I AM A STUDENT OF LIFE

Today's episode is special because it is Father's Day. It's the day of the year where we celebrate most of the extraordinary men in our lives : our fathers. They wear many hats as our protectors, guardians, heroes, providers, pillars and leaders. For the occasion, I have invited a special guest who is not only a father of four but a computer programmer turned into a published author Mr. Patrick Long. A passion the he's been pursuing throughout his life. Mr. Long love's for writing goes way back in his childhood in St.Louis, Missouri where he was born and raised and also raising his four children while being a supporter of the American cancer Society and camp Kesem, at the St. Louis university chapter. His first published book “Ordinarily Extraordinary” an international bestseller who received global 5 stars reviews at 95% and endorsements, is a nonfiction publication detailing his wife's battle with breast cancer and its effects on him, their children and marriage. A raw, revealing and intense real life-tale. ****I'm inviting you to get a copy of the book : « Ordinarily extraordinary » which is a captivating true story that gives a rare and unique perspective of a surviving husband and father in a beautifully uplifting story of love and anger, life and death, and hope and inspiration. For more information about the book please go on : www.PatrickPLong.com**** BECOME A $$$UPPORTER by subscribing to the show : LINK below : https://anchor.fm/christine-rene/support --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/christine-rene/support

In this episode, I wanted to bring awareness to the fact that sometimes based on our perception of certain things as a result of our unhealed traumas, we tend to repeat old patterns into our lives. I've always had the wrong perception of « Love ». To me it's something that always hurt. Lately, I have been finding it difficult to create a space in me to welcome love but the healthy love. They say, unhealed traumas get transmitted. So since I'm on my journey to better myself, I've realized what are the aspects of my life that I still need to work on. As a result of me repeating those patterns, I have been falling into a place that feels familiar but also draining emotionally. I decided to go deeper and look into it with the help of a professional. There's is no shame in being vulnerable. The goal here is to grown the healthy way and it is our responsibility to take care of ourselves physically and mentally. I know that there are better days ahead...in the lows I'm still a fighter and an eternal student of life. ***************THE LINK TO BECOME A $UPPORTER***************************https://anchor.fm/christine-rene/support --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/christine-rene/support

A mother's day special with two of my friends Djinie & Sophia about motherhood and their everyday reality. We all share our testimony on what is that journey is like while adjusting to this “new normal” since the COVID-19 pandemic. This conversation is authentic and comes from a place of sisterhood as we support and relate to each other's challenges. As you may notice, the recording sound may not be perfect. Why? Because this is motherhood with no BS...In order for all of us to find time and a little peace away from our children to record, one of us had to go outside to sit in her car while the two others had to locked themselves inside their rooms. This is life for us. I wanted to honour them because to me they are two exceptional strong women and mothers. ***YOU CAN NOW $UPPORT THE PODCAST WITH A SMALL DONATION TO HELP THE SHOW GROW*** Link to support : https://anchor.fm/christine-rene/support --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/christine-rene/support

In this episode, I am beyond happy to get to introduce to you, under the show new segment «PHENOMENAL WOMEN» another strong, bold, charismatic, full of life and very inspiring woman in the name of Melissa Lapides. I came across her light on social media and base on my own personal experiences with my own traumas, I knew that I wanted to get to know her more and have her on the show. Melissa Lapides is a licensed Integrative Psychotherapist, coach, energy healer and Trauma specialist. She has been practicing for 15 years and lives in Southern California with her 3 children. And the thing that represent her best is that she is passionate at teaching others. Melissa put the emphasis on how everyone has trauma and how trauma impacts every single part of our lives when we don't constantly work toward healing them. She works with trauma in an embodied way which gives clients tools to be consistently empowered over their emotions. In this episode, we are going to get a little deeper and personal with Melissa on a subject that most of us are probably dealing with and that is our « Trauma ». As some of us are going through our own personal journey of growth and healing, there comes a stage in our lives where we start to face ourselves, a stage where time is going to reveal which area of our trauma we need to heal from base on what can and will triggered us. ******************* **** You can follow her on Facebook: Melissa Lapides and Instagram @safetraumahealing *********Here's the link to her SafeSpace facilitation program to know more about her work with trauma : https://www.safetraumahealing.com *****DONT FORGET TO $UPPORT THE PODCAST WITH YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS AT THIS LINK : https://anchor.fm/christine-rene/support --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/christine-rene/support

Do you believe that «words» have power(spoken or written)? Well, from a personal perspective, I do because throughout my childhood and until now, my perception of life or the perception I had of myself had been entirely shaped on the words that I heard growing up. Over the years, I've learned that words cannot change reality, but they can change how we perceive that reality. One thing for sure, words can also affect our behaviours and our view on the person that we are becoming. Words can either break you or make you, that is why we have to be mindful on how we are using them. So choose your words wisely before you speak! The power of words is magical, spiritual, incredible so be aware on the things that we might be saying to our children as we may affect them in ways that can impact them for the rest of their lives positively or negatively. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/christine-rene/support

One thing that has helped me shift positively on my journey in terms of making peace with my past, my pain and some of my traumas, was the moment I started to take accountability for my life. Because at some point, I realized that I now have the power to take decisions whether the outcomes are positives or negatives. Taking accountability, helped me understand that I'm no longer a victim of my life circumstances but the main character in command. I now can write a different narrative for myself. Often, being held accountable resonate as a form of punishment that we are taking upon us for doing something wrong but it's a very positive thing to learn how and when to hold ourselves accountable. That way we can emphasize our strengths and improve our weaknesses. If I've learned something for sure over the years, it was that blaming my actions on other people or the situations that I were in never really solved anything except it was keeping me at the same spot. Instead, I was holding myself back at the victim stage by moving backwards. There's so much more that I have to learn and that I am still learning but despite it all, I am proud for all the steps forwards that I have taken. I am a student of life, therefore, I am still a work in progress. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/christine-rene/support

Since we celebrated international women's day not too long ago, this episode is about my journey into «womanhood». Growing up, I had a lot of preconceived ideas on what a woman shouldn't and couldn't be. I didn't take pride in that because I saw all the limitations and restrictions of being a woman. To me it was clear that I wasn't free in my own rights. But we came a long way because we had a lot of pioneers who stood up and fought so we could have a voice. Now, a woman strength reside in almost everything because now, we can define ourselves. Now, my daughters and the next generations to come will have power in knowing that a woman is not just there to be seen but also to be heard and lead. That's why we own it to our children to heal ourselves while passing the torch. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/christine-rene/support

All humans have patterns to their behaviours. These patterns are developed over time based on our life experiences. One of the bad habit some of us have is overthinking. In this episode, I wanted to check in with those just like myself who overthink because I know how challenging it must have been especially during this social crisis due to COVID-19 not to fall into what I call the “spider web” inside of our brains while overlooking on important things because we are there thinking about somethings too much or for too long. While it's human nature to think things through when making a decision or evaluating a situation but we have to be aware that it's linked to a psychological problem when we cannot get out of our own head to the point where it's affecting our mental health. In this episode, you will also find some tools that I am applying to myself that are helping me coping better in my thought process. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/christine-rene/support

This episode is about love with the big L. The romantic relationship type of love but I put the emphasis on the positives aspects of it. For exemple, when you're entering a new relationship or the dating phase or even if you are already engaged in a long term relationship/partnership or marriage. What are the good signs that you are on the right track with your partner?How to evaluate your relationship dynamic so you know it's healthy for both of you. I know nowadays we hear a lot about toxic love and the red flags to look out for in love but I want to change the energy positively and highlight the « GREEN FLAGS IN LOVE ». The things that are going to be your indicators that you are in a healthy loving relationship. Keep in mind, every relationships are different and we evolve through the course of life, so our wants and needs will also evolve. But there are some major important values that are fondamental and universal for all in our relationships. There's no such thing as “perfect relationships” but we have to aspire on building healthy ones. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/christine-rene/support

This episode is going to be the introduction of a new segment in the podcast called «PHENOMENAL WOMEN» where I am going to present to you a series of women that I think are phenomenal. It's my way of honouring my fellow warriors, fighters, sisters, the modern days “Wonder Woman” and share their magic with you. My first guest for this segment is a woman that I have been following for 2 years on social media, who's words had sometimes gave me chills and resonate in my soul during a period of time in my life where I needed to be inspired and uplift in my spirit. It's someone that I have a profound admiration for because in my opinion she is beautiful, she is bold, she is fierce, she lives her life unapologetically and she is a woman of faith. Her name: Dr India Hall, who is currently living in El Paso, Texas. She is a certified Christian Life Coach, mentor, who earned her doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis in Christian Ministries from Grand Canyon University. She has 10 years of public speaking experience and she is specialized in topics pertaining to spirituality, healing, personal growth, professional enhancement, leadership, and relationships. Her specialities are geared towards helping people grow in their spiritual, personal, and professional lives. She is an educator, and a writer. She strives to empower people through education and currently speaks at universities, women's shelters, and churches. Formerly, she has occupied the roles of a counselor and college professor. Since she is passionate about mental and spiritual health, social justice and education, she blends her knowledge of mental health, internal well-being, and positive behavioral practices to educate and empower people to live their best lives. But of course her most rewarding role is being the mother of an intelligent handsome young man Elijah who is now 7 years old. The road may not have been easy at times but here she is standing still, standing strong and shining bright because she is phenomenal. In this interview, Dr. India Hall shared with us among other things her childhood hero and mentor who is someone very dear to her heart. How she finds balance between motherhood and being an entrepreneur or « mompreneur » and how growing closer to God have led her on the journey that she is on right now. Please follow her on instragram : @drindiahall // her YouTube channel: India Ministries and booked her on her website for her virtual courses about life coaching and mentorship: https://www.drindiahall.com/life-coaching-mentorship --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/christine-rene/support

In this episode, I get to interview Mr. Tyrone Dixon, from Syracuse, NY the man that wears many hats. Starting by his most rewarding one, father of two beautiful daughters from his 8 years strong relationship and soon to be 4 years of marriage with his lovely wife Ivonnia. Among many other things, he holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. Mr Dixon, is the CEO, and Founder of Aroze Through Concrete Consulting. A consulting business also located in Syracuse, NY, that mostly assists people with emotional regulation and give them effective tools that help them communicate within their relationships. He's also experienced in managing projects, working collaboratively on the Staff Development team, handling training logistics, teaching CPR, Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention (SCIP), and Proactive Approaches to working with individuals who have developmental disabilities. His impressive resume doesn't stop there, as he hosted several workshops at the South Side Innovation Center, South Side Communication Center, The Dunbar Center Alfred University as well as North Central State College (Mansfield, OH). Nationally Certified Life and relationship coach, with over 12 years of experience working in Human Services, his main motivation is to help others develop positive relationships and emotional stability in their lives. Since he is also certified in Emotional Intelligence, Mr Tyrone Dixon was kind enough to accept my invitation and answered for us some questions of that matter : 1-What is emotional intelligence? 2-How do you develop emotional intelligence? 3-Why is teaching emotional development is important? 4-What is an example of emotional regulation and How can we regulate our emotions? 5-Do you think people with traumatic backgrounds like child abused, domestic violence, addictions, sexual assault resulting into PTSD are more vulnerable to experience dysfunctional irregularities when it comes to their emotional intelligence? Can you tell us why? 6-How can having emotional intelligence helps build a healthy relationship? 7-How do you and your wife work on building a healthy relationship? ‘'Society has set us up for failure, in terms of our relationships."  Tyrone Dixon...and much more.... --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/christine-rene/support

We all have hopes, dreams, wants, desires and we all have the abilities within us to manifest the things that we aspire to the most. Manifestation is essentially the act of feeling something is yours and making it real. When you manifest something, you're making it known to the universe that this thing that you want can and will be yours. However, manifestation takes a lot more than just positive thinking. It takes actions and you'll have to have faith in the process. Are you ready to manifest your power and live in your truth? --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/christine-rene/support

Introducing to you this brilliant young man Jerome Shaw, Podcaster (The open palm) and Author of ‘' Finding inner peace : A guide to the wisdom within''. As he is using his voice to be an inspiration for the next generation and after making a wonderful review about my podcast, I decided to invite Jerome to show my gratitude to join me and exchange with me on how to find inner peace while we are experiencing our transition to the new normal due to COVID-19. Since we have found ourselves secluded in our homes unable to remain physically connected with our loved ones, how can we remain at peace when we have to cope with solitude, isolation, mental health and financial distress? Well from his own words, peace is really an inside job and peace is what surrounds and comforts a human being in times of difficult challenges. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/christine-rene/support

It seems fairly widely accepted that over 40% of Canadian marriages are expected to end in divorce. The statistics do not account for further separations experienced by unmarried spouses (common-law couples) witch makes separation and divorce a normative life event for many canadians. The COVID-19 pandemic is surely helping increasing the numbers. But love seems to become more and more ephemeral, especially for the millennials who barely believe in the institution of marriage or the sacred parts of relationship. So where is the love? From what I've learned so far, a relationship or marriage are for grownups, so if you are not prepared and haven't reach a higher level of maturity and wisdom you should stay out of them. Love also starts with you before you engaged into a relationship or marriage, you'll have to heal your wounds so you don't go bleed on somebody else... --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/christine-rene/support

I think due to this social crisis that we are experiencing right now, one of the biggest challenges people are facing is to stay optimistic. Unfortunately, this is an unprecedented difficult time filled with financial struggles, health challenges, personal isolation, social disconnection, fear that are causing some people to be more vulnerable in their well-being. That's why it's going to be crucial for us more then ever to cultivate a positive mindset. When you have a positive mindset you're going to expect positive outcomes in almost any negative situation. There's no doubt that the power of positivity is immense and it can help us convert that energy into reality as long as we are willing to because what you feed your mind...you become. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/christine-rene/support

A New Year's resolution is a commitment to yourself often made at the end of the year that you will change something or that you will start doing things differently, just before you start a new year. As you are going to notice, your plans for New Year's 2021 are going to be a lot different than what they used to be and your resolutions may look a lot different too. It's no secret to no one that 2020 was a though one. It wasn't much about our goals and achievements but mostly about how resilient we had been and still continue to be. I think after everything that we all have experienced, we can all agree that this year, it's definitely going to be the year to put yourself first. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/christine-rene/support

Since we are living in a time of uncertainty while we are experiencing a social crisis during this pandemic, I think it's crucial that we do not let fear take over to preserve our sanity. This year, particularly has been overwhelming on all of us on so many levels. Although we don't really know the outcome of things precisely or we could easily crumble and lose our hope, we cannot give in into the chaos. Together we can rise...Together we can connect so we don't fear no more... --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/christine-rene/support

A silver lining is a sign of hope in an unfortunate or gloomy situation where we can envision a bright prospect in the outcomes of it. It's a way to put focus on the positives as opposed to the negatives. How do we find positivity in negativity? Well, the thing is to start looking past the situation and start acknowledging how it can still bring opportunities. Such as to start over, rebuild on better foundations or to simply reevaluate our lives on our terms. In this episode, I am getting vulnerable and personal but I am also sharing with you how I was able to find the silver lining in a very difficult time in my life. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/christine-rene/support

They say self-esteem is our individual's subjective evaluation of our own worth or the opinion we have of ourselves and our abilities. Some of us have high self-esteem and others low self-esteem. Evidently, low self-esteem can leave us feeling insecure or unmotivated. How to walk with confidence in a world that is labeling us, defining us and categorizing us in stereotypes or molding us into beauty standards or success ? How do we strive to be the best version of ourselves in a world where we are constantly bombarded by unrealistic goals of perfection? I say : How about we create our own lane... --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/christine-rene/support

They say forgiveness is about goodness and extending mercy to people who have hurt you. But how can you find strength to forgive when the pain runs deep? Well, forgiveness is a gift to yourself. It's about letting go and choosing not to allow another person to have power over you. It's a step by step process. It's personal and internal. Forgiveness starts with you... --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/christine-rene/support

«Boundaries »...Something that I was personally struggling with because I didn't know how to set them. Having boundaries is having limits with others behaviours. It's necessary to have them and to discuss them early on in your relationships. Having boundaries are also an indication of your view on standards of conduct. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/christine-rene/support

We all have our ways to cope and deal with life. Once we have been deceived and hurt many times, it's inevitable that we are going to unconsciously develop “DEFENSE MECHANISMS”. A psychoanalytic theory introduced first by Sigmund Freud in 1894. It's our way to mentally process compromise solutions to conflicts that we are unable to resolve. There's some major common defense mechanisms such as : repression, reaction formation, projection, regression, sublimation, denial and rationalization. In my case mine is “projection”. I'm no expert in the psychoanalysis department but through my experience this is my main shield that I use most of the time... --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/christine-rene/support

Once you let go, it's time to “rebuild” the new you...rebuilding is never easy because it requires for you to start over and it's also a lonely road. It's something that is mandatory for you to do in order to put yourself on a new path. Just like the caterpillar eventually you'll have to turn into a butterfly...Rebuilding starts with YOU and that's a commitment that you own to yourself. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/christine-rene/support

This episode is about the importance of letting go of things or people that are holding you back. Letting go to rebuild the person that you are “becoming”. It's never easy to do so but it's gratifying when you can look back and realized how far you have come and how far you have made it. I AM A STUDENT OF LIFE and I'm still learning to let go and hopefully you'll find strength, courage and inspiration to keep you moving forward. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/christine-rene/support

This episode is an introduction of myself and the pivotal moment in my life where things shifted and make me break a toxic cycle and ended my marriage...It's also an introspection on my journey as I am still becoming a woman, my introduction to motherhood and on how I find myself on the road of recovery. It's also about how I made it a quest to find happiness within myself. There's always that moment of clarity that will push us out of our comfort zone and give us an opportunity to rebuild, recalibrate, rejuvenate and be reborn. Your current situation is not your final destination...Like they say : “what doesn't kill you make you stronger”. As a student of life, I am willing to learn and be better each day with humility, maturity and wisdom. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/christine-rene/support

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/christine-rene/support