Welcome back to The Power of Storytelling.

Nick, Anna, and Syreeta - thank you for your bravery and courage, thank you for sharing your stories, thank you for sharing your powerful words.

Where do I even begin?

This month's episode reminded me that while our stories are different - every single person that is walking this planet has something very special in common. A desire to connect, to heal, and to live their life to the fullest.

So, I want to share a little bit about the stories that are featured in this month's episode, and I encourage you to check out Syreeta, Anna, and Nick after you listen to this week's episode.

Nick and his mom Colorado Springs, CO when he first moved there in 2003.

Nick's story about how the passing of his mother after a 2-year battle with uterine cancer in 2012 will touch you and bring you to tears. Nick was her caregiver, and her passing helped him find an inner strength that he never knew he had. Even more than that, it helped him realize he had a huge heart to help people and be with them in times of crisis.

Now, Nick is on a mission to help others heal their pain, and he's doing that through his energy healing called the Emotion Code to identify and release trapped emotions that they're holding onto that are causing them pain.

Nick shares three life lessons that he's learned from his mother that he'll never forget - and I have no doubt you will carry these lessons with you too.

Anna's reflections on what heartbreak taught her about self-love . . . is powerful. Her personal experience in a toxic relationship is what inspired her to start We Are Project Babe, a nonprofit organization focused on healing, education, and empowering survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. Founded in Miami, Anna and Project Babe are determined to make it possible for women to speak on their experiences, share their stories, and heal together.

Anna's words on sexual assault, domestic violence, and any form of abuse - and her notes on self-love that guided her through her journey - will leave you inspired.

Anna's Op-Ed for World Give Report about making traumatic healing more affordable (as referenced in her story!) can be viewed here

Syreeta from MOSS - "Moments of Sense and Style"

Syreeta's words on her partner Rob's brain hemorrhage and stroke left me speechless. Syreeta put her career on hold to care for Rob who is on the mend but still paralyzed on one side. Through this life-changing battle, Rob and Syreeta joined forces and created their brand MOSS.

"The brand was born from a desire to create light out of the darkness; an innovative and conceptual approach to dealing with life-changing events."

They've created positivity out of tragedy, and you can hear the kindness and gentleness in Syreeta's voice. I can't wait for you to hear her words - they are powerful, inspiring, and will put so much into perspective.

Never forget that your story is important. Never forget that your words, your reflections, and your voice is meant to be shared.

Your honesty, vulnerability, bravery, and courage just might encourage someone else to do the same.

I know I say this every single month - but I am truly honored to share these stories. So, give today's episode a listen, share it with a friend (or two! or three!) and then head over to our Instagram page to join the conversation.

To connect with the incredible people behind the stories you heard on today's episode . . .

Nick Kidawski - to learn more about Nick, his story, and his work as a Certified Holistic Educator and Certified Emotion Code Practitioner, visit his website releaseemotionalbaggage.com and you can follow him on Twitter @NKidawski

Anna Cecilia - to learn more about Anna and We Are Project Babe, visit their website weareprojectbabe.org and check them out on Instagram @weareprojectbabe

Syreeta Challinger - to learn more about Syreeta and Ross, and their brand MOSS (moments of sense and style) visit their website momentsofsenseandstyle.com and on Instagram @momentsofsenseandstyle

To learn more and to submit your story, visit the Share Your Story section of our website and fill out our interest form here. Our next episode will air August 21st! If you'd like to join in on the fun, fill out our interest form

Until next week, ✨ #SeekTheJoy - hit SUBSCRIBE - and it would mean so much if you could give the podcast a rating and/or review on iTunes ✨💛🎧

Ratings and reviews help Seek The Joy get seen by new people, and I'm so grateful to each and every one of you who has rated the podcast!

If you rate/review the podcast on iTunes make sure to e-mail us a screenshot of your review to sydney@seekthejoypodcast.com and as a token of my appreciation and gratitude for your love and support, I'll send you my NEW #SeekTheJoy Guide for Infusing More Joy into Your Life document! I've created this guide based on what I've learned from these #SeekTheJoy conversations. Along with this guide, you'll also receive two limited edition Seek The Joy Podcast stickers which I will mail out to you!

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The Power of Storytelling - Episode 7