Our special guest, Althea Holmes, joins us to share her remarkable journey. Born with a rare disease called arthrogryposis, which affects her limbs and requires her to use a wheelchair, Althea has never let her condition define her. Despite numerous challenges, she has forged a successful career as a full-time adjuster and talented craftswoman, creating memorial purses.In her candid conversation with Vickie, Althea discusses the importance of independence, the struggles and misconceptions faced by people with disabilities, and the emotional journey of reclaiming her sense of self after personal loss. Althea's story is a testament to human resilience, and her insights are sure to inspire and motivate listeners. They delve into the significance of education, crafting as a therapeutic outlet, and how asking for help doesn't equate to showing weakness.Highlights:- Althea’s determination to live independently and her educational journey despite losing financial support.- Personal stories of navigating life in a wheelchair and common misconceptions about accessibility.- Crafting as an emotional release and a tribute to loved ones.- The emotional impact of losing her husband during the COVID-19 pandemic.- Practical advice on embracing and accepting help while maintaining one's dignity.Timestamps: 00:03:20 - Introduction to Althea Holmes and her background. 00:15:45 - Althea shares the challenges and learnings from her college days. 00:32:10 - Discussion on the impact of Althea’s spinal surgery and quest for independence. 00:47:25 - Althea’s experiences with crafting and the significance of her memorial purses. 01:01:55 - Reflecting on respect, inclusivity, and awareness for individuals with disabilities.Join us for this heartfelt and insightful discussion, and don't forget to subscribe and click the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes of "Today's Dream, Tomorrow's Reality."#Resilience #Independence #DisabilityAwareness #CraftingTherapy #Podcast #Transformation #VickiePoole #AltheaHolmes

Entrepreneur Neil Baboolal, hailing from Trinidad, shares his inspiring journey from managing a traditional retail business to launching the innovative e-commerce pet brand, Jackie & Joe, on Amazon. Having grown up with entrepreneurial parents, Neil was destined to carve his own path, and along with his wife, Sunita, he transformed a shared passion for dogs into a thriving online venture. Named after Neil’s beloved childhood German shepherds, this brand is more than a business; it's a personal legacy and a testament to the couple's commitment to entrepreneurship and personal freedom.Our conversation explores the mindset and resilience required for entrepreneurial success, as Neil shares his belief that perseverance, exercise, and maintaining mental wellness are critical to overcoming challenges. With insights drawn from his background in gambling, Neil emphasizes the importance of having a compelling "why" and viewing business as a marathon rather than a sprint. Together, we delve into the importance of a supportive community, continuous learning, and balancing the demands of personal and professional life, especially in the post-COVID era where new business practices have emerged.Finally, the journey of self-discovery and growth takes center stage as we reflect on the importance of enjoying the journey itself rather than obsessing over the destination. Neil and I discuss the power of connections, gratitude, and the intentional creation of one's future. We question conventional notions of retirement, suggesting that maintaining an active and purposeful life can lead to fulfillment at any age. With shared appreciation for reading and learning, this episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to create a life and business filled with passion and purpose.(00:01) Entrepreneurial Journey in E-Commerce Pet Brand(13:21) Entrepreneurial Mindset and Business Challenges(26:09) Balancing Brick-and-Mortar With E-Commerce(32:24) The Journey of Self-Discovery and Growth(45:16) Building Connections and Creating the Future

Check out Neil's pet mat here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWB363BB?ref=myi_title_dp

Join me as I sit down with Karen DeBonis, a remarkable author and health education expert, as she shares her incredible journey from health professional to memoirist. Karen's deeply moving story, captured in her book "Growth: A Mother, Her Son, and the Brain Tumor They Survived," serves as a testament to love, resilience, and personal evolution. Together, we explore how life's mosaic of experiences shapes us, and how even the toughest challenges can be catalysts for growth, equipping us with the strength to face future adversities and achievements.

Throughout our conversation, Karen candidly reveals her transformation from a passive mother to a proactive advocate for her son, who bravely battled a benign yet inoperable brain tumor. We dive into the profound process of finding one's authentic voice, as Karen discusses overcoming people-pleasing tendencies and launching a podcast as a medium for self-expression and healing. The conversation flows effortlessly into the joys and challenges of creative pursuits, highlighting the invaluable role of a supportive family and celebrating personal milestones, like her son Matt's achievements despite his brain injury.

We also tackle critical topics like medical gaslighting and the challenges parents face as neurodiverse children transition into adulthood. Reflecting on her personal journey, Karen shares future aspirations, from expanding her career to becoming a grandmother. We end on a heartfelt note, with a shared appreciation for the beauty of creative processes and the power of gratitude. Whether you're seeking inspiration, understanding, or simply a heartfelt story, this episode promises to enrich your perspective and ignite a sense of community.

(00:02) Journey of Growth and Survival

(11:49) Finding Authentic Voice Through Healing

(24:23) Exploring Artistic Passions and Family Resilience

(33:27) Health Advocacy and Future Dreams

(43:12) Creating Moments of Gratitude

Find Karen here: https://www.facebook.com/karen.debonis.3"