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In this episode, Jason is joined by award-winning speaker, educator, and author, Scott Fried who has been a significant presence in Jason's life since 1994/95, when Jason first heard him speak at his childhood synagogue in South Florida. That initial encounter sparked a lasting connection. Their bond has remained strong for over 30 years, with Scott's work and personal story continuing to inspire Jason. 

Scott shares his transformative personal journey and insights on living with purpose, self-love, and self-responsibility. He reflects on his life with HIV and his mission to help teens and adults make better life choices, focusing on self-empowerment and compassion. The conversation explores the concept of elegance—not just as a physical attribute, but as a way to live with grace, integrity, and a deep sense of personal growth. Scott also touches on the importance of vulnerability, compassion, and emotional intelligence in building meaningful relationships and embracing life's challenges.

Key Takeaways:

• Personal Growth and Elegance: Elegance is more than just appearance—it’s about living with grace, emotional balance, and self-awareness, especially in times of hardship.
• Self-Love and Responsibility: Scott shares how his own experiences shaped his understanding of self-love and the importance of self-care in supporting others.
• Compassion and Vulnerability: Acknowledging and embracing vulnerability is essential for personal growth and building strong, compassionate relationships.
• Purpose and Agency: Taking responsibility for our lives and understanding the balance between joy and struggle helps us stay aligned with our higher purpose.

In This Episode You’ll Hear About:

• Scott’s personal journey with HIV and how it has influenced his perspective on life, love, and self-empowerment.
• The concept of "elegance" in personal growth and how it applies to self-care, leadership, and interactions with others.
• Insights into self-acceptance and why it's crucial for living a fulfilling life.
• Stories of vulnerability, tenderness, and resilience, and how these qualities shape our journeys as adults.
• The importance of surrounding ourselves with compassionate, accepting relationships and fostering radical self-acceptance.

Featured Books:

• If I Grow Up: Talking with Teens about AIDS, Love, and Staying Alive
• My Invisible Kingdom: Letters from the Secret Lives of Teens
• A Private Midnight: A Teenager’s Scrapbook of Secrets
• How to Raise an Elegant Teen: The ABCs of Gen Z Parenting

Resources:

• Scott Fried’s website: Scott Fried
• Pandemic Playbook course at Colby College: AIDS and the Meaning of Life

The Family Room Wellness Associates
Online Therapy and Coaching with Jason Wasser, LMFT

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