Embracing Reinvention: A Journey Through Adversity and *Grace*

Discover how to navigate life’s unexpected challenges with resilience. In this powerful conversation, international keynote speaker and reinvention resilience coach CJ Janzen shares her inspiring journey of overcoming adversity and choosing joy in the midst of it.

Life can change in an instant. What happens when everything you knew shifts overnight?

CJ knows that moment well.

Featured on CTV News and CBC News and recognized as the Certified 1st Runner Up in Season 4 of Next Top Speaker, CJ’s story is a testament to courage, community, and conscious reinvention.

In 2012, what she calls the “most wicked birthday gift ever” arrived — a sudden, life-altering illness that left her nearly bedbound and living with aphasia. The physical challenges were overwhelming. The emotional upheaval was just as profound.

“How does anyone prepare for something like that? You just can’t,” CJ shares.

While we can’t always prepare for disruption, we can choose how we respond.

One of the most powerful lessons CJ learned was the importance of community. “Finding those that can hold you up when you're too weak to stand on your own is vital.” Whether friends, family, or trusted support systems, the right voices matter. She encourages focusing on one or two strong anchors rather than becoming overwhelmed by too many opinions.

After adversity, the deeper work begins in rediscovering identity.

“I had to figure out who I am now.”

Reinvention required reflection, rebuilding, and redefining purpose. From that journey, CJ developed her GRACE framework to help others navigate their own storms:

G – Gratitude
R – Resilience
A – Acceptance
C – Community
E – Empowerment

Through GRACE, CJ empowers others to reclaim purpose, passion, and confidence — even after life-altering events.

Perhaps the most powerful shift of all? Joy.

Joy, CJ reminds us, is not just a feeling. It’s a daily decision.

“I’ve got joy down in my soul,” she sings — not because life is easy, but because she chooses it.

This episode explores how mindset, faith, support, and intentional action can help us rise stronger after the storm.

Key Takeaways:
• Support is essential — you are not meant to do this alone.
• Reinvention requires rediscovering who you are now.
• Joy is a choice — and choosing it builds resilience.

Life’s unexpected challenges may shake us — but they do not have to define us.

CJ Janzen’s story reminds us that adversity can become the birthplace of strength, clarity, and renewed purpose.

How will you choose to respond to your storm?

Please share in the comments or with CJ on her social media; let her know what it meant to you to hear her story here on the Walking in ALOHA; Let's Talk Story podcast.

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CJ.Janzen

Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/cj_janzen/

LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cjjanzen/

Today I need to share something that happened during what was supposed to be a 1:1 coaching call.

Someone requested time on my calendar. As a coach, I don’t just sit and talk. I LISTEN. I observe. I ask questions. I pay attention so I can serve well.

I speak with people from all over the world, so that part didn’t concern me.

But what started as a coaching request quickly shifted into asking for money for a “ministry.”

There was a lot of spiritual language.
A lot of “Jesus.”
A lot of urgency.

The more questions I asked, the more inconsistencies appeared.
The deeper I listened, the clearer it became.

When I offered to pray instead of sending money… the Zoom call disconnected.

And that told me everything.

Scripture warns us clearly.

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”
— Matthew 7:15

“And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”
— 2 Corinthians 11:14

Not everyone who says “Jesus” is sent by Jesus.

Discernment is not judgment.
Discernment is protection.

We must guard our hearts.
We must guard our finances.
And we must guard the name of Jesus from being used for financial manipulation.

I’m sharing this not from anger, but from responsibility.

Test the spirits. (1 John 4:1)

And remember this:

If someone is comfortable asking for your money, but uncomfortable receiving your prayer… pay attention.

• Technical issues can disrupt communication but can be overcome.
• Coaching calls can reveal deeper issues of honesty and intent.
• Faith discussions can be sensitive, especially regarding financial needs.
• It's important to confront dishonesty when it arises in conversations.
• Prayer can be a powerful response to those in need.
• Genuine listening is crucial in any conversation.
• Using faith for financial gain can be misleading and harmful.
• People may have different interpretations of faith and honesty.
• Building connections globally can lead to unexpected conversations.
• It's essential to maintain integrity in ministry and coaching.

Embracing Aloha: The Importance of Self-Advocacy

In this conversation, Michelle A G Ebalaroza-Kawano shares her personal experience of advocating for herself during a scheduled interview. She emphasizes the importance of knowing one's worth and not settling for less than what was agreed upon. Through her story, she encourages listeners to speak up for themselves and choose alignment over the need for approval from others. The discussion highlights the Aloha spirit of self-advocacy and empowerment, reminding individuals that they deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.

• Never settle for less than what you agreed on.
• You should never shrink to make other people feel comfortable.
• Advocate for yourself because if you don't, who will?
• You're worth waiting for.
• It's okay to make others wait because you're worth it.
• You can be gracious and still have standards.
• Choose alignment over approval.
• Knowing your value means you don't have to settle.
• I learned that I don't have to settle.
• Know your worth and don't settle.

"You're worth waiting for."

"Choose alignment over approval."

"Know your worth and don't settle."

self-advocacy, worth, personal growth, empowerment, self-esteem, confidence, Aloha spirit, personal development, interview experience, boundaries

MAGEK Moment Shorts ~ (Check out the full episode)

💡 Did you know that burnout often comes from misalignment? 🔄

In this episode short, Shiran Faast uncovers the importance of doing what lights you up and avoiding what drains your energy.

When was the last time you checked in with yourself about your daily tasks? 🔍

Comment below with how you maintain your energy and passion in your work!

#BurnoutPrevention #EnergyCheck #PassionDriven #AlohaAlways #EntrepreneurLife #Motivation #Podcast #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #SelfCare

In this episode of Walking in ALOHA; Let’s Talk Story, host Michelle A. G. Ebalaroza-Kawano sits down with transformation expert Shiran Faast for a powerful conversation on leadership, reinvention, and authentic growth.

Together, they unpack the deeper meaning of ALOHA — Affirmations & Actions, Leadership & Love, Overcoming Obstacles, Health & Healing, and Acute Awareness — and how these principles shape both personal and professional transformation.

Shiran shares her inspiring journey from migrant to successful entrepreneur, highlighting the courage it takes to reinvent yourself, overcome challenges, and find your voice. The discussion explores how leadership rooted in love creates lasting impact, why unlearning control is essential for authentic influence, and how awareness and alignment unlock human potential.

This episode is a reminder that growth is a deeply human experience — one that requires reflection, healing, and the willingness to choose differently.

Key Themes:

The true meaning of ALOHA in leadership and life

The power of affirmations and intentional action

Reinvention and overcoming obstacles

Authentic leadership rooted in love

Healing, alignment, and personal awareness

Finding and using your voice with purpose

Every challenge carries the opportunity for transformation. The question is — what will you choose?

What if your struggle with weight was never about discipline?

In today’s powerful episode of Walking in ALOHA; Let’s Talk Story, Speaker, Author, and Creative Coach Michelle A. G. Ebalaroza-Kawano sits down with health and wellness coach Marleen Mour to uncover the truth most diet programs never address:

You don’t lack willpower. You lack regulation.

Marleen shares her deeply personal journey of losing 108 pounds and becoming Australia’s National Bikini Model Champion — but the real transformation didn’t begin with food. It began with emotional healing.

Together, they unpack:

• Why emotional eating is a nervous system response

• The difference between self-soothing and self-regulation

• How trauma and stress get stored in the body

• Why one-size-fits-all diets fail

• The role of self-love in lasting change

• How healing the wound stops the restart cycle

If you’ve ever blamed yourself for “starting over”…

If you’ve ever felt ashamed of your body…

If you’re tired of chasing discipline instead of peace…

This conversation will shift you.

Because permanent transformation doesn’t start in the kitchen.

It starts in healing.

🌺 Walking in ALOHA Always:

Affirmations & Actions.

Leadership & Love.

Overcoming Obstacles.

Health & Healing.

Acute Awareness.

✨ Your voice matters.

✨ You were created by the Creator to be a Creative.

God’s blessings always & A Hui Hou.

Summary

In this episode of the Walking in Aloha podcast, Michelle A G Ebalaroza-Kawano and Eryn Kubinski explore the principles of Aloha as a way of living and healing. They discuss the journey of personal growth, the importance of self-trust, and the impact of mindset on habit formation. Eryn shares her insights on overcoming self-sabotage, the power of affirmations, and the necessity of compassion in leadership. The conversation emphasizes the significance of awareness in recognizing triggers and navigating emotional responses, ultimately leading to lasting change and self-discovery.

Takeaways

• Aloha is a way of living and healing.
• Growth requires intentional actions, not just hope.
• Self-sabotage often stems from a victim mentality.
• Awareness is the first step to change.
• Building self-trust is crucial for personal growth.
• Compassion is essential in the journey of change.
• You can choose to break free from old patterns.
• Change is possible with the right mindset.
• Communication is key in healing relationships.
• Your identity must shift to maintain lasting change.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Aloha and Its Principles

02:13 Eryn's Journey to Health and Change

04:32 Understanding Self-Sabotage and Mindset

09:39 The Power of Affirmations and Awareness

12:12 Leadership and Self-Trust in Habit Change

14:17 Compassion vs. Discipline in Personal Growth

16:50 The Role of Self-Trust in Lasting Change

18:18 Energy and Mindset in Achieving Goals

21:50 Identifying and Overcoming Obstacles

26:12 Breaking Free from Familiar Patterns

28:41 Navigating Triggers and Emotional Responses

34:46 The Importance of Communication in Healing

38:28 Chronic Stress and Its Impact on Habits

46:46 Awareness as a Turning Point in Change

50:36 Legacy of Change and Self-Discovery

Sound Bites

"Compassion is very important."

"You have to choose you."

"Change is possible."

#WalkingInAloha #ALOHAAlways #selfsabotage #identitychange #mentalfitness #personalgrowth #health #affirmations #selftrust #compassion #leadership

Summary

In this episode of the Walking in Aloha podcast, host Michelle A G Ebalaroza-Kawano speaks with TJ Shimeld, a magician and coach, about the meaning of Aloha and its pillars: affirmations, actions, leadership, love, overcoming obstacles, health, healing, and acute awareness. They discuss TJ's journey from a magician to a mentor, the importance of slowing down to find purpose, and how leadership should be rooted in love. TJ shares his personal story of overcoming a life-altering car accident and the lessons learned about health, healing, and the mind-body connection. The conversation emphasizes the power of sharing personal stories to inspire others and the importance of creativity in living an authentic life.

5 Key Takeaways in the ALOHA Always Framework that TJ Shimeld and I spoke on as we walked through the magic of the Quantum Magicians Movement:

1. 
   

   
   

   • A - Affirmations & Actions Takeaway: Regularly affirm the importance of rest and incorporate intentional pauses into your daily routine. This practice not only rejuvenates your mind and body but also enhances your overall effectiveness and productivity.

2. 
   

   
   

   • L - Leadership & Love Takeaway: Effective leadership is grounded in love and empathy. By fostering a sense of ownership and genuine care within your team, you create a trusting and motivated environment that thrives on shared purpose.

3. 
   

   
   

   • O - Overcoming Obstacles Takeaway: Reframe challenges as opportunities for personal and professional growth. By viewing adversity as a catalyst for transformation, you build resilience and a deeper sense of purpose.

4. 
   

   
   

   • H - Health & Healing Takeaway: Emphasize the role of rest and relaxation in your healing journey. By integrating rest into your lifestyle, you support your physical and mental health, leading to greater resilience and capacity to serve.

5. 
   

   
   

   • A - Acute Awareness Takeaway: Cultivate acute awareness by consistently asking “what’s my next aligned action.” This practice ensures that your actions are intentional and aligned with your true purpose, fostering meaningful progress.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Aloha and Its Meaning

01:49 TJ's Journey and the Quantum Magicians Movement

04:09 Exploring Affirmations and Actions

15:59 The Importance of Rest and Relaxation

22:09 Leadership Through Love and Authenticity

28:20 Overcoming Obstacles and Personal Growth

36:19 The Birth of The Vanishing Wheelchair

44:04 Healing and Spiritual Growth

54:04 Finding Purpose in Pain

01:00:27 Rediscovering Your Authentic Self

01:04:16 The Magic of Possibility