THE LAST EPISODE OF THE SEASON! It honestly feels like an accomplishment.  Season 2.... It's happening.  Thank you for being my thought processes dumping ground. And really just a great creative outlet for me.  Juggling this... as you have heard.... well I dropped some balls. But I did my best, and had a lot of self growth along the way.  Next season the goal is to be more intentional... But, you never know! e Thank you for listening to my car ride rants... And I will catch you all next season <3 ----------------------------------------------------- MY FAVORITE PODCASTS THIS YEAR (None are affiliates or sponsors) The Michelle Obama Podcast Nice White Parents - Serial American Coyote - Imperative Secular Buddhism - With Noah Rasheta The Moth - PRX Crime Junkie - Audiochuck The NPR Politics Podcast - NPR This American Life WHAT GOT ME THROUGH THIS YEAR (None are affiliates or sponsors) Novel by Matt Haig. The Midnight Library Podcast Secular Buddhism. By Noah Rasheta - https://open.spotify.com/show/3lbH5Ulpvc9hyLmyoj1UUF Yoga with Adriene - https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene Quick meditation for stress - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZToicYcHIOU Sleep affirmations - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eU3nHz_e34 Book by Rhonda Byrne. The Secret. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 800-273-8255 GUESTS THIS SEASON You can connect with Alex Groves on: Spotify(Podcast): It’s Common  https://open.spotify.com/show/31xRx9Dk4xKeetFnbaZCk1 Anchor: It’s Common Instagram:@the_optimisticbee You can connect with Ciara Pilkinton on: Youtube: Wandering Woman  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBufoatrI-3gb6adBEPNo_g Instagram: @_wanderingwoman_ You can connect with Mallory Bates on: Instagram: @mallorybates ----------------------------- Recorded 12/13/21 Released 2/7/22

If you want to know a couple books that helped me gain a more clear understanding of social structures and pressures...here ya go! My knowledge if forever growing and changing. Please feel free to comment and share any knowledge or information to help me grow and learn! Race and Racisms. A Critical Approach. By Tanya Maria Golash-Boza  https://www.amazon.com/Race-Racisms-Critical-Approach-Second/dp/0190889438/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Race+and+Racisms.+A+Critical+Approach.+By+Tanya+Maria+Golash-Boza&qid=1639450756&sr=8-3 Social Inequality in a Global Age. By Scott Sernau https://www.amazon.com/Social-Inequality-Global-Scott-Sernau/dp/1544309317/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Social+Inequality+in+a+Global+Age.+By+Scott+Sernau&qid=1639450862&sr=8-1 -------------------------------------------- MY FAVORITE PODCASTS THIS YEAR (None are affiliates or sponsors) The Michelle Obama Podcast Nice White Parents - Serial American Coyote - Imperative Secular Buddhism - With Noah Rasheta The Moth - PRX Crime Junkie - Audiochuck The NPR Politics Podcast - NPR This American Life WHAT GOT ME THROUGH THIS YEAR (None are affiliates or sponsors) Novel by Matt Haig. The Midnight Library Podcast Secular Buddhism. By Noah Rasheta - https://open.spotify.com/show/3lbH5Ulpvc9hyLmyoj1UUF Yoga with Adriene - https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene Quick meditation for stress - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZToicYcHIOU Sleep affirmations - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eU3nHz_e34 Book by Rhonda Byrne. The Secret. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 800-273-8255 GUESTS THIS SEASON You can connect with Alex Groves on: Spotify(Podcast): It’s Common  https://open.spotify.com/show/31xRx9Dk4xKeetFnbaZCk1 Anchor: It’s Common Instagram:@the_optimisticbee You can connect with Ciara Pilkinton on: Youtube: Wandering Woman  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBufoatrI-3gb6adBEPNo_g Instagram: @_wanderingwoman_ You can connect with Mallory Bates on: Instagram: @mallorybates ----------------------------------------------------- Recorded 11/15/21 Released 1/31/22

Britannica tells us.... "Friendship is generally characterized by five defining features: 1. It is a dyadic relationship, meaning that it involves a series of interactions between two individuals known to each other. 2. It is recognized by both members of the relationship and is characterized by a bond or tie of reciprocated affection. 3. It is not obligatory; two individuals choose to form a friendship with each other. In Western societies, friendships are one of the least prescribed close relationships, with no formal duties or legal obligations to one another. 4. It is typically egalitarian in nature. Unlike parent-child relationships, for instance, each individual in a friendship has about the same amount of power or authority in the relationship. 5. It is almost always characterized by companionship and shared activities. In fact, one of the primary goals and motivations of friendship is companionship. In addition, adolescent and adult friendships often perform other functions, such as serving as sources of emotional support and providing opportunities for self-disclosure and intimacy." Let me tell you.... I choose these women. Thank you Ciara and Mallory for your love and support. I am SO proud of us and all our growth. Individually and together.  Mom and dad don't listen.... If you do just know I was in good hands the whole ride! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- MY FAVORITE PODCASTS THIS YEAR (None are affiliates or sponsors) The Michelle Obama Podcast Nice White Parents - Serial American Coyote - Imperative Secular Buddhism - With Noah Rasheta The Moth - PRX Crime Junkie - Audiochuck The NPR Politics Podcast - NPR This American Life WHAT GOT ME THROUGH THIS YEAR (None are affiliates or sponsors) Novel by Matt Haig. The Midnight Library Podcast Secular Buddhism. By Noah Rasheta - https://open.spotify.com/show/3lbH5Ulpvc9hyLmyoj1UUF Yoga with Adriene - https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene Quick meditation for stress - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZToicYcHIOU Sleep affirmations - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eU3nHz_e34 Book by Rhonda Byrne. The Secret. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 800-273-8255 GUESTS THIS SEASON You can connect with Alex Groves on: Spotify(Podcast): It’s Common  https://open.spotify.com/show/31xRx9Dk4xKeetFnbaZCk1 Anchor: It’s Common Instagram:@the_optimisticbee You can connect with Ciara Pilkinton on: Youtube: Wandering Woman  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBufoatrI-3gb6adBEPNo_g Instagram: @_wanderingwoman_ You can connect with Mallory Bates on: Instagram: @mallorybates ------------------------------------------------- Recorded 11/19/21 Released 1/24/22

There is nothing more to say than what is already said in this video.  TRUST YOUR HEART>>> THE PROCESS>>> YOUR GUT>>>>THE SIGNS!!! ------------------------------------------------------------- MY FAVORITE PODCASTS THIS YEAR (None are affiliates or sponsors) The Michelle Obama Podcast Nice White Parents - Serial American Coyote - Imperative Secular Buddhism - With Noah Rasheta The Moth - PRX Crime Junkie - Audiochuck The NPR Politics Podcast - NPR This American Life WHAT GOT ME THROUGH THIS YEAR (None are affiliates or sponsors) Novel by Matt Haig. The Midnight Library Podcast Secular Buddhism. By Noah Rasheta - https://open.spotify.com/show/3lbH5Ulpvc9hyLmyoj1UUF Yoga with Adriene - https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene Quick meditation for stress - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZToicYcHIOU Sleep affirmations - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eU3nHz_e34 Book by Rhonda Byrne. The Secret. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 800-273-8255 GUESTS THIS SEASON You can connect with Alex Groves on: Spotify(Podcast): It’s Common  https://open.spotify.com/show/31xRx9Dk4xKeetFnbaZCk1 Anchor: It’s Common Instagram:@the_optimisticbee You can connect with Ciara Pilkinton on: Youtube: Wandering Woman  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBufoatrI-3gb6adBEPNo_g Instagram: @_wanderingwoman_ You can connect with Mallory Bates on: Instagram: @mallorybates ------------------------------------------- Recorded 11/18/21 Released 1/17/22

A ball I never want to drop.... is ADVENTURING! Ciara Pilkinton and I chat about trips and our friendship! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ MY FAVORITE PODCASTS THIS YEAR (None are affiliates or sponsors) The Michelle Obama Podcast Nice White Parents - Serial American Coyote - Imperative Secular Buddhism - With Noah Rasheta The Moth - PRX Crime Junkie - Audiochuck The NPR Politics Podcast - NPR This American Life WHAT GOT ME THROUGH THIS YEAR (None are affiliates or sponsors) Novel by Matt Haig. The Midnight Library Podcast Secular Buddhism. By Noah Rasheta - https://open.spotify.com/show/3lbH5Ulpvc9hyLmyoj1UUF Yoga with Adriene - https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene Quick meditation for stress - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZToicYcHIOU Sleep affirmations - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eU3nHz_e34 Book by Rhonda Byrne. The Secret. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 800-273-8255 GUESTS THIS SEASON You can connect with Alex Groves on: Spotify(Podcast): It’s Common  https://open.spotify.com/show/31xRx9Dk4xKeetFnbaZCk1 Anchor: It’s Common Instagram:@the_optimisticbee You can connect with Ciara Pilkinton on: Youtube: Wandering Woman  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBufoatrI-3gb6adBEPNo_g Instagram: @_wanderingwoman_ You can connect with Mallory Bates on: Instagram: @mallorybates ____________________ Recorded 7/14/21 Released  1/10/22

Something that can be hard to manage is introspection. Thankfully I have FINALLY reached a point in my life where I am EXCITED to dig deeper into my own mind and get to know myself. I do not know myself as well as I thought I did, and that is A-OK. If you need help getting started try asking yourselves one of the following questions. Do not just answer and move on. Take this question with you wherever you go this week. Instead of picking up your phone to mindlessly scroll, or instead of zoning out on your car ride to work... turn the question over and over and see all the sides you didn't before. The good. The bad. And the ugly. Take your time. Self discovery is a process that NEVER ends.  https://positivepsychology.com/introspection-self-reflection/ Is it more important to love or be loved? How many of my friends would I trust with my life? Who has had the greatest impact on my life? Would I break the law to save a loved one? Would I steal to feed a starving child? What is life asking of me? I really wish others knew this about me . . . Name what is enough for you. If my body could talk, it would say . . . Write a list of questions to which you urgently need answers.” I have changed my perspectives on some big ticket believes this year. Listen along to hear my thought process!  ---------------------------------------------------- MY FAVORITE PODCASTS THIS YEAR (None are affiliates or sponsors) The Michelle Obama Podcast Nice White Parents - Serial American Coyote - Imperative Secular Buddhism - With Noah Rasheta The Moth - PRX Crime Junkie - Audiochuck The NPR Politics Podcast - NPR This American Life WHAT GOT ME THROUGH THIS YEAR (None are affiliates or sponsors) Novel by Matt Haig. The Midnight Library Podcast Secular Buddhism. By Noah Rasheta - https://open.spotify.com/show/3lbH5Ulpvc9hyLmyoj1UUF Yoga with Adriene - https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene Quick meditation for stress - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZToicYcHIOU Sleep affirmations - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eU3nHz_e34 Book by Rhonda Byrne. The Secret. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 800-273-8255 GUESTS THIS SEASON You can connect with Alex Groves on: Spotify(Podcast): It’s Common  https://open.spotify.com/show/31xRx9Dk4xKeetFnbaZCk1 Anchor: It’s Common Instagram:@the_optimisticbee You can connect with Ciara Pilkinton on: Youtube: Wandering Woman  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBufoatrI-3gb6adBEPNo_g Instagram: @_wanderingwoman_ You can connect with Mallory Bates on: Instagram: @mallorybates ------------------------------------------------------ Recorded 12/13/21 Released 1/3/22

Do you have balls? How many? Are you living your life like a juggling act trying to keep a ton of things in the air? Me too. This podcast will talk about common life struggles as seen through my own personal experiences and knowledge. I would love to find common ground with others and build a community of listeners that can share experiences to help each other navigate life more successfully while feeling supported. These opinions and topics may not be for everyone, but I know everyone can relate to trying to balance their own life. I hear you, I see you, and I am going through it too. Let’s talk about it and build a shared connection!