As a natural performer, I’m good at the role of confident entrepreneur and entertaining speaker. Yet, I can still easily become a wall-flower, feeling like an outsider SO many times – and wondered what I was doing wrong. Recently I had some insights about how  to make things better.
The article which made me start thinking about this issue.

Am I Invisible

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From Wall Flower to Will Flower

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.

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From Stepping Off the World to Staying In It

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned over the last few years is that it’s OK to look silly to find your joy. And evidently it is something I’m here to learn really well, at least as evidenced by the last few days, three stories of fun and a song. It's entirely possible they all have something to do with rubber ducks.
Link to the karaoke version of the song I listened to while singing 
The "official" video with The Captain and Tennille


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Posing, Exposing, and Composing My Way to Joy

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.


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Build Bridges Instead of Burning Them

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.

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Sometimes Just Showing Up Equals Success

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



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Out of Crisis, Chaos and Scars, Stars are Born

How many times have I thought the window of opportunity in front of me is the only one - and because it had closed, the chance was gone? How many times have I passed up trying something because I felt like I was too late,  or too old to do it? Time to let go of my all or nothing thinking.

Opening the Gate podcast was written and produced yours truly, Felicia Brown. To learn more about me and how I try to share good in the world, please visit www.FeliciaBrown.com, www.Spalutions.com or www.TheDreamTeamDucks.com. If you want to connect with me through social media or are interested in having me speak at your conference, event or summit, go to www.linktr.ee/ FeliciaBrown.com.

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Breaking Through the Window of All or Nothing Thinking

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)
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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

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Seeds of Hope

Today's episode includes a chapter from my book Sunflower Wisdom. I was prompted to share this after I received an unexpected apology from someone who hurt me deeply a year or two ago. As someone who constantly encourages people to live from a place of love; to accept and forgive others; and to walk their talk, I've recently been faced with the tasks of forgiving some folks who have hurt me deeply. Sharing some of my steps for letting go.
Sunflower Wisdom is available here or on Amazon
The other book I mentioned, Unfinished Business by James van Praagh.

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Finishing Unfinished Business with Forgiveness

Life is a little busy at the moment. That is what makes this episode SO perfect, because it is a living example of me listening to my own advice instead of someone else's. Perhaps this episode will encourage you to do the same in your life. 
Check out Sunflower Wisdom here or on Amazon.
Buy SCARS to STARS!
Watch my interview

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Felicia Brown 3