Transforming Dysfunction into Opportunity

In a world brimming with dysfunction, it’s easy to find solace in the familiar, even if the familiar is crippling. As highlighted in the latest episode of the SLIDE Podcast, host Tavares Bethel and featured guest Sandra D. Johnson, CEO of the MADISEL Group, discuss how our experiences shape us and how we must harness these experiences to become more productive members of society.

Sandra, an Emotional Wellness Coach, shares her personal journey, revealing that love and sacrifice are at the heart of making a meaningful difference in others' lives. It's this love—rooted deeply in her faith—that powers her through the emotional toll of helping others. Love must be more than a mere sentiment; it requires action. Sandra’s demonstration of love, 'with legs,' as she puts it, is to show up and be present in the lives of others, just as her grandparents did for her and her siblings.

Watch the Video

Episode 6: The Heart of a Helper

In this episode of the SLIDE Podcast, Tavares Bethel engages in a heartfelt discussion with Coach Sandra D. Johnson, CEO of the MADISEL Group, author of 'Strategic Parenting for the 21st Century, Not My Enemy,' and host of Words Fitly Spoken. Together, they explore the pervasive nature of dysfunction and the power of love in overcoming it. The conversation highlights the lessons learned from struggles, likened to a butterfly's metamorphosis, emphasizing the beauty born from challenge. An emphasis is placed on facing trauma by seeking help and the value of emotional wellness coaching as a tool for community strength and personal growth.

This episode contains explicit content. Viewer discretion is advised. The intention of The Slide podcast is not to offend but to provide real conversations into topics affecting communities within the United States. The opinions contained within this episode are solely those who have expressed them. Proceed only if you are comfortable with potentially sensitive topics.

See Time Stamps for this video at the end of this article.

The Beauty of Struggle

This episode of the SLIDE Podcast offers insights into how we can navigate and transcend dysfunction. It calls for a personal acknowledgment of hurt and a commitment to healing—encouraging us all to learn from our struggles and to reach out when necessary.

Struggle, as Sandra’s butterfly metamorphosis story illustrates, is essential for growth. Interfering with someone’s struggle can hinder their development. Just like the butterfly’s emergence from the cocoon is a necessary part of its transformation, individuals must navigate their own challenges to realize their full potential. Rescue can sometimes be detrimental, taking away the chance to grow stronger and more resilient.

Navigating personal struggles can be challenging, but with the right approach, it’s possible to turn hardships into opportunities for growth. Here are a few ways to approach difficult situations:

1. Start by acknowledging and accepting your emotions—this allows you to process them rather than suppress them.

2. Break down overwhelming problems into smaller, manageable steps can make them feel less daunting.

3. Establish a support system of friends, family, or a coach who can offer guidance, encouragement, and perspective.

4. Practice self-compassion and recognize that setbacks are part of the human experience. Treat yourself with kindness. Incorporating activities like journaling, meditation, or exercise can help you manage stress and maintain a positive outlook as you work through difficult times.

Remember, navigating struggles isn’t about finding a quick fix but building resilience and learning from each experience.

The Role of Coaching in Emotional Health

Both Tavares and Sandra highlight the need for mentorship and coaching. Whether it's finding an emotional wellness coach or a mental health professional, the importance of guidance cannot be overstated. As Tavares points out, too often, societal dysfunction becomes an excuse to shy away from personal growth. By focusing on developing skills and cultivating a productive mindset, we can transform our circumstances and find paths to healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Working with a coach is a proactive step toward improving your mental and emotional wellness. Coaches help you gain clarity on your goals, identify the barriers that hold you back, and provide actionable steps to move forward. Unlike therapists, who may focus on diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, coaches work with clients to create a plan for personal growth and achievement. A good coach serves as a compassionate listener, an accountability partner, and a motivator all rolled into one.

Here are some specific ways a coach can help:

• Goal Setting and Clarity: Coaches help you break down big-picture goals into manageable steps, guiding you to see the bigger purpose behind your aspirations and helping you to focus on what truly matters.

• Navigating Personal Struggles: Whether you’re dealing with career setbacks, relationship issues, or struggles with self-esteem, a coach provides a safe space to explore these challenges, offering fresh perspectives and insights.

• Improving Self-Awareness: One of the biggest benefits of working with a coach is gaining a deeper understanding of your own thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. This increased self-awareness is the first step toward meaningful change.

• Building Resilience: Life is full of ups and downs, and a coach helps you build the resilience needed to navigate these with grace and confidence. They’ll teach you strategies to manage stress and bounce back from setbacks.

• Accountability and Motivation: Staying motivated can be tough, especially when you’re facing personal struggles. Coaches keep you accountable, reminding you of your progress and encouraging you to stay the course.

Call to Action

If you’ve been through a significant trauma, especially if it involves abuse, it’s essential to reach out for help. Speak to a professional like Coach Sandra and start your healing journey. Remember, the struggles we face are temporary addresses—they don't last, but the strength we gain does. Equip yourself with the skills and support you need to thrive.

More about our Guest

Sandra D. Johnson, MHSC, CTP

Ms. Johnson enjoys helping people work better together. She is certified as a Trauma Professional, Mental Health Coach, and Youth Mental Health First Aid. She has spent more than 15 years of work and service in the non-profit sector with at-risk youth and their families and another six years of staff development, team motivation, and program accountability in state government with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice as a Technical Assistance Specialist/Government Operations Consultant.

Ms. Johnson is an advocate for education, which is evidenced by a MA in Theological Studies and a MA in Human Services Counseling with a focus on Executive Leadership. She participates and volunteers in her community by serving on several boards that support improving the overall conditions for the urban core, especially when it comes to the Social Determinate’s of Health. She serves as the Board Chairwoman for Project Restore Ministries and participates with the Circuit 4 Advisory Board.

Ms. Johnson is the Founder & CEO of the MADISEL Group, LLC, which provides coaching, consulting, and motivational training for relational & emotional wellness for individuals and families. She has created a family intervention tool called Family ReDirect, designed to help the whole family work through relational and behavioral crises. This resource was used with Duval County Teen Court for seven years.

She has also developed:

• TheBeWellBox™ - a resource designed to make emotional and mental health support fun and accessible for all.

• BeWellNow™ Emotional Wellness Cards that encourage a change in thinking and behavior. Battery Behavior Intervention Program™ and

• BBIP™ - a battery behavior management curriculum for youth and families who face relational conflicts that lead to a behavior crisis.

She is also the host of Words Fitly Spoken podcast and the author of Strategic Parenting for the 21 st Century: Not my enemy and Message Notifications: A book for my young people.

Get Coach Sandra's Books:

About Words Fitly Spoken Podcast

Words Fitly Spoken are words spoken at the right time for your encouragement and enrichment. On this podcast, Coach Sandra deals with emotional and mental wellness by talking about the conflicts we have in our everyday relationships, whether at home, work, school, and the community.

Episode Notes

This episode of the Slide Podcast "The Heart of a Helper," hosted by Tavares Bethel, explores the impact of dysfunction and personal struggles on our lives and how to overcome them with the help of special guest, Ms. Sandra D. Johnson. The conversation touches on topics such as emotional wellness, the importance of overcoming personal trauma, and the significance of finding support in community and family.

00:00 Understanding Dysfunction

00:20 Introduction to the Slide Podcast

00:48 Guest Introduction: Sandra Johnson

01:17 Sandra's Background and Inspiration

04:33 The Power of Love and Faith

06:29 Challenges and Sacrifices

11:49 The Importance of Emotional Wellness

16:50 Navigating Emotional Stress

18:58 Coping Skills and Triggers

21:04 The Butterfly Story: Embracing Struggles

24:10 The Importance of True Manhood

26:32 Healing from Deep Trauma

29:17 Final Thoughts and Takeaways