Your Presence is Required: What Trials Teach Us About Gratitude & Purpose (Featuring Kenda Lawson)

In this week’s deeply moving and inspirational episode, I’m joined by the amazing Kenda Lawson—visionary educator, masterful storyteller, and host of The B Word podcast.

Together, we explore what it means to find beauty in life’s struggles, uncover gratitude in the darkest moments, and use trials as stepping stones to discovering our purpose.

Kenda’s journey of resilience and gratitude is one for the books. From enduring childhood trauma to becoming a leading voice in education and storytelling, she shows us how to embrace life’s challenges as opportunities for growth.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, struggled to find your purpose, or needed a reminder of the power of gratitude, this episode is for you.

What We Cover in This Episode

Finding Gratitude in Life’s Toughest Moments

• Kenda’s belief that challenges give us our superpowers while reminding us we’re not superhuman.
• Why it’s okay to feel stuck and how regularly “visiting gratitude” can help us move forward.

Purpose as a Process, Not a Destination

• Kenda’s unique take on finding purpose: it’s not about searching—it’s about noticing.
• How life’s “sandpaper moments” polish us into our most authentic selves.

Life Lessons from Kenda’s Storytelling Mastery

• The childhood lessons that shaped Kenda’s resilience and storytelling genius.
• Why “your presence is required” and how the universe aligns to guide you toward your purpose.

Practical Steps to Discover Gratitude and Purpose

• How to identify the tools life has handed you through its challenges.
• The power of acceptance and how acknowledging your experiences unlocks personal growth.

Real Talk About Fear, Doubt, and Monetizing Your Skills

• Kenda’s advice on overcoming fear and self-doubt to step into your purpose.
• Why it’s okay—and necessary—to monetize your unique skills and contributions.

Why You Should Listen

If you’ve ever wondered how to find purpose amidst the chaos or struggled with being grateful when life feels overwhelming, this conversation is the guide you didn’t know you needed. With actionable advice and stories that hit deep, Kenda and I unpack what it means to live intentionally, protect your peace, and uncover your “why.”

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