Sar’s View of Life with Sara Troy, on air from January 6th
I’m currently at my son’s place, looking after his cat and dog while he and his wonderful bride, Jess, enjoy their honeymoon. Though I don’t have my usual setup here, I felt compelled to share a New Year’s message for 2025. This year invites us to wake up, step up, and rise to the challenges before us. Whether it feels like a storm of adversity or a gentle nudge, it’s an opportunity to reflect, empower ourselves, and extend that empowerment to others. Together, we can create a ripple effect of kindness, compassion, and action, lighting the way for a brighter, more united future. Let’s embrace this year with purpose and an open heart, nurturing the strength and love within ourselves to inspire the world around us.
A new pattern must emerge—a transformative shift to create a better future. This change begins with us: changing our practices, our environment, and our sense of community. It’s a journey that starts within.
As we step into 2025, amidst the storms and uncertainties around us, I urge you to find peace and center within yourself. Reflect on your role, your contribution, and what you can do to uplift others. But first and foremost, be there for yourself. Embrace your inner wisdom—your heart, soul, and spirit. Nurture the essence of who you are so that you can be a beacon for someone else.
I look forward to the year ahead, bringing you incredible interviews with voices that inspire and uplift. My new shows begin next week, and I am deeply immersed in creating Our Forgotten Seniors. This book will honor the contributions, struggles, and wisdom of seniors while addressing the changes needed to redefine what it means to age with dignity and purpose.
If you or someone you know would like to be part of this meaningful project—sharing stories, insights, and ideas for a better future for seniors—please reach out to me at selfdiscoverywisdom@gmail.com.
Together, let’s take a deep breath, envision the future, and step forward with purpose and unity.
All of our shows/interviews are done by donation, if you enjoyed this show please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support, thank you. and please support Our Forgotten Children’s anthology and help to bring this book in to awareness.
Your Health is Your Choice with Sara Troy and her guest Shanon Cusack, on air from December 17th
Discover the power of resilience and healing as I share my personal journey of overcoming decades of chronic pain, life-altering injuries, and health challenges. Despite the obstacles, I never gave up, turning my struggles into a mission to reduce pain and suffering for others. With over 40 years of studying health and refining transformative healing practices, I’ve dedicated my life to empowering individuals to reclaim their vitality and well-being. Tune in to be inspired, learn practical strategies, and take the first step toward a pain-free life.
Sharon is an Integrative Health Coach and Bodywork Intuitive specializing in transformative health and restorative practices. As a Master Practitioner in Restorative Bodywork and an Energy Medicine Specialist, she empowers healing and balance through holistic approaches.
Her journey overcoming childhood trauma, life-threatening infections, a spinal injury, and intestinal challenges fuels her resilience and ability to connect deeply with clients. Sharon also leads workshops and retreats focused on growth and community. She is dedicated to guiding others toward holistic health and a balanced, fulfilling life.
All of our shows/interviews are done by donation, if you enjoyed this show please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support, thank you. and please support Our Forgotten Children’s anthology and help to bring this book in to awareness.
Raising Our Gifted Children with Sara Troy and her guest Liliane Fortna, on air from December 17th
The Four Santas. Celebrate this Christmas season with this heartwarming new take on Santa Claus.
Dive into this delightful Christmas picture book to discover his magical origin, his reason for spreading joy and love to children throughout the world, and how he is able to make all those deliveries in only one night!
This holiday season, experience the magic of Christmas with author and award-winning writer Liliane Fortna. Her latest book, ‘The Four Santas’, is a beautifully illustrated Christmas tale that explores the origin of Santa Claus, his mission to spread joy and love, and the secret behind delivering gifts to children worldwide in just one night. Perfect for children aged 5-9—or anyone who believes in holiday magic—The Four Santas is a must-have for your Christmas collection and a heartfelt gift for young readers.
Liliane also celebrates the season with her breathtaking Winter Wonderland holiday display in her home featuring a sparkling lake, faraway villages, Santa’s workshop, and countless other festive scenes. This awe-inspiring creation will captivate visitors of all ages and immerse them in the spirit of the season. Everyone is invited to enjoy this magical holiday display.
“As much as I love writing about Santa and his magical world, I also love bringing that world to life for others to enjoy,” says Fortna. “Come in and explore the Winter Wonderland, and let’s celebrate the joy of Christmas together!”
Don’t miss this special opportunity to meet Liliane Fortna, get your copy of The Four Santas personally signed, and enjoy the holiday magic her Winter Wonderland has to offer. For more information about the event, click here.
Liliane Fortna is an internationally recognized, multi-award-winning author, best known for her ability to bring the magic of storytelling to life. Her latest book, The Four Santas, offers a heartwarming and imaginative new take on the beloved figure of Santa Claus, capturing the spirit of Christmas for both children and adults alike.
Born in Hanoi, Vietnam, Liliane is of French-Vietnamese descent. She grew up in France and has since lived in various parts of Europe, Asia, and the United States. In 2016, she became a U.S. citizen. Fluent in both French and English, she holds a degree in English Literature.
Now based in Charlottesville, VA, Liliane has become a bestselling author and gold-medal award winner. In addition to her writing, she is known for creating a breathtaking Winter Wonderland holiday display at her home, complete with a sparkling lake, distant villages, Santa’s workshop, and countless festive scenes, further bringing the magic of the season to life. Visit her online at Liliane Fortna.
All of our shows/interviews are done by donation, if you enjoyed this show please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support, thank you. and please support Our Forgotten Children’s anthology and help to bring this book in to awareness.
Choose Positive Living with Sara Troy and her guest Lisa Cheek, on air form December 10th
Lisa Cheek, author of SIT, CINDERELLA, SIT: A Mostly True Memoir?
A debut memoir of midlife adventure proving that magic can happen when you dare to believe in yourself, see and hear beyond cultural differences, and open your heart to a dog
“With a quick-witted tone and the creative lens of a gifted filmmaker, Lisa Cheek takes us through the mid-life resurrection of a woman who isn’t afraid to make her own way. In the end, she reminds us that we aren’t meant to do life solo and that true surrender requires far more strength than weakness.”
—Julie Cantrell, New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of Perennials.
SIT, CINDERELLA, SIT: A Mostly True Memoir by Lisa Cheek is a humorous, heartfelt story of reinvention and self-discovery. At 45, after being abruptly fired from her successful career editing TV commercials in LA, Lisa faces an unexpected crossroads. Just when she’s ready to give up, she’s offered a job editing a Mandarin-language film about the original Cinderella story, filmed in rural China. With no knowledge of the language or a clear idea of what lies ahead, Lisa takes a bold leap into the unknown.
Living in rustic conditions near the Tibetan border, Lisa contends with cultural barriers, homesickness, and the unpredictable world of filmmaking. Along the way, she forms meaningful friendships with her translator, Max, and the young star of the film, Sunny. From celebrating her dreaded birthday with a cake fight to rediscovering her purpose by rescuing a neglected dog named Cinderella, Lisa’s journey transforms her in unexpected ways.
Told with humor, poignant flashbacks, and a fairy-tale lens, Lisa’s memoir reminds us that magic happens when you step outside your comfort zone, look beyond cultural differences, and dare to believe in yourself. Readers will be enchanted by this inspiring tale of resilience, adventure, and the universal language of hope.
Then, reality hit. This Cinderella story would be told entirely in Mandarin—the only language spoken by every member of the cast and crew, except for Lisa and her assistant/translator, Max. And it would be filmed on ancient locations in extremely rustic and remote villages near the Tibetan border.
LISA CHEEK is a writer and film editor. After 25 years of editing and producing other people’s work, she finally took the advice of friends and coworkers to heart and decided to focus on telling her own stories. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, two mutts, Josie and Elvis Bruce Wayne, and two cats, Eartha Kitt and Trixie. A frequent traveler to all kinds of interesting places, she has several film and television scripts in various stages of development and is working on her next book.
All of our shows/interviews are done by donation, if you enjoyed this show please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support, thank you. and please support Our Forgotten Children’s anthology and help to bring this book in to awareness.
Sara’s View of Life with Sara Troy, on air from December 10th
“Yes, I have fibromyalgia, a health condition that causes daily pain and can sometimes cripple me, but that is no excuse.” No I do not feel sorry for myself, just stating a fact.
Living with fibromyalgia and Myofascial is a challenge I’ve faced for over 27 years, and I have had asthma for 68 years. The pain is constant, rarely dropping below a five, and always accompanied by symptoms like chronic fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, IBS, aches and pain, and so much more. While this condition affects every aspect of my life, I refuse to let it define me. It’s not an excuse; it’s simply the reality I navigate daily.
Fibromyalgia, now recognized as a disease, affects 2-3% of the population and growing and disproportionately impacts women, usually between ages 30 and 60. I was diagnosed in my late forties, and though its cause remains uncertain, it’s linked to how the nervous system processes pain. Symptoms like widespread pain, unrefreshing sleep, and cognitive struggles (what we call “fibro fog”) are just some of the hurdles. These challenges don’t stop me—they simply mean I’ve had to adapt and find new ways to live fully. They are not my excuse but my reason for being unable to do what others can.
Living with this condition requires careful pacing and managing energy. Overexertion can lead to burnout, so I balance what I can do with recovery time. It’s not always easy to explain this to others, as my condition isn’t visible. Declining invitations or taking things slower might seem like laziness to some, but it’s my way of respecting my limits.
In addition to fibromyalgia, I manage ADD and dyslexia, which make focus and productivity harder, especially when compounded by fibro-fog. Yet, over the past 12+ years, I’ve built a career I love, from podcasting and authoring and producing books to sharing stories from incredible individuals through my podcasting. My work energizes me and gives me purpose.
I also care for my grandchildren weekly, a rewarding but tiring role, especially on days when the pain is intense, or the weather worsens my symptoms. Humidity, in particular, takes a toll, but I’ve learned to listen to my body and prioritize self-care. Music, for example, helps me reset emotionally and physically, serving as a powerful tool to counter pain and lift my spirits.
Despite my challenges, I focus on what I can do rather than what I can’t. Life with a chronic condition requires adaptability, determination, and boundaries. It’s about managing, not excusing, and finding joy in the small victories.
As we approach the holiday season, I encourage everyone—especially those managing health challenges—to be kind to themselves. Plan recovery time before and after celebrations, honor your limits and communicate your needs to others. It’s not about making excuses; it’s about ensuring you can show up as your best self within your own boundaries.
I recently went out with some wonderful ladies from my community. We dressed up, enjoyed a lovely Christmas dinner, and celebrated each other. And you know, these connections don’t just happen—you have to create them. Someone has to say, “Hey, how about we do this?” And if that’s not your personality, that’s okay! Go join something, volunteer, or participate in a way that works for you. It’s all about finding ways to connect within the boundaries of your energy and abilities, despite your conditions, and do things within your pain limit, this is essential for someone living in pain, for if we do not make an effort to go and do things, we become our disease and limitations and forget to live life in any way.
“I’ll be taking some time off over the New Year to care for my son’s pets while he and his wife enjoy their honeymoon. It’s also a chance to recharge and just be. On New Year’s Eve, I’ll get to spend quality time with my grandsons while Mum and Dad enjoy a night of adult fun. Work resumes on January 7th, and I’ll be back to interviewing inspiring guests then.”
For meaningful holiday gifts, check out my podcast, “Sara’s View of Life,” at selfdiscoverywisdom.org, where I share gift book ideas from authors I’ve interviewed this year. Books are thoughtful, lasting gifts, perfect for any time of year.
If you’re navigating health challenges this festive season, be gentle with yourself. The holidays can place extra demands on your energy, so plan for recovery time before and after big events. Be realistic about your limits, and don’t hesitate to say, “This is how it is for me.” It’s not about making excuses; it’s about understanding your needs and helping others do the same.
As we dive into this busy time, remember it’s all about balance—what you can do, what you need to do, and how to care for yourself along the way. Be kind to yourself, create meaningful moments, and embrace what brings you joy, for joy in its self is so very healing.
I’ll be back next week with one final episode before the year’s end. Take care and see you then!
Fibromyalgia (FM) was recognized as a true syndrome (now upgraded to a disease) by the American College of Rheumatology in 1990. FM is thought to exist in 2% to 3% of the population. It occurs in both men and women and women are affected 6 to 9 times more often than men. FM occurs most commonly in women between the ages of 30 and 60. FM can also affect teenagers, children, and the elderly. FM has no known cause. Current research into how the nervous system deals with pain has shown that various abnormalities are present in people who have FM.
All of our shows/interviews are done by donation, if you enjoyed this show please support us here with either a one-time donation or subscribe and support, thank you. and please support Our Forgotten Children’s anthology and help to bring this book in to awareness.
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