We had the good fortune of connecting with Alissa Shirk and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Alissa, what principle do you value most?
I value personal freedom. I value everyone’s unique principles and values in life, and what is true for them. My podcast shares inspiration and tools for releasing anxiety and enjoying life, BUT every person has their own individual dreams, plans, and desires when it comes to maximizing their potential and getting the most out of THEIR life. Because I value personal freedom, I encourage my podcast listeners to try the tools I share, and decide what works for them! Overcoming fear and doubt can feel like hard work, but there are so many tools for the job. Plus, many of the practices I suggest, for overcoming anxiety, are enjoyable! The whole point of releasing anxiety and old trauma is freedom: more freedom to believe in yourself, take action, and make the most out of life.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The disSOLViNG fear brand encourages everyone to maximize their potential, regardless of their past or current circumstances. Sometimes, after people experience trauma as children or adults, they feel disempowered and helpless. Trauma is “too much, too fast” and it can lead to anxiety. But, when we work with our fear, WE are the boss in that working relationship. We can help ourselves to feel it, heal it, and live beyond our fear. Professionally, I’ve been a resilience coach for over ten years. I help people (especially children and adolescents) maintain forward momentum in life, even if adversity or trauma is weighing them down. The disSOLViNG fear podcast gives people tools and inspiration to be strong, and even transform and evolve, despite setbacks. The world needs everyone living life to their fullest potential, especially people who’ve experienced trauma. As someone who has been there, I can tell you the world needs more of us, because we are empathetic, resourceful, and more. I’m a full-time resilience coach, a certified Kripalu Yoga teacher, and a podcast host. Teaching others to become more resilient after trauma actually inspired ME to work on myself, overcome some of my own personal fears, and start a podcast and a book all about “disSOLViNG fear”. I hope the tools and inspiration I share will help others live well, function at their best, and experience the joy of life! It can be fun, rather than scary, if we work to make it so.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
It’s easy to show someone a good time in my town of Pagosa Springs, Colorado! We’d hit the hot springs, because we’ve got the world’s deepest hot springs. Our Springs Resort offers hot tubs right along the San Juan River, and our huge Healing Waters pool offers the freshest, most healing hot springs water, in my opinion. After a nice soak, I’d take you to Kips Grill & Cantina, where the burgers and tacos are always high quality at a decent price. Plus, they have amazing margaritas. We could hike Treasure Falls, the Piedra River trail, or even go snow shoeing, depending on the time of year. Our ski area, Wolf Creek, boasts the most of snow in Colorado, and is located right by the continental divide! Yes we have the deepest hot springs, and the most snow in Colorado. It’s pretty amazing. Pagosa Springs is a magical little town, any time of year, but we would also squeeze in a side trip to Durango, Colorado! Durango has a bustling downtown, an amazing yoga studio, and their own hot springs: The Durango Hot Springs. My favorite restaurant over there is Himalayan Grill. I love the naan, chai, and lunch specials there.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My good friend Missy Lee deserves a shoutout. She’s been my biggest podcast supporter, and she was even my first guest interview on the “disSOLViNG fear” podcast. Sometimes supporting someone just involves a little love and encouragement! Missy should be commended for her optimism and support of my podcasting and writing endeavors. Plus, she’s a super fun and caring friend. She’s a keynote speaker for the Swiss company Cleared to Land. She inspires me every day. I just love her.
Website: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dissolving-fear/id1650100736
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miss.alissa.shirk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miss.alissa.shirk
Other: https://linktr.ee/alissa.shirk