By Joy Pecoraro
The podcast currently has 166 episodes available.
Today's Words of Wisdom Wednesday was inspired by an unfortunate circumstance with one of my rescue dogs, Mollie. Mollie was suddenly taken away by the rescue organization where she was adopted because of claims related to her vegetarian diet. I was told that due to her diet, a veterinarian had diagnosed her with various health issues related to her kidneys and heart. Naturally, I asked for documentation to support these claims and when I was told they didn't have it, a battle was initiated between the rescue organization and myself.
After meeting with various attorneys, my sense of helplessness and desperation increased. Grief and loss overwhelmed me because despite the abundance of evidence that demonstrated their dishonesty, a sense of direction and victory was nowhere in-sight. Despite the circumstances, I refused to give up the search for our beloved Mollie, regardless of the advice we were initially given. Not allowing hope to leave my side is what fueled my determination because the only reality I was willing to accept was Mollie returning to her home.
As I reflect on other circumstances in my life where it appeared that I was defeated, I kept going anyway. What I've learned is that you can only lose when you give up. Falling flat on your face doesn't mean you've lost. But if you decide to stay face down, then you've lost the battle. Those that succeed and prevail are the ones that refuse to keep trying in the face of adversity. When you seek solutions instead of hanging onto an obstacle, you consciously choose to find a positive outcome. Therefore, it's no surprise that the people that have an end in-mind often find what they're looking for.
Mollie reinforced the importance of tenacity and determination by showing me that the love I have for her is far greater than any road block we may encounter. Her temporary (and unexpected) departure proved to me that once again, the only person that can determine when it's time to give up is you.
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Noel Russell initially began her professional career in fashion. In this podcast episode, Noel shares what initially sparked her interest in social work and how she found a bridge between her past personal experiences and current passion toward social and community engagement. She believes that you don't have to be wealthy to help others and shares how her Mexican American family taught her the value of providing support to those around you.
Whether it's through being present by recognizing that not asking for help doesn't negate the fact that one may need assistance, Noel gives us insight into the many ways we can spread love and kindness, regardless of where we are in the world. Currently, she is an advocate of children and youth in the Bay Area. Her purpose is to provide support and resources for those that are underserved and may not have the ability to seek the assistance they need. Noel wants the people she serves to know that although they may not have economic freedom, this doesn't imply they lack in other areas as well. Noel Russell is a firm believer that what you do for others today can empower an individual far beyond what we can see.
Noel is a genuine Latina whose voice and testimony have a lasting impact. In this episode, she also shares her various perspectives about what it was like growing up in a large Mexican family and the legacy she carries with her today. This episode is a vulnerable, sensitive and engaging conversation and reminder of the power we all carry within.
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Lately, I've been contemplating and analyzing recent events in my life more than usual because of some changes that have led to feelings of loss. As an entrepreneur, I've had complete autonomy of my schedule, which has allowed me to move at a higher-than-normal pace. Because I became accustomed to this lifestyle and not being required to "check-in" with anyone, including myself, being exposed to a new routine threw me off course. I suddenly lost hours in my day due to a relationship and other unforeseen circumstances.
Although our personal relationships are an important aspect of life, it's equally as important to supply and sustain our own sense of security. We shouldn't depend on our partners for happiness or mental stability, which is why I believe it's important that we always strive to maintain awareness when things around us are changing. The greatest and most reliable supplier of joy is your own self.
The sudden "loss" of time I have felt lately led to many realities that I would have otherwise been unaware of. In today's Words of Wisdom Wednesday, I talk openly about the lessons and discoveries that various losses have resulted in--not just time. Whether you lose a person, job or object, lessons are always around the corner waiting to be uncovered. I've learned that with people, we often wait much longer than we should to eliminate toxic relationships from our life because we're afraid of something. That "something" becomes the lessons when we shift our perspective from loss to gain.
Other times, when a relationship ends, we are taught the value of gratitude and are humbled by the pain that makes us aware of why not to take things for granted. Sometimes loved ones are "lost" in order to appreciate and relish in future moments with loved ones that still remain. All losses have lessons, but we have to be willing to explore these emotions knowing that eventually, we'll grow from them.
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Today's podcast episode was recorded the morning after the 2018 Midterm Elections. I was inspired by all of the female candidates and the various adversities they were faced with throughout their campaign. I realized that our reality stems from our vision.
Whether we think we can or we think we can't, we're right. Your vision is your reality, which is why it's so important that we define what we want our life to look like. It's also important that we believe in ourselves so our power is not dependent on others. As I reflected on the elections and what it must have been like to campaign, I kept landing on the fact that before they inspired voters, they all had to find inspiration within themselves. In order to push through and keep going, you have to believe in your vision wholeheartedly, which is sometimes challenging.
The most powerful dialogues that take place are the ones that no one can hear. The conversations that happen in our minds either serve as reminders as to why we should continue to stand up, or serve as negative manifestations that keep us down. In today's episode, I share two personal experiences that required my vision to prevail in order to turn them into reality. To-date, I continue to remind myself why I launched this platform because it allows me to create, despite sometimes feeling like no one is listening. My reality is created as a result of my vision and not the other way around. I don't wait for life to show up in order to see a productive and fulfilling life in my future.
Despite living through a time of political division and adversity, many women found the courage to stand in their vision and become a part of history. They inspired us in the process and I'm sure, will continue to remind us of our power as we set sights on a brighter future.
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The podcast currently has 166 episodes available.