My Gastric Surgery journey

Manifesting

I just had a quick thought about manifesting and why I personally think it works.

When you manifest every day, you’re thinking about the *thing* you want. First, you come up with the *thing*. Then, the next day, you’re thinking more about the *thing* – like maybe what it would be like to have or accomplish the *thing*. Then, soon after, you start thinking about how you can obtain or achieve the *thing*. Then the next thing you know, you’re doing the things you have to do to obtain or achieve the *thing*.

It is like setting a goal and then figuring out how to achieve it, but in a way that is almost subliminal. When you are thinking about the *thing* every single day, how can you NOT achieve it? I suppose you could think about it and never take action, but it’s almost like you can’t help but take action when you are constantly thinking about it.

Just because you manifest something doesn’t mean it happens over night. It still requires work, dedication and focus to achieve the *thing*. And those things all take time. So, keep manifesting the *thing* and believe it will happen – and it will!

For me, I listen to a manifesting meditation every night when I go to sleep. (I use an app called Insight Timer). At first, I wasn’t even sure what to manifest – like what did I want? Eventually I realized I really wanted to take some action on investing and building some wealth for retirement. It was something I had made a few little steps at, but got stuck and wasn’t actually doing any investing. So I made that my mantra and now I have dabbled in some stock investing and I’m ready to start doing bigger investments. I’ve done a ton of research, I’ve opened accounts, I’ve moved money and I’ve learned A LOT.

Next up is a new series of the Podcast I’m calling “Money Moves Made Simple: An Investing Journey — Without Regret” where I’m going to share my journey; the good, bad and ugly, into investing! Stay tuned!

Turning Pain into Purpose: Lisa Sugarman’s Journey to End the Stigma Around Mental Health and Suicide

In this latest episode of Without Regret the Podcast, I had the absolute privilege of speaking with the inspiring Lisa Sugarman. Lisa is a Boston-based author, columnist, crisis counselor with The Trevor Project, storyteller with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), survivor of suicide loss, and a passionate mental health advocate.

Lisa’s mission is profoundly personal and deeply impactful: to help end the stigma surrounding mental illness and suicide by normalizing conversations about these often-taboo topics. And in this episode, she opened up about her own heart-wrenching journey of loss and healing, offering us a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit.

Lisa’s story is one of unimaginable pain transformed into a purposeful life of advocacy. She shared with us how, 35 years after her father Jim’s death, she learned that he had taken his own life. This revelation forced her to re-grieve his loss, this time with the weight of understanding that he had been suffering in silence. During a time when mental illness was rarely spoken about, her father’s struggle remained hidden, leaving him unable to get the help he desperately needed.

What struck me most about Lisa’s story is not just the immense sorrow she had to process, but the incredible resilience and determination she displayed in the aftermath. Rather than letting her grief consume her, Lisa made the brave decision to turn her pain into purpose. She now dedicates her life to helping others through her work with The Trevor Project and NAMI, and by sharing her story to raise awareness and foster understanding.

Throughout our conversation, Lisa emphasized the importance of storytelling in breaking down the barriers that keep people silent about their struggles with mental health. She believes that by sharing our experiences of loss, grief, and recovery, we can find strength and healing within our communities. Lisa’s commitment to this cause is truly inspiring, and it’s clear that her work is making a difference in the lives of so many.

One of the most powerful moments of our discussion was when Lisa talked about the importance of creating safe spaces where people can talk openly about their mental health without fear of judgment. It’s a reminder that, as a society, we still have a long way to go in ensuring that everyone feels comfortable seeking help when they need it.

I encourage everyone to listen to this episode, whether you’ve personally been touched by suicide and mental illness or not. Lisa’s story is a crucial reminder of the importance of compassion, understanding, and the power of sharing our truths.

As we continue to navigate the often challenging conversations surrounding mental health, let’s take Lisa’s words to heart and strive to create a world where no one has to suffer in silence. Because, as Lisa so eloquently put it, “One. Story. At. A. Time.”

Thank you, Lisa, for your bravery, your compassion, and for the incredible work you’re doing to help end the stigma around mental health and suicide. Your story has touched my heart, and I know it will resonate with so many of our listeners as well.

Listen to the full episode here, and join us in this vital conversation about mental health, suicide, loss, and healing.

Let’s continue to support one another, share our stories, and break down the barriers that keep us from seeking help. Together, we can make a difference.

Women in Podcasting Awards

VOTE HERE

I’m thrilled to share some exciting news with all of you! Without Regret: The Podcast has been nominated for a Women in Podcasting Award! This recognition means the world to me, and I’m beyond grateful for the love and support that has brought us to this incredible moment.

When I first started Without Regret, my mission was simple: to share stories of resilience, transformation, and the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity. I wanted to create a space where people could find hope, inspiration, and practical advice to help them live their lives without regret. I never imagined that this journey would lead to such an amazing honor.

This nomination is not just about me—it’s about all of us. It’s about every guest who has bravely shared their story, every listener who has tuned in and found something meaningful, and every person who has reached out to say that an episode touched their heart or changed their perspective. This podcast is a collective effort, and I’m so proud of what we’ve built together.

As many of you know, I’m deeply passionate about positivity, self-talk, and maintaining a healthy mindset. These are the tools that have helped me navigate my own challenges, and they’re at the core of what we discuss on the show. Whether it’s through visualization, creating vision boards, or finding the right accountability partners, I believe we all have the power to shape our future and live a life without regret.

VOTE HERE

Being nominated for the Women in Podcasting Award feels like a beautiful affirmation of the work we’re doing. It’s a reminder that our stories matter, and that sharing them can make a real difference in the world.

I also want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you. Your support, your feedback, and your willingness to be part of this journey have been instrumental in making this podcast what it is today. I’m so grateful for this community and the connections we’ve built.

If you’d like to check out the nomination and learn more about the awards, you can do so here. I would also love it if you would please use that link to vote for me as well. I’m incredibly excited to see where this journey takes us next, and I’m honored to be in the running alongside so many talented women in the podcasting space.

No matter what happens, I’m committed to continuing this work, sharing more stories, and hopefully, inspiring all of you to live your lives without regret. Thank you for being part of this amazing journey. Here’s to many more episodes, stories, and shared moments ahead!

VOTE HERE

With gratitude,
Tamara Albrecht

Choosing Vitality: A Journey to Positive Energy with Adrienne Simmons

In a world saturated with negativity and discord, Adrienne Simmons stands as a beacon of positivity and vitality. Her journey, fueled by a profound desire to uplift and inspire, resonates deeply in our conversation. Adrienne’s philosophy is simple yet powerful: what you feed your mind shapes your life.

“I intentionally will not focus on negative commentary,” Adrienne asserts, reflecting on her deliberate choice to filter out negativity from her life. In a time where media bombards us with troubling news, Adrienne’s approach is refreshing. She actively seeks out feel-good stories and sources of inspiration, nurturing a mindset brimming with positivity and empowerment.

Her transformation into a wellness coach, starting just months before her 66th birthday, underscores her commitment to living a life of vitality. “Energy is obviously a commodity for individuals that don’t have it,” she notes, drawing on her own experiences of receiving compliments on her vibrant energy.

Adrienne’s coaching isn’t just about physical health; it’s a holistic approach encompassing emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. Through personalized coaching, she helps clients navigate their wellness journey, whether it’s improving physical fitness, revitalizing social connections, or exploring new career paths.

“Your health is your wealth,” Adrienne emphasizes, advocating for natural and holistic approaches to wellness. Her coaching extends beyond mere advice, encouraging clients to make sustainable lifestyle changes that enhance overall well-being. From dietary adjustments to exploring new hobbies, she empowers individuals to reclaim their health and vitality.

Social media and personal connections serve as her platforms, where Adrienne’s vibrant presence and genuine care attract clients seeking positive change. Her advice is grounded in empathy and practicality, tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual she coaches.

As I reflect on Adrienne’s journey and insights shared during our conversation, her infectious positivity leaves a lasting impression. Her advice to embrace joy, nourish the body with wholesome foods, and cultivate meaningful connections resonates deeply in a world hungry for positivity.

Adrienne Simmons exemplifies the transformative power of intentional living and the profound impact of choosing vitality in every aspect of life. Her story inspires us to reassess our own choices, reminding us that positivity is not just a mindset but a way of life—one that leads to fulfillment, health, and enduring happiness.

The Power of Storytelling: A Conversation with Edward Miskie

Hey everyone,

I had the incredible pleasure of speaking with Edward Miskie on my latest podcast episode, and wow, what a conversation! For those of you who might not be familiar with Edward, he’s the author of Cancer, Musical Theater, and Other Chronic Illnesses. His journey is one of resilience, humor, and a deep love for musical theater.

Right off the bat, we had a lighthearted moment that set the tone for our chat. My Dog Luna made an appearance in the background, and Edward mistakenly thought she was a cat! It was a great icebreaker, and we shared a laugh over the little “mis-species” slip-up. Moments like these remind me why I love podcasting – it’s all about those genuine, unscripted interactions.

Before diving into the meat of our discussion, Edward gave me a heartfelt compliment for actually reading his book before our interview. It’s something I always strive to do because I believe it makes a huge difference in the quality of the conversation. As Edward pointed out, it’s courteous and shows a level of respect and investment in the guest’s story. Plus, it just makes the dialogue richer and more meaningful.

One of the standout points in our conversation was Edward’s storytelling style. He has a unique way of blending heavy topics with humor. His book, which deals with his battle with non-Hodgkins lymphoma, manages to be both deeply moving and surprisingly funny. Edward shared how laughter helped him cope during the most challenging times of his treatment. It’s a reminder of the power of humor in healing and the importance of finding light even in the darkest of times.

I was fascinated to learn about the creative liberties Edward took in his book. For instance, he used names of characters from musical theater instead of real names for the medical professionals he encountered. This not only protected their identities but also added a layer of fun for readers familiar with musical theater. It’s these small, thoughtful details that make his book such a compelling read.

Edward’s journey through the healthcare system was eye-opening. As a young actor without stable insurance, the passing of the Affordable Care Act was a lifeline for him. He recounted a particularly harrowing moment when he had to get tests done without insurance approval, facing the terrifying possibility of not receiving treatment due to financial constraints. His story underscores the crucial importance of accessible healthcare for everyone.

Edward’s relationship with his oncologist was another poignant topic we touched on. After five years of regular appointments, being told he was cancer-free was both a relief and an emotional farewell to someone who had become a significant part of his life. This revelation brought tears to his eyes – a testament to the intense emotional journey of surviving cancer.

We also discussed the incredible resilience of humans in the face of adversity. Edward’s story, and those of others who have faced similar challenges, highlight how adaptable we are as humans. Despite the chaos and uncertainty, people find ways to live their lives and even thrive. And you can too!!

Our conversation was filled with moments of laughter, introspection, and inspiration. Edward Miskie’s story is a testament to the human spirit’s strength and the power of storytelling. His ability to find humor in the midst of hardship is truly inspiring, and his book is a must-read for anyone looking for a story that is both heartfelt and entertaining.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Don’t forget to check out Edward’s book, Cancer, Musical Theater, and Other Chronic Illnesses, and tune in to our full conversation on the podcast.

Until next time, stay inspired and keep finding the light in your own stories.

The Impact of Book Bans on Children: An Open Discussion

There has been so much talk of book bans in school districts in the US lately and I’d like to share my thoughts, and really have an open discussion, on the practice.

Lately, I’ve been talking a lot about how we are not prepared by the authority figures in our lives as children for the complications that are inevitable in life and how to cope with them. As I was reviewing the Pen America Website’s list of banned books in the 2022-2023 school year – it raised the question for me about how we are serving our children.

First, I could be wrong about this, but it appears the bans are district-wide, across the board regardless of the grades of the children. For the most part, I would agree that the majority of these books probably don’t need to be in elementary school libraries. But without having read even the synopsis of any of them, I can’t be 100% sure of my own opinion on this. But anything having to do with violence, or sexual violence should probably not be available to kids who are that young. But part of me even thinks maybe some of this content, written in an appropriate way, may not be bad. Maybe this is how a young child could learn that something happening to them at home is wrong. So…. I’m slightly conflicted here. I recall in elementary school we watched a video on inappropriate touching – I can’t remember if they split up the boys and girls or not, but my friend confided in me on the way home that afternoon that her grandfather had been touching her inappropriately – and she and her Mother lived with her grandfather. I told my mom, she called the police and the situation was, as far as I know, taken care of. Unfortunately, I never saw the girl again after that. I assume they moved out of the zone for my school. I hope that is what happened anyway. But my point is, sometimes the kids don’t know until they are told or learn it outside of their home environment.

The majority of the content for the banned books seems to be LGBTQ related. Again, I have not read these books that have been banned. And I don’t know if there are still books in the libraries with this type of content or if they are just banned across the board. And really, for the purposes of this discussion, I’m not sure it matters. My point is that as I was reviewing the PEN.org site, my gut feeling is that we are taking away content that could help our children in the long run.

We can’t protect our kids from the real-world forever. Whose job is it to prepare our children for the tougher things in life; parents? Teachers? Peers? I feel like not all parents are equipped to give these life lessons, and it appears a lot of parents don’t even want their kids to be exposed to stories about situations that don’t align with their personal believes or values. So, then, should it be the school’s responsibility? I don’t know – I don’t have the answers. I’m interested in hearing what others have to say on the subject. On the one hand, some parents may shelter their kids which could cause them to be confused, or even scared and anxious, when they become adults, of the real world. So, if left up to parents some kids may not get what they really need. On the other hand, schools may teach concepts that go against what the parents believe which can cause parents to become angry – which seems to be what is happening.

Personally, I think kids need to be exposed to all things, in an age-appropriate way, so they know what really goes on in life – AND how to cope with the challenges that come with it. Everyone is going to be thrown curveballs in life, there is no way to avoid it. But that’s not really told to us, especially not with coping mechanisms, as children. We’re fed a dream that probably doesn’t mesh with what we are seeing at home. So, there is confusion, cognitive dissonance, and a feeling of shame, like there is something wrong with us when what we’re experiencing is way more common than we think. So maybe reading a book with some uncomfortable subject matters isn’t such a horrible thing – age-appropriate of course. (But then again, who determines what is age-appropriate???)

These are all tough decisions and noone is ever going to agree 100% – likely not even the so-called “experts”. So where do we go from here? Please let me know your thoughts in the comments. I welcome differing opinions, but lets keep it nice!!!!!!

https://pen.org/report/banned-in-the-usa-state-laws-supercharge-book-suppression-in-schools/#:~:text=Book%20bans%20continue%20to%20target,books%20on%20race%20and%20racism.

Life… Right?

Well it has been a while since I actually wrote a blog post. It has been all I can do to keep up with the recording and editing schedule of the podcast lately.

Life Updated: I moved in with my boyfriend. Then left to go to Florida because my Dad was in the hospital. I’m writing this post from Florida now.

I had to postpone editing and recording of podcasts while I’ve been here. I had a little time today to work on editing and catching up on all of the other things that go along with running a Podcast; including blogging!

I had a consultation with one of my guests after we we recorded her episode (which has not been edited and published yet) because she had so much great energy and I wanted that in my life. Funnily enough, that conversation led to me deciding to take a step back from the podcast. You see, I have a lot of irons in the fire right now, moving in with the boyfriend being one of them, and something has to give. But the only thing that I felt like I could really let go at this time is the Podcast.

But then…. something truly exciting happened. A couple of exciting things actually. The first being a publicist who found my podcast organically and reached out about having the founder of J Flowers Health Institute, James Flowers, on as a guest. Usually my guests come from a site called PodMatch – it’s like Tinder for Podcast Hosts and potential guests, so to get someone contacting me organically is very exciting. Then, I was contacted by someone on the editorial staff at Shoutout Colorado magazine about doing an interview for a piece they are working on. I mean…… that’s pretty freaking cool!!! Of course, I said yes to both. I’m also going to be nominating my podcast for the International Women in Podcasting Awards – more to come on that, but wish me luck!

So, needless to say, I have not taken a step back from the Podcast.

I want to take a moment to say a little bit about the podcasts I have published since my last post.

The first of those was a two-part series with Michelle Shekhinah* called “From the Floor to the Door”

*this is not her real name

This episode was months in the making because we were interrupted while doing the recording the first time by my computer unexpectedly shutting down while recording. Then it took a couple of months before we could pick back up. All worth it though. Michelle’s life entailed being sex trafficked by her own husband after being happily married for years. It sheds light on a really dark thing that I’m sure many more women have endured and may not even realize that it is considered Trafficking. And with the stories out today about a certain male rapper in the press these days – understanding what Sex Trafficking is and isn’t is so important! So please listen to these two episodes! And find Michelle online at www.fromthefloortothedoor.com for help!

Next, I had Jas Rawlinson – a book coach. What is a book coach, you ask? Well… someone who keeps you on track with writing your book. Think Life Coach, but for writing. No, it is not like an Editor. But Jas isn’t doing the book coaching thing so much anymore because she is so in demand as a public speaker. She is a domestic violence advocate who overcame abuse while growing up and she loves to inspire others through her lived experiences of getting thru the shit. Check out Jas at www.jasrawlinson.com and you can watch her episode here:

Then I had Dr. Joy Bracey on and she lives up to her name “Joy” because she is a complete joy to talk to. She is the CEO of an addiction recovery center, but this conversation was more about addiction to Food and having weight loss surgery and using Semaglutide (in whatever form it comes in) to aid in weight loss. Addiction is addiction; whether it is food, alcohol, drugs, gambling or sex and she has a lot to say about it. I also followed her amazing trip to India on all the social medias. She has a huge social media presence that is all about self love!! Follow her @DrJoyBracey everywhere! And listen to our conversation here:

There are several more episodes, but I’m running out of time to write. I’ll outline those in subsequent posts soon!

Take care, stay strong and be awesome!

Terry Jaymes on Navigating the Dark Side of Motivation and Finding True Resilience

Discover the Inspiring Journey of Terry Jaymes Beyond Lex and Terry

Are you familiar with the dynamic nationally syndicated morning radio duo Lex and Terry? As a long-time listener during my stay in Jacksonville, FL, where they originated and still captivate audiences today, I’ve been immersed in their engaging broadcasts. However, this narrative delves deeper into the life of Terry Jaymes and his ventures beyond the radio waves.

Terry has embarked on various iterations of his podcast, currently known as T11. The significance of “T11” lies not only in the initial of Terry’s name but also in the spiritual symbolism of the number 11. For Terry, the “T” represents transcendence, symbolizing his journey of personal growth and enlightenment.

Motivating others is Terry’s passion, a sentiment I resonate with deeply. Despite facing adversities like homelessness, Terry has achieved remarkable success. While he may downplay his accomplishments, particularly in his radio career, I believe his impact speaks volumes. Terry’s success is no coincidence; he has meticulously crafted his destiny since a young age, even altering his surname to shed negative associations.

Impressed by the parallels between our thoughts and podcast aspirations, I reached out to Terry, albeit with reservations. Surprisingly, he not only responded but also graciously accepted my invitation. Interacting with him, I discovered that behind the radio persona lies a genuinely humble individual. Our conversation flowed effortlessly, touching on topics ranging from his spiritual pursuits to his humble upbringing, and even miraculous experiences on the basketball court during college.

Terry’s insights into the realm of fame, motivational speaking, and his disillusionment with superficiality were eye-opening. Despite his busy schedule, punctuated by early morning show commitments, Terry generously shared his wisdom and experiences.

I invite you to listen to our engaging dialogue, as Terry’s authenticity and depth of knowledge make for a compelling conversation. Join us as we navigate through the intricacies of life, spirituality, and the pursuit of genuine connections. Trust me; it’s an enlightening experience you won’t want to miss!

Watch on YouTube Now and check back for links to the podcast in all the places.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Listen on Spotify

Why Would She Stay?

I know this is a question often asked about people in abusive relationships; whether they are physical, mental, emotional or all of the above. Well, if you read my guest Dana S. Diaz’s book “Gasping for Air; the Stranglehold of Narcissistic Abuse” you will fully understand why.

Someone used to abuse is going to be more susceptible to falling prey to the abuse of a narcissist. If you just can’t understand why someone would fall for this type of person in the first place, consider yourself lucky! Whether we are a person who could see the red flags flying high or not, no one is safe from falling victim to being abused. These guys are good! They love bomb you sometimes, they make you feel like the most special thing in the world… for a minute. For just long enough to suck you into their web. Just long enough for you to all in love and then spend the rest of the relationship trying to get it back to what it was in the beginning. You start believing the lies they tell you about yourself; the gaslighting. And the sad truth is that the way it was in the beginning was never reality and it will never be like that again. So… then cut your losses and just leave, right? Ha! Maybe.

These guys are so good that they know how to trap you. “Oh baby, you don’t need to work. Let me take care of you. I want our children to be raised at home with their Mom, not in some daycare!” Boom! You don’t have any income. That is just one example of how they get you. Dana’s book outlines so many more ways it is just unbelievable. And now she is on a mission to shed light on it and help other women get out before spending 20+ years miserable, and terrified, like she did.

What I wonder is how, after living the way she was forced to for so long, she can be thriving and as happy as she is now. Sure, getting out from under the narcissist’s thumb is freeing I’m sure, but the loss of self-esteem has also got to be huge. How do you get that back?

Listen to this week’s episode to find out how Dana did it. And how you can too!

I am in such awe of this woman. She is happy, funny, positive and just an all-around amazing person. I can’t say enough good things about her writing, either. Wow, she really did a great job with this book. There were times reading her story was too much, and I just had to force myself to put the book down and take a break – all the while thinking about how she couldn’t take a break from it when she was living it. But most of the time I couldn’t put it down! I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next… and mostly… when, and how, she was going to be able to get free!!! Obviously (Spoiler Alert) she did get free.

Get the book. Read the book. Listen to the episode. And know there is ALWAYS hope and a way – even if it takes years. Don’t give up and know you in absolutely NO WAY deserve the abuse!! It is not your fault and you are DEFINITELY NOT Crazy!

Changing the Workplace to End Abuse; One Company, Law, or Person at a Time

I had the absolute pleasure of talking with Lindsay Diaz on this week’s episode of the podcast.

I was introduced to Lindsay by a Kimberly Williams from Episode 31. They are both committed to changing abusive workplaces. One from the side of the law and the other from within.

Lindsay has had an incredible journey to get where she is today. I feel like she is one of the most intelligent people I have had the pleasure of speaking with. Even though English is not her first language, she speaks it more eloquently than anyone I know – and she has a lot to say! About transformation of the workplace, about narcissism – particularly in the workplace, about the profitability of being a “people first” company, and just about doing the right thing!

Lindsay is embarking on a new journey in life and wants to live #withoutregret. It is scary to change your career at a time when your children are going off to college. And to be speaking up about change in organizations when change is hard. There are naysayers, there are obstacles, there is fear, but there is also hope.

I hope to keep in touch with Lindsay and Kimberly and I hope to be able to help and support their efforts in anyway I can. I personally have been impacted by workplace abuse (#metoo) so I know what it is like. I talk a little about my experience in the episode with Kimberly and how difficult it is when you’re put in that kind of position. I didn’t do anything. I guess I was lucky that this person ended up leaving the company on their own and it was only after that I realized how bad it truly was. And I am so thankful I’ve not had to deal with anything like it since.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3cKCl0PeA13j4GPRxfZAeQ?si=PKP-WVNbSfWxHa4XEUZ_Ww

#endworkplaceabuse
#workplacepsychologicalsafetyact.org

Connect with Lindsay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsayruiz/