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.

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• 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?

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• 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!
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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 Board
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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?

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.