Beth Norton: Life as a Backpacking Adventure

Breaking Trail

Typically, I talk to people who have already sort of found their path. After things have landed together for them. Today’s conversation is a little different because with Beth Norton, things haven’t landed into place yet, but I found Beth’s story to be so remarkable I wanted to share it here. But really, if you think about it – we are all in the middle of our stories because we are all currently ALIVE. And that means we will still have a next chapter.

Beth Norton currently works in Boise for state government where she is a secretary to a pool of legislators. Beth is part of the 1 to 3 percent. The 1 to 3 percent of kids who age out of the foster care system and go on to graduate college. That’s how many people manage to pull their lives together and get a degree. I’m not saying getting a college degree equates to pulling your life together but suffice it to say, getting a college education is a rare thing in Beth’s world. Many others just don’t have the opportunity to do so.

Her story takes you inside childhood trauma, the foster care system and all its shortcomings, and how someone can manage to survive it. Beth talks about how comedy provided an amazing outlet for her and the clarity and focus backpacking brings to her life.

Today you’ll learn about :

• How the foster care system is failing our youth in need.
• The role theater plays in childhood trauma (and apply it to our own life challenges?)
• Foster care reform
• How the outdoors helps

With that, let’s listen in and gear up for what’s next.

Where to find Beth and other links:

• Instagram
• bethnorton.com
• The Body Keeps the Score (book)
• Her story story — this link takes you to direct to her portion about 44 minutes into it.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE - If you are enjoying the shows, I hope you’ll subscribe, rate, review and share with your friends! About Lisa Gerber: Lisa advises CEOs and senior-level management on how to use the power of storytelling and effective communication to influence action and bring ideas to life. She guides companies through the digital maze of constantly changing tools to build discovery, loyalty, and ultimately help them achieve their own big leaps. When she is not in her office, she might be out skiing or trail running. This is where she does her best creative problem-solving. To learn more about booking Lisa for consulting, speaking or workshops, visit www.bigleapcreative.com.