Dream to Rise

Blair Leggatt’s journey from a traumatic brain injury to becoming a self-published author is one of resilience and hope. In our latest episode, he shares how writing helped him navigate the darkest days of his life.After a workplace accident in 2017 left Blair with a brain injury and severe memory loss, he turned to journaling as a means of coping. "I was dealing with short-term memory loss and had lost approximately three to four years of memory just priorto the accident," he recalls. This act of recording his thoughts became a therapeutic outlet, allowing Blair to process his experiences during atumultuous time.Blair faced acascade of challenges: chronic pain, depression, and the daunting task of dealing with insurance companies while feeling unheard. "The journaling helped me work through some of that and gave me the opportunity to find a new perspective on what I was dealing with," he explains. Writing became his lifeline, a way to articulate his struggles and emotions when everything else felt overwhelming.As we reflect on Blair's journey, we are reminded of the importance of sharing our stories and supporting one another. His books are not just a narrative of his life but a beacon of hope for many.To hear more of Blair's inspiring story and insights, listen to the full episode of the Dream to Rise podcast.

In this episode, Jess Soto opens up about her extraordinary journey of overcoming trauma and embracing her true self. From a childhood marked by abandonment and strictupbringing to becoming a mother at just fifteen, Jess's story is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit.Jess shares how her challenging childhood shaped her understanding of identity and belonging. Raised by a strict grandmother, she felt confined and abandoned, leading her to seek freedom through risky choices. At 15, her life took apivotal turn when she found herself pregnant, forcing her to confront her reality alone."I remember thinking to myself,okay, this is a decision. But obviously I wasn't gonna make it right then andthere... there was a life inside of me." - Jess SotoThis moment marked the beginning of her journey—not just into motherhood, but into a deeper exploration of who she is beyond the roles she was forced to adopt.

Heather discussed her journey creating the Thrive Continuum to help cancer survivors transition from treatment to recovery, emphasizing the importance of addressing the nervous system and building trust before adding physical activities like yoga. She shared her approach of starting with breathwork and meditation to regulate the nervoussystem, followed by gentle movement and community engagement. Heather shared her diagnosis process from October 2024 to January 2025, describing how her tumor grew to 10 centimeters and spread to multiple areas before undergoing radiation, chemotherapy, bilateral mastectomy, and ovary removal. She explained how traditional medical treatment ends without addressing the ongoing recovery process, leading her to develop a comprehensive approach starting with nervous system regulation and building trust with the body through breathing exercises and meditation beforeintroducing physical exercise and yoga. Heather discussed her business goals of expanding into local doctor's offices and creating community support systems, while emphasizing that cancer taught her about inner strength and the importance of continuing support beyond treatment completion.

In a world often focused on achievements and material success, I invite us to reconsider what legacy truly means. Rather than leaving behind a collection of possessions or accolades, true legacy is found in the lives we touch and thetransformations we inspire. Is legacy leaving something for people or leaving something in people?" I challenge you to think about the enduring impact we can have on others. A legacy rooted in material wealth is fleeting, yet a legacy woven into the fabric of someone's life can continue to resonate long after we are gone. Remember, when you prioritize leaving something in people, you create lives that live long after your direct influence has faded.

In this enlightening episode of the Dream to Rise podcast, Tracy Kyler, a spiritual mentor and business strategist, shares her remarkable journey of transformation and healing. Tracy’s insights are not just about personal growth; they are a call to action for all entrepreneurs seeking alignment in their lives and businesses.Tracy’s story begins with her own struggles, including teenage pregnancy and a lifelong battle with feelings of unworthiness. These challenges led her down a path of self-discovery that culminated in a life-altering car accident. It was in this moment of crisis that she experienced a profound awakening, connecting with her spiritual gifts and realizing the importance of healing emotional wounds.Tracy emphasizes that healing is not just a personal journey but a powerful tool for entrepreneurs. She believes that true success comes when we address our inner traumas and align our energies with our purpose. This philosophy isencapsulated in her mantra: Healing is the new hustle.

How will your life be measured?The measure of a life is not found in what we accumulate, but in the echoes we leave behind in the hearts of others. If your purpose is to be a light, you achieve this legacy by making love and compassion the foundation of every interaction. It all boils down to your WHY or your purpose.Listen to my video as I will share with you some examples in my life which may show that I am now living my purpose.Much love,Cynthia ConcordiaDream to Rise

An interview episode of the Dream to Rise podcast where CP Armin Demetillo, founder of Arise for Dignity, discussed his mission helping homeless families in the Philippines.  Armin shared his personal journey growing up in poverty on Siquijor Island in the Philippines, where he walked five kilometers to school barefoot, and how this experience inspired him to create programs that provide dignity through work rather than just charity.  He explained that Arise for Dignity has helped 300 homeless families transition off the streets and become taxpayers through food missions, livelihood programs, and education assistance, with participants earning money by collecting plastic bottles and cleaning the environment.  Armin outlined his three-pillar approach: food missions as initial contact, livelihood opportunities to build personal economies, housing programs through government collaboration, and finally education as the long-term goal. The main challenges discussed included regulatory requirements from government agencies like DSWD, resource constraints for expanding the mission, and the need for more volunteers and partnerships with private sector, NGOs, and governmentinstitutions. Armin emphasized that his approach requires participants to work for assistance rather than receive it freely, believing that dignity comes through meaningful contribution and participation. Let is us listen to the full episode.

In this insightful conversation, Loren Sanders, a leadership expert with over 20 years of experience, discussed the importance of empathy in leadership, the transition from toxic to transformative cultures and the role of feedback and self-awareness in fostering a healthy work environment.  Loren shares her personal journey and insights on how leaders can reconnect their teams with their purpose, emphasizing the need for character in hiring and the significance of listening in leadership.  The discussion culminates in Loren’s goals for the future, including her upcoming book on imposter syndrome.

How can our children help them through the journey of self-discovery?  Listen to my video as I will share with you my two main things that we should teach our children. I believe these two helped my children go through their struggles and successes in life.Much love,Cynthia ConcordiaDream to Rise 

Jen Uschold, a physical therapist and pain specialist shared her personal and professional journey, including herbackground as the youngest of nine siblings, her long career in physical therapy, and her experience with a challenging marriage that led her to rediscover her potential. She explained her approach to helping people with chronic pain by blending pain science, movement, and nervous system calming, emphasizing the importance of understanding each individual’s story and the role of emotions in pain. Jen discussed her current program, Pain is No Joke, and her goals to expand and research its effectiveness. The bridge between pain science education and recovery lies in understanding one’s own body and nervous system. Jen highlights the importance of this connection, stating, "When people understand pain, they have less pain, more function, and take less pain meds." It’s about empowering individuals with knowledge that enables them to reclaim their lives.Jen's journey and insights serve as a reminder that healing is possible and that understanding our pain is the first step toward overcoming it.Let’s listen to her episode.Much love, Cynthia ConcordiaDream to Rise