Finding Light in Life's Darkest Moments with Marilyn Dogan (part 2)

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Resilience isn't just about surviving adversity—it's about discovering purpose and authenticity through life's most challenging moments. Marilyn's remarkable journey exemplifies this transformation as she shares how becoming a mother at sixteen became not a setback but part of her divine purpose.

The conversation takes an extraordinary turn when Marilyn recounts what she describes as the greatest miracle of her life: strangers mysteriously appearing at her mother's home with information that would reunite her with her long-lost son. This divine intervention came after she had made peace with never having a relationship with him, showing how surrender sometimes precedes unexpected blessings.

Her professional path reveals equal measures of determination and integrity. As one of few women in carpenter school, Marilyn persevered despite her husband's initial opposition and abuse. When faced with sexual harassment from a supervisor who offered promotion in exchange for inappropriate behavior, she stood firm in her boundaries—choosing dignity over advancement. These experiences shaped her understanding that resilience sometimes means refusing to compromise your values, even at personal cost.

Through personal development work, Marilyn learned to examine her patterns and cultivate authentic self-awareness. "You gotta like you," she emphasizes, identifying self-acceptance as foundational to resilience. Now retired and building a life coaching practice, she helps individuals and organizations clear away obstacles to effectiveness by focusing on authentic purpose and commitment.

What makes Marilyn's perspective so powerful is her ability to reframe challenges: "Most things that start off negative in my life, if you look close enough, there's a rainbow." This wisdom invites us all to look beyond immediate difficulties toward the hidden opportunities they contain.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The co-hosts of this podcast are not medical professionals. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided by the podcast hosts or guests is solely at your own risk.

Pamela Cass is a licensed broker with Kentwood Real Estate
Natalie Davis is a licensed broker with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC