I M A Migrant

Is it better to have loved and lost or never to have loved at all?Today I want to introduce you to Zoe, there are some people that have known life, not in all its joy, but also in all it’s tragedy, in all its loss, and all that one should not have to know. Zoe has lived so much of life, she is one that chooses everyday to see the life she gets to live, to treasure the ones she holds close, and to be a place of kindness to those she meetsZoe is one that I felt a connection with almost instantly, I often find those that have lived life as she has, they can feel it in others, feel the deep desire to press on and know oneself. I have a deep admiration for this sweet human, for the ease in which it is to share time with her and the sincerity in which she sees her own life We chat about growing up as an Albanian in Greece, about seeing her mom struggle and growing up coming alongside her in her own strength, how her mom to this day is her hero, and how her brothers have taught her much about herself and how to express love to othersShe shares about loss in a way that is real, in a way that does not lessen its blow, but yet persists to press on. She shares how it can feel to not belong, to feel joy and safety and in an instant have it taken awayZoe is one that speaks of what it is to be powerful, why it is our own duty to pursue a life we love and be someone we are proud of, to not worry of what others think of you, and that time and again you will need to choose yourself no matter what anyone else thinksI know my time with Zoe has been one that reminded me of the reality that life will be what it may, but we choose always what we will become So tune in today and meet Zoe, a human that knows what it is to be human, and one that will remind you it is ok for you to be just that also And to you Zoe thank you, thank you for being real, being you, for allowing me to know you, for sharing time with me, for allowing yourself to be seen. You are a treasure in this world and one I am grateful and honored to know. Love you sweet girl and see you soon 

Have you made peace with yourself?Today I want to introduce you to Vasilis, a human living a life of intention, one that values and chooses moments of peace that remind him of the finality of life, one that sees life with a heart that does not fear what it holds for him but rather holds with an open hand what life has become, because of who he has chosen to beFor Vasilis It’s not about what we become to those who do not know us, or those that see our accolades, but rather if we are recognized for our integrity, it is there that lies peace and value of what and who we grant access and time with us to; it is this and so much more that deeply impacted me in my time with Vasilis We chat about equality in humanity, about a desire for the world to become a better place for those just beginning life, and the difference between being known for ones integrity and not for fame that is fleeting He shares why solidarity is a word and a lesson we each need to value, why communication and connection in how we interact with others and in what determines the value we place on who someone is changes thingsVasilis is one who is sharing his passion, his culture, and the simple and valuable lesson, to show up and learn with an open heart. He is one that I am honored to be seen and heard by, on that I am honored to share time with, and one I am truly excited to share a part of with you So tune in today and meet Vasilis, someone who will remind you what it is to press into simplicity over publicity, and to choose actions and a life that allows you to make peace with yourself And to you Vasilis thank you, thank you for sharing your kitchen, your time, your joy, wisdom, and most of all, allowing me to walk out with a friend. You are a truly remarkable human for how you choose to show up in the world, how you see and allow yourself to be seen, and the gentle way you allow others to be a part of something in your kitchen. It was a highlight of my time to share this conversation with you and I look forward to seeing you again. 

What defines legality and rights as a human being? A question I dare say should not have to be asked and should be simply understood by all... yet here we are standing again at the precipice of what we will accept as a people

What kind of space do you create when someone approaches you?Today I want to introduce you to Nico, I had the pleasure of connecting with this sweet human a few months back and was immediately aware of the way he was present in a conversation. I have grown to really appreciate and learn from those that can be in a crowded space and allow another to feel like the only one in the room.Nico is no stranger to being in a new place, he is one that is open to seeing his own life with a desire to learn and grow, and one that so openly shares with kindness and laughter what life has led him through and toWe chat about taking intentional time to create without expectation, why Pablo Escobar and the Jersey Shore make understanding a certain topic impossible, and what it’s like stepping into a new stage of life with his partnerHe shares the impact of someone who was a respected teacher in his life, and how that person chose a path of harm to others and caused him to pull away from art all together, how fear of becoming something can cause us to let go of the good parts of us, and how good is not owned capital by those who do evilWe chat about purpose and its ever changing direction, how building his business, moving to a new country, and allowing certain fears like horses, to not be overcome have led him to a life he is proud ofNico is one that reminds us all to see our own lives and our own purpose for our own experience and no one else’s, he is one that shows us what it looks like to be real, be open, and allow ourselves to be known So tune in today and meet Nico, a human doing just that, being a beautiful part of humanity And to you Nico thank you, thank you for allowing me the honor of knowing you, for your trust in sharing this conversation with me and allowing me to share it with others, for your wisdom and your joy, you are a gem; and I’m so glad you get to enjoy what it is to breath again. 

Do you feel fulfilled in what you do?Today I want to introduce you to Gabriel, a man on a mission to not only live out what he loves to do, but also to share with others just how possible it is for them to do the same. Gabriel is building the world’s longest resume; but more importantly Gabriel is genuinely showing up and passing on what it is to be seen and valued for who someone is. Gabriel has this joy that he carries with him, one he is quick to share with whoever is in front of him, and a heart that holds the lessons and love from those in his life and intentionally passes what he can on to anyone following along with his journey He shares what being a knowledge creator means for his work, the deep desire for his work and life to make an impact, why learning what you hate is success, and the excitement for the collective growth of his friends.We chat about the desire to allow another’s story to be heard, about the reality of pursuing a career that isn’t understood, and facing the question of; “what will other people think?”He shares a lesson his mom taught him that she wishes he wouldn’t share, his desire for everyone to be able to show up fully in a way they feel themselves in what they do, and his thoughts on gender and leadershipGabriel is a human that values humanity, one that at his core seeks to help others in a way that aligns with how he shows up as himself authentically. He is someone who connects and cares, and one that I am truly honored to get to share with you all today So tune in and meet Gabriel, a hardworking and heartwarming soulAnd to you Gabriel thank you, thank you for sharing time, pizza, and so much of what excites you as you pursue your purpose in life. Thank you for the way you remind others that they get to learn and try new things, and for the way you are impacting the world one edutainment video at a time. You are a truly lovely human and this world is better because of your choice to be present as you in it.

When was the last time you met someone and knew what they stood for?Today I want to introduce you to Armando, Armando is the kind of human that can bring life to a room, the kind of friend that will show up, and one that has learned one of the most valuable lessons there is in life; to know when to let others be there for himI had the pleasure of meeting Armando recently, with stories of his life that feel larger than life, words that match his actions, and a heart that sees others, Armando is one I’m truly honored to get to share with you all We chat about life growing up in the Bronx, the importance of knowing who your people are and that they know you are there for them, and the reality that not everyone where he grew up made itHe shares how his work, his work family, and the way getting to do what he loves has changed so much of where he thought his life could go, how having a boss that he can ask for a hug or talk to when times are hard makes him stronger, and how the man he has become is able to show up for those that he gets to train upHe speaks from a place of kindness and humanity as he shares something he wishes women knew, and something he wish men were taught. He shares how you can bump heads with someone and still show up for them and care for them, and a desire for everyone to remember not to lose faithArmando is someone truly special, the kind of human that reminds us just how precious life itself is, how much we get to choose what we do with it and who we become, and how important it is who we surround ourselves with So tune in today and meet Armando, a human that wants you to know to be yourself and smile, cause life is something you get to live And to you Armando thank you, thank you for sharing this time with me, for you open heart, your wisdom, the love in which you share in your story, and the reminder to not lose faith. You are a beautiful soul and I am better for getting to share this time with you 

When was the last time you thought you couldn’t do something anymore?Today I want to introduce you to Heather, Heather is someone that you could walk by her office and ask for her help, someone who would listen and genuinely seek to show up for you. She is one that has a smile, will share a laugh with you, and one that has lived life enough to know, there isn’t only one way forwardWe chat about the joy in celebrating adulthood and getting to pursue new things, even if they are unplanned or scary. We chat about showing up and stepping towards a need instead of away, and what it looks like to know the love you give matters.She shares about life shifting, about a young marriage, about learning to lean on family, about trusting yourself enough to accept help, and how music and its connection to her faith bring her peaceShe shares about how life shifted after brain surgery and how the reminder from someone who is for her, shifted how she chose to move forward in life. How life may have new methods or different paces, but that we get to find new ways forward even in change that is out of our controlThis conversation with Heather felt like a theme lately for me, a voice of things I needed to hear, to be filled with hope, to cheer yourself on, and to show up and love with an eternal optimistic light So tune in today and meet Heather, and I dare you to walk away from this conversation without a smile on your face. If this impacts you half as much as it did for me, you will be reminded what it is to do what we can, to love well, speak openly, and to be community, both to and a part of what is around us.And to you Heather thank you, thank you for the reminder to hold deeply on to hope, to be my own cheerleader, for taking the time and agreeing to a conversation you knew little about, for being fully you, and for allowing me the honor of sharing a part of your story with others. I’m so glad I get to know you and see you in the office.

Have you ever felt like life is happening to you and not for you?Today I want to introduce you to Elona, this is actually the first in person conversation I got to have with this sweet soul and I am truly grateful that life continues to bring people like this into mineElona is one that chooses to use her life, her experience, and all that has existed in her life, to hold space for others and demonstrate the value of humanityShe shares how loss at a young age, and having to face her own mortality pointed her to growing in knowing, and loving who she is inside and out. How mental peace creates clarity, how clarity allows for compassion, and how we can be afraid of something and embrace it at the same time We chat about how confidence and desperation can coexist within us, how time can heal all, but only if we do the work in that time, and how we can often allow ourselves to believe the lie that, “if we were known” we would somehow be less worthy. She shares wisdom that speaks of times in her life no one should have had to endure, of empathy and value for humanity regardless of how it differs from her own values and experiences, and the beauty that comes when we allow ourselves to exist in the silence.I’ve grown a fast and deep respect for the way this human chooses to show up in the world, for the way she has chosen to use her voice and her work, for how she holds space for others, and for how she holds space to be herself. I find often we forget the value in our own peace, the impact in our own understanding, and the compassion when we are loved from a place of being known; Elona is one such human that is this and more.So tune in today and meet Elona, a human that is a living example of what it is to see value, compassion, and empathy in one who does not look like us. She is someone who gently and with understanding reminds us that if we allow ourselves to see it as so, that life happens for us not to us, and how deeply that can change life itself. And to you Elona thank you, thank you for the reminder to be our own best friend, to speak to myself the way I would speak to those I love, to press into the silence of peace in meditation, and for the absolute joy of sharing time with you. Thank you for allowing me the honor of knowing more of your story and allowing others to be impacted as I have been. You are a human choosing to leave this world with an impact of love and healing, and for that you are among what makes humanity truly full of love and beauty. 

So much of where we are going is impacted by where we have been, I can't say I'm one to think I have grand advice worth listening to, but these are things I wrote down at the beginning of the year and as I read back through them recently; I wanted to share them. They are things I think I want my future self to hold on to, things I want to guide my choices, and things that are true for all of us. But let me know which one resonates with you the most?

What’s the scariest thing you have ever let go of?Today I want to introduce you to Pedro, someone who does not measure self worth by what one accomplishes, but rather by who it is that you value yourself to be Pedro is someone that has chosen to change, learn and grow into someone that values sharing who he is, what he has, and what he’s learned with those around himWe chat about what it means to learn something new everyday, the way fear impacts the daily little decisions, and accepting that we don’t have to be good at everything He shares how walking away from alcohol changed the trajectory of his life, how our view of who we are needs to understand the value of every aspect of ourselves; physically, mentally, and spirituallyHe shares how being quiet and listening to what you feel, before you act or respond, how it allows him to not deny who he is, but rather to understand it and grow in itPedro is a human full of sincerity, patience, ease, joy for life, and knowledge that comes from knowing just how fragile the choices we make can allow us to become, but also how impactful and beautiful our decisions allow us to grow into who we areSo tune in today and meet Pedro, one that will remind you that anything is possible, that life is not something to be discarded but rather something to dive into and see what we get become And to you Pedro thank you for allowing me to share this conversation with you, for the honor of having your trust in sharing a part of your journey and your story, for the reminder that we are defined by who we choose to be, to not take life to seriously, and to be myself first. You are one leaving others better than you find them, and impacting the world in a beautiful way. Looking forward to being in the water with you again soon.