Never Ever Give Up Hope

Jacqueline Carlisle is the editor-in-chief/creative director of Thinkmag an online digital glossy for sustainable living. Thinkmag is an online digital glossy for sustainable living featuring quality craftsmanship in design and service for all facets of a greener lifestyle. Stunning global editorials take you to beautiful destinations where reducing waste is paramount and luxury is compulsory.  Jacqueline overcame the effects of an abusive marriage and several deaths in her family by taking those negative events and creating something positive. Her creations are a MUST see -- they are exquisite and all eco-friendly.  

Dr. Thomas Caulfield kept a secret journal for two decades which documented the legendary journey of his deaf son, Christopher, and his family's valiant attempts at helping Christopher be the best he could be. That secret journal was kept to present to his son as a gift when he was older. Dr. Caulfield never imagined that this journal would someday help others learn from their experiences and help face their challenges. As you listen to this interview realize that this is not an ordinary story of the struggles parents face when faced with devastating news about their child. This family and specifically their son Christopher is changing the world for people who are deaf. Amazing story Ephphatha is the legendary journey of Dr. Thomas Caulfield's Deaf son, Christopher.         When they learned their son had so little residual hearing - the ability to sense any sound—that even the best hearing aids in the world would have been ineffectual for him, Dr. Caulfield and his wife were devastated. They began to lose all hope for Christopher to learn to speak or hear even just a little. The school medical personnel, however, proposed a solution.   “Are you familiar with cochlear implants?” they asked. They then explained all about   this revolutionary device that had helped hundreds of Deaf people to hear for the first time.   Ephphatha is a powerful word meaning "to be opened." Although some people were less than helpful with Christopher's progress, the real heroes came into his life via family, medicine, and education. With those special people helping him, his path could 'be opened.'   As you read Ephphatha you might find yourself laughing and crying at the same time. Sharing extremely intense emotions, this is a heartwarming chronicle of overcoming obstacles, making sacrifices and keeping the faith that this was the path they were meant to take.   "So as you read, please remember that for all this to have happened it required people, including me, to “be opened.” I might not have set any records being invited to birthday parties when I was growing up. And, yes, both kids and adults were unkind to me. However, my support came from those who did open up. In them, I learned an incredible life lesson. And that is, everyone has the right to be understood. I will remember that forever!" Christopher Caulfield     New York City Big Book Award® announces the   2019 Winners & Distinguished Favorites!   EPHPHATHA: Growing Up Profoundly Deaf and Not Dumb in the Hearing World: A Basketball Player’s Transformational Journey to the Ivy League by   Dr. Thomas M. Caulfield  

Mary Jane Black is an author and a literacy specialist for the State of Texas. Her debut memoir tells her inspiring story of finding love later in life, in the midst of abuse and pain. “She Rode a Harley” details the kick-ass adventures of a woman whose second husband, a biker since he was 13, taught her how to save herself by believing in her own strength, power, and individuality. Mary Jane writes courageously, as though her time spent riding Harleys has transferred to the page, with smooth, gliding transitions and powerful, engine-revving scenes. In her interview here, Mary Jane will encourage anyone who has loved and lost and how to be strong no matter what direction your life takes:

Katherine Appelo is an Italian-American poet, blogger and songwriter.  Her passion is to help others make a positive impact by using their talents even when they may be physically suffering from chronic illness. Many people find it difficult to be productive when they live in chronic pain, especially from fibromyalgia.  Katherine shares how to 'give back' when life seems to be crashing around you. She shows us how to heal during times when circumstances may be out of our control.  On her website, Katherine Appelo Inspiration, she gives samples of her poetry and songs to inspire, coach and reflect on life.   You will enjoy her interview.  

Dr. Joanne Lefebvre is a veterinarian promoting intuitive medicine.  Dr. Joanne's first book, "Animal Teachings from Hayley's Angel's Methods" is a guide for better living for both animals and humans.  During her years of practice, she helped over 10,000 pets when it was their time to pass.   She created a very successful in-home end of life care/euthanasia service and, sadly, became a prisoner of it.  The stress involved with watching so much anguish and suffering was overwhelming.  She fired herself and closed down the service.  She moved across the country to regain her balance and save her life -- the hardest challenge she ever faced.   Dr. Joanne explains what animals teach us and how to live our lives as they do.  She shares these lessons in her book and in her interview:

Deborah (Deb) Brandon, PH.D., is a brain injury survivor.  She is also a professor in the Mathematical Sciences Department at Carnegie Mellow University.  Deb has raised awareness of and improved understanding of brain injury.   Deb is an award-winning author of two books:  But My Brain Had Other Ideas:  A Memoir of Recovery from Brain Injury and Threads Around the World: From Arabian Weaving to Batik in Zimbabwe." Deb's sheer stubbornness and determination got her through one of the greatest challenges anyone has ever encountered.  In her interview, she shares her secrets on how to realize your gains instead of your losses through any adversity. When Deb Brandon discovered that cavernous angiomas―tangles of malformed blood vessels in her brain―were behind the terrifying symptoms she'd been experiencing, she underwent one brain surgery. And then another. And then another. And that was just the beginning. Unlike other memoirs that focus on injury crisis and acute recovery, But My Brain Had Other Ideas follows Brandon’s story all the way through to long-term recovery, revealing without sugarcoating or sentimentality Brandon’s struggles―and ultimate triumph.

Maureen Scanlon is the founder and CEO of Maureen Scanlon Life Coaching. She is a relationship expert, motivational speaker, and positive change integrator who has successfully helped people make positive changes to overcome past experiences and negative thinking. Most people go through their daily routines oblivious to the beauty of life and others around them. They often do not realize the impact they have on the world -- and miss out on so much.  Maureen was in an abusive marriage to an alcoholic. While her young daughters were asleep in the next room, her ex-husband tried to strangle her. As she was starting to blackout, she realized she HAD to survive because no one could care for or love her babies as she did. It gave her the strength she needed to turn the situation around by inner strength. Maureen has lived the pain of having to admit her daughter to a mental health institution when she was suicidal and fighting drug addiction. This made Maureen feel like a total failure as a mother. Yet, through these experiences, she has learned coping skills that she can now share as a Life Coach. Her faith, stubbornness, and sheer determination helped her to realize that she was the only one who could change the circumstances of her life. This is when she recognized the ability her pet had to live life at the moment.  If you like dogs, know a dog, love a dog, wish you could think like a dog, you MUST listen to this interview.  You will thoroughly enjoy and relate.

Patricia Eagle was thirteen when the sexual relationship with her father - a relationship that began when she was four years old -- ended. Patricia's journey is one of courage and hope as she finds the strength to see what was unseeable - and finally speaks the unspeakable to help herself and others. For Patricia, shame became too great a burden. Not speaking up added to that weight. Sexual abuse is so prevalent - so many abused children, so many perpetrators injured in some way that leads them to inflict injury - and all this in our big world of secrets. How can anyone get help when we don't talk about this? Patricia decided to step into that pool of courageous survivors who have told their story. She believes that continuing to stay silent would have killed her. In Patricia's interview, she addresses the questions many people have regarding the sexual abuse of children. Have attitudes about addressing childhood sexual abuse changed? What can we do to erase the stigmas about openly discussing these issues? How can we protect children from sexual abuse? Are there signs to watch out for? How can our culture help perpetrators understand the harm they cause and get the help they need?  Childhood sexual abuse survivors are at a greater risk of PTSD, depression and other mental health issues. How did your experiences with this affect your life?    

Tina Yaeger is an author, podcast host, licensed counselor, life coach, and a speaker with a passion for encouragement.   Tina teaches how to bust through common lies women believe and how to counter falsehoods.  A self-image makeover helps women identify the issues which handicap them and how to recognize and refute negative self-talk.  She will help you unlock the secrets to mental strength and to recognize common habits that can be toxic. Tina is 'wired' as an encourager and is passionate about helping others who struggle with low self-worth.  As a young teenager, she felt unlovable which led to an eating disorder that lasted into her college years.  During her third year of college, still in the grip of the eating disorder, she was assaulted and has vivid memories of shuffling along the gutter, leading for death after this attack.  In her interview she discusses:  the key ways to identify a lie specific lies about femininity and significance how to counter falsehoods

Darrick T. Miller Jr. is an author and motivational speaker who is reaching his generation -- black male and female millennials. His books are written with a two-fold purpose. First to inspire hope and faith to a generation of men and women who feel there is little hope for them. And, secondly, to anyone who wants to understand and relate with millennials. No matter what your age or race, Darrick has tremendous insight and passion to help others. His message: DARE TO BE YOU! and Do NOT allow circumstances to change you. Each of us can benefit from Darrick's books and this interview. Darrick's books are designed to guide and direct you as well as ignite your dreams despite any negative circumstances, age, or race. He discusses subjects that are taboo in many circles - but desperately need to be shared. Darrick believes that each of us has a message that can make an impact. All we need to do is find our gifts and calling.