Your Heart Knows the Way

Inspiration comes from many things. We are often inspired by something we have seen or a story we were told. For this reason, I created the Envision Speakers Series – a place to tell your story and share your inspirational message. Although the focus is on health and emotional well-being, the brilliance around the Envision Speakers Series is much larger. Every day, many people struggle with something – a feeling, a thought, or maybe a lingering problem. We get stuck in that place. And that place feels empty. You struggle, unsure of what to do, say, or think. You fear turning to a friend or loved one out of embarrassment or judgment. But you need help.

There’s a place for you here at the virtual table. Listen to the inspiring conversations shared by your friends, neighbors, and colleagues across the world. I believe every story has a purpose; I also believe that there is always a story worth listening to. Not every story is for everyone. However, you can often find a tiny gold nugget of wisdom if you listen intently enough. Sometimes, you will find a gift even if you were not looking for it. That’s the value of the conversation. That’s the value of story.

Men’s Mental Health?

When the Envision Speakers Series aired for the first time in July 2023, I invited Sheyenne Kreamer to speak with her peers on a topic of importance – Men’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. She was gracious to share her story – a story we often overlook because, on the surface, it may not seem immediately relevant to our lives. But if you wait long enough, and listen, you will understand its value.

When have you felt stuck in life? And I mean stuck. It’s like a mountain you can’t climb or a river you can’t cross. You see people moving past, but you can’t join them. You are out of touch with yourself, your passions, and your purpose. The difficult thing is . . .? you don’t know why. On the surface, everything is good. You’re a good person, right? You have a great family and a close-knit set of friends. Still, life is going nowhere. You’re stuck. The more you stay stuck, the more anxious, depressed, and stressed you become.

If this is you, then this is your story.?? ????

Video: Men's Mental Health

Meet Sheyenne Kreamer

We begin with a story that reminds us of the immense importance of aligning our passions with our life’s path. Today, our journey takes us back to a man who was once a software engineer. Despite residing in a city known for its abundance of software positions, he found himself unemployed and spiraling into depression.

How can a qualified software engineer not find a job? There is no simple or easy answer to this question. Surely, the man’s qualifications speak for themselves. He can prove himself in a moment’s notice. He has examples and stellar references. The one thing he lacks is a job. With the stress of life building around him, what does he do??? ?

Enter Sheyenne Kreamer, who was working as a recruiter at the time. As she reviewed his impeccable resume and noted his pleasing personality, she couldn’t help but wonder why he had remained jobless for so long. Their conversation led to an unexpected revelation: the man had stashed away his guitar, a passion that had been hidden in this closet. The instrument was collecting dust and taking up space. But it remained . . . in case there was an opportunity to play it once again.

A New Discovery?

This discovery unearthed the connection between suppressed passion and mental well-being. The man had longed to play, sing, write music, and perform, but his guitar had gathered dust in the shadows. Sheyenne challenged him to take action, to let his heart guide him, and see what might transpire.

The result? An extraordinary journey of rekindled passion. He reached out to his church, requested a spot to perform for the congregation, and, in doing so, forced himself to practice once more. Within days, a job offer emerged from an unknown source. The depression lifted; his life reborn.

This story serves as a poignant reminder that the alignment of heart and career can have profound effects on our well-being. Sometimes, our passions, even if not directly related to income, can become stumbling blocks of hidden treasures waiting to be uncovered.

As we close this newsletter, I’d like to leave you with a thought from Mitch Gray : Your passions, your purpose, and your heart’s desires should not be confined to the shadows. They have power to guide your path, to elevate your well-being, and to unlock new opportunities.

We hope that this story inspires you to reflect on your journey and the passions you may tuck away. Remember, your heart knows the way; sometimes, all it takes is the courage to let it lead. ???

Walking the Path - A Leader's Journey

Moving Forward?

This is only a small sample of the power of story. My mission is to have 1,00,000 conversations. I believe in the power of conversation as a changing force around our lives. Every conversation inspires, transforms, and empowers its listeners. Allow these conversations to change and transform your life as well.

I invite all who have as story to tell it ?. . . join me in conversation. Join me on the Envision Speakers Series. Be willing to help those who need help and heal those who need healing. Allow your words the opportunity to change another person’s life. Do this today.

And if you think your story has no real meaning or impact, allow me to challenge your limiting thinking. Listen to the conversation that I have positioned throughout this newsletter. I hope you are inspired by what you hear!

About the Author

As an author, podcast host, and purpose-driven/leadership coach, my goal is to help you to redefine your life, get out of your “stuck” situation, and explore your world so you can create real purpose for your life. My book, Walking the Path – A Leader’s Journey is a must-read for anyone looking to create real impact and meaning for themselves and others. I have a heart for those who find life intolerable and frustrating (even scary) because I’ve been there. My goal is to have the conversations with each of you so that you feel appreciated, valued, and secure in yourself. Talk soon!?

-????????? Dr. Keith McNally