
Celebrate the Struggle
By Jennifer Hobbs

Celebrate the StruggleApr 27, 2023

"I couldn't keep the mask on any longer. I had to get on a mission of self-care." -Scott Grotbo

Celebrate the Struggle with Author Emily Jacobs, Author of "Live Your Life For You, Not Your Mom"
Emily joins me on Celebrate the Struggle today as she shares how her journey unexpectedly changed her plans for the future. After 20 years working as a nurse, Emily's path shifted to coaching others in areas of health and wellness. As a child, Emily learned a lot of tools from her relationship with her mother. Those tools were necessary for her to recognize the toxicity, guilt, and bullying her mother was inflicting on her. As Emily began her journey as a Transformational Health & Wellness Coach, she started to recognize similarities in other women's lives and stories that looked a lot like her memories and experiences. Identifying that there were many other women that had experienced similar toxic relationships, she continued to hear others encourage her to write a book about her experiences and the tools she gained from it. Read all about it in her newly published book, Live Your LIfe For You, Not Your Mom.
Check out this podcast on Youtube: https://youtu.be/EqeofEad9lE
Website: www.dremilyjacobs.com
Email: Emily@dremilyjacobs.com
Instagram @dremilyjacobs
Link for exclusive book info - sign up https://www.dremilyjacobs.com/signup
FB group - Live Your Life For You

Retrain your brain: Jennifer & Del Saam chat about anger
Del Saam joins me again on Celebrate the Struggle to chat about the affects of PTS and how it can resonate in the form of anger. Anger is a common characteristic in individuals who struggle with the affects of trauma. Del tells us about his journey to work on learning new tools to reshape our thinking and our actions.

"It took me eight years to learn how to sleep." - Del Saam discusses the post traumatic growth journey.
Del Saam joins me today on Celebrate the Struggle to discuss how his struggles with post traumatic stress have led him on a journey of healing. The journey continues as Del, an Army Veteran, now dedicates his life to serving others as he continues on. his post traumatic growth journey. Del is a Mentor Coordinator for Veterans Treatment Court, a Nation-wide program working to help veterans actually treat the issues that have caused problems resulting in consequences from the criminal justice system.
After three deployments, Del didn't exactly recognize the affects that PTS until his anger resulted in a domestic violence charge. It was then, that the invisible wounds started to become present through Del's eyes. Del talks about different programs and resources he has tapped into that have since helped him to learn how to sleep and find the right combination of strategies to help him.
https://justiceforvets.org/what-is-a-veterans-treatment-court/
https://www.moraineviewretreat.org/
https://strengthathome.org/

October 6th Cawvey Day
Cawvey Day is a day that we remember our fallen sister and NUMBER 2, Jessica Cawvey. We love you Cawvster!

"Sharing my story has helped me to heal." -Jill Riley
Jilly Riley joins me today on Celebrate the Struggle to share her story. Abandoned twice in two different countries, the trauma started at a young age. Jill learned how to put on a face that wouldn't allow others to know what was really going on in her life. After being adopted, her adoptive father molested her and her sister. Meanwhile, Jill's mother was dealing with her own struggles that resulted in vicious physical abuse even to the point where Jill would have to check her clothing to make sure blood wasn't showing through her shirt for others to see. After years of masking the trauma, Jill's life comes to its breaking point. Sharing her story has helped her on her healing journey and continues to keep her going. She continues to share her message and help others as well on her podcast Post Traumatic Faith.
www.jillriley.com
jill@jillriley.org
To check this interview out on Youtube just visit https://youtu.be/TmMeFNp6XPY

Don't be your biggest adversary!
What are the things in your life that hold you back the most? What self-limiting beliefs to you carry with you that you haven't even identified that you are hanging on to them? For me, I am my biggest adversary. I am the one that I battle with the most to get out of my head. I see that. I know that. I'm going to continue doing something about it! What about you?

Legacies live on. RIP Steve Cole

Be stronger than your inner critic!
"I suffered from a lifetime of PTSD, depression, and anxiety. At my lowest point, I had the courage to take that first tiny step on my healing journey. Please know you are not alone. You can heal, experience post-traumatic growth, have more peace and calm in your life, and live a lit-up, soulFULL life!"- Jennifer "Taz" Vazquez
View this interview on YouTube: youtu.be/PCpFcNmLChk
Taz's Cell: 360-591-9256
Email: dancingdogs2@hotmail.com
Calendly: calendly.com/tazvazquez
Website: tazvazquez.com
Facebook: Jennifer Vazquez
www.facebook.com/jennifer.chandler.10
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jennifer-vazquez-9a358a39

Relapsing from a bad habit doesn't mean you failed and have to return to it.
Air Force and Army Veteran, Cory Schidler, joins me on Celebrate the Struggle today. After two decades serving in the military Cory now continues to serve others as a Behavior Change Health Coach. Cory is the owner of Core Fitness AZ. After getting the courage to open up his own gym, Cory was deployed which left his wife and father-in-law to "hold down the fort" at his new gym.
After he returned from deployment Cory had to dig himself out of a hole, but he didn't quit! He persevered and continues to help others through coaching using the trans-theoretical model of change approach. Cory discusses how he believes one of the most important stages in this process is "relapse". For most of us, it is going to happen. Failure does not mean you quit. "Give yourself grace if you relapse rather than just returning to the bad habit for a lifetime."- Cory Schidler
Check out the interview on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/4OY5USPXmPI
https://instagram.com/coryschidler
https://www.facebook.com/cory.schidler
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwq3IYvZEAKRQd-cdIUNIZA

"Figure out what you are passionate about and make a plan."- Jeremy Wells
Jeremy Wells joins me on Celebrate the Struggle today to chat about his journey to becoming a business owner of Wells Firearms & Training. Wells is an Army Veteran whose passion for weapons and teaching others has led him down a path to doing just that. Wells educates others on firearms safety, but also continues to prioritize ongoing learning himself. He has created a business in the community that brings people together. A place where people can connect and share that camaraderie. One thing that Wells says he always wants to make a priority is keeping that human connection with his clients. Check out his story! https://youtu.be/2n1wij1zxS8
https://www.facebook.com/wellsfirearms
http://wellsfirearms.com/?fbclid=IwAR0yrcwphq76ujQg_qClyPgwxBmVErTTUC2S22IOl8IxcnuXGwCrIfymz-g
wellsfirearms@gmail.com

What is post traumatic growth?
I think by now we have all heard the term "post traumatic stress disorder" or PTSD, but have you heard about post traumatic growth? Post traumatic growth is the journey that one can take after trauma that comes to them. To connect with me more about this or my podcast Celebrate the Struggle just visit www.thejenniferhobbs.com or email me at jennifer@thejenniferhobbs.com Be sure to subscribe if you want to hear more!
Check it out on my YouTube Channel https://youtu.be/k3P6oMCGdBo

Stick it out with me!

Make Self-Care a Priority

Life is not linear
Life is not linear. It is full of ups and downs. I encourage you to focus on the strength that got you to where you are today rather than your shortcomings. I challenge you to not focus on other's shortcomings all the time. "It is not so difficult to develop a loving attitude toward yourself and others. Rather than searching for shortcomings, love watches for any sign of light and strength. It sees how far each one has come, not how far he has to go." EDGE Keynote

Where are you going?

Celebrate the Struggle with Jared Diehl: Living to Thrive Rather than Survive
At twenty-two Jared Diehl was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and joins me today to share about how he has not allowed his struggles to keep him from making an impact in this world. Jared shares about his suicidal ideations and his attempt to take his life which left him in a coma. Seven days later he woke up. After five months in recovery, he couldn't figure out why he was still sad even after SURVIVING a suicide attempt. Jared's journey goes on as he works through the processes that come with life's challenges and learning more about mental health. He is not now working to use his struggles to make an impact in this world, sharing his voice and getting involved in other organizations. Check out his blog and podcast LOUDER NOW to learn more about his journey and what he has learned. I admire you Jared! Keep up the good work and thank you for coming on to get comfortable with the uncomfortable.
Check out this interview on YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/AVUkr5yqEC4
Jared's Blog: https://loudernow150982498.wordpress.com/blog/ Louder Now Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jared-diehl-the-louder-now-podcast/id1454818946

Give yourself some grace. You’re doing great!

Off on a tangent with the Wildman

Once a Marine always a Marine
Anthony joins me on the show today to chat about growing up as a military brat, then on to becoming a Veteran himself. We chat about his perseverance as he juggles being a full-time student, working part-time, and caring for a new baby.

Be Vulnerable

Finish this sentence...fun with Perry the Wildman
Trivia time with Perry the Wildman. Listen as he is put on the spot and expected to finish the sentence.

It is not the critic who counts. - Theodore Roosevelt
Criticism can be constructive at times. It can push us to be and do better. Unfortunately, criticism can also have the opposite effect. It can break us down and bring on a negative self-image. Remember, "it is not the critic who counts." - Theodore Roosevelt

Find your power within!
Tuesday reflection was so needed for me. I must find it within me to overcome the frustrating times. I will be grateful and not angry! I will be positive and not negative! I will find the power within me to be resilient. I WILL!

Dr. Ann James tells us about how her WHY helped her find her purpose to help others find financial confidence and freedom.
My finance battle buddy, Dr. Ann James, joins me today on Celebrate the Struggle to chat about how her WHY led her to helping military veterans reclaim their confidence in managing their finances. There was a time when Ann was not in the position to care for her daughter financially, or at least, she wasn't sure. With that drive to self educate herself on how to obtain and sustain financially freedom, she fell in love with numbers. After 21 years in the military, Ann now dedicates her career to her passion helping veterans with their financial wellness.
For more information about Dr. Ann James or to schedule a free 15 minute money chat visit: https://linktr.ee/drannjames?fbclid=IwAR2LDtsLRxH11gEl0GJQM4T293QptE7KbfSvBsQzNXdkrl3vAYlFpGbtpC0
To check out this interview on YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/fGUrnlRJ_Y8

Four Types of Symptoms of PTSD
We chatted last week about post traumatic stress disorder and who has it. Recently when I was doing research on PTSD, I read in a book called Ghosts Within: Journeying Through PTSD by Gary Leech. In there, Leech writes about how PTSD results in a person exhibiting "disruptive physical reactions in the present" in the form of four types of symptoms. Perry the Wildman joins me today to identify those four types.

Tuesday Reflection: Be okay with being uncomfortable!

Air Force Veteran & Author, Doug Berry, finds inspiration in his own backyard.
Check out this show on YouTube: youtu.be/tf2VUoC6Lc8
Www.jasper-n-friends.com
www.zazzle.com/s/jasper_n_friends
www.facebook.com/JaspersRabbitAdventures/

What is PTSD and who has it?

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” -Ghandi

Joey Richardson Author of the Burning Storm Series
Joey Richardson joins me on Celebrate the Struggle today as we chat about his journey and finding his purpose and passion as a writer, father, and husband. As a fourth-generation soldier, Joey isn't the first in his family to serve his country with pride. We chat about how the transition to civilian life was a difficult one, but the blessing of his child has since shown him exactly why he is here on this Earth.
Check out this interview on Youtube: https://youtu.be/VzQZwRMd8og
Burning Storm Series:
Twitter: jarsoldier1985
Instagram: joey.richardson.7
https://m.facebook.com/Zichelle-Mixed-Martial-Arts-and-Fitness-303334853945579/
Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!
#grateful #veteranpodcaster #veteranshelpingveterans #veteransupport #celebratethestrugglepodcast #gettingcomfortablewiththeuncomfortable

Santa or Stalin Part 2
Today the Wildman and Jennifer take it from where they left off last week chatting about Santa or Stalin. In case you missed last week's, be sure to check it out so you know what we are talking about. It is all about growth and identifying who we DO NOT want to be in those impulsive moments of reaction. Be better, do better!

Vietnam War Remembrance Day
Thank you to all Vietnam Veterans! Your sacrifice was one that NONE of us will ever be able to understand.

"You are the only person that will be there for yourself 100% of the time." -Dylan Sessler
"You are the only person that will be there for yourself 100% of the time." This is a lesson that Dylan learned as he started to "master his words". He is now the author of Defy the Darkness and the host of The Dylan Experience podcast where he makes space to discuss these life lessons he has learned and use them to help others on their journey.
Check out this video on YouTube: youtu.be/MWl1v3btzOc
join.dylansessler.com/5
To order Defy the Darkness: Dylan Sessler

Santa or Stalin?
For someone who suffers from PTSD, sometimes the response to a stimulus is not EXACTLY appropriate. Today Perry the Wildman and I chat about how this looks in our lives. You never know who you are going to get, Santa or Stalin. Stay tuned for more on this topic next week.

Self-talk reflection time

A Marine Mother's Perspective with Shari Kuhlman
Shari Kuhlman, a proud Marine momma, joins me on Celebrate the Struggle today to chat about her desire to help her soldier and others the best way that she can. After her son enlisted into the Marines two years ago, she immediately started brainstorming ways to help on the home front. She then decided to start her own nonprofit organization Veterans Honor Walk. She and her husband, Chris, work to find veterans in need or other veteran nonprofits that she can help. She then organizes and hosts fundraising events to raise money for those in need.
"You got to have a support system. Reach out to others around you." Shari's advice is so valuable and oh so necessary for us all. She is clearly working hard to reach out to others for herself, but also to continue creating a community of support. How admirable! You rock Shari!
Check out Veterans Honor Walk on Facebook: (2) Veterans Honor Walk | Facebook
Romans Warrior Foundation: (2) Romans Warrior Foundation | Facebook
Road Home Program: roadhomeprogram.org
Veterans of Log Base Seitz: vlbs1544.org
Check out Episode 32 to hear more about Marine Michael Gasperini working hard like Shari to give back. (3) Michael Gasperini | Facebook

Vietnam Veterans WELCOME HOME

PTSD and the Brain

Wisdom Wednesday thanks to ol' Teddy Roosevelt

Tuesday Reflection: Shame Gremlins
I am listening to Brene Brown's The Power of Vulnerability on Audible. She is so insightful and pretty witty folks! You should check her out.
Today I chat a little bit about her teachings of the shame gremlins and how to overcome them!

"I am still on my road to recovery." Jason McCormick
Jason McCormick joins me on Celebrate the Struggle today with powerful words that each one of us need to hear. As we chat about his military career, the struggles with transition, and having empathy for others, he shares with us how he use to lack compassion. "If the Army wanted me to have feelings, they would have issued them. Things have changed for Jason on his road to recovery and his journey has led him to discover how giving back can be so self-fulfilling. "That is how we help to lower suicide, by having veterans that are willing to care and put themselves out there."
Check this interview out on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CVY-FaFj6vs
Resources Jason mentions and recommends:
Marcus Institute for Brain Health https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/mibh
Warrior Reunion Foundation https://www.warriorreunionfoundation.org/
Jason's Book Recommendation: Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior by Charles W. Hoge

Fun Facts with Perry the Wildman
Today we change it up a bit and enjoy a fun interview with Perry the Wildman about a few of his military likes and dislikes.

Tuesday Reflection on Self-Truths vs Self-Lies
I highly encourage you to take sometime after listening to this episode to recognize your self-truths vs self-lies.

"If family is not number one, my priorities are all out of whack." Great insight from Keith McKeever the host of Battle Buddy Podcast
www.facebook.com/battlebuddypodcast/
www.instagram.com/battlebuddypodcast/
Check out this interview on YouTube: youtu.be/6nzDzhJ1NiI

First world problems and some positivity on the CRAZY TRAIN!

Bringing in March with the Wildman
Perry the Wildman chats about the continuing process of filing a claim and his triggering appointment he had this week. We got your 6 Perry! Love ya Battle!

Tuesday reflection on the Crazy Train- Enjoy
An amazing quote from the book The Unspeakable Mind: Stories of Trauma and Healing From the Frontlines of PTSD Science.

After 30 years in the Marine Corps, Michael continues to serve through his community and passion to help and bring awareness.
Michael Gasperini joins me on Celebrate the Struggle today. A proud Marine veteran, married to a Marine veteran, served over thirty years in the service and has since focused that passion for service to giving back. Michael and his wife volunteer for a number of organizations to help support veterans and their family members, as well as other needs and initiatives in their community. "I was blessed to come back from many different things. Now my mission is to give back to our communities and those that may need our assistance."-Michael Gasperini
Michael shares about a buddy of his, Brian Romans that started the Roman's Warrior Foundation and is the curator of the Global War on Terror Wall of Remembrance that travels around to different communities to honor and reflect those soldiers that are not forgotten. The wall will be coming to Black Diamond Harley Davidson in Marion Illinois. The wall will be erected on Friday, April 29th. Others are welcome to volunteer to assemble the 120 foot wall. The dedication of the wall will be on Saturday as well as a motorcycle ride. For more information, visit Romans Warriors Foundation https://www.facebook.com/RWFRetreat
Check out this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/uhh1tohVwNg
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/michael.gasperini.969
Global War on Terrorism Wall of Remembrance https://www.facebook.com/RWFRetreat
Veterans Honor Walk https://www.facebook.com/veteranshonorwalk
Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association https://www.facebook.com/CVMA245
Stop 22 Tour https://www.facebook.com/stop22tour
LCpl J Kyle Price Memorial Foundation https://www.facebook.com/jkpmemorialfoundation
Hunter HD Hogan Foundation https://www.facebook.com/circlehdrodeo
