Cindy Bezas is a renowned national speaker, business consultant, trainer, author and podcast host. She presented her BYU-Idaho forum session titled, “Connecting In College: The Hero’s Journey,” last Thursday at the Taylor Chapel. She discussed the power of words, resilience and the importance of networking and making authentic connections.
In the session, Bezas explored the power of the hero’s journey archetype and emphasized the importance of embracing challenges, overcoming adversity and discovering one’s purpose as central to the themes in the hero’s journey. She also spoke about loneliness and how almost every person feels it at some point. Bezas even shared statistics on how it can be damaging to one’s physical health.
“So, I ask, who do you know that is lonely? A roommate? A classmate? A sibling?” She said, “By developing this spiritual awareness now and acting, you will be of great good. And if you are feeling this way yourself, what I have to share will bless you tremendously.”
Students were encouraged to reflect on their own experiences and identify moments of personal growth and resilience, viewing them as steps in their journal toward making a meaningful impact on the world. Through interactive exercises and group discussions, participants explored ways to use their unique strengths and talents to positively affect their communities.
“Dealing with challenges builds resilience. We find it along the way. And as long as we allow ourselves some time to rest and learn how to deeply commune with Heavenly Father, we then make it out okay,” she said in an interview with BYU-Idaho Radio.
Overall, Bezas’s message resonated with the students: authentic connections are essential for creating more compassion and resilience in society. Her presentation was filled with inspiration, practical advice and spiritual insights that made her forum valuable to all the students who were able to attend it.
“I invite you to picture a world where people feel less lonely because of your authentic influence and connecting skills, thereby healing any loneliness you might feel,” she said.