Relatively Normal

On this 100th episode of the show, we will discuss some changes happening in my life and the process of reframing.  Reframing is a technique used to shift your mindset so you're able to look at a situation, person, or relationship from a slightly different perspective. If you listened to episode 97 "I Forgot About Me," you would know that I was looking at my career in a very passionate yet destructive way.  I wasn't eating, I wasn't sleeping and I continually could not get out of my rut.  I was burnt out and stressed.  But, I changed my perspective and looked at my career for what it was - a means to an end.  A way to make money and somehow try to find some joy.  

However, I started looking for and finding joy in other things: my family, this show, my hobbies and my physical fitness.  In this episode, I talk about some examples of things in our life that we can reframe from sleep to food to working out.  Reframing is a good way to put things that trigger us into perspective, but it takes work. HARD WORK. You may need to speak to someone or seek out a therapist.  But, take it from me, it will be worth every second.

See you next season!

Ok, you should probably get naked at the right time and in the right place...........and around the right people, but preferably alone.  But, I wanted to make this episode as I have started to use nudity as a tool to assist with my mental health, my body image issues and with my appreciation for the body I was given.  I do ask this from all that are listening to this episode - try not to always equate nudity with sexuality or erotisicm.  Use the act of stripping out of our clothes as an act of mindfulness and leaving the weight of the world behind.  Being alone and naked can help us really stay in the moment and enjoy the skin we are in.

Also, nudity has plenty of other benefits that include: Helping with sleep issues, improving skin, strengthening bones and muscles, improving intimacy and improving self-esteem. And, while you are spending your naked and alone time, you should take a look at yourself in the mirror.  The society we live in has made many of us self-conscious and filled with self-hate.  The moment we can start to accept our bodies, regardless of size, is the moment we can start to appreciate how unique and beautiful we are.  

I hope that you can take the time to strip down, appreciate the body you were given and continue this journey of self-love and learn to always Protect Your Peace!

I know, I know, I know - the last show was not great to listen to.  Believe me, it was not easy to record.  But, there is good news - I have bounced back with some help from an unlikely source - a 6-year-old little girl.  While on a family vacation, she gave me some of the best advice I had ever heard in my life and she didn't even know.  

On this week's episode, I talk about 2 unique but similar things: Being intentional with finding your happiness and Protecting Your Peace.  I have been working on both lately and, I must say, it has put me in a headspace that I have not been to in a long time.  I want to thank all the people that reached out to me and asked about how I was doing, I want to thank everyone who sent texts with words of encouragement and I finally want to thank everyone that listened to me vent my frustrations.  I love and appreciate all of you. 

I know, I know, I know - it's been awhile since I have recorded an episode.  I apologize - but I have a reason.  Well, the reason is......I forgot about me.  I forgot to prioritize my time, my emotions and my mental health. Work has been busy and life has gotten in the way.  I need to make changes. And I am going to.  On this week's show, I really open and up and show my vulnerability. Lately, I have been a mess and I have tried to do too much and put the weight of the entire world on my shoulders.  I am burnt out, I am stressed and I can't see anything in front of me other than heartache and stress.  I have suffered from chest pains, headaches, exhaustion, the inability to sleep and countless other issues.  I am happy to say that I have a family vacation coming up where I hope to decompress, have some fun and reconnect with my wife and kids.

If you have had these same issues, please talk to someone, forgive yourself, and set some plans in place to prioritize your health.  You are worth it.

March is here and that means we are celebrating Women's History Month.  To celebrate this, I have asked my friend and colleague, Dion Spencer, to join me on the show to talk about purpose.  Dion works very hard in her career but once the office hours are over, she works to assist other women find their purpose in life.  When COVID started, she wanted to connect with people like her so she could facilitate emotional and spiritual connections and foster growth.  In the journey, she started a FaceBook group, All U Need In A Real Sister-Friend, to give women a judgement-free place to share experiences, gain and give knowledge, and find support when needed. That group is up to 1,000 members.

As she states, Dion continually has a growth mindset and wants to show others her continuing journey.  She works every day to constantly forgive herself, hit that reset but and find her purpose. I hope you enjoy.  

We currently live in a society where people feel obligated to always speak up.  Some people feel like their opinion is always welcomed, always appreciated and always wanted.  As most of us know, this is not the case and we may need to teach people the fine art of minding their own business.  Now, what does this have to do with mental health and awareness? Well, words matter.  Opinions matter.  The way we interact with others matter.  And the way show and give respect matters.  When the people we communicate with always have to protect their own feelings because you can't learn to just listen and possibly stay quiet, those people start to not want to associate with you.  If those people are your kids, they become distant or learn toxic habits that will affect them in the future. 

Sometimes, like I said, it may be best to just mind your own d*** business.