Yvette Bodden's Blog, page 17

The 5 Inspiring Quotes to Power Up Your Life

Quotes are powerful, used by millions to inspire greatness, healing, and change. Words have a purpose, they can empower, inspire, encourage, improve mood or lift spirits when despair and disappointment take hold of our hearts. Part of the beauty in a citation is its staying power. These live, well beyond the time written and used by many to fortify beliefs, thoughts, ideas, and strong statements.

Our struggles can make us feel like we are alone in our suffering. Figuring out the big questions about relationships, motherhood, career, life and love isn’t fun all the time. Painful moments are usually met with resistance and regret, causing great mental anguish.

Using quotes as motivation has become increasingly useful for me when feeling uninspired or troubled, I take to quotes to fill my soul with goodness.

Hopefully, one or more of these quotes will resonate with you in some way, as you forge ahead in your own journey.

“When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt. Everyone has grappled with troubled times but we can’t allow life to beat us. Hope is always out there waiting to be grabbed by the horns, so find a knot to hold on to and work your way up to the next win. Small steps to the top are how you gain lasting traction.“Everything you want is on the other side of fear.”  – Jack Canfield. Our constant fear of failure or the unknown can stop us from doing the things we want most. If you can live on the other side of fear, imagine all the life you can experience? Challenge brings growth and confidence, if we don’t try, we will never know what we are capable of!“Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.” – Robert F. Kennedy. Taking a calculated risk or chance on something that you believe in isn’t a mistake, even if it all collapses. Putting yourself, ideas, or missions to the test is the most impactful way to achieve greatness. Failures are lessons disguised.“The phoenix must burn to emerge.” – Janet Fitch. You can rebuild from the ashes you were left in because resilience is your superpower. Our life experiences, good and bad are there to teach. Sometimes life has to break you down to force you to build yourself back up.When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time. – Maya Angelou. We only see what we want, oftentimes denying ourselves the opportunity to see people’s true colors. It is difficult to see a loved one’s ugly but actions tell the story. Do not ignore the red flags. If someone hurts you, don’t allow them a chance to do it again and again.

Life is tough, it’s critical to find ways to help break out of the negativity that can tear us down. I have found myself in front of a wall of post-it notes scribbled with quotes that are powerful enough to draw me out of sadness. If I can visualize an ounce of positive energy, the light will shine through the cracks.

Running from pain ultimately leads to more hurt. Facing challenges is the most effective way to approach life. Confront problems with courage and over time tackling them should be less daunting. Using positive reinforcements to get past hardship is a great place to start.

Help looks different for all of us. Hold on to what brings you peace. Moments of distress don’t last forever. As you push through the difficult periods, remember hard times can bring unimagined transformation. What you do with the life you are gifted and how you manage the ordeals make a world of difference, as you move towards the future.

Power up! The strength you need is already within, all it takes to bring it is for you to hold on a little bit longer. You can do this!

What is your go-to quote during hard times?

Protected content. 2021 awakened-woman.com

 

The 5 Inspiring Quotes that Will Power Up Your Life

Quotes are powerful, used by millions to inspire greatness, healing, and change. Words have a purpose, they can empower, inspire, encourage, improve mood or lift spirits when despair and disappointment take hold of our hearts. Part of the beauty in a citation is its staying power. These live, well beyond the time written and used by many to fortify beliefs, thoughts, ideas, and strong statements.

Our struggles can make us feel like we are alone in our suffering. Figuring out the big questions about relationships, motherhood, career, life and love isn’t fun all the time. Painful moments are usually met with resistance and regret, causing great mental anguish.

Using quotes as motivation has become increasingly useful for me when feeling uninspired or troubled, I take to quotes to fill my soul with goodness.

Hopefully, one or more of these quotes will resonate with you in some way, as you forge ahead in your own journey.

“When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt. Everyone has grappled with troubled times but we can’t allow life to beat us. Hope is always out there waiting to be grabbed by the horns, so find a knot to hold on to and work your way up to the next win. Small steps to the top are how you gain lasting traction.“Everything you want is on the other side of fear.”  – Jack Canfield. Our constant fear of failure or the unknown can stop us from doing the things we want most. If you can live on the other side of fear, imagine all the life you can experience? Challenge brings growth and confidence, if we don’t try, we will never know what we are capable of!“Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.” – Robert F. Kennedy. Taking a calculated risk or chance on something that you believe in isn’t a mistake, even if it all collapses. Putting yourself, ideas, or missions to the test is the most impactful way to achieve greatness. Failures are lessons disguised.“The phoenix must burn to emerge.” – Janet Fitch. You can rebuild from the ashes you were left in because resilience is your superpower. Our life experiences, good and bad are there to teach. Sometimes life has to break you down to force you to build yourself back up.When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time. – Maya Angelou. We only see what we want, oftentimes denying ourselves the opportunity to see people’s true colors. It is difficult to see a loved one’s ugly but actions tell the story. Do not ignore the red flags. If someone hurts you, don’t allow them a chance to do it again and again.

Life is tough, it’s critical to find ways to help break out of the negativity that can tear us down. I have found myself in front of a wall of post-it notes scribbled with quotes that are powerful enough to draw me out of sadness. If I can visualize an ounce of positive energy, the light will shine through the cracks.

Running from pain, ultimately leads to more hurt. Facing challenges is the most effective way to approach life. Confront problems with courage and over time tackling them should be less daunting. Using positive reinforcements to get past hardship is a great place to start.

Help looks different for all of us. Hold on to what brings you peace. Moments of distress don’t last forever. As you push through the difficult periods, remember hard times can bring unimagined transformation. What you do with the life you are gifted and how you manage the ordeals make a world of difference, as you move towards the future.

Power up! The strength you need is already within, all it takes to bring it is for you to hold on a little bit longer. You can do this!

What is your go-to quote during hard times?

Protected content. 2021 awakened-woman.com

 

Empowerment Series: Stage and Screen, Dominican Actress, Leticia Castillo Shares her Soul with AW

The inspiring Latina actress, has shared scenes with A-List actors such as Jennifer Lopez, John Leguizamo, and most recently, Jeremy Piven in The Last Call. The talented actress fell in love with films at a very young age. She arrived in the US at 5-years old from the Dominican Republic, not realizing that the fantasy she envisioned while watching American Television would come true. She had not yet, learned to speak the language when she dreamed of acting as a career. Leticia was relentless in pursuing her goals, nothing would stop her from achieving what she set out to accomplish early on in life. Dreams come true but rarely on our terms and when we want them.

The first part of a successful career took her to the finance world where she did well. Working in Corporate America provided her with a steady salary, stable living, and decent mobility but there was a void despite the achievement. She wasn’t doing what she loved to do, instead, performing the work required to have a conventional life but Leticia is everything but traditional. She is a dreamer and relentless when it comes to her passion for acting.

AW had the wonderful pleasure of sitting down with Leticia for a Zoom interview. She was gracious, friendly, and carried herself beautifully, her warmth is palpable. The Latina’s inspiring story reinforced my belief – it doesn’t matter how long a dream takes, as long as you move forward determined to blaze your own trail, you can prevail. I hope this interview inspires you to begin building a roadmap to your dreams, too!

I read that you arrived in the states from the Dominican Republic at the age of five and learned to speak the English language by watching American television. Is that where your passion for acting began? I fell in love with acting very early during my childhood. My mom would always remind me that, we came to this country to get an education. In her eyes, acting was not a reliable career, particularly because no one on television looked like me. Graduating from Pace University, followed by a job on Wall Street that gave me the opportunity to get licensed selling currencies was a great living but was never a passion. God puts a calling in your heart, it does not leave you alone until you do what you are put on this earth to practice. My heart would say “This is who you are.” At the age of 21, my soul was not happy. I was accepted to audition for Lee Strassberg – a dream come true for an actor! But my mom discouraged me, which derailed me, convincing me to let go of the dream. It did not feel right but I was trying to do the “right” thing. Eventually, I returned to Lee Strassberg for a second chance. After all those years despite a big promotion to AVP at one of the big banks, my heart was elsewhere. My biggest wish was to be an actress, this time I took the opportunity offered, quit my job, and moved to Los Angeles to fulfill the dream in my heart.

Your love for films led to a career in acting, writing, and directing. Most of us have a hard time choosing one job, you have done all three! What has been the most challenging aspect of your journey, so far? I’ve had many small roles, the big one has not happened, yet. Some people may think of it as a failure because I’ve only done some small parts in short films, television, and plays. This mindset can be difficult to accept but I’ve learned there are no small roles! As long as you wake up every day with joy in your heart, there’s an opportunity for more. Ageism is also a difficult challenge in any industry but happens often in entertainment. Hearing someone say that you are too old, and suggest you do something else in place of acting can be discouraging. You have to do what you love, don’t give power to the naysayers. We have one life to do the things that make us happy.

You have shared scenes with some notable actors such as Jennifer Lopez, John Leguizamo, and Jeremy Piven in The Last Call. You also landed a role in a movie with Ava Duvernay, you’ll agree that you’ve been in the presence of some great talent! We all have insecurities that can flare up at any given time, while we walk the path to becoming the woman we’re meant to be. Can you share an example of a time that you doubted yourself or your artistic purpose during this journey, if so, how were you able to move past the moment? One of my most vivid memories was during a scene I was scheduled to shoot with Jennifer Lopez. I was running a few lines for the part and experienced lots of nerves, worried about how I looked and would do on the shoot. She is a megastar, even without makeup, she is gorgeous! I was going to be standing opposite her looking like I did! It made me feel awkward and anxious but she came on the set and was so gracious. She was supportive, kind, and made me feel beautiful, letting me know there was nothing to be nervous about. We all get some anxiety, particularly, as actors but if we lean into the joy for what we do, it offers comfort.

You arrived from a foreign country as a child, overcame a language barrier, experiences your own obstacles, as a woman of color in the entertainment industry. What has it meant, as a Latina to achieve success in your craft? I’ve had to work harder than mainstream Hollywood but feel blessed and grateful to have this career. I always seek to be better at my craft and as a person. I’m successful because I never gave up on my dream to do what I love. Although I am not a huge superstar actress or have a fortune by society’s standards, the true measure of happiness comes in the way I feel whenever I get out there to perform my work.

You are an example of what is possible when we allow ourselves to dream big. Congratulations on all your wins! AW like to end interviews with a positive message. Can you share a mantra, quote, or piece of advice that can help inspire readers to keep moving in the direction of their dreams? Prayer, I pray on things and give thanks for the blessings. Whoever your God is, say grace and ask for guidance. Gratitude for everything is where it all starts. Stay thankful on the days when you don’t feel like it. Practicing these actions grounds me, helps me to stay in balance. When in doubt of my path, I look for the why. My greatest wish is to bring joy and laughter, make others feel good. Remember, why you are doing the work.

AW is filled with gratitude to Leticia for sharing her personal journey. It is essential to remember the importance of believing in ourselves, as we pursue our own dreams. The things that are truly worthwhile in life are never easy. I am learning the value of doing the work I love, it doesn’t feel like labor. My heart is filled with joy each time a reader connects with one of my stories, therefore, I can understand Leticia’s experience.

Our soul can only be at peace when we are in one with our hearts. In order to this, we must do the things that fill us with joy and fulfill our purpose.

Protected content 2021. awakened-woman.com

 

 

Empowerment Series: Author, “Embrace That Girl” – Cris Ramos Shares Self-Awareness

Self-Awareness is one of the most valuable tools we have in the human tool shed. However, to reap full benefits we should do the work that helps shape and nurture our individuality. It is the gift that keeps on giving, once you get a grasp on the essence of your character.  The ability to concentrate on yourself, the reasons why you do things, how feelings and views align with the internal self is all part of this high-level consciousness. Mindfulness takes time to craft, getting to know yourself at the core demands careful listening to the inner self. Life’s constant distractions create countless challenges, as you build the skill but it is well, worth it.

I had the lovely opportunity to discuss self-awareness with the author of Embrace that Girl, one of my favorite reads! The memoir describes the journey of Cris Ramos-Greene, a girl who faces her fears, peels the layers of doubt, transforming into a confident and limitless woman. Along the way, the fearless Latina encounters many of the same struggles I’ve had with identity, relationships, family, and others. Personally, one of the most interesting aspects of the book was her affinity for who she was becoming and how she managed the process.

I first interviewed Cris in December 2020 during the promotion of her debut book. We had instant chemistry, chatting like old girlfriends on a Wednesday after work. I was delighted to receive a new opportunity to speak with her on a completely different topic. The connection and gratitude shared have much to do with a common interest in mindfulness. We believe in intuition and the ability to navigate life using a healthy combination of emotional intelligence, empathy, and spirituality. Oftentimes, I look to “gut instinct” or have a heart-to-heart with myself to find the answers to life’s questions. The confidence to heed the internal guide comes with time, practice, self-belief, and frequent reinforcement.

Our Zoom conversation was filled with golden nuggets, personal stories, anecdotes, and lessons but the best part was having a moment to connect with a friend during a time, many were starved for human interaction.

I read your book, Embrace That Girl, where you shared your personal journey to finding yourself. As an author myself, writing anything auto-biographical is challenging because of its personal nature. What has been the most important lesson you have learned about yourself while writing this book? From where I stand today, the book, Embrace That Girl is based on another life. My life is very different from what it was all those years ago. I don’t have the same friends, beliefs, and insecurities that I did when the journey began. I enjoy a vast amount of self-love and give myself credit for the work I’ve been doing, creating my own advocate in the process.

Your story will resonate profoundly with lots of AW readers. Going on a journey to find meaning, self-love, and purpose. Initially, for myself, it was difficult, to be completely open with my story. Owning my truths, particularly the ugly ones was brutal. Coming to a realization this was the only way to begin moving forward was the hardest step of this process. What has been the toughest part for you, as you become the best version of yourself? The vulnerability aspect has been the toughest thing to master.  Self-acceptance and allowing myself to be seen can be difficult, not just for me but for everyone. I was not comfortable with owning some truths of my own or showing up as the real me.

The amazing journey we share as women includes endless chapters to overcome. We can strengthen self-awareness if we do these (2) things – what would those two be for you? I would have to say, being open and curious. These are invaluable when looking to strengthen your self-awareness. Deep down, we all know the answers but resistance holds us back. Our muscles tighten and the tension is overwhelming when we push back on the things that make us uncomfortable or scared. Being open allows for the answers to come, we have a reservoir of wisdom to draw from but you have to tap into that resource. Uncover that gift by being receptive, sit in the silence and truth of your life.

The year 2020 has been a time of reflection and introspection for most people. The distractions have been eliminated forcing us to ask ourselves some difficult questions about who we are and what makes us happy but you’ve been walking this journey way before this new normal. Have you embraced new parts of yourself during this time? How has your self-awareness increased? I would not have been able to get the book out were it not for the lockdown. I am always learning more about self-awareness. Not always sure of things, I continuously ask myself questions to help me evolve. I’ve been discovering many layers of the woman I am during the journey. Going into the pandemic, there was a tunnel we had never entered. The uncertainty pushed us to experience things that were so unfamiliar.

We are all very connected which made this time very difficult. I used the time to connect with myself. Everyone should be asking themselves – “Who am I? Where have I been? and Where am I going? It will be uncomfortable but you must continue to ask yourself the important questions. Life is messy, there is no straight line to the desired destination. Once you accept this journey to becoming the best self, you cannot go back – keep moving forward!

I like to end the AW interviews with a positive message to help make an impact. You have written a book about your life, thus far but there is so much more to experience. What advice, quote, or mantra do you have for readers just beginning their journey to finding themselves? You are the author of your life, the creator of your story – an architect building an empire. “I am at cause, not at effect.” Each of us has a choice, we are not a victim. Always choose to be the best self, there is incredible power in showing up for yourself.

AW appreciates Cris’s time and willingness to share her wisdom and part of herself with our readers. Self-awareness is such a critical part of becoming who you are meant to be. Most of us are afraid of seeing the truth because it hurts. It’s easier to ignore it or numb ourselves but doing so, deprives us of an amazing opportunity for growth. I urge you, seek to understand what makes you tick, your strengths, weakness, emotions, and everything that makes you, unique. Giving yourself permission to feel can help you better understand how truly beautiful it is to be you.

Protected content. awakened-woman.com

 

 

Empowerment Series: Latina Entrepreneur, Diamond Expert and Founder Behind Diamond Tales, Constanza Viera Shares her Brilliance with AW

Women who love diamonds can sometimes be labeled materialistic or gold diggers. The perception that women’s admiration for the gem is pure greed is not only presumptuous, but it’s also unfair. The gift of my first gem came on my 19th birthday, the gleam in my eyes had nothing to do with the piece of jewelry but the meaning behind it. A gold heart ring with a miniature diamond in the center, gifted to me by my first love. It was a promise of his love and devotion at the time. The piece of jewelry has become part of a collection of memories in a story. The ring itself was not the centerpiece, I treasure it because of who it came from during that time in my life.

The diamond industry is a multibillion-dollar business, marketing as “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend” has paid off. Thank you, Marilyn Monroe! Women have been buying and wearing diamonds for years but now they are also rising the ranks of the industry. A world previously dominated by men has finally been infiltrated by women looking to create beauty for diamond lovers.

Constanza Viera, a Miami, private jeweler is one of the women making waves across the diamond business. The expert is the founder of Diamond Tales, a luxury jewelry shopping experience fit for a princess. AW had the fabulous opportunity to sit on a Zoom interview with the stunning Latina to give us the gems she has picked up over the years.

In March 2020, Tiffany & Co. named Victoria Wirth Reynolds, its new chief gemologist. She is the first woman in the history of the luxury brand to hold this position. In an industry, mostly filled with older men, I imagine you faced some challenges but it did not deter you from pursuing a career in the field. Walking away from your 9-5 job during a pandemic to start was a bold decision! A significant number of women have lost their jobs, generating a boom of entrepreneurial opportunities. What was your greatest fear going into this new venture and how did you overcome it? Going into this market, my greatest fear was people not trusting me. I make sure to practice what I preach, ensuring the delivery of the best service. The digital era has changed the shopping experience for clients. I am looking to educate customers, as well as, bring value to the virtual private buying experience. I had to be confident when asking myself, where do I see a need for this type of service in the market? I knew there was space for something like this, helping younger couples about to get married enjoy these services but also give classic couples the more traditional experience.

“A diamond tells a story. It is sophistication, grace, and elegance.” I read about your appreciation for gemstones. Every piece of jewelry becomes a memory – birthday, anniversary, engagement, marriage, or special moment. If I looked at your gem or diamond collection, what story would it tell about you? I have an appreciation for jewelry, every piece represents a memory or accomplishment for me. Whether it was a birthday, anniversary, or celebration in my life, I’ve been grateful to receive a token symbolizing a moment, ingrained in my mind forever.

Marilyn Monroe’s song “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” says it all. For many of us, diamonds represent luxury and status. The media has somehow convinced audiences the bigger the diamond, the greater his love. What is your opinion on this topic? Absolutely, not true. One of the important aspects of purchasing diamonds is to educate yourself about the gem. Prior to choosing a diamond, learn about the 4C’s (Cut, Color, Carat Weight, and Clarity) as part of the decision-making process. What is of most importance and value to you when making this personal choice?. Large diamonds can lack optimal clarity or be flawed in other ways, size doesn’t necessarily mean better. The gem is an investment, therefore, education and thought should be a key part of the purchase.

You are from Venezuela based out of Miami. A young, Latina entrepreneur with increasing success in your business. The journey of entrepreneurs is not an easy one. What are your tips for women on the same path? Coincidentally, I covered this important topic at a presentation for Geeky Latina during a 12-week mentorship program that helps with career and leadership. I’d say there are three essential steps –

Keep Learning – Read, take classes, watch tutorials to sharpen skills or develop new onesAsk for Help – We all need help sometimes, don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek assistancePassion – I studied Economics, Finance then went on to work in Marketing. Today, I am a jeweler, finding my passion has been amazing. Keep at it, until you find what makes you love what you do.Networking – Relationship building, meeting people inside and outside of your expertise to create a network of resources that you can learn from or collaborate with at any time.

AW interviews always end with a positive message. Can you offer a quote, mantra, affirmation, or advice to encourage women to go after their passion? I’d say “Find your inner gem,” look within to connect with the deepest part of you. Carry that authenticity all the time, figure out what you relate to or moves you, and stick with it! Do what you love, the pieces will fall into their rightful place.

Oftentimes, we buy into materialistic fantasies that fill our eyes with sparkle. The idea that things make people happier can overwhelm our minds fueling all types of insecurities. Constanza’s purpose behind creating the jewelry line is to make pieces that become part of someone else’s story. Her admiration for the gems resonated with me,  as I too, share the vision that jewelry can be primarily used to connect to special moments in our lives, instead of wealth or status. You give the diamond significance, not the other way around.

AW is incredibly grateful to Constanza for taking the time and willingness to share her story with our readers. Our stories help us learn from one another. Remember, you already have everything you need to shine, don’t waste a moment believing anything else.

“The brilliance of a diamond is special but could never outshine the radiance of the woman wearing it.”

               – Yvette Bodden, Author & Founder, AW

 

Protected content. 2021 awakened-woman.com

 

 

 

 

Empowerment Series: Long Distance Runner, Olympic Qualifier, Founding Member of Angel City Elite, Mexican-American, Sabrina De La Cruz Shares Empowerment Mission

Sabrina De La Cruz was shocked at her observation during the 2020 Olympic Qualifiers Marathon Trials. The absence of diversity was unsettling but she was filled with pride to represent the BIPOC community at the event. A New York Times article in the same year supported the runner’s sighting. It isn’t a well-kept secret that running is predominantly, a White sport. The trials consisted of 92% White, 1% Black, 1% Asian, and 5% Other, definitely a rude awakening for the young runner. The reality was discouraging but she took it in stride, the realization fueled a fire within the athlete. This experience led her to explore opportunities that give BIPOC runners access to proper resources, helping them engage in the sport. She was inspired to contribute to the creation of a women’s distance running team called Angel City Elite (ACE). The growing community based out of Los Angeles, California encourages runners to join its mission while receiving the support necessary during their athletic journey.

It was such a pleasure, listening to Sabrina’s powerful message about her passion project. She jumped on our Zoom meeting and shared thoughts, experiences that further motivated me to continue my own mission. The athlete is a voice of positive energy and hope that will leave you wanting to hear more. Our time on the video call went by in a blink! Her light shines bright which will come across, as you learn more about Sabrina in this interview.

We are a double minority – Latinas and women. How did it feel to be part of such a large sporting event and not have others that looked like you on your field? Honestly, I was shocked at the lack of representation. The experience made me feel as if I didn’t belong and I wanted to do something to change it. However, voices in the audience yelling “Go Latina, go Sabrina!” empowered me. I knew then, we needed more Latinas to be part of the sport.

You are the Co-Founder of Angel City Elites (ACE), a team of women that share your vision. You are part of the creation of a community that supports and empowers the BIPOC running population. Have you experienced marginalization or been in a situation that made you feel excluded due to your gender or ethnicity? Yes, I went for an out-of-state run,  while at the location I encountered a group of women talking amongst themselves. I sat down at a table next to them during lunch and they gave me their back. The chatter and looks coming from the group made me uncomfortable. I proceeded to put on my headphones to have them think I wasn’t paying attention. I heard one of the women say, “I didn’t know we had Hispanics here?” I felt singled out and out of place, the comment made me want to go home that very moment!

In an interview for Women’s Running, you said, “We need more empowerment.” It is evident that empowering others is important to you, as is promoting diversity. What is the one thing, we can do to encourage empowerment among all women? In my opinion, it’s important to stop playing the comparison game. There is no need for competition or judging each other, instead find ways to support other women. We should learn to be genuinely happy for others. Be kind, you never know what someone else is going through in their lives. Mental health should be a priority for everyone and keeping a positive mindset promotes good health.

Many people look to find a purpose or meaning in life. You are making a difference in people’s lives by building a platform that embraces initiatives to increase the visibility of the BIPOC community. Congratulations to you, the team, and Brooks for sponsoring such a beautiful project to bridge the gap of representation. What is your WHY? Why is this mission important to you and why should it matter to us? This mission should be important to all of us. I want younger generations to be inspired and confident in the pursuit of their goals. When we see others that look like us doing the things, we aspire to do more, it encourages us to dream bigger. I really enjoy and value mentoring young people, so they feel motivated to go after their passion.

Running should be inclusive, a sport for everyone, not limited to select groups. We need more resources to help young people because they’re the future.

AW likes to end interviews with a positive message. Can you give us a quote, affirmation, mantra, or advice to empower our readers to believe in the power of achieving their dreams? “If you believe it, you can achieve.” The secret is to believe it, envision what you want, and do the work. You can make things happen by taking small steps towards your dream or goal. There will be challenges but remain focused with a positive mindset. It works if you keep practicing these exercises.

Sabrina takes her craft seriously, she runs 90 miles per week. She is determined to pave a road to greatness and take her community along.

On the journey to becoming the best self, we will face challenges and pain that seem unbearable. Living or working in an environment that makes you feel like an outcast will weigh you down emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. In an effort to counteract that agony, one of the most critical actions to take is to be confident. It is your job to know who you are and love yourself with everything!

We look forward to hearing about new runners joining Angel City Elites, receiving mentorship, opportunities, and the means for training and education to advance them in the sport. The world needs a wide range of communities in order to support individuals and agendas that raise the profile of our fellow Latino population. AW is thankful to Sabrina for sharing her beautiful vision with us.

Everyone has a purpose, it is a joy to have so many women visit our community to inspire.

Protected content. 2021 awakened-woman.com

 

 

 

 

Empowerment Series: Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Melissa & Doug Toys, Author “Lifelines” Shares her Darkness and Light with AW

Melissa Bernstein is the Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Melissa & Doug, the multimillion-dollar iconic toy company she started with her husband in 2007. She has a successful career, a beautiful home, love in abundance with a marriage of decades. Plenty of people would describe this as life, most dream about. Looking from the outside in, the 55-year old, mother of six has it all but things are rarely what they seem. In a world where perception is everything, Melissa made the courageous decision to share her truth. She revealed her story of Existential Depression to The Washington Post, People Magazine, Yahoo Finance, Elle Magazine, Inc Magazine, Today Show, Good Day NY, and CBS Morning News. The world was given a bird’s eye view into the creator’s personal battle with the demons taking residence inside her head. 

AW had the amazing opportunity to sit with Melissa for in-depth interview where she provides insight on The Journey Inward: A Path to Self-Discovery and the Lifelines Community. The human mind is a black hole filled with thoughts that have the potential to drown us in negative self-talk unless we choose to shift our focus to the positive. While many are able to do the work that brings them out of darkness, others fight demons for years barely crawling out of this vortex. Melissa fought her way back into the light and continues to plant seeds of hope, spreading goodness everywhere she goes but it has not been easy.

The topic of mental health is urgent, it’s necessary to continue the conversations in an effort to keep raising awareness.  No longer a shameful secret, people are owning their emotional struggles, encouraging others to do the same. This will be the first time readers of the empowerment series are granted access to the video interview, as well. The lengthy conversation had some brief departures from the main interview. These digressions were important to get a better understanding of the suffering and breakthrough moments that took place.

Her pain began at an early age, living with a feeling of hopelessness that was suffocating. Childhood and youth consumed by dread and the questioning of her existence was daunting but it was her reality. What is the meaning of life? Why am I here? She wrote about the private anguish on bathroom tissue or small scraps of paper, any blank space she could find to express herself was a relief. She wrote a poem at 5-years old, describing vividly the pain of being alive. Living in that headspace was consuming and societal pressures just added a layer of complexity for her to navigate.

Striving for perfection is a dangerous practice, anything less than flawless can be devastating. During her time at Duke, she struggled with an eating disorder that brought her down to 82 pounds. Life became so dark that she carried a bottle of pills for a year, in case she wanted an out one day.  The toy company founded with her husband, gifted Melissa with a world of creativity, allowing her mind to go elsewhere. However, the torment did not completely stop, it was years before she got a hold of the demon that deceived her into believing life wasn’t worth living. Thankfully, the inspirational journey inward eventually opened a gateway of hope for the talented creator. During her early 50’s, she found the help needed to get to the other side.

Melissa joined our Zoom meeting with a smile that lit up the screen! Mild-mannered, kind, warm, and polite are some of the words that come to mind to describe her demeanor, she came prepared to be an open book for me to read. Immediately, I enjoyed a comfort level that allowed me the vulnerability to connect with her story. I could only paraphrase some nuggets of wisdom and experience because there was so much information. Undoubtedly, your life will be enriched by reading this article. I’d suggest watching the interview on AW Confidential: YouTube Channel to get the full impact of everything shared during our time together.  

What or who gave you the fearlessness, not only to speak your truth about depression but write such a personal book that includes verses you wrote during painful times. What is your WHY for giving yourself permission to be seen? I was sort of living a lie, I wasn’t conscious of it, adopting a facade of society’s expectations but these great things that were happening did not fill the void in my soul. I had done the work to achieve the American dream but happiness is not found in external sources. This was about pulling the mask off to show others that fulfillment doesn’t come from outside validation or achieving the conventional definition of success. 

Mental illness does not discriminate. Being born with it, I’ve accepted the affliction is part of me. Learning to embrace, harness, and manage the mental affliction offers the possibility to live a bountiful life. I never would have found fulfillment without taking the journey inward. I wanted to assist others with healing and self-compassion but I had to do this for myself first, before helping anyone else.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports over 264 million adults of all ages are suffering from depression. Cases are rising and a spotlight has been placed on the importance of mental health. We can all play a small part to help others and ourselves. Whether it’s listening to someone or seeking help oneself, there is something each of us can do. You and your husband, Doug, have created a new platform – a beautiful community offering resources to persons in need. Can you share with us, how the Lifelines Community will accomplish its goal to improve the mental health of its members? How can people find out more about it? 

Pain + Resistance = Suffering. Once you go into authentic living, you understand that not every day is bliss. At first, spirals are horrible but accepting yourself, knowing that there are highs and lows is essential to the process. Embracing these ebb and flows takes practice and we must do it daily. It takes time to get grounded in this place and critical to understanding that life is an art and takes work. 

Lifelines is an ecosystem that has been created from my experience and despair. It is based on three parts of what I’ve gone through, as I grew up feeling “alone” like an alien from outer space. I want to make people feel less lonely in their pain, and instead more accepted.  We have workshops that cover various topics, particularly subjects not being talked about elsewhere.  Each of us has the ability to shine a spotlight on others, and turn darkness into light. This community is designed to encourage us to continue to do so in different ways. The platform offers books, podcasts, videos, wonderful workshops, as well as, a FaceBook community of people sharing their stories. Everyone has the capacity to live in the light and find meaning if they choose to. 

So many are racing outside of ourselves to find validation, achievements, and rewards but it is the wrong direction to go. Taking the intentional journey to the inner space is how we really find self-acceptance which is one of the things we teach in our community and leads to authenticity.

You mention some of your biggest lessons earlier in the interview. What has been the greatest challenge during this journey? There are so many challenges, and people in deep pain. I want to help all the people that come to me. This is a not-for-profit project, I’m one person, and I’m not a professional. I just want to share my journey to inspire others but I’m realizing that I can’t save everyone. 

The other challenge worth mentioning was brought up at a recent workshop – balance. I hate the word “balance” since I don’t believe there is really such a thing. We find our sweet spot in the balance of sanity and insanity. There are plenty of ideas in the unsettled space but only so many hours in a day.  

I like to end AW interviews on a positive note. Some interviews can be heavy, I enjoy finishing conversations with a message of inspiration. “I believe after darkness, we can find the light.” Living in a space of darkness is lonely and scary but we are resilient enough to find the light, however, it’s critical to seek help when needed. Would you be able to contribute advice, quote, or mantra to comfort and encourage readers who want to embrace their light in a moment of darkness, depression, emotional or spiritual challenges? For me and everyone, because we’re all similar, it’s been a battle between the head and heart. The head is where depression lies, despair, the terror of the things we cannot control. My head has always been this prison, the source of anguish. Living in the heart is pure, in the moment – the now is where you are liberated. Being in between the two spaces produced lots of anguish for me.

The inability to separate the head and heart, plus being unable to release emotions made things very difficult, leaning on my creativity proved valuable and necessary. If we engage the senses and self-expression, we can get into our hearts and unfree ourselves from our heads. We have unique forms of self-expression that we can tap into. This is something that largely happens in childhood through play. It is the thing in you that gets your heart singing, makes time stop, and makes you forget the messages that come into your head. Ultimately, it’s energy pushing out the lies your brain dishes, instead, it quiets them by helping you connect with the joy. Live in your heart as much as you can.

My mantra has become “Step on out of the head, moving freely into the heart to channel all dread into jubilant art” Art can be any type of self-expression that gets you out of your head. Write, dance, paint – whatever it is you do to link with your true self.

The interview with Melissa was incredibly inspiring – real talk between two women exchanging stories about their own version of pain. Depression leads to frightening isolation that can unleash insurmountable torment. The voyage out this pitch dark underworld requires an incredible will to manage but despair can be survived.

During my journey, I’ve been taken to places of great sadness, the darkness is familiar. These experiences are extremely intimate and personal, however, there are millions of people around the world going through the same thing. If you are one of them, know that the only way out is through and you’re stronger than you realize. Everyone has challenges in life that can bring unhappiness. Sad days still creep in now and then, fortunately for me, these are passing moments. If the thoughts are continuous and preventing you from living a healthy life, resources are available. You are not alone.

Words cannot express the amount of gratitude for Melissa’s time with AW. She was gracious, open, and gifted us moments of enlightenment for us to ponder. Sharing painful stories is difficult but helpful in taking the power back from the things that hurt us, use your voice to speak up. It is darkest before dawn, a new day is around the corner. Hang on for tomorrow, it offers hope for something better. 

If you’re in trouble the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can also be of assistance at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Help is available 24 hours/7 days. Your information is CONFIDENTIAL. Speak to someone today.

Protected content. 2021 awakened-woman.com

Empowerment Series: Latina Co-Founder and CEO of Happy V – Daniella Levy Shares the Power of the “V” with AW

Women have long-lived in censorship to accommodate the invisible rules society dictates as to how we speak, act and carry ourselves. Saving others from discomfort has been a constant mission, forcing many of us to exist in a quiet life filled with shame, embarrassment, or fear of been judged. The use of the word vagina makes a lot of people uncomfortable despite the fact, it’s the medical term used to describe lady parts.

jump hoops to avoid using the anatomically correct terms for their kids’ private body parts. Some adults blush when the word is used in their presence. Parents cringe at the sound of the word “vagina” coming out of the mouths of babes. I am one of three girls, raised in a Latino household. Discussions around menstruation, vaginas, and sex were carefully crafted to ensure our innocence was preserved. Explicit details about the how, when, and why of the birds & the bees were not exactly open for dialogue, while I was a child, so we got pretty good at reading between the lines.

In a world where taking on the topic of vaginas is intimidating and taboo, it’s refreshing to meet women willing to step up to the plate. Daniella Levy is one of a growing number of pioneer women willing to confidently speak their truth. She is the Co-Founder and CEO of Happy V, a woman’s wellness brand creating content and products to help women at every stage. Her TikTok videos show immense popularity, many going viral due to its authenticity and intentional approach when addressing the important dialogue.

The brand delivers educational information related to vaginal health in a real but playful way that makes it easier to digest.  Daniella generates lively video sound bites encouraging women to be proactive about their health while offering guidance with the assistance of entrepreneurs, doctors, and scientists. The Happy V mission was born out of a need to lend a hand to women that are experiencing challenges with feminine wellness. She shares her intimate experience to bring some normalcy to the subject matter. Hopefully, she will inspire others to feel less ashamed when discussing these issues with a trusted circle.

AW is a platform designed to empower women in every way. Daniella’s vision is in line with my pursuit to bring the information that strengthens you in different aspects of life. Feminine wellness plays a major part in our overall well-being. Having the opportunity to speak to Daniella about her work was a beautiful experience that enlightened me enough to want to write about it. Her passion for the mission was evident, as she provided valuable details of all the amazing things she is doing with Happy V. It was a pleasure to have an open conversation on matters that can touch on sensitive areas for countless women. I’m optimistic that you will find this interview as useful and insightful, as I did.

For readers that are not familiar with your company, what is Happy V about and why do you think it’s so popular on TikTok? Happy V is a women’s wellness brand that creates natural solutions for women’s vaginal health in various stages of their lives. The teams working with Happy V create products that are scientifically sound and content to educate women, so they can lead healthier and more empowered lives.

TikTok has allowed for a new type of dialogue that makes various types of content easier to absorb. It is a great platform because you can be yourself and use humor to entertain while delivering your message.

If you are raised in a Latino household, you understand the traditional taboos ingrained in our culture. Did your friends and family give you a hard time about Happy V’s subject matter? I live in Miami where approximately 70% of residents are Latinos. In our culture, these conversations are off-limits due to the taboos ingrained in the culture.  Growing up we would hear about boys engaging in as much sex as they wanted, while girls were told to save themselves, protect their purity. There are lots lenty of differences in the way females are treated that discourage sharing.

I struggled when talking about my own personal experience with BV (bacterial vaginosis). You go to a doctor, they hand you medicine but having an open discussion about what it is, how common it may be – not many women want to share. Although issues relating to feminine health should be normalized, women feel embarrassed when talking about the subject in public. The resistance to accept feminine wellness, as part of our natural body chemistry makes it difficult to discuss with anyone.

Conversations around women’s issues like menstruation, sex, vaginas, and others are sensitive topics. You made a decision to share your own experience by taking on a subject that can spark humiliation or shame. What gave you the courage to take on this mission? It wasn’t an easy conversation but talking to my partner and receiving his empathy gave me the confidence to share my experience in public. Having his support, helped me take the plunge, come out about it. The hope is to initiate the dialogue that can rally others to do the same, and ask questions.

What has been the most difficult topic you’ve tackled while managing Happy V?  The most difficult subject has to be “bacterial vaginosis!” It can be difficult to talk to doctors on the subject. Instinctually, the go-to is antibiotics without consideration of natural products that can help alleviate it. Discussing BV with medical providers who resist alternatives is challenging from a patient standpoint. It took switching gynecologists five times before finding someone whose medical and holistic approach aligned with my own.

As a woman, I’m sometimes embarrassed when talking about my body or anything related to women’s health. What advice can you offer to help women break out of the shame? It is important to understand, sometimes language barriers can present themselves in Latino culture, a lack of communication and stigma on certain issues discourages women from sharing. We have to create new resources, collaborate with different communities to bring accurate information that will promote awareness which can help destigmatize the issues.

We should remember, we are not alone with our health concerns. Others want to be part of the conversation, it’s essential to look for opportunities that allow us to talk about our bodies. If we don’t discuss the things that make us uncomfortable or seek to satisfy our curiosity, it can lead to problems down the line. Be the conversation starter, initiate a dialogue with friends to help make space for the difficult topics.

May 9-15 was National Women’s Health Week. Do you have any thoughts you’d like to share with readers encouraging them to prioritize vaginal health, possibly, tips that can be critical to our well-being? The pandemic made it especially difficult to schedule or commit to doctor’s appointments but it’s we must remain diligent with our wellness checkups. Meanwhile, seek legit resources to educate yourself. There is a lot of inaccurate information on the internet, the DIY approach isn’t reliable. These few tips can promote good feminine health while you get to the doctor:

It is good practice to wear cotton underwear. Avoid synthetic fabrics, they breed bad bacteria, as they thrive in a dark, humid environment.Can’t say it enough – drink a lot of water! It helps flush out bacteria by diluting urine. Making frequent trips to the bathroom, pushes bacteria out from the body before an infection starts.Eating the right nutrients goes a long way. Certain foods can hurt while others help improve a woman’s vaginal health. Plain yogurt, as we’ve heard over the years contains probiotics. It has live bacteria cultures that help keep our ph balanced which results in a healthy vagina.Preventive Action! It is recommended that you take the proper steps to take care of your body. Eat right, drink water, and do the things for yourself that improve the state of your lady parts. It is best to care for your body to save a trip to the doctor and learn you are on the road to infection.

In the Latino culture, you risk social suicide, if you go down the road of a trailblazer. It takes a certain level of courage to be the individual who opens the floor to conversations that challenge old ways of thinking and defies the silent taboos. Education can help break through gender biases, cultural differences, and lack of knowledge. Constructive learning is the first step towards freeing women from stigmas. We can support others by listening and having empathy for those that need it.

AW is incredibly thankful to Daniella for sharing Happy V to spread awareness around the world. It isn’t easy to publicly explore the subject of feminine wellness but normalizing conversations about it can encourage openness over time. My hope is that our interview sparks the confidence in you to be less intimidated by the tough subjects. We learn from each other’s experiences, advocating for women that are willing to cultivate new attitudes is a wonderful way of using our power.

Protected content 2021. awakened-woman.com

The 3 Truths You Should Embrace Before Moving On from Heartbreak

Ask anyone you know whether or not they have experienced a broken heart, chances are the answer will be “Yes – who hasn’t!”

Broken hearts come in many forms, it’s not only about losing a husband, lover, boyfriend, or partner. The pain can derive from extreme disappointment, death, getting let go from a job you love, it’s all related to the end of something. This finality has the power to cause extreme anguish, oftentimes leaving victims an emotional wreck. However, our inner strength is one of the biggest weapons we have against the sadness that overshadows joy during this period.

I will not pretend or sugarcoat the fact that getting your heart smashed, plain sucks! Ever fall asleep in tears, just to wake up to more crying? The process of releasing hurt is exhausting but sadly, also necessary. We all let go of the pain in our own way, breaking dishes, exercising, listening to sad songs, looking at old pictures, eating pints of ice cream, or whatever it takes. Some of us take the opposite approach by stepping up our game. The old “glow up” method! Pull out the fanciest outfit, new hairdo, and have a night out with friends in order to forget you’re hurting. Quick bandaids to stop the spiritual bleeding but the truth is that the only way out is through.

Ignoring the affliction or numbing yourself is not an ideal strategy to get over anything. My heart has been shattered by people or circumstances multiple times. One of the things I’ve learned has been to give myself permission to feel the emotions. Letting the pain take its course forces us to deal with the reality of the suffering that has taken place. If we cope with the feelings by way of self-reflection and grasp an understanding of them, there is a better chance to figure out how to make sense of things and find acceptance. 

Everyone has dealt with pain in one way or another. Death, loss, betrayal, depression, divorce, and despair nearly broke me but I am still here! We can rise to the challenges that arise by actively taking part in the healing. Facing the truth about our lives is daunting. Embracing the inevitable uncertainty of life’s ups and downs can help prevent us from feeling paralyzed by the torment that comes with heartache.

As you walk the path to recovery, these are some key points to remember:

Heartbreak is not fatal, eventually, the hurt dissipates. People bounce back, every tomorrow the pain will prick a little less. You are stronger than the ache in your heart. There is time to mourn but do not live in it for too long because life is a blink.
Be honest with yourself about whatever has taken place to make space for acceptance. Sometimes, we lie to ourselves or ignore the truths that present themselves. They say, ignorance is bliss but too much of it can result in an oversight that can cause agony.
Live your life. It isn’t uncommon to get wrapped up in the struggles of daily life. The difficult moments encountered challenge our faith, leaving us physically depleted sometimes. We have control of emotions, give in to them with the understanding that it is possible to accept, deal and process the feelings in a healthy way, so we can move forward and enjoy the happier times that await.

Life is filled with unpredictable moments that cause great sorrow. It’s hard to imagine who we would be without experiencing emotional hardship. Post-divorce, I spent a lot of time numbing my feelings to no avail, eventually, things caught up to me. Managing my emotions was the only way, I was able to come out on the other side of the situation. The personal growth accomplished from this drawn-out process was the place where everything changed. Gaining a new perspective inspired me to create the life I envisioned for myself. The experience sparked a journey to self-improvement that continues until today. 

If you are in the midst of emotional turmoil, don’t be afraid to let yourself go. Open yourself up to what is happening within, allow room to process everything in front of you. Growth takes place in the most uncomfortable places. Don’t underestimate the impact of discomfort and how it forces change that helps your evolution into a better version of yourself.  

Protected content 2021. awakened-woman.com

Photo Credit: Unsplash – Javier Martnez 

The 3 Truths You Need to Embrace Before Moving On from Heartbreak

Ask anyone you know whether or not they have experienced a broken heart, chances are the answer will be “Yes – who hasn’t!”

Broken hearts come in many forms, it’s not only about losing a husband, lover, boyfriend, or partner. The pain can derive from extreme disappointment, death, getting let go from a job you love, it’s all related to the end of something. This finality has the power to cause extreme anguish, oftentimes leaving victims an emotional wreck. However, our inner strength is one of the biggest weapons we have against the sadness that overshadows joy during this period.

I will not pretend or sugarcoat the fact that getting your heart smashed, plain sucks! Ever fall asleep in tears, just to wake up to more crying? The process of releasing hurt is exhausting but sadly, also necessary. We all let go of the pain in our own way, breaking dishes, exercising, listening to sad songs, looking at old pictures, eating pints of ice cream, or whatever it takes. Some of us take the opposite approach by stepping up our game. The old “glow up” method! Pull out the fanciest outfit, new hairdo, and have a night out with friends in order to forget you’re hurting. Quick bandaids to stop the spiritual bleeding but the truth is that the only way out is through.

Ignoring the affliction or numbing yourself is not an ideal strategy to get over anything. My heart has been shattered by people or circumstances multiple times. One of the things I’ve learned has been to give myself permission to feel the emotions. Letting the pain take its course forces us to deal with the reality of the suffering that has taken place. If we cope with the feelings by way of self-reflection and grasp an understanding of them, there is a better chance to figure out how to make sense of things and find acceptance. 

Everyone has dealt with pain in one way or another. Death, loss, betrayal, depression, divorce, and despair nearly broke me but I am still here! We can rise to the challenges that arise by actively taking part in the healing. Facing the truth about our lives is daunting. Embracing the inevitable uncertainty of life’s ups and downs can help prevent us from feeling paralyzed by the torment that comes with heartache.

As you walk the path to recovery, these are some key points to remember:

Heartbreak is not fatal, eventually, the hurt dissipates. People bounce back, every tomorrow the pain will prick a little less. You are stronger than the ache in your heart. There is time to mourn but do not live in it for too long because life is a blink.
Be honest with yourself about whatever has taken place to make space for acceptance. Sometimes, we lie to ourselves or ignore the truths that present themselves. They say, ignorance is bliss but too much of it can result in an oversight that can cause agony.
Live your life. It isn’t uncommon to get wrapped up in the struggles of daily life. The difficult moments encountered challenge our faith, leaving us physically depleted sometimes. We have control of emotions, give in to them with the understanding that it is possible to accept, deal and process the feelings in a healthy way, so we can move forward and enjoy the happier times that await.

Life is filled with unpredictable moments that cause great sorrow. It’s hard to imagine who we would be without experiencing emotional hardship. Post-divorce, I spent a lot of time numbing my feelings to no avail, eventually, things caught up to me. Managing my emotions was the only way, I was able to come out on the other side of the situation. The personal growth accomplished from this drawn-out process was the place where everything changed. Gaining a new perspective inspired me to create the life I envisioned for myself. The experience sparked a journey to self-improvement that continues until today. 

If you are in the midst of emotional turmoil, don’t be afraid to let yourself go. Open yourself up to what is happening within, allow room to process everything in front of you. Growth takes place in the most uncomfortable places. Don’t underestimate the impact of discomfort and how it forces change that helps your evolution into a better version of yourself.  

Protected content 2021. awakened-woman.com

Photo Credit: Unsplash – Javier Martnez