Frankie Dewar  joins me to share her experience from her 3000+ km cycling journey around the UK on a second hand bike after only having cycled a few times during lockdown. In this journey, Frankie interviews 51 Hikers, Swimmers, Horse Riders, Climbers, Mountaineers, Doorstep Adventurers, Stand Up Paddle Boarders and everyone inbetween. These interviews which she features on her own podcast: 'Extraordinary Ordinary You' covers the life journeys and antics of the people she interviews, hearing how they got into the outdoors and what it means to them, as well as big life questions. 

Samantha Kendall Bye joins me to chat about growth mindset, mountaineering and resilience, transitioning into freelancing, Female Leadership in the Outdoors,  the effect on Outdoor Expeditions during lockdown, anxiety management and more.
Note: In this episode anxiety management is mentioned, I want to add here: Everyone's experiences and needs are different. What may resonate with one may not resonate with another. Selfcare also means: connecting with someone and you are not weak for needing support. Lockdown has hit a toll on many people's mental health and support systems have been cut off. We're all going through something, and it's okay to ask for help. You never have to struggle in silence. ---

For further mental health support:  https://www.mind.org.uk/  -----
https://www.samaritans.org/

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Connect with us on Instagram: @heartsofgrowth  --->
https://www.instagram.com/heartsofgrowth/

Francesca Turauskis joins me to have a chat about her experience with epilepsy,  the relief of getting a diagnosis, understanding epilepsy and the stigma that exists with it. She’ll also be sharing with us her adventure in walking solo the Camino de Santiago – a 500 mile journey across Spain. From her preparation, greatest challenges, favorite parts and lessons learned. Fran created her own podcast Seize Your Adventure to normalise the idea of epilepsy and guests share the hidden aspects of taking on adventures with epilepsy. Be sure to give it a listen when you get a chance! 
Follow her on Instagram: @franticwalks - 
Seize your Adventure website: https://www.seizeyouradventure.com/ - 
Seize your Adventure podcast on IG: @seizeyouradventurepod - 
Her personal website: https://francescaturauskis.wixsite.com/freelance
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Disclaimer: The following episode is based on Francesca's personal experience with epilepsy. Everyone's experience is different. Please consult a health care professional if you have any concerns about your health. 

Thank you to all our guests, our listeners, our supporters for being part of these meaningful conversations, connecting others, and spreading hope. And everyone offline for showing up for each other. 

This year has been challenging for everyone in so many ways. There has been so much loss, pain, grief, financial worry, isolation, mental health issues, and a whole lot of uncertainty.  
This year has also brought out great human courage and kindness in ourselves and our community.

I look forward to keeping on listening to other people, unlearning, relearning and having meaningful conversations.

Stay safe, stay connected and always hold on to hope.  
The stars will always keep shining even in the darkest days.  Here's to a better 2021. 
We will be back on January 5th with a new episode. 

Chris Currie joins me to continue our meaningful conversation from our last episode on OCD. We will be talking about: Trusting our own process even if we make mistakes along the way, the benefits of setting a structure in order, the issue with “chasing happiness” vs staying present with our core values. We also talk about dealing with comparison and how we’re not defined by our achievements but rather how we all have an unconditional worth.

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Resources mentioned in the episode: 

OCD Action - https://www.ocdaction.org.uk/ -

Ali Greymond (Youtube) -

Self Compassion: https://self-compassion.org/  -

Connect with Chris: christophercurrie@aol.co.uk
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Disclaimer: This conversation is based on Chris’s own personal experience on OCD and what has worked for him. Please consult a doctor or other health professional if you have any concerns regarding your health.
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Connect with us on Instagram: @heartsofgrowth  --->
https://www.instagram.com/heartsofgrowth/

There's a big stigma when it comes to OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). We hear a lot of "That's so OCD" or "You're so OCD." But that's not what OCD is. One of my good soul friends Chris Currie joins me to discuss living with OCD, understanding some of the types of OCD, the stigma and shame, and learning to manage the condition day by day. We also discuss the power and benefits of mindfulness, how labels don't define us and the importance of self compassion when the negative thoughts come in.  

Disclaimer: This conversation is based on Chris’s own personal experience on OCD and what has worked for him and by no means does it apply to everyone. Please consult a doctor or other health professional if you have any concerns regarding your health.

Resources: 

OCD Action - https://www.ocdaction.org.uk/  --

Self Compassion: https://self-compassion.org/ --

Connect with Chris: christophercurrie@aol.co.uk

Connect with us on Instagram: @heartsofgrowth  --->
https://www.instagram.com/heartsofgrowth/

In this vulnerable episode of Hearts of Courage, I welcome Charlotte Fowles, also known as The Executive Adventurer, passionate about helping others step outside their comfort zone. She shares her own personal story and how she has built resilience after undergoing a decade of personal trauma – from severe depression, cancer to multiple miscarriages. We have a very open conversation about mental health, mental illness and the stigma and shame around it, ways we can support someone and her hope for the future. Trigger Warning: This episode discusses a sensitive subject where we talk about suicide/suicide prevention(around 30 minutes into the episode).

Check out more about Charlotte Fowles’ work: http://charlottefowles.com ,
Her Instagram: fowles.charlotte
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****Support: If you’re struggling with your mental health, please reach out to someone you trust. The Samaritans in the UK are available on 116 123 for free, 24/7. They are there to talk to, listen and they won't judge. You can also Text Shout to 85258. If you’re experiencing a personal crisis, Shout can help with urgent issues such as: Suicidal thoughts, abuse or assault, self-harm, bullying, relationship challenges. If you're located outside the UK, please locate your local helpline online.
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Connect with us on Instagram: @heartsofgrowth  --->
https://www.instagram.com/heartsofgrowth/
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Please remember: You are seen, you are heard, you are loved. You are worthy. There is always hope.