In the latest episode of The Vital Edge Wellness Coaching podcast, Scott and Melissa dive into why our modern New Year’s resolutions often feel so difficult to keep. Did you know the New Year was originally celebrated in the spring? 🌸

By shifting from rigid resolutions to personal themes, we can align our growth with the natural rhythms of life. Tune in to "Rise and Thrive" to learn how to embrace intentionality and self-compassion this season.

Key Takeaways:

1. Why January might be the "wrong" time for big changes.
2. The power of setting a "Theme" vs. a Resolution.
3. Practical self-care tips like grounding to boost your immune system.

🎧 Listen now and let us know: What is your theme for the year?

#VitalEdgeWellness #RiseAndThrive #NaturalCycles #NewYearNewTheme #SelfCare #WellnessJourney

In this deeply moving episode, former Marine and retired police officer **Alan Lynn** joins Scott and Melissa to share his powerful journey through personal crisis, cancer, divorce, and ultimately, rebirth. Alan opens up about hitting rock bottom. He faced suicidal thoughts, battled leukemia, and lost everything, only to discover something greater than all he had lost: *his true self.*

Once a man defined by duty, control, and titles, Alan now lives with self-love, purpose, and inner peace. His story is a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s ability to heal, evolve, and thrive even after life completely breaks you down.

**Top 5 Takeaways from the Episode**

Our identity is not our title.

Alan reminds us that our job, status, or uniform does not define who we are. Real peace comes from discovering who you are beneath the labels.

Self-love is where healing begins.

Alan realized he could not truly help others until he learned how to love and care for himself first. That shift changed everything.

Resilience is a choice.

True resilience is not just about surviving. It is about learning how to live fully and love deeply again after life knocks you down.

Healing starts from within.

Meditation, breathwork, presence, and surrender became Alan’s essential tools. These practices were not only for recovery, but for complete transformation.

You can rebuild your life at any moment.

Through chaos and crisis, Alan found his true calling. Today, he is writing a book and preparing to lead wellness retreats for veterans and first responders.

**Mentioned in the Episode**

Living from a Place of Surrender by Michael Singer

Teachings on presence by Eckhart Tolle

Alan’s upcoming book *Growth Through Chaos* (working title)

Future wellness retreats for veterans and first responders

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts

🔗 Follow **@RiseAndThrivePodcast** for more updates and inspiration

#RiseAndThrive #PodcastShowNotes #HealingJourney #SelfLove #MentalHealthAwareness #VeteranVoices #Resilience

Join us once again on this transformative journey with Lisa Schneider in this repeat episode of Rise & Thrive

Revisit how Lisa overcame adversity, learned to trust her inner voice, and discovered strength through vulnerability. Her story remains a powerful reminder that resilience and personal growth are always possible—no matter where you are in your journey.

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace adversity as a catalyst for growth

• Trust your intuition and inner voice

• Letting go of what no longer serves you creates space for new opportunities

If you missed it the first time—or need a reminder—this episode is worth revisiting.

Check out our retreat here:

www.vitaledgewellnesscoaching.com