In a world with over 7.5 billion souls incarnated as humans, remember you are not alone.
You may be feeling lost, confused, and angry at the state of the world.
Whatever you are feeling, feel it and accept it.
Many of us are suffering with scarcity, food insecurity, financial inscurity…a lot of instability.
Everyday and every moment is a chance to do better or at least try to!
Try harder and harder everyday. Only you can fix you. So stay strong & determined.
Set goals. Create a vision board. Have positive self-talk.
And where ever you get inspiration from, do that daily.
In this solo episode, my message is created to inspire you to trust the process. The state of the world can be overwhelming and extremely stressful. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. Our time and energy are our most valuable currencies! Set boundaries for yourself to conserve your precious commodities.
“Waiting for what?” you may ask. Waiting for someone to save us. Waiting for the “government” to solve our problems. Waiting for the world to change.
Well, my friends…I have news for you:
WE ARE THE ONE’S WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR!
We can no longer continue moving forward giving away our power to people who do not value our well-being. If our leaders truly cared about their people, they would not leave their state or country without access to the resources they need to survive.
We have been lied to for far too long and it is time for us to rise in truth collectively!
We must take action as individuals to support our communities the best we can. Now more than ever, we must settle our differences with one another and unite together through the power of love.
Hate, fear, judgment, shame and guilt are low vibrations of consciousness and only attract more negative experiences.
When we rise in love and conquer our problems with faith and willingness to change, we will begin to see powerful transformation around the world.
Don’t be afraid to speak your truth. Speak with love. Always have an open heart and open mind when listening to others. Try not to react, rather be proactive.
Together we can dream and create a world that is just, sustainable and abundant for all to thrive in.
September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Awareness month.
Mental health conditions such as suicide, are the results of untreated mental illnesses. Every year thousands of individuals die by suicide, leaving behind their friends and family often shocked and confused. Feelings of shame and stigma can prevent someone from talking openly about their illness.
Mental health is something that is not “mainstream”, however it is something that many people face challenges with finding solutions for.
This month is a time to share stories and resources in effort to raise awareness on this highly taboo and stigmatized topic. By providing an opportunity to reach out to those affected by suicide, raise awareness and connect individuals with suicidal ideation to treatment services.
Life is full of ups and downs, and finding the balance is the most important part, yet sometimes the most challenging.
Drew Hahn, suicide attempt survivor shares his story of overcoming his challenges with seasonal depression and recovering from the suicide trauma. Drew is a suicide attempt survivor who advocates for suicide awareness and prevention. He is currently working for San Diego County as a mental health social worker.
He has been recognized by his community through his work of raising awareness and sharing his message of resilience.
Talks of Life podcast was created to be an alternative media outlet for people to source inspirational stories and meaningful conversations.
Inspiration comes in many forms. Some may find it through watching a video, listening to music, spending time with nature or simply sitting with themselves in meditation. Personally, I find inspiration from other people. Other people inspire me to make a difference and remind me that I am not alone.
Have you ever seen someone picking up trash along the beach and after you felt inspired to help? Well, that’s an inspiration in action. There are passionate individuals, organizations and businesses whose mission is to provide a solution to one or more of the global issues we are facing today.
At times, it can be overwhelming to think about solving the world’s problems. However, when I discover a new organization or meet someone who is helping to restore our planet, hope is restored.
I love listening and learning from others in an attempt to understand their perspective on life. Human beings are natural story-tellers and my intention with these conversations is to invite you to a world of change-makers who are indeed transforming the world, one day at a time.
My hope for sharing these stories with you, is to inspire you to imagine a better world for us to live in.
“Stay on your game and keep going for your dreams. The world needs that special gift that only you have.”
Marie forleo
No matter where you are in your journey of life, I encourage you to do more activities that fill your spirit with inspiration.
What makes your spirit come alive?
What do you feel called to bring to life?
What are some things you are interested in providing solutions to?
The world needs your creativity and only you have the power to bring it to life.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
Margaret Mead
If you feel like you have an important message to share and would like to be a guest on Talks of Life, please send an email with your information to: talksoflifepodcast@gmail.com
The year 2020 has brought an interesting plot twist to the timeline of human existence.
We have not experienced anything like this and are still learning to adapt day-by-day.
I have chose to retreat in Quintana Roo, Mexico and have been enjoying the tropical weather here. Much like everywhere else in the world, masks are to be worn inside of stores and shops and the locals are grateful for any business they can get.
Their economy depends on tourism dollars and since travel restrictions have scared everyone from traveling, it has been a rough few months for the natives here as well. Some of the street vendors have pretty unique face masks for people to buy.
No matter what part of the world you are in, more than likely you have been impacted by the effects of COVID-19.
Whether you lost your job, are struggling to pay bills, or simply fearful of contracting the virus- remember one thing: YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
I have to remind myself this daily.
In the age of information, our brains can become overloaded with headlines, news articles, memes, and other forms of advertisements. This influx of information can be useful, but it can also be damaging.
If you are someone who spends hours watching mainstream media, how do you feel after watching? You may experience feelings of depression, anxiety, lack of purpose, disempowerment, etc. Same goes for someone who scrolls mindlessly on Facebook, Instagram, or Tik Tok.
Don’t suppress your potential by constantly consuming.
When was the last time you painted something? Journaled? Crafted a Pinterest inspired project? Or simply created something out of your imagination?
During these times of distress and uncertainty, I highly recommend you to engage in these forms of activity to protect your mental health.
We are all in this together! Change is the only constant. We can continue to evolve into a globalized society, but we must engage in understanding of one another.
I encourage you to be mindful of your daily activities, who you are surrounding yourself with and how much mainstream media you are consuming.
Above all, continue acts of kindness and be a helping hand to someone if you can.
We are all doing the best we can with what we’ve got.
View of Pisgah National Forest off of the Blue Ridge Parkway, 2019
Celebrate National Forest Week: July 13th- 19th
National and state forests are very desirable and unique environments. These places are great for recreational activities such as: hunting, foraging, camping, hiking, biking, backpacking, horseback riding, fly fishing, and so much more!
Forests also help to provide clean water, fresh air, and abundant habitats for other species to live in.
#NATIONALFORESTWEEK
Groundhog enjoying the view of the mountains
Last summer I worked near Asheville, North Carolina at the Pisgah Inn. During my time in the mountains, I fell in love with the beauty of the luscious Pisgah National Forest that surrounded the property.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469 mile road that travels through the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest and the Pisgah National Forest.
I got to experience the change of seasons during my time there and explored a lot of the hiking trails.
I highly encourage a trip to a forest near you! It is a memorable experience and a great way to get outdoors and enjoy mother nature.
Here are some more experiences I have had in the forests of North Carolina:
Did you know that 1.5 billion people are living on our planet without access to safe drinking water?
What if you could purchase a sustainably produced bottle of natural spring water that also provides a clean water system for someone in need?
Well my friends YOU CAN!
John Winslow created 141 Water to help solve the global water crisis and to invite others to make a difference through the purchase of bottled water.
His mission is to provide access to clean water for less fortunate communities while empowering them through education.
At 141 Water, they give one liter of clean, sustainable drinking water for every liter they sell.
We all take water for granted.
It’s the first thing we use when we wake up, whether that is to make coffee, brush our teeth, flush the toilet, wash our face, take a shower, etc. The tasks that involve water are endless.
Have you ever experienced a main water break and had no access to clean water? What did you do?
Perhaps you tried to complete one of the above tasks forgetting the water was off and a moment of realization of how valuable having clean, running water truly is in our lives.
In case of emergency you probably sourced from bottled water of some sort, right?
More than likely, yes.
Convenient. You have clean water to use now.
But what about those who are less fortunate and do not have access to this precious resource as readily as we do?
The United Nations has created two international observances on water and sanitation:
I appreciate the efforts that these organizations are putting forth, however I believe we can do better as a globalized society.
Social entrepreneurship is defined as is an approach by individuals, groups, start-up companies or entrepreneurs, in which they develop, fund and implement solutions to social, cultural, or environmental issues.*
Startups like 141 Water are great examples of how social entrepreneurship is an effective way to make an impact for the greater good.
I am writing this post to remind you to surrender to the flow.
It is with no question that the past 3 months have been much like an extended version of a TV series that is never ending.
Many of us have reached our “tipping point” and are no longer practicing social distancing or abiding by other officials suggested regulations.
I am indeed one of these individuals.
I would like to share my condolences for anyone who has had any close friends or relatives affected by this virus.
For those who have lost their jobs, livelihoods, or simply their peace of mind. I feel you.
We are all in this together.
The dysfunction of societal norms due to this pandemic has changed history indefinitely.
From my understanding, the entire globe was enforced by local and national officials to “self-quarantine and lock-down” to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
As days move forward, more questions of the severity and intensity of this virus have been explored.
Making sense of it all can be extremely overwhelming, which is why I have chose to stop resisting the change and fully accept the shift we all are experiencing.
Consider this: NEVER before in history has the world been connected the way it is now. We have technology that allows us to share and store information at the click of a button.
In addition, we have never experienced a pandemic that put the entire global economy in the current condition it is.
As crazy as the times may seem, I firmly believe that this event happened and is happening for a reason.
Collectively, we are all supporting a man-made system that is outdated and extremely unsustainable.
It is evident that the way things were working for are not resilient to challenges such as this.
So what is the solution you might ask?
Similar to the complex issues that Climate Change brings forth, this pandemic does not have one solution to solve it either.
We will not figure this thing out over night, but each day brings us another opportunity to create.
Moving on, keep strong, hold faith.
Everything is exactly as it should be. You are exactly where you need to be.
May is classified as Mental Health Awareness month and I figured it was a good time to share some helpful tips and tricks that I utilize to maintain my mental health.
First things first, I am a highly sensitive being and my feelings and emotions are very strong. I do believe that I am an empath, meaning I can feel others emotions asides from mine. This is both a blessing and a curse.
When I am feeling overwhelmed with thoughts, emotions, and feelings, I have discovered that journaling these expressions is extremely helpful. Once I can read what is going on, it makes things clearer and I can discover the source of these feelings. Now it’s on paper and not just stuck in my head.
Try not to bottle up your emotions. If you are angry, transform that pain through something empowering. If you are sad, cry! Let it out! Don’t suppress your emotions.
Energy in motion: E-MOTION
Let your energy flow and remember to breathe 🙂
I also enjoy using affirmations. By creating and affirming “I am” statements, you are brought to the present moment and can ground yourself with beliefs that align with your true desires.
Another helpful technique is to simply shift your perspective. Practicing gratitude is my favorite way of doing this. It invites me to a space where I can find peace of mind and appreciation for all that life has provided me thus far.
You always have the choice to perceive situations differently. You are the observer and creator. Choose wisely 😉
Our bodies are our vehicles of transportation through this human experience. It is crucial that we take the time to care for ourselves holistically: physically, mentally, and spiritually.
By practicing mindfulness and meditation daily you gain power of your reality. You begin to desire choosing more conscious environments and people.
Taking a walk outside is always a great way to clear the mind. Try not to think during your walk, but simply act as an observer of your outside world. GET OUT OF YOUR HEAD!
It is also important to eliminate toxic relationships in your life. If you have people in your life who do not value you or add value to your life, I encourage your to be mindful of the influence these “vampires” can have on your life.
Surround yourself with positive influences and rid of the negative influences that do not bring you joy and fulfillment. Having a support group is super helpful as well. The resources are out there, but tailor to everyone differently.
I am no psychiatrist or therapist, but I do understand that LIFE HAPPENS. It can be challenging to accept, but through adapting and surrendering to the present moment, we can move forward towards practical solutions that can heal our hearts and minds.
I always tell people to do more of what makes them happy and see where it leads you. You will begin to connect with others who are like minded.
Life is meant to be enjoyed. Let us all practice gratitude for the abundance and beauty that life provides.
In conclusion, consume things that are good for you and you will inevitably feel good too.
As always, stay grounded in love and everything you need will come at the perfect time.
Talks of Life 