Here Are My Thoughts

It's the time of the year when we look back ... and that can sometimes leave us feeling a little meh about the things we did and did not do. But just like Scottie P., we gotta live with no ragrets! The ~amazing~ quote mentioned in the episode is as follows, “Forgiveness is giving up the hope that the past could have been any different, it's accepting the past for what it was, and using this moment and this time to help yourself move forward.” - Oprah Instead of focusing on our regrets, let's reframe them and ask how these moments served us, and let's use them as a catalyst to live our best lives!

Notice and don't assume. Share freely and often. Be specific. That's my recipe for success to give yourself & others positive reinforcement! If you're curious, I'm currently trying the Premium CBD Oil Tincture - Broad-Spectrum from Asé Pure Naturals.

You did it! You showed up! Honestly, sometimes "showing up" is the hardest part of the process. Let's acknowledge and celebrate those moments as much as we celebrate the end result!

A little update about this week's podcast

Just in case you needed a friendly reminder! Note: Sound quality is a ~little~ better, but still a work in progress. I have to get used to new technology and a new space!

Transitions can be really tough, but since they're a part of life, let's talk about them a little more. I apologize for the sound quality - I tried fixing it but I'm certainly not a Sound Engineer!

The Here Are My Thoughts podcast is getting a 2nd season!

Here's why the podcast has been a little quiet of late...

We've all heard the phrase, "Do no harm." What if that phrase was holding us back? What if that phrase was - in fact - hurting ourselves in some way?

Life can just be lived. You don't have to: prove anyone wrong... make anyone proud... change the world... leave a lasting legacy... You can simply show up, find the joy, be good to you and be good to others, learn from the pain, hold yourself accountable, relish in the wonder of it and ride this thing out. - Rachel Elizabeth Cargle (@rachel.cargle)

A new episode on a new day of the week! Maybe it goes without saying, but a quick note post-editing... when someone tells you no - in regards to consent, boundaries, etc. - those are instances to accept no at face value!

I will give it my best, but I will not give it my all... Let's discuss!

Thanks to You're Welcome with Hilary Rushford, I've been reflecting on the concept of enoughness. Listen to Part I, Part II, and Part III on Apple Podcasts; take time for yourself and reflect!

On Sunday, April 11th, 20-year-old Daunte Wright was pulled over for a traffic violation by police in Brooklyn Center, MN, a suburb of Minneapolis. He was subsequently fatally shot by police. Included in this article are a few ways you can support Daunte Wright's family, as well as show solidarity and support to those affected by police violence. Watch Chris Rock's bad apple metaphor, as mentioned in this episode!

Taking a quick minute to pause & reflect.

Sometimes, you just need to rant, and cry, and rant some more. Head's up - This episode includes opinions on recent mass shootings, racism, access, wealth, and mentions voter suppression, sexual assault, and mental health.

When was the last time you were kind? When was the last time you were kind ... to yourself?

Full disclosure - I hate coming up with titles! Lolz!! I've been seeing a lot of social media posts lately telling me to finally take that leap of faith and step into the life meant for me. This is an amazing sentiment ~and~ sometimes it makes me bitter & cynical. Let's discuss... Also, check out RISE with Dina & Becca!!

I'm going to call bullsh*t in regards to living your life according to a timeline. Editor's Notes: I used about 5 different recording apparatuses for this episode!! That usually isn't the case, but life and experimentation and pivoting!

Sometimes advice is great, sometimes it's problematic. Can you spot the difference?

I love love, but hate Valentine's Day! Let me explain...

man·i·fes·ta·tion noun an event, action, or object that clearly shows or embodies something, especially a theory or an abstract idea Ask yourself... What's the life that you want live?

Yet another topic that's near & dear to my heart - because mental health is something I struggle with, work through, and try to understand every. single. day. If you, or someone you know, struggles with mental health and has thoughts of suicide, know that help is there. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

Money! While I hold more financial privileges than most, I've also gotten here by learning the hard way. Watch the Adam Ruins Everything episode mentioned via YouTube.

My personal faith journey has been filled with many bumps & bruises, detours & traffic jams. It's certainly a work in progress. Regardless of where I'm at in my current journey, there is something I have remained consistent in thinking: I do not like when religion/faith is weaponized. Based on suggestions from you, here are my thoughts re: religion.

This podcast really is a labor of love! Even though this took ~ages~ to put together, I'm so grateful for the opportunity to do so. Honestly, I'm grateful for SO many things - too numerous to list here. This episode featured inspiration from Rachel Hollis (@msrachelhollis), Steve Harvey, and all the folx at Daily Burn (@dailyburn). Happy New Year, everyone. Stay safe and stay sane as we ring in this brand new year!!

I'll be waiting by my phone for all of the audiobook and voice-over offers to come my way!! Looking for a laugh? Catch this retelling of the classic story from John Malkovich & SNL, and be sure to subscribe to the podcast and listen every Thursday!

Enjoy this mini episode about Elf on the Shelf, along with a PSA from your friend, Hanah!! Be sure to subscribe and listen each Thursday! Never forget ... as Kit told Viv, "Take care of you!"

What am I afraid of? Technical issues the night before a new episode drops! All that aside, let's talk about fear and how it can both keep us alive (thank you) and hold us back. Be sure to subscribe, and make sure you listen to Jaclyn's podcast, The Anxious Therapist! Episode 213 is quoted and discussed, but all of her content is fire!! Thanks for all of the love & support!

Sex is probably the worst kept secret, so why aren't we talking about it? In this emotional rant, I talk about sex, sexual health, and sexual advocacy. Content Warning: This episode includes topics of sexual assault I've included a few resources that may be of help... Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization Victim Connect Resource Center provides additional information about sexual assault and male victims The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) is the leading nonprofit in providing information and tools to prevent and respond to sexual violence, including information for survivors Parents & Guardians, resources for you... Mayo Clinic's website has information about talking to toddlers & preschoolers and school-aged children about sex This blog is full of talking points and support for children when discussing sex, bodies, relationships, and more (from ages 0 months to adolescence and beyond)

There is a lot of power in vulnerability, yet it is really hard to muster the courage to be vulnerable. Why is that? Vulnerability is a necessary part of life and connection, so let's talk about it. Listen to Brené Brown's TED Talk about vulnerability! You won't regret it!

Welcome to my podcast - Here Are My Thoughts! I'm so glad you're here! I want to use this podcast as a way to examine the topics that often go undiscussed. I'll share my opinions with you and maybe that'll spark a conversation, a reflection, or a rant of your own! Join me each week as we talk about sex, politics, money, religion, relationships, and so much more. New episodes will come out each Thursday, so be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. Y'all ready?! Here are my thoughts...