In this Inspiring Journeys episode, host Lauri Wakefield welcomes Sharon Rolph, who shares her journey from a traumatic childhood to a purpose-driven life. Growing up in fear and invisibility, she excelled academically to stay unnoticed, later uncovering painful family secrets. The trauma led to trust issues and using weight as protection. Through healing, Sharon embraced self-acceptance, healthy habits, and emotional resilience. Now, she empowers retirees and baby boomers to find joy and purpose through her Discover Your Spark, Rekindle Your Joy program and book, Fresh Courage in Retirement. By helping others embrace their essence and build meaningful connections, Sharon guides them toward a fulfilling, empowered life. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on overcoming the past and living with purpose.
Key Topics Discussed:
Reflections on a Traumatic Childhood: Sharon shares her experiences growing up with fear, feelings of invisibility, and the weight of painful family secrets.
The Lasting Impact of Trauma: She discusses how childhood trauma led to trust issues and using weight as a protective barrier throughout her life.
The Power of Healing and Self-Acceptance: Sharon reveals how embracing self-acceptance, practicing forgiveness, and adopting healthy habits played a pivotal role in her healing journey.
Inspiring Purpose and Joy in Retirement: Through her book, Fresh Courage in Retirement, and her program, Discover Your Spark, Rekindle Your Joy, Sharon empowers retirees and baby boomers to find renewed purpose and lasting joy.
Key Takeaways:
- Childhood trauma can deeply influence self-perception, relationships, and emotional well-being, often leading to coping mechanisms like invisibility or physical barriers.
- Self-acceptance and self-love are critical for healing, as addressing physical health and emotional wounds helps overcome toxic self-judgment and fosters resilience.
- Rediscovering purpose and joy in retirement is possible through introspection, meaningful connections, and embracing one’s inner spark, as highlighted in Sharon’s book, Fresh Courage in Retirement.
- Sharing one’s story and experiences can be a powerful tool for personal liberation and inspiring others to overcome their own challenges and pursue a life of purpose.
Sharon’s Bio: Sharon Rolph, a behavioral scientist and Essence coach, empowers individuals to repurpose their talents, knowledge, and values into a fulfilling life. With 50+ years in the corporate world, she inspires retirees to find joy and purpose. At the age of 77, Sharon is an author, speaker, and influencer, guiding others to embrace their Inner Spark with courage. Her energy, optimism, and belief in human potential make her a powerful mentor for meaningful living.
More About Sharon:
Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to the Inspiring Journeys Free newsletter and we’ll send the show notes and let you know when a new episode is released.