Life Notes from Chair 17

The (Re)Connection

Have you ever had a ride-at-dawn kind of friendship that has faded into the distance? Join CH this week as she explores the nuances of reconnecting with old friends amidst life's ever-changing landscape, and the emotional intricacies of reaching out to those who were once significant in our lives but have since drifted away. It's an episode filled with reflections and practical advice on renewing the connections that shape our lives - even if that means having to accept it might never be what it once was.
 
Show Notes
CH references the song, "My Happy Ending," which was from Avril Lavigne's 2004 album, 'Under My Skin,"; she also references the 1971 film "The French Connection."

It's a Live Life Each Day List

We've made it to the big 4-0 - our 40th episode! In honor of this milestone, we share the story of how host CH came to create her very first Live Life Each Day list following a somewhat challenging 40th circle around the sun. Listen in as she reflects on being encouraged by her friend Sarah to go through the simple exercise, how it helped change her perspective, and how the noting down of simple joys that make up our day-to-day lives can bring clarity, insight and fulfillment - whether we're navigating a challenging period or seeking new inspiration.
 
Show Notes
CH references the film 'The Shawshank Redemption'; infor can be found via Wikipedia or IMDb.
The cakery in which CH received the inspired postcard "Be Honest. Stay True." from her friend Sarah on which to write her list is called Hot Cakes Molten Chocolate Cakery; it is located in the Ballard area of Seattle, Washington in the U.S.

Spirit of Place

Spirit of place. Have you heard of it? A certain locale - maybe a holiday spot, maybe your hometown - that you always yearn to return to find solace especially during challenging times? Join CH this week as she discusses what spirit of place means to her, shares her personal journey to her most spirited of spirited places (Truckee, California), and discusses the deep, sometimes historical, connections that can form within these locations as well as the rejuvenation they offer when we visit.
 
Show Notes
CH references the definition of spirit of place from Wikipedia.
For those interested in learning more about Truckee, California, visit the town's official Web site or VisitTruckeeTahoe.com.
For those interested in learning more about the Donner Party, you can review Wikipedia, view the PBS American Experience documentary or visit the Donner Memorial State Park official Web Site.
CH hiked a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) that runs through Truckee; for information on the PCT, visit PCTA.org or Wikipedia.
The PCT is the trail Cheryl Strayed hiked in its entirety and recounted in her memoir 'Wild.'; additionally, a film adaptation was also done in 2014 with Reese Witherspoon portraying Cheryl Strayed. CH highly recommends BOTH of these.

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.