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Mike is on a mission to find everyday people who are Delightful... The people I interview have attractive energy and a positive outlook on life, and I want to provide a platform for them to share their journeys and stories with you! I will uncover the life experiences of my guests, which have enabled them to look at life in such an inspiring and delightful way. Is it possible... while in our Darkest hours we are given the tools and gifts, we personally need, to find the light which leads to our greatest Delights?
Episodes
Friday Jun 18, 2021
Friday Jun 18, 2021
You will absolutely love Weston Wride, AKA the "voice of the BYU Cougars" and MC extraordinaire! His energy and passion for life and humanity will inspire you! You know those people you meet in life that just have a way of bringing positive energy into whatever environment that they walk into? We all know one or two of them and they have away of lifting and inspiring others around them. Weston is one of those guys! You will love listening to Weston share some of the experiences he has been through that have taught him that life should be more than just "Hard Work", and "Grinding it out" everyday. We need to connect and we need to plan time to play! Make live Joyous!
When Weston was a young man growing up in a family of 10, his parents taught him how to work hard. They didn't have much, but they knew how to work and had plenty of love. Weston, recognized however that live needed to be more than just work, and as he grew and developed he learned that life was much more complete and joyous if he made sure to "make plans to play". Plan fun, joy, and happiness!!
He talks about his battle with Anxiety in his 30's which caused a bit of a health scare, and that as he stepped back and took audit of his life he recognized that he needed to rely on his support system, he needed to connect with people around him. He expounds on the power of overcoming our fears to connect, and lift others. In a way, connecting and lifting others... lifts ourselves to greater joy and passion for life as a consequence.
Weston, you are an incredible human, one of my favorites! You lift, inspire, and create joy wherever you go. Thank you for bringing light into so many of our lives and sharing your delight for life with me and the audience. I love you my friend.
If you would like to follow Weston Wride and his "Believe Mobile" you can find him on Instagram under user name: @westonwride https://www.instagram.com/p/5GszZ7A4zg/
Tuesday Jun 15, 2021
Tuesday Jun 15, 2021
Drew Young is a Husband, Father, Top Selling Author, Porn/Life/Mental Wellness Coach, and Bodyguard of Humanity (literally)!
Drew shares his story about the struggles he has faced because of separation anxiety. The first time that he recognized it was at scout camp when he was only a young boy. When separation anxiety presented itself in Drew it caused fear and the emotional fruits that fear bears, which of course did not leave Drew with a lot of friends. When his family moved from Connecticut to Utah, he began attending a new elementary school he was bullied, teased, and picked on, actually being physically beat up on multiple occasions. Drew talks about the affect it had on him when he realized that he couldn’t trust everyone and that kids were often times mean to their peers, very different than what he expected based on the way he was raised. The bullying mixed with the separation anxiety that Drew was feeling, was a huge blast to Drew’s self esteem, and of course it was very low.
In this Dark time, Drew found a way to breakaway from the pain and anxiety by turning to Pornography as a young 12 to 13 year old boy. As he was passing through this dark period Drew discusses how he turned to adult’s who were in charge of some of the activities he was being bullied at, and the response they received was “Boys will be boys” or “I’m sure they didn’t mean it that way”, and the leaders were unwilling to take him seriously. This had a profound affect on Drew and he know longer wanted to attend School, Church, or Scouts because of the constant bullying. As a result of these experiences Drew and his parents decided to do homeschooling from 7th to 10th grade. During his sophomore year after deciding to go back to public school, Drew had an incredible experience that shows the power of our spirits and his will to overcome this challenge. He looked himself in the mirror and promised to never allow bullying to happen to himself or anyone else again.
This is where Drew’s story begins… Even though this time of Drew’s life was so dark and difficult, often pushing him to the breaking point, Drew talks about the connection he has developed with God as a result. Looking back on his youth, Drew is not able to see that God allowed him to experience all that he went through so that Drew could be prepared to be a friend, voice, and supporter of any and all ostracized groups and people who are treated as if they don’t belong by others. “It was as if God was coaching me”.
Drew has written multiple books sharing the lessons he has learned and his love for all of humanity unconditionally. Titles and links to books below.
1. The meaning of your mission: https://www.amazon.com/Meaning-Your-Mission-Lessons-Principles/dp/B08QL1H8H6/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+meaning+of+your+mission&qid=1623710403&s=books&sr=1-1
2. Stand guard at the door of your mind: Releases on August 10th (Preorder available) https://www.amazon.com/s?k=stand+guard+at+the+door+of+your+mind&crid=2TTBD9EMYVCUX&sprefix=stand+guard+at+%2Caudible%2C185&ref=nb_sb_ss_fb_1_15_ts-doa-p
Instragram: @mrdrewbyoung Facebook: Drew Young Please reach out to Drew, he would love to hear from you.
“People start to heal when they feel heard” -Drew Young
Wednesday May 19, 2021
Wednesday May 19, 2021
Nathan Hale is so fun to listen too. His passion and enthusiasm for life, his wife, his kids, God, The Savior Jesus Christ, and just overall believing that life is awesome are absolutely contagious! I could hardly keep up with his pace and excitement in sharing how God showed up for him when he desperately prayed and cried out for help.
As a young boy, Nate's Parents divorced which was very hard on him, he stopped engaging in school resulting in poor grades, and became involved with friends that chose to find their freedom, independence, and a release from the pressure of life through partying, drinking and drugs. After years of partying, run in's with the law, and as a full blown Alcoholic and Drug addict, Nate had become so reliant on drugs each day that he began stealing checks from his Fathers Dental practice and cashing them in large amounts. When Nate’s father discovered what was happening Nate thought his father would turn him in to the police and that his life would be over, and as he was frantically getting his belongings together to make a dash for Mexico, his Father showed up at his house unexpectedly.
Nate shares the incredible way that his Father showed up for him at this time. Nate thought for sure his Dad was coming in absolute anger, but instead, like the Father of the Prodigal Son with tear filled eyes, his Dad asked Nate to stop, rest, slow down, and come home. Unconditional parenting is incredible and you can sense the love and respect Nate has for his Father as he shares this part of the story. Even after this touching and love filled experience of forgiveness Nate had just experienced, Nate's addiction didn't just disappear.
It takes a lot of effort to become an Alcoholic/Drug Addict, and it takes a lot of work to get out of it. It wasn’t until he called a friend in an attempt to go to a club that the unexpected happened and Nate became willing to slow down and look for light in his life. His friend, also a drug addict, turned Nate’s offer down until after his meeting with two Missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Reluctantly, Nate went to his buddies house with the sole purpose of getting to the club after his friend was done. When Nate arrived the Missionaries began teaching and Nate explains that it was almost as if he and one of the missionaries were in a different place, and he felt like he had known this missionary for a lot longer than his years on earth. Although this is the religion Nate’s parents belonged too and he was surrounded by throughout his life, he didn’t want anything to do with God or religion at the time because it interfered with his lifestyle; However, that all changed when Nate’s heart was truly opened up because of the spirit that he felt as the missionaries taught about Jesus Christ.
Things started to change for Nate. His heart started to soften towards God, and the idea that there was something very special about the message the Missionaries shared. He began trying to engage, and at first it was difficult and awkward, but he continued to try. During this time he had a miracle happen as he prayed to God, trying to find out if God is real. Like a flood of light ideas and thoughts began pouring into Nate's mind and Nate knew that these thoughts and personal revelations were coming to him directly from God. His life has done a 180 degree turn since. He is an incredibly inspiring and good man and is now giving back in efforts to help those who find themselves in dark places trying to find Light.
Nate, thank you for taking time to come share your message with me and the audience. You are an incredible man that has overcome some huge trials in your life. Continue to use your story of redemption to point others to Jesus Christ. God bless you and your family my brother.
A compelling article was written about Nate's Story in 2018. If you would like to read it here is the web address: https://www.storiesofgodsgrace.com/site/2018/4/2/nates-story-cpr-for-the-soul
This is an excerpt from Nate's Story, and you will hear him share it in this Episode.
"But this was incredible. It was powerful. The Spirit was speaking to me. The young missionary told me, “You are going to change. You’re going to influence thousands of people. You’re going to do great things — I can see it.” He prophesied my life. The room seemed to glow. I wondered if I was tripping on LSD or something because it was so potent. I wondered, “What kind of drug is this? This light and this hope…” It’s like I had been in a dark cave, and somebody ripped the top of the cave, and all this light came pouring down on me. It was a beautiful feeling that went clear through me. I knew what he was saying was true. The Spirit was burning through the room so strongly. The missionary said, “Can you feel that? That’s the Spirit!” Caught up in the overwhelming transformation taking place, he stood up and shouted, “I have never felt it this strong! Wahooooo!” Something in me changed at that moment. I was still addicted to drugs, but my heart started beating again. The missionary told me, “I want you to go to church, even if you’re sedated.” I told him, “I can’t do that. It’s rude to go to church while I’m high.” He disagreed strongly. So I made a commitment that I would keep going to church with my dad on Sundays. There were times when I’d walk into church, even though I had just popped a bunch of pills. I was like, “I’m here. I’m barely here, but I’m here. I’m sorry I’m wasted. I’m sorry I’m high, but I’m here, and I’m going to continue on this pattern. I am going to turn my life around.”
To listen to this Episode, you can find 'Come Towards Delight' the Podcast on any podcast platform or click the link below. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/come-towards-delight/id1514528066
Thursday May 06, 2021
Thursday May 06, 2021
Becky Davidson, is an incredible woman! Her work is groundbreaking and she is doing things that will change the way we think about education, and how to practice and teach emotional management and work through being uncomfortable. Becky Davidson, Teacher, Coach, Friend, and incredibly wise and creative human, comes from a wonderful family of storytellers.
From an early age she began to learn why people she loved would turn to drinking and smoking often in their lives. When we don't want to face certain uncomfortable emotions that come, we tend to use substances enabling us to forget or escape. Becky lost a younger brother to alcoholism, and a mother to lung cancer due to smoking, Her father is also an alcoholic and it has been hard for Becky to see those she loves suffer as they have turned to these options. On her way home from teaching a college class at Utah Valley University, Becky recognized that she didn’t “bring it” to the class today, and as a result she let her students down.
Becky started to get curious about why she was feeling the way she did, it was uncomfortable. As she dove into what her feelings meant, she recognized that she wasn’t giving her self grace which is something she has always tried to give to others. She learned that the inner voice, we often give space to, is very loud in our lives and got curious to learn more about it. That said, She began to give her self permission to be a “Learner” when the uncomfortable feelings showed themselves, so she could learn from them in an effort to understand them. Becky talks about some of the trait’s we pass onto/receive from family members. She saw that members of her family would become very disappointed and down on themselves and she began to recognize that she was doing the same thing.
As a determined learner, she committed to “sit” with her uncomfortable inner critic, she began meditating (sitting) and as a literary researcher she found some amazing people who were guides of meditation and she began feasting on their practices. This is where she truly began “sitting”. Early on she discovered that the uncomfortable feelings we feel such as pain, anxiety, fear, move through us. Emotions do not come to sit inside of us and stay forever, they truly move through us. She said “When we become comfortable in our own minds, if we are willing to sit, we learn that we are optimized and we have the power and ability to allow these feelings to move through us and learn from them”.
Becky teaches that “often times we contract around the feelings we don’t want to feel, and when we do this we in a way choose to keep that feeling we don't want within us. Uncomfortable feelings will move through us if we allow them, and when they do we open ourselves to enlightenment on the other side of those feelings, which enables us to discover other feelings that exist within us that we are also holding on to." "As soon as you sit and get quite, whatever needs your attention comes to the surface. The more you sit the better you get at identifying the feelings and what is causing them."
In her research she learned that naming the emotions or “demons” is a good idea, and while you sit and the "demons" surface, we can talk to them by name. Doing this allows us to have a friendship with those emotions so we can learn from them and understand why those feelings come. “We can’t always choose the thoughts that pop into our head, but we can consciously choose the memories that we want to embrace and carry with us. After learning to “sit” herself Becky was equipped to respond to her son and daughter at times they were in need. Her children were dealing with some anxiety and fear, and Becky worked individually with them, teaching them to “sit” and feel their own emotions. To help active kids learn to “sit” she followed an impression she received to tell a story while they practiced meditating. The stories she shares involve “journeyer avatars” who have an adventure ahead of them, filled with obstacles, puzzles, strategic workarounds, world building, etc… Her children, the practicing meditators, took part in claiming a bit of transformative wisdom, and Becky saw the deep impact as her daughter melted into her arms and released many pent up emotions.
This is where Becky, with the encouragement of family and friends, developed Lotimus. Becky describes Lotimus as an opportunity where, “Body goes still, mind goes on a Journey”. She describes Lotimus, saying "Yes, your body will be still but I’m going to launch your mind into a world with a narrative provided, inviting the listener to allow their imagination to soar. This is a Journeying practice in first person that you are the hero of." Lotimus gives the listener an opportunity to discover who they are, and to unlock their imagination and creativity. It maybe uncomfortable at first, but on the other side of our willingness to sit in uncomfortable feelings, we will experience Knowledge, and self discovery which empower you to uncover who you are and what you are capable of. "This is an opportunity to discover peace, ease of “being”, even bliss, if you are willing to pay the price and “sit”." If you are interested in how to Meditate or in “Sitting” as Becky, and now Michael, call it. Becky highly recommends the book written by Jack Cornfield called “A Path With Heart”.
Website Address: www.lotimus.com
If you would like to listen to these incredible Journey’s created by Becky and her team, you will receive two FREE batches of complete journey’s, which include three exercises, and beautiful music. Becky has also generously offered my listeners a discounted price when you enroll to the full Lotimus experience. To take advantage of this discount, enter "DELIGHT" into the Coupon Code space.
I have listened to some of the stories, and love the what I have experienced. This concept is ground breaking and so needed in our day. School classrooms give us the tools needed to get a career and work, but they miss the mark when it comes to emotional health and education, which has a huge impact on Mental, Spiritual, Social, and Physical Health. My family now "Sits" in these stories when we are putting the kids to bed, and it has been a huge hit! Best part... The kids actually LISTEN!! LOL! Becky would love if you would check out Lotimus and reach out to her with feed back.
Please check out Lotimus, and let Becky know your thoughts by sending her an email to, becky@lotimus.com . She is extremely grateful in advance for any of you that will do so.
Becky, my friend, you are incredible. I learned so much from you and cannot thank you enough for the opportunity to meet you, talk to you, and partake of your genuine goodness and wisdom. You have a passion for education and creativity, coupled with a sincere love of Humanity, so it makes complete sense that God has inspired you with such a impactful mission. Your work will educate, heal, and lift many. You are brilliant! I can't wait to talk to you again soon!
Tuesday Apr 06, 2021
Tuesday Apr 06, 2021
A proud Alum of Michigan State University, Anthony Ianni, is one of the most sought after motivational speakers in the country. At the age of 4 Anthony was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), which is on the Autism Spectrum (ASD). Doctors and specialists told Anthony’s parents that he would barely graduate from high school, would never graduate from college, would never have a shot at being an athlete and would likely live in a group institution with other Autistic kids for his adult life. His family was devastated but pledged they would help Anthony be successful no matter what. Anthony graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in sociology in 2012 and was a winner of various awards during his time as a basketball player. He was a two-time Big Ten Champion, a Big Ten Tournament Champion, and a member of the 2010 Final Four team. He won the 2011 Tim Bograkos Walk On award and the 2012 Unsung Player award.
During his senior season at Michigan State University, like any other student, Anthony was at a crossroads, unsure of what he wanted to do with his life after college. It was then that Michigan’s former Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley gave him an opportunity that made him realize his story had the power to inspire others. Before his final basketball season had ended, Mr. Calley asked Anthony if he was interested in giving the keynote address at an autism gala in Detroit hosted by the Autism Alliance of Michigan. He delivered a ten-minute speech and received a great reaction and ovation from the crowd. Driving home, he looked at his wife Kelly and said, “I think I found my life’s calling. Other than Temple Grandin, what voice does the autism community have to look to for hope and inspiration?” He knew then that he wanted to be the person whose voice the autism community and others could look to and be inspired by.
Two months after that speech, the Autism Alliance of Michigan hired Anthony to do motivational speaking engagements for the organization. At that time, he was also appointed to the Governor’s Autism Council—a seat he holds to this day. In the fall of 2012, Anthony heard a CNN report about how individuals with autism are the number-one targets for bullies in schools across the country.
His own experience with bullies and this startling statistic led him to expand his presentations to include both a motivational and an anti-bullying message. Soon after, Anthony launched his own anti-bullying initiative called The Relentless Tour, sharing his life stories of being bullied because of his autism and height and all the ways he was different to show kids who have been the target of bullies that they’re not alone, and to encourage them to go out and not only be the change, but to make that change in life as well.
As a speaker, Anthony has won a number of awards for his work. In 2013, he was a finalist for the Detroit Pistons Game Changer award and won the 2014 Epling Agent of Change Award. He was one of Autism Speaks’ “10 Individuals who Inspired in 2014,” and named to the CBS News national list of “Inspiring People on the Autism Spectrum.” He also received the 2015 BOOM Athlete of the Year Award and the 2016 Autism Support of West Shore “You Make a Difference” Award. In his five-year speaking career, Anthony has built relationships with political and civic leaders throughout the state and school administrators from around the country, as well national autism advocates, sports figures, and a long list of media professionals. These relationships have helped Anthony build a large and loyal following and have taken his career and his life story to heights he never could have anticipated.
Anthony, you are a great man! Thank you for shinning your light bright so that the rest of us can see that when we are willing to do hard things doors open and Miracles Happen.
Check out Anythony's new book, 'Centered' where he shares his experiences with Basketball, Autism, and Bullying. https://www.amazon.com/Centered-Autism-Basketball-Athletes-Dreams/dp/1684351537
Tuesday Mar 16, 2021
Tuesday Mar 16, 2021
Sometimes we have to enter the darkness so that we can comprehend the light and recognize our worth and value. This is the case for Cori Valdez, and her path through the darkness was not easy, leaving her on the brink of death after a traumatic experience with an X-husband, and without any support from family and friends.
The beauty in Cori's story is that she recognizes the power of her choices throughout her life. Darkness can come because of our choices like much of Cori's did, but there are times in each of our lives when the darkness surrounding us is not welcomed or chosen by us and as the result of the choices of others in our lives or our circumstances. As her addiction began, she explains that she didn't want to live another day without being high, almost as if she found herself without realizing that the drug would cause her so mush loneliness and hopelessness in the days ahead. She talks about losing everything even having to turn over the rights of her two young girls.
After years living in a hopeless world with no hope and multiple trips in and out of jail. During her last arrest she heard a voice within whisper to her that she has worth and can change. She felt happiness for the first time in a long time believing that there was hope for her in the middle of an arrest. She determined to change and began to take the necessary steps to heal, forgive, change her thinking, and choose to live a good live with love for others and herself. Loving herself was something she never thought possible again but as began taking steps to recovery daily, she has come to realize her infinite worth.
She has been able to reconcile with her daughter Halee and now they are closer than they have ever been. Cori says watching Halee forgive her and seeing her treat her with love and respect taught Cori how forgiveness is possible and it is powerful!
Cori, thank you for sharing your life with us and declaring your witness that you and each one of us are infinitely valuable and worth more than we understand. No one is too far gone, no one... If you don't believe that listen to Cori share her story and teach you that everyone can indeed change. God bless you and your beautiful family Cori! Let that beautiful light within you shine bright and show others in their darkness the way to the light. You are amazing!
If you know someone struggling with addiction and would like to talk to Cori, or if you want to congratulate her on overcoming so much, please feel free to connect with her on Instagram under username @iroc_cori .
Tuesday Mar 09, 2021
Tuesday Mar 09, 2021
Kris LeSueur is a hero of mine. He is one of the top 3 diciplined humans that I know because he has experienced pain that comes from quitting, which drove him to become his best self possible and someone who never stops pushing himself to become the best he possibly can in all important areas of his life. Kris, is someone who showed me by example how to act on life rather than waiting for life to act on me. His impact on me will never fade and I know his message will leave you with many inspiring take aways as well.
Let me introduce Kris using his own words on his website http://www.transcenddaily.com
"I have always been intellectually curious. I’ve always had the thought that I should just focus on one thing but over the last 10 years, I have been working on improving in so many areas of my life. It didn’t start with wanting to improve in multiple areas. It started with one area at a time.
The first big accomplishment for me that started all of this was committing to Ironman Arizona… A 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile run.
My biggest endurance accomplishment was participating in the SEALFIT Kokoro Camp. (Let me assure you… There was no camping involved!) It’s a 50-hour crucible experience. I truly feel it changed my life forever. It taught me about knowing my “Why” and how to work as a team.
Now, I want to share what I’ve learned over the years and help others in the areas I have been working on improving. I believe that we don’t just need to focus on being great at one thing. I believe that everything we do is connected and that if we become great in one area it will help us to become great in other areas of our lives. We can consistently work on being great in many areas of our life. Some of the areas that I strive to work on are in parenting, family, spirituality, fitness, health, education and business."
If you would like to learn more about Kris and Tiersa's (wife) CrossFit Gym, visit their website at www.crossfitpreferred.com or in person at the gym located on 3244 E. Guadalupe Rd. Suite #101, Gilbert, AZ 85234
Kris also writes a very inspiring blog, shares workout and nutritional tips, and his favorite books that inspire on his personal website www.transcenddaily.com
If you would like to connect with Kris or his wife Tiersa, you can follow them on Instagram @krislesueur and @tiersa23 or send them an email at info@transcenddaily.com
Thank you for sharing your story with us Kris. You are a great man and living a life that inspires and helps so many of us to take action to become the best we can be.
Friday Feb 19, 2021
Friday Feb 19, 2021
Thurmon Thomas is a Marriage and Family Therapist, that not only works with clients but owns and operates multiple practices in Southern Utah. You will love his perspective, as he talks about some of the important "practices" we can adopt into our daily lives to bring us to happiness and joy. I know Thurmon after meeting him as a young missionary in Indiana, where he served as well, and I know first hand that this is a man that practices what he preaches and lives the words that come out of his mouth. Tune into this enlightening episode delivered by Thurmon Thomas a Husband, and Father of 6.
Thurmon heard the call from his Heavenly Father at the young age of 19, to serve God's children. The path of life for him has always brought him back to this key purpose of serving others, every time he has derailed from that purpose to pursue other "good" paths. Living his life on purpose and helping others to find themselves so that they can discover their own purpose has become Thurmon's call and he has been able to see many lives change for the better.
He also shares part of his life journey beginning with a tragic event when he was 4, losing his father in a motorcycle accident. His single mother gathered her 5 boys in Delta Utah and moved them down south to St. George, where Thurmon and his family currently reside. Like most young boys growing up Thrumon loved sports and hanging out with friends, but he defines this time of his life with the word "Alone". To support her 5 boys, his mother was very busy earning a living and Thurmon was on his own for the most part to grow up and find his way.
Upon graduating High school and moving back to Delta Utah to run one of the family businesses, he had a spiritual awakening as his Heavenly Father spoke to his spirit saying "Thurmon, I need you to serve my children". Thurmon responded to the call, and went to serve a two year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Indiana, Indianapolis mission, where I first met this incredible man and hero of mine. Thurmon, thank you for inspiring me and serving so many of us on this earth. Love you brother.
On his website, https://www.thurmonthomas.com/ and in his own words, Thurmon defines who he is and his purpose in serving people as a Marriage and Family Therapist.
"The work I do each day is centered around helping people improve their lives. In order to do this in the most effective way possible, I take a systemic perspective - meaning I help them explore all aspects of their lives to find areas which may be out of balance. This systemic perspective was a key aspect of my education as a Marriage and Family Therapist as well as my training as a certified WholeFIT coach. I explore all aspects of wellness with my clients including: emotional health, cognitive health, physical health, nutrition, spirituality, and relational health. When needed, I help coordinate care with other trained professionals to make sure my clients are receiving the best care possible.
Some of the treatment methods I use in mental health therapy include: cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, structural therapy, and narrative therapy. I work with Couples, Families, Adult Individuals, Adolescents, and Children. Fort hose who are not in need of mental health therapy or intense relationship work, I utilize wellness coaching techniques to help my clients reach their personal, professional, and relational goals.
When not working I enjoy spending time with my Wife and six children. We love time in the outdoors, as well as just kicking back and watching a good movie. My wife, Maria and I, are avid marathon runners and are very busy with our amazing family!"
If you are interested in learning more about Thurmon or connecting with him visit his website, https://www.thurmonthomas.com/
"People come to me with challenges or turmoil in their life, feeling broken looking for help and answers. The most fulfilling thing for me is looking back and seeing people's lives change, not because I did it... it doesn't work that way, but because I was there to guide them to help themselves find the tools and the strength within to climb out of those challenges. We All face them, if you are a human being on this earth, you're going to have times of deep dark despair where you don't know what to do, where to go, or how anything good is going to happen, to the point that you want to throw in the towel. Most of us are going to experience that in our lifetime, and THAT'S OK! One message I want to make loud and clear is that's normal. It's normal to feel that depression and anxiety, it's part of the plan of this earth life experience. Seeing people transition out of that is so amazing" -Thurmon Thomas
Thurmon, you are a hero of mine and one of the best men I have ever met. You love and devotion to our Savior Jesus Christ is palpable and the way you strive to follow in His footsteps by running to the aide of as many of Gods children as possible is inspiring. I love you brother and am so grateful to God that He made sure that our paths on earth crossed.
Tuesday Feb 16, 2021
Tuesday Feb 16, 2021
Rob Sirstins, is a dear friend of mine from High School, where I was a first hand witness watching his dominance on the Football field. Rob has always been someone who stands out to me as a person who has been blessed with many God given abilities, but more importantly he has a huge heart and he is genuinely concerned about the wellfare of the people in his life. I have learned why, and as you hear his story you too will realize that it is due to some of the loneliness and pain that he has bravely battled throughout his life.
Coach Rob, is an inspirational and motivational Coach who's is focused on and is dedicated to helping people find their true identity and authentic selves. He will help you find and connect with the "Warrior Within". Rob believes that it is only when we find ourselves that we truly take ownership of our choices and mindset, and by so doing empowers us to reach our full potential.
From day 1, Rob has faced trials and challenges that overtime nearly defeated him as he sat in his truck with a gun to his head ready to pull the trigger. Ready to end his life and rest from the turmoil, shame, and feelings or worthlessness that left him in darkness, in that moment a thought came to Rob's mind that He couldn't let Suicide win. It was the spirit of competition within Rob that saved his life that day and started him on his journey to find the "Warrior Within".
Rob, who is African American was abandoned as a baby by his birth parents and eventually adopted to his family from Salt Lake City, Utah. As a young boy Rob faced bullying due to the color of his skin, which caused him to feel unwanted and that was different. The bullying continued throughout Rob's childhood and left some deep wounds. Fortunately for Rob, he found his "wings" playing Football where he excelled. After playing for a nationally ranked High school Team and helping lead them to yet another championship, he was given a scholarship to play for the University of Utah Football Team. Shortly before his Freshman season began Rob was in a serious accident that left him injured throughout his playing career. Bitterness came as Robs dream to play professional Football was crushed. Trying to find his way forward Rob attempted to work in the corporate world, but each time he began working a new corporate job, he felt as if he was losing himself.
At this same time as he was experiencing turmoil over what to do to provide for his wife and daughter, he and his wife divorced due to choices that she was making. Rob now felt the weight of trying to support his daughter at the same time as struggling to find himself in a corporate job. Also, at the same time he lost his best friend to Suicide and another close friend within weeks of each other. Rob began to spiral into darkness, feeling completely disconnected from the man that he dreamed of becoming. As he sat in his truck overlooking the city with a gun to his head, ready to end his life, Rob had the thought come to mind... "You can't let Suicide beat you". The competitive nature that served Rob so well on the Football field, became the very thing that saved his life that day.
That moment of Darkness, began a ripple effect in Rob's life that has led him to become a man that is thriving and helping others to take ownership of their lives and become the "Warrior Within" that each of us have, if we only choose to give it space in our lives. Rob shares the decisions that he made in his life, in the days following his almost Suicide attempt, that allowed him to find value in his life, for himself, and for all others. He is now excelling as a personal coach and helping others who are trying to find their worth and way through their own darkness.
If you would like to learn more about Rob's work and how he can help you or someone you know, please visit his website at https://www.robsirstins.com
Rob will be releasing his book in the near future called "Eagle of the Warrior". In his book Rob will take you through a more detailed Journey of the experiences he has been through and how he has truly found his value and authentic self.
Rob, thank you my friend. You are one of my personal hero's and lifelong brother. Thank you for sharing your journey with us, and for turning around to find those desperate to find light by guiding them into the light. Love you brother.
Tuesday Jan 26, 2021
Tuesday Jan 26, 2021
Chelsea Watters, is an amazing woman. I have had the opportunity to work with her off and on over the past few years and have gotten to know her and seen how lives and treats others. Chelsea is a rising star in her young career with Marriott, and there is no doubt why she is... She genuinely loves people, cares about them with a passion, gets to know her co-workers individually, and carries a positive influence with her everywhere she goes. All of these wonderful characteristic's she has have not come easily, as she has passed through some dark times and difficult trials in her life. Chelsea grew up a Tom Boy and knew that she was different from other girls from the get go. She played basketball in her childhood and when she was on the High School team she knew that she had always felt feelings and attraction to other girls.
Chelsea shares her experiences navigating the challenges of being her true authentic self in a world that doesn't truly accept who she is. She shares the pain she experienced when she broke up with her first girlfriend, and when she started to date her second girlfriend the faced feeling like she wasn't truly loved or accepted because her girlfriend wouldn't tell her family or friends due to Shame. Feeling unaccepted by someone she thought she loved caused her a lot of pain, and hurt. She wanted to move forward but with her basketball career over, she didn't know where to channel her energy. She was working with an a Gentleman, David, who left to take on a Director of Finance Role in Salt Lake City, and 6 months later David called her to ask her to come to Utah. She talks about her initial fear of moving to Utah, in fact her first thought was "Hell No" because she had heard that the culture of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the predominate religion in Utah, would not accept her for who she is. David, an active member of the LDS church assured her that Utah is a safe place and much different than you think. He also said no matter what he had her back and helped her to feel comfortable to come to Utah.
After making the leap of faith and moving to Utah, Chelsea settled into her role at the Downtown City Creek Marriott, and met a group of friends that helped her feel accepted, loved, and gave her the chance to believe Utah was the right move for her life. She ended up dating and falling in love with a young woman who initially worked in the same hotel before Chelsea moved to Provo to advance her career.
She speaks of true love, what true love looks and feels like and how it has blessed her life. She also shares about her decision to "come out" to her parents, brother, and friends. Her parents did an amazing job of accepting her right away and she even mentions how her father knew before she said anything. She also talks about how difficult it was for her brother initially. At first he was ok and he, his wife, and two daughters moved forward as if no big deal, but when Chelsea announced that she was getting married and wanted them to come, he was very uncomfortable and explained that he couldn't do that to his two girls. After some time of reflection and thinking it over her brother decided that it was more important to Love first and foremost and attend the wedding with his family.
Chelsea is a joy to know, she uplifts those around her and is always looking for opportunities to say a kind word, express gratitude, and help those in her circles. My life has been blessed and I have learned so much more about God and the diversity of God's children due to my conversations and experiences with her. Chelsea, you are doing so many great things with your life and constantly helping others along your way. Thank you so much for sharing part of your journey with us.