My Special Birthday Episode: Reflections, Vulnerability & Celebration

It is my birthday week! 

Each year, I dedicate a podcast episode to speak reflections out loud. 

To give sound to the inside, 

So that vibrations can become lessons learned.

Wisdom is earned, 

Creativity burns bright through consistency. 

To be here for another year is a blessing.

Take the risk and go for it, 

Or spend your 365th-day second-guessing. 

Accountability over blame. 

I’m grateful for the losses

and the gains. 

For the downwind ease

And the uphill pain. 

There is a release of worry,

When you can learn to taste the rain. 

Each misstep a new campfire story. 

The hurricane 

And the boring. 

Even amidst the turbulence 

Finding pockets of stillness. 

I give thanks 

For the new smiles shining with brilliance.

I see now I’m supposed to feel all of this. 

No hiding. 

Sadness.

Mourning.

And then in the morning.

There you are everywhere. 

In the air, 

Alive in our memories. 

Truly, 

It is a blessing. 

To be here for another year. 

InshAllah. 

Will you join me? 

In celebrating my birthday?

I’d like to request a gift. 

Will you share with me:

A memory. 

A story.

Of how we met, 

Of a time our lines crossed.

A moment we connected. 

It would mean the world to me. 

Thank you for being a part of my journey. 

Listen to "My Special Birthday Episode: Reflections, Vulnerability & Celebration" on Spreaker.

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Vulnerability, Manhood and Authenticity with Orlando Deral Wilson

This episode is one of the most powerful stories of the year and listening to this incredible story is a great way for you to wrap up 2019. This week I talked with Orlando Deral Wilson, who shared his extraordinary story of experiencing homelessness and living in his car and his journey of how he created stability in his life as well as in his mind and in his heart. 

He opens up about how he discovered that his experience of rejection had been influencing his decisions and how he was able to transform his reality through becoming vulnerable. We talked about the impact that being vulnerable can have on those around us, and how we can draw positive changes into our lives through opening our hearts.

Fueled by a passion to help others, Orlando began his fitness journey as a form of self-help after he found himself homeless. He had started going to the gym daily – originally only to shower – but slowly used exercise to overcome feelings of helplessness and convert them to feelings of empowerment. As he became stronger physically, he became stronger mentally and shared videos of his journey on social media and built a following of many who were inspired by his story.

Orlando discovered his love for cycling which made an enormous impact on him from both a mind and body perspective. Always focused on growth and knowledge, he quickly moved beyond student to pursuing his own certifications as a fitness trainer and cycling coach. This new career path clearly was Orlando’s calling and he become Certified Fitness Trainer  and earned cycling certifications from Schwinn, Spinning / MadDogg and Stages.

Throughout Los Angeles, Orlando has emerged as one of the most sought-after Cycling coaches, Personal Trainers and Wellness experts. He has built a loyal following based on his ability to connect with students and help them achieve and exceed their potential both physically and mentally.

I recommend this episode to anyone who has experienced serious challenges who would like to learn how to grow through the challenge by looking within and harnessing the power of transformation. Please share this episode with any men who you think can benefit from being part of the conversation that I have with Orlando about vulnerability and opening up our hearts to create a positive change in our lives. 

You can connect with Orlando on Instagram; and as personal trainer and cycling coach at Equinox Clubs and elite studios throughout the Los Angeles area. 

Listen to "Vulnerability, Manhood and Authenticity with Orlando Deral Wilson" on Spreaker.

If you'd like to learn more about T.H.E. Celebration Academy.  Here's 30 days of Free Membership.