Episode 20 - Embracing Himself Unapologetically with Caleb Ledford
About Caleb Ledford:
Much the same as my sister, my story begins in the little town of Castle Rock, Washington. Surrounded by evergreen forests, living in the shadow of the Mt. St. Helens, I grew up a country kid roaming the hills of Southwest Washington. When I talk to others about my childhood and describe my many adventures hiking into the backcountry of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest or riding my motorcycle on the winding trails of private forest land, people frequently ask how I never got lost. I often just chuckle and shrug; but if I’m being honest, those days of solitude were the only times in my young life I didn’t feel lost.
I was a three sport varsity athlete and had a fair amount of success in most athletic pursuits. From an outsider's perspective I was the stereotypical small town jock but in reality I always felt out of place. I started writing poetry at a young age and by the time I was in the third grade, Stephen King was my favorite author. I had a knack for science and always excelled in my school work, even if it meant I was finishing it detention. I experienced several heartbreaks in my youth, many of which made me an angry and resentful little guy. More often than not I felt alone and with the exception of my Grandma Berg and a few others, I never trusted anyone enough to confide my true feelings.
After graduating high school I moved to Kansas to play college baseball, only to walk away far too soon in an attempt to escape the crushing expectations that had ruined so many things about the sport I loved. Luckily when I moved back home I met the love of my life and we’ve spent the last 17 years working hard to navigate this crazy world. We have two beautiful children and have built a life together in Tri-Cities, Washington
Education:
Central Washington University
Bachelor's Degree in Economics
Minor in Business Administration
Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing - Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner
Distinguished Research Award: Identifying risk factors for sudden cardiovascular death in athletes
Wife:
Kendra Ledford
Teaches at Southridge High School in Kennewick, Washington
She has a zest for life that is unrivaled by any person I’ve ever met. She represents all that’s good in this world.
Children:
Deacon Ledford
Currently in the 2nd grade and plays football, basketball and baseball
Sweet, tender hearted little guy that’s growing up too fast for our liking.
Haisley Ledford
Currently in her first year of preschool
Future CEO, leader of a prison gang or stand up comedian
She may only be 4 years old but this girl is one of the funniest people you’ll ever meet.
Timestamps:
Prioritizing Self Care (5:58)
Confidently Setting Boundaries (15:47)
Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health (33:32)
Supporting Ourselves in Living Unapologetically (46:19)
Coming Back to Your WHY (1:03:07)
Living Out of Your Own Expectations (1:10:08)
Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself (1:21:33)
Living Out F.E.E.L. - Embracing Your Layers (1:31:30)
5 Activities That Nourish You (1:39:08)
5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months (1:40:56)