EPISODE 10: The Comeback Season – Rebuilding When Life Hits Reset
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Episode Overview
This milestone 10th episode ofBig Dreams & Little Things dives deep into what itreally means to stage a comeback when life throws a plot twist your way.
From Maria’s literal fall (and sacral spine fracture—ouch!) to Karina holding it down behind the scenes while juggling business, motherhood, and funding pitches, this conversation is real, raw, and ridiculously relatable. We explore what it means to rise from burnout, injuries, and unexpected pauses — and how transformation often starts with stillness, surrender, and the tiniest of steps forward.
Comebacks aren’t just about bouncing back. They’re aboutbecoming.
Topics Covered
- Personal injury & post-traumatic clarity (hello sacral spine wake-up call)
- The emotional and logistical messiness of comebacks
- Famous comeback stories that inspire: Cheryl Strayed, J.K. Rowling, Bethany Hamilton, and Sheryl Sandberg
- How stillness supports psychological healing
- Partnership dynamics during life upheaval
- Post-Traumatic Growth: the science of rising stronger
- Why accountability is more than just checking boxes — it’s about connection
- Barbra Streisand and beautifully bittersweet lyrics (cue the tissues)
Free Download: Ten minute Quick Guide to Accountability
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Stuck in a loop? Overthinking your next move? Call a friend and try this quick & powerful structure. All you need is 10 minutes and someone who listens without trying to fix you.
Books, Inspiration & Creative Wisdom
📚 Books & Memoirs
- Wild by Cheryl Strayed – A raw and honest memoir about grief, healing, and hiking the Pacific Crest Trail.
👉 Link to book - Option B by Sheryl Sandberg & Adam Grant – A powerful guide to resilience after loss.
👉 Link to book - The Mindful Songwriter by Maria Wronski-Ellis (coming soon) – For creatives reconnecting with their voice and values.
🎬 Films & Biopics
- Wild (2014) – Cheryl Strayed’s story brought to screen.
🎥 Watch on IMDb - Forrest Gump (1994) – A beautiful tale of resilience and destiny.
🎥 Watch on IMDb - Eat Pray Love (2010) – A journey through healing and discovery.
🎥 Watch on IMDb - Shirley Valentine (1989) – About rediscovery in midlife.
🎥 Watch on IMDb - Soul Surfer (2011) – Bethany Hamilton’s inspiring comeback story.
🎥 Watch on IMDb
👩🔬 Research & Psychology Concepts
- Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) – Growth after adversity.
📖 Read more (APA) - The Power of Stillness – Rest and daydreaming help with emotional processing and clarity.
📖 Scientific American article - Social Support & Healing – Emotional and physical recovery improve with connection and care.
🎶 Music & Quotes
- Barbra Streisand – “On My Way to You” – A song about love, timing, and reflection.
“If I had changed a single day
What went amiss or went astray
I may have never found my way to you…”
🎵 Listen on Spotify - J.K. Rowling: “Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.”
- Bethany Hamilton: “I don’t need easy. I just need possible.”
- Sheryl Sandberg: “You are not born with a fixed amount of resilience. It is a muscle you can build.”
💡 Free Tools & Resources from ECtA
- 🎓 Free Accountability Workshop – July 1st
👉 Sign up here
