A New Life Vision: You Are Not Shame; You Are Strength

Trauma of any kind limits our vision of life. It skews the vision of who we really are. Our body, mind, and even spirit are forced into survival mode. We can only see what is immediately around us. The moments that our power is taken away blind us to the bigger picture. The soul-ripping pain we are left with causes long-term blindness to life beyond the trauma. It can blind us to our own value—to the light and strength within us.

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Survivor Shift: Permission to Count Yourself a Survivor

Sharon Swietek shares openly about the effects of childhood sexual trauma and the critical shifts that helped her not only survive but thrive on her healing journey. Her first shift came in giving herself permission to count herself a survivor of sexual abuse. She offers validation and encouragement to all of us who struggle to find our way forward after abuse. Please be aware that this interview contains sensitive content, which is marked with a trigger warning in the relevant sections.

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Eyes to See the Beauty; A Heart Open to Joy

So how do we embrace this new year? Maybe it’s more about seeing the beauty on the journey than arriving. Seeking to have eyes to see the beauty woven in our life experiences opens us to strength to face our trials with courage. It gives us a heart open to joy.

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A Christmas Miracle: Jesus, Santa, and Believing

Does Santa Claus distract from the Christmas spirit, or add to it? From Santa, I learned the importance of believing in the power of kindness and love. It opened my heart to the gifts of love and kindness offered by our Savior Jesus Christ. Believing in His love brings healing to broken hearts. Believing helps us hold on to the life-giving hope so desperately needed in this world.

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Jesus, Santa Claus, and Believing

From Santa, I learned the importance of believing in the power of kindness and love. It opened my heart to the gifts of love and kindness offered by our Savior Jesus Christ. Believing in His love brings healing to broken hearts. Believing helps us hold on to the life-giving hope so desperately needed in this world.

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Do You Believe in Miracles?

Learning to look for and own the miracles in even the hardest parts of our lives can help us to build a life we can thrive in. I know it has made all the difference for me on my journey.

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Giving It Forward: What Kind of Gifts Are You Giving?

Giving It Forward is not a fundraiser, it’s an awareness-raiser. It is about the life-giving value of connection, reaching out, and believing in each other. This year, the focus is on the question, What kind of gifts are you giving? Do they have value that lasts beyond a fleeting moment? Do they lift and encourage the receiver?

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Let Your Light Shine!

Jodi Orgill Brown shares the power of claiming and sharing your light and ways to “Let your light shine”. She explores the concept of anti-fragility, where challenges and stressors can lead to personal growth. Jodi shared her personal experiences and practical strategies, including creating a list of positive activities and connections that can be accessed during challenging moments. There is value in exploring new ways to find peace and strength, whether through existing hobbies or discovering new interests, to create a more resilient and fulfilling life.

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You Are NOT Your Struggles

Eric Aroca’s overcoming dyslexia is proof that “you are NOT your struggles.” Our struggles our only part of our experience, not our identity. In this episode of Building on the Light, he shares the importance of self-care in developing your capacity to “live the life you always dreamed imagined.”

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