"Maybe we *need* to dip down into that valley of apathy or sadness or melancholy in order to appreciate what it feels like when we have our magic. So appreciate those days when you're not all you should be. Lean into them - they can actually boost you to greater heights."

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"I *could* crack open that box and see reality a little better, and be a little less brainwashed - but why would I want to? This is the person I am choosing to love, and the more positive bias I have, the better."

Full show notes at www.alainajo.co 

"We all do it - we subconsciously live small because of scarcity mentality, or that nagging Puritan view that something can't be too good. We live small because we're insecure or self conscious, or because we're waiting for a better time to fully show up in our lives. STOP IT.

Live Large by soaking in the greatness of your life and letting it fill you so much that you overflow and give back to the world and the people around you."

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"I no longer pour myself into my children in the hopes that they will one day be grateful; I pour myself into my children so that they can carry on the torch of nurturing and life sacrifice that raises all of humanity."

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"Imperfect circumstances and imperfect people are a reality and the goal is not to rid ourselves of all imperfection. If we do that, we miss out.

If you walk into your LIFE the way I walked into Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen, you will likely feel the way I did - unhappy and dissatisfied - simply because it looked different; it wasn't neat and clean and pretty. 

Neither is life."


Full show notes at www.alainajo.co

"If we get hung up on the small picture of something (that's not in our control anyway) we miss out on relationships, we miss out on connecting over our loved one's new interests & passion & light, we miss out on being a part of the positive things unfolding for them. 

"As you face the painful situation of loved ones wandering from your tribe, I urge you with my whole heart to find real-life happiness not only here in your relationship but also in the big picture by remembering and living by these 4 things: 

1. Not all who wander are lost
2. Look for the biggest, highest goal
3. Let go of what you can't control
4. Relationships are all you have. 

Full show notes at www.alainajo.co

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"In that null space we call 'boredom' we have the rare option to decide on something to do - and that could actually be considered a gift." 

Boredom gives us space to do/try something meaningful.
Boredom teaches us creativity.
Boredom increases our patience.

Full show notes at www.alainajo.co

"Let me validate you: You deserve to be listened to. You shouldn't even have to think this hard about how to get people to listen to you. However, I also deal in *reality*, and the reality of the fact is you need to work hard to get people to actually listen to you in many instances. 

"When you talk less and you don't lecture, you are better listened to and your relationship improves. Not only do you earn their ear... you maybe even earn their heart a little bit."

"Just because you've talked about something one time - even if it was a 'big serious talk' does not mean that they 'get it.' In fact, infrequent talks or 1-2 big talks or even the 'annual sit-down drug talk' gives way too much spicy attention to substances. Yeah that's right, I said spicy."

Full show notes at www.alainajo.co

Downloadable PDF of drug points at https://alainajo.co/drug-lesson-download/

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"Drugs are awesome. There's a reason people love them. If we keep that a secret from kids, we lose credibility when they figure it out. Let's help them have a healthy respect for the danger of this enemy."

Join teen therapist Alaina Jo as she explains what she teaches her own children about drugs. After 15 years of experience with substance-using teens, her approach is unique. 

Show notes at www.alainajo.co

Downloadable PDF lesson "The Drug Talk you Need to Have" is filled with practical talking points and approaches for kids. Find the link at www.alainajo.co

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