When my pause became a pivot when our family lost Lexie, our beagle and first baby. I open season two with the full story—what happened at the vet, the seven days we were gifted, and why grief didn’t follow any tidy stages. This isn’t a eulogy; it’s a field guide to holding purpose, parenting, and small business dreams alongside a very human heart.

In this episode, I talk about the many faces of loss—pets, loved ones, relationships, health, jobs, community—and why the five stages of grief are more a weather report than roadmap. I share how broken heart syndrome showed up in my body, the research that helped me normalize the chaos, and practical ways to support someone in the first weeks: listen to their story, handle small tasks, press pause on big decisions, and invite reminiscing so memory can heal. You’ll hear the sentence that gave me peace in the car, the songs that turned into prayers, and the rituals that brought us back to the present when the house felt too quiet.

Lexie left us with everyday wisdom: unconditional love doesn’t keep score, simple joys are not small, presence can do what words can’t, and living in the moment is a muscle we can train. That’s the energy I’m bringing back to the show—gentle courage, honest reflection, and tools that work on hard days. If you’re grieving or walking with someone who is, consider this your place to breathe and rebuild one simple practice at a time.

If this resonated, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs it, and leave a review so more people can find a little light when they need it most.

*Hone, Lucy PHD. (2017). Resilient Grieving. The Experiment, LLC. 

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How often do you find yourself ready to throw in the towel as the year winds down? Join me, Genny Perez, on the Sparking Radiance podcast, where we'll unpack the secret to turning those feelings of defeat into fuel for perseverance. Using Albert Einstein's timeless wisdom, "Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow," we explore the art of holding steady when the going gets tough. Whether you're chasing health goals, building a business, or nurturing personal relationships, the final stretch of the year can be a crucial time to build momentum for a brighter new year.

Let's dive into the science of motivation and the real-life strategies that keep us moving forward. We'll uncover the mental tricks that can make even the biggest goals feel within reach, such as breaking them down into bite-sized tasks and reigniting the passion that first inspired you. With insights from Charles Duhigg's "The Power of Habit," we'll discuss the role of self-discipline in achieving lasting success, drawing parallels to how Starbucks trains its employees to maintain consistency through cultivated habits.

Throughout the episode, do not miss the inspiring stories of individuals like J.K. Rowling and Sarah Blakely, who transformed rejection into triumph by refusing to quit! These stories serve as powerful reminders that persistence, self-compassion, and a positive mindset can turn setbacks into stepping stones. Tune in and discover how to transform the urge to give up into a journey of growth, resilience, and achievement, because mastering perseverance is the key to unlocking your true ability to Not Quit!

*Duhigg, Charles. (2013). The Power of Habit. Random House Books.

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What if the simple act of listing three things you're grateful for each day could transform your life? Join me, Genny Perez, as I share an eye-opening journey of gratitude and thankfulness that began with a visit to a local thrift store and a heartwarming event at a center for displaced children. This experience, rich with the warmth of community and love, prompted reflections on home, family, and the everyday blessings we often overlook. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I invite you to embrace gratitude as a powerful tool for happiness and fulfillment.

In this episode, we draw from the insights of the Harvard Development Study to uncover how gratitude can boost our mood, improve our health, and deepen our relationships. Discover practical exercises, like gratitude affirmations and writing heartfelt letters, designed to cultivate an abundant mindset. Whether it's enhancing sleep quality or sparking personal growth, gratitude is more than just a fleeting feeling—it's a pathway to a richer, more connected existence. Let’s take these steps together towards a life brimming with positivity and purpose.

Activity of the Week:
1. Write down 3 things you are grateful for, Right now! 
2. Journal or write down something you are grateful for before bed.  
3. Write a gratitude letter to someone, let them know what they mean to you...

**Hilton Andersen, Charlotte. "7 Simple Ways to Practice Gratitude in Your Everyday Life", Reader's Digest, 11 March, 24. www.rd.com 

**Harvard Study of Adult Development: https://www.adultdevelopmentstudy.org/

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Where do you want to see the most Growth in your life?

Genny Perez reflects on the journey of Sparking Radiance and the incredible community we've built together. As we explore how to find deeper fulfillment beyond our daily routines, I want to know—what areas of your life are you focused on growing? Whether it’s mindset, relationships, health, or career, share your thoughts so I can craft future episodes to inspire and support your journey.

Reflecting on a heartwarming lesson from my six-year-old daughter, Roziah, we explore the concept of "filling buckets" with acts of kindness. It's a simple yet profound metaphor that emphasizes the power of kindness in building a supportive and caring community. As we continue to nurture the Sparking Radiance movement, your support through subscriptions, shares, and reviews is invaluable. Let's keep shining from within, spreading positivity, and filling each other's buckets as we grow together!

**Perry, Elizabeth ACC. "How to better yourself: 15 tips to improve yourself everyday", BetterUp, 22 Oct 2021. www.betterup.com 

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Creating marketing videos for my business filled me with dread—until my husband and I confronted my perfectionism head-on.

Ever found yourself paralyzed by the need for everything to be flawless? Join me, Genny Perez, as I share my journey of realizing how perfectionism was blocking my creative flow and learn how I’m working to overcome it. We’ll explore how the relentless pursuit of perfect outcomes can stifle innovation and why acknowledging our imperfections might just be the key to success. Drawing on personal experiences and insights from a Harvard Business Review article*, I unpack the impact of perfectionism on workplace performance and how it intertwines with our drive for excellence.

The episode is packed with practical strategies for anyone ready to break free from perfectionist tendencies. Discover how adopting a “Good Enough” mindset and breaking tasks into manageable pieces can boost productivity and creativity. I’ll offer tips on setting time limits, limiting revisions, and using tools like a 10-minute timer to instill urgency and focus. By balancing high standards with self-compassion, we can not only enhance our creativity but also safeguard our mental well-being. Tune in for a transformative conversation on shifting your mindset and sparking radiance in your personal and professional life.

Activity of the Week: 
Set a 10-minute timer to complete a task-Be okay with the outcome.  Trust me, It's Good Enough! 

**Brian Swider, Dana Harari, Amy P. Breidenthal and Laurens Bujold Steed. "The Pros and Cons of Perfectionism, According to Research" Harvard Business Review, 27 Dec 2018. www.hbr.org 

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What happens when we REFRAME our challenges as opportunities for GROWTH?

Prepare to shift your perspective on setbacks as we discuss how to turn crisis into opportunity. Whether you're dealing with career setbacks, personal conflicts, or financial troubles, our conversation highlights the importance of replacing negative self-talk with empowering truths about our capabilities. When we emphasize the value of seeking external perspectives and how these insights can transform what seems like a setback into a stepping stone for future success. By focusing on GROWTH rather than obstacles, you'll discover how each challenge can lead to new skills, fulfilling roles, and a stronger sense of resilience.

Tune in to embrace the hidden benefits within life's hurdles and find inspiration in the power of positive change.

Activity of the Week:
1. What opposition, setback, or huddle have I experienced in the PAST?
2. What was the opportunity? (What was true about myself or the situation)
3. What was the benefit?

1. What opposition am I CURRENTLY facing? 
2. What is my opportunity? (What is true about me or my situation)
3. What could be a possible benefit? 

*Schwartz, Mel L.C.S.W. "Turning Crisis into Opportunity Steve Jobs did it. Now it's your turn." Psychology Today, 20 Oct. 2011. www.psychologytoday.com 

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What if the path to a balanced life isn't about achieving perfection but rather embracing imperfections while prioritizing what truly matters? Genny Perez welcomes her lifelong friend, Mrs. Elvira DeCuir, for an enlightening conversation on the art of balancing life's many roles. Elvira shares her inspiring journey of managing a demanding career alongside her dedication to family, personal growth, and spiritual faith. Listen as they debunk common misconceptions about balance and explore the necessity of reassessing priorities to nurture genuine joy and fulfillment.

Discover the transformative power of self-care and setting personal and collective goals with your spouse. Genny and Elvira emphasize how even small breaks can rejuvenate a parent's busy life, and how writing down goals can help in tracking progress and celebrating achievements. Through personal stories and wisdom, they highlight how the pursuit of happiness often involves redefining success and finding joy in the present moment amidst societal pressures to be perfect.

This episode also tackles the intricacies of financial planning, parenting, and career sacrifices for greater family flexibility. With valuable advice on personal and professional growth, Elvira discusses the importance of self-advocacy, understanding the roles of mentors and sponsors, and crafting an authentic personal brand. Join this heartfelt discussion and gain insights into navigating the complexities of life with grace, all while cherishing the support systems that sustain us.

Connect with Elvira @decuir_home_styling and Linkedin: Elvira Decuir 

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Ever found yourself overwhelmed by the chaos of an unstructured day? Join me, Genny Perez, as I share a deeply personal moment when my husband pointed out my struggle with lack of structure, leading to an important revelation: the need to take control of my time. We'll explore how meticulously planning your day can transform your life, just as it has for many successful individuals. Learn about the powerful techniques of time blocking and task batching that can help you regain control over your schedule, reduce the overwhelming feeling of chaos, and make your daily tasks more manageable.

Discover how setting aside specific blocks of time for emails, social media, and phone calls can enhance your productivity and keep distractions at bay. We’ll share insights from an enlightening article by Sheri Gordon in the VeryWellMind*  on the myth of multitasking.  By grouping similar activities, you’ll learn how to streamline your day, lower cognitive load, and save time. Whether you're trying to balance a busy family life or run a small business, these strategies will help you boost your overall productivity and maintain your focus throughout the day.

*Gordon, Sheri. "Want to Be More Productive? Use Time Blocking to Keep Your Days Stress-Free. Say goodbye to procrastination and multitasking" VeryWellMind, 18 Sept. 2023. www.VeryWellMind.com 

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Welcome to Sparking Radiance, where we collaborate to discover the inner light within each of us, striving to make it shine brightly! I'm Genny Perez, your host, a business owner, mother, and friend, sharing my journey of balancing life with passion and purpose.

In each episode, you'll find support, effective tools, and a vibrant community focused on personal and professional growth. Join us each week as we explore ways to thrive in every aspect of life, from building a business to nurturing relationships.

Follow us on Instagram and join the Sparking Radiance community. Let's spark some radiance together!

Follow me on Instagram - @sparking.radiance

Welcome to Sparking Radiance, where we collaborate to discover the inner light within each of us, striving to make it shine brightly! I'm Genny Perez, your host, a business owner, mother, and friend, sharing my journey of balancing life with passion and purpose.

In each episode, you'll find support, effective tools, and a vibrant community focused on personal and professional growth. Join us each week as we explore ways to thrive in every aspect of life, from building a business to nurturing relationships.

Follow us on Instagram and join the Sparking Radiance community. Let's spark some radiance together!

Follow me on Instagram - @sparking.radiance