Life Notes from Chair 17

The Strongest Part is the Broken Part - Pt. 2

10 years. To the day. From the accident that defined a life mantra. That is this very special episode - the second in our two-part series - of how the journey of recovering from a broken ankle led to the development of a powerful life mantra. From having her first major surgery to the first steps of recovery, join CH as she recounts the emotional journey of embracing pain, reconnecting with the most broken part of herself - literally - and finding the strength and courage to move forward.
 
Show Notes
The city CH was surfing at is Westport, Washington. 
The surf break she was at is known as "The Jetty." More information and a visual can be found here via ExperienceWestport.com.
CH received her orthopedic care from Proliance Orthopedic Associates, under the supervision of Dr. Erik Novak.
CH's physical therapist was Kari Studley, who now has her own practice called StudleyPT.
A full list of CH's key life mantras can be found on the About section of our Web site, LifeNotesfromChair17Podcast.com.

The Strongest Part is the Broken Part - Pt. 1

What happens when enjoying one of your favorite hobbies turns into one of the scariest moments of your life? It becomes the inspirational source for a still-true life mantra. In the first of a two-part series honoring the 10 year anniversary of this life changing event, CH reflects on how breaking her ankle while surfing ultimately helped her form one of her most important life mantras: the strongest part is the broken part. This episode is a vivid recount of not just a physical injury, but a journey of resilience and recovery - overcoming both physical and emotional challenges. Tune in to hear about the initial incident and stay tuned for part two, which will delve into the recovery process and the lessons learned.
 
Show Notes
The city CH was surfing at is Westport, Washington. 
The surf break she was at is known as "The Jetty." More information and a visual can be found here via ExperienceWestport.com.
A full list of CH's key life mantras can be found on the About section of our Web site, LifeNotesfromChair17Podcast.com.

Share the Chair: Quynh Nguyen

Entrepreneur. Artist. Author. Podcaster. Optimist. Those are just a few of the words to describe Quynh Nguyen, who joins CH this week in another episode in our Share the Chair series to talk all-things resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. Listen in as we delve into Quynh's self-made journey, from starting her own catering company to becoming a celebrated paper flower artist, and how she has masterfully turned her creative passions into successful businesses. It's an hour of heartfelt conversation about overcoming challenges, seizing opportunity, the importance of family and community, and celebrating the simple joy of creation.
 
Show Notes
To learn even more about Quynh and her work as a paper flower artist and educator, visit her official site, PinkandPosey.com.
Her socials include: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest and LinkedIn.
Her Paper Talk Podcast can be listened to via PaperTalkPodcast.com or on various podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Quynh's new book, "The New Art of Paper Flowers," releases on October 1, 2024. Check here to see where the book is available to preorder/order as it varies by country.
In the United States, it is available for pre-order on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Bookshop.org, Hundson Booksellers, Powell's, Target and IndieBound.
Quynh will also have an eBook release in October called "Back to the Basics." In the interim, check out her Paper Flower Blog for more information.
If you are interested in learning more about the tools Quynh uses, such as Kai Scissors and Aleene's Tacky Glue, or additional resources with regards to floral paper art, visit the "Supplies and Resources" page on Quynh's Web site (located under "Paper Flower Courses" from the main menu).
To watch Quynh on "CBS Sunday Morning," the episode is available via YouTube (Quynh's segment begins around the 1:45 mark).
For those not familiar with farm-to-table, check out the Wikipedia entry for additional information and context.

Embracing Yoga Therapy

Yoga therapy. We talked about it back in Episode 20 with our good friend Nathan, but we never thought we'd end up embracing it on our own. Join CH this week as she discusses her personal journey into yoga therapy, finding solace and healing through a tailored program, and how a personalized approach can create a supportive container for both body and mind. Whether a seasoned yoga practitioner or new to the concept of how yoga therapy differs from just doing yoga, this episode offers perspectives on integrating yoga into life for a holistic sense of well-being, and its dual benefits for physical and mental health.
 
Show Notes
CH is currently working with good friend and Share the Chair (Episode 20) guest, Nathan Waldvogel, for her yoga therapy program.
For those interested in learning more about the practice of yoga therapy you can visit Nathan's Web site: YogaHausNW.com.
Information on some of the different styles of yoga, including the definition of yoga therapy, can be found on Nathan's Web site under the Yoga Styles section.

Sitting on the Bench

Have you ever showed up for a friend who was really going through it and just sat with them as if you were on a park bench? You didn’t offer advice or guidance, you just simply saw them, heard them and comforted them in their moment of struggle. Join CH this week as she recounts the story of when her friend, Sarah, offered this powerful form of friendship and support, and how that has further shaped CH's approach to being there for someone - without the need for words or advice - where a quiet, non-judgmental presence can make a world of difference during tough times.
 
Show Notes
For those who may not be familiar with the term toxic positivity, you can learn more about it on VeryWellMind.com.

Ok Not Being Ok

Sometimes, we.are.just.not.ok. No matter the day, the month, or the year. In honor of Mental Health Awareness month, join CH this week as she recounts a key time in her life where prioritizing her mental well-being took precedence over celebrating a holiday, and how that moment further shaped her approach to prioritizing mental wellness on the whole not only for herself but in support of others.
 
Show Notes
May is Mental Health Awareness month in the United States, which has been observed since 1949 (Wikipedia).
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. Visit the official site for more information and for a wide array of mental health and substance abuse resources.
The quote CH references is from the 1991 film 'Friend Green Tomatoes,' which starred Mary Stuart Masterson, Mary Louise Parker, Kathy Bates and the late Jessica Tandy.

Share the Chair: Jackie Yeaney

Be kind. Be brave. Be you. Three solid life tenets from this week's Share the Chair guest, Jackie Yeaney. Having retired from official Chief Marketing Officer duties after spending over 20 years in the C-Suite space, she joins CH this week to talk all things life journey and experience - from her beginnings in the United States Air Force, to her ascendence into executive marketing leadership, to her passion and advocacy for people and possibilities. It’s a great hour of conversation covering both work/life insights and wisdoms from an executive leader who ALSO has a knack of leading through her own life.
 
Show Notes
Jackie is actively a part of the following organizations:
Talkspace (Non Executive Director)
CMO Collaborative (Co-Founder)
Plan International USA (Board Member)
Foundation Fighting Blindness (Marketing Committee)
Iridium (Non Executive Director)
Jackie's LinkedIn profile is here (note: you will need a LinkedIn account to see her full profile and be able to follow her).
Jackie and her husband, Eric, started Blind Ambition Fitness.
The condition Eric has is called CACD - a rare form of macular degeneration (Central Areolar Choroidal Dystrophy).
The Maya Angelou quote Jackie consistently leans into is: "People will forget what you did. People will forget what you said. But people will never forget how you made them feel."
More information on the discussion CH and Jackie were having regarding different leadership styles as defined by distinct colors (e.g., Red, Yellow, Blue, Green) can be found on a number of Web sites and through various organizations. You can try a Google search of "What are the 4 leadership colors" if you'd like to learn more.
James Lipton's Inside the Actor's Studio questionnaire, and the original Bernard Pivot/Marcel Proust versions that inspired it, can be found here. Our C17 version is our own take on these two famous questionnaires.

Parental Guidance

The parentals. The 'rents (a.k.a. parents). It often seems it is just a matter of time before we catch ourselves doing something those who raised us used to do. Or may even still do. And that may (or may not) always be the best for us. Join CH this week for a thoughtful discussion on developing a sense of our own self, and being encouraged to forge our own path of actions and behaviors, which may differ from that set down by parental figures.
 
Show Notes
The viral video clip CH discusses in this episode, called "Cranky kid goes viral for telling it like it is," can be viewed here via YouTube shorts.

30 Going on 30

Anyone have a time machine? No ...? Well, darn. As we hit our 30th episode, we've taken a moment to reflect on the things we might go back and point out to our 30-year-old selves ... and we put it in another Top 10 list! Join CH as she rolls through the 10 key things she’d point out (and double down on) to her then self if there was a DeLorean time machine with a flux capacitor nearby (“Back  to the Future,” anyone?). And no, winning lottery numbers did not make the list.
 
Show Notes
For those who may not be familiar with what was the nightly Top 10 List on "The Late Show with David Letterman", check out the Wikipedia summary.
In the film series, "Back to the Future", a DeLorean served as the time machine in which various characters traveled both back in time AND into the future.

I'll Take a Lesson

“Hey, I can teach you that!” Ah … the well-intentioned friend or partner who wants to help us learn the new thing we want to learn. But is that really the best way to help us be successful - whether it be a sport, a skill, an instrument? Join CH this week as she discusses the importance of finding the right environment - and teacher - to help us feel comfortable and confident in taking on a new adventure.
 
Show Notes
CH's tips for taking on something new:
Do not be afraid to turn down the offer from a friend or partner who wants to be the teacher; sometimes, learning from someone we are close to doesn't always provide the best learning environment or set us up for the right level of success.
See if there is a workshop, a class, a clinic, etc. that is local to your area to enroll or participate in person; if not in person, see if is there a virtual option.
If unsure about the level of skill or pre-requisites that may be required, reach out to the organization and ask so you can feel comfortable enrolling or participating; this may also include asking about a given instructor.
Give yourself permission to learn at your pace; if you don't get it right away, don't get discouraged; keep at it in a way that makes you feel comfortable and successful.