Realign Your Life with Vivian Smith Richardson

Episode 40 - Heart Health and Mind Wellness: A Holistic Approach with Dr. Whitaker-Brown

In this episode of the Realign Your Life Podcast, host Vivian Smith Richardson welcomes Dr. Whitaker-Brown, a seasoned clinical professor and nurse practitioner specializing in cardiology and mental health. Throughout the episode, Vivian and Dr. Whitaker-Brown emphasize the interconnectedness of heart health and mental well-being, offering practical tips for listeners. 
They discuss the importance of integrating mental health assessments into routine healthcare, stress the benefits of a holistic approach to healthcare, and provide insights into maintaining both physical and mental wellness. Dr. Whitaker-Brown also shares strategies for maintaining heart and brain health, including exercise, journaling, and following a Mediterranean diet. 
Vivian and Dr. Whitaker-Brown address the impact of work stress, post-COVID mental health concerns, and the need for greater kindness and self-care. The episode concludes with Dr. Whitaker-Brown offering crisis response resources and inviting listeners to connect with her for support. This informative and engaging episode provides valuable insights for anyone looking to realign their approach to overall health and wellness.
 
Key Moments: 
06:29 Transitioned from holistic nursing to psychiatric nurse practitioner.
09:35 Healthcare practices now implementing depression and anxiety screenings.
13:40 Self-awareness in healthcare for mental wellness.
16:48 Health facilities integrating mental health into primary care.
19:16 Breathing and mindfulness practices mentioned in podcast.
24:23 Mediterranean diet, seek help, connect with others.
25:26 Valuable insights on journaling for mental health.
29:53 Crisis help lines for emergencies and support.
About the Guest : 
Dr. Whitaker-Brown is a mental wellness expert and advocate for mental health. With a passion for helping individuals establish and maintain a healthy mindset, Dr. Whitaker-Brown understands the importance of having a solid foundation for mental well-being. In a constantly changing world, she emphasizes the need for individuals to take time to process their thoughts and emotions. Through her speaking engagements and discussions, she shares invaluable insight on how to realign oneself and navigate through the challenges of the modern world. Dr. Whitaker-Brown captivates audiences with her genuine enthusiasm and gratitude for the opportunity to promote mental wellness.
About Vivian : 
Vivian’s lifetime desire has been to impact the lives of both women and men. As a critical thought leader and strategic thinker, her passion is to help women and men develop their best quality and place in life. Knowing that regardless of what season of life they are in – they are valued. As a community builder and masterful networker, she values and welcomes every person she encounters. Through her interactions with various cultures and backgrounds, the realization that there needed to be a platform for them to express and share their concerns, shame, disappointments, desires, and experiences in a safe, non-threatening environment without judgment led her to establish Vivian Richardson Resources and the non-profit God’s Kind of Woman, where women are empowered to know they are Powerful – Prepared – and –Purposeful! You can visit https://realignwithvivian.com/ for more.

Episode 39 - The Art of Balancing Control and Surrender: Embracing Change and Finding Fulfillment in Realignment

In this episode of the Realign Your Life Podcast,  host Vivian Smith Richardson explores the art of control and surrender in realigning your life. She shares her personal experience with losing control and having to surrender, emphasizing that life is a journey filled with ups and downs, and sometimes setbacks are inevitable.
Vivian discusses how control, self-awareness, goal-setting, and adaptability are crucial in realignment. Setting clear and realistic goals, understanding our strengths, weaknesses, desires, and values, creating a detailed action plan, and being open to change are key aspects of maintaining control.
She then gets into the importance of surrender, which involves letting go, accepting that we cannot control everything, and practicing mindfulness. Surrendering helps us appreciate the journey rather than fixating on the destination and prevents anxiety and stress. 
Vivian encourages listeners to seek support and ask for help if needed, emphasizing the value of seeking therapy or guidance in navigating life's challenges.
Vivian's insights in this episode provide guidance on how to navigate the art of control and surrender in realigning one's life.
Key Moments : 
[00:04:06] Goal setting is crucial for direction and purpose. Self-awareness is also essential.
[00:08:30] Accepting obstacles, being mindful, appreciating journey.
[00:10:15] Don't be afraid to seek help, balance control and surrender, listen to intuition.
[00:13:15] Self compassion helps you overcome setbacks, challenges. Embrace balance, adaptability, find fulfillment.
 
 
About Vivian : 
Vivian’s lifetime desire has been to impact the lives of both women and men. As a critical thought leader and strategic thinker, her passion is to help women and men develop their best quality and place in life. Knowing that regardless of what season of life they are in – they are valued. As a community builder and masterful networker, she values and welcomes every person she encounters. Through her interactions with various cultures and backgrounds, the realization that there needed to be a platform for them to express and share their concerns, shame, disappointments, desires, and experiences in a safe, non-threatening environment without judgment led her to establish Vivian Richardson Resources and the non-profit God’s Kind of Woman, where women are empowered to know they are Powerful – Prepared – and –Purposeful! You can visit https://realignwithvivian.com/ for more.

Episode 38 - Realign Your Life: Embracing Mental Fitness and Creating a Healthy Mindset with Dr. Charlene Whitaker-Brown

In this episode of the Realign Your Life Podcast, titled "Embracing Mental Fitness and Creating a Healthy Mindset with Dr. Charlene Whitaker-Brown," host Vivian Smith Richardson is joined by guest Dr. Whitaker-Brown to discuss the importance of mental health and wellness.
Dr. Whitaker-Brown, a psychiatric and dual-certified family nurse practitioner, shares her experience in helping individuals with various stressors, both at work and at home. She emphasizes that seeking mental health care is not limited to crisis situations, and even small issues can accumulate and impact our overall well-being.
She also provides examples of how she helps patients, such as addressing root causes to overcome hoarding tendencies. She also introduces the concept of gene testing for patients who have failed multiple medications for depression and anxiety.
Throughout the episode, Dr. Whitaker-Brown highlights the importance of community partnerships and fostering a sense of community. She also discusses the power of self-awareness, mindfulness, and physical activity in maintaining good mental health.
Host Vivian Smith Richardson emphasizes the need to remove the stigma around mental health, particularly in communities of color. She encourages listeners to seek help from professionals such as therapists, social workers, and psychiatrists to improve their mental well-being.
In conclusion, this episode tackles the vital topic of mental fitness and creating a healthy mindset with insights and strategies shared by Dr. Whitaker-Brown for listeners to realign their lives.
 
Key Moments: 
[00:03:55] Active, influential community member involved in healthcare.
[00:09:34] Stigma behind mental health holds people back.
[00:13:14] Stay active, even without walking much.
[00:15:01] Get outside, walk, move your body.
[00:18:35] Identify problems, break down, rebuild, move forward.
[00:21:45] Seek mental health care; overcome work, home stress; hoarding root cause
[00:26:26] Gene testing used for failed medications in patients.
[00:28:49] Holistic or medication-based treatment plans assessed.
[00:31:38] Support for ADHD patients, offering therapy and medication assessment.
[00:35:43] Dr. Whitaker-Brown shares great mental health insights.
 
About the Guest : 
Dr. Whitaker-Brown is a mental wellness expert and advocate for mental health. With a passion for helping individuals establish and maintain a healthy mindset, Dr. Whitaker-Brown understands the importance of having a solid foundation for mental well-being. In a constantly changing world, she emphasizes the need for individuals to take time to process their thoughts and emotions. Through her speaking engagements and discussions, she shares invaluable insight on how to realign oneself and navigate through the challenges of the modern world. Dr. Whitaker-Brown captivates audiences with her genuine enthusiasm and gratitude for the opportunity to promote mental wellness.
About Vivian : 
Vivian’s lifetime desire has been to impact the lives of both women and men. As a critical thought leader and strategic thinker, her passion is to help women and men develop their best quality and place in life. Knowing that regardless of what season of life they are in – they are valued. As a community builder and masterful networker, she values and welcomes every person she encounters. Through her interactions with various cultures and backgrounds, the realization that there needed to be a platform for them to express and share their concerns, shame, disappointments, desires, and experiences in a safe, non-threatening environment without judgment led her to establish Vivian Richardson Resources and the non-profit God’s Kind of Woman, where women are empowered to know they are Powerful – Prepared – and –Purposeful! You can visit https://realignwithvivian.com/ for more.

Episode 37 - Finding Inner Strength: The Role of Faith and Belief in Realigning Your Life

In this episode, titled Faith and Belief: A Guiding Light in Realigning Your Life, host Vivian Smith Richardson explores the power of faith and belief in navigating life's challenges and finding inner strength. 
She emphasizes the importance of having a strong foundation of faith and belief, whether in a higher power, personal philosophy, or the resilience of the human spirit. Faith and belief can help clarify intentions and priorities, define one's purpose, and provide the courage to take the first step towards a new direction, even when the path is uncertain. 
Additionally, building a supportive community of like-minded individuals can provide encouragement, support, and accountability in the journey of realignment. Vivian encourages listeners to discover their core values and actively engage in communities that foster personal growth and connection.
Overall, this episode offers insights and strategies on how faith and belief can transform one's life toward fulfillment and purpose.
 
Key Points : 
[00:01:06] Faith and belief: realigning your life.
[00:03:46] Faith and belief define inner strength.
[00:11:07] Belonging to a community provides support and encouragement.
[00:12:43] Powerful faith and belief conquer life's obstacles.
 
About Vivian : 
Vivian’s lifetime desire has been to impact the lives of both women and men. As a critical thought leader and strategic thinker, her passion is to help women and men develop their best quality and place in life. Knowing that regardless of what season of life they are in – they are valued. As a community builder and masterful networker, she values and welcomes every person she encounters. Through her interactions with various cultures and backgrounds, the realization that there needed to be a platform for them to express and share their concerns, shame, disappointments, desires, and experiences in a safe, non-threatening environment without judgment led her to establish Vivian Richardson Resources and the non-profit God’s Kind of Woman, where women are empowered to know they are Powerful – Prepared – and –Purposeful! You can visit https://realignwithvivian.com/ for more.

Episode 36 - Guiding Light: Faith and Belief in Realignment

In this episode of the Realign Your Life Podcast,  host Vivian Smith Richardson explores the theme of faith and belief as guiding lights in realigning one's life. She begins by acknowledging that the journey of realignment is not always smooth, and faith and belief can provide solace, strength, and direction during challenging times.
Vivian shares her personal definitions of faith and belief, emphasizing that they surpass logical reasoning and involve unwavering trust and acceptance of something true, even without evidence. She references biblical verses that speak to the importance of faith and highlights how even young children can exhibit a natural sense of faith and belief.
The episode delves into the ways in which faith and belief can positively impact one's perspective, enabling the individual to find purpose and opportunities in adversity. Vivian also discusses how faith and belief can help overcome fear, set and pursue meaningful goals, embrace change, and nurture inner peace.
In conclusion, Vivian encourages listeners to embrace faith and belief as powerful tools for realignment, knowing that setbacks are not the end of the road but opportunities for growth and transformation. By cultivating faith and belief, individuals can find resilience, courage, and contentment in their journey towards a more fulfilling existence.
 
About Vivian : 
Vivian’s lifetime desire has been to impact the lives of both women and men. As a critical thought leader and strategic thinker, her passion is to help women and men develop their best quality and place in life. Knowing that regardless of what season of life they are in – they are valued. As a community builder and masterful networker, she values and welcomes every person she encounters. Through her interactions with various cultures and backgrounds, the realization that there needed to be a platform for them to express and share their concerns, shame, disappointments, desires, and experiences in a safe, non-threatening environment without judgment led her to establish Vivian Richardson Resources and the non-profit God’s Kind of Woman, where women are empowered to know they are Powerful – Prepared – and –Purposeful! You can visit https://realignwithvivian.com/ for more.

Episode 35 - Trusting in the Journey: Navigating Life’s Unexpected Transitions with Faith and Resilience

In this episode of the Realign Your Life podcast, host Vivian Smith Richardson shares her personal experiences and thoughts on realignment and trusting the path laid out by God. She reflects on the challenges and transitions she is currently facing in her life, emphasizing the importance of making the most out of unexpected curveballs and finding gratitude in difficult times.
Vivian discusses the need to trust in the Lord and lean on faith when faced with challenges, even when it may seem difficult to do so. She shares how she is navigating her own challenging season by taking things one step at a time and practicing self-reflection. Vivian encourages listeners to be empathetic and compassionate towards others, reminding them of the importance of serving and supporting those in need.
She concludes by urging listeners to examine their own thoughts and actions to align them with their true purpose and to live a life dedicated to serving others and God.
 
Key Moments : 
[00:01:02] Life happens, making lemonade from lemons.
[00:05:13] "Challenges, faith, gratitude, empathy - believe and endure."
[00:07:25] Do we truly care? Obligation to serve.
[00:11:23] Serving others and God, prioritizing life.
[00:13:20] Having a tribe is wonderful; remember me.
 
About Vivian : 
Vivian’s lifetime desire has been to impact the lives of both women and men. As a critical thought leader and strategic thinker, her passion is to help women and men develop their best quality and place in life. Knowing that regardless of what season of life they are in – they are valued. As a community builder and masterful networker, she values and welcomes every person she encounters. Through her interactions with various cultures and backgrounds, the realization that there needed to be a platform for them to express and share their concerns, shame, disappointments, desires, and experiences in a safe, non-threatening environment without judgment led her to establish Vivian Richardson Resources and the non-profit God’s Kind of Woman, where women are empowered to know they are Powerful – Prepared – and –Purposeful! You can visit https://realignwithvivian.com/ for more.

Episode 34 - Realigning Life: Success in Real Estate, Natural Skincare, and Parenting a Nonverbal Child with Zakiya Lee

In this episode of the Realign Your Life Podcast, host Vivian Smith Richardson welcomes guest Zakiya Lee to discuss various topics related to relationships, parenting, personal growth, and entrepreneurship. Zakiya is a successful real estate agent and also runs a thriving natural skin care and hair care company.
The episode covers Zakiya's beautiful relationship with someone who is incredibly passionate and wears many hats. They delve into the importance of therapy and self-discovery, particularly in cultures where therapy is seen negatively.
The host and guest also touch on the significance of time blocking in finding balance and productivity and the complexities and joys of parenting a nonverbal child. They highlight the need for extreme patience and understanding in communication with individuals on the autism spectrum or with developmental delays.
Zakiya shares their personal journey of discovering their child's autism, from initial denial to seeking support and joining support groups. They celebrate their child's milestones and emphasize the importance of celebrating even seemingly small achievements.
Overall, this episode provides valuable insights and support for realigning one's life and finding joy in the simple moments.
 
Key Moments: 
[00:09:49] Time block: key to productive real estate work.
[00:19:56] Extreme patience needed for nonverbal communication.
[00:27:51] Support is crucial for parents and children.
[00:44:27] Importance of healthy eating and public speaking.
About the Guest:  
Zakiya Lee, a 40-year-old mother, embarked on a holistic approach to living after her daughter was born with various skin issues and food allergies. Meeting Viv years before her daughter's birth sparked her interest in this lifestyle. Zakiya breastfed her daughter for a year, which required her to make dietary adjustments and modify aspects of their household. Through her journey, Zakiya discovered the importance of holistic living and its impact on her daughter's health.
About Vivian : 
Vivian’s lifetime desire has been to impact the lives of both women and men. As a critical thought leader and strategic thinker, her passion is to help women and men develop their best quality and place in life. Knowing that regardless of what season of life they are in – they are valued. As a community builder and masterful networker, she values and welcomes every person she encounters. Through her interactions with various cultures and backgrounds, the realization that there needed to be a platform for them to express and share their concerns, shame, disappointments, desires, and experiences in a safe, non-threatening environment without judgment led her to establish Vivian Richardson Resources and the non-profit God’s Kind of Woman, where women are empowered to know they are Powerful – Prepared – and –Purposeful! You can visit https://realignwithvivian.com/ for more

Episode 33 - Navigating Identity: Rediscovering Yourself After Separation and Loss with Aubrae Corprew

In Episode 33 of the Realign Your Life Podcast, host Vivian Smith Richardson welcomes her friend Aubrae Corprew as the guest..
Aubrae shares her personal story of going through a separation after 15 years of marriage and the subsequent challenges and self-reflection that followed. She discusses seeking therapy, navigating her changing role as a daughter, wife, and mother, and finding support from her children and close friends during this difficult time. Aubrae also opens up about her experiences with online dating and the importance of taking time for oneself.
The episode emphasizes the significance of leaning on God for guidance and support in challenging situations, maintaining open communication with children during divorce, prioritizing self-care, and recognizing the importance of a strong support system of friends and loved ones. Overall, this episode is a relatable and inspiring conversation about realigning one's life after major changes.
 
Key Moments : 
[00:08:18] Starting a new, pursuing personal passions despite obstacles.
[00:11:08] Therapy helped Aubrae to navigate emotions after divorce.
[00:16:56] Tension, separation, worried kids, struggle, support.
[00:21:33] Co-parenting tips - prioritizing kids' happiness & inclusion.
[00:24:59] Doctors have knowledge, medicine can help you.
[00:27:00] Dating in your forties is challenging.
[00:32:05] Lean on God, communicate with your kids.
[00:38:18] Empty nester finds purpose after life change.
[00:43:41] "Beautiful: Embrace your true self and praise God."
About the Guest: 
Aubrae Corprew went through a major life change in 2015 when she got separated after 15 years of marriage. It was a difficult adjustment for her as she navigated through the process of rediscovering herself and her place in life. Seeking therapy to help cope with the challenges, Aubrae also had to deal with the loss of her mother in December of the same year. With her mom and husband being her main support system, their absence was a significant blow. Aubrae spoke to her therapist about feeling lost as she had spent many years fulfilling roles like being a daughter, wife, and mother. With her children growing older and becoming more independent, she questioned her identity and where she fit in her own life. This was highlighted when she went shopping one weekend, wanting to buy something for herself, but realizing she didn't even know her own clothing size anymore. Despite the difficulties, Aubrae remained resilient and continued to prioritize both herself and her children.
 
About Vivian : 
About Vivian - Vivian’s lifetime desire has been to impact the lives of both women and men. As a critical thought leader and strategic thinker, her passion is to help women and men develop their best quality and place in life. Knowing that regardless of what season of life they are in – they are valued. As a community builder and masterful networker, she values and welcomes every person she encounters. Through her interactions with various cultures and backgrounds, the realization that there needed to be a platform for them to express and share their concerns, shame, disappointments, desires, and experiences in a safe, non-threatening environment without judgment led her to establish Vivian Richardson Resources and the non-profit God’s Kind of Woman, where women are empowered to know they are Powerful – Prepared – and –Purposeful! You can visit https://realignwithvivian.com/ for more.

Episode 32 - The Power of Pilates: Unlocking Mindfulness and Flexibility for a Rejuvenated Life with Rocio Vargas

In Episode 32 of the "Realign Your Life Podcast," host Vivian Smith Richardson welcomes guest Rocio Vargas, a former banquet manager turned Pilates instructor, to discuss the importance of incorporating Pilates into daily life for mobility and mindfulness. Rocio highlights the significance of maintaining a healthy spine, which can make one feel younger and more vibrant.
During the episode, they stress that Pilates should not be limited to the club but should be practiced in everyday activities. They delve into the six principles of Pilates, with a particular focus on centering and flow. Centering emphasizes the core and the power of the body's center, while flow refers to seamless movement from one exercise to another.
Vivian and Rocio emphasize the role of the mind in Pilates, as it requires paying attention to the body's movements and being present in the moment. They note that Pilates is a process that requires repetition and intention in order to reap its full benefits. Rocio shares her journey to becoming a Pilates instructor, including overcoming language barriers and finding fulfillment in helping others improve their posture and daily lives through Pilates.
The episode concludes with a reminder that realigning one's life is a brave and transformative journey, and support from others is crucial.
 
Key Moments : 
[00:05:36] Unexpected journey: From gym-goer to certified teacher
[00:10:37] Mindful breathing in Pilates makes huge difference.
[00:15:21] Mindful movement with precision and intention.
[00:20:23] Pilate focuses on mobility, posture, and spine health.
[00:23:06] Beautifully stated summary on mindfulness and health.
[00:28:18] Many still use AOL, the journey of realigning lives.
 
About the Guest: 
Rocio Vargas had spent years working in the hospitality industry, getting up each day and immersing herself in a world of events and different people. However, life had an unexpected twist in store for her. The abrupt shutdown of everything she knew was not a gradual process, but rather happened within a mere hour. Even though there were signs of cancellations, Rocio still headed to the hotel only to be met with the news that everything had been called off. She was instructed to gather everything and move it back to the ballrooms, unsure of what the future held. Little did she know, this was to be her last day in the industry she had grown accustomed to.
 
About Vivian : 
About Vivian - Vivian’s lifetime desire has been to impact the lives of both women and men. As a critical thought leader and strategic thinker, her passion is to help women and men develop their best quality and place in life. Knowing that regardless of what season of life they are in – they are valued. As a community builder and masterful networker, she values and welcomes every person she encounters. Through her interactions with various cultures and backgrounds, the realization that there needed to be a platform for them to express and share their concerns, shame, disappointments, desires, and experiences in a safe, non-threatening environment without judgment led her to establish Vivian Richardson Resources and the non-profit God’s Kind of Woman, where women are empowered to know they are Powerful – Prepared – and –Purposeful!

Episode 31 - From Teaching to Coaching: Unleashing Your True Passion and Living Your Best Life with Bunmi Ajibade

In Episode 31 of the Realign Your Life Podcast, host Vivian Smith Richardson welcomes guest Bunmi Ajibade, a renowned business coach with over 28 years of experience. Bunmi's approach to coaching centers around empathy and love, helping individuals unlock their potential and become aware of their strengths. As a senior trainer with Personality Insights, specializing in the DISC assessment, Bunmi emphasizes the importance of understanding one's natural strengths and improving relationships with others.
The episode delves into the significance of being mindful and attentive to one's own life journey. Bunmi suggests keeping a journal or using a note-taking app to record thoughts and insights. People can gain clarity and identify their true passions and purpose by paying attention to how certain activities or situations make them feel.
Bunmi also highlights the power of DISC, a tool that focuses on each person's strengths and areas for improvement, helping them identify their purpose. The episode stresses the importance of diverse personalities in a team or workplace, as different strengths and perspectives contribute to a balanced and successful dynamic.
Additionally, Bunmi shares personal experiences in transitioning from teaching in a school to coaching and training adults. She emphasizes the need for continuous learning, investing in personal development, and taking action to create one's own economy.
 
Key Moments: 
[00:02:29] Stay focused, adjust to the right path.
[00:09:32] Finding purpose: ask yourself key questions.
[00:12:59] The importance of self-reflection and mindfulness.
[00:18:06] Teaching, training, and coaching for personal growth.
[00:22:16] Investment in self-learning for personal growth.
[00:27:40] Create your own economy and job.
[00:31:30] Disc identifies strengths and helps identify purpose.
[00:36:27] Sumptuous food for entrepreneurial minds, seek coach.
[00:40:31] Realign your life, take action and invest.
About Bunmi Ajibade:
Bunmi Ajibade is the CEO, Executive Trainer, and Coach of Clarole Growth Resources, LLC. She impacts the lives of individuals, groups, and corporations through Coaching, Training, and Mentoring. Bunmi’s strategies include Creating Awareness, Clarity, and Navigating to be more and do more to achieve success. Through her love, passion, care, and empathy, Bunmi has helped her clients navigate, gain clarity and find solutions that will make them live their best lives and become successful. Bunmi has organized workshops, Seminars, led Leadership discussions, and conducted one on one coaching sessions. Bunmi is happily married and raised three successful sons. She resides in Texas, USA. 
 
How to connect with Bunmi Ajibade: 
Website: https://clarolegr.com
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bunmiaj/ 
Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/Clarole14
Book a call with Bunmi - http://clarolegr.com/meet
 
About Vivian : 
About Vivian - Vivian’s lifetime desire has been to impact the lives of both women and men. As a critical thought leader and strategic thinker, her passion is to help women and men develop their best quality and place in life. Knowing that regardless of what season of life they are in – they are valued. As a community builder and masterful networker, she values and welcomes every person she encounters. Through her interactions with various cultures and backgrounds, the realization that there needed to be a platform for them to express and share their concerns, shame, disappointments, desires, and experiences in a safe, non-threatening environment without judgment led her to establish Vivian Richardson Resources and the non-profit God’s Kind of Woman, where women are empowered to know they are Powerful – Prepared – and –Purposeful!