As election season ramps up, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, stressed, or even disheartened by the constant flow of political updates, debates, and discussions. In this episode, we explore practical ways to maintain mental and emotional well-being while staying engaged and informed. Whether it’s through self-care practices, boundary-setting, or tapping into community support, we discuss how to stay centered, empowered, and resilient through challenging times.

Key Topics Covered:

1. The Emotional Toll of Election Season

   • Understanding the unique stressors during election periods

   • Recognizing and validating the range of emotions you may experience

2. The Importance of Setting Boundaries

   • How to create boundaries with media consumption

   • Strategies for limiting exposure to triggering or distressing content

3. Building a Self-Care Toolkit

   • Simple and effective practices to help you stay grounded

   • Why self-care isn’t selfish, especially in times of collective stress

4. Community Support & Connection

   • The role of community in resilience

   • Ideas for finding or building a support network for shared processing and encouragement

5. Actionable Tips for Election Engagement

   • How to stay informed without becoming overwhelmed

   • Suggestions for balanced involvement in political conversations and advocacy

Share your self-care practices or ways you’re staying resilient during election season! Tag us on social media or leave a comment with your thoughts and tips.

If you found this episode helpful, please leave us a rating or review, and share it with anyone you think could benefit from these insights. Let's all take steps toward staying grounded together.

Get access to my free library: https://nicolecruzcoaching.com/free-resources

Sign up for my book waitlist: https://nicolecruzcoaching.com/book

Explore the website: https://nicolecruzcoaching.com/

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolecruzcoaching/

In this heartfelt conversation, Nicole Cruz and Eileen Santos Rosette explore the profound themes of womb loss, grief, and healing. Eileen shares her journey as a postpartum doula and grief educator, emphasizing the importance of acknowledgment in the grieving process. They discuss the significance of language in defining womb loss and the healing power of creating safe spaces for those who have experienced loss.

Pre-Order Eileen’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1683648951

Follow Eileen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oursacredwomen/

Get access to my free library: https://nicolecruzcoaching.com/free-resources

Sign up for my book waitlist: https://nicolecruzcoaching.com/book

Explore the website: https://nicolecruzcoaching.com/

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolecruzcoaching/

In this heartfelt episode, Nicole Cruz shares her deeply personal experience of pregnancy loss, discussing the emotional and physical challenges she faced. She emphasizes the importance of sharing such stories to foster connection and support among those who have experienced similar losses. She also highlights the significance of allowing oneself to grieve and the healing power of community and shared experiences.

If you have experienced pregnancy or infant loss, know that you are not alone. If you feel called to connect, email Nicole at nicole@nicolecruzcoaching.com.

Get access to my free library: https://nicolecruzcoaching.com/free-resources

Sign up for my book waitlist: https://nicolecruzcoaching.com/book

Explore the website: https://nicolecruzcoaching.com/

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolecruzcoaching/

In this episode, Nicole Cruz reflects on her personal journey through the year, sharing insights on the importance of reassessing goals, celebrating accomplishments, and practicing self-compassion. She provides actionable prompts for listeners to reflect on their own experiences in 2024, encouraging a mindset shift towards understanding and growth. The episode emphasizes the significance of recognizing achievements, learning from challenges, and setting aligned goals for the remainder of the year.

Takeaways

• A process to reflect, reassess, and refocus goals with compassion and non-judgment

Get access to my free library: https://nicolecruzcoaching.com/free-resources

Sign up for my book waitlist: https://nicolecruzcoaching.com/book

Explore the website: https://nicolecruzcoaching.com/

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolecruzcoaching/

In this conversation, Jasmine Haitalani, a Creative Director and founder of creative agency Highflier Powerhouse, shares her immigrant journey from Syria, the challenges of fitting into a new culture, and how these experiences shaped her approach to branding. Nicole and Jasmine discuss the importance of intentionality in branding, the role of privilege in immigrant experiences, and how 1st & 2nd gen folks can reclaim their narratives through storytelling. The conversation emphasizes the power of authenticity in branding and the need for individuals to embrace their true selves in both personal and professional spaces.

Takeaways

• Branding is about articulating your story and values.

• Navigating cultural identity is crucial for branding.

• Embracing your immigrant story can empower your brand.

• Branding should reflect who you truly are.

Follow Jasmine on IG: https://www.instagram.com/highflierpowerhouse

Listen to Jasmine’s podcast “Brand Your Way to a Million” on Apple or Spotify

Get access to my free library: https://nicolecruzcoaching.com/free-resources

Sign up for my book waitlist: https://nicolecruzcoaching.com/book

Explore the website: https://nicolecruzcoaching.com/

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolecruzcoaching/

In this episode, Nicole Cruz interviews award-winning instructional designer and online course expert Mariana Pena. As a first-generation immigrant, Mariana shares her experience of feeling overqualified in certain roles and how she embraced a learner-first approach to create impactful courses.

Mariana discusses the challenges of immigrating to the Netherlands, the impact on her identity and career, and how she built resilience to overcome obstacles. She dives into her journey of starting her own business and the importance of tapping into one's qualifications, even when they come naturally.

Mariana emphasizes the value of recognizing your intellectual property and turning knowledge into income, especially for marginalized communities. She offers practical tips on documenting your skills and advocating for yourself as both an employee and entrepreneur. Tune in for insights on creating long-term change by amplifying underrepresented voices through education and entrepreneurship.

Learn more about Mariana's work: https://www.weshouldtalk.co/

Get access to my free library: https://nicolecruzcoaching.com/free-resources

Sign up for my book waitlist: https://nicolecruzcoaching.com/book

Explore the website: https://nicolecruzcoaching.com/

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolecruzcoaching/

In this special episode of First to Thrive, Nicole shares a deeply personal story about her journey from living according to others' expectations to creating a life of her own design.

Nicole opens up about the struggles of breaking away from societal pressures, family expectations, and self-imposed limitations, highlighting the importance of self-liberation and finding true fulfillment.

This one is for those who feel like they’re wrestling with the tension between following the path laid out for them and the one their heart desires.

Listen now to hear and learn all about:

• The importance of self-liberation for first and second-gen immigrants

• Our ability to listen to our inner wisdom to break free from fear

• Understanding challenges and rewards of breaking free from societal and familial expectations.

• How first and second-generation immigrants can reclaim agency and thrive beyond survival.

Get access to my free library: https://nicolecruzcoaching.com/free-resources

Sign up for my book waitlist: https://nicolecruzcoaching.com/book

Explore the website: https://nicolecruzcoaching.com/

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolecruzcoaching/

In this episode of First to Thrive, Nicole is joined by TR Deanon, who shares their journey of self-discovery and acceptance as a non-binary individual within the Filipino community. They discuss the challenges of navigating cultural expectations and the importance of finding support in chosen family. TR's story serves as a powerful representation for others who may be struggling to embrace their authentic selves.

Listen now to hear and learn all about:

• How to navigate the struggle of balancing family expectations with personal identity and self-worth.

• The importance of chosen family and community in our self-healing journeys.

• How shedding layers of cultural conditioning allows for self-discovery and freedom to thrive.

• The transformative power of holding onto your truth, even when others don’t understand.

Follow TR on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classroomflex

Get access to my free library: https://nicolecruzcoaching.com/free-resources

Sign up for my book waitlist: https://nicolecruzcoaching.com/book

Explore the website: https://nicolecruzcoaching.com/

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolecruzcoaching/