008 | The Power of Storytelling: Honoring the Highs & Lows of Life with Angie Lucas

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Human beings are natural storytellers. Some stories are written down; others are only thoughts. We use stories to interpret and make sense of the world. We also use them to teach abstract principles and connect with others.

Angie Lucas is a professional writer, former magazine editor, and voracious reader. In this interview, Angie and I explore the power of storytelling from three different angles.

Change Your Thoughts

The power of storytelling begins with our thoughts—the internal narratives we tell ourselves about who we are and how the world works. Some of these stories are less helpful than others; we call these stories “limiting beliefs.”

In part one, Angie demonstrates how to recognize, examine, and reframe limiting beliefs. She also explains how this process differs from putting on rose-colored glasses or faking optimism.

Share Your Life Story

The power of storytelling can also help you record your personal history for posterity—and no one is more qualified or capable of writing that story than you!

In part two, Angie offers three simple storytelling strategies to help you get started today. She also shares a bit of her own story, including her experience with infertility and pregnancy loss.

Learn from Others

Storytelling also has power to help us understand the human condition by making abstract ideas—like grief—more concrete.

In part three, Angie shares how her experience with loss helped her write My Big, Dumb, Invisible Dragon, a grief allegory for children. This beautiful book belongs in every family library and is a perfect gift for any child who is grieving the death of a loved one or experiencing life-changing loss (such as a divorce or cross-country move).

SHOW NOTES

Note: This list includes Amazon affiliate links to books mentioned in this episode. I receive a small commission for products purchased through these links, which helps to support free content on the podcast.

Connect with Rachel on Instagram

Connect with Angie Lucas
Instagram | Facebook | Website

My Big, Dumb, Invisible Dragon (Book)

Connect with Birgitta Sif (Illustrator)
Instagram | Website

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle (Book)

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown (Book)

Maya Angelou

Loving What Is by Byron Katie (Book)

Chatbooks

Evernote App

Prixm App

Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell (Book)

It’s Okay That You’re Not Okay by Megan Devine (Book)

A Long Way from Chicago & A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck (Books)

Skellig by David Almond (Book)

Ida, Always by Caron Levis & Charles Santoso (Book)

The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld (Book)

DAPHNE’S STORY

Daphne’s Blog

About Progress: “Using Self-Love to Rebuild after Loss”

LifeBeats Project: “Keeping a Marriage Together after Loss by Grieving Separately to Give Space to Heal Together”

3 in 30: “How to Support Those Who Are Grieving”

MAY 2020 GIVEAWAY (CLOSED)

Two ways to enter:

(1) Post a review to Apple Podcasts, and send a screenshot to @rachel_rebuilt on Instagram.

(2) If you don’t use Apple Podcasts, send a direct message to @rachel_rebuilt on Instagram. List the podcasting app you use, and tell me what you like about the podcast.

Two winners will be selected on June 1, 2020. One winner will receive a $30 gift certificate to Happy Beads; the other will receive a Fawny Pack from Fawn Design.

007 | 3 Ways to Be Courageous without Leaving Home with Melanie Burk

3 Ways to Be Courageous without Leaving Home with Melanie Burk

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Courage begins in the heart. It’s what helps us shoulder unexpected and unwelcome responsibilities. It’s what keeps us moving in the face of fear. During these strange times, when COVID-19 has turned our lives upside down, we perform ordinary acts of courage every day without realizing it.

This week’s guest, Melanie Burk, is a mother of five, wife to a physician assistant, small business owner, and woman of faith. Like other Americans, the Burks have been sheltering in place and homeschooling for about three weeks.

Redefining Courage

In this episode, Melanie and I redefine courage for those who have been asked to “stay home, stay safe” during the COVID-19 pandemic. While traditional courage emphasizes physical action,* we emphasize the need for “mental strength to persevere.”

This type of courage isn’t about fixing or doing. It’s about enduring and being. It includes (1) courage to feel waves of heavy emotion, (2) courage to embrace stillness, and (3) courage to practice self-compassion.

Seeking Light & Joy

Together, we explore the emotional demands of our collective heartache, as well as our individual opportunities to seek light and joy. We also share how faith in a loving God helps us get through the daily challenges of quarantine.

Also in This Episode

  • Why emotional self-care is essential, not selfish, during quarantine.

  • How to find stillness, even if your home is loud or busy.

  • Simple ways to invite children into stillness with you.

  • Why self-compassion is the secret to personal growth.

Show Notes

Note: This list includes Amazon affiliate links to books mentioned in this episode. I receive a small commission for products purchased through these links, which helps to support free content on the podcast.

Connect with Rachel on Instagram

Connect with Melanie Burk on Instagram

Dr. Brene Brown

Dr. Kristin Neff

Three Elements of Self-Compassion

Self-Compassion & Mindfulness

Christlike Parenting (Book)

* We express gratitude to healthcare professionals, first responders, grocery store employees, and other essential personnel who cannot stay home during this pandemic and who continue to show extraordinary courage as they perform their regular responsibilities and keep our communities afloat.