SpeakUpJV

During these uncertain times where we are forced to slow down or change course, it’s pertinent that we take the time to sit down with ourselves and practice self reflection. The term self reflection refers to having serious thoughts about our actions and motives within our lives. It’s something we owe to ourselves if we want to move on from our past, let go of bad habits, and mature. What actions have we taken that have shaped us to be who we are today? Are we proud of the motives behind those actions? How can we do/ be better? Practicing self reflection won’t make us perfect but it will make us more balanced.  Just remember, you are the only person you can’t lie to so it’s time to be honest with yourself.

We all know that there is no such thing as a perfect person. Everybody has a distinct life story full of obstacles, traumas, and imperfections. This goes for friends, lovers, and even parents. Our loved ones will disappoint us much like we will disappoint them. Sometimes we will disappoint ourselves along the way too and it’ll be important for us to learn self acceptance. This is where we learn that although we are flawed individuals, we are also worthy of love. The type of love that doesn’t change just because we weren’t our best or because we saw when someone wasn’t at their best. However, there is a difference between accepting less than what you deserve and accepting that we all come with baggage and it’s up to use as individuals to decide what that looks like. Relationships change and people change but if we’re determined to grow alongside someone and within ourselves we must learn to love through the flaws.

This is something that can prevent us from pursuing our dreams, from making a change, and even from growing as a person. This is something that can control our lives if we let it and add it to our list of regrets as we get older. This is something everyone has experienced at one point or another in life and it is called fear. Although fear is a very real emotion, it usually stems from our imagination of what could happen but hasn’t yet. Sometimes we become wrapped up in our fears to the point where panic mode sets in and we lose belief in our capability to achieve. Some fear is healthy though as it often becomes a motive to drive human action. It’s important to learn to cope with our fears, as real as the perceived threat may be, and grow from the experiences if we want to grow more into ourselves. We must learn to take it day by day and realize it gets better.

When dealing with difficult, chaotic times, it’s easy for us to become overwhelmed by our circumstances. We may feel uncertain, shocked and shaken, or lost through it all. While these negative emotions are valid and necessary to come to terms with, we must also learn that there is always one thing we can control and that is our perspective. Our perspective sets the attitude with which we use to handle the chaos as well as the type of mindset we carry with us. Having a healthy perspective reminds us how far we have come and to count our blessings. This is why it’s important to recognize the type of people we allow into our space and thoughts as well as protect our own perspective when dealing with others. Always pour love into yourself and unto others, especially when they need a little extra. Remember, what you continue to focus on you will continue to attract because perspective will always set the vibe for your life.

Have you ever encountered someone who is constantly criticizing you or putting you down? Someone who says they want to see you do well but when it comes down to it, they minimize your success? Someone who does not want to see you do better than them? You might have encountered someone who has been drinking what we call the “haterade.” A hater will try and spread rumors about you based on past information, make backhanded compliments, or always try and compare themselves to others. Sometimes, we ourselves may be the haters without realizing it and that’s when it’s time for some self-reflection. One of the best ways to get rid of the jealousy that comes from hate is to embrace our flaws and realize we have our own story to write. That is something no one can take away from us because that is our truth. We need to learn to protect our spirit and energy at all times, still be genuine with others, and work on our own passions in order to create a meaningful life. Being a hater will get us nowhere so we must learn to not drink the haterade.

We want to take the time to thank Podcast Pit LA and The GoodNews Radio for this episode. They believed in us enough to provide us with this wonderful opportunity. The word “believe” carries a lot of power when it comes from a genuine place. Sometimes, it takes others believing in our talents and voices to reinforce our purpose and that’s what this episode is about. It’s about us needing people in our corner cheering us on, reminding us that we’re on the right path to greatness. However, it’s not enough for others to believe in us if we don’t believe in ourselves. A lack of self-belief can easily lead to us getting discouraged along our journey, which can then lead to self doubt and/or negative self-talk. Finding out our life’s purpose and being our own biggest fans help strengthen our self love. All it takes is a little courage and hope. All it takes is a little bit of patience and time. All it takes is 7 letters of power.

Growing up is hard. Growing up being the older sibling is even harder. The expectations and standards were different when it came to school, love, and overall family roles. Being the older sibling meant stricter rules, a shorter childhood, and internalized trauma. It often meant shielding the younger siblings from the reality of family dynamics and increased pressure to break generational cycles. However, growing up wasn’t all bad. Being the older sibling also meant we gained independence, resilience, and humility. It solidified our reasons for wanting to change things and it helped us learn to serve others. Throughout this journey, we learned what our purpose was and what it was not. But most importantly, we learned to give more love, less pressure. *In no way was this episode meant to insult our families. We both love our parents very much. This was just our reality growing up.*

This is a two part episode dedicated to our listeners and the 88thx11mile venue. The first part contains motivational messages regarding the importance of staying true to yourself at all times throughout life. You will be tested and you will be shaken but it’s important to remember to always be you. The second part of this episode contains audio clips from the event where we had an opportunity to interview some amazing individuals. They remind us to keep going, to surround ourselves with the right people, and to not be afraid of being creative with our passions. Listen to their stories on how they got started and were able to stay true to themselves during their journey. Thank you to everyone who participated in making this episode special. You are appreciated.

 

Interview times:

Soso (@signedlovesauma) LA based photographer- 18:06

Troy (@troyinla) LA based writer/ actor- 26:04

Kassandra (@the_kassandra_lee) Actress and Youtube influencer from New Jersey- 38:02

Rick “Big A” (@coolsideofbiga) LA based radio host personality- 45:30

TJ (@goodcalljamaal, @baelessbychoice) LA based DJ/ producer/ clothing line designer- 52:16

Love and K Fly (@roomserviceradiolv) Las Vegas radio host personalities- 57:24

Special shout out to 88thx11mile (@88thx11mile) for honoring us with the opportunity to be a part of their event.

There are times when we may find ourselves in a rut. We realize we are stuck in a routine, dissatisfied with the lack of progress we’ve made, and we are too afraid to venture out of what we already know. In other words, we are stuck in the comfort zone; the place that feels “ok” and familiar. But the illusion only lasts so long, especially when we feel like we should be doing more with our lives. This is why getting out of the comfort zone will be difficult and require some mental strength but it is worth it if we plan on becoming a better us. Living the future we want for ourselves means we have to leave the old habits and expired relationships behind and instead requires us to challenge ourselves to work for it. Leaving the comfort zone won’t be easy but we will never find our purpose there. So dare yourself to pursue your long-term goals and be great because remember that comfort is a lie.

There are times in our lives when we have to make tough decisions about our romantic situations. These decisions might involve us letting go of a person we love because it turns out we are rescuing them more than we are loving them. But letting go is better than losing ourselves into that person and forgetting that we are still us without them. Sometimes we try to desperately hold onto these relationships and end up pouring all our love into someone more than we do into ourselves. It’s true that all relationships require work and compromise but not all relationships are worth keeping around. Sometimes making the right decision means breaking our own hearts but it also means saving our spirit in the long run. Sometimes making the right decision means just knowing when we’ve had enough!