In this episode, Aja and Rich talk about the impact of generational trauma, some tips for navigating related challenges and more. If you hear yourself in this episode and you're not currently working with a professional, it may be time to start breaking that cycle.

Aja is a Licensed Mental Health Professional based in NYC. Learn more about her at ajaevanscounseling.com. 

Magic Mind is a 2 oz energy shot that helps me get in the zone without all the chemicals.

The Magic Mind team created a dope offer for me to share with the Mental Wealth family. You’ll get up to 56% off your first subscription order in the next 10 days or 20% off a one-time purchase by visiting magicmind.co/mentalwealth and redeem using the code mentalwealth20.

In this episode, I talk about reaching a critical milestone in my trauma healing journey, some lessons learned, and a storybook ending to a season of my life. If you're new, I encourage you to go back to the bonus episode released  in Feb 2022 for context to what I'm talking about. There are other solo episodes along the way where I fill in gaps about the path to healing.  If you've been around, this is probably the episode you've been waiting for. This one is the conclusion to vol. 1 of my story. And it really does have a storybook ending. Lastly, I'm back for the long haul. Those gaps you see between episodes will be no more. That'll make more sense when you listen. Holler at me on IG or Twitter @richrunstrack for thoughts and questions.

Want to work with me? Visit tmws.co/coaching to learn more.

Rich shares insights from his trip to Spain, reflecting on how travel influences his fitness routine and its broader life lessons. He talks about finding local gyms to maintain workouts and the impact of structure on his well-being. Rich also contrasts the culture and societal norms in Spain with the U.S., noting differences in safety, cleanliness, and homelessness. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of personal time during trips with significant others.

Rich reflects on his upcoming honeymoon, the benefits of creating space for personal growth, and the pitfalls of overcommitting. He recounts past struggles with launching a membership community amidst wedding preparations, and how he found clarity by embracing a slower, more authentic approach to life. Rich shares poignant insights from wedding interactions and the importance of being true to oneself, both in personal and professional spheres. As he returns to podcasting, Rich emphasizes focusing on enjoyment and natural growth over pursuing metrics and strategic tactics.

I had no intention of dropping a podcast episode today until I realized what today was. At the time I'm recording this, it is September 2, 2024, and three years ago, I started my mental health leave from my day job in corporate America. This mental health leave changed a lot for me and was really the beginning of my healing journey. Although I had been addressing my mental health and working on my physical health before this, the emotional health piece was what really needed work.

Leading up to this leave, I started having panic attacks, often while in work meetings with my camera off. Basic work tasks became difficult, and I felt a lot of shame because I knew I was capable of more. It wasn't until I learned that my manager was taking a mental health leave that I realized I could create space for myself too.

I felt embarrassed about taking leave; it felt like failure. But ultimately, I sent an email to my team and closed my laptop to focus on my well-being. My advice for anyone considering a mental health leave is to take more time than you think you'll need. Healing is a long journey, and I’ve learned that the things we hide from often hold the answers we seek.

I feel as free as I've ever felt in my adult life, and I can't wait for this new chapter of my journey.

And I'm finally ready to come back.

A quick update + the trailer for my new podcast.

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