Summary

In this episode of 'Your Aha Life,' Dr. Tonya Cornileus hosts Dr. Cheryl Jordan to discuss navigating life and career transitions with resilience and authenticity. Dr. Jordan is the founder of U.magine Performance Consulting and an international bestselling author of "Hang on Tight, Pray," a memoir about her experience as a caregiver to her mom, who experienced a severe stroke. After her mother's passing in 2018, Cheryl published her book as a balm for herself and other caregivers. Cheryl says she wrote the book as a "testimony of what anyone can experience when faced with trauma. The book portrays an alchemy for finding moments to learn to breathe again.

In this episode, Tonya and Cheryl explore the role of emotions as a form of intelligence, the impact of fear, and the importance of embracing change with awareness and authenticity. You'll hear how Cheryl chose, when given the opportunity, to leave her corporate job and start her own successful executive coaching and performance consulting firm. Walking into the unknown, Cheryl talks about an inner knowing, listening from within, aligning with her values, and moving forward even in the face of uncertainty and fear. She is an inspiration to anyone navigating life and career transitions.

You can learn more about Dr. Jordan and U.magine Performance Consulting at www.umagineperformance.com or you can find her on Instagram @drcherylwrites

Keywords:

life transitions, career transitions, resilience, authenticity, emotions, fear, personal growth

Takeaways:

• Emotions are a form of intelligence.
• Fear is a common emotion that can lead to dysfunction.
• Embracing change requires awareness and authenticity.
• Understanding emotions aids in personal growth.
• Building emotional awareness is crucial for decision-making.
• Resilience is key in navigating life transitions.
• Authenticity helps align personal and professional life.
• Community support is vital during transitions.
• Vulnerability can lead to personal and professional growth.
• Embracing one's path leads to opportunities.

Thank you for listening to this podcast. If you enjoy the episodes, please follow, leave a review, and share with others. This is the way the podcast will get noticed and heard by others.

Also, great things are coming for Your Aha! Life. If you've been a casual follower or if you're new to Your Aha! Life, please head over to https://yourahalife.com and sign up to receive your gift, the Your Aha! Life monthly newsletter and so much more. Then stay tuned for the big relaunch in early 2026. I want you to be a part of all that's coming.

XO,

Tonya

Yay! Two reasons to celebrate this podcast episode: 1. Video is available; and 2. I'm speaking with my guest, Jenn Andreou, PCC, and Grief Recovery Method Specialist. If you've been with me for a while, you're aware that it's been a while since I've had video or guests. I'm excited to bring this episode to you and hope you'll listen on your favorite podcast platforms and watch the video on Spotify and/or YouTube.

This is such a great episode because it teaches us that grief is normal and provides practical tools and actions we can take as we navigate the grief journey. Here's more of what this episode is about:

Summary:

In this heartfelt episode of "Your Aha Life," host Tonya Cornileus welcomes Jenn Andreou, a grief recovery method specialist and founder of Springboard Coaching. Together, they explore the profound journey of grief, sharing personal stories and insights into how loss shapes our lives. Jenn opens up about her own experiences with grief and the transformative power of healing. Tune in to discover how acknowledging and processing grief can lead to a more joyful and fulfilling life. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that normalizes grief and offers hope for recovery. #GriefRecovery #HealingJourney #YourAhaLife

How to connect with Jenn Andreou and learn more about her work as an Actualized Living Coach and a Grief Recovery Method Specialist - https://springboardcoaching.org and jenn@springboardcoaching.org

Join the Your Aha! Life Community by signing up at: https://yourahalife.com

Keywords:

grief, healing, recovery, emotional support, grief recovery method

Takeaways:

• ​Grief is a normal and natural reaction to any kind of loss, not just death or divorce.
• ​Grief is emotional, not intellectual, and requires feeling your way through it rather than thinking your way through it.
• ​Society often perpetuates myths about grief, such as "time heals all wounds," which can hinder emotional healing.
• ​Support during grief involves listening with empathy and without judgment, often described as being a "heart with ears."
• ​Establishing personal boundaries and self-care practices can help maintain well-being during the grieving process.
• ​Healing is possible, and community support can play a vital role in the recovery process.

Soundbites

• ​Grief is more than just death.
• ​Healing is possible; you're not alone.
• ​Grief is emotional, not intellectual.
• ​Support others by being a heart with ears.
• ​Create a safe space for emotions.

Chapters

• ​00:00:00 Introduction
• ​00:01:30 Jenn's Background
• ​00:05:00 Defining Grief
• ​00:10:00 Personal Stories
• ​00:15:00 Grief Myths
• ​00:20:00 Supporting Others
• ​00:25:00 Self-Support
• ​00:30:00 Moving Forward
• ​00:35:00 Aha Moments
• ​00:40:00 Conclusion

Thank you for listening and watching this episode. Please follow for more, leave a comment or rating, and share with your friends.

XO

Tonya

**Intro/Outro music composed by Kayla McGuinn, a film music composer, University of Georgia, Class of 2025

In this episode of "Your Aha Life," host Tonya Harris Cornileus, Ph.D., shares insights from her latest blog article, "Slow Living for Self-Renewal: Cultivating Resilience from the Inside Out." Tonya explores the power of slow living and self-renewal to build lasting resilience, offering simple practices for a more joyful, grounded, and fulfilling life. She emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, stillness, nourishment, connection, and gentle movement as deliberate acts of resilience in today's fast-paced world. Tune in to discover how these practices can help you thrive amidst life's challenges.

Keywords

slow living, resilience, self-renewal, mindfulness, personal transformation

Takeaways:

• Resilience is cultivated through daily practices.
• Slow living is a deliberate act of resilience.
• Mindfulness and presence are key to self-renewal.
• Create a quiet corner for stillness.
• Practice a daily pause to reconnect.
• Nourishment and rest are essential for resilience.
• Connection and joy enhance personal transformation.
• Gentle movement supports energy and resilience.
• Resilience is about adapting with strength, flexibility, and hope.
• Inner renewal builds a foundation for life's challenges.

Summary

In this conversation, Dr. Tonya Harris Cornileus explores the theme of feeling lost as a natural part of personal growth. She emphasizes that moments of uncertainty are not failures but opportunities for transformation. By embracing obstacles and revisiting one's core values, individuals can navigate their unique paths toward authenticity and fulfillment. Dr. Cornileus provides practical steps to help listeners find clarity and purpose during challenging times, encouraging self-reflection and connection with others.

Keywords

growth, feeling lost, personal development, obstacles, self-discovery, resilience, purpose, journey, adventure, authenticity

Takeaways

• Feeling lost is not failure, but a sign of growth.
• Moments of lostness indicate we are in transition.
• Obstacles can become part of the path to growth.
• Revisiting our 'why' helps reconnect with our values.
• Your journey is unique and not defined by others' expectations.
• Acknowledge feelings of being lost to open curiosity.
• Look for lessons in challenges to foster resilience.
• Trust your own path instead of following prescribed routes.
• Seek support from trusted friends or mentors.
• Reflect on your journey to rediscover your strengths.

Sound Bites

"Your journey isn't shown on any map."

"Acknowledge, I feel lost."

"The answers will arise within you."

Chapters

00:00 Embracing the Feeling of Being Lost

03:46 Transforming Obstacles into Opportunities

06:42 Steps to Navigate Your Journey

Summary

In this episode, Tonya Harris Cornileus, Ph.D., explores the theme of adventure in life, emphasizing the importance of imagination and the various metaphors we use to describe our experiences. She discusses how viewing life as an adventure can transform our mindset and encourages listeners to embrace qualities such as curiosity, openness, wonder, and courage. The episode concludes with practical invitations to incorporate adventure into daily life, reminding us that adventure is a mindset that can lead to joy and fulfillment.

Keywords

adventure, imagination, life metaphors, personal growth, exploration, mindset, curiosity, openness, wonder, courage

Takeaways

• Life is defined by the metaphors we choose.
• Imagination is a free spirit that leads us to new possibilities.
• Adventure is a mindset, not just a physical journey.
• Curiosity is essential for expanding our experiences.
• Openness to new experiences enriches our lives.
• Wonder keeps our hearts alive and engaged.
• Wandering allows for unexpected discoveries.
• Courage is necessary to embrace adventure.
• Small choices can lead to a more adventurous life.
• Adventure is only a thought away.

Sound Bites

"Curiosity keeps life expansive."

"Adventure calls for courage."

"Adventure is a mindset."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Adventure

04:17 Metaphors of Life

06:55 Life as an Adventure

10:39 Qualities of an Adventurer

18:33 Embracing Adventure in Everyday Life

23:45 Invitation to Adventure

Thanks for listening to this podcast episode. If you love it, please leave a review, follow, and share with your friends. If you want to learn more about Your Aha! Life or me, go to my website at yourahalife.com (Your Aha! Life)

Episode Description: Join Tonya Harris Cornileus, Ph.D., as she explores the profound impact of joy in our lives. Discover how wanting less can lead to more joy, peace, and fulfillment. Learn practical ways to savor life's simple moments through sensory, relational, achievement, and reflective joys. Tonya shares personal insights and stories, emphasizing that joy is a powerful force that can coexist with sorrow and transform our perspective.

Key Takeaways:

Joy is a powerful force that can coexist with sorrow. Wanting less creates space for more joy and fulfillment. Practical ways to savor joy include focusing on sensory, relational, achievement, and reflective joys. Joy is found in the simplest moments and doesn't require grand gestures.

Quotes:

"Joy is one of those few emotions that we can feel even when we're also feeling the deepest of sorrows."

"We don't need to wait for joy to appear. It's always with us--and even more, it's within us."

"The secret to satisfaction is not to increase our haves, but to manage our wants."

Call to Action: This week, take a few minutes each day to reflect on a moment that deepened your joy. Use the four categories as your guide: sensory, relational, achievement, and reflective joys. Write them down and share them with someone you love.

Hashtags: #JoyfulLiving #SavorTheMoment #LessIsMore

Summary

In this episode, Tonya Harris Cornileus, Ph.D., explores the journey of becoming unapologetically oneself. She discusses the societal pressures that lead individuals to perform roles for acceptance, the importance of recognizing one's true self, and the process of unlearning and reclaiming authenticity. The episode emphasizes that living authentically is a sacred journey, not a selfish act, and provides practical steps for listeners to begin their own journey towards self-acceptance and freedom.

Keywords

authenticity, self-discovery, unapologetic living, personal growth, self-acceptance, emotional well-being, self-identity, personal transformation, inner voice, self-worth

Takeaways

• What would it feel like to be fully, freely, and unapologetically you?
• The journey to authenticity involves recognizing what holds us back.
• We learn to perform for acceptance from a young age.
• Socialization can lead us to lose touch with our true selves.
• Pretending to be someone else can become painful.
• Becoming who you are is a transition and a process.
• Unlearning roles and scripts is essential for authenticity.
• Living unapologetically means not shrinking to make others comfortable.
• You have to stop abandoning yourself for others' approval.
• Becoming yourself is a sacred act, not a selfish one.

Sound Bites

"We learn to perform for acceptance."

"We lose touch with our own voice."

"Pretending becomes too painful."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Authenticity

02:00 The Journey to Becoming Unapologetically You

03:08 Why It's So Hard to Be Yourself

09:16 Becoming You is a Transition

16:15 The Process of Unlearning and Reclaiming

17:13 What It Means to Live Unapologetically

23:22 Understanding Unapologetic Living

24:04 How to Begin

32:20 The Sacredness of Being You

Thanks for listening. Please leave a review and share this episode with someone who will benefit from listening to it. I welcome you to join the Your Aha! Life Global Community. Go to https://yourahalife.com

And follow me on Instagram @tonya.yourahalife.

XO,

Tonya

Summary

In this conversation, Tonya Harris Cornileus, Ph.D., explores the importance of listening to, trusting, and following one's inner wisdom. She shares personal experiences and insights on how to reconnect with this inner voice, emphasizing practices like quiet reflection, journaling, and meditation. Quotes from Oprah and philosopher William B. Irvine help to ground this article in the power of Aha! Moments. The discussion highlights the journey of self-trust and the transformative power of acting on inner guidance, ultimately encouraging listeners to create space for their inner voice and take aligned actions in their lives.

Keywords

inner wisdom, inner voice, self-trust, personal growth, intuition, life transitions, spiritual guidance, self-awareness, mindfulness, personal development, leadership

Takeaways

• Your inner voice speaks to you; will you listen?
• Listening more closely can reveal powerful insights.
• Trusting your inner voice is a journey back to self.
• Your inner wisdom knows what's true before your mind does.
• Creating space in your life helps you hear your inner voice.
• Practices like journaling and meditation can enhance self-awareness.
• Rebuilding trust in yourself is essential for personal growth.
• Following your inner voice leads to living in alignment.
• Insight requires action to transform your life.
• Courage is needed to follow your inner voice.

Sound Bites

"Trust and believe in yourself."

"Insight alone isn't enough."

"Create space to hear it, trust it."

Chapters

00:00 Listening to Your Inner Wisdom

05:41 Hearing Your Inner Voice: How to Recognize the Wisdom Within

08:32 Trusting Your Inner Voice: Reclaiming Your Inner Authority

11:13 Following Your Inner Voice: Living in Alignment

Thank you for listening. I truly appreciate you! I invite you to follow Your Aha! Life - The Podcast. Hit the notifications bell so that you're the first to know when a new episode or audio blog is released. Leave a review, comment, or send me an email to let me know what you think of this audio blog or the podcast.

XO,

Tonya