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.

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

• PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/RUNandSERVE
• CashApp: https://cash.app/$runningservant
• Venmo: https://venmo.com/code?user_id=3886028762908469825

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

• National Center for PTSD (VA)
• NIH: PTSD Overview

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.

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:

• Main Website: dkhillard.com
• Art Portfolio: dkhillardart.com
• Soul Portraits & Wraptures Overview
• Instagram: @dkhillard
• YouTube: Debra Hillard Channel
• Facebook: Art Page
• Facebook: Wraptures Page
• Facebook: Personal Profile
• LinkedIn: Debra Hillard

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:

• The Courage to Succeed: My Story of Belonging and Becoming
• More Rosabel Unscripted Podcast Episodes
• 7 Powerful Truths About Trauma That Will Transform How You Heal

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.

7 Powerful Ways to Find Clarity in a Complex World

 

Clarity—that elusive state of knowing what truly matters—can feel nearly impossible to access in today's overwhelming world. But on this episode of Rosabel Unscripted, Hussein Hallak, entrepreneur, author of The Dark Art of Life Mastery, and founder of Next Decentrum, brings us back to what’s real. Together, we explore how clarity is not something you stumble into—it's something you create through conscious intention, courageous letting go, and grounded presence. Learn more about this perspective on the About Rosabel Zohfeld page.

Why Clarity Matters More Than Ever

In an age of 24/7 information and algorithm‑driven attention, Hussein reminds us that clarity isn't about having all the answers. It's about asking the right questions. It’s about knowing what truly matters, especially when the world seems unstable or unpredictable. See how other guests tackle these themes in the “Courage to Succeed” article series.

We live in a time when people confuse movement with progress and busyness with productivity. But clarity is about slowing down just enough to ask: what am I really aiming for? Am I reacting—or intentionally responding?

1. Embrace the Uncomfortable Truths

This deeper self-awareness begins when we stop pretending life is always safe or certain. Hussein emphasizes that illusions of stability can hold us back from meaningful progress. By embracing discomfort and questioning the systems around us, we begin to live more honestly—with clarity rather than pretense.

This discomfort can come in many forms—changing careers, ending toxic relationships, or admitting we're not where we want to be. Understanding gives us the courage to confront these truths, not avoid them.

2. Clarify Your Priorities Through Questions

Want to grow your business, build a family, or simply make your day feel intentional? Ask yourself: "What is the most important thing I can do right now that will make the biggest difference?" This one question can move you from scattered action to focused clarity.

And clarity doesn't mean perfection. It simply means that you're aligning your daily actions with your deepest values. The clearer you are, the more confidently you can say “yes” to what matters—and “no” to what doesn’t.

3. Define What Matters Most—Right Now

In a poignant moment, Hussein shared his own breakthrough. Amidst a long list of goals—TED talks, luxury cars, global adventures—he realized none of them mattered if his family wasn’t happy and healthy. That became his anchor. That became his clarity. What’s yours?

Sometimes we chase what looks good to others instead of what feels right to us. Genuine understanding requires the humility to admit when our goals no longer serve us—and the bravery to pursue the ones that do.

4. Let Go to Grow

In his book, Hussein talks about the courage required to let go of what's no longer serving us. From past failures to outdated dreams, letting go is an intentional act that clears space for new growth. And clarity cannot exist without that space to evolve and breathe.

Letting go is not weakness—it’s wisdom. It’s knowing that by releasing what once defined us, we open up to what can redefine us with clarity.

5. Practice Clarity as a Daily Habit

Write it down. All of it. Your dreams. Your fears. Your decisions. As both Hussein and Rosabel emphasize, writing is a form of awareness. Clarity lives in language—and writing helps give your thoughts a place to land and evolve with meaning.

Make journaling a non-negotiable. Whether you're processing a difficult moment or capturing a sudden insight, these small daily practices help you maintain emotional and strategic clarity over time.

6. Lead with Service, Not Ego

Leadership rooted in clarity doesn’t come from chasing trends or money. Hussein built businesses across continents and cultures by staying grounded in service, transparency, and shared goals. This is clarity in action, not theory.

When leaders operate from inner vision, they create organizations that thrive not just financially, but culturally. They attract aligned talent, build trust, and adapt more quickly in times of change.

7. Choose Commitments Over Beliefs

"Commitments are conscious choices," Hussein says. While beliefs can shift with time and experience, your commitments define who you are in real-time. Want more clarity? Start by asking what you’re truly committed to—and let that guide your next step.

Living with intention isn't found in theories—it’s forged in choices. What you choose to show up for every day tells the story of who you're becoming. That’s where clarity comes from—one choice at a time.

Legacy, Love, and the Long Game

Hussein’s journey—from launching startups to losing millions, from Damascus to Vancouver—has been one of intention. His book, The Dark Art of Life Mastery, is not just a guide—it’s a legacy project for his children and mentees. It reminds us that clarity often emerges not from control, but from connection and conviction.

Living with clarity means knowing what you want to be remembered for. It’s building something not just for recognition, but for contribution. It’s the art of designing a life you can stand behind with your whole heart.

Final Reflection: Your Turn to Find Clarity

Whether you're building a business or rebuilding your sense of self, clarity is the throughline. And it begins now. Start by writing one page today: what matters to you most? What are you willing to let go of? And what’s the smallest next step toward your own definition of success?

Need more perspective? Explore related conversations like Unleash Your Best Self or Mental Health Insights with Megan Wells. These powerful episodes offer more clarity and courage for your journey.

Explore More from Hussein Hallak

Visit husseinhallak.com to read more, grab a copy of The Dark Art of Life Mastery, or follow his journey on Substack and LinkedIn.

Disclaimer: The content shared in this blog is for educational and inspirational purposes only. It is not intended as medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personal guidance.

7 Powerful Ways EFT Tapping Transforms Emotional Healing

 

Amy Vincze—certified EFT Tapping coach 

What is EFT Tapping?

EFT Tapping, or Emotional Freedom Technique, is a holistic healing method that combines acupressure, cognitive therapy, and somatic practices to address emotional and physical pain. On the Rosabel Unscripted Podcast, guest Amy Vincze—certified EFT Tapping coach and founder of the Soar with Tapping app—shared her inspiring journey from personal trauma to global healing impact.

1. Addressing Root Causes of Trauma

Many people dismiss their early-life emotional wounds as irrelevant or insignificant. Amy shared how her unresolved childhood pain—stemming from her father’s alcoholism and abandonment—manifested decades later as panic attacks and physical pain. Through EFT Tapping, she was able to trace her distress back to its origin and release it from her body.

2. Healing Chronic Pain

Amy’s own 20-year struggle with debilitating lower back pain was resolved after just a few focused EFT Tapping sessions. This profound shift underscores the emotional connection to physical ailments—a concept also discussed in Dr. Bessel van der Kolk’s book The Body Keeps the Score.

3. Managing Anxiety and Panic Attacks

EFT Tapping helps deactivate the brain’s amygdala, the fight-or-flight control center. By tapping on specific acupressure points while acknowledging emotions, users calm their nervous system, reduce cortisol levels, and restore emotional regulation.

This technique is supported by over 300 peer-reviewed studies, proving its effectiveness in reducing anxiety and enhancing mental health.

4. A Tool You Can Use Anytime, Anywhere

One of the most empowering aspects of EFT Tapping is its accessibility. It requires no equipment, medication, or office visit. Whether you're in a moment of stress, grief, or overwhelm, tapping offers a way to ground yourself in the present and regain control.

5. More Than a Quick Fix—It’s a Practice

While tapping can offer immediate relief, the real transformation comes with consistency. Amy described it as building an “emotional muscle.” Over time, it becomes easier to identify, process, and clear emotions as they arise.

6. Clearing Limiting Beliefs

EFT Tapping helps dismantle deep-seated beliefs like "I'm not good enough" or "I don’t belong." These subconscious scripts often dictate how we show up in relationships, careers, and self-worth. By tapping while voicing these truths, users can break free from emotional chains that hold them back.

7. Personalized Healing Through the Soar with Tapping App

The Soar with Tapping app offers over 160 guided scripts tailored to issues like depression, addiction, procrastination, physical pain, and more. It includes features for journaling, goal setting, and quick “boost” sessions. As Amy emphasized, deep healing happens in layers, and this app provides a structured way to stay engaged on your journey.

Where to Begin Your EFT Tapping Journey

If you’re new to EFT Tapping, Amy recommends starting with short 10-minute sessions found in the Quick Boosts section of her app. Whether you're seeking calm, clarity, or confidence, there’s an entry point for everyone. The app is available on iOS and Android, though discounts are currently exclusive to iPhone users.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Healing Process

EFT Tapping isn’t just a technique—it’s a lifestyle shift. It requires courage to face suppressed emotions and commitment to process them. But as Amy and countless others have shown, the results are worth it: clarity, peace, and emotional freedom.

If you’re carrying pain, stress, or simply want a deeper connection with yourself, consider giving EFT Tapping a try. You can find internal links to other mental health tools like self-mastery techniques and sobriety-focused healing on Rosabel Unscripted.

Remember, you don’t have to wait for a crisis to begin healing. The time to start is now.

Listen to the full podcast episode with Amy Vincze on Rosabel Unscripted and explore more about how healing is possible with just your fingertips.

Common Misconceptions About EFT Tapping

Many people initially dismiss EFT Tapping as too simple or even “silly” because it involves tapping on parts of the face and body. Amy Vincze herself shared this reaction when she first encountered the practice. However, the results speak for themselves. Backed by neuroscience and clinical trials, EFT has demonstrated efficacy across anxiety, PTSD, and pain management. Skepticism is natural—but the key is to try with an open mind and proper technique.

Another misconception is that tapping only works for stress or emotional issues. In truth, it can support physical healing when emotional trauma is linked to chronic pain, as Amy explained in her recovery from years of debilitating back issues.

FAQs: EFT Tapping for Beginners

Q: How long should I tap?
A: Most sessions last between 5–30 minutes. You can start with just 5–10 minutes a day and gradually increase based on comfort.

Q: Do I need a coach?
A: Not necessarily. The Soar with Tapping app includes guided scripts and explanations. However, for complex trauma, a certified coach can provide deeper support.

Q: What if it doesn’t work?
A: Results can vary. Like any healing practice, consistency matters. Some experience instant relief; others notice subtle shifts over time. Keep at it, and stay patient with yourself.

Client Success Story: From Fear to Freedom

Amy shared the story of a woman with a severe phobia of flying. In just one 90-minute EFT session, the client went from panic to peace—taking her flight with ease and even laughing mid-air. Years later, she still flies without anxiety. This is just one example of how powerful EFT Tapping can be when used with intention and focus.

7 Powerful Truths About Mental Health From Therapist and Pageant Queen Megan Wells

 

Mental Health Isn’t a Choice—But Healing Can Be

Mental health takes center stage in this inspiring episode of Rosabel Unscripted featuring therapist, coach, and titleholder Megan Wells, also known as Mrs. Arkansas USA ICON 2025. Megan shares her raw and courageous journey through eating disorders, misdiagnosis, and self-discovery. Her story begins on what she calls her “dark day,” a pivotal moment that nearly ended her life but ultimately became the catalyst for transformation.

She reminds us that mental illness is not a choice—no one walks into a clinic and says, “I’ll take anxiety and borderline personality disorder today.” But healing, she emphasizes, is a decision. And it’s one we have the power to make every day.

The Power of Vulnerability in Mental Health Advocacy

For Megan, wearing the crown is not about perfection—it's about amplifying the truth about mental health. “A title is just a microphone,” she says. Her candid storytelling is part of a mission to de-stigmatize therapy, self-harm, and depression, especially among young people and professionals. Her message? You don’t need to have it all together to be worthy of help—or to help others.

Mental Health Support Starts with Presence, Not Advice

One of the most profound lessons from this episode is the importance of simply being present for someone who is suffering. Megan offers a moving analogy: imagine a person trapped in a pothole. They don’t need you to shout advice from the sidelines. They need you to sit with them, offer tools, or hold the ladder. Support, she says, is about presence—not fixing.

How Therapists Can Lead With Lived Experience

Megan’s decision to become a therapist was born from her own recovery. “The therapists that helped me saved my life,” she shares. That empathy now informs how she guides her clients, integrating personal experience with clinical training. As a practitioner, she rejects the passive “head-nodding” approach and opts instead for directness, clarity, and heart.

Rethinking Stigma and the Role of Culture

From Catholic teachings to workplace norms, Megan and Rosabel delve into how stigma around mental health is perpetuated by culture. Megan points out how phrases like “you have no reason to be sad” invalidate deep emotional pain and delay healing. Rosabel echoes this, sharing her personal experience as a suicide-loss survivor in Colombia—a culture that often shrouds mental illness in shame.

“We all walk out of childhood with something,” Megan says. “Even the best parents can’t meet every need perfectly.” The goal is not blame—but healing.

3 Reasons to Heal: Megan’s Mental Health Framework

In treatment, Megan was taught to name three reasons to heal. Hers were motherhood, integrity, and connection. She now shares that framework widely, reminding others that purpose is the antidote to hopelessness. This framework is also the foundation of her “Hope for Mental Health” program—an acronym for Help, Optimism, Purpose, and Empowerment.

To explore her free resources and “Mental Reset Monday” tools, visit @theMeganWells on Instagram.

Self-Care is Not a Luxury—It’s a Lifeline

From journaling to yoga to fidget tools, Megan and Rosabel explore everyday mental health practices that truly work. “Self-care is like vegetables,” Megan jokes. “You may not want it—but do it anyway.” Rosabel adds that caregiver burnout—especially in dementia care—makes self-care non-negotiable. Together, they advocate for a culture that normalizes crying, rest, and asking for help.

Interested in related tools for caregivers? Explore Rosabel’s dementia care guide.

Final Thoughts: Everyone Deserves Help

“You're not alone,” Megan tells listeners. Whether you’re in your own dark day or supporting someone who is, there is always hope. Asking for help is not weakness—it’s courage in action. And healing? It’s the most rebellious, powerful choice we can make.

If this episode moved you, please read more on Rosabel’s blog and listen to more episodes of the Rosabel Unscripted Podcast.

Need support? Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 (U.S. only).

7 Powerful Finance Lessons from Angela Tipton’s Journey to Freedom

 

Angela Tipton

Finance isn’t just about numbers—it’s about freedom. On this compelling episode of the Rosabel Unscripted Podcast, host Rosabel Zohfeld speaks with Angela Tipton, a resilient entrepreneur who overcame chronic illness and student debt to achieve financial freedom. Her story is a masterclass in what’s possible when intention, mindset, and money strategies align.

1. Reframe Your Mindset Around Finance

Angela’s journey began with a chronic illness diagnosis at 19. Instead of giving up, she shifted her mindset: "Your circumstances do not define your future. Your choices do." This foundational belief guided her financial decisions. She recognized that her past didn’t control her future—her actions did. For more on mindset and finance, check out Dave Ramsey's zero-based budget method.

2. Embrace Living Below Your Means

One of Angela’s most empowering financial decisions was to live below her means. Rather than chasing consumerism, she and her family made sacrifices—like skipping luxury purchases—to focus on debt repayment and savings. This strategy helped them pay off $85,000 in student loans in just 18 months.

3. Build a Vision Board for Financial Goals

Angela encourages listeners to create a vision board: "When you're having to make sacrifices, it’s your vision that keeps you motivated." Knowing your “why” gives purpose to budgeting and frugality. Your vision could include early retirement, travel, or entrepreneurship.

4. Pay Attention to Everyday Spending

Finance is built on everyday decisions. Angela and Rosabel discuss how small costs—like multiple streaming services—can silently drain your bank account. “Everything adds up,” Rosabel notes. It’s not just the big-ticket items—it’s the $5 coffee and forgotten subscriptions too.

5. Avoid High-Interest Debt

Angela’s father taught her early on that carrying a credit card balance is dangerous. She avoided that trap and instead focused on repaying low-interest student loans. Her advice? If you can, pay more than the minimum—every little bit helps. For those looking for practical debt strategies, visit Debt.org.

6. Finance Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

“Not one size fits all,” Rosabel emphasizes. Angela agrees: personal finance should be just that—personal. What works for one family may not work for another. Whether it’s refinancing student loans, side hustling, or downsizing a home, success depends on aligning your money habits with your unique lifestyle and goals.

7. Take One Small Step Today

Feeling stuck in debt or a job that drains you? Angela says to start small: “Create a vision board. Remember your dreams.” Even updating your resume or applying to one new job can set powerful financial changes in motion.

Explore More from Angela Tipton

Angela is the founder of FireYourCareer.com, a site dedicated to helping people design life on their own terms. From salary negotiation to intentional budgeting, her content offers actionable strategies to improve your finances. Don’t miss her free ebook, 7 Ways to Fire Your Career, available on her Start Here page.

Related Articles on RosabelZohfeld.com

• Unleash Your Best Self: A Conversation with Dr. Michelle Maidenberg
• Breaking the Mold: How Laura Nelson Is Redefining Sobriety and Event Culture

Final Thoughts on Finance and Freedom

Angela Tipton’s story is a testimony that no matter where you start—chronic illness, low income, massive student loans—you can still take control of your financial future. Her powerful finance principles go beyond just numbers; they’re about designing a life rich in purpose, freedom, and possibility.

Ready to live life on your own terms? Start today. Your next financial breakthrough might just be one small decision away.

Final Thoughts on Finance and Freedom

Angela Tipton’s story is a testimony that no matter where you start—chronic illness, low income, massive student loans—you can still take control of your financial future. Her powerful finance principles go beyond just numbers; they’re about designing a life rich in purpose, freedom, and possibility.

Many of us feel stuck in cycles of debt, burnout, and financial pressure. But Angela's journey proves that with the right mindset, even the most difficult circumstances can be turned into a launchpad for transformation. Her approach to finance is holistic—it's not just about budgeting apps or spreadsheets. It's about intentional living, goal setting, and making empowered choices that serve your future self.

If you’ve ever told yourself you’re “just bad with money” or that you’ll “never get out of debt,” take a page from Angela’s book and challenge that belief. Your financial identity can change. Your finance habits can improve. And your goals—whether it's early retirement, a new career, or simply peace of mind—are not out of reach. It all starts with clarity, a vision, and the courage to take one step forward.

Think of what financial freedom could look like for you. Maybe it’s quitting that toxic job. Maybe it's traveling the world, debt-free. Or maybe it’s as simple as not feeling anxious every time your credit card bill arrives. These are all deeply personal, meaningful financial goals—and they’re valid. As Angela shared, it’s not about living on beans and rice unless that’s your choice. It’s about aligning your finance plan with your values.

Remember: building a future rooted in financial stability doesn't require perfection. It requires progress. One budget. One career decision. One intentional “yes” or “no.” Over time, those steps create momentum. And with momentum, comes freedom.

So what's your next step? Start small. Create that vision board. Revisit your budget. Schedule a chat with a financial advisor. Subscribe to a blog like Fire Your Career. The world of finance may feel overwhelming, but it’s also full of opportunity—and you don’t have to do it alone.

Angela's resources are designed to meet you wherever you are. Whether you’re just starting to think about your future or actively working toward your financial goals, her guidance is both practical and empowering. Take advantage of her free tools, sign up for her newsletter, and remember that it's never too late to start making better choices for your financial well-being.

Listen to the full episode of Rosabel Unscripted wherever you get your podcasts, and don’t forget to check out Angela’s site at FireYourCareer.com.

Success Secrets from Costa Rica: 7 Inspiring Lessons from Richard Blank’s Journey

 

Success Starts with Being True to Yourself

What does success really look like? For many, it's tied to money, titles, or ticking off a checklist. But for others, like Richard Blank, success is about alignment—choosing a life that honors your values, your purpose, and your voice.

In this episode of Rosabel Unscripted, we explore what it means to step off the beaten path and redefine success through presence, empathy, and legacy. Richard’s story takes us from the classrooms of Philadelphia to the jungles of Costa Rica, where he built a multimillion-dollar call center with a culture unlike any other.

Whether you're a creative entrepreneur, a caregiver, or simply someone looking for direction, this conversation is packed with insights and reminders to stay true to yourself—even when it’s hard.

Success Means Defining Your Own Path

At 27, Richard made the bold decision to move to Costa Rica. He didn’t go for a vacation—he went to build something from scratch. No backup plan. No safety net. Just a belief in his ability to create something meaningful.

“I needed that self-sacrifice in order to be reborn,” he said. “It was about painting my own picture.”

Too often, we inherit someone else’s idea of success—family expectations, social norms, career tracks. But Richard reminds us: you can change direction at any moment. You can choose a new story.

Soft Skills Are a Power Move for Success

In a world obsessed with performance metrics, Richard has built a business around the power of emotional intelligence. His team is trained in interpersonal communication, phonetic micro-expression reading, and confidence-building strategies that go far beyond the script.

He encourages agents to replace “I’m sorry” with “For my clarification…” and to always ask questions that humanize the person on the other end of the line. These simple techniques reduce tension, lower ego, and increase rapport—essential ingredients for any kind of achievement.

This approach echoes ideas from Harvard Business Review (2025), emphasizing emotional resilience and leadership sustainability in today’s fast-paced world.

Letting Go of Shame to Move Forward

Richard was expelled from private school at 13. For years, that experience haunted him—until he realized it was part of what shaped his purpose. Today, he uses that story as a teaching tool and a source of compassion for others who feel behind.

He now sponsors a second-language scholarship at his high school, turning a moment of pain into a lifelong impact. That’s not just recovery—it’s redirection.

Culture Counts—In Business and Life

Richard’s office is filled with pinball machines, jukeboxes, and laughter. That’s not a gimmick—it’s part of a leadership strategy that values joy and creativity.

Instead of cubicles and quotas, his team works in a space designed to encourage play and connection. It’s not about being “soft”—it’s about sustainability. When people enjoy where they work, they stay longer, perform better, and grow together.

“We don’t just hire people who can sell. We hire people who want to be part of something.”

This mirrors advice from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which highlights the importance of putting employees and culture first for small business growth in 2025.

Small Acts, Big Impact

Rosabel shared how asking “How are you doing?” during a medical appointment can shift everything. Richard sees the same effect in customer service. Connection is powerful—whether in a hospital, a sales call, or a chance meeting in the hallway.

These small moments may seem insignificant, but they build trust, soften pain, and ripple outward in ways we can’t always see. That’s leadership. That’s real success.

Rooting Success in Legacy

From arts advocacy to scholarships, Richard’s impact goes far beyond business. He’s collaborated with INXS bassist Garry Gary Beers on a song called “Shine Like the Sun,” and even produced a breakdance video at his call center featuring two of his own employees.

To Richard, success is about what you leave behind—stories, scholarships, and a culture where others can thrive.

Watch the Shine Like the Sun music video here.

New: Bringing Success Into Your Daily Life

So how do you apply these lessons in your own world?

• Start with presence. Ask someone how they really are today.
• Replace self-criticism with curiosity. What did you learn from your latest misstep?
• Add beauty to your space—whether it’s a pinball machine or a flower on your desk.
• Mentor someone who’s just getting started. Even a few encouraging words can change a life.
• Follow timely leadership advice like DILAN Consulting’s 2025 emotional intelligence guide.

Success doesn’t have to be flashy. Sometimes, it’s just being consistent, kind, and willing to keep going. Every step counts.

Want More Inspiration?

visit: rosabelzohfeld.com/articles

Entrepreneur: Success in 2025 — Trends & Strategies

Final Thoughts: Success is Showing Up as You

Ultimately, success is not a formula—it’s a feeling. It’s authenticity. It’s showing up fully, even when you're scared.

So take a moment today to define what success means for you. Not what you've been told, but what feels true in your bones.

Because when you walk your path, you light the way for others.