Riding The Wave

What Is Your Purpose?

The delicate thing we call life is that we only experience it once, so how do we live it with purpose and passion? This week, co-host AYD once again joins us as we discuss how to find our purpose, how it reflects growth, and the internal conversations we must have to determine the things, people, places, and ideas that give genuine meaning to our lives.  It is common to be stuck in a routine, living on autopilot and uncertain in a busy world to survive, adhering to a cycle where you are inhibited from accessing, exploring, and understanding what exists within you. MJ and AYD share that to understand your purpose, you need to understand who you are first. As an example, both share that this podcast gives them purpose, knowing that through this platform, they gain the ability to interact with, learn from, and grow alongside others, as opposed to what they were routinely used to before starting the podcast: constantly living to work, instead of working to live, preparing for a mundane schedule that did not allow them the freedom to grow and learn.  Both AYD and MJ encourage us to challenge who we are to navigate our purpose. Although it may feel uncomfortable, you learn to let go of the things that no longer serve you to make room for the things that matter.

Stay Another Day

For the first time, MJ's mother, Silvia, joins us on the 40th episode of Riding The Wave. MJ asks a series of profound questions regarding his mother's tenacity and perseverance during her darkest times, which involve the passing of her friend and that of her husband in later years. It is no easy feat discussing these matters; however, MJ, followed by his sister Mo, after several decades, finally learns about their mother's point of view, feelings, and thoughts on these unfortunate experiences. MJ closes off with a question that few take the time to ponder: if a loved one who passed was sitting right in front of you, what would you say?

Keeping a Promise

On this week’s podcast, we feel nostalgic as we learn to interpret the world through the intricate lens of a child. We are joined by MJ’s very own bright, enthusiastic, and youthful eight-year-old son, Aaron.  Although we cannot take back time and revert to our years of childhood, the children around us can offer and teach us many valuable lessons about the world we now live in. Aaron takes us back to the basics and discusses how to have fun, the importance of friendships, being a good person, being an exceptional young scholar, growing up with a loving and supportive family, and managing emotions. Ultimately, Aaron teaches us to recenter ourselves and pursue our goals with tenacity, reminding us that the inner child permanently resides within us no matter how old we grow.

Why Do People Cheat?

This week, we are joined by returning guest Mo as we explore the topic of cheating within relationships, its psychological effects, and some personal anecdotes. The most prominent question asked is, why do people cheat? Do people cheat because of insecurity, lack of commitment, lack of self-respect, ego, or retaliation?  Cheating within a relationship is an action that demonstrates a lack of commitment, accountability, and respect, consequently leading to severed trust. Mo and MJ then ask the audience, should one take back their partner after cheating? How do you forgive a partner who has violated your trust? They delve into emotional cheating and physical cheating, reiterating the importance of self-control and the implications your unfaithful actions have on your partner’s mental health. Ultimately, a relationship requires constant communication, vulnerability, being present, sorting through struggles, and not seeking validation from another person outside the relationship. It is also important to emphasize that if you are cheated on, do not blame yourself or ponder what you should change about yourself. Ultimately, a cheating partner’s insecurities and selfishness do not define who you are, as you should respect yourself by moving on and appreciating yourself instead of surrounding yourself with someone who does not.

Reclaiming Your Life

In this episode on Riding The Wave, we are joined by a resilient and knowledgeable guest, Rick, a financial advisor who has been in the industry for 17 years. Raised by a single father who was a war veteran and not culturally accustomed to what it meant to live according to city life because of his non-stationary lifestyle, Rick persevered through a myriad of existing adversities. Said hardships were a result of childhood traumas; many of which stemmed from his mother’s rejection, and growing up alongside a father who was going through mental struggles after the Vietnam War.  Despite his internal struggles, Rick breaks down the wall to be there for his wife and daughter, ensuring that he presents the best version of himself for them. Rick teaches the audience the importance of coming to terms with the nature of reality; to sit with and acknowledge your grief, but not let it occupy a permanent spot in your life, to dismantle cycles of abuse, unhealthy familial relationships, and harmful practices. Rick leaves a message for the audience to get comfortable with the uncomfortable, encouraging others to seek help and, more importantly, forgive themselves.