2024 is a leap year! Earth's orbit around the sun takes approximately 365.25 days; rounded to 365 in the calendar year. That missing partial day, added one day every four years, is a leap year. The bonus day leads to a creative, invigorating question: What would you do if you had all the time in the world? This episode explores ways to beat time anxiety, create value in your time, and find the importance of trusting the process. Join Vanessa De Jesus Guzman as she explores personal stories and h...
Feb 26, 2024•22 min•Season 5Ep. 186
Even with all of the modern connections and digital technology, loneliness is considered to be an epidemic in the US. It's a paradox—one that weighs heavily on our physical and mental health, and growth as individuals and global collectives. This episode navigates the path from crisis to connection by exploring possible triggers, sharing ways to fight the epidemic of loneliness, and understanding the difference between loneliness and healthy solitude. Join Vanessa De Jesus Guzman on a journey hi...
Feb 19, 2024•20 min•Season 5Ep. 185
Love comes in many forms, and cultivating it is important for the growth of our journeys, relationships, and lifestyles. There’s love in our actions, love in the connections we make, and love that guides our decisions or mindsets. Platonic love, romantic love, selfless love, timeless love, acts of love —the list goes on. As this Valentine's Day rolls around, join Vanessa De Jesus Guzman to spread the joy of connection by highlighting the forms of love, how we can use love as a tool for connectio...
Feb 12, 2024•17 min•Season 5Ep. 184
Awareness is what bridges the gap between the known and unknown—but it can be difficult to reach it, especially when we might deal with multiple biases. Unpacking awareness and learning more about these biases can help us make space for understanding and mindful living. This episode delves into the importance of self and social awareness, the multiple types of biases and how they might come to be, and tips to overcome biases with awareness techniques. Join Vanessa De Jesus Guzman in a discussion...
Jan 31, 2024•25 min•Season 5Ep. 183
Founder of SalsaFever on2 Dance Academy and guest resident lecturer at ASU, Mario Gonzalez, better known as Mario B, is a visionary creative with over 25 years of experience in dance. He has appeared on multiple reality shows and films, has performed and taught over 36 countries, hosted several Salsa Congresses, and loves inspiring others and making salsa as inclusive as possible. Mario B shares personal stories and experiences of how he overcame adversity that paved the way for who he is today....
Jan 22, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 5Ep. 182
We know how much words can hold weight, but they can do more than be a definition: they can also be used to shape your journey! By choosing a word of the year, we can redefine what is important to us, allow it to guide us through the process, and actively attain the goals or changes we envision. These three steps are key to developing a change or mindset different from a traditional New Year’s Resolution, but can still help us practice what we need to do to be where we want to be. What's your wo...
Jan 15, 2024•27 min•Season 5Ep. 181
New Year, Same You! The New Year will bring beautiful changes, growth, and a positive spark in our personal development. But you don’t need to reinvent yourself and completely forego the journey that has made you become the person you are today: nurturing and loving the “current” versions of ourselves is needed. This episode dives into ways we can become the best versions of ourselves: from learning ways to 'do the work,' shift our mindset, repurpose our goals, and more, this is for anyone looki...
Jan 08, 2024•22 min•Season 5Ep. 180
Whether you're tuning in at the end of the year or during any other moment, the insights shared are timeless and relevant. In this episode we discuss the power of reflection on the past, celebrating current achievements, and planning for the future. Guided questions are provided for each aspect to help the listener reach success for the upcoming year. Join Vanessa De Jesus Guzman in a reflective journey - a deep dive into the wins, challenges, and exciting developments that defined Free to Be Mi...
Dec 28, 2023•20 min•Season 5Ep. 179
Christmas is coming! Although there is a lot of beauty in the precious moments of the holiday season, we can often get caught up in busy, hectic holiday schedules, not giving ourselves the opportunities to enjoy, reflect, and find peace during our break. This holiday season, create mini mindful moments that help replenish your energy, such as incorporating mindfulness by aligning with your senses, carving time for self-care, and expressing gratitude for your loved ones. In this mini episode, Van...
Dec 18, 2023•11 min•Season 5Ep. 178
Our emotions are complex. Whether it's the mixed feelings that come with the holiday season, tough times in our personal lives, or experiencing emotions in response to what is happening in the world, we can feel a lot of things—and there is a way to unpack them. This episode shows the power of emotional awareness, shares ways to balance our emotions, and reflects on our range of needs. By feeling our feelings, accepting them as a strength, and validating our experiences, we can grow stronger as ...
Dec 11, 2023•24 min•Season 5Ep. 177
The holiday season is filled with love, joy, and fun-filled gatherings—but it can also bring unwanted experiences or tough discussions. Holidays can trigger intense emotions, and knowing how to respond appropriately instead of reacting intensely is key to having mindful gatherings and growing relationships. This episode explores topics that may cause triggers, ways to work through conflict, and the importance of using connection as a tool to foster better relationships. By understanding these th...
Dec 04, 2023•24 min•Season 5Ep. 176
Life is constantly changing - which can be beautiful or overwhelming! Adapting to new lifestyles, enjoying modern culture, and remembering how to appreciate memories are great ways to bridge the "new" and "old." In this episode, we talk about the fluidity of modern changes, popular cultural changes in tech and entertainment, and mindfulness practices that allow us to reflect, grow, and flourish. Join Vanessa De Jesus Guzman in a discussion on the ever-evolving dynamics of society, including a jo...
Nov 27, 2023•19 min•Season 5Ep. 175
This Thanksgiving, we're serving up all things gratitude! During a time filled with love, warmth, and full bellies, it's the perfect time to add the power of embracing a lifestyle of gratitude to our menu. This episode dives into the benefits of gratitude, how we can incorporate a gratitude practice, and ways to find grace for ourselves and others. When we reflect on ways to connect gratitude with mindful living, we can become in tune with ourselves and allow ourselves to grow to our fullest pot...
Nov 20, 2023•21 min•Season 5Ep. 174
Daylight Savings might change the time on our alarm clocks - but that's not the only thing it's known for! With our sleeping patterns changing, it's important to reflect on the power of sleep, and how we can use it effectively to feel relaxed, recharged, and rejuvenated. This episode explores the impacts of good sleep hygiene, tips on how to improve sleep quality, and how to manage productivity and understand burn-out to stay in tune with the healthiest and happiest versions of ourselves. Join V...
Nov 13, 2023•25 min•Season 5Ep. 173
Cheers to social media - a source for connection, uplifting each other, and finding tools for growth and learning! Social media is one of the most powerful (and popular) tools today - so how can we make sure we harness it to the fullest potential? In this episode, we talk about the benefits of social media, tips for using social media in a healthy way, and how to balance the online world with the IRL world. Join Vanessa De Jesus Guzman in a journey that shares the opportunities social media open...
Nov 06, 2023•24 min•Season 5Ep. 172
When times are difficult, the greatest strength we have is each other. October is Domestic Violence Awareness month, and finding ways to support anyone experiencing domestic abuse, learning ways to recognize patterns of trauma, and coming together as a collective to help each other share voices and heal goes a long way. Join Vanessa De Jesus Guzman in a conversation challenging the stigma, and making space for healthier, safer environments. Send us a text 120 COPING SKILLS https://www.freetobemi...
Nov 01, 2023•16 min•Season 5Ep. 171
October is Depression Awareness and Prevention Month, and it's the time to challenge the masks of depression, embark on a healing journey, and embrace the self-love and self-care we deserve. This episode dives into some of the symptoms of depression, encourages us to break the stigma, and offers practices and tips to create a healthy, authentic lifestyle. Whether it's finding the right support, feeling our feelings, or practicing compassion, it's time to put away the mask. Join Vanessa De Jesus ...
Oct 17, 2023•23 min•Season 5Ep. 170
October is National ADHD Awareness Month! Join Vanessa De Jesus Guzman and special guest, musician Greg Rider, as they dive into an honest conversation about life with ADHD, recognizing the signs and symptoms, and core topics in personal development. This episode walks us through Greg Rider's personal journey with ADHD, how he was able to receive help, and how the diagnosis impacted his life and career. From childhood experiences to lifestyle changes, Rider shares how he is able to live in focus...
Oct 10, 2023•50 min•Season 5Ep. 169
As children, many of us may have experienced bullying, talked about bullying in school, or were reminded about the importance of compassion and speaking up. But bullying in adulthood exists, too! Bullying, or mistreatment, can go beyond the playground: and it still hurts. This episode shows how you can navigate bullying in adulthood by identifying forms of bullying in different environments, learning bullying prevention techniques, and practicing empathy. Bullying hurts, but we are not alone. Jo...
Oct 02, 2023•23 min•Season 5Ep. 168
Today's hot topic: time! Time management is a beneficial skill that impacts our personal and professional lives. And with something as valuable as time, how we use it matters. How can we use time as a resource? What does it mean to be mindful of the time we have? This episode dives into these questions and more as we tune into ways to use effective time management for a happier self. Tune into this episode with Vanessa De Jesus Guzman to talk about time management, how it can help with your emot...
Sep 26, 2023•19 min•Season 5Ep. 167
We can sometimes experience apathy as a coping mechanism, or as a lasting impact of stressful situations we've been through. We've also seen firsthand the impact of empathy - how small acts of kindness pave the way for a transformative journey for ourselves and our community! This episode dives into understanding what apathy is, how to cultivate empathy, and how to balance both to stay informed and engaged without leading to burnout or overstimulation. Tune into this episode with licensed profes...
Sep 19, 2023•17 min•Season 5Ep. 166
“I love to enhance the natural beauty of a woman and help them see their true beauty for themselves. When they say to find a career you love and you never work a day in your life, it’s true!” Changing from the typical corporate job to fulfilling her passion and pursuing entrepreneurship and her love for makeup artistry was scary at first, but something Rhina Lopez knew was meant to be. From learning to live with intention, to finding beauty in the struggle, this episode dives into how pursuing p...
Sep 12, 2023•42 min•Season 5Ep. 165
We all have a purpose! It's more than the goals we have or how much money we make — our purpose extends to the meaning we hold in the lives of those that we cherish. It holds weight in the dreams we have, no matter where we are in the process. And even when we feel like we don’t know our purpose, or we feel like we lack in some way and can’t recognize our true potential, our purpose is there — waiting to be tapped into. This episode explores the pursuit of passion beyond the 9-5, using Enrichmen...
Sep 05, 2023•21 min•Season 5Ep. 164
Learn how to take a pause. Refuel your mind and body by relaxing and tuning into what you love. Take a chance at progress. All of these steps and more are part of a transformative journey led by retreats! This episode explores the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of retreats, and how they can lead to self-reflection, personal growth, community, new-found skills, and so much more. Looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of life and want to learn more about yourself away from all of...
Aug 29, 2023•19 min•Season 5Ep. 163
New beginnings can be a transformative journey. They can lead to improved mental and physical health, a rejuvenated passion for what we love, more self-care, growth, and clarity in finding our true purpose. But as healthy and beautiful as facing a new change can be, it can also be scary! This episode talks about how our brain responds to change, how we can set an action plan to work toward our personalized 'new beginnings,' and tips on ways to embark on the path to self-discovery. Tune into this...
Aug 22, 2023•18 min•Season 5Ep. 162
When we make space for self-care, we make space for the good, the broken, and the in-between. We invest in self-love and nurture our relationships—both with ourselves, and the people around us. This episode explores what self-care can look like and why it is important to implement it with a balance. By being kind to ourselves, taking the time to refuel, and giving ourselves the love we deserve, we pour into our cups and take steps toward growth. Tune into this podcast with licensed therapist Van...
Aug 15, 2023•16 min•Season 4Ep. 161
Self-care is some of the best care! By prioritizing self-care, we give ourselves the freedom to grow, foster relationships, and take in the moments that truly matter. This episode explores the significance of incorporating self-care days. Mental health discussions, mindfulness, and self-care investment are all key to our journeys. Take the time for yourself and the people you love, and give yourself that much-needed gratitude space, guilt-free. Tune into this podcast with licensed therapist Vane...
Aug 08, 2023•13 min•Season 4Ep. 160
Investing in yourself is one of the greatest investments you'll ever make. If you're considering seeking therapy to conquer stress, foster inner peace, and practice self-care, but aren't sure where and when to begin your journey, this episode is for you! This episode dives into some of the most popular questions regarding therapy, ranging from knowing when professional help may be needed, how to pick the best therapist for you, finding cost-efficient options to fit your budget, and more. Tune in...
Aug 01, 2023•15 min•Season 4Ep. 159
Wishes. Goals. Resolutions. Although we meet at the crossroads of these terms typically around New Year's, goals are flexible and should be implemented anytime, anywhere! And now that we're halfway through the new year, it's important to reflect on the importance of setting goals on our terms so that we can continuously learn and grow. This episode explores what goals are and how we can reach them. By being intentional with creating a plan, understanding the significance of a trigger, and taking...
Jul 25, 2023•16 min•Season 4Ep. 158
Love might feel like a fairy tale, but it takes work. Love shows up in the words we say, the actions we do, and how we nurture the relationship we have with ourselves and the people around us. This episode dives into the concept of the 7 Pillars to Mindful Love, and how these pillars can give you a better perspective of how to truly love yourself and love others by being present, kind, and open to the possibilities. Tune into this podcast with licensed therapist Vanessa De Jesus Guzman for this ...
Jul 18, 2023•20 min•Season 4Ep. 157
