Ignite Your Heart and Soul with Sara Troy and her guest Brenda L. Balding. On air from July 14th
Breath in Love and healing light. Breathe out to the Divine what you are ready to release.
Brenda L Balding has been a registered nurse since 1971, a Reiki energy healer for five years, currently an author and self-discovery guide. Brenda is passionate about being of service to others and support you on your path through some of life’s challenges. She created “Love’s Inner Voice” podcast/YouTube and her “Discovery Is” books to support everyone’s self-discovery heart journey related to grief, should, acceptance, forgiveness, and others you may be experiencing. Brenda’s mission is to encourage each person to enhance their own Love’s Inner Voice, or sacred connection for their highest good and the wellbeing of family and friends.
Books: Discovery is Recovery – Brain, Emotion and Spiritual Self-Reflection Through the Creative Process, Sacred Connection – Finding Our Path to Deeper Connection with Self and the Divine an anthology that includes my article Sacred Discovery, and Discovery is Vital – Awaken Love’s Inner Voice, and The Values of Women: Stories of What’s Important and Why anthology that includes my article on Self-Worth.
Self Discovery Wisdom is sustained by those who believe in conscious conversation. If this episode resonated with you, subscribe and, if you feel called, make a donation. Your support helps us keep amplifying voices that inspire growth, courage, and compassion. Thank you. Please join Our Forgotten Seniorsanthology and help to bring this book to awareness.
Mental Health Awarenesswith Sara Troy and her guest Denise Joseph, On air from July 14th
You are Unique by Design: Owning Your Lane
Denise Joseph believes we have been sold the idea that the goal is to be equally good at everything, but she advocates that specialization is by design, not a weakness. Using the analogy of a body, she notes that the eye doesn’t try to be the hand, nor the ear a foot; similarly, the most effective teams, families, and communities are those where individuals know and own their unique ‘lane.’ This conviction drives her work at Called Into Confidence, where she helps purpose-driven individuals and teams bridge the ‘thinking gap’—the root of miscommunications that leave people feeling unheard or stuck in circular conversations. By utilizing the Whole Brain Thinking framework (HBDI®), Denise empowers her clients to move from frustration to clarity, allowing them to rediscover their inherent capacity and embrace their specific strengths. Her simple message to pass on is to stop apologizing for how you think. The world doesn’t need a diluted version of someone else. it needs, the full, courageous, specific version of you.
Denise Joseph is a Public Health Analyst and Whole Brain Thinking practitioner whose journey began in Trinidad. Navigating the complexities of cultural identity and professional service shaped her unique perspective on how we connect across ‘different worlds’. This path eventually led her to specialize in the HBDI® to help teams and individuals find lasting change. When she isn’t helping clients rediscover their confidence, Denise is a curious explorer who finds joy in dancing, thrifting, and traveling, always seeking to embrace life’s simple moments with gratitude.
Self Discovery Wisdom is sustained by those who believe in conscious conversation. If this episode resonated with you, subscribe and, if you feel called, make a donation. Your support helps us keep amplifying voices that inspire growth, courage, and compassion. Thank you. Please join Our Forgotten Seniorsanthology and help to bring this book to awareness.
Sara’s View of Life with Sara Troy, on air from July 7th
Taking Time for Yourself
I have been away for a few days, taking some much-needed time out. Normally, I stay close to home on weekends because of my grandchildren, and we always find something to do together. But this time they were away camping, which gave me the opportunity to visit my other children and spend time with friends. I left the island, headed over to Vancouver, and enjoyed some precious quality time.
Quality time is something we all need, yet it rarely happens by accident. In our busy world, with endless demands pulling us in every direction, we have to make a conscious choice to create space for it. We need moments that rejuvenate us, fulfill us, and remind us who we are beyond our responsibilities.
Three days a week I host interviews and have deeply meaningful conversations with extraordinary people. These discussions are illuminating, inspiring, and nourishing to my heart, soul, and spirit. On the other days, I am Nana. I am surrounded by grandchildren climbing on me, babies needing attention, and all the joyful chaos that comes with family life. I treasure those moments, but they require a different part of me. Balancing those roles is important, and so is finding time simply to be Sara.
Living with fibromyalgia means my energy is often limited, which makes self-care even more essential. Sometimes taking time for yourself means stepping away from routine and reconnecting with other parts of your life. This weekend was about seeing my son and daughter, spending time with my best friend, and simply being an adult among adults. My son and his wife are building exciting new ventures, and my daughter is constantly busy with work and travel, so every opportunity to be together feels precious.
Recently I spoke about moderation and time management in my show, To Scroll or Not to Scroll. Taking time for yourself is part of that balance. Sometimes you simply recognize that you need a break, a chance to step away, breathe, and do something that restores you. Whether that means visiting loved ones, taking a short trip, or simply spending quiet time alone, it is important to listen to that need.
A few weekends ago, I had the house to myself and a long list of plans. I was going to change curtains, tackle projects, and catch up on everything. Instead, I did very little. It was over thirty degrees outside, and I found myself enjoying what I call a “nothingness day.” I puttered about, did a little here and there, but there was no urgency, no pressure, and no expectation. It was exactly what I needed.
Sometimes we need a day where nothing is required of us. There is always another task waiting, another responsibility calling, another demand on our attention. At some point, we simply have to close the door on all of it and say, “Today is for me.” Whether that means taking yourself out for lunch, reading a book, enjoying a spa day, sitting in nature, or doing absolutely nothing at all, it is time well spent.
We often forget the value of stillness. In generations past, people worked hard, but they also spent time in reflection. They sat with their thoughts, talked with family, looked at the stars, contemplated nature, and reflected on their lives. Today, we fill every spare moment with noise, screens, and distractions. Yet true renewal often comes from quiet reflection.
One of the most powerful words we can learn is “no.” No, I am unavailable this weekend. No, I cannot take on one more commitment right now. No, I need some time for myself. You do not owe anyone a lengthy explanation. Taking time for yourself is not selfish; it is necessary. It is where you rejuvenate, recalibrate, and reconnect with yourself.
You are with yourself every moment of your life, from the day you are born until the day you leave this world. What are you doing to nurture that relationship? Maybe it is a massage, a walk by the ocean, a favorite book, a quiet cup of coffee, or simply a day without expectations. Whatever it is, make room for it.
When we fail to take care of ourselves, burnout eventually follows. We take on too much, say yes too often, and carry more than we were meant to bear. The weight accumulates until exhaustion catches up with us. Taking time for yourself is not a luxury; it is part of maintaining your well-being.
So give yourself permission. Take a deep breath. Step back when needed. Say no when necessary. Create moments of stillness. Make room for joy. Most importantly, remember that caring for yourself is not taking away from others—it is what allows you to show up fully for the people and responsibilities that matter most.
Self Discovery Wisdom is sustained by those who believe in conscious conversation. If this episode resonated with you, subscribe and, if you feel called, make a donation. Your support helps us keep amplifying voices that inspire growth, courage, and compassion. Thank you. Please join Our Forgotten Seniorsanthology and help to bring this book to awareness.
Sara’s View of Life with Sara Troy, on air from June 30th
Look up, life is happening around you
In today’s world, it is incredibly easy to pick up a phone and begin scrolling. One post leads to another, a video catches your attention, and before you know it, hours have passed. Social media can be informative, inspiring, entertaining, and even uplifting. It can introduce us to new ideas, make us laugh, and connect us with people and opportunities. Yet, like anything else in life, it is best enjoyed in moderation.
Social media is not our identity. We bring our identity to it. We share our wisdom, our knowledge, our joys, our concerns, our businesses, our books, our podcasts, and our passions. It is a platform, a tool, and a resource—but it should never become the center of our lives. The danger comes when scrolling begins to consume time that could be spent on more meaningful pursuits, leaving us disconnected from ourselves and the people around us.
The key is balance. Just as we enjoy a glass of wine without drinking to excess, or a piece of chocolate without eating an entire box, we must learn to use technology without allowing it to take over. Every area of life deserves attention: work, family, health, well-being, friendships, recreation, and rest. Social media can have a place among those things, but it should not replace them.
For those with ADHD or highly active minds, scrolling can be especially seductive. What starts as a quick look can quickly become a three-hour rabbit hole. While the content may be interesting, informative, or entertaining, it is important to ask whether it deserves that much of our time. Creating boundaries, setting timers, and being intentional about when and how we engage with social media can help us remain in control rather than becoming controlled by it.
One of the saddest sights today is seeing people sitting together at a meal while staring at their phones instead of talking to each other. Technology is meant to connect us, yet it can often separate us. Meals, conversations, family gatherings, and moments with friends should be opportunities for presence and connection. A phone should never replace genuine interaction with the people sitting right in front of us.
Equally important is making time for ourselves. We live in a world overloaded with information, often leaving us mentally exhausted and overstimulated. We need moments to pause, reflect, and absorb what we have learned. Music can be restorative. Nature can be healing. A walk by the ocean, through the woods, or simply sitting quietly and listening to the sounds around us can bring us back to center. Nature speaks to the heart, soul, and spirit in ways that technology never can.
Technology itself is not the problem. In fact, it offers tremendous benefits. Podcasts, educational content, online communities, and even AI can be valuable tools. AI, for example, can serve as an excellent assistant—helping organize thoughts, correcting mistakes, brainstorming ideas, and providing information. However, it should remain an assistant, not a replacement for our creativity, intuition, or personal responsibility. Technology should support our lives, not run them.
The real question is not whether we should scroll, but whether we are doing so consciously. Are we taking care of our own well-being first? Are we nurturing our relationships? Are we spending quality time with family and friends? Are we engaged in work that fulfills us? Are we making space for rest, reflection, and personal growth? When those priorities are being honored, then there is certainly room for some scrolling and entertainment.
Children deserve special consideration. Phones and tablets should not become substitutes for interaction, creativity, or play. Young minds are still developing, and excessive screen time can influence attention, behavior, and emotional well-being. Parents must remain vigilant, guiding children toward healthy technology habits while ensuring their safety in an increasingly digital world.
Ultimately, moderation remains the answer. Social media is not your identity. Your phone is not your life. These tools can enrich your experience when used wisely, but they should never replace real living. Put the phone down when sharing a meal. Step away from the screen before bedtime. Spend time in nature. Breathe deeply. Connect with people. Be present in your own life.
So, to scroll or not to scroll? Scroll when it serves you. Learn when to stop. Be mindful of your time. Use common sense. And most importantly, remember that you are always in charge of where your attention goes. Your life is too valuable to spend it endlessly scrolling past.
Self Discovery Wisdom is sustained by those who believe in conscious conversation. If this episode resonated with you, subscribe and, if you feel called, make a donation. Your support helps us keep amplifying voices that inspire growth, courage, and compassion. Thank you. Please join Our Forgotten Seniorsanthology and help to bring this book to awareness.
Nature of Addictions with Sara Troy and her guest Erik Peers, on air from June 30th
The 6Fs of Healing: A Whole-Person Approach to Recovery
For over a decade, he lived what he describes as a pharmaceutical nightmare that began when he was prescribed medication despite feeling there was nothing wrong with him. The drugs gradually stripped away his emotions, joy, and sense of self, leading to a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder and years of escalating medication. What followed was a devastating cycle of dependence, withdrawal, cognitive struggles, and the realization that the medication itself was contributing to the very symptoms it was meant to treat.
Determined to reclaim his life after ten years on psychiatric medication, he developed an extraordinarily slow tapering process that ultimately set him free. The journey inspired a lifelong commitment to understanding mental health, recovery, and human resilience. Since 2005, he has earned a psychology degree, qualified as both a Health Coach and Executive Coach, and immersed himself daily in the latest research in the field.
Over the last decade, he has refined his approach into what he calls the Polymath Protocol and the 6Fs Method, Physical, Pharmaceutical, Feelings, Philosophical, Family, and Financial. This whole-person framework recognizes that true recovery is about far more than reducing medication; it is about restoring health, identity, relationships, purpose, and the ability to thrive. Working with clients worldwide, every individual who has completed the program with me has successfully reduced or eliminated their medication while reclaiming their lives.
Today, his mission is simple: to be the guide he needed during his own darkest years, bringing together two decades of lived experience, education, and research to help others find a safer, smoother, and more predictable path to healing and authentic living.
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Please join Our Forgotten Seniorsanthology and help to bring this book to awareness.
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