Compass Stories

Travel Diary: I-40 West; Embraacing Uncertainty & Opening To Possibility

Vega, Texas I-40 West bound to our next destination. We’ve been driving for two full days and have covered over 1100 miles. I’m sharing my reflections from my travel diary on uncertainty, exploring how it influences our perceptions of safety, control, and growth. I hope you feel encouraged to reconsider the role uncertainty plays in our life and embrace it as a landscape of possibility and curiosity.   KEY TOPICS   The nature of uncertainty and how our brains react to it The illusion of control and its impact on our lives Turning uncertainty into a landscape of possibility The role of curiosity in personal growth Practical ways to embrace uncertainty in daily life   KEYWORDS   uncertainty, growth, curiosity, travel, life lessons, control, predictability, adventure, mindset, resilience   TAKEAWAYS   Uncertainty is the space between what we know and what we cannot see. Our brains are wired to predict and protect, but life is rarely predictable. Control is an illusion we cling to for safety. Embracing uncertainty can open up new possibilities and growth. Curiosity is a powerful tool for navigating the unknown.   SOUND BITES   "Will this risk become regret?" "Control is an illusion we cling to." "Let curiosity be your guide in the unknown."   RESOURCES www.veronicasterling.com [http://www.veronicasterling.com] IG: @veronicasterlingspeaks FB: https://www.facebook.com/VeronicaSterlingSpeaks [https://www.facebook.com/VeronicaSterlingSpeaks] LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronicasterlingspeaks/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronicasterlingspeaks/]

Kenny Schroeder: Reaching a Breaking Point and the Courage to Find a Path Forward

Today I am talking to Kenny Schroeder. He has 30 years in fire service and is currently a Lieutenant with the Fort Mitchell, Kentucky Fire Department. Kenny is also a dedicated advocate for first responder wellness and peer support, working to make sure others have access to resources and don’t have to face their hardest moments alone. In this conversation, Kenny shares what happened after he stepped away from the career that had shaped so much of his identity – and how that transition and the stress form the job led him into a deeply personal struggle with his mental health. He speaks candidly about what it means to reach a breaking point and the courage it takes to keep going and choose a different path forward. This is a meaningful conversation. I learned so much from Kenny. I’m really glad you’re here for it. Kenny Schroeder | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenny-schroeder-5919b3189/] First Responder Health and Wellness Services | KYFRPST [https://kyfrpst.org/] Tri-State First Responder Peer Support Team - Home [https://tsfirstresponderpst.org/] SAVE A WARRIOR™ – We Came Back For You [https://saveawarrior.org/] Details about adding stellate ganglion block (SGB) to standard trauma treatment: Who Doesn’t Want to Feel Better Faster? - JAMES LYNCH, MD [https://drjameslynch.com/who-doesnt-want-to-feel-better-faster/] KEYWORDS   firefighter mental health, trauma recovery, Save a Warrior, peer support, resilience, mental wellness, first responder culture   KEY TOPICS   Kenny's journey into firefighting and mental health The impact of trauma and burnout on first responders The role of Save a Warrior in recovery Importance of vulnerability and peer support Strategies for ongoing mental wellness and resilience   SOUND BITES   "It's okay to not be okay." "We can just be ourselves." "You're not alone."   CHAPTERS   00:00 Introduction to Firefighting Dreams 05:13 The Journey to Becoming a Firefighter 08:01 Retirement and Identity Crisis 10:42 Struggles with Mental Health 13:36 Seeking Help and Finding Resources 16:51 The Impact of Save a Warrior Program 19:29 Transformation and Personal Growth 22:47 Present and Future Aspirations 29:58 Transformative Journeys: From Brokenness to Healing 37:31 Daily Practices: Building a New Life 45:40 Resources and Support: Finding Help 50:51 The Human Experience: Embracing Vulnerability

Welcome to Compass Stories

In this trailer episode of Compass Stories, host Veronica Sterling introduces the heart behind the podcast and the journey ahead. A former hospice CEO, keynote speaker, and traveler, Veronica shares why stories matter and what it means to navigate disruption with purpose, courage, and connection. You’ll hear what to expect from upcoming episodes, including meaningful guest conversations and personal reflections recorded during a cross-country Airstream journey. If you are navigating change, searching for direction, or longing for more meaningful conversations about life, growth, and resilience, this podcast is for you.