5 years ago today my life was turned upside down. I had a heart attack and was eventually diagnosed with a heart condition. From the hospital, I started a podcast and it was one of the best things I ever did.

I have shared 90 peoples stories over the years. They are brave and courageous overcomers of unimaginable trauma, accidents and unfortunate situations. Ranging from near billionaires, millionaires, authors, CEO’s, Mom’s, Dad’s, Lawyers and every other imaginable label it became apparent that we all want the same things: To be seen, to use our talents to help others and to have meaningful connections with others.

The most important things that I have learned from their stories

• You get to decide why it happened to you and what it means
• People that have a growth mindset are the ones that make it through anything
• Optimism goes a long way
• There are no victim mindsets in success
• Success is achieved by intentionally doing things over and over
• Everyone has a purpose, gifts and talents
• Prayer and Grace are powerful.
• Money doesn’t buy happiness but many happy people attract money.

Mindset

Over the last 5 years, I have been through many ups and downs. I learned that mindset is important.  There have been people I interviewed that lost everything yet still kept a positive mindset and went on to be successful speakers, coaches and to help others. A person can not use their mind alone to overcome a challenge however it certainly helps.  There is a dance that takes place in discovering what can be overcome by growth, hard work and persistence and what is in God’s hands.

When I had a heart attack and lost my job, my family and my health I spent a lot of time in grief, feeling sorry for myself and wondering why. I still don’t know all the answers but I know that it was a gift to have had the opportunities that have come into my life since and I no longer hold onto feeling sorry for myself. Grief comes and goes, our emotions change from day to day and moment to moment. The most important things cannot be purchased and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn them.

I have learned

• The value of listening to my children over buying them things
• How to live peacefully in a tiny home
• How to listen
• To do today what I used to put off until tomorrow
• Thanking a friend for something is important no matter how small
• To ask for feedback and allow for improvement.

The person that I am today is resilient, kind, loving and patient and it would not have been possible if I had not gone through the difficulties. I am still not healed and I do not know why I am not able to be healed.

Broken People

What I do know is that God has a plan for my life. I have been put in dark places where I would not have had the opportunity to be the light to others without this medical issue.  There are people broken beyond our realizations in our day to day lives. They put on happy faces and are the most loving and respected people of all.

If only others knew the isolation they feel inside the hurt, the pain, the feeling that if anyone discovers their secret they will not be their friends. The last thing I learned is to be a friend to the rich, the poor, the fake and the authentic, to judge not and love more because everyone needs someone to see them, to listen and to love them no matter what.

Our time here is unknown

I don’t know how long I will have on earth and no one really does. What we have is this moment, today, right now. What stands out to me from all the wisdom that has been shared on Podcast is to love your kids, let go of grudges and regrets, love well, receive and give grace, smell the roses, enjoy the sunset, kiss a baby, pet a puppy, eat ice cream, listen to God, live your life fully.

Thank you to everyone that has been a part of my journey in the last 5 years. Everyone that has shared a story on the Podcast my church family, my friends, my family and most importantly, my kids.

Much Love

Gina

Gina Johnson