What if the stories you tell yourself are holding you back from becoming who you’re meant to be?

In this episode of Thinking That Matters, Elizabeth Mahusay sits down with DeAnna Stone, Executive Drama Director, community leader, and storyteller at McKinney’s historic Chestnut Square to explore how storytelling, self-awareness, and faith can help us move beyond limiting beliefs and live more authentically.

Drawing from her years in theater and her work preserving McKinney’s history, DeAnna shares powerful lessons on awareness, compassion, and the courage it takes to rewrite the stories we tell ourselves. She reminds us that being present both on stage and in life can transform how we lead, connect, and see opportunity in everyday moments.

You’ll discover:

• How to identify and release limiting beliefs that keep you stuck
  
• The surprising link between theater and leadership
  
• Why being present matters more than being perfect
  
• How storytelling cultivates empathy, compassion, and authentic connection
  
• The key to living “life through the lens of opportunity”
  

DeAnna also highlights the inspiring story behind Chestnut Square Historical Village and how a small group of women preserved McKinney’s heritage through community, courage, and creativity.

Experience the magic of McKinney’s history! Get your tickets for the Holiday Tour of Homes—available starting October 15 at chestnutsquare.org.

🥕 Support local growers and artisans! Visit the McKinney Farmers Market every Saturday, 8am–12pm at chestnutsquare.org.

Get to know DeAnna Stone:

DeAnna Stone is a storyteller, theater director, and community leader passionate about connecting people through story and stage. With a background in theater and decades of volunteer work in education, she’s helped students blend faith, creativity, and life lessons from the stage. Today, DeAnna serves at Chestnut Square Historical Village, where she continues her mission to celebrate community, preserve history, and inspire the future through storytelling.

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Which path will you choose? Elizabeth’s books help you design the future you want and celebrate every step.

https://www.amazon.com/Books-Elizabeth-Mahusay/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3AElizabeth%2BMahusay

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Meet Elizabeth Mahusay:

Elizabeth Mahusay is a coach, speaker, and author passionate about helping people transform their thinking and live with purpose. A former chemistry educator turned leadership coach, she has trained thousands to overcome limiting beliefs and grow personally and professionally. Elizabeth is a certified keynote speaker with Southwestern Consulting and author of Pick Your Path. She lives in Allen, Texas, with her husband of 28 years, Fred, and they have two adult sons.

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Website: https://elizabethmahusay.com/

Don’t let another day slip by on autopilot. Pick Your Path gives you the roadmap to create lasting change. Get your copy now and put your plan into motion!

https://www.amazon.com/Pick-Your-Path-Mental-Autopilot-ebook/dp/B0D6NGKLJP

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