What if the challenges you face could be reframed into stories of love, resilience, and belonging?

In this episode, Brigitte Cutshall speaks with Kathi Lockwood, author, minister, and mother, whose incredible journey of turning personal pain into powerful stories inspires connection and healing.

Kathi’s life is a testament to resilience. From adopting her son through what she calls “divine intervention” to losing her husband unexpectedly and becoming a single parent, she has faced profound challenges with grace and purpose.

As an author of three children’s books, Kathi weaves her experiences into narratives that address adoption, addiction, and grief, helping families navigate these complex topics with love, compassion, and understanding. Takeaways:

• The Power of Stories: Kathi shares how her children's books tackle sensitive topics like adoption, loss, and addiction, helping children and adults navigate difficult emotions with compassion and understanding.
• Resilience Through Wonder: Learn how Kathi's personal experiences, including the sudden loss of her husband and her spiritual journey, have shaped her belief in the enduring power of love and connection.
• Shifting Paradigms: Explore how reframing narratives—like viewing adoption as a divine delivery rather than abandonment—can alleviate trauma and instill a sense of belonging.
• Light Within Us: Insights on how spiritual traditions and personal experiences highlight the inner light we all carry, offering strength and resilience.

Visit BooksByKathi.com to learn more about Kathi’s work and her children’s books, which are changing lives one story at a time. Share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that love never dies and resilience is always within reach.

Think empathy is a soft skill? Think again. Maria Ross reveals how it’s the secret weapon for effective leadership, stronger teams, and lasting success.

She shares her journey from experiencing a life-changing health issue to becoming an empathy advocate and author. Maria also talks about how empathy is not just a personal virtue but a powerful tool to enhance professional success and foster meaningful connections.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Empathy is Scalable:
   Maria reveals how organizations can embed empathy into their culture through intentional design. By training teams and creating policies centered on patient and family feedback, organizations can build a framework of care and connection that feels authentic and impactful.

2. Empathy Requires Strength:
   Empathy isn’t about being emotional or lenient; it’s a strength that requires self-awareness, clear communication, and decisive action. Leaders who balance empathy with performance create an environment where people thrive.

3. The Five Pillars of Empathy:
   Maria outlines five pillars for empathetic leadership: self-awareness, self-care, clarity, decisiveness, and joy. These actionable steps help leaders balance humanity with high performance, fostering a workplace of innovation and camaraderie.

Dive into Maria’s latest book, The Empathy Dilemma, and explore her resources at https://red-slice.com/the-empathy-dilemma-book/.

Strengthen your empathy muscle and lead with impact!

Can small physical changes lead to big emotional breakthroughs?

In this episode, bestselling author Janice Kaplan, discusses her newest book, What Your Body Knows About Happiness, and shares how tuning into your body’s signals can unlock a deeper sense of happiness and well-being.

Our physical sensations, environment, and simple actions profoundly impact our mental state and overall happiness. She explains the fascinating interplay between body and mind, offering science-backed strategies to elevate our well-being.

Three Key Takeaways:

1. Shift Your Perspective Through Physical Cues: Learn how small changes—like sitting up straight or holding a warm beverage—can influence emotions and encourage positivity.
2. Curiosity as a Superpower: Tune in to your body’s signals with curiosity instead of judgment. From craving chocolate to dealing with anxiety, asking “why” can be transformative.
3. The Power of Nature and Environment: Surrounding yourself with greenery, water, or even flowers can dramatically enhance well-being, proving that small, intentional changes can make a big difference.

Discover practical ways to enhance your happiness by exploring Janice Kaplan’s latest book, What Your Body Knows About Happiness.

Visit janicekaplin.com or pre-order on Amazon today.

And don’t forget to follow Real Things Living for more inspiring conversations.