BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Veteran Spouse Network - ECPv6.17.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://veteranspousenetwork.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Veteran Spouse Network
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Chicago
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20250309T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20251102T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20260308T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20261101T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20270314T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20271107T070000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260813T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260813T130000
DTSTAMP:20260609T202824Z
CREATED:20260609T202823Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260609T202824Z
UID:10001759-1786622400-1786626000@veteranspousenetwork.org
SUMMARY:Finding Purpose in Times of Transition
DESCRIPTION:Virtual\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTools for Emotional Regulation\, Relational Awareness\, and Meaning-Making\n\n\n\nIn times of transition\, many experience disorientation\, emotional intensity\, and a loss of clarity around purpose. This session introduces a practical\, human-centered approach to navigating change. By integrating emotional regulation\, relational awareness\, and meaning-making\, participants will explore how their internal states\, relationships\, and interpretations shape their ability to move through uncertainty with intention. \n\n\n\nGrounded in the BELLA*Life framework\, this experience emphasizes restoring connection—to self\, others\, and purpose—rather than simply “coping” or pushing through. You’ll leave with actionable tools to regulate emotions\, reinterpret challenges\, and align your actions with deeper values\, transforming transition into a space for growth\, clarity\, and contribution. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Speaker\n\n\n\nDr. Chris Casely\, MBA\, PhD is the founder of BELLA*Life and the Center for Human Attachment & Performance (CHAP). His work integrates attachment theory\, affective neuroscience\, symbolic interactionism\, and embodied practices such as yoga and dance to create accessible tools for human development\, leadership\, and relational repair. With a background in nonprofit leadership\, education\, and applied research\, Dr. Casely specializes in helping individuals and organizations build emotional regulation\, trust\, and meaning-driven performance in complex environments. \n\n\n\nBELLA*Life is an educational and developmental ecosystem designed to help people regulate\, connect\, and create meaningful outcomes in their personal and professional lives. Through courses\, assessments\, research\, and community-based experiences\, BELLA*Life translates interdisciplinary science into practical tools for everyday growth and leadership. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat You’ll Gain\n\n\n\n\nUnderstand how emotional and physiological states influence perception\, decision-making\, and purpose during transition\n\n\n\nLearn practical BELLA*Life tools for emotional regulation\, repair\, and meaning-making during uncertain or disruptive experiences\n\n\n\nApply a structured process to reconnect with your values and define purpose-aligned next steps\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis Event is Open To\n\n\n\nThis event is open to all members of the military and veteran-connected community. Eligibility varies by session. View our event calendar for details on other offerings. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout EmpowerEd\n\n\n\nEmpowerEd offers expert-led\, topic-driven seminars designed to equip military and veteran families and community members with valuable information\, practical tools\, and trusted resources. \n\n\n\nMost sessions are followed by an optional peer support event\, Let’s Talk About It—a space to reflect\, connect\, and share takeaways in a supportive community. While attending the seminar is encouraged\, it’s not required to join the discussion. Please note that registration for Let’s Talk About It is separate from the EmpowerEd seminar. \n\n\n\nLearn More\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTake the First Step Toward Improving Your Wellness–Sign up Today!\n\n\n\nLooking for one-on-one support? Peer 2 Peer Connect pairs you with a trained VSN Peer Leader for individualized support. For more resources and updates\, follow @veteranspousenetwork and subscribe to the VSN Newsletter. Questions or concerns? We’re here to help at vsn@austin.utexas.edu.  \n\n\n\nMail\n\nInstagram\n\nFacebook\n\nLinkedIn\n\nYouTube\n\nSpotify\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFrequently Asked Questions\n\n\n\n\nHow is EmpowerEd different from other VSN programs?\nEmpowerEd offers seminar-style sessions led by rotating guest experts. Unlike our peer-based programs\, these are more informational than discussion-based and open to the broader community\, delivering expert insights\, practical tools\, and evidence-based wellness strategies. \n\n\n\n\nWhat is Let’s Talk About It\, and how does it relate to EmpowerEd?\nLet’s Talk About It is an optional peer support event hosted after many of our EmpowerEd seminars\, offering space to reflect\, connect\, and share. While EmpowerEd is expert-led\, this event centers on open conversation. Seminar attendance is encouraged but not required; register separately. \n\n\n\n\nHow should I prepare for the event?\nFor the best experience\, we recommend joining from a quiet\, distraction-free space and arriving on time\, as participants who join more than 15 minutes late may not be admitted. Be sure to have your Zoom link ready from your confirmation email. \n\n\n\n\nWhy can’t I register for this event?\nYou must register at least 72 hours before an event. Most programs are ongoing series with multiple dates. Please check our calendar for upcoming sessions. \n\n\n\n\nDo I have to pay to attend?\nNo\, all events are completely free to attend. We are a grant-based program and believe in removing barriers to connection and support and are proud to offer these sessions at no cost to our community. \n\n\n\n\nDo I need to live in Texas to participate?\nNo—VSN is based at the University of Texas at Austin’s Institute for Military & Veteran Family Wellness\, but we are a nationwide network open to any military-connected individuals in the US and beyond.
URL:https://veteranspousenetwork.org/event/finding-purpose-in-times-of-transition/
CATEGORIES:EmpowerEd
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://veteranspousenetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2x1-Photo-3.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260827T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260827T130000
DTSTAMP:20260601T213943Z
CREATED:20260601T203556Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260601T213943Z
UID:10001751-1787832000-1787835600@veteranspousenetwork.org
SUMMARY:The Power of Pause: Leadership Practices for Inner Growth
DESCRIPTION:Virtual\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHarness Stillness to Align Your Leadership with Purpose\n\n\n\nIn the fast pace of life and leadership\, finding time to pause can feel impossible\, but it might be the most powerful step you take. This one-hour virtual retreat invites you to explore how intentional practices can help you reconnect with your values\, nurture your inner life\, and lead with greater clarity and purpose. \n\n\n\nDr. Lonnie Pederson and Jolee Lilja will draw on Midwest leadership traditions and their own experiences to share the profound connection between leadership and spirituality. Through personal stories and practical tools\, they’ll guide you in cultivating presence\, self-awareness\, and a deeper alignment with your values. Discover how the simple act of pausing can open the door to growth\, meaning\, and a more grounded approach to life and leadership. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Speakers\n\n\n\nDr. Lonnie Pederson is a seasoned leader with over three decades of experience in nonprofit leadership across higher education\, healthcare\, and human services. Holding a doctorate in leadership from the University of St. Thomas\, her work focuses on integrating spirituality and work. Dr. Pederson is deeply committed to helping others lead from the inside out\, aligning values\, beliefs\, and actions. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque\, NM\, and finds inspiration in nature through forest bathing in Minnesota’s north woods. \n\n\n\nJolee Lilja is dedicated to building strong communities and fostering personal and professional growth. With an MA in Leadership from Augsburg University and certifications in coaching\, meditation\, and entrepreneurial mindset facilitation\, Jolee helps individuals discover their vocational passions through her coaching practice\, The Curated Burrow. Her work is shaped by her belief in the transformative power of mindfulness and self-awareness. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat You’ll Gain\n\n\n\n\nAn understanding of contemplative practices that nourish inner life and leadership.\n\n\n\nInsights into the role of mentors and community in shaping inside-out leadership.\n\n\n\nInspiration to create your own pause practice that aligns with your core values.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis Event is Open To\n\n\n\nThis event is open to all members of the military and veteran-connected community. Eligibility varies by session. View our event calendar for details on other offerings. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout EmpowerEd\n\n\n\nEmpowerEd offers expert-led\, topic-driven seminars designed to equip military and veteran families and community members with valuable information\, practical tools\, and trusted resources. \n\n\n\nMost sessions are followed by an optional peer support event\, Let’s Talk About It—a space to reflect\, connect\, and share takeaways in a supportive community. While attending the seminar is encouraged\, it’s not required to join the discussion. Please note that registration for Let’s Talk About It is separate from the EmpowerEd seminar. \n\n\n\nLearn More\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTake the First Step Toward Improving Your Wellness–Sign up Today!\n\n\n\nLooking for one-on-one support? Peer 2 Peer Connect pairs you with a trained VSN Peer Leader for individualized support. For more resources and updates\, follow @veteranspousenetwork and subscribe to the VSN Newsletter. Questions or concerns? We’re here to help at vsn@austin.utexas.edu.  \n\n\n\nMail\n\nInstagram\n\nFacebook\n\nLinkedIn\n\nYouTube\n\nSpotify\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFrequently Asked Questions\n\n\n\n\nHow is EmpowerEd different from other VSN programs?\nEmpowerEd offers seminar-style sessions led by rotating guest experts. Unlike our peer-based programs\, these are more informational than discussion-based and open to the broader community\, delivering expert insights\, practical tools\, and evidence-based wellness strategies. \n\n\n\n\nWhat is Let’s Talk About It\, and how does it relate to EmpowerEd?\nLet’s Talk About It is an optional peer support event hosted after many of our EmpowerEd seminars\, offering space to reflect\, connect\, and share. While EmpowerEd is expert-led\, this event centers on open conversation. Seminar attendance is encouraged but not required; register separately. \n\n\n\n\nHow should I prepare for the event?\nFor the best experience\, we recommend joining from a quiet\, distraction-free space and arriving on time\, as participants who join more than 15 minutes late may not be admitted. Be sure to have your Zoom link ready from your confirmation email. \n\n\n\n\nWhy can’t I register for this event?\nYou must register at least 72 hours before an event. Most programs are ongoing series with multiple dates. Please check our calendar for upcoming sessions. \n\n\n\n\nDo I have to pay to attend?\nNo\, all events are completely free to attend. We are a grant-based program and believe in removing barriers to connection and support and are proud to offer these sessions at no cost to our community. \n\n\n\n\nDo I need to live in Texas to participate?\nNo—VSN is based at the University of Texas at Austin’s Institute for Military & Veteran Family Wellness\, but we are a nationwide network open to any military-connected individuals in the US and beyond.
URL:https://veteranspousenetwork.org/event/the-power-of-pause-leadership-practices-for-inner-growth/
CATEGORIES:EmpowerEd
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://veteranspousenetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2x1-Photo.png
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR