SpeakUpJV

The "A" Word

As humans, it’s easy to place blame on other people, our circumstances, or the Universe for our mishaps but the reality is we are always responsible for our own actions. Our decisions, words, and movements dictate where we are going in life and what consequences are left as a result. But this is where the “A” word comes in: accountability. This does not just mean taking responsibility, but rather owning up to your sh*t and doing something about it. The purpose is to be better than you were yesterday so it’s important to start getting rid of the dead ends and it starts with taking accountability. So, how often do you use the “A” word?

Live In Resilience

“Life will knock you down if you let it.” This is a reminder that life will throw all kinds of curveballs at us but we need to get back up and keep moving forward. This is where our resilience comes into play. If we adopt a healthier perspective towards life’s challenges and learn from the lessons, it becomes easier to build upon that resilience. It’s important to become stronger, wiser, and better than before. Even if we have setbacks and sometimes the pain becomes too much, we need to remember WHY we are doing something. In order to start living in our purpose, we need to start by living in our resilience.

Don't DM Me, Talk To Me

While social media has paved the way for connections to be made across the globe and it has revolutionized the way we communicate with each other, it has also changed the way we approach dating. There is nothing wrong with meeting someone online or using that medium as a way to keep the conversation going, but it is a problem when we stop face-to-face interactions because of it. In order for us to build healthy relationships it is important that we get to know the individual by spending real time with them instead of focusing on their online status or what they portray on their profile. So, next time you want to “shoot your shot” on someone don’t just send a DM, talk to them.

Masterpieces From Broken Pieces

There is no such thing as coming from a perfect family. Some of us may come from an environment of toxic cycles, bad habits, and resentment. However, we can also learn from certain things, such as the strength of a parent, the wisdom of a sibling, or the traditions we wish to keep. We can't control where we came from but we can always control where we are going and what kind of future we will be shaping for ourselves and our own families. It is important to utilize the broken pieces from our past and learn to create them into masterpieces for our future.

Keepin' It 100 With Mental Health

This episode is in honor of mental health awareness month. Everyone is leading a busy life but it is important to recharge in order to reach our goals. Maintain focus but don’t overwhelm yourself. Listen to your body’s needs as well as your mind because it is the fuel for your ambition. Your mind is the element that controls the rest of you. It’s time to have real conversations about the importance of maintaining balance in all areas of your life. It’s time to keep it 100 with mental health.

Support&Grow

Part of self-development includes sharing the the positivity, the lessons, and the results you have acquired along the way as it makes all the difference in your journey.Much like you may have become inspired by someone, you might also inspire others. Nothing wrong with a little healthy competition but you can also help each other grow with support. This episode is dedicated to all the hard working individuals making their dreams come true one step at a time.

Anxiety Won't Defeat You

Anxiety is a normal human reaction but can become problematic when it affects your everyday life. It’s important to know the difference between what’s normal and what's not. Learn to dominate the small things so the bigger things don’t have control over you.Find effective coping mechanisms to make it easier to deal with anxiety. It won’t be easy but you're not alone. You are stronger than this and remember your anxiety won't defeat you.

Be Your Own Legacy

This episode is dedicated to Nipsey Hussle and his legacy.As we remember all the good he did for music and the Black community, we must also remember to create our own. Living in our purpose and knowing who we are defines the path we take. Nonbelievers will always have something to say so do something you are proud of. The stories we leave behind once we’re gone are the ones that matter most. So be your own legacy because remember the marathon continues.

Secure The Bag And Your Peace

Finding a balance between your job and your personal life can often times be difficult. We tend to become overwhelmed by stressors at our jobs and then once our day is over, we bring it home with us. Practicing mindfulness throughout your day is essential to finding that balance. Although having a job is important, it should not consume your entire life. Dedicate time to yourself to breathe, to practice self-care, and accomplish goals. Remember to secure your bag but also secure your peace.

When Value Goes Up, Bullsh*t Goes Down

The definition of your own value is dependent on what you allow to have control over you. It's no secret that life will test you but only you decide how you will react to a situation. That's why it’s important to have standards and self-discipline. Be aware of who or what is in your space and getting your time. You must think of the long term and what’s best for you, what will bring you peace. The higher your value is, the lower your chances are that you will put up with some bs.

Close It Your Damn Self

Breakups can be messy and oftentimes leave us with many unanswered questions. It’s easy to relive the pain but you have the choice to either continue to dwell on the past or provide yourself with your own answers. The best form of closure comes from you because you gain your own power back. The past no longer has control over you when you decide to close that chapter. Protecting your wellbeing and mental health is essential to moving forward and it all starts when you close it your damn self.

How Loud Is Your Energy?

A picture may be worth a thousand words but the energy you emit is worth so much more. Your energy speaks before you do when you enter a room, a conversation, or a relationship. As Nipsey Hussle said, master your energy and what you put into the universe because you’re entitled to the experience you create. Learn to be in your own company and in the right company because the energy you carry is important. Know what needs to change and what can remain the same. So, how loud is your energy?

You're As Beautiful As You Say You Are

Beauty standards have changed throughout the years, always excluding a specific group. Before social media, beauty standards were primarily seen on TV and magazines. Now, we use it to decide what body type, hair texture, or skin tone is considered beautiful. These standards can take a toll on our self-esteem. While it is normal to have insecurities, it isn't when you let them dictate your decisions to alter your body. What you say to yourself matters and you are as beautiful as you say you are.

It's Ok To Step Back

In a relationship, being a good spouse, family member, or friend means being there for each other. You both share the good and bad moments and give advice in hopes that the other person will find comfort in your words. Maybe they will learn from their situation and move forward. However, as much as you would like to save them, you need to allow the other person to make their own mistakes. Protect your own well-being and allow yourself to take some space. Remember that it's ok to step back.

What Are You Leaving Behind?

The end of the year tends to be a time of self-reflection for most of us. As we prepare for 2019, we take a look back at the past 365 days and reflect on what we have left behind. Maybe it was a relationship, old dietary habits, or just a really bad haircut. Whatever it was, it was no longer serving us and we took the lessons we learned from them in order to create room for growth. Take a listen and find out what is on our list of things we have decided to leave behind in 2018.