Sara Troy

24-44. A Balanced Libra

Self Discovery Wisdom Podcast

Sara’s View of Life with Sara Troy, on air from October 29th

Today, I want to talk about balance, especially as a Libra. Being born on October 6th and having just turned 70, I’m always trying to maintain equilibrium between taking care of myself and supporting others. My horoscope today emphasized this struggle, advising me to balance my well-being with the needs of those who rely on me. It reminded me how easily we can feel depleted if we don’t prioritize ourselves.

As a Libra, the scales of balance are central to my life. I’m loyal and committed to my work and to those who need me, but I often feel torn between what others expect and my own self-care. It’s an ongoing challenge. This week, two people postponed on me, which reduced my workload. While I usually do four shows a week, this week it’s only two, and I’m okay with that. I’ve been sick, and it gave me a chance to slow down and get other things done.

Finding balance, whether you’re a Libra or not, is about knowing when to say no, recognizing that it’s okay to take a step back, and realizing you don’t have to be everything for everyone. This idea really hit home when my daughter-in-law said in her wedding vows, “I’m going to take care of me so I can take care of you.” That’s something I wasn’t raised with. In my generation, we were taught to put others first, even at our own expense.

But she’s right—if we don’t take care of ourselves, how can we truly be there for others? Sometimes, the universe steps in to force us to slow down, like this week with my two postponed shows. Yesterday, I took care of errands without rushing and treated myself to a coffee and pumpkin soup. These small acts of self-care help rejuvenate me.

This weekend, I’ll be helping my daughter while my grandson has surgery, and I’ll visit my 91-year-old former landlady who misses me. After that, I’ll be back to work. Life is busy, but it’s about finding that balance between what needs to be done and taking time for ourselves

Everything comes down to balance. I’ve got a long to-do list, but with some free time after a postponement, I know I can get it done. However, focusing can be a challenge for me due to ADD. Once I’m locked in, I’m productive, but getting there isn’t always straightforward.

As a Libra, balance has always been important. I used to be a people-pleaser, doing everything for others until I felt drained. Over time, I’ve learned to say no and find balance. Even though I rarely cancel commitments, my grandkids are my top priority. I stay committed, but when it’s not urgent, I sometimes struggle to focus.

Balancing is also about seeking justice, weighing options, and making decisions. Recently, I had a respectful conversation with someone of opposing political views, and we agreed that love is central to everything. Love drives our actions, but we also need wisdom and accountability. Life teaches us through mistakes, and the more aware we are, the more we can grow.

For me, balance means knowing who I am—my strengths and areas where I need help. As a True Colors coach, I help people discover themselves, which helps me stay centered. Even when I wobble, I have tools to recalibrate.

Change is inevitable, and resisting it is futile. Like in Who Moved My Cheese, we must adapt to change and see it as an opportunity for growth. Clinging to the past leaves us behind, while embracing change opens new possibilities.

Right now, society is divided by anger and fear. We must regain our balance, step back, and approach challenges with love and compassion. In both personal life and the world, where do we find equilibrium? By nurturing ourselves, we can keep giving and contributing positively. Grounded in love, compassion, and care, we can advance humanity.

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AK24-43. Grinelle “Buzz” Desjarlais, Saving KC 

Self Discovery Wisdom Podcast

An Authors Kiss with Sara Troy and her guest Grinelle Desjarlais, on air from October 24th

Grinelle “Buzz” Desjarlais, author of Saving KC (Classic Day Publishing, September 17, 2024), the historical fiction novel set against the backdrop of post-Vietnam America which delves into the complexities of addiction, recovery and redemption. The new re-released edition of Saving KC offers readers a unique experience by presenting two alternate endings, allowing them to choose between a hopeful conclusion and a more somber, thought-provoking one. Saving KC explores the human condition through the lens of addiction and the quest for personal salvation. Desjarlais, who comes from a long line of Native American creatives, brings a deeply personal narrative to life, reflecting his own experiences through fictional storytelling.

Set in post-Vietnam America, Saving KC is a story of addiction, recovery and redemption 

New addition with dual endings allows readers to choose their own ending 

In an interview, he talks about: 

  • Why he decided to allow the readers to determine the fate of the characters by offering two different endings to the story
  • Why he decided to set the story in post-Vietnam America
  • His work as an activist dedicated to supporting Native American communities 
  • Co-founding the NATIVE Project, a non-profit that initially served as an outpatient drug and alcohol treatment center for Native youth
  • How he brought twelve-step meetings to the Washington State prison system for nearly a decade
  • How his father represented their native culture in the 1939 classic film Susannah of the Mounties alongside Shirley Temple
  • His great-grandfather, Mountain Chief, was a revered figure in their community
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Born on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation in Montana, also known as the Chippewa Cree Reservation, Buzz comes from a lineage steeped in creativity and cultural preservation. His father famously represented their native culture in the 1939 classic film Susannah of the Mounties alongside Shirley Temple, while his great-grandfather, Mountain Chief, was a revered figure in their community.

Beyond his writing, Buzz is an activist dedicated to supporting Native American communities. He co-founded the NATIVE Project, a non-profit organization that initially served as an outpatient drug and alcohol treatment center for Native youth, using a combination of traditional Native American healing practices and twelve-step programs. Recognizing the growing substance abuse issues among urban Native youth disconnected from reservation life, the NATIVE Project has since expanded into a full-service clinic under the Indian Health Service (IHS), providing comprehensive care to the urban Indigenous population of eastern Washington. Buzz also brought twelve-step meetings to the Washington State prison system for nearly a decade.

Buzz’s life has been filled with diverse experiences, including his service in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in Germany. He has lived in various parts of the world, including California, and now resides south of Seattle with his wife, Loni. His daughter, McKenzie, and her family, including grandsons Cowen and Kaplin also live nearby.  

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www.savingkcthestory.com

https://linktr.ee/grinnelldesjarlais


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AK24-43. Lee Lindauer’s Fiction & Facts.

Self Discovery Wisdom Podcast

An Authors Kiss with Sara Troy ad her guest Lee Lindauer, on air from October 22nd

Colorado native and award-winning author Lee Lindauer is an active member of the International Thriller Writers, has participated on author panels at ThrillerFest, and served as co-editor for The Big Thrill magazine.

In today’s discussion, we delve into his two other books, which, while fictional, are grounded in real-world facts that hold crucial insights for safeguarding our future.

Irrational Fears 

After witnessing the horrifying murder of her friend Tom Haley, Mallory Lowe, a cautious university mathematics professor, must emerge from her cocoon to become the gutsy and unpredictable woman she’s always dreamed of being. Running on the guilt of a past family tragedy that she blames on herself, Mallory is determined to find Tom’s now-missing daughter.

Following the clues in a 300-year-old equation left by Tom, Mallory’s search propels her into the tangled threads of a ruthless corporate entity known as Möbius, bent on controlling the world’s most precious resource: fresh water.

The Sava Steps

Twenty-five years after the Srebrenica Massacre, the worst genocide in Europe since World War II, survivor Melika Žbani? encounters two vicious men from her past. Intent on revenge, her plans are derailed by disgraced FBI agent Thorne Hightower, who has personal reasons to involve himself in her affairs.

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Lee Lindauer is an award-winning author known for crafting emotion-packed thrillers that delve deep into the human psyche and the complexities of fear and redemption. With degrees in Architectural and Civil Engineering and a background as a principal in a structural engineering firm, Lindauer brings a unique perspective to his writing. His novels include Irrational Fears, The Sava Steps, and the latest book, The Salvation of Henrey Maxwell, which follows a former Hollywood horror movie star on a transformational journey as he discovers that his wife did not die of a drug overdose but was murdered. A member of the International Thriller Writers, Lindauer has participated in Thriller Fest panels and co-edited Big Thrill magazine. He divides his time between Colorado and Nevada with his wife, Teri. Explore Lee Lindauer’s thrilling world of literature and his journey from engineering to authorship.

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FIND LEE’S LAST SHOW WITH SARA HERE.

AK24-38. Lee Lindauer’s The Salvation of Henry Maxwell

LeeLindauer.com

https://www.facebook.com/leland.lindauer

https://www.instagram.com/leelindauer

https://x.com/leelindauer

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24-43. Our Challenges

Self Discovery Wisdom Podcast

Sara’s View of Life with Sara Troy, on air from October 22nd

I’ve had a pretty rough time these past couple of weeks. I turned 70 on October 6th and had a wonderful weekend celebrating with my family, including my son’s upcoming 40th birthday. It was all absolutely wonderful. Then, I came down with bronchitis again and spent a week just trying to find a virtual doctor for a prescription, followed by another week of recovery. So, my entry into my seventies has been a bit rocky, but that doesn’t mean it has to stay that way.

It’s about overcoming, isn’t it? We all face battles, but it’s how we approach them that matters. How do we step up to face them and manage them, rather than letting them manage us? Each challenge brings that familiar question: “Do I have the energy for this?” But we do, because the only way to resolve anything is to go through it. I had to rest, take my medicine, and push through. I’m still on the journey, but I know it will pass.

We’re at a huge crossroads right now. Here in Canada, voting is underway provincially, and in a couple of weeks, the U.S. will be heading to the polls too. The world feels volatile, with conflicts like Iran and Israel’s tensions, unrest across the globe, and even people in the U.S. walking around with assault rifles as if it’s the Wild West. We need to take a deep breath. This is a challenge that requires cooler heads and common sense. We need to deal with the present, not get caught up in the hysteria of the past or fears of the future.

I recently faced a massive decision, and while it wasn’t easy, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders once I made it and began the process. Often, we think challenges are hard simply because we expect them to be. But once we commit, examine the pros and cons, and decide there’s no better alternative, it becomes less daunting. It’s like navigating through a rosebush—sure, there might be scratches along the way, but when you emerge on the other side, there’s a sense of peace and accomplishment.

Challenges reveal our courage, resilience, and strength. They push us to face what needs to be done and make it through to the other side. If anyone has read Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson, MD, you’ll know it’s a metaphorical story about dealing with change. The characters—two mice and two men—react differently to their cheese suddenly disappearing, symbolizing change. Some adjust quickly, while others resist until they’re left behind.

These themes resonate with the global challenges we’re facing now: peace versus war, political changes in Canada and the U.S., and personal crossroads in our lives. It’s crucial to recognize these challenges and find ways to resolve them.

I recently spoke with author Lee Lindauer, who has been on my show before. We discussed his books, which, though fictional, touch on real issues like the horrors of the Bosnian genocide and the theft of water rights—without directly naming companies like Nestlé. His stories underscore the importance of confronting the truth and dealing with the facts head-on. When facing challenges, it’s essential to assess what we can do, should do, and need to do to move forward. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but sometimes, we just need to step back, breathe deeply, and find our way through.

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AK24-43. Stacia Moffett, “Lost and Found in Tennessee”

Self Discovery Wisdom Podcast

Authors Kiss with Sara Troy and her guest Stacia Moffett, on air from October 22nd

Stacia Moffett, author of the “Lost and Found in Tennessee” series? The two-book historical fiction series, The Missing Girl and Jessa Is Back explores the South’s cultural and racial legacies through compelling stories of friendship, resilience, and identity. Moffett’s writing is informed by her own life experiences growing up in Nashville, Tennessee, and studying in Mississippi during the early 1960s.    

Stacia Moffett explains, “Current events are challenging those hard-won changes by romanticizing the 1950’s as the ‘good old days’ but that is a fallacy. I want to create stories that not only transport readers to a different time and place but also encourage them to think critically about the enduring legacies of the past. Through the characters and their struggles, I hope to offer a deeper understanding of the South and its complex history.” 

 Stacia Moffett’s Lost and Found in Tennessee historical fiction novels examine the complexities of the American South during a transformative time

The South’s Cultural and Racial Legacy: How growing up in the South, amid the legacy of Jim Crow, shaped her and others’ understanding of cultural and racial dynamics.

Inspiration Behind “Lost and Found in Tennessee”: How witnessing segregation and white supremacy led to the creation of the series.

Message on Racial Injustice: What she hopes to convey to those unaware of ongoing racial inequalities.

Book Bans and Censorship: Her thoughts on the increasing trend of banning books, particularly those addressing race and identity.

The Missing Girl’s Connection to “Jessa is Back”: An exploration of the book’s themes and how it ties to her other works.

The Power of Friendship: How the girls’ bond highlights resilience, loyalty, and the effects of social dynamics.

Writing Historical Fiction: Her approach to blending research with personal experiences.

Literary Influences: Authors like Anne Tyler and works like The Help that shaped her writing.

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Stacia Moffett, author of the “Lost and Found in Tennessee” series, was born into a family of educators in Nashville, Tennessee. Her experiences on a small farm nurtured her love for nature, dogs, music, art, and the warmth of family. Moffett’s academic journey took her to Mississippi in the early 1960s, a time and place that profoundly influenced her understanding of the South. With a Ph.D. from the University of Miami and postdoctoral training at Duke University, she and her husband taught and conducted research at Washington State University. Now retired, they reside in a canyon of the Snake River, where their son runs a commercial vineyard. Stacia’s writing reflects her Southern roots and offers readers insights into the cultural forces that continue to shape lives in the South. For more about Stacia Moffett and her work, visit Stacia Moffett’s

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The “Lost and Found in Tennessee” series will be available in hardcover and e-book formats from Classic Day Publishing, an imprint of Peanut Butter Press.  

https://www.lostandfoundintennessee.com

STACIAMOFFETT@GMAIL.COM

 https://www.facebook.com/stacia.moffett


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