Both On Board

Working together—whether you're in the same business or working on separate projects—can be challenging. It requires accountability, support, and compassion. You have to learn to see things from your partner's perspective. You have to walk in their shoes. This episode of Both on Board is all about committing to a shared vision in practical and tactical ways and supporting each other on your journey.

Highlights From Our Conversation

• [0:50] From disconnect to connection
• [5:30] Learn to see from your partner's perspective
• [8:20] Set up a reporting mechanism that works
• [11:00] We care and want to make an impact
• [14:40] 75Hard challenge is all about commitment
• [17:30] Eliminate the option of doing anything else
• [23:00] Building promises builds trust in yourself
• [27:25] Be disciplined with your desires
• [29:00] How commitment overflows in your life

Moving from disconnect to connection

When Ray and I first started dating, we were working in separate careers. I would come home and share the struggles of my day, but Ray couldn't fully understand where I was coming from. Then he'd tell me about a deal that fell through or something that he ran into during his day. Neither of us fully comprehending what the struggle really meant.

There was this disconnect between us.

On the flip side, when I retired from teaching and we launched our business together we were in the trenches together. We were completely on board, but our work consumed us. All we talked about was work. If you'd like to learn how we began to better integrate work and personal life, keep listening!

Being 'both on board' when working on separate projects

Through the years we've been together, there have been seasons where we need to focus on different projects and come together when needed—this is one of them. Right now, Ray is headfirst in our loan business, and it consumes a lot of his time. My primary focus is Both on Board and building our impact.

So how do we come together and support and keep each other accountable?

We have a weekly meeting where we cover finances, details of the business, and more. Ray can fill me in so that I understand the details of what's been consuming his time. I can share the progress I've made. We set aside a time to step into each other's shoes and fully appreciate what the other is doing.

To get more details on how this process works for us and keeping each other accountable, keep listening!

How 75Hard teaches you commitment

I know we've mentioned it already—but 75Hard has been a huge part of our lives lately, and it's teaching us a lot. It's a program with strict requirements. It's not a weight loss program necessarily, but a program that strengthens your mental resolve. It's not easy. Once you commit, you eliminate the option of doing anything else.

"I am going to do this and nothing is going to stop me".

The process sharpens you mentally and as you keep your commitments daily, you begin to build your belief in yourself. It's so much easier because we are both on board supporting each other every step of the way.

Be disciplined with your desires

Learning how to commit to the promises you make to yourself is paramount. It's why we are constantly practicing—whether it be daily commitments such as yoga and meditation or starting 75Hard. When you build consistency and become disciplined you can accomplish so much more.

Do your part in striving to reach what you desire, and allow the universe to do the rest. Go after what you want, and allow room for something better to come along. Leave space for grace, for God to do his part. Always be building on the vision you have for your life together.

Resources & People Mentioned

• What Matters Most by Brian Scrone
• The Way of Mastery by Shanti Christo Foundation
• Schedule a meeting with us now!

Connect With Ramon and Christy

• www.BothOnBoard.com
• Both On Board on Instagram: @BothOnBoard
• Ray's Instagram - @OfficialRamonGonzalez
• Christy's Instagram - @ChristyRisco
• Facebook - Ramon Gonzalez
• Facebook - Christy Risco

Subscribe to Both on Boardon Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, RadioPublic, Google Podcasts, Spotify

We recently attended a Sharper Couples Retreat that focused on relationship building activities and we fell in love. Some of the exercises we have done—and advocate for—but opened our eyes in a completely different way. From identifying our values as a couple to the wheel of life exercise, this episode is packed with helpful activities to build and strengthen your relationship.

Highlights From Our Conversation

• [0:45] What we have been up to
• [2:10] Starting the 75Hard Challenge
• [7:05] Identify your values as a couple
• [13:00] What are your non-negotiables?
• [15:00] Wheel of life exercise
• [21:10] Most entrepreneurs lack consistency
• [24:10] Stop breaking your promises
• [28:30] The 5 Love Languages
• [32:05] Chasing pleasure or living your purpose?
• [36:00] People put their money where their heart is

Relationship building activities begin with your shared values

This is something we have done together and we urge others to do the same. What you may not realize is that your values will change over time. Things that were important in one season of your life may no longer be applicable in the next. So be sure and strive to reconnect with each other about your values—but start by identifying your core values to live by. Here are ours right now:

• Confidence
• Clarity
• Collaboration
• Contribution
• Connection

It comes down to this: what values are non-negotiable? The retreat gave us a controlled environment where we were encouraged to take time and go deep. Allow yourselves to do the same. To hear us explain our values and talk about the wheel of life exercise–keep listening!

Stop breaking the promises you make to yourself

No one likes hearing this, much less admitting it to themselves, but entrepreneurs lack consistency. Most people lack the ability to keep the promises they make to themselves. Every time you break a promise you make to yourself you begin losing trust in yourself. Your confidence will wane.

So what can you commit to daily that will rebuild your confidence?

Our desire to start 75Hard was borne out of this retreat. I've seen Ray try and fail 75Hard many times—it is not easy. But we truly believe now that we are both on board and committing to this together that it's a challenge we can overcome.

To hear more about 75Hard and the promises we have committed to keeping to ourselves, please listen to this wonderful episode!

The concept of the 5 Love Languages

Are you familiar with the book The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman? He believes there are 5 core ways you can show love to your significant other. They are:

1. Words of Affirmation
2. Quality Time
3. Receiving Gifts
4. Acts of Service
5. Physical Touch

As an individual, it is important to know what gives you life—what act makes your soul happy? Do you love it when your spouse does the dishes for you? Does quality time with them leave you feeling fulfilled?

On the flip side, what is your spouse's love language? What can you do daily to make them feel loved and appreciated? We recommend doing this exercise every year because your needs and desires change.

What can you do to fill their 'love tank' today?

Are you chasing pleasure or living your purpose?

Just let those words sink in for a moment.

Are you chasing pleasure or living your purpose?

Living out your values, building consistency, and keeping your promises all start with looking inward. Navigating your life is so much easier when you know who you are and what you're here for.

When you are living your purpose your soul is on fire.

We challenge you to take a step forward and focus on who you are individually and collaborate and connect and decide what your shared values and goals are together. If you're ready to take your relationship to the next level—dive in with us!

Resources & People Mentioned

• The 75Hard Challenge by Andy Frisella
• Sharper Couples Retreat
• Coaches Training Institute Wheel of Life
• The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
• The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman
• The Way of Mastery by the Shanti Christo Foundation
• Love Nudge on the App Store
• Love Nudge on Google Play

Connect With Ramon and Christy

• www.BothOnBoard.com
• Both On Board on Instagram: @BothOnBoard
• Ray's Instagram - @OfficialRamonGonzalez
• Christy's Instagram - @ChristyRisco
• Facebook - Ramon Gonzalez
• Facebook - Christy Risco

Subscribe to Both on Boardon Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, RadioPublic, Google Podcasts, Spotify

This episode surrounds the epic conversation of living a legacy—not leaving a legacy. People are always thinking about what kind of legacy they're going to leave and lose track of how they want to live their life. Do you want to take your life back and truly live a legacy to be proud of? Listen to this episode for some of the best advice Ray and Joe Evangelisti have to offer.

Highlights From Our Conversation

• [3:20] Bad advice people give
• [9:20] Learning to just be yourself
• [12:00] Presence and practice—not perfection
• [17:20] Learning from your failures
• [26:15] Getting good at saying no
• [29:45] Legacy means impact
• [33:30] Two things an entrepreneur should have

What can you do to just 'be you'?

We've all heard the phrase that "comparison is the thief of joy" right? But how often do you think about the truth behind it? The #1 thing you can do to just be yourself is to stop comparing yourself to anyone else. You are not here on this earth to copy anybody. Comparison just opens you up to unnecessary suffering.

The creator created you—so why try to be someone else?It is a disgrace to your creator.

To just 'be you', you have to learn who you are. So what's the best way to do that? Learn to live in the moment. Practice meditation and truly listening to yourself. Practice the art of gratitude. The most practical way? Spend time with your children. They are constantly living in the present and allow you to do the same.

Choose presence and practice over perfection

Meditation is something I've chosen to practice every day. It's not just some hippy crap where you're in a trance. It simply means taking time to center yourself, listen to your heartbeat, and be with your own thoughts. You don't have to meditate.

But set aside 10 minutes a day to have completely to yourself.

You can meditate. You can journal. You can sit in silence.

Don't make it more difficult than it needs to be. Simply slow down and take time to be in the moment. Don't let life pass you by without moments to reflect. Keep listening as we chat about how Ray Dalio convinced GaryVee to meditate.

The power of learning from failure

Life isn't an achievement, it's a school. We are constantly screwing up and making mistakes. I write down a list of my mistakes every week and review them. Why? So I can learn from my mistakes and avoid making them again.

You can't be afraid to make mistakes. Instead, aim at constant growth.

As you fail and learn and grow your are building your expertise. No one is an overnight success. People can claim it—but it takes grit and endurance to build success. It takes 10-20 years to truly master something. Do you have the grit and determination to do what it takes?

What does living a legacy look like for you?

Living a legacy encompasses a few different things for us right now:

We want to invest time in Valentina and each other.

We want to offer our story and expertise in this podcast.

We want to make an impact by giving to different charities and being involved in fundraising.

Whatever you decide to do, you need to listen to your heart and say no to what doesn't fulfill you. Align yourself with the things that light your soul on fire. There are too many shiny distracting things out there, so always be aligned with yourself.

Listen to the rest of the podcast as Joe and I talk about disconnecting from our phones—I also deliver my most impactful advice. Don't miss it!

Resources & People Mentioned

• The Legacy Blueprint Podcast by Joe Evangelisti
• Ray Dalio on GaryVee Podcast
• Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon
• Principes by Ray Dalio
• Big Debt Crises by Ray Dalio
• Bo Eason

Connect With Ramon and Christy

• www.BothOnBoard.com
• Both On Board on Instagram: @BothOnBoard
• Ray's Instagram - @OfficialRamonGonzalez
• Christy's Instagram - @ChristyRisco
• Facebook - Ramon Gonzalez
• Facebook - Christy Risco

Subscribe to Both on Boardon Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, RadioPublic, Google Podcasts, Spotify

We tend to have the concept of giving and receiving twisted in our minds. You've all heard the bible verse "it is better to give than receive" (Acts 20:35). In some instances, this may certainly be the case. We applaud giving. But to give, your cup has to be full. To give fully, you have to learn to receive. In this episode of Both on Board we talk about giving from a place of abundance and learning that's it's okay to make yourself a priority.

Highlights From Our Conversation

• [0:50] Integrating Giving and Receiving
• [5:10] Take 100% responsibility for yourself
• [7:20] Schedule self-care into your life
• [13:30] Deservability: sometimes we don't feel worthy
• [18:00] Don't look for perfection, look for consistency
• [26:15] Change your perspective
• [30:00] Giving to end human trafficking

It's okay to make yourself your #1 priority

We are firm believers that to give 100% of yourself, you need to take care of yourself first. Give yourself permission to exercise self-care. This looks different for everyone—but find something that makes your soul happy. It could be yoga or working out. It could be drinking a hot cup of coffee watching the sunrise.

Don't only give yourself "leftovers". You deserve more than a stolen moment.

For the first 18 month of Valentina's life, I was all give give give. I gave her all of my time and energy, and I began to suffer. I didn't eat well, I wasn't meditating, I wasn't doing yoga. My relationship with Ray began to suffer because I was trying to give out of a place of emptiness. Listen as we talk about prioritizing yourself first, and how it was the best choice for us.

Schedule self-care into your life

Once I realized I needed to flip the switch and reset my self-care routine I went a little overboard. I scheduled massages, hair appointments, nail appointments, etc. and filled my calendar. What I had intended to be self-care became a to-do list. I was doing all of these amazing things and it wasn't making my soul happy.

So I took a step back and really clarified what my soul enjoyed.

Sadly, most people don't even remember what fills them up anymore. Their lives have been so entangled with staying busy they've lost sight of what truly fulfills them. We want to challenge you to learn what brings you joy—then schedule it into your life. It doesn't have to be time-consuming, it doesn't have to be expensive, but it needs to be time spent filling your cup.

Remember that you are 100% worthy of receiving

"I don't deserve time off."

"I don't deserve a break."

"My house is a mess, I need to take care of it"

It is time to overcome whatever lie you're telling yourself or excuse you're making. You deserve everything the world has to give you. You don't need to earn anything. You are worthy. The concept of deservability is a problem and it needs to stop.

You need to cultivate an awareness of how you are treating yourself. Are the questions above lies that you tell yourself? Are you holding yourself to a standard of perfection that cannot possibly be reached? You may be experiencing anxiety and exhaustion in your life because you are not allowing yourself the self-care that you deserve.

Keep listening as Ray and I talk about integrating self-care into our life and how we allow each other flexibility and compassion.

Our season of giving

Giving comes in many different forms, but right now we are blessed that can give monetarily. We've worked hard for years, and have co-created with God and the universe. We have opened up and allowed ourselves to receive the good things coming our way. We are at a point of overflowing and joyfully able to give.

Ray had this vision for a charity fundraiser he wanted to throw. He worked hard, calling people and organizing this amazing event. He wanted to control the way everything went, and the more he tried to exercise control the more difficult things were. When he finally decided to let go of his attachment to the outcome, people began giving in big ways.

We doubled what we were hoping to raise. If you are interested in giving or learning more, we are supporting a charity geared at ending human trafficking—International Network of Hearts. A link to their website and our gofundme page are in the show notes!

Resources & People Mentioned

• International Network of Hearts Gofundme
• International Network of Hearts
• Book: The Way of Mastery by the Shanti Christo Foundation

Connect With Ramon and Christy

• www.BothOnBoard.com
• Both On Board on Instagram: @BothOnBoard
• Ray's Instagram - @OfficialRamonGonzalez
• Christy's Instagram - @ChristyRisco
• Facebook - Ramon Gonzalez
• Facebook - Christy Risco

Subscribe to Both on Boardon Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, RadioPublic, Google Podcasts, Spotify

Is your life full of unrealistic standards that you can't possibly live up to? Are you constantly striving for something and finally realizing you're not enjoying the process? As entrepreneurs, we are so good at delaying gratification that when we finally have a dream within reach we self-sabotage. So how did Christy and I move past that? Listen to this episode of Both on Board to find out!

Highlights From Our Conversation

• [0:50] Overcoming Unrealistic Standards
• [9:10] Give yourself permission to live the life you've designed
• [13:00] The two most important decisions you can make
• [18:10] Overcoming self-sabotage to obtain our dream
• [25:10] Why your environment is important
• [28:00] How a sandcastle taught me about life
• [32:00] Don't be overly attached to the outcome
• Taking the leap and buying our second home

A dream was planted in me years ago as I was walking along South Beach with one of my friends. We came upon a high rise that was being built and I told him—one day I'm going to live there. I've been holding on to that vision for almost 18 years. Now, my dream is being fulfilled.

We currently own a home in a suburb where we can walk our daughter to school. We're close to family and it's become so comfortable. Christy and I have talked about owning something right on the beach for a few years and we just had to take the leap. We both desired something more.

How I overcame my unrealistic standards

I had always dreamed of having a two-bedroom and at least one and a half bath with an ocean view. I had a perfect budget in mind and wanted everything to fit into this vision I had created for myself. Then the realtor showed us what was available—it was only one bedroom and the view was less than spectacular.

I was 100% ready to turn it down because it didn't fit the unrealistic standards that I had set.

But Christy grounded me and reminded me of all of the things we were being offered. It was still in the high rise I'd dreamt of. We were minutes away from the ocean. It was only a 4-month lease so that we could truly feel out if it was the right decision for us. It also fit the budget I had asked for. All I had to do was say yes.

Christy helped me remove the intense emotion from the decision. She looked through an objective lens and helped me realize I was still getting the core of what I wanted: the amenities, the location, and the experiences that came with it.

The two most valuable decisions you can make

The #1 decision that you can make in your life is choosing to be full of joy. We love the result that we have gotten. We're fortunate enough to be able to own two homes and a successful business. We're learning every day to enjoy the process of achieving our goals. We allow ourselves to enjoy the outcome of our hard work. Are you ready to do the same?

The 2nd decision you can make that I believe is extremely valuable is choosing the people you surround yourself with. It's why we recommend mastermind groups and personal development. Even the environment you choose to live in makes an impact—in this new place we are surrounded by people operating at a high level. Keep listening to find out why we think these concepts are so important.

Enjoy what you've earned—but don't let it be responsible for your happiness

If you need something that is material in order to be happy then it's not true happiness. There are many material things we enjoy, and we aren't saying you shouldn't try and get what you want. But don't let them be responsible for your happiness. We've found that when we let go of the strong attachment we have for something we desire, is when we usually obtain it.

Let go of control, the need to plan every detail, and begin to ask yourself deeper questions. What is it that you truly desire? Decipher what your true standards are and be flexible with the rest so you can truly enjoy what you've worked so hard for. Don't limit the possibilities of what the universe can offer you. If you want to hear more about this journey of ours, listen to the whole episode!

Connect With Ramon and Christy

• www.BothOnBoard.com
• Both On Board on Instagram: @BothOnBoard
• Ray's Instagram - @OfficialRamonGonzalez
• Christy's Instagram - @ChristyRisco
• Facebook - Ramon Gonzalez
• Facebook - Christy Risco

Subscribe to Both on Boardon Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, RadioPublic, Google Podcasts, Spotify

In a world where everything pushes us to constantly go, manifestation tells us to slow down. It is about learning how to be in tune with yourself. As human beings, we are so conditioned to be influenced by the external world—and have lost touch with our internal selves. If you're searching and ready to learn, this episode of Both on Board with Dr. Sangeeta Sahi wraps up the topic of manifestation. Don't forget to listen to part one!

Dr. Sahi is an integrative medical doctor who studied in India and London. She's traveled the world working with quantum physicists and biophysicists, searching for scientific means to explain what can only be labeled as miraculous. Listen to this episode as we explore her background and experience and she speaks about her knowledge of manifestation.

Highlights From Our Conversation

• [0:50] A recap of the last episode
• [2:00] Being in tune with yourself and be with yourself
• [5:25] What is love? What is connection?
• [9:10] There is nothing you have to achieve
• [17:10] Do not compare yourself with anyone else
• [19:30] Change your perspective and learn how to slow down
• [25:25] Visualizations, affirmations, and manifestation
• [33:45] Spirituality is not a to-do list but a lifestyle
• [39:00] Manifestation doesn't just happen—it takes practice
• [45:45] Final words of wisdom from Dr. Sangeeta Sahi

What is love? What is connection?

When asked the question, most people have to pause and think about an answer. Is it a feeling? An emotion? The answer is far simpler: love just IS. Love is connection. When Ray and I are with our daughter we don't have to think about loving her. We don't have to define how we feel about her. Love for her envelopes us and just is.

We have an innate need to love and be loved. We do this by seeking connection. Children allow us to love and to be present, wrapped up in the moment. Why do we seek out friends? Why do we spend time with loved ones, sharing experiences with them? Because shared experiences give us the connection our soul's crave.

Manifestation begins with slowing down

The world around us creates a sense of urgency and tells us that we always need to be going, doing, and running ourselves ragged. We find ourselves addicted to urgency because we feel alive when we are constantly moving. But this isn't fulfilling. It can't lead to awareness of one's self or higher purpose.

We must learn how to slow down.

Only then can we begin to embrace manifestation. The only "rule" of manifestation is that you must learn to control your thoughts. You must change your perspective. To do so, you must learn to stop. Stop making spirituality a to-do list and make it a way of life. We talk with Sangeeta about teaching this concept to our children—keep listening.

You must live every day in gratitude

Sangeeta talks about visualization as a powerful way to lower stress. But manifestation cannot come from an external visualization—it comes from within. People often practice visualization and affirmations in a rote and rigid way and this is honestly useless. You have to have a deep emotion connected to the practices for them to be effective.

More specifically, we must learn how to be grateful—and express it.

It's so simple, yet in our fast-paced lives we often forget to be grateful. We also need to learn how to be joyful. It isn't an emotion, but a state of being. If you are not expressing joy you aren't fully expressing who you are. When you embrace it, the world will take notice. Keep listening as we discuss money manifestation and how material wealth cannot buy you happiness (we promise, it's not as cliche as it sounds).

Manifestation is not instantaneous—it is a practice

Manifestation doesn't just happen overnight. If it was an easy process, everyone would do it! Manifestation is a practice. You need to continually practice it, push forward, and learn how to let go and slow down. It is about finding integration and balance and learning how to find joy. Mastering a spiritual practice takes time, dedication, and persistence.

You can't force things to be the way you want them to be. Control is a myth—it leaves no room for joy. All we can do is learn how to manage the things that are out of our control. Sometimes, all you need to learn how to do is slow down. Then, you'll see that what you've been trying to manifest has existed all along.

Some parting words of wisdom from Dr. Sangeeta Sahi:

Remember that things come together in God's timing.

Have faith that if a desire is inside of you it is part of your journey.

If a desire is influenced by what someone else has—it is not yours.

Above all, live in a state of gratitude that you have the opportunity to be alive.

Resources & People Mentioned

• www.genuinehumanbeing.com
• Dr. Sangeeta Sahi on LinkedIn
• A Course in Miracles by The Foundation for Inner Peace
• The Way of the Heart by Henri J. M. Nouwen

Connect With Ramon and Christy

• www.BothOnBoard.com
• Both On Board on Instagram: @BothOnBoard
• Ray's Instagram - @OfficialRamonGonzalez
• Christy's Instagram - @ChristyRisco
• Facebook - Ramon Gonzalez
• Facebook - Christy Risco

Subscribe to Both on Boardon Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, RadioPublic, Google Podcasts, Spotify

Do you know what manifestation is? Do you know why it is a practice you should embrace? Manifestation is the process of bringing something into being—a thought, a desire, a belief becomes reality. In this episode of Both on Board we talk about manifesting from the heart with a special guest, Dr. Sangeeta Sahi.

Dr. Sahi is an integrative medical doctor who studied in India and London. She's traveled the world working with quantum physicists and biophysicists, searching for scientific means to explain what can only be labeled as miraculous. Listen to this episode as we explore her background and experience and she speaks about her knowledge of manifestation.

Highlights From Our Conversation

• [0:50] We introduce Ramon's mentor, Dr. Sangeeta Sahi.
• [4:20] Dr. Sahi's journey to learn to explain the unexplainable
• [11:30] Manifestation stems from the heart: It's all about love.
• [21:00] The difference between spirituality and religion
• [26:15] Manifestation and achieving a goal
• [31:10] The idea of complex manifestations is introduced
• [32:50] How to properly understand responsibility
• [35:00] How do you become more self-aware?
• [37:00] How to tap into awareness or alignment
• [40:50] Brain chemistry, feelings, and emotions
• [45:30] The concept of being deserving of something—and timing
• [49:10] Learning to be less attached
• [51:25] Be patient and in tune with yourself

It may seem cliche, but it's true: It's all about love

Throughout her teenage years, Sangeeta experienced what she can only describe as "spiritual experiences" where she had a distinct awareness that she was in a different dimension or operating outside of time. She continued to experience these moments throughout medical school. She also had a deep intuitiveness that allowed her to understand what was happening in her patient's bodies better than any imaging.

After her years of research and study in the field, one universal and eternal message remained for her: it's all about love. The only way to truly understand anything—and to manifest anything—is through your heart. It is your soul's desire that you are looking to bring to life in the physical dimension. You have the power to create it—but it is a complex collective experience. Dr. Sahi explains this in detail, so continue listening.

The difference between spirituality and religion

Spirituality is not necessarily tied to religion. Dr. Sahi states that there is one main distinction between the two: religion has structure and rules and spirituality does not. That being said, spirituality can be an extension of your beliefs. In some ways, a structured religion gives you the "rules to live by" that define how you act in a community. Eventually, the rules and regulations are so ingrained in you that they no longer need to be your primary focus.

Consider an athlete, such as a football player. They've likely played the sport since childhood. The role they have learned throughout the years has become part of who they are. When they play the game they don't need to think about every rule and regulation because the game is a part of them. This allows them to flow, to be in the moment, and to act outside of the realm of what's possible. This is spirituality. The athlete is actively manifesting their belief in their skill.

Simple goal achievement and complex manifestation

There are a few different steps associated with achieving a goal. In the episode, Dr. Sahi uses the example I provided—reaching my goal of attending a yoga class. So what does goal achievement look like?

1. You have a thought or idea that you want to implement.
2. You decide to follow through: this is a practical choice that you have the power to control. You must fix that decision in your heart—this releases and directs energy into your goal.
3. You automatically and instinctively work towards manifesting the goal and choose not to let anything else interfere. The closer you get, the more clarity and energy you feel.

This is a simple example because you have control over yourself and the decisions you make. As we strive after more complex manifestations, more variables are thrown into the mix. Continue listening as we discuss challenges you may face and the idea of responsibility.

How do you foster more personal awareness?

Embracing spirituality can be daunting to some. A simple start is what we've championed all along—foster personal awareness. You want to tap into the awareness of who you are, what you're here on this earth to do, and truly know yourself. Are you cultivating a conscious awareness of who you are? In our previous episode, we talked about meditation as a means of understanding yourself. It is a great first step in the process.

You want to place yourself in alignment with the universe. You cannot create what does not already exist, right? As you continue to learn and practice manifestation, hold on to the truth that there may be challenges, but you can bring your hearts desires to life. We continue discussing fostering awareness, mentorship opportunities, attachment and so much more in the rest of the episode.

This is part one of a two-part series, be sure to check out next week's episode!

Resources & People Mentioned

• www.GenuineHumanBeing.com
• Conscious Cancer Course
• PsychoNeuroEndocrinoImmunology
• Dr. Sangeeta Sahi on LinkedIn

Connect With Ramon and Christy

• www.BothOnBoard.com
• Both On Board on Instagram: @BothOnBoard
• Ray's Instagram - @OfficialRamonGonzalez
• Christy's Instagram - @ChristyRisco
• Facebook - Ramon Gonzalez
• Facebook - Christy Risco

Subscribe to Both on Boardon Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, RadioPublic, Google Podcasts, Spotify

Are you looking to find clarity on your soul's purpose but don't know where to begin? Are you tired of hearing everyone else's opinion but completely unsure of your own? In a world where we are constantly barraged with things we should be doing—what do you want? In this episode of Both on Board we will lay out what has worked for us. Your only task is to take our advice and decide if it will work for you.

Highlights From Our Conversation

• [0:50] Meditation and yoga as catalysts
• [6:50] Develop a spiritual practice: what does your soul love to do
• [12:45] Are you trying to escape OR find your purpose
• [14:45] Tools we use to be present
• [18:30] Create a spiritual practice that you commit to daily to understand who you are

Meditation is a powerful tool for finding clarity

People tend to think of meditation as some new-age practice tied to a religion they don't adhere to. In reality, it's a practice that can benefit everyone that's not necessarily tied to any religion. It can reduce anxiety and stress, promote emotional health, and cultivate self-awareness. Meditation is a tool that allows us to become familiar with ourselves. We know that removing distractions and spending time with yourself can be terrifying. As humans we are so afraid of silence because we are afraid of where our thoughts will take us.

But it can also lead to the clarity you're looking for.

So how do you meditate? The simplest way is to carve out a length of time and go somewhere quiet without distractions. Breath in for 6 seconds, hold your breath for 8, and breath out for 10 seconds. Focus on your breath and your heartbeat. The goal isn't to empty your mind, but it is about removing external distractions and controlling where your thoughts go. It helps you to become familiar with yourself and cultivate an awareness of who you are.

Develop a spiritual practice that you commit to daily

What does your soul love to do? What grounds you, brings you joy, and allows you to just be in the moment? I love Yoga and Ray loves working out. Perhaps for you it's journaling, being in nature, or playing music. Take time to prioritize those things that your soul loves. We encourage you to develop your own spiritual practices.

Honestly, If it's important to you, you will find the time.

If you have a job, children, and are being pulled in a million different directions—we get it. But if you have time to watch TV, scroll through social media on your phone, or fill your time with distractions you have time. Do you want to prioritize personal development? Are you ready to clarify your purpose? Take control of your day and don't let excuses hold you captive.

Are you doing things just to do them? Or to find your soul's purpose?

I think we all go through phases in our lives where things are go, go, go. We are constantly running around, filling our time. It's important to really look at what you're doing—is it necessary? Are you committing yourself to things just to stay busy, or escape? Take a step back and ask yourself clarifying questions. Are you going to look up in 10 years and realize that you haven't been enjoying life? Now is the time to find what gives your life meaning and fulfills you. Don't let your life slip away from you and look back with regrets.

You are whole, complete, and perfect

You do not need to be anyone else—we are unique beings with a unique purpose. Remember, you are whole, complete, and perfect just as you are. Utilizing meditation can be a way to find what makes your soul happy, and learn to embrace your unique gifts. You want to live and express who you are. People will take notice, be attracted to and inspired by you.

You want to simply do your life and fulfill your purpose.

It's all about learning to be present. Find ways to ground yourself and cultivate self-awareness. Learning to listen to your heart and soul and removing external distractions and thoughts is key. Our spiritual needs include being able to grow and being able to give. So what will you do today to take that next step?

Resources & People Mentioned

• The basics of meditation

Connect With Ramon and Christy

• www.BothOnBoard.com
• Both On Board on Instagram: @BothOnBoard
• Ray's Instagram - @OfficialRamonGonzalez
• Christy's Instagram - @ChristyRisco
• Facebook - Ramon Gonzalez
• Facebook - Christy Risco

Subscribe to Both on Boardon Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, RadioPublic, Google Podcasts, Spotify

Effective communication in marriage is an art that must be cultivated in your journey together. Do you struggle with incorrectly assessing the meaning in situations? Do you understand the way you react? To effectively work through arguments—we like to call them life lessons—you have to understand where your emotions are stemming from. In this episode of Both on Board we'll talk all about how to navigate life lessons together while communicating effectively.

Highlights From Our Conversation

• [0:50] Why you shouldn't try and change each other
• [5:00] Why you don't need to model your spouse
• [7:40] Your goal is to help your spouse shine their light
• [11:20] Our example of working through an argument
• [17:20] Do not speak with each other while you're still angry
• [21:00] Allow each other to work through situations at your own pace
• [24:30] The negative situations are there to teach you something
• [28:20] How life is a practice and a process
• [32:25] The questions we need to ask ourselves
• [36:00] Our reset exercise to 'return to love'

Don't try to change or become your significant other

Variety is the spice of life, right? You were attracted to your spouse because they were unique individuals that were different than you. Who they are is something you love. Perhaps they have some habits or traits that annoy you—which is completely normal. But you should not feel compelled to change or control the other person.

Along those same lines, your spouse may have traits that you love and would like to emulate. It's admirable, but the world needs you and your unique skills and personality. You don't need to become someone you're not. Our goal in life should be to help each other shine their light. We feel the best way to do this is to complement each other, not change or become the other person.

Don't assign meaning when it isn't there

Do you want to be right, or do you want to be happy? As you listen to this episode we give you an example of an argument we recently had. It turned into a debacle because I assigned meaning that wasn't there. I thought Ray was disrespecting me. In reality, the situation was entirely different. Instead of taking time to step back and respond differently, I reacted.

I could've handled the entire situation differently, right?

We each have the control to assign meaning to any given situation. But we would caution to not assign meaning without understanding the full spectrum of the situation. Humans are complex individuals and you should have zero expectation that the other person knows what you're thinking or feeling. Listen as we talk about the situation and our thought process when working through an argument.

The negative experiences are there to teach you something

An argument is just a moment in time in your relationship. The goal is to get to a point where you argue, you learn from it, and move on quickly. But in order to learn from it, you have to confront it. If you don't, the same issues and problems in your relationship—and life—will keep coming up. You do not want to stay stuck in the same place and keep reliving the same problems for the next 30 or 40 years!

An old Chinese proverb states that a problem and an opportunity are the same things. If you change your mindset and an argument or situation becomes an opportunity versus a problem it changes everything. I need to take a deep look at myself and develop an awareness of where the issues are arising. If I can learn and grow and evolve as a person then I can better learn from the situations we find ourselves in.

Create space to ask yourself the hard questions

A great method that we try and utilize when we find ourselves in the throes of an argument consists of three steps:

1. Give each other space to change the state of mind that we are in. Trying to work through something when we are both operating from a place of anger will not be productive.
2. Come back and connect when the timing is right. Ray knows I am not in the right headspace until after I've done yoga in the morning and I'm awake and coherent.
3. As you are giving each other space and waiting until the timing is right, ask yourself some tough questions. Why did I react the way I did? What triggered it? What meaning did I assign that perhaps wasn't there? What can I learn from this?

Life is a learning process and we need to allow ourselves to embrace the imperfection and the learning curves to experience joy. We've just given you a snapshot of all that this episode covers—listen to the rest to learn more about our communication methods and where they stem from.

Resources & People Mentioned

• Ed Mylett video on Masks
• The Success Principles by Jack Canfield

Connect With Ramon and Christy

• www.BothOnBoard.com
• Both On Board on Instagram: @BothOnBoard
• Ray's Instagram - @OfficialRamonGonzalez
• Christy's Instagram - @ChristyRisco
• Facebook - Ramon Gonzalez
• Facebook - Christy Risco

Subscribe to Both on Boardon Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, RadioPublic, Google Podcasts, Spotify

Are you struggling to find happiness in your everyday? Do you find yourself comparing your life to a social media reel, and it doesn't measure up? If you find yourself struggling with questions of who you are, what your purpose is, and how to be happy—you aren't alone. We all struggle at one time or another with questioning who we are. In this episode of Both on Board we chose to be vulnerable with you and open up about some of life's deepest questions.

Highlights From Our Conversation

• [0:50] Figuring out who you are
• [4:55] Challenge: get silent, meditate, and listen
• [9:45] Alignment, action, and adjustments
• [13:20] Expect things to work out
• [16:00] Fulfillment is different for everyone
• [18:05] What we need to stop doing
• [22:00] Identify the root cause of your lack of happiness
• [24:25] learn to embrace the blank space in your calendar
• [27:45] Simplify and make room for joy

Find answers in meditation, prayer, and silence

Many of us are driven by a need to plan out every aspect of our lives. We want to know why we're here on this earth and what our purpose is but at a total loss of how to figure that out. So we're constantly on the go, constantly filling our time, just hoping things fall into place. Ray was challenged recently to spend some time in meditation—without listening to music—simply listening to his own breathing.

It required him to give upcontrol.

As an entrepreneur, this is a struggle! We are used to going out and doing more—not taking time to do less. When you sit and meditate, or pray, and just allow yourself to be open is when the unconscious begins to come to light. Ray likes to call it "thoughts on thoughts,'' You're taking some time to think about what unconsciously comes to your mind when you sit in silence. It can be uncomfortable, but it can be powerful. You can find answers to some of your deepest questions if you allow yourself to listen.

Figure out the 'what' and the 'why' and let the 'how' fall into place

Have you heard the phrase "We plan, and God laughs"? Often, we are so focused on planning something that we lose sight of other possibilities. We recently planned a charity event to raise money for kids who have been involved in human trafficking. We raised $60,000 in only 15 days. We had an exact plan for how we wanted everything to go—and ended up receiving more donations from people who didn't come to the event.

Don't become so focused on the how that you forget the reason why. Submit your plans to the Creator and find alignment, take action, and be willing to make adjustments. Focusing on every aspect of how something should be done limits the possibilities. Do you want something as you planned it, or do you want to allow God to take it and make it something bigger and better, faster? Keep listening as we talk about expectations, living in the present, and how fulfillment is different for everyone.

What is the root of your unhappiness?

Take one day and track everything you do throughout that day. Then, look back, and think about how those things made you feel. Did scrolling through Instagram bring you joy, or did it depress you? How did you feel about exercising, the food you ate, and the work you did? Are you spending your time immersed in television drinking alcohol because you're trying to find an escape? Because you hate how you're spending time?

Take back control. Find the root of your unhappiness.

Make two lists: one of the things you do, and another of the things that you love to do. Take those lists, and compare them. What can you eliminate that doesn't bring you joy? Take responsibility and begin to weed out things in your life that aren't serving you. If it's not a hell yes for me—then it's not happening! Remember, "no" is a complete sentence. What do you need to start saying no to?

Find happiness in emptiness

Wait—emptiness? That seems so counterintuitive, right? We just talked about learning how to say no to things that don't bring you joy. What that leaves is an empty space in your calendar to invest your time. Take that white space and meditate. Go on a walk and enjoy nature. Immerse yourself in painting, music, or whatever brings a smile to your face.

For weeks, Ray and I found ourselves binging on Amazon. We constantly had packages being delivered of different things we "needed" but ultimately were just gadgets that we wanted. They cluttered our space and we weren't satisfied with them. So we made a conscious decision to only buy things we truly needed. We began the process of simplifying, and when we did buy one thing that we wanted, it brought us much more joy than the many things we purchased just because we could.

This podcast was unscripted and we came with no agenda in mind—we simply wanted to be open and honest about our journey. Listen to the whole episode as we open up and let our thoughts flow about finding happiness and fulfillment.

Resources & People Mentioned

• The Way of the Heart by Henri J. Nouwen
• The Universe Has Your Back by Gabrielle Bernstein

Connect With Ramon and Christy

• www.BothOnBoard.com
• Both On Board on Instagram: @BothOnBoard
• Ray's Instagram - @OfficialRamonGonzalez
• Christy's Instagram - @ChristyRisco
• Facebook - Ramon Gonzalez
• Facebook - Christy Risco

Subscribe to Both on Boardon Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, RadioPublic, Google Podcasts, Spotify