SpeakUpJV

There is nothing sexier than a conversation that leaves you with an open mind, a calm heart, and clarity. Healthy communication opens doors for all kinds of relationships and it creates a safe space for words to flow. Lack of communication leads to wasted time and unanswered questions on both sides. As adults, it is important to be able to face each other and talk about things instead of “ghosting” and running away. If something is worth fixing and keeping, a verbal expression of emotions can go a long way. Although actions do speak louder than words, verbal communication can have an impact too. So, let’s all be sexy and learn how to communicate.

Being single can be a confusing time for many of us, especially if we’re feeling pressured from trends, such as #relationshipgoals, “cuffing season,” or comparing ourselves to what our friends or followers are posting online. But when we are in our single phase, there is a big difference between being alone and being lonely. The feeling of loneliness stems from a place of fear, whether it’s fear of our inner demons, fear of being “forever alone,” or fear of change. That fear can also keep us stuck in the same toxic cycles of negative self-talk and stunted growth. Spending time alone allows us to reflect on what we want and don’t want in our lives. We can learn to date ourselves, have higher standards, and set boundaries. In the end, it’s important to know who you are outside of a relationship and learn to be with yourself first

As humans, it’s easy to place blame on other people, our circumstances, or the Universe for our mishaps but the reality is we are always responsible for our own actions. Our decisions, words, and movements dictate where we are going in life and what consequences are left as a result. But this is where the “A” word comes in: accountability. This does not just mean taking responsibility, but rather owning up to your sh*t and doing something about it. The purpose is to be better than you were yesterday so it’s important to start getting rid of the dead ends and it starts with taking accountability. So, how often do you use the “A” word?

“Life will knock you down if you let it.” This is a reminder that life will throw all kinds of curveballs at us but we need to get back up and keep moving forward. This is where our resilience comes into play. If we adopt a healthier perspective towards life’s challenges and learn from the lessons, it becomes easier to build upon that resilience. It’s important to become stronger, wiser, and better than before. Even if we have setbacks and sometimes the pain becomes too much, we need to remember WHY we are doing something. In order to start living in our purpose, we need to start by living in our resilience.

While social media has paved the way for connections to be made across the globe and it has revolutionized the way we communicate with each other, it has also changed the way we approach dating. There is nothing wrong with meeting someone online or using that medium as a way to keep the conversation going, but it is a problem when we stop face-to-face interactions because of it. In order for us to build healthy relationships it is important that we get to know the individual by spending real time with them instead of focusing on their online status or what they portray on their profile. So, next time you want to “shoot your shot” on someone don’t just send a DM, talk to them.

There is no such thing as coming from a perfect family. Some of us may come from an environment of toxic cycles, bad habits, and resentment. However, we can also learn from certain things, such as the strength of a parent, the wisdom of a sibling, or the traditions we wish to keep. We can't control where we came from but we can always control where we are going and what kind of future we will be shaping for ourselves and our own families. It is important to utilize the broken pieces from our past and learn to create them into masterpieces for our future.

This episode is in honor of mental health awareness month. Everyone is leading a busy life but it is important to recharge in order to reach our goals. Maintain focus but don’t overwhelm yourself. Listen to your body’s needs as well as your mind because it is the fuel for your ambition. Your mind is the element that controls the rest of you. It’s time to have real conversations about the importance of maintaining balance in all areas of your life. It’s time to keep it 100 with mental health.

Part of self-development includes sharing the the positivity, the lessons, and the results you have acquired along the way as it makes all the difference in your journey.Much like you may have become inspired by someone, you might also inspire others. Nothing wrong with a little healthy competition but you can also help each other grow with support. This episode is dedicated to all the hard working individuals making their dreams come true one step at a time.

Anxiety is a normal human reaction but can become problematic when it affects your everyday life. It’s important to know the difference between what’s normal and what's not. Learn to dominate the small things so the bigger things don’t have control over you.Find effective coping mechanisms to make it easier to deal with anxiety. It won’t be easy but you're not alone. You are stronger than this and remember your anxiety won't defeat you.

This episode is dedicated to Nipsey Hussle and his legacy.As we remember all the good he did for music and the Black community, we must also remember to create our own. Living in our purpose and knowing who we are defines the path we take. Nonbelievers will always have something to say so do something you are proud of. The stories we leave behind once we’re gone are the ones that matter most. So be your own legacy because remember the marathon continues.