Photo Credit: Rasjacobson

Dear Readers,

I hope this blog post finds you and your family well. As I was planning my work schedule for the upcoming week, I was reminded that in a few short weeks, half of the year would have flown by! What goals did you set for 2018? How are they coming along? Wherever you are in the process, keep pushing, always being mindful, that not everyone will understand your journey. There is nothing wrong with this, it’s not for them to figure out.

I’m still on an unbelievable high from my recent trip to Africa. I think about the kids daily. I will keep my followers updated of my plans to help them, as it materializes later this year. The entire experience taught me more about myself than I thought possible. As I look back on the life path that took me to the Motherland, and inevitably where I now find myself, I cannot help but think of the road I’ve traveled thus far. I reminisced how, a few short years ago, I rallied publicly, and raged silently, as I was forced to accept circumstances that were not my own doing. Never underestimate the significance of blooming where you are planted!

Today, I am shell of that once vulnerable, naïve girl, who knew the treatment she willingly accepted, wasn’t copacetic , but lacked the strength and fortitude to stand up for herself, and say no more. I often cringe and recoil inside, when I remember the depth and breadth, of the suffering I went through. I didn’t love myself. How could I? I had to go through a process, an awakening, a cleansing of some sort, to come out on the other side.

How did I go from one extreme to another? I remembered who  I was, and the game changed. I learned to love me. I came to realize that a relationship, job, or circumstance, would not create the inner peace, and contentment I craved. I discovered this game-changing morsel of truth:  the only person, who is unequivocally responsible for my happiness, was me. I relied heavily on the fact, that I am enough, and always will be. I now know that a loving, respectful, kind, and compassionate relationship with myself, was the beginning of the greatest romance, I will ever have; the one I had with myself.

Last year, I blogged here about my collaboration with multiple authors. Well, that was released a few months ago, and it hit bestseller in multiple categories!! One of the goals I set for myself in 2018, was to write at least three books.  Currently, an EBook, is in the pipeline; it summarizes the steps I took to bring about the change I desperately sought from within. Today, I will share with you, a few of the practices that worked for me.

First, one of the greatest lessons I’ve learned over the past few years, was to become intimately familiar with my inner voice. The one that provides a running commentary and affects more than we will ever know. The way we talk to ourselves, can either be positive and supportive, or harmful and defeating.  I cannot stress enough, how important it is, that you and I are mindful of the ways in which we talk to ourselves. We all engage in self talk, this is normal; it helps us to figure out the world around us. My point is, have you stopped to consider how you do it? What are some of the things you tell yourself every day? Do you understand the relationship between this type of self talk, how it reflects on your daily actions, and your interactions with everyone around you? Everything starts here!

I also started introducing daily affirmations. I found it best to do this in the morning, right out of bed, or at least before the day gets started. I challenge you to look in the mirror and use phrases such as “I love you”. “I wholeheartedly accept myself the way I am” “I believe in, have trust, and confidence in myself” “I’m talented, and can use these talents for the good of those around me” “I commit to learning new things” etc. Whatever applies to your unique situation. Try to make this a daily habit. Soon, you will start to notice that not only do you believe these things, but you also get rid of negative, self-defeating thoughts, that you’ve been carrying around, and focus more on your goals.

Next, create habits of self-love and care; take yourself on a weekly date, get a massage, acupuncture, tune into how you feel on a daily basis, eat well, dress in ways that make you feel good, exercise, keep a journal, take up a hobby or revisit past passions, perform random acts of kindness, take photos of things you love, take a break from social media.  Taking time for yourself without feeling guilt, or having to explain, why you are not available. Self care is not an indulgence, it’s a necessity.

Confucius said “The more you know yourself, the more you forgive yourself” My dear readers, followers, and visitors, only you and I are intimately familiar with our unique challenges.  Are you holding onto burdens you should have left behind a long time ago? Well, when you don’t forgive yourself, you are doing just that. Being kind and forgiving to yourself simply means releasing anything, including energy that no longer serves any purpose in your life. Make peace with which you are, and the challenges you face daily.

Finally, begin each day with an attitude of gratitude. A few years ago, I decided to carry out a small experiment. I got an empty jar, each day for an entire year; I would find something to be grateful for, and write it down on a piece of colored paper. Often it was the smallest of incidences (the door being opened for me, a smile from a stranger etc). There is something to be said for waking up on New Year’s Day, emptying the jar and being reminded of just how wonderful the year had been to me! Maybe, for you, everyday is a bit too much to start with, or you don’t need/want to make a list. The idea is to get in the habit of expressing gratitude for the good things in your life.

Friends, it’s imperative for you to know, that the most important relationship you and I will ever have, is the one we have with ourselves. The success of any other relationship, is heavily predicated on this. No one will ever love you more than you love yourself. Consider this game changer; when we don’t love and accept ourselves fully, we create more work for our partners, families and friends, accept poor treatment from others, compare and compete, and cannot get through a day without needing validation.

Isn’t it time you begin to develop and nourish your greatest romance of all time? Infuse your life with action, passion, your own love. If you do not love yourself,  you will have a hard time loving others. Embrace your flaws. Don’t just be content with accepting yourself, but be absolutely crazy about it!

Make today, the day you begin your own unique journey of self exploration, acceptance, kindness and compassion, with you! “We all deserve the same type of love, we keep giving everyone else”

Until the next post, take care of yourselves, and your families.

Best,

Juan

I stand amazed at the love, kindness, and generosity the universe bestowed on me this year. The victories were tremendous. Except for a few notable setbacks, I was watched over, cared for, and loved, unlike any other year in recent times. Given all that happened to me in 2015, I spent 2016 recovering and rebuilding my life. I am humbled at the way things came full circle this year, a very fitting culmination of the past two.

I’m so grateful for the life. I will affirm, things are only getting started. When I look back on the memories, it’s hard not to write down a few of the favorite ones; women’s March in Manhattan, successful aneurysm repair surgery and six month follow up report, two 5k events for charity, first helicopter ride, started a business, invested in the stock market, visited three countries and 20+ cities, first book collaboration, acquired a platform to bring my message to the world, Jill Scott in concert, a new hobby (painting), Elephant Nature Park, live taping of a talk show, OWO, the stranger who paid my bill, mobster museum, Downton Abbey exhibition, Ancestry DNA, Magazine Contributing Writer, Suzy visiting, met Deon, ship inspection, Capitol Hill, and recently secured a new job, with an almost 50% increase in salary…… the list goes on.

In a few short hours, a brand new year will be knocking on our doors. What are you most excited about? What plans do you have, that’s destined to set your soul on fire? I’m looking forward to projects already in the works, books to come forward, the first of many public speaking engagements, countries to visit, people to meet, and the love I will experience. Friends, if you only remember a few words from this post, please take with you the following; do not fear failure, but fear being in the same place next year, as you are now. Please know the best is yet to come. Don’t rely on anyone or anything to validate you. Finally, if you stumble (and we all do), make it a part of the dance.

Wishing you and your loved ones, the very best 2018 has to offer!

“Ten years from now, make sure you can say that you chose your life, and didn’t settle for it”

Until the next post,

Best,

Juan

Photo: Pexels

If you follow my blog, you will know in late 2015, I was diagnosed with a Carotid Aneurysm. Last Thursday, a little over 6 months’ post op, I had a follow up MRA, then an  appointment with the Surgeon. The wait was about 20 minutes, but it seemed to have gone on forever. Now, this time after post op, is very critical. There are two outcomes; another follow-up surgery is needed, or you are healing properly, in which case, then it’s another MRI/A in about a year. Other than the Anesthesiologist who woke me up in March, after my 3.5-hour procedure with the words “Wake up Miss Williams. Your surgery was a success”, I’ve never heard sweater words, except when the Surgeon said to me last week “Your MRA looks great. You are healing in the manner we hope….” His words trailed off, as the burden lifted.

Today, I simply want to say again THANK YOU VERY MUCH. The thoughtful souls who organized prayer vigils and fasts for me. Carried out prayer chains. The office staff at my former employer, in the 305, who gathered at the time I was supposed to be wheeled into surgery, to pray for me. The ones who followed up to see how I am doing; you each have contributed to my life, in ways I can only hope, that I spend the rest of it, being grateful and paying it forward. And when I forget to do so, the minute I remember, I would correct my actions immediately. If I didn’t reach out to let you know of these developments, hopefully, you know me well enough to know, that I meant nothing by doing so. I thought long and hard, before telling anyone to begin with. I generally handle my trials, the only way I know how; with my God given strength, as much grace as I can muster, and the knowledge that if I was brought to it, HE will help me get through it. I just felt this was too much for my tired shoulders, at the time. I have no doubt, at some point or another, each of us, will need nothing short of a huge miracle to change the trajectory of our lives!

I have always had a great respect and reverence for life, but since March, it has been amplified, something akin to a steroidal influence! I no longer wonder and worry about experiences I should have, places I want to visit, and things I welcome into my life. I make better choices in my relationships, and jobs/careers I pursue. I KNOW things can change in a minute. All I have is now. I will try not to worry about the scan I need to have in a year, if and when I come to this bridge, I will cross it. Friends, if this post does nothing else for you, I would hope you at least realize, that if you haven’t started walking in your identity, and living your best life, then, what are you waiting for?!

Until the next post,

Best,

Juan

Dear Readers,

I hope this post finds you well. I remain grateful for your support and visits. The growth I have experienced through this platform has been tremendous.

At some point in our lives, each of us, regardless of our belief system, must call upon a higher power to intervene on our behalf. The circumstances are usually extenuating. We are driven to ask for protection, strength, guidance, and deliverance, either for ourselves or loved ones. Permit me to share one such experience today. In late 2015, I shared with you my diagnosis. Part of the reason for being in USA, was to have this looked into. I had to seek other medical opinions, and give myself the best chance for coming out okay.

My type of aneurysm is caused by three things: smoking, family history of aneurysms, and uncontrolled high blood pressure. I don’t smoke, and there is no family history, anywhere. All the specialists I saw agreed the diagnosis was caused by untreated high blood pressure. In the two years leading up to my diagnosis, I somehow made it through the most emotionally charged, and incredibly stressful time in my life, to date. My blood pressure spiraled out of control. I often visited the GP; saw different doctors, who didn’t see it fit to put me on medication, until it was too late. The reason? After several tests, the high blood pressure was caused by the stress. Hindsight is indeed foresight; I should have insisted they put me on something. However, all I could think of during this time, was avoiding a nervous breakdown. I came close. I never thought it would come to this. I’m here now.

Back to the issue at hand. The diagnosis is life threatening, the surgery incredibly high risk. I consulted two different neurosurgeons here, and had more imaging. The advice was the same; due to your age, the location, and size of the aneurysm, I should have the procedure. Sooner or later I would need to. For months, I weighed the risks of waiting and watching, versus surgery. The younger I was when I had the procedure, the better my chances were in the long-term. If the aneurysm did rupture, it could result in death, profound handicap, or minimal disability. Furthermore, there was also a chance it wouldn’t rupture for years. However, as the years passed, the chance of a rupture increases. There was no telling what would happen.

Less than a month ago, I decided to go for it. I was encouraged by the fact that, the surgeon I chose, was well-known and highly skilled. The hospital is ranked in the top ten in the USA. People from all over the country, and the world, chose this facility for the procedure I needed (balloon assisted coiling). I needed divine intervention more than ever. I’ve never doubted my family and friends love for me. Wouldn’t you know, they had people (some of them strangers) in more than seven countries praying for me? Talk about eternal gratitude.

I once worked for a medical practice in Florida. I remained in touch with them, and even closer with one particularly kind, loving, and gentle soul. Two weeks before my procedure, while at a retreat, she asked for a special prayer chain to be carried out on my behalf. She didn’t stop there; at the exact time, I was supposed to be heading into surgery, she arranged for the doctors and the entire office staff to come together to offer up even more prayers. With so many cries going up on my behalf, I truly felt I would be taken care of. If you’re one of the many who cared enough to pray for my well-being, THANK YOU. To those who followed up, and is still following up to see how I’m getting on, again THANK YOU. For the rest of my life, I will not forget your simple acts of kindness!

I remember looking at my family one last time before being wheeled into the operating room. I could see the fear in their eyes. It’s not hard to imagine what was reflected in mine. However, we all hoped the prayers would be heard. Hours later, the Anesthesiologist woke me up and stated: “Wake up, wake up Miss Williams, your surgery was a success”. I’ve never heard sweeter words! An overnight stay in the ICU, is the status quo for this type of surgery. My mom and sister stayed with me the entire time. I was discharged the next day. Recovery is what it is. My mum took two weeks off work to take care of me post op. I didn’t want for anything! Today, certain physical activities are limited. I’ll need periodic MRI’s, which will eventually be faded out. The Surgeon has assured me, that in a few months I should be back to normal. It’s more than I can ask for, considering the circumstances.

I realize I am one of the blessed and lucky ones. Aneurysms are often asymptomatic. In my case, it was discovered while investigating something else. When aneurysms rupture, the majority of people die. Others suffer life changing cognitive and physical disabilities. The extremely lucky few have few handicaps. A friend told me “Your work on earth isn’t completed yet” She is right. A large number of people prayed for me. God listened, and answered.

My dear readers and followers, I know sometimes it seems you’ll never get through a particular trial. The road you’ve been asked to travel is long and hard. Please don’t give up. I’ve been there, often enough. There is hope and help available. I’ll be celebrating another earth strong day next week. Two years ago, I made the decision to live my truth. Subconsciously, I must have seen this test coming. Every minute counts. I have a million and one reasons to celebrate life, love, happiness, and everything in between. There is no doubt, each and every future accomplishment will be memorialized.

“When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile” Unknown.

Until the next post,

Best,

Juan

Photo: Your Beautiful Life

A year ago this week, I was living in the UK, driving to work, when I collided with a cyclist. It was the most horrible experience one can have. I was in a state. The events seem to be happening to someone else, as I looked on. I remember getting out of my car, which was parked in the middle of the street, walking over to the cyclist, asking if he was okay, and falling apart. I just couldn’t handle it. A small crowd had already gathered. While we waited for the police to arrive, the cyclist and I talked for a bit. HE was trying to console me, even joking about the situation, in an effort to find some humor. He was a kind man. The majority of British people are. Thankfully, he didn’t need to be hospitalized. Cyclists/car drivers incidents in Bristol are alarming.

Where am I going with this, you wonder? Well, I will get to that. As I sat on the cold pavement waiting, a lovely, kind, and compassionate lady, Theresa, who was on her way to work, and saw the entire incident, came over to comfort me. As we spoke, she gently rubbed my shoulders. Thinking about the incident now, moves me to tears. One kind stranger, helping another. I apologized for keeping her from going about her business, to which she replied “It’s okay my dear. Please don’t worry about it.” She would later share that she did have a meeting to attend, but she felt like she was needed there. I was floored.

Amidst all the mayhem, I had forgotten to take my jacket out of the car, and was only reminded how cold it was, when yet another kind stranger, came up to me, and asked if she could buy me a cup of tea. I looked into her gentle features; the concern on her face was unmistakable. At my nod of consent, she walked away to the nearest café shop. All I could utter upon her return was a “Thank you”. She smiled warmly at me, wished me all the best, and told me she had to be off to work. My attitude was one of immense gratitude.

Present day: I’m in the NYC at this time. Public transportation is the way forward. A few months ago, I was on the select bus; one stop away from my place of abode. As passengers boarded the bus, I heard a young lady, a few rows behind me, pleading with the passenger next to her, to call emergency services. I have medical training, so of course my antennas went up. She was in acute physical distress. I got up from my seat and approached her. The passenger by this time, had moved ahead to tell the driver of the medical emergency. She was sweating profusely, vomiting, and had a “glazed” look in her eyes.

I asked the normal questions; name, date, where she was, etc. She was lucid and aware of her surroundings. I spoke to her in soothing tones, asked her to hang in there, as help was on the way. I assured her that I would stay with her until EMS arrived. By this time, another young lady, who later identified herself as a nurse, had joined us. I briefly checked towards the driver’s seat, and was stunned to see the bus was empty! All the passengers had vacated, and got on their way. New York is the best city in the world; it can also be a harsh at times! I didn’t have time to process anything else.

The nurse and I stayed with the ill passenger until rescue came. We kept talking to her in an effort to keep her calm and reassured. We told her the medical professionals in the hospital would take good care of her, and she will be okay. I offered her the tissues I was holding to mop the sweat off her face. I asked her for the phone number to a family member. The person who answered was ever so grateful that someone reached out to let her know a family member was ill. After EMS departed, I called the family member again to let her know where she was being taken. I thought about this young lady over the next several days. I hoped she was okay, and that her medical issues were sorted out on time.

I share this story for two reasons; the incident left an indelible impression on me, and we have a responsibility to pay it forward. Earlier in the year, strangers recognized I was in a bad way, and because of their kindness, a burden was made lighter. Months later, a situation offered me the opportunity, to be of comfort to someone one else.  At home later that night, I thought about the young woman, nurse, and the bus driver, all whose paths crossed with mine. I was never happier to be in the right place at the right time.

We all want better for ourselves, and hopefully the same for others. Paying it forward results in mutually shared joy, and keeps the flame of hope burning in people. Creating ripples of kindness helps to make the world, “a better place, for you, me, and the entire human race”. Life is a continuum. Sometimes it’s not about you or me. Life can deal shitty hands at times. Yet, we often find ourselves s in a position to save someone or vice versa. We are able to learn the mechanics of reciprocity, when stand together and rise.

Until the next post,

Best,

Juan