Entrepreneurs, are you equipped to handle the emotional turmoil that inevitably comes with the highs and lows of the journey? In this insightful episode of the Fearless Road Podcast, multi-award-winning therapist and international best-selling author Santou Carter provides invaluable tools for navigating grief and loss – challenges that extend beyond the personal and deeply affect the entrepreneurial spirit. Discover the STEER method – encompassing Spirituality and Religion, Tools and Techniques, Education, Emotions, and Relationships – and gain a profound understanding of how these elements contribute to holistic well-being, especially during times of immense stress.

Learn how to break down communication barriers, overcome isolating defense mechanisms, and foster genuine connections, vital skills for any entrepreneur leading a team. This episode provides a roadmap for self-compassion, guiding you to develop a resilient new identity and recognize the immense personal growth that emerges from navigating life's transitions. Santou's wisdom extends to the importance of open-mindedness in spiritual and religious practices, encouraging us to embrace the diverse expressions of faith that fuel our inner strength.

Key Highlights:

• Introducing the STEER Method: Santou Carter shares her unique framework for coping with grief, encompassing spirituality, tools, education, emotions, and relationships.
• The Power of Self-Compassion: Michael and Santou emphasize the importance of being kind to oneself during grief and learning to self-soothe.
• Grief as a Catalyst for Change: They discuss how grief can lead to personal growth, expanded awareness, and increased compassion for others.
• Cultural Sensitivity and Diverse Perspectives: Santou highlights the need to understand and respect individual expressions of spirituality and faith traditions.
• Vulnerability as a Superpower: Michael shares his belief that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.

Quotes:

• Santou Carter: "Self-compassion is really, really key. Learning to be gentle with yourself."
• Michael Devous: "When I'm in grief mode, my autonomic system...begins before I even know I'm in that state."
• Santou Carter: "The work really is about expansion and an expansion of perspective and awareness."
• Michael Devous: "You must be aware that's your shifting and adapting cause all humans do, we're built to do it."

Takeaways:

• Grief is a complex and multifaceted experience that impacts all areas of life.
• Self-compassion is crucial for navigating grief and finding healing.
• Grief can be a catalyst for personal growth and expanded awareness.
• It's important to be open-minded and respectful of diverse perspectives on grief and spirituality.
• Seeking support from others is essential during the grieving process.

Persons of Note Mentioned:

• Santou Carter: Multi-award-winning therapist, international bestselling author, professional speaker, coach, and trainer.
• Michael Devous: Host of the Fearless Road podcast.

Supporting Links:

• Santou Carter's Website: griefsupport.co
• Free Resources: griefsupport.co/freeresources
• Contact Santou: griefsupport.co/contact

Important Links:

• Santou Carter's Website: griefsupport.co
• Fearless Road Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFearlessRoad

Finding Your Voice, Reclaiming Your Power, and Embracing Vulnerability

Episode Description:

In the final part of this inspiring interview, Michael Devous continues his conversation with Maria Failla, the plant enthusiast and host of Growing Joy with Plants. Maria shares her personal journey of healing from depression and rediscovering her voice through a daily practice of connecting with nature. They delve into the importance of mindfulness, routine, and embracing vulnerability in both personal and entrepreneurial life. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration to overcome challenges, find their true voice, and cultivate a life filled with joy and authenticity.

Key Highlights:

• Nature as a Healer: Maria's personal experience of overcoming depression through daily walks in nature.
• The Power of Routine and Mindfulness: How simple practices like walking in nature and caring for plants can create a sense of grounding and well-being.
• Finding Your Voice: Maria's journey of rediscovering her voice and passion through connection with nature.
• The Role of Vulnerability: The importance of embracing vulnerability as a path to joy and authenticity.
• The Ascend Hub: A community for support and growth, where entrepreneurs can connect with like-minded individuals and find resources for their journey.

Quotes:

• Maria Failla: "I left a lot in that forest. I'd leave my tears, I'd leave my laughter, I'd leave my neutrality, my numbness."
• Maria Failla: "It was this really beautiful way of literally truly finding my voice again... of just like reconnecting with myself and finding kind of my personality again."
• Michael Devous: "Sometimes, if you can kind of learn to trust your body and to have your body connect with nature and kind of show you the real truth of the matter, that can be really helpful."
• Maria Failla: "You can create a mindfulness routine with your houseplants. You don't have to go get immersed in the forest to experience the benefit."
• Maria Failla: "I think the last couple of years have only shown us how quickly [life] can be taken away. So what do I have to lose? Why would you not live life this way? Why would you not commit to living life in a vulnerable, authentic, fearless way?"

Key Takeaways:

• Nature can be a powerful tool for healing and overcoming challenges.
• Establishing a routine of connecting with nature can foster mindfulness and improve well-being.
• Finding your voice and embracing vulnerability can lead to greater joy and authenticity.
• The Ascend Hub offers a supportive community and resources for entrepreneurs on their journey.

Important Links:

• Book: Growing Joy with Plants by Maria Failla https://a.co/d/3uOlfOM
• Podcast: Growing Joy with Plants https://growingjoywithmaria.com/podcast/

In this episode of The Fearless Road Podcast, host Michael Devous continues his conversation with Maria Failla, the plant killer turned plant lady and host of the top-rated houseplant podcast, Growing Joy with Plants. They dive deeper into the connection between nature and personal growth, exploring how spending time in nature can help us reconnect with ourselves and find our authentic voice. They discuss the concept of attention restoration theory and how modern life has led to an imbalance between direct and involuntary attention. Maria shares personal anecdotes and practical tips for incorporating more nature into our lives, even in small ways. They also delve into the transformative power of journaling and vision boarding to reconnect with our passions and purpose.

Key Highlights:

• The Connection Between Nature and Personal Growth: Explore how spending time in nature can benefit mental and emotional well-being, creativity, and productivity.
• Attention Restoration Theory: Understand the difference between direct and involuntary attention and how finding a balance can lead to greater happiness and fulfillment.
• Practical Tips for Incorporating Nature: Learn simple ways to incorporate nature into your daily life, such as looking at a plant first thing in the morning, taking walks in the woods, or even just putting your bare feet on the grass.
• Journaling and Vision Boarding: Discover how these practices can help you connect with your inner self, clarify your values, and reignite your passion.
• The Ascend Hub: A Community for Growth and Connection: Learn how The Ascend Hub can provide support and resources for those seeking to reconnect with nature and foster personal growth.

Quotes:

• Maria Failla: "Nature is the ultimate nervous system regulator. We are nature."
• Michael Devous: "Our bodies, our nervous system, ourselves, crave being in nature, because we are natural."
• Maria Failla: "Getting into nature, going for walks in the woods... that was a huge thing that I did... nature just kind of lets you be who you are, where you are in that moment."
• Michael Devous: "Even the act of simply putting your hand and touching a tree, like even for just three seconds, it literally resets your mind."
• Maria Failla: "Leave your phone alone in the morning, look at a plant, go spend time in nature before you look at a screen... it is such a simple thing that is so hard to do."

Key Takeaways:

• Spending time in nature can be a powerful tool for personal growth, self-discovery, and reconnecting with our authentic selves.
• Incorporating even small amounts of nature into your daily routine can have a significant positive impact on your well-being.
• Journaling and vision boarding can help you clarify your values, identify your passions, and set meaningful goals.
• The Ascend Hub provides a supportive community and resources for those seeking to incorporate more nature into their lives and foster personal growth.
• Taking the time to disconnect from technology and engage with nature can lead to increased creativity, productivity, and overall happiness.

Important Links:

• The Ascend Hub: https://theascendhub.com/
• Growing Joy with Plants Podcast: https://growingjoywithmaria.com/podcast/
• Growing Joy with Plants Book: https://a.co/d/aNZsY9L