How do we live in authentic relationships with each other? Everything begins from within, and whether it’s love, connection, authenticity, or trust, we have to start with ourselves. Connecting with ourselves first, being non-judgmental, respecting ourselves and others, and identifying our imbalances will help us pay attention to how we connect and disconnect with people.

Our inner world, that whole life inside of us, is special. We’re the only ones who experience it, but it impacts how we show up in every area of our lives and can make our lives pure magic. Understanding our inner selves and what we need will help us change the outcome and build authentic connections.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Cherise Adjodha, a Human Development practitioner for 24 years. She has worked with the United Nations Development Program, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment, and Oxfam Canada. Cherise recently wrote a book, Things I Would Have Told My Children If I Had Them: An Adult's Guide To Living In Connection. In the book, she beautifully shares stories from her life and the wisdom she has gained from her experiences throughout the years.

In this conversation, we dove deep into her writings and the philosophies she held true and wanted to share with others to transform lives and make a difference. 

During this episode, you will learn about:

[00:00] Intro and a bit about our guest, Cherise Adjodha 

[02:16] Cherise’s book and what inspired her to write it 

[09:57] How reading opened up the world for Cherise

[14:43] How Cherise and her father shared a bond through music

[20:33] “Mono no aware” how Cherise embodies this philosophy in life 

[25:45] Trusting your inner child to pick up the beauty in life and pocket it for you 

[31:22] Evoking the unconditional and unreasoned love within us

[38:56] Cherise’s struggles and process of finding her purpose

[49:04] How to live in authentic connections with others at all times.

[55:40] How to live in connection with oneself and others.

[59:01] Don’t make it personal— what it means and getting past it

[01:04:27] Golden takeaways for the listeners from Cherise

[01:08:15] A meditation on emotional connection 

[01:09:22] Ending the show

Notable Quotes 

* Your mind is very flexible, and reading engages it, satisfies curiosity, and indulges your imagination when immersed in a story or idea.

* We have the opportunity to savor peculiar moments, even after they’ve passed. They’re somewhere inside our bodies, and we’ll remember and see them once we start paying attention.

* No one ever needs permission to love. Therefore, there is never a reason never to love anyone.

* Love is something that unfolds from within; you can allow the unfolding any time you want, but you cannot love anyone if you don’t love yourself.  

* Your purpose is what you bring, but it is also about how you’re oriented in your life's journey.

* Respect where people are. It’s not always about you, and don’t make it personal. 

Connect With Cherise Adjodha

Website: https://www.cherise.life/

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