After the great conversation, from the previous episode #10 Shut Up and Listen, with my brother Nigel, our aunt and I had a conversation immediately afterwards. It is amazing to see the impact our conversations can have while others listen in. It's like being a fly on the wall. This then led into me doing what I do from time to time, and that is, having a talk with my kids. No, I do not have kids yet, but I talk as if I do. This is another level of vulnerability I'm expressing. This all started for them, it isn't about me. It never was; it is about the guest and specifically, my future kids. What does your narrative sound like?

I've learned so much from this remarkable young man. My brother Nigel holds me to a high standard and that's how it should be. He is empathetic, caring, a humorist and loving. I owe a lot of my personal growth to Nigel. 5 years ago we probably wouldn't have had this conversation given the status of our relationship, much of it around this topic. It is so easy and often unconscious to speak over someone. I never did it with malice and I know many don't however, many do. I continue to listen, learn and grow because of my marvelous brother. Enjoy this episode and follow his fitness journey on instagram at @officialfeliz_fit  He's got some great content.

It's not meant for everyone. many choose it to advance their career path development. College changed Jackie and I in so many ways; We learned about things we did not want to keep doing and things/habits/routines, ultimately decisions, that we wanted to pursue. In the end, those choices were, and are continuously, meant to push us closer to the people we want to become. I chose to go away for my own personal growth, academic pursuits and athletic opportunities. Jackie went to college to enhance her knowledge and understanding in the medical/health field. What we didn't realize until being at college, was how much we changed as individuals...

"A reporter has two jobs, the first to seek the truth and report it. And [the second] to minimize harm." What is the true purpose of news outlets and their intention of exposing information? It is tough nowadays to truly locate information without it sounding opinionated and biased. To find the truth is harder now than ever before. So many news stations are contradicting one another with "fact" which leads viewers to ponder "What is really going on? and who can be trusted?" Kevin 's profession is geared towards media and finding relevant as well as, any information to expose to the public that would be beneficial to know. The truth is many news outlets are targeted and tailored towards whatever political party supports them more, some are more conservative, democratic and republican than others. Kevin and I share our thoughts. 

BREAK UPS SUCK! We've all been there, a relationship that you wish lasted longer but didn't. The anger, confusion, sadness, even depression can throw us around like a leaf on a windy day. Far too often, we, myself included, think we can solve our issues solely on our own. However, we couldn't be farther from the truth. It is important to be able to solve life's challenges, specifically here, a break up, on your own, but it can be more efficient and effective to have someone help you out. Imagine having all those feelings and emotions having a place to be expressed without any judgement or repercussion. I wish I knew this sooner, it could have helped me heal sooner, but I am glad I went through it and I know now. 

Glenn and I are both in our 20's. Like many of you, in your 20's you probably feel pressure from family, and friends, pressuring you, to do things, you don't want to do. You have probably heard someone older than their 20's tell you how you should be living your 20's. Like any other piece of advice, listen to it, and take it lightly; if you really like what someone is telling you, or adhere their advice, do it, if you don't want to, then don't. We are just letting people know how we are experiencing our 20's and we want to happen next. Oh and just like every year that passes, there is adversity and you'll hear us chat about our response to adversity. Learn to create your 20's and be the leader of your life. Don't let anyone else live it for you. 

I know I've been away for awhile. To be quite vulnerable, I've gone through quite a bit within the past few months. Specifically, I lost a part of myself; I lost control of the things I could control. I recognized that I needed to feel and express my emotions. As well as, start taking control of what I can  control and let go of what I cannot. Simply put, I found a way to cultivate/integrate, my new favorite equation, Routine + Discipline + Consistency = POWER

Life will find ways to knock us down to our knees. The greatest gift we have is choice. We get to choose how we respond to what we go through.

Here's what I did...

Luie has been advocating for himself his entire life.  He brings a profound sense of awareness and knowledge to the table, regarding how we should treat ourselves. Unfortunately, so many people choose to be bystanders and do not speak up when they see something wrong. Often people rarely speak up, and stand up, for themselves. Luie and I dive deeper into what it means to advocate for a cause, for others, and the one that gets pushed to the curb, yourself. 

If you fall in the age bracket of 20-29, like me, chances are you are constantly thinking about how you want to live out your 20's. If you are just about to enter this wonderful decade, chances are someone is telling you how you need to live that time out. If you are out of that age bracket, chances are you stay up at night perhaps wishing you used that time differently, or you were very happy with what you did. Regardless of where you fall, age wise, someone is probably telling you how you need to spend your time. They are trying to take your steering wheel. Listen to what people are saying, but no matter what, control your steering wheel. Do the things you want to do. Marijo and I, talk about what we think we should do in our 20's. Again doesn't mean you have to follow. You have choices and hopefully you learn to control what you can, and learn when to go with the flow. 

My friend Sam and I talk about how we have adapted, and overcome obstacles in life. Sam has lived in various parts of the U.S. It is hard at times to imagine picking up where you are and starting over. For many people that is a one way anxiety train. We talk about what following your dream might entail as well as, thinking about how you want to live your life. Life is very unpredictable and we only truly know what happened. We guess at what comes next. It is part of the fun roller coaster ride of life.