E74: Life Lessons From the Heart

Today Nov 21st, marks the 15-year anniversary of my cousin Dayn taking his life. We had adopted Dayn as our brother.  A phenomenal, gorgeous, handsome, funny, and grateful human being, Dayn was a light in this world and his light went out. In this episode, I’m sharing some things I’ve learned over the years that I would have told Dayn today – although he might be listening to me right now as well. So I’m sending all of these thoughts out into the universe today. Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation: On nurturing relationships On love, courage, patience, and belonging On joy, gratitude, and forgiveness On passion, purpose, and presence On acceptance and action Episode Highlights: [00:58] On Nurturing Relationships - Family first, last, and always. Blood will always run thicker than water. - There is nothing like lifelong friends. Cherish them, keep in touch, don't disappear, and don't ghost them. They will be your memory when you forget, but they will also love you always, and most often,  laugh at any of your bad jokes. - Answer the phone when you know the person calling needs to hear your voice. We may not use the phone much anymore these days since we use a lot of text messaging and everything else. But when that phone rings, pick it up. [01:35] On Love, Courage, Patience, and Belonging - True love is like water. True lust is like lightning.  Learn the difference. Make your choices wisely. - Courage – when you taste it, don’t give up. Keep moving with it and life opens up. - It's never too late to let love in. And it's never too late to let someone love the real you. It's never ever too late in the day to tell the people you love that you love them. - Limiting beliefs – we all have them. Once you spot them, do your best to not let them take over. When you can acknowledge them, smile and put them all in the backseat. - Worthiness, recognition, belonging, attention, love –  these are essential to us just like oxygen. - It's okay to be a late bloomer. Be patient, your time will come. [02:33] On Joy, Gratitude, and Forgiveness - Music – find what moves you and crank it up! - Bow down to each sunset, moonrise, and dawn… Bow down, rise up and give thanks! - Happiness is your birthright – and it is a choice. - Forgive yourself. Shame is a real killer of the soul. If you can’t kick it yourself, find someone to work it out with. You are bigger than it is. [03:04] On Passion, Purpose, and Presence - Never ever let someone steal your sunshine. There will be people who feel the need to do so… detach from them and walk into the light. Find stillness somewhere. - Pause enough to look and see the goodness in others. Do this on purpose. Take time to listen. And be curious. - Find a career that is not a job. Find what turns you on and lights you up and makes you want to get out of bed daily! - Keep the past in the past. [03:42] On Acceptance and Action - You are I and I am you. We are all the same. With that, there is no judgment. - It’s one thing to listen, and another thing to listen and act. Take action. Without it, there is no motion and there will be no outcome. You don't get points for holding back. Don't take yourself so seriously. We are all in this together. Finally, in the words of Dayn, dance as though no one was watching. Wishing everyone beautiful sunrises, gorgeous sunsets, and a warm holiday season!