected Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.chalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleChalfantFanPage/ The Adult Chair Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

The world is experiencing a time of high stress and universal confusion like most of us have never experienced in our lifetimes. We are all walking through a collective trauma together. But just because an experience is common, it does not mean we all respond to it in the same way. Each of us is wired uniquely, and every personality type experiences stress and anxiety differently. The Enneagram is such a powerful tool for understanding ourselves and our personalities, and it gives us incredible insights into how we are each processing the stress of COVID-19. In today's episode, I talk with my friend and holistic Enneagram coach, Ramona Reid, to discover the various ways each Enneagram type might be processing stress. From wanting to fix the situation or help others to feelings of isolation and fear, it's so important to understand how you respond to stress so you can recognize it and get back into balance. Listen to discover: What stress looks like for each Enneagram type How to cope and find balance based on your unique stress response How to find your "peace point" Tools for your type to help you manage stress and fear The Enneagram is not a box but rather a tool for self-discovery that reveals our strengths, weaknesses, fears and desires so that we can grow beyond our type. Understanding how you are responding to stress right now will give you more compassion for yourself and others as we all walk through a very different, yet shared global experience. "This is the opportunity to see ourselves either show up and use our tools and be present and healthy or show up and manage fear in the ways we've learned through our coping mechanisms." - Ramona Reid "Now is not a time to take [the Enneagram] and try to fix ourselves...it's more an opportunity to see what's happening from fear." - Ramona Reid Other Episodes With Ramona #51: Find Your Authentic Self at the Heart of Your Enneagram: https://theadultchair.com/podcasts/51-find-your-authentic-self-at-the-heart-of-your-enneagram/ #114: Deepening the Adult Chair Using the Wisdom of the Enneagram: https://theadultchair.com/podcasts/114-deepening-the-adult-chair-using-the-wisdom-of-the-enneagram-with-ramona-reid/ #176: Childhood Wounding in the Enneagram: https://theadultchair.com/podcasts/176-childhood-wounding-in-the-enneagram/ Resources Ramona Reid Website http://www.mynashvillecenter.com/ Ramona Reid Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nashvillecenter/ Ramona Reid Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nashvillecenterforalternativetherapy The Adult Chair https://theadultchair.com The Adult Chair Membership https://theadultchair.com/membership/ The Adult Chair Coaching Certification https://theadultchair.com/certification-program/ The Adult Chair Workshop - Nashville https://theadultchair.com/events/ The Adult Chair Workshop - New York https://theadultchair.com/events/ Stay Connected Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.chalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleChalfantFanPage/ The Adult Chair Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

There is no doubt that it's not an easy time for the nervous system. With the amount of collective and personal fear and stress in our world right now, our minds and bodies have to work extra hard to maintain a state of calm and balance. Fortunately, we're not on our own! There are SO MANY amazing, simple tools that you can use to make a huge difference in how you feel on a physical, emotional and spiritual level. In today's episode, I'm chatting with my friend Annie Boerner, an integrative health practitioner who specializes in calming and balancing the whole person through the nervous system. With a background in neurological therapy, bodywork and other powerful techniques, Annie helps people overcome pain, chronic health problems, PTSD and other stress-related challenges naturally and holistically. I'm so grateful to have Annie on the show today as she shares some of her favorite tools for natural relief of anxiety, overwhelm and stress. From essential oils to hands-on tools for keeping yourself relaxed and in balance, this is a super practical episode with ideas that you can begin using to feel better TODAY! You will discover: How essential oils interact with the brain to provide nervous system and emotional support The best oils for immune support, anxiety, depression and more Body-based tools for calming the nervous system Stress-relieving practices and sensory resources such as brushing, weighted blankets, nature, music and meditation Grounding techniques for getting in the present moment and calming your energy The importance of fun and movement Though we created this episode in the middle of a global pandemic, the reality is that life is often stressful and challenging, even when the world is not in crisis. The simple, practical and affordable tools Annie offers us really work and can be integrated into our daily routines for greater peace every day. And THAT is some good news worth celebrating! "A dysregulated nervous system is at the root of all disease and dysfunction in the body." - Annie Boerner Resources Annie Boerner Website https://annieboerner.com/ Annie Boerner Instagram https://www.instagram.com/annieboerner/ Annie Boerner Facebook https://www.facebook.com/anniewaugh13/ Oils That Annie Recommends OnGuard Lemongrass Adaptiv Wild Orange Frankincense The Adult Chair https://theadultchair.com The Adult Chair Membership https://theadultchair.com/membership/ The Adult Chair Coaching Certification https://theadultchair.com/certification-program/ The Adult Chair Workshop - Nashville https://theadultchair.com/events/ Stay Connected Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.chalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleChalfantFanPage/ The Adult Chair Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

As much as we hate to admit it, difficult times are part of life. Sometimes, they come in the form of trying seasons in our personal lives; other times, the whole world goes through challenges together, facing disasters like famine, tornadoes and disease. But just like difficulty is part of human history, so is resilience. Each of us has the ability to not only cope with what life throws our way, but to become stronger and thrive as a result. It was such a gift to interview Linda Graham, a marriage and family therapist who specializes in helping people cope with life's challenges and develop a healthy sense of self through them. As I write these notes in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the world, I feel it is so important to explore this topic, and I know Linda's perspective will be so encouraging to many. In this episode, we're talking all about resilience, including how it relates to our nervous systems, how we can find peace and balance in the middle of pain, how we can bounce back from trauma and how we can reverse the impact of stress in our lives. We are all called to cultivate this skill through various life experiences, and while it might not be the most fun lesson to learn, the beautiful thing is that practicing resilience cultivates a mindset that empowers us to cope with anything. Listen to this episode to discover: How resilience develops and how to get unstuck from trauma The source of anxiety and depression and how they are connected to the nervous system How to live with realistic optimism, which means facing what's happening and making wise decisions about what to do next The art of skillful distraction and how to cope with pain in healthy ways Teaching resilience to our kids Navigating grief and practicing gratitude and compassion to build resilience And SO much more!! Linda also shares a number of practical body-based tools that can help us adjust our nervous systems, keep a clear mind and an open heart and face what life throws our way. I know you will be encouraged by Linda's reminder that you always have a choice, and you will find hope in the fact that nothing is permanent and we can bounce back stronger than ever. "We go through disappointments and difficulties in our life. We're called upon to face disaster. A resilience practice gives us tools and a mindset where we can cope with anything at all." - Linda Graham "The most important thing is to shift from focusing on the stressor to focusing on our own internal response because that is what we can do something about." - Linda Graham Resources Linda Graham Website https://lindagraham-mft.net/ Bouncing Back: Rewiring Your Brain for Maximum Resilience by Linda Graham https://www.amazon.com/Bouncing-Back-Rewiring-Resilience-Well-Being/dp/1608681297 Resilience: Powerful Practices to Bounce Back from Disappointment, Difficulty and Even Disaster by Linda Graham https://lindagraham-mft.net/resilience/ The New Adolescence by Christine Carter https://www.amazon.com/New-Adolescence-Raising-Successful-Distraction/dp/1948836548 The Coddling of the American Mind by Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff https://www.amazon.com/Coddling-American-Mind-Intentions-Generation/dp/0735224897 Care/Of - 50% off your first order https://takecareof.com/ Promo code: adult50 The Adult Chair https://theadultchair.com The Adult Chair Coaching Certification https://theadultchair.com/certification-program/ The Adult Chair Membership https://theadultchair.com/membership/ The Adult Chair Workshop - Nashville https://theadultchair.com/events/ Stay Connected Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.chalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleChalfantFanPage/ The Adult Chair Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

I am so excited about today's episode — both because I'm interviewing someone I deeply admire, the inspiring Amberly Lago, and because this show couldn't have come at a more divine time with all that's going on in the world today. Amberly is someone I would call a "resiliency expert," and she has a lot to teach us about finding inner strength during challenging times. Amberly has been through so much in her life, but instead of letting it overcome her, she worked through fear and pain and shows us how we can find light even in dark times. She now helps millions of others discover how to persevere and live life to the fullest regardless of circumstances through her writing, speaking, podcasts and workshops. In this episode, Amberly shares her powerful story of healing from a motorcycle accident and her journey through chronic pain, depression and learning to reclaim power over her life and live with true grit and grace. You can't help but be inspired by her ability to turn tragedy into triumph and pain into purpose — and to realize you have the same choice every day. Listen to discover: How to find strength and hope in times of struggle The power of choosing our thoughts and how positive thinking and gratitude really changes your life The importance of community and why getting vulnerable is a strength and not a weakness Her unique "PACER" process for strengthening resiliency and getting through challenges we face in life Amberly's book changed my life and has become a touchstone for me when I find myself reaching for hope. I hope that this week's show inspires you and reminds you that no matter what is going on in your life (or the world), with a little bit of hope and a lot of determination, you can overcome anything! "Once you realize you have a choice, you take your power back." - Amberly Lago "Getting grateful turns what we can't do into what we can do, and it turns what we don't have into what we do have." - Amberly Lago Resources Amberly Lago https://amberlylago.com/ True Grit and Grace (Amberly Lago) https://amberlylago.com/product/true-grit-and-grace/ Amberly Lago Instagram https://www.instagram.com/amberlylagomotivation/ The Adult Chair Coaching Certification https://theadultchair.com/certification-program/ The Adult Chair Membership https://theadultchair.com/membership/ The Adult Chair Workshop - Nashville https://theadultchair.com/events/ Stay Connected Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.chalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleChalfantFanPage/ The Adult Chair Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair/ *** EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment. He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com

As we are in the middle of a global pandemic that is causing so much fear and confusion, I wanted to offer you a bonus episode with a free meditation to help you promote relaxation and peace. It's such a confusing time right now, and the events of the last few weeks don't make sense to anyone. Some people are scared, angry, anxious or unsure how to feel. And I understand why. Nothing can prepare us for a global crisis like this. Even though I don't understand why all of this is happening, I firmly believe that we are connected to something so much bigger than us, and I cling to the fact that something good is coming from this, even if we can't see it right now. Fear makes us feel disconnected from ourselves and separated from this Love, but it's always there for us when we slow down and tune in. This free, five-minute self-love meditation will help you connect to that bigger source of Love and reconnect to yourself so you can find a state of peace and balance (mentally, emotionally and physically) despite what is going on. Whether you're listening to this during this time of collective uncertainty or you're listening at a later date to help you navigate a personal time of fear, I hope this will be a gift to you to help bring hope and healing, even in the middle of hard times. Resources More Free Meditations https://theadultchair.com/meditations/ The Adult Chair Membership https://theadultchair.com/membership/ Stay Connected Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.chalfant Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleChalfantFanPage/ The Adult Chair Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair/