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Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Caffeine Dependency: 7 Shocking Truths That Can Transform Your Health

 

Caffeine dependency doesn’t always look like a problem—until you zoom in on what’s happening to your brain, sleep, hormones, and heart. In this Rosabel Unscripted conversation with author and coach Steve Frazier (Release the Cuffs: Winning the Battle with Caffeine), we unpack the science, the lived experience, and practical ways to regain control. Below you’ll find seven truths about caffeine dependency—plus cleaner strategies you can start today.

1) How Caffeine Dependency Starts in Your Brain

Caffeine works by blocking adenosine receptors—the brain’s natural “rest” signal. With those receptors blocked, you feel alert even if your body is under-rested. As the stimulant wears off, adenosine floods back, creating fatigue, brain fog, and the “need” for another dose. That loop is the essence of caffeine dependency.

2) Why Caffeine Dependency Hijacks Your Circadian Rhythm

Morning light helps cortisol rise naturally. Coffee on waking can spike cortisol artificially, delaying melatonin and adenosine later. Over time, this disrupts deep (stage 3) and REM sleep—where the body repairs tissues, consolidates memory, and processes emotion.

Learn more: See this overview on sleep stages from the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

3) Caffeine Dependency and Heart Palpitations

Steve described a hospital visit for premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) during heavy intake. While occasional PVCs can be benign, frequent episodes warrant evaluation. For sensitive individuals, even small amounts can trigger jitters or palpitations.

4) The Brutal Reality of Withdrawal

Stop suddenly and blood rushes back through newly unblocked adenosine pathways—cue pounding headaches, fatigue, and fog. Hydration helps your body clear metabolites, but only time reverses the neurochemical imbalance. Gradual tapering often softens the landing.

Evidence base: See a broad review on caffeine’s neuropharmacology and withdrawal via this NIH-hosted paper: Caffeine: cognitive and physical performance.

5) Decaf vs. Swiss Water: A Cleaner Path Beyond Caffeine Dependency

Many conventional decafs still contain ~10–15% of the original caffeine and are sometimes processed with solvents. Swiss Water Process uses only water to remove 99.9% of caffeine, and choosing organic beans avoids pesticide residues.

Learn how it works: Swiss Water explains its solvent-free method here: Swiss Water Process.

6) A Trillion-Dollar Habit: The Economics of Caffeine Dependency

The global market for caffeinated products is enormous, which helps explain why downsides receive less airtime. Understanding the incentives makes it easier to question automatic habits and reframe your daily choices.

7) Rituals That Replace Caffeine Dependency

Steve’s morning routine begins with water, lemon, and apple cider vinegar—then a warm, nutrient-dense cup (think collagen, turmeric, cinnamon, cacao) using Swiss Water decaf. You can rebuild your ritual while protecting sleep and hormonal balance.

Smart FAQs on Caffeine Dependency

Is any amount “safe”? Sensitivity varies. If you notice anxiety, palpitations, reflux, or insomnia, that’s your threshold talking.

What’s the best time to drink it? Late morning (90–180 minutes after waking) typically minimizes circadian disruption.

Cold-turkey or taper? Tapering usually reduces withdrawal intensity for entrenched caffeine dependency.

Keep Learning (Internal Resources)

Evidence & External Reading

Your Next Step

Tomorrow morning, delay caffeine by 90 minutes, drink a tall glass of lemon water, and step into natural light. Repeat for five days. Notice how your energy stabilizes as caffeine dependency loosens its grip.

If you found this helpful, share it with someone who’s trying to sleep better, stress less, and feel human again—without the crash.

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Friday, August 22, 2025

7 Powerful Lessons from Jessica Lowery on Building a Purpose-Driven Elderberry Brand

 

In a world saturated with wellness trends and supplement brands, few stand out like The Power of Elderberries. Behind this trusted name is Jessica Lowery — a wife, mom of three, former public health lecturer, and visionary entrepreneur who launched her elderberry syrup business not from a boardroom, but from her kitchen, with faith as her foundation.

1. Purpose-Driven Brands Are Born in Moments of Desperation

Jessica’s journey began with a prayer. Amid personal struggles — her husband’s declining health, financial instability, and a career slowdown — she dropped to her knees and asked God for direction. The answer? A homemade elderberry syrup recipe she had first used years prior while pregnant and battling the flu. She shared her creation online, and to her surprise, people began asking to buy it.

“It was never meant to be a business. I was just sharing something I believed in. But the demand told me it was more than a remedy — it was a calling.” – Jessica Lowery

2. Faith Fuels Forward Momentum

Faith isn't just a backdrop in Jessica’s story — it's a driving force. Throughout every pivot, from labeling bottles by hand to growing into a regulated, compliant supplement company, Jessica leaned into prayer and spiritual guidance.

“Face Everything And Rise — that’s what fear means to me now,” she said. “Faith helped me rise when I doubted myself the most.”

3. Consumer Safety and Quality Must Come First

Jessica’s elderberry syrup uses organic European elderberries, raw local honey (never heat-treated), and whole organic spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves — with no added sugars, fillers, or preservatives. Her products are third-party lab tested for safety and quality.

➡️ Learn more about what sets her product apart at The Power of Elderberries.

4. Be Intentional with Your Ingredients — and Your Integrity

Jessica never compromised her formula, even when alternatives could have cut costs or improved shelf life. Her motto? “What I want for my family is what I want for yours.”

That integrity is what continues to separate her purpose-driven elderberry brand from the rest of the market.

5. Work-Life Balance Requires Teamwork and Boundaries

With a busy household and a growing company, Jessica starts her mornings with quiet prayer and devotionals before her kids wake up. Her husband’s support and a strong team make the work-family balance possible.

6. Visibility Can Be Scary — But It's Necessary

Jessica once feared visibility, especially as a woman of faith in the wellness space. But she discovered that visibility didn’t have to mean sales tactics — it could mean education and empowerment.

“When it felt like I was selling, I clammed up. But when it felt like sharing, it came naturally,” she said.

7. Stick with What Works — Then Expand Purposefully

Jessica’s core product line includes her signature elderberry syrup and shelf-stable “bites.” Both offer support for:

  • Immune health
  • Allergy and sinus relief
  • Joint mobility and inflammation
  • Blood sugar and heart health
  • Skin health and energy

And yes — elderberry dog bites are launching soon!

🎁 Use code PODCAST15 at checkout on thepowerofelderberries.com for 15% off your first order.

Final Thoughts: A Brand Built from the Heart

Jessica Lowery’s story is more than a business success — it's a reminder that purpose-driven elderberry brands are often born from pain, fueled by faith, and grown with integrity. Her work proves that staying grounded in your values can lead to something meaningful — and life-changing — for you and your community.

Have a dream, an idea, or a calling? Jessica's journey is your reminder to step forward in faith — and start.

Related Posts:

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Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Colombia Unforgettable: 7 Powerful Insights with Gary "El Gringo"

 

Colombia is not just a place on the map—it’s a pulse. In this episode of Rosabel Unscripted, journalist and filmmaker Gary “El Gringo” shares how a two-week trip to Medellín turned into an 18-year love story with the nation’s people, mountains, islands, music, and mindset. Below, I distill our conversation into seven lived-in reasons this South American gem captures hearts—and how you can experience it with presence, respect, and wonder.

1) Colombia Feels Like Many Countries in One

Amazon jungle, Caribbean coast, Pacific rainforest, Andean peaks, windswept desert plains—the geography of this vibrant land is a kaleidoscope. Climate follows altitude at the equator: sparkling summers on the coasts, Medellín’s “eternal spring,” and Bogotá’s crisp sweater weather. Each region is its own micro-culture, cuisine, and cadence, so you’re never repeating the same trip twice.

2) Colombia Reframes “Freedom” Through Everyday Life

Gary and I explored a beautiful contrast: in the U.S., identity often equals work; in this nation, work finances life. Long lunches, spontaneous music, a quick hug with friends—it’s normal to choose living first. That mindset helped Gary trade a 9-to-5 grind for purposeful content creation, and it fuels my own approach as a Colombian-born nurse practitioner: skill plus empathy, science plus soul.

3) Colombia’s Warmth Is Personal, Not Performative

“Bienvenido” isn’t a script; it’s a reflex. From Medellín’s comunas to small coastal towns, strangers offered us food, directions, and stories. At RCN in Bogotá, Gary described newsroom mornings that started with hugs and cheek-kisses—human warmth that powers collaboration. That cultural closeness may surprise first-time visitors, but it’s the heartbeat that turns tourists into honorary paisas, costeños, rolos, and more.

4) Colombia Holds Pain & Hope—At the Same Time

We talked honestly about safety, headlines, and grief. Like many of my generation, I remember the bombings and the silence that followed. More recently, the nation mourned the assassination of Miguel Uribe Turbay. Yet the collective response—calls for peace, dignity, and justice—reminds us how much progress has been made. Progress isn’t linear, but the will to move forward is real and resilient.

5) Colombia’s Hidden Gems Are Still Wonderfully Real

Yes, Cartagena dazzles and Medellín inspires. But Gary says the most breathtaking spot he’s seen is Providencia—crystal-clear waters, reef sharks gliding like silk, and beaches so quiet you’ll hear your own breath. Santa Marta’s beaches (and nearby Tayrona) mix jungle with sea; La Guajira’s desert meets turquoise waves in a painter’s contrast. Bogotá’s arts and café culture, Bucaramanga’s leafy parks, and Valledupar’s vallenato roots reward curiosity.

6) Colombia’s Coffee Culture Is Craft, Not Commodity

From childhood café con leche to specialty micro-lots in the Coffee Axis, coffee here is love you can taste. Skip mass-market blends for small producers who coax out notes of cacao, citrus, and panela. Many ship internationally, and tastings on-farm can turn any “cream-and-sugar” drinker into a proud black-coffee convert. In this land, coffee isn’t a habit; it’s heritage.

7) Colombia Teaches Courage—To Create, To Heal, To Live

Gary’s path—from U.S. newsrooms to Colombian TV and back to independent filmmaking—shows what happens when you answer a calling. My own journey (from primary care to neurology and podcasting) echoes a lesson this country taught me: courage isn’t loud; it’s consistent. It’s choosing purpose over perfection, community over isolation, and hope over cynicism—especially when life gets hard.

Travel Notes for First-Timers in Colombia

  • Design for altitude & climate: Pack layers for Bogotá and sunscreen for high elevations and coasts. Sunburn can sneak up even when it feels cool.
  • Move with intention: For Providencia, route through San Andrés; flights are limited and daylight-only. Road trips are glorious but slow—give yourself time for mountain curves, roadside arepas, and photo stops.
  • Respect local rhythms: From Taganga’s simple fishing coves to Medellín’s Metro culture, learn the unspoken rules—line up, greet people, and support local vendors.
  • Safety is situational: As in any country, stay aware, ask locals for current advice, and keep valuables minimal. Progress is real, vigilance still wise.

Medellín, Bogotá, Santa Marta & More: Where This Nation Shines

Medellín: Cable cars over green mountains, world-class libraries, and a Metro that’s a civic pride symbol.
Bogotá: Museums, street art, third-wave cafés, and Andean sunsets that turn the city gold.
Santa Marta & Tayrona: Palm-lined trails to hidden coves; consider a day at La Piscina for gentle water and family vibes.
La Guajira: Cabo de la Vela’s surreal desert-meets-sea is pure magic.
Providencia: Reef-ringed serenity—bring a mask, leave with awe.

Music, Food & the Joy of Being Fully Alive

Vallenato poetry, salsa on sidewalks, and the clink of tiny tintos—the sensory orchestra never stops. Order a bandeja paisa to sample Antioquia’s soul on a plate, then end with coconut rice by the sea. Here, meals linger, laughter carries, and even ordinary moments feel cinematic.

Keep Exploring: Helpful Links About Colombia

To plan your trip and deepen your understanding of Colombia, here are resources we love:

Related Reads & Internal Links

Dive deeper into courage, brain health, creativity, and travel mindset across my site:

A Personal Note on Colombia, Grief & Grace

My relationship with Colombia is layered—childhood memories, loss, fear, resilience, and an enduring faith that light wins. When tragedy strikes, I return to community and courage. When life feels small, I remember a country that taught me to sing louder, love longer, and greet even strangers like family. If this South American treasure is calling you, I hope you answer. There’s room here for your story, too.

Thank you, Gary “El Gringo,” for reminding us that purpose often begins as a whisper and becomes a life—especially in Colombia.

Quick SEO checklist (already done): Focus keyword “Colombia” is in the SEO title (at the beginning), meta description, URL, first 10% of content, subheadings (H2s), and naturally throughout the article. Density lowered from 3.54% to an optimal level without reducing total word count (>900 words). Includes internal links and at least one dofollow external link.

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Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Ms. World Traveler Breakthrough: 7 Inspiring Lessons from Visiting 130 Countries

 

In this episode of Rosabel Unscripted, I sat down with Kerry Damiano—better known as Ms. World Traveler—an award-winning adventurer who has explored more than 130 countries, built a brand in her 60s, and champions women to embrace solo travel with confidence. From Cartagena to Paris and Barcelona, from Rome to New York City, Ms. World Traveler’s story blends faith, courage, and practical wisdom for anyone ready to turn “someday” into now.

1) Ms. World Traveler’s Origin Story: Start Before You Feel Ready

Kerry’s wanderlust began at home. Inspired by a fearless mom who took the family to roadside attractions and far-flung adventures, she learned early that waiting for the “perfect time” often means waiting forever. Her secret? If schedules don’t align, go anyway. That simple decision compounds over years—one trip at a time—until you look back and realize you’ve circled the globe.

2) Solo ≠ Lonely: Ms. World Traveler’s Reframe

“Being alone is a physical state; being lonely is an emotional state,” Kerry shared. You can feel lonely in a crowded room and feel deeply connected on a solo trip. Solo travel invites self-trust, new friendships, and serendipity—especially when you lean into conversations with locals and small business owners. Ms. World Traveler’s faith is her anchor, reminding her she’s never truly alone wherever she lands.

3) Building “Ms. World Traveler” in Her 60s: It’s Never Too Late

After two decades of pageantry, fashion design, and media work, the puzzle pieces clicked. Kerry launched Ms. World Traveler—a stylish, story-driven platform spotlighting culture, design, and the people behind the places. Her message is a wake-up call: passion doesn’t expire. If your heart’s beating, you’re not done dreaming.

4) Shop Local, Change Lives: A Ms. World Traveler Rule

Small businesses are the heartbeat of every destination. Ms. World Traveler seeks out women artisans, indie designers, vintage curators, and neighborhood entrepreneurs—then features them on her show so travelers know where to go. In Pensacola, Florida, a vintage boutique felt “chosen” when Ms. World Traveler stopped in. That one spotlight sparked an ongoing friendship, the kind of connection that turns a trip into a tapestry of human stories.

Pro tip: when you shop where your money matters most, your souvenirs carry someone’s livelihood, not just a logo.

5) Slow Down to Go Deep: The Long-Stay Advantage

Instead of sprinting through a checklist, Ms. World Traveler often stays four to five weeks and “lives like a local.” She’s done it in Paris, Rome, and Barcelona—and she’s planning a month in New York City. Long stays breathe space into your itinerary: morning markets, neighborhood cafés, quiet museums, and unhurried walks. Time turns strangers into acquaintances and cities into second homes.

6) Faith, Loss, and the Inner Compass of Ms. World Traveler

Having lost both parents—her mother very recently—Kerry radiates a joy rooted in hope. She believes her parents are with the Lord, which brings peace and perspective. When grief resurfaces (and it will), purpose steadies the path. Travel won’t fill every ache, but it can remind us of what’s still beautiful, and worth getting up for.

7) “Someday” Is Today: Make the Leap

Ms. World Traveler’s 50th-birthday promise to herself: stop saying “someday.” If time, budget, or logistics feel tight, adjust the plan—not the dream. Pick a closer destination. Shorten the trip. Invite a friend—or don’t. What matters is forward motion. With each step, your confidence grows, your world expands, and your identity shifts from “I wish” to “I go.”

Field Notes from Ms. World Traveler: Practical Ways to Save & Simplify

  • Loyalty pays: Stick with one airline to layer perks (luggage, upgrades, and priority changes can add real comfort on long-haul days).
  • Book a fridge: Choose lodging with a refrigerator. Stock breakfast and snacks from local markets to save money and eat how you prefer.
  • Visa math: Some destinations require paid visas; others don’t. If you’re optimizing budget, choose countries where a visa isn’t necessary and reallocate cash to experiences.
  • Do your homework: Research norms, neighborhoods, and transit options ahead of time so you spend less time guessing and more time exploring.
  • Travel like a local: Longer stays unlock weekly transit passes, neighborhood cafés, and off-peak museum hours.

From Cartagena to Ephesus: Moments That Change You

In Colombia’s Cartagena, the heat and music soak into the old city walls; nearby communities preserve handwoven traditions like the sombrero vueltiao. In Türkiye’s ancient Ephesus, Ms. World Traveler visited the amphitheater where the apostle Paul spoke to thousands—an echo chamber of history that makes faith feel startlingly present. Travel reframes time: you’re not just seeing places, you’re joining an ongoing story.

Ms. World Traveler’s Quick-Start Plan (Do This Next)

  • Pick one destination that excites you and fits your current season (time, budget, energy).
  • Decide your travel style: fast highlights or slow immersion. Neither is “right”—just be intentional.
  • Block dates on the calendar. If it’s not scheduled, it’s a wish.
  • Sketch a 60/40 plan: 60% planned, 40% open for surprises.
  • Book the non-negotiables (flights, first two nights). Let the rest flex once you arrive.

Helpful Links for Every Ms. World Traveler

Ms. World Traveler on YouTube — See weekly episodes and artisan spotlights.

U.S. State Department – Passports & Country Info — Check entry, visa, and safety guidance before you go.

Rosabel Unscripted Podcast — Hear the full conversation and discover more guest stories.

About Rosabel — Learn why I’m passionate about meaningful conversations and purposeful travel.

Final Word from Ms. World Traveler: Joy Is an Inside Job

Ms. World Traveler’s life is proof that you can craft a joyful, purpose-filled path at any age. She blends bold action with deep faith, champions local makers, and chooses connection over comparison. Whether you’re chasing a first passport stamp or planning month-long “live like a local” stays, remember: it’s never too late. Book the flight. Meet the people. Support the shop around the corner. Let the world surprise you—and let it change you for the better.

Ready to plan your next chapter? Start small, start soon, and start where you are. Your inner Ms. World Traveler is already packed.

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Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Top 3 Leadership Styles That Changed the World: Ferrari, Jobs, Musk

 

By Rosabel Zohfeld

When we look at people who’ve truly changed the world, it’s easy to focus on their achievements. But real impact doesn’t just come from intelligence or resources—it comes from their leadership style. In this article, I’m sharing my reflections on three radically different leaders—Enzo Ferrari, Steve Jobs, and Elon Musk—who each transformed the way we live and work. What made them effective wasn’t just what they did, but how they led. And just like them, you have a leadership style too—one that can shape your legacy if you learn to harness it.

Why Leadership Style Matters

As someone who works in healthcare and walks the road of entrepreneurship, I’ve seen how leadership style isn’t about being “the boss.” It’s about how you show up. How you handle stress. How you move people forward. The way you lead shapes your energy, your outcomes, and your team’s emotional climate. That’s why understanding the style that works for you—rather than copying someone else’s—is key to sustainable leadership.

1. Enzo Ferrari: The Purist Leadership Style – Passion vs. People

Enzo Ferrari led from a place of singular passion. He was committed to one thing: building the fastest, most powerful cars the world had ever seen. His focus wasn’t on customers or shareholders—it was on the art and science of racing. According to Ferrari’s official history, he once said, “The client is not always right.” That says a lot about how he thought.

Contrast: That same passion also created distance. Ferrari wasn’t known for emotional warmth or empathy. He was so focused on the finish line that the people around him—engineers, drivers, even fans—sometimes felt like they came second. His purist style produced excellence, but not without cost.

2. Steve Jobs: The Perfectionist Leadership Style – Vision vs. Vulnerability

Steve Jobs brought vision to life in a way few others could. He believed technology should feel magical, intuitive, and elegant. His leadership style was intense, driven by a deep desire to make things not just functional, but beautiful. He could see what the world needed before it knew to ask for it.

Contrast: But Jobs also struggled with vulnerability. His drive for perfection sometimes created a culture of fear. Stories from early Apple teams talk about sleepless nights, public criticism, and emotional pressure. His leadership produced revolutionary products—but for many, it was a heavy price to pay.

3. Elon Musk: The Disruptor Leadership Style – Innovation vs. Instability

Elon Musk leads with boldness and risk. He doesn’t just solve problems—he reimagines the entire system. Electric cars, reusable rockets, brain-computer tech—he’s in all of it. His leadership style is fast, direct, and mission-obsessed. He often speaks to the public himself through platforms like X (formerly Twitter), refusing to hide behind PR teams.

Contrast: With that genius comes volatility. Musk is known for unpredictable decisions, high employee turnover, and controversial public behavior. While his leadership unlocks massive innovation, it can also shake stability and burn people out. His style isn’t wrong—it’s just high-risk, high-reward.

Leadership Styles in Contrast: Finding Your Balance

When you compare Ferrari, Jobs, and Musk, you see something important. Each one led from a different core strength—but each also had a blind spot. There’s no perfect leadership style. Every strength carries a shadow.

  • Ferrari’s drive created icons, but often left people behind emotionally.
  • Jobs’ brilliance changed the world, but his teams paid the price.
  • Musk’s scale of thinking is unmatched, but often unstable.

As a leader, your job isn’t to copy them. It’s to ask: what’s my version of this? Where do I lead from instinct, and where do I need to grow? Awareness is your greatest leadership tool.

What You Can Learn from These Leadership Styles

Here’s what I hope you take away:

  • Ferrari teaches us to stay anchored in what we love—even when it’s not trendy.
  • Jobs reminds us to connect vision to meaning—and never settle for good enough.
  • Musk shows us what’s possible when we stop playing small and start thinking beyond the system.

But most of all, they remind us that leadership is personal. Your story, your wiring, and your heart shape how you lead. And that’s your power.

Leadership Style in Practice: Which One Are You?

Knowing your leadership style doesn’t mean putting yourself in a box—it means leading with intention. Whether you’re managing a team, growing a brand, or simply trying to keep your household running smoothly, leadership is how you show up when it counts. So ask yourself: Am I leading from fear or purpose? Am I building something sustainable or reactive?

If you want more insights like this, I invite you to listen to the Rosabel Unscripted Podcast, where I sit down with people who lead with heart, resilience, and truth.

Conclusion: Leadership Style Shapes Legacy

Enzo Ferrari and Steve Jobs, left massive footprints on the world—and they did it their own way. Elon Musk continues to leave his legacy in it own way as well. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to leadership. What matters is whether your style lines up with your values, your vision, and your community.

Lead like yourself—not like someone else. And remember: your leadership style is allowed to grow, soften, sharpen, and evolve. That’s what legacy is built on.

Want to learn more about Ferrari’s legacy? Visit Ferrari’s official history page. You can also check out our recent post on growth mindset here.

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Monday, August 4, 2025

PTSD to Purpose: 7 Powerful Lessons from Aaron Burros' Journey

 

Rosabel Unscripted Podcast | Featuring Aaron Burros

PTSD can derail lives—but it can also become a platform for purpose. In this episode of Rosabel Unscripted, Aaron Burros opens up about being shot five times and running 50 marathons in 50 states as a way to heal. Known as The Running Servant, Aaron shares how trauma, faith, and fierce advocacy intersected to transform his pain into power. His story is a testament to resilience, mental health awareness, and the unwavering strength found through faith and community.

1. PTSD and the Power of Self-Advocacy

“Become the CEO of your own mental health,” Aaron says. He had to fight to be seen, assessed, and taken seriously. He sent scientific research to doctors and insurance companies to validate that treatments like running and massage therapy supported his recovery. If you’re struggling, be persistent. Aaron's message is clear: healing requires proactive involvement, not passive hope.

2. The Physical and Spiritual Effects of PTSD

His symptoms showed up physically—through disrupted neural pathways and chronic pain. They appeared emotionally—in hallucinations and severe crying spells. But Aaron also found healing through prayer, community, and his church family. Body, mind, and spirit all needed tending. For more on body-based trauma responses, explore The Body Keeps the Score.

3. PTSD and the Need for Community Support

Aaron built a team: therapists, prayer partners, physical trainers, and pastors. “The more weight you carry,” he says, “the wider your base has to be.” Emotional wounds isolate us—but healing happens in community. Internal battles need external support. (Need help? Explore this article on building emotional resilience.)

4. Running as Therapy: How Exercise Supports PTSD Healing

He went from 394 pounds to marathon champion—but the real weight he dropped was emotional. Aaron ran through anxiety, depression, and grief. He emphasizes, “Running is therapeutic, not therapy.” For many dealing with trauma, movement—whether yoga, dance, or walking—is an outlet that unlocks healing at a somatic level.

Running helped Aaron reconnect with his body. The steady rhythm of his breath and footsteps became a form of prayer and meditation. Though physical pain from his injuries remained, the emotional breakthroughs far outweighed the setbacks.

5. How Faith Anchored His PTSD Recovery

Through sleepless nights and suicidal thoughts, Aaron clung to Christ. “It’s not a what, but a who,” he told his doctors. “My hope is in Jesus.” That faith served as his anchor. Belief didn’t erase the suffering—but it gave him the strength to confront it. Whether praying with elders or reading scripture, Aaron leaned into God’s promises when everything else collapsed.

6. Retraining the Mind After PTSD

“Your pain has trained you,” Aaron says. “But you must retrain yourself to break the cycle.” It shapes responses—fight, flight, freeze. Aaron’s story encourages reflection and re-education. Without intentionally confronting the roots of suffering—guilt, fear, grief—we risk repeating emotional loops. His memoir, Medal Monday, explores this retraining process in depth.

7. Turning PTSD into Purpose: A Movement is Born

Aaron didn’t just survive a shooting—he launched a mission. From CNN coverage to speaking engagements and hugs from strangers, he became a voice for others dealing with trauma. “I’ve cried with more grown men than I ever imagined,” he reflects. His story now serves as a safe harbor for others navigating similar storms.

More Than Marathons—A Legacy of Healing Through PTSD

When Aaron committed to 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 weeks, it wasn’t about the medals. It was about meaning. That commitment helped raise money for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and reframe his experience as part of a bigger calling. It reminded him—and us—that healing is not a race but a deeply personal and sacred process.

About Medal Monday

Medal Monday: My Quest to Run 50 Marathons in 50 States in 50 Weeks 5 Years After Being Shot 5 times is more than a memoir—it's a raw, inspiring account of perseverance. You will read how Aaron overcomes the challenges of:

  • A severely weakened right glute muscle,
  • PTSD that is triggered in several ways,
  • The continual grind of running a marathon a week,
  • Canceled airlines flights,
  • Hotel hassles,
  • Reaching remote locations,
  • Cancelled races,
  • Revising his racing schedule weekly,
  • Several family tragedies while
  • Encouraging and helping everyone God put in his path.

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$30+ minimum donation (Include US Shipping Address and Event)

Available on Amazon and Kindle:
https://a.co/d/jaGXgwb

Get Connected with Aaron Burros

Follow Aaron on Instagram and Facebook at @therunningservant, or email him directly at aaronburros@yahoo.com for signed books and speaking engagements. His mission is ongoing, and he continues to encourage those affected by adversity through faith, fitness, and storytelling.

Additional Support Resources for PTSD

Serious experiences may leave invisible scars. But like Aaron Burros, we can learn that the most broken places can become the most beautiful when we let them heal. His testimony reminds us that while trauma can alter a person, it doesn’t have to define them.

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7 Powerful Ways Art Can Heal and Transform Your Life

 

Rosabel Unscripted Podcast | Featuring Debra Hillard

Art is more than a visual experience—it’s a language of healing and soul connection. In this episode of the Rosabel Unscripted podcast, artist and healer Debra Hillard shares her transformative journey through self-expression, spirituality, and recovery. From rebuilding her strength to creating sacred fabric pieces called Wraptures, Debra shows how creativity can become a path back to self.

1. Identity and the Power of Creation

Debra doesn’t separate her life from her creative work. At her core, she identifies as a healer—and the mediums she uses help bring that role to life. Her calling wasn’t strategic or planned. Instead, it was a return to an ancient thread within her, inviting her to become a spiritual guide and conduit through expression.

2. Rebirth Through Dismemberment

One of Debra’s most powerful insights is the shamanic concept of dismemberment—a symbolic death of self to make space for new truth. Her healing process involved multiple transformations, brought about by trauma and illness. Each time, creative expression became her way to reassemble what was lost and step into something more authentic.

3. The Body as a Medium for Healing

Though never a competitive bodybuilder, Debra turned to physical training to save her life after battling Chronic Fatigue. Her recovery became a sacred journey, and movement itself became a language for healing. Her clients often found emotional release through simple exercises, revealing how the body stores energy and how creativity can live in motion.

4. Wraptures: Sacred Textiles for the Soul

Debra’s line of intuitive fabric creations, known as Wraptures, emerged during her recovery from breast cancer. The first piece combined her painting with hand-sewn beadwork. Though newer designs no longer include embellishment, the heart of Wraptures remains the same: creating comforting, spiritual pieces that offer a sense of safety, presence, and transformation.

5. Creativity and Spirit: Inseparable Forces

Debra believes there’s no true divide between creative expression and spirituality. Whether someone grows plants, cooks meals, nurtures relationships, or paints on canvas—they are channeling their spirit. “We’re all creating every single day,” she says. “It’s just a matter of recognizing the form your creativity takes.”

6. Living Life Unscripted

To live artistically is to live unscripted. Debra has let go of titles, plans, and external expectations to embrace life as an unfolding process. “Now everything that comes to me is soul-directed,” she shares. This deeply aligns with the vision behind Rosabel Unscripted: living with curiosity, openness, and intuitive trust.

7. Reconnecting with Your Creative Self

If you feel disconnected from your inner voice, Debra suggests starting with reflection. Consider what you’ve already created in your life—a friendship, a home, a moment of kindness. From there, open the door to more. The first step is believing you are, and always have been, a creator.

Explore Debra’s Work

Debra’s book, Remembering Myself: A Journey Through the Threads of Time, will be released soon. She has been featured in numerous magazines and anthologies. You can follow her journey and learn more about her work at:

Work with Debra

You can also work directly with Debra as a sacred guide. Whether through image, word, or energy, everything she creates is an invitation to come home to yourself—to listen, to feel, and to remember who you are. Her presence offers a powerful opportunity to reconnect with your essence.

Internal Resources You’ll Love:

Final Thoughts

Debra Hillard reminds us that healing doesn’t follow a linear path. Whether through fabric, movement, storytelling, or silence, we each have the power to rediscover our creative force. The tools are already within us—we simply need to trust their voice.

If something stirred in you today, honor it. Let it move through you. Let it guide you. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll find that your life is already a masterpiece in progress.

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Life Unscripted with Rosabel

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