You will hear when they were at their most vulnerable time as a family and what came out of their experience with their business. What happened at a business conference? How did Alan and Rosie’s team respond to the news of Alix’s transition?

We discuss how they managed to grow through the imperfect experience of shifting their mindset from raising two girls and a boy to raising three girls. Where did Rosie get support?

Alix was brilliant and patient in helping her parents accept her transgender self. Hear the idea that helped her parents refer to her with the accurate feminine pronoun of ‘she.’

Things come up that they didn’t know. We discuss who knew what, when, and what circumstances created breakthrough moments as Alix changed how she dressed and began living as a female fulltime. You will find out what Rosie did to secure Alix’s safety at a school dance and Alan’s surprise response.

What was the significance of black and blue nail polish, and then hair color changes? And why would Alix need to catch-up?

You will learn what stays the same and what changes in how they connect and what activities they do with Rosie and with Alan. Is Alix still shoveling the driveway?  They describe what they miss, the activities they no longer do together, and how they reconfigured their bonds. How did they process some of the grief that surfaced (shock, denial, bargaining, limitations in thinking, shame, depression, detachment, big feelings, to acceptance and understanding). They each speak to that and address being mindful of one another and compassionate to themselves. Through this enlightening journey, where have they arrived?

Mentoring Tips

After listening, answer the following questions:

• What was the most challenging part of Rosie’s journey?
• What can you do this week to accept another person’s journey?
• The Wallners didn’t choose their journey. They were called to this adventure. They did what was needed to accept the life changing call. What journey are you on? Maybe your career path and business is different than you had hoped? How can you accept the call to a more lifegiving adventure?
• What would it take for you to love the path you are on and love your lifework? Try this exercise. Write an I CAN IMAGINE List.
  • I can imagine… easily generating enough income to hire two other exceptional people motivated to realizing goals with WeMentor’s Community of leaders.
  • I can imagine… working with an extraordinary website designer, marketer, and social media content person to build a stronger brand and reach 1M leaders motivating them to transform their lives and business(es) through meaningful conversations and embracing their intrinsic leadership and mentoring value.
  • I can imagine… our house remodeled the way in which Matthew, Olivia, and I envision it.

Mentoring Help

• Join me for our next WeMentor Mini LAB on May 14^th! This is an opportunity for you to learn what it takes to lead yourself and deepen your relationships with those you work with every day! Everyone in your life with benefit.
• Join a WeMentor Entrepreneurial Leadership and Mentoring LAB! Reinvent who you are while you redesign your business.
• Subscribe to this podcast.

The Wallners Journey to Acceptance, 4 of 8         Episode 169  W Creative Branding