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Opening The Gate - Hosted by Felicia Brown

Opening The Gate - Hosted by Felicia Brown

By Felicia Brown

A Podcast about clearing the path for good things to flow into your life and from you back out into the world. Let's grow the flow - together!
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Running for thr Win and Loss

Opening The Gate - Hosted by Felicia BrownMay 08, 2022

00:00
08:19
Perfect Timing

Perfect Timing

Sometimes it seems nothing is going right, until you see it was actually all in perfect timing.
Jul 24, 202209:43
Let Go of Expectations

Let Go of Expectations

Wisdom and insight often come to me during or after a run. "Let go of expectations to find your true power" was a recent piece of wisdom and couldn't have come at a better time.
Jul 08, 202206:08
Everything All At Once

Everything All At Once

Do you know an empath? I did, without knowing it, until I realized I was one too.
Jul 03, 202205:42
Deadlines

Deadlines

Having deadlines and due dates keeps many of us on track with work tasks and to do lists, but how often do we set deadlines for getting the fun, satisfying things in life accomplished? A few thoughts from today.
May 24, 202207:16
Toxic positivity?
May 19, 202204:56
Why I Celebrate the Day After Mother's Day

Why I Celebrate the Day After Mother's Day

Mother's Day is tough for me, not because my mom is gone from my life, but also because she was in it. Part of my healing comes from sharing my story: part from hearing those of others. This episode was inspired by one of those stories which you can find here:https://www.huffpost.com/entry/reconnect-estranged-child-parent_n_62713e5ce4b050c90f44fa94
May 11, 202209:35
Running for thr Win and Loss

Running for thr Win and Loss

Today I ran to shed the pain of loss and thought about what winning can mean.
May 08, 202208:19
Pausing In Love

Pausing In Love

It is so tempting to debate others on social media about political topics or social issues. And sometimes I have. At other times, I've chosen a different path as I share here.
May 05, 202204:37
Finding the Sparkle

Finding the Sparkle

One's environment can change the experience we have of ourselves and our situation.
May 04, 202206:22
A Pocket Full of Kindness

A Pocket Full of Kindness

Travel delays do not bring out the best in people. Which is why I carry some some special tools with me to give people a boost.
Apr 22, 202208:54
Choices

Choices

No matter the situation, we always have choices.
Apr 18, 202208:48
Sharing Joy and Gratitude Along the Way

Sharing Joy and Gratitude Along the Way

Speaking at conferences gives me opportunities to visit family and back to familiar places to share my knowledge with other professionals. But sometimes the biggest impact I make and feel is from those I meet along the way.
Apr 16, 202208:28
A Year to Happen, Laugh and Love

A Year to Happen, Laugh and Love

I love Facebook memories because they are like a journal of sorts that pops up for me to inspect every day and see who and where I was on this day a year– or maybe ten years ago. Sometimes it helps remember fun moments and at others it lets me see how I was growing or inspired. This week I’ve been reminded of some important life lessons I feel are important to share. Here’s one…

Apr 09, 202206:53
Filling Up the Bucket

Filling Up the Bucket

I often get inspiration during my morning runs. "By running up the hill that makes me cry, by pushing myself to keep going, by making time to write and share this experience, I am filling up my bucket and strengthening it to told more. By doing things I love TODAY I am emptying my mind of potential regrets, and making space for the energy and care of my  mind, body and spirit."


Listen for more.

Apr 04, 202207:52
Today

Today

As I headed to bed I felt called to share these words with "someone" who needed to hear them. Maybe it is you!
Apr 01, 202205:46
The March of Hope

The March of Hope

Today's podcast came from something I originally wrote in March of 2020. Though  I made a few tiny adjustments to make it current, it still rings true. I hope it gives you hope for the rest of March and onward.

Mar 28, 202211:19
Divine Gratitude

Divine Gratitude

Gratitude is something I speak and write about a lot. Saying thank you in and of itself can be a simple and ongoing prayer - and one that is transformative. A quick idea on how to turn gratitude into something deeper.

Mar 24, 202205:37
Seeing "Friends" Through the Lens of Love

Seeing "Friends" Through the Lens of Love

Why are we "friends" with people on social media with those who we are not really actual friends with? Some random thoughts I had as I recovered from a routine medical procedure.

Mar 23, 202209:28
"Have to" vs. "Get To"

"Have to" vs. "Get To"

Apologies for being absent for a couple weeks. I've gotten to do a lot of other things lately - just a few too many - but something had to give. I really love doing podcasts though and am excited to be back.

Mar 22, 202206:26
Doing What is Right Vs. Doing What is Right for You
Mar 10, 202207:59
Finishing Unfinished Business with Forgiveness
Mar 07, 202208:34
Seeds of Hope

Seeds of Hope

Sunflowers brighten my mood and remind me to stay focused on the warmth and goodness in the world. Ukrainians believe that these flowers look towards the sky looking for hope and well-being, while at night they lower their heads to reflect on their lives. For me, sunflowers will always signify the strength and bravery of one woman, of the Ukrainian people, and of others who have spoken out against the conflict, even when doing so may threaten their existence. To me, sunflowers will always be about standing up and sharing warmth and goodness in spite of the darkness.

Full article on Ukrainian National Flower

Video link (don't watch if triggered by profanity, guns, camo or the conflict in general)

***

In an effort to share my own seeds of hope and help others find light in the darkness, I have partnered with Amazon to give away the ebook/Kindle versions of The Sunflower Princess and Sunflower Wisdom FOR FREE from Monday February 28th through Friday March 4th. This offer is available through Amazon only and the direct links are available in the show notes. You can also do a search on Amazon with my name, Felicia Brown, and the titles The Sunflower Princess or  Sunflower Wisdom.

While you’re there please remember to check out my newest book, SCARS to SCARS Stories of Vulnerability, Resilience, and Overcoming Adversity, – a collaborative anthology with 19 other authors. We each share our stories of overcoming adversity with the intent to give hope to anyone struggling while increasing awareness of mental health issues and helping prevent suicide. Proceeds benefit The Realize Foundation. Learn more at Realize foundation dot org. Thank you for sharing your light, hope and support.

The Sunflower Princess (ebook/Kindle version) on Amazon

Sunflower Wisdom (ebook/kindle version) on Amazon

SCARS to STARS on Amazon 

The Realize Foundation

Feb 28, 202206:52
Breaking Through the Window of All or Nothing Thinking
Feb 24, 202207:40
Out of Crisis, Chaos and Scars, Stars are Born

Out of Crisis, Chaos and Scars, Stars are Born

Though I probably wouldn’t choose to re-experience any of my darkest days, I am a believer that every challenge or problem we encounter may be used to spark or inspire a “great endeavor.”

Learning to see crisis and chaos as creative and benevolent forces is not always easy. In fact, when the world feels like it’s spinning out of control, this perspective may seem completely out of reach. If you’d asked me in the heart of the pandemic or other difficult times, I might not have been able to grasp onto it either. However, over time I’ve learned again and again, dark moments will eventually pass, cuts and bruises will heal, and the sun will once again shine through.


The collaborative anthology, "SCARS to STARS: Stories of Vulnerability, Resilience, and Overcoming Adversity" is available today on Amazon.com. The organization benefitting from the book - The Realize Foundation - is focused on creating community and conversations about mental health awareness and suicide prevention. The book’s authors – including yours truly -  are sharing our stories to support the foundation and bring hope to those dealing with personal challenges and adversity of all kinds.

The Dream Team Ducks and I are very proud to be a part of this book. To learn more about my story and the other authors, visit www.realizefoundation.org for our FREE online book launch today, 2-22-22 at 8 AM PST/11 AM EST and to get the replay after the launch. You can also visit the link in the show notes to buy the book or at access an interview with me discussing my chapter.  Thank you so much for sharing this information with anyone who has experienced mental health challenges or been affected by suicide. If that person is you, know you are not alone and there is hope just a few pages away.

Buy the book!

Watch my interview

Feb 22, 202208:16
Sometimes Just Showing Up Equals Success

Sometimes Just Showing Up Equals Success

Being willing to show up and do your best, regardless of the outcome or "place" you achieve - or the possible failure you might experience - makes you achieve success more often than you might know.

Feb 21, 202208:00
Build Bridges Instead of Burning Them

Build Bridges Instead of Burning Them

In a former life, I used to be someone who burned bridges. However, this practice rarely brought me the results I wanted in the short-term and made for some difficult navigation in the future.  A few thoughts on how to build bridges instead of burning them.

Feb 14, 202208:46
Posing, Exposing, and Composing My Way to Joy
Feb 06, 202208:29
From Stepping Off the World to Staying In It

From Stepping Off the World to Staying In It

While taking in the news that the former Miss USA, Cheslie Kryst, had taken her own life, II came across some other comments and remarks of disbelief which left me speechless. Treating someone with kindness and  reaching out with support is more important than ever before. (Note: The episode mistakenly refers to Cheslie as Miss Universe. She was a competitor but did not win the title of Miss Universe.)

We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. Visit
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ or call 800-273-8255 for more information.

OTHER ARTICLES & RESOURCES

Gracie Gold – Olympian

Kate Spade - designer

Michael Phelps

Celebrity Mental Health Awareness

Prince William talks about suicide 

Female celebrities raise awareness for mental health

SCARS TO STARS - focused on mental health awareness and suicide prevention

I'm really honored to be part of a new book - SCARS to Stars - which is being released February 22nd. Though The Dream Team Ducks and I provide a bit of comic relief, our journey together began at a very difficult time.

Scars to Stars is a collection of 20 very personal stories of overcoming situations in life that touch all of us in different ways. The purpose of our vulnerability and authenticity is to meet you in your lowest of lows so you know you are not alone.

Proceeds from the book will benefit The Realize Foundation. We believe that conversation and community can reduce the suicide statistics and help people live healthy productive lives!

Join us for the official book launch on Feb 22 - online and FREE - and stay tuned for details about how to get your copy.

Feb 02, 202210:41
From Wall Flower to Will Flower
Jan 31, 202206:23
Ask the Right Question & the Answer Will Come
Jan 27, 202207:04
If Not Now, When?

If Not Now, When?

Several years ago, I had a uncomfortably close brush with death which pushed me from having an “I’ll do it someday” mindset to one of “If not now, when?” Since that dark and dangerous night, the phrase “if not now, when?” has pushed me through some tough moments in training, business and life. We all have them – the days when we don’t want to keep going – or even start and I've learned to follow through on the opportunities which won’t be there later whenever possible. 



Jan 24, 202206:53
Stepping Back to Leap Ahead

Stepping Back to Leap Ahead

Since the start of the pandemic, I‘ve gone through some major life changes which gave me room to jump into some new adventures. But as in much of life, things don't always go the way you think they will. But it's ok to step back before you leap ahead!

You can read the transcript for this podcast on my blog at https://www.feliciabrown.com/blog/stepping-back-to-leap-forward

Jan 21, 202209:28
Shower Power

Shower Power

When you live in the country and have a well, no power can equal no shower. When faced with the possibility of losing both during a winter storm, I decided to take quick action so I'd have no regrets.


Jan 18, 202207:16
Finding My Light by Fixing the Switch
Jan 16, 202207:37
Get Busy to Get Better

Get Busy to Get Better

A few weeks ago, I saw a book titled “When I Got Busy, I got Better.” I laughed at the title for a moment, because I've been good at being busy for a long time. Or was. But of late I've learned too much downtime can lead to me feeling down - and I decided it was time to make a change. 


Jan 14, 202206:04
Getting The Lift I Need

Getting The Lift I Need

Many years ago, I was in a yearlong leadership development program for executives and business owners which introduced us to new areas, cultures and programs in our city. One spring day we were given the assignment to spend the day role playing - mine was being someone who was wheelchair bound. The experience I had was eye-opening and "uplifting: in ways I did not expect.

By the way,  this episode was inspired by a recent story shared on Facebook by my colleague, Irene Diamond. Her experience is her own to tell, but if you want to learn more about Irene, you can visit https://www.thediamondmethod.com/ and https://www.irenediamond.com/programs/. 

Jan 10, 202207:50
Stumbling is the Point

Stumbling is the Point

Being perfect - or trying to be - is a problem because it's just not possible. Sharing one of my many opportunities for letting go of the need to pretend I'm perfect by making mistakes and telling others about them. 

Jan 07, 202205:51
Giving Back and Letting Love Flow

Giving Back and Letting Love Flow

This podcast was brought into existence, finally, because of my desire to break through the isolation, anxiety and depression I’ve been feeling - and to reconnect with life. I know it’s time to get back into the flow of positive energy, inspiration, creativity and love. That’s where I know I belong but it has felt just slightly out of reach for too long. I know I’m not the only one feeling this way and I am feeling a pull to make changes that will help me get back to helping others.


Jan 06, 202213:40
I Want My Two Dollars

I Want My Two Dollars

It’s the time of year, when folks are setting goals, making resolutions, and taking steps to change or improve their lives. After seeing a simple challenge on Facebook encouraging folks to start building a nest egg, my husband and I talked about doing the challenge together. How the idea of making a new $2 investment affected me was surprising.

The quote I reference in this episode was from Jim Rohn, who authored countless books and audio and video programs, and influenced a generation of personal-development trainers and executives from America’s top corporations. Learn more about him and his work here: https://www.jimrohn.com/

Jan 03, 202205:21
Racing Rubber Ducks and Getting Back to Ready, Fire Aim

Racing Rubber Ducks and Getting Back to Ready, Fire Aim

If you've been paying attend to my classes, articles, websites or social media posts over the last couple years, you know that rubber ducks are "a thing" in my life. Besides being cute and fun, they have been some good helpers in keeping me smiling, staying present and taking action NOW. They are also a key to helping me revive a business philosophy I followed for years of "Ready, Fire, Aim." 

There's a great reminder of this idea in the book, "The Slight Edge" by Jeff Olson which I briefly talk about. The book is available on Amazon (of course) and other places. Check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Slight-Edge-Turning-Disciplines-Happiness/dp/1626340463

Jan 02, 202210:39
Opening the Gate - An Invitation to Grow with the Flow

Opening the Gate - An Invitation to Grow with the Flow

As someone who always used to be the person with something to say, an insight, story or helpful piece of advice, I’ve found of late that I’ve lost some of my voice. Well maybe not lost it but put it away for a bit to be still, quite and to listen. While being still and silent is often a restorative measure for me, too much of a good thing is the opposite.

Today I'm taking a step to nourish myself in another way - by reaching out, giving back and testing my first podcast. Join me for Opening the Gate, a new and evolving podcast, to explore ideas and stories for opening your mind, heart and spirit. Let’s grow the flow of good things into our lives – and from us back into the world, together.

It seems like the perfect way to wrap up one year and get ready for the new one. I hope you agree and enjoy this tiny preview of Opening the Gate.

Felicia

Check out the podcast that inspired me to get started: Optimal Daily Living with Justin Malik at https://oldpodcast.com/

Jan 01, 202208:23
December 31, 2021

December 31, 2021

Dec 31, 202100:35