In this episode, I speak with my new friend Jay, a fitness trainer in the UK who is living his life to the fullest, despite being diagnosed with Cerebellar Ataxia at age 15.

We discuss Jay's journey with his disability, the importance of independence, and the role of community and support systems in overcoming adversity.

Jay shares his insights on challenging perceptions of disability, the significance of human connection, and the impact of his fitness journey on others.

The conversation emphasizes resilience, inspiration, and the need for compassion in a world where everyone is facing their own struggles.

Jay's Instagram pages:

@FitnessbyJayy__

@ataxiasoldier

Donate to his GoFundMe! Help him buy a new wheelchair

Help Jay live daily life with even more independence!

In this episode, I interview Aanchal Arora, the author of the book of poetry she wrote and published, called The Efflorescence.

We discuss various themes in the book, including love, loss, motherhood, self-love, and feminine health. Anshal shares her journey into poetry and how it became a form of therapy for her.

We also talk about the importance of self-love and the power of vulnerability in writing.

Key takeaways

• Poetry can be a form of therapy and a way to express emotions and experiences.
• Self-love is important and should be a priority. It is okay to say no and take care of yourself.
• Failure is a stepping stone to success and a learning opportunity.
• Vulnerability in writing can validate the human experience and help others feel less alone.
• Dream big and pursue your passions, even if it means taking risks and facing challenges.

Aanchal dreams of going on a world book tour and spreading her words to a larger audience.

In this episode, I interview Parker Melendez, an emergency management specialist, about how stoicism has helped him navigate adversity in his career.

We discuss the principles of Stoicism, like controlling what you can and accepting what you can't, and how it applies to emergency situations.

Parker shares how he discovered Stoicism and the impact it has had on his emotional resilience. He also talks about using techniques like box breathing to stay calm in high-stress situations.

The conversation highlights the importance of emotional regulation and the idea that obstacles can be opportunities for growth. We dive into the practical application of Stoicism in everyday life, particularly for first responders.

Parker talks about the idea of accepting what is out of one's control and focusing on what can be controlled. We also touch on the importance of taking action and living in accordance with Stoic principles.

Parker emphasizes that Stoicism is not a religion but a philosophy that can be used as a set of tools to navigate life's challenges.

Resources:

The Daily Stoic website

The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living

Ryan Holiday's (author and Stoic expert) Instagram