We all get to create our own reality and the outcomes of our life, so the way we view the circumstances in our life greatly impacts our overall quality of life. Everywhere around us, we are seeing fear and negativity because that is what sells and is compelling to people, but we have to make a choice to create our own reality and change the way view our outside world. When going through tragedy, taking the time to mourn and process our emotions is incredibly important, but there comes a time when it is necessary to regain our strength and peace and realize that pain shapes us into the person we are meant to be. 

In this episode, Alison sits down with Steven Slotow. Steven is the director of a digital marketing agency called Globital, he is a former journalist, and grew up in South Africa. In this episode, Steven shares his experience of surviving a brain tumor as a child, almost losing his brother to gun violence, and losing his father to cancer. These tragic events had a significant impact on him and his family, but the way Steven chooses to view his adversity is through a lens of gratitude and viewing pain as a way to build our character and make us who we are.

Key highlights:

• Steven’s story of going through childhood cancer and what he gained about perspective
• Things that we think are hard are just a construct in our mind
• The idea of mental toughness
• The trauma we endure also affects the people closest to us, but we often forget that
• God is chiseling away at everything that is blocking our beauty 
• The problem with social media and the victim mentality
• Getting uncomfortable is where we grow

Connect with Steven Slotow:

Instagram: @stevenslotow

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Alison:

Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling

Website: LagerCounseling.com

YouTube: Alison Answers

Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac