From homeless youth to flourishing man, Carlos Ricard talks with us about his journey from an immigrant who grew up as a gang member and spent time in prison to the celebrated author and motivational speaker that he is today.  Along the way he resided at Wellspring House, a shelter for unhoused families where he received the unconditional love and support that opened his eyes to new possibilities.  We discuss Carlos’ book, “The Resurrection Plant, Your Pain Is Your Path To Greatness” which goes into detail about his evolution and how it resulted in his 8-step plan for anyone … from a kid in the hood to a CEO … to turn their suffering into stepping stones on their path to greatness. Message Us!carolsricard.com

This stage of development, ego integrity and despair, continues into our final years.  A chapter of life often filled with reflection, your view and frame of reference can change with age. When satisfied with your life, you age with grace, pride, and a willingness to share your wisdom. However, if you do not look back with a sense of accomplishment, despair and regrets may develop. Having a strong social support system can soften those feelings.  In this episode we speak with nonagenarian, Rosemary Haughton, and octogenarian, Nancy Schwoyer, who graciously share their wisdom with our listeners. Nancy and Rosemary tell a beautiful story about Carlos Ricard, our guest in another episode. Click here to learn how profoundly Nancy and Rosemary influenced his life... Dig Deeper: How can you navigate difficult age-related changes?  How do you continue painting with arthritic hands?  How do you cultivate new relationships while losing life-long friends? When you can no longer walk on the beach, how do you get your dose of sea air? How do you stand in your sense of agency when it may feel like it’s slipping through your fingers?       Message Us!Worksheet: Coming Soon... The worksheet could offer a list of situations that might change with age... opening a pill bottle, moving in with a child, a loss of mobility or cognition... and an opportunity for reflection.

The changes that happen in a life between ages 40 and 65 know no bounds ... personal, professional, familiar, physical, and financial, to name a few.  The challenges that come with each can also feel boundless.  With awareness, intention, and support, a person can move through this stage sidestepping stagnation and step into generativity, leaving a positive mark on the world and contributing to the wellbeing of the next generation. Worksheet: Dream BIG!Message Us!

There's a lot that happens from age 25 to 39, including increasing responsibilities, competing priorities, and frequently the pressures of expectation and conformity.  With all of this playing out against a background of global warming, fractious politics, unending war and other stressors, it can be tempting to turn your back on intimacy and create a "safe" isolation.  But is that really the best solution? Dig Deeper: Remember, you've got to name it to claim it!  Start by creating your personal vision board to help you get clear on, and stay connected to, the life you desire. Worksheet: Vision BoardMessage Us! Coming up in Episode 11: We move to the first stage of Generativity vs Stagnation for people in the 40 to 65-year-old range ... like your two hosts!

The reality of blossoming adulthood and its responsibilities can hit hard for 20-24 year-olds who are entering the developmental stage of Intimacy vs Isolation. The question, “Will I be loved, or will I be alone?” is a center pole of this stage. The ability to cultivate intimacy and safe, trusting relationships can be especially challenging during work and social isolation. Dig Deeper: If you could go back in time and change just one thing about being a young, 20-24 year old adult, what would it be? Why would it make a difference? How would you … and the world … be different now? Message Us!Worksheet: Time Travel Coming up in Episode 10: We continue with the Intimacy vs Isolation stage into the next 20 years, ages 25-44.

Why are older teens sometimes compared to toddlers? Both share an emerging sense of identity, independence, and open rebellion against adult authority ~ but older teens have car keys, too! This can be a scary stage for both teens and adult caregivers. Despite what they may say, teenagers want to stay connected to their families and need to feel loved and supported through this emotion-packed stage of development. Dig Deeper: Imagine your 16-19 year old self.  Reflect on how you experienced the “five good things” identified in the growth-fostering relationship checklist.     Message Us!Worksheet: Growth-Fostering Relational Checklist Coming up in Episode 9:  A quantum leap … from 19 to 24. We’ll transition from exploring Identity vs Role Confusion to Intimacy vs Isolation.

Smack dab in the middle of Erikson’s fifth developmental stage, we look at the ways our experience of being 13 to 15 shaped our adult selves.  We discuss the importance of relinquishing a bit of control, accepting the fact of human sexuality, and banking … but not the kind you think! Dig Deeper: Use our graphic novel worksheet and allow your young teen self to rewrite an experience that left a negative impression and create a better ending.     Message Us!Worksheet: Cartoon Strip Do Over Coming up in Episode 8:  Identity vs role confusion for late teens. What kind of an adult am I going to be?

Preadolescence. Too old to be a “little kid” but still way too young to navigate life without consistent guidance.  From “the talk” to screen time limits to spin-the-bottle to becoming an “askable” adult, we dive in.   Dig Deeper: From your 10-13 year old perspective, think about the positive and not-so-positive labels you believed. Keep the good ones and kick those others to the curb.     Message Us!Worksheet: Labels I'll Keep, Labels To Lose Coming up in Episode 7:  Teens! We’re growing up … and dealing with identity vs role confusion.

From ages 6-9, the “outer world” begins to play a much bigger role while you’re learning to be industrious with your reading and arithmetic and interpersonal skills. Your ability to “produce” undergoes greater scrutiny and feedback can leave you glowing or filled with self doubt. Both can last a lifetime. Dig Deeper: Stand in the shoes of your youngest memory and begin your autobiography through your unjudged, imagination-filled eyes. Message Us!Worksheet: My Autobiography Coming up in Episode 6: Here. Comes. Puberty.

I'm the master of my universe!  From ages 3-5, autonomy develops ... and others react.  Initiative and willingness to think outside the box, while often celebrated by employers, can baffle and frustrate caregivers.  How they react can have a lasting influence.   Dig Deeper: Get out the crayons and make your own fridge art reflecting on the hopes, challenges, and feelings of being ages 3-5. Message Us!Worksheet: Preschool Perceptions Coming up in Episode 5:  Developing our sense of industry or inferiority during ages 6 to 9.

Terrible twos?  Not for you!  You’re going full tilt, exploring your sense of autonomy and personal power.  But, do your caregivers respond with Power Over you or Power With you?  Examining this childhood chapter uncovers how we developed autonomy, or developed shame and doubt.  We include tips for nurturing your inner toddler and helping you nurture the toddlers in your life. Dig Deeper:  Be an observer.  Notice interactions between adults and toddler-age children for words or actions that shut down … or cultivate … the child’s personal power.  Or the adult’s. Use the worksheet to frame and record your thoughts. Message Us!Worksheet: Toddler and Caregiver Observations Coming up in Episode 4:  The developmentally action-packed ages of 3-5 years old and the fork in the road:  initiative versus guilt.

Dive into Year 1 of you!  Framed by the age-old question of nature versus nurture you will uncover how you developed your sense of trust in your first year of life ... trust of others, trust of yourself, and trust of life in general.  Recognize the factors, people, and experiences that shaped you for the better in your first twelve months! Dig Deeper:  Reflect on your earliest childhood memories through the lens of your five senses using the attached worksheet. Message Us!Worksheet: Childhood Experiences Continuum Coming up in Episode 3:  You, and the children you love:  the quest for autonomy!

PLEASE NOTE:  As of September 15, 2021 you can find us at PersonalPowerCommonGood.com Welcome to the inaugural episode of Personal Power for the Common Good!  Meet Stacy & Diane Amelia, and begin to examine the multiple influences on your identity, their intersectionality, and how these "identity boxes" guide you for the better ... and the not-so-helpful. Explore your identity influences using the attached worksheet. Message Us!Worksheet: Your Identity Inventory Coming up in Episode 2:  You, and the littles you love, in the first year of life.