Celtic Cultural Alliance (CCA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the Celtic heritage through education, musical presentations, and traditional competitions in athletics, piping and dance. Every year, in downtown Historic Bethlehem, Pa., they host North America’s largest Celtic Festival. Celtic Classic holds the world championships for the HighLand Games. Athletes from around the world come to compete. But the CCA is more than just a weekend festival and competition. Join us as Marcie Mulligan discusses all the year-round events put on by CCA.

The CCA was formed over 30 years ago when Neville Gardner, owner of the world-famous Red Stag Pub and Donegal Square, Bob Virgilio, and Jim Foley got together and created the festival to celebrate Celtic culture. Now decades later the organization and festival are know around the world for their dedication to preserving, sharing and celebrating the celtic heritage. Tune into the podcast and hear how Marcie describes the organizations year-round work.

If you happen to be in Bethlehem, Pa. from September 26th through 29th stop by and catch the fun at the 2019 Celtic Classic Festival. We hope to see you there.

As some of you may know our military members are faced with many difficult situations while defending the United States. This week I had the honor to speak with T.Sgt. Victor Rivera. He served the United States military for over 30 years. During that time he experienced many battles, toured many countries and served our nation with his life. He was born in Philadelphia Pa. He entered the Army In February 1980, attended basic training. After boot camp he completed technical school and remained at Ft Gordon as an instructor for Combat Telecommunication Operators. In 1981 he was stationed in Kaiserslautern, Germany where he operated the Combat Telecommunications Center. In 1983 T.Sgt. Rivera departed the active duty Army and joined the Army Reserve. T.Sgt. Rivera began operating tractor trailers doing numerous tours overseas and stateside. He eventually became a tractor trailer instructor for his Unit. In 1994 T.Sgt. Rivera transferred from Army to the US Air Force Reserve

During his Air Force career and in direct support of Operations ENDURING and IRAQI FREEDOM he deployed several times; to Kirkuk AB, Iraq, Ali AL Salem AB Kuwait, Ramstein AFB Germany, Dover AFB Delaware, Kuwait International Airport Kuwait, and Bagram AB Afghanistan. In September 2009 T.Sgt. Rivera transferred to the Air National Guard, assigned to the 193d SOW/LRS/Aerial Port in Middletown, PA which was closer to his home. He was forced to retire in 2012 after being diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma. But that did not stop him.

He found himself in and out of hospitals spending long hours during treatments. After crafting battle buddies for his daughter and while sitting for treatment in a hospital, he decided to craft a “Battle Buddy”for one of the nurses and Battle Buddy fever began.  Now over seven years later his Battle Buddies are sweeping the globe and he gives the proceeds to Veterans in need. Please tune into our show and hear just how this Veteran, even in his darkest hours, still extended hope to others. Our team here at Master Your Story salutes T.Sgt Rivera for all his brave efforts and for his courageous service. Please share this with your friends.

To learn more about T.Sgt. Rivera watch this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXDvoT0G4gI

This week we walk through one of the course overviews for our Master Your Story process. This is one of my favorite sessions as it really helps you see just how much your words limit your mind. How many times have looked to someone and asked a question, only to hear their response “Oh, no way!”? Now how many times have you responded that way? More importantly how many times have you said that to yourself? “Oh No Way” I can not run a 5K race or “Oh No Way” I can’t possibly go ask for a raise. We’ve all been there. So here are three ways to turn it all around.

First start by being passionate about learning. Why do you respond with “No Way”? Why is it somethings seem easier to push off some things rather than others? Take time to get passionate about learning about you. You’ll be amazed how quickly you stop yourself from immediately dismissing a friends idea or how quickly you’ll start to learn to trust your inner thoughts.

Second, learn about other cultures. As we mentioned in our session on perceptions, understanding why a person asks things can give you insight into their perspective. This insight opens your mind and allows the “Oh No Ways” to fade.

Third, Keep a journal and write down every time you hear or feel yourself say “Oh, No Way” Then take time to review your journal and seek out ways to turn the no into a positive move forward.

Tune into the podcast today and pick up on a few other ways to get rid of the “Oh, No Way” syndrome. Caution: there will be times when saying no is perfectly fine and sometimes required.