First to Thrive

In this episode, Nicole Cruz discusses the importance of prioritizing oneself during the holiday season, especially for women who often bear the burden of holiday preparations. She emphasizes the need to overcome guilt and people-pleasing tendencies, offering practical tips for self-care and boundary-setting. The conversation encourages listeners to embrace imperfection and redefine their holiday experiences to ensure enjoyment and fulfillment.

Takeaways

• Prioritizing yourself during the holidays is essential for enjoyment.

• Cultural expectations can lead to guilt and overcommitment.

• Setting boundaries early can prevent overwhelm.

• You can model self-care for others in your family.

• Reflect on what you truly want from the holiday season.

• Start small with changes to see a big impact.

If you found this episode helpful, please leave us a rating or review, and share it with anyone you think could benefit from these insights.

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In this episode, Nicole Cruz reflects on the post-election landscape, addressing the feelings of dread and uncertainty within marginalized communities. She emphasizes the importance of reclaiming power during challenging times, prioritizing self-care, and acknowledging emotions as valid. The conversation explores how small, consistent actions can lead to significant change and the strength found in community and collective healing. Nicole encourages listeners to draw strength from their ancestors and to recognize their inherent power, even in difficult circumstances. Takeaways

• Feeling overwhelmed post-election is valid and shared.
• Reclaiming power is essential during uncertain times.
• Prioritizing self-care is a form of resistance.
• Focus on what you can control, not what you can't.
• Community healing strengthens collective power.
• You are powerful, even in difficult times.

If you found this episode helpful, please leave us a rating or review, and share it with anyone you think could benefit from these insights. Take the survey and get a free workbook to help you plan your 2025 and be entered into a drawing to win a $50 gift card. https://airtable.com/appS6acDcQx5oTSad/pagrp5DtaKuaNCJUn/form Get access to my free library: https://nicolecruzcoaching.com/free-resources Sign up for my book waitlist: https://nicolecruzcoaching.com/book Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolecruzcoaching/

In this episode, Nicole Cruz explores the common sentiment of feeling discontent despite having a seemingly 'good' life. She discusses the phrase 'it's not that bad' and how it often leads individuals to ignore their deeper wants and needs. Through personal anecdotes and insights, she emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's privilege and the courage it takes to pursue change. The conversation encourages listeners to confront their feelings of dissatisfaction and to embrace the journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

Takeaways:

• It's common to feel unhappy even when things aren't 'bad'.

• Gratitude shouldn't silence our desires for more.

• It's okay to want more and to prioritize those wants.

• Discontent can be a sign of wanting something better.

• Privilege allows us to explore our wants without survival concerns.

• Listening to the voice of want is a courageous act.

• You have the power to change your situation.

If you found this episode helpful, please leave us a rating or review, and share it with anyone you think could benefit from these insights.

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In this episode, Nicole Cruz and Tenny Pandika Gillis discuss the complexities of leadership within family dynamics, particularly in the context of first-generation immigrant experiences. Tenny shares her journey of navigating communication challenges with her immigrant parents, the emotional resilience required during significant family transitions, and the importance of redefining family roles. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-care and emotional awareness while fostering deeper connections with family members.

Takeaways

• It's possible to redefine relationships with parents as adults.

• Leadership can extend beyond professional settings into family dynamics.

• Navigating family transitions requires patience and understanding.

• Emotional resilience is crucial when dealing with family changes.

• Setting boundaries is essential for healthy family relationships.

• Self-care allows for better engagement in family dynamics.

• Change is a collaborative process that involves all family members.

• Building a supportive community is vital during challenging times.

If you found this episode helpful, please leave us a rating or review, and share it with anyone you think could benefit from these insights.

Connect with Tenny on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tennygillis/

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As election season ramps up, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, stressed, or even disheartened by the constant flow of political updates, debates, and discussions. In this episode, we explore practical ways to maintain mental and emotional well-being while staying engaged and informed. Whether it's through self-care practices, boundary-setting, or tapping into community support, we discuss how to stay centered, empowered, and resilient through challenging times.

Key Topics Covered:

1. The Emotional Toll of Election Season

   • Understanding the unique stressors during election periods

   • Recognizing and validating the range of emotions you may experience

2. The Importance of Setting Boundaries

   • How to create boundaries with media consumption

   • Strategies for limiting exposure to triggering or distressing content

3. Building a Self-Care Toolkit

   • Simple and effective practices to help you stay grounded

   • Why self-care isn't selfish, especially in times of collective stress

4. Community Support & Connection

   • The role of community in resilience

   • Ideas for finding or building a support network for shared processing and encouragement

5. Actionable Tips for Election Engagement

   • How to stay informed without becoming overwhelmed

   • Suggestions for balanced involvement in political conversations and advocacy

Share your self-care practices or ways you're staying resilient during election season! Tag us on social media or leave a comment with your thoughts and tips.

If you found this episode helpful, please leave us a rating or review, and share it with anyone you think could benefit from these insights. Let's all take steps toward staying grounded together.

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In this heartfelt conversation, Nicole Cruz and Eileen Santos Rosette explore the profound themes of womb loss, grief, and healing. Eileen shares her journey as a postpartum doula and grief educator, emphasizing the importance of acknowledgment in the grieving process. They discuss the significance of language in defining womb loss and the healing power of creating safe spaces for those who have experienced loss.

Pre-Order Eileen's Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1683648951

Follow Eileen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oursacredwomen/

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In this heartfelt episode, Nicole Cruz shares her deeply personal experience of pregnancy loss, discussing the emotional and physical challenges she faced. She emphasizes the importance of sharing such stories to foster connection and support among those who have experienced similar losses. She also highlights the significance of allowing oneself to grieve and the healing power of community and shared experiences.

If you have experienced pregnancy or infant loss, know that you are not alone. If you feel called to connect, email Nicole at [email protected].

Get access to my free library: https://nicolecruzcoaching.com/free-resources

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In this episode, Nicole Cruz reflects on her personal journey through the year, sharing insights on the importance of reassessing goals, celebrating accomplishments, and practicing self-compassion. She provides actionable prompts for listeners to reflect on their own experiences in 2024, encouraging a mindset shift towards understanding and growth. The episode emphasizes the significance of recognizing achievements, learning from challenges, and setting aligned goals for the remainder of the year.

Takeaways

• A process to reflect, reassess, and refocus goals with compassion and non-judgment

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In this conversation, Jasmine Haitalani, a Creative Director and founder of creative agency Highflier Powerhouse, shares her immigrant journey from Syria, the challenges of fitting into a new culture, and how these experiences shaped her approach to branding. Nicole and Jasmine discuss the importance of intentionality in branding, the role of privilege in immigrant experiences, and how 1st & 2nd gen folks can reclaim their narratives through storytelling. The conversation emphasizes the power of authenticity in branding and the need for individuals to embrace their true selves in both personal and professional spaces.

Takeaways

• Branding is about articulating your story and values.

• Navigating cultural identity is crucial for branding.

• Embracing your immigrant story can empower your brand.

• Branding should reflect who you truly are.

Follow Jasmine on IG: https://www.instagram.com/highflierpowerhouse

Listen to Jasmine's podcast "Brand Your Way to a Million" on Apple or Spotify

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In this episode, Nicole Cruz interviews award-winning instructional designer and online course expert Mariana Pena. As a first-generation immigrant, Mariana shares her experience of feeling overqualified in certain roles and how she embraced a learner-first approach to create impactful courses.

Mariana discusses the challenges of immigrating to the Netherlands, the impact on her identity and career, and how she built resilience to overcome obstacles. She dives into her journey of starting her own business and the importance of tapping into one's qualifications, even when they come naturally.

Mariana emphasizes the value of recognizing your intellectual property and turning knowledge into income, especially for marginalized communities. She offers practical tips on documenting your skills and advocating for yourself as both an employee and entrepreneur. Tune in for insights on creating long-term change by amplifying underrepresented voices through education and entrepreneurship.

Learn more about Mariana's work: https://www.weshouldtalk.co/

Get access to my free library: https://nicolecruzcoaching.com/free-resources

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