Realign Your Life with Vivian Smith Richardson
Do you ever feel out of balance? Like something in your life isn’t quite going the way you want it to? This podcast will help you to realign your life and get back on track. Every week I will share some tips and strategies with you on how to live in alignment, and how you can move forward in harmony with what is happening around you.

Realign Your Life with Vivian
Do you ever feel out of balance? Like something in your life isn’t quite going the way you want it to? This podcast will help you to realign your life and get back on track. Every week I will share some tips and strategies with you on how to live in alignment, and how you can move forward in harmony with what is happening around you.
Episodes

Thursday Jun 22, 2023
Thursday Jun 22, 2023
In this episode of Realign Your Life Podcast, host Vivian Smith Richardson discusses how finances play a role in realigning our lives. Our finances can help identify our values and priorities, highlight areas of overspending and underspending, and assist in making needed adjustments. Vivian suggests reconsidering spending on things that don't bring joy or fulfillment and living within our means. Vivian notes that becoming financially savvy can be stressful and cause anxiety, but having a budget or emergency fund can help manage these emotions. Vivian believes that learning to be content and investing in oneself is the key to abounding less and abounding more, enhancing our finances, and living a more fulfilled life. Tune in for more financial tips and advice from Vivian.
Key Moments :
[00:02:17] Jesus emphasized the importance of money; relevant today.
[00:04:36] Finances can guide our values and goals.
[00:07:45] Pay off high-interest debt and avoid new debt, create opportunities, be content and grateful.
[00:14:12] "Tips for finances; seek assistance if needed."
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!

Thursday Jun 15, 2023
Thursday Jun 15, 2023
In this episode of Realign Your Life Podcast, we hear stories of resilience and strength from Valerie Watkins. Valerie Watkins talks about her mother's journey with an AIDS diagnosis and the stigma that came with it. She also shares personal experiences from her childhood, growing up with an absent father and a strong mother who persisted in her ministry despite her struggles. We also hear a story of domestic violence and how Valerie and her friend navigated through it. Lastly, the episode ends with an uplifting story of the kindness of strangers and how it helped a family in need.
About Valerie Watkins:
Valerie Watkins, a special guest on the realign your life podcast, shares her strategies on how to realign your life and move toward the direction you want. Valerie is an extraordinary individual who has overcome tremendous challenges and dedicated her life to making a positive impact. Born in Kinston, NC, on July 9, 1956, she was raised among five brothers, with her mother serving as her closest confidante and mentor. From an early age, she was taught the essential lessons of embracing her femininity, maturing into a young lady, a strong woman, a nurturing mother, and a loyal friend.
Her journey has taken her to various cities, including Williamston, NC, Newark, NJ, Newburgh, NY, Bridgeport, CT, Groton, CT, Atlanta, GA, Charlotte, NC, and now she resides in Rock Hill, SC. Her father's role as a pastor and her mother's as an evangelist instilled in her a deep spiritual foundation that would shape her future endeavors.
After graduating from high school in 1974 with a diploma in Fashion Design, she pursued her passion and attended the Berkeley School of Merchandising in East Orange, NJ, earning an Associate's degree in Fashion Merchandising. In 1976, she returned home to support her uncle, Bishop Lonnell I. Lawson, in establishing his ministry. At the young age of 22, she was ordained as an Evangelist, beginning a path of spiritual guidance and leadership.
However, her life took a tragic turn when her father passed away in 1994. The devastating revelation followed that he had contracted and transmitted AIDS to her mother. Witnessing her mother's courageous battle with AIDS and her eventual passing in 1996 deeply impacted her, igniting an overwhelming love and compassion within her. In 2014, she channeled her emotions into her first book, "No Sad Story," and founded her ministry and organization, No Sad Story Ministry, as a voice for the marginalized HIV/AIDS community, honoring her mother, Mrs. Bertrina Lawson.
Having witnessed the detrimental effects of the HIV/AIDS stigma, including discrimination in education, housing, insurance, and employment, she felt a profound calling to establish No Sad Story Ministry as a registered 501(c)(3) organization in 2014. Through her work, she strives to break down societal barriers and provide support and advocacy for those affected by HIV/AIDS.
In an unfortunate event on April 8, 2020, domestic violence struck her own home. Miraculously unharmed physically, she found herself hiding in her bedroom closet, urgently dialing 911 for help. Tragically, her goddaughter's estranged husband took the life of their 5-year-old son before ending his own life. This harrowing experience sparked her dedication to raising awareness about domestic violence. In honor of her goddaughter, she launched Cry Out 2 Get Out!, a movement aimed at unmasking the mask of domestic violence.
Undeterred by the challenges she has faced, she embraces a mission to turn tragedy into triumph. Her unwavering spirit and commitment to making a difference inspire her to lend a helping hand to others along her journey. Through her lived experiences and the causes she champions, she believes that her purpose in life is to ensure that her existence serves a higher calling.
Important Links:
Website : https://mynssm.org
Make A Donation - https://mynssm.org/ways-to-give/
Buy the Book “No Sad Story” - https://mynssm.org/product/no-sad-story-paperback/
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!

Thursday Jun 08, 2023
Thursday Jun 08, 2023
In this episode of the Realign Your Life Podcast, host Vivian Smith Richardson delves into the world of coaching and mentoring, exploring the differences and benefits of each.
Vivian highlights that while coaching is focused on achieving specific goals and is more structured, mentoring aims at long-term relationships and personal development. She offers insights into how mentors and coaches can help with realigning life, facing challenges, and staying accountable.
If you are thinking of finding a mentor or coach to live your life more efficiently, this episode has got you covered!
Snapshot of the Key Points:[00:03:37] Difference between coaching and mentoring is explained briefly.[00:08:26] Mentors guide, coaches hold accountable. Advantages shared.[00:11:45] Coaches and mentors help see progress.[00:15:22] Coach helps with personal growth and development.[00:22:07] Why mentor or coach is important for success.[00:26:52] Benefits of having a life coach.
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!

Thursday Jun 01, 2023
Thursday Jun 01, 2023
In this episode, Pastor Joseph Anderson discusses how to trust and build trust in God. He reads from Zephaniah chapter three, which talks about rejoicing and exalting because God has removed our guilt and dwells among us.
He emphasizes that waiting on God is important, and moving when God calls us is crucial to fulfilling our calling. The foundation of hearing from God is creating a habit of being with Him regularly and checking what we feel like God has said with humility against His Word, the Holy Spirit, our community, and our circumstances.
Snapshot of the Key Points from the Episode:
[00:10:05] Creating a habit of being with God on a regular basis is the foundation of hearing from God.
[00:23:57] Trust in God's plan, even when we don't understand it, using the analogy of baking a cake and not doubting the process during suffering.
[00:29:29] Make sure your circumstances are shaping you into who God is calling you to be.
[00:36:02] Trust in Jesus and prioritize spiritual growth to attract a godly partner.
[00:39:51] Keys to spiritual growth: be in community, read the Bible, embrace suffering through the sovereignty of God.
About Pastor Joseph Henderson-
Joseph Anderson is the Campus Pastor at Mercy Church in
Charlotte, NC. He shares how we can live a Gospel Centered Life
by simply believing and trusting that God has the perfect plan for
our lives. Letting go of our own self-righteousness and placing
our trust in Him will allow us to live aligned lives that have been
covered with grace.
Pastor Joseph did not begin a career in ministry and had not
seriously given thought to even entering seminary, but when he
opened his heart and ears to what God was saying to him, his life
took a whole different direction.
Joseph is married and a dad to two beautiful and active kids!
He does not have social media, you can contact him at
janderson@mercycharlotte.com
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!

Thursday May 25, 2023
Thursday May 25, 2023
On this episode of Realign Your Life Podcast, host Vivian Smith Richardson shares the importance of realigning your thinking style with your life goals.
By identifying your dominant thinking style and balancing it with others, you can assess your current situation, practice self-awareness, challenge negative beliefs, and set goals that align with your values.
Vivian emphasizes the importance of self-care and living in the present moment, and urges listeners to surround themselves with supportive people who can help them stay accountable.
Snapshot of the Key Points from the Episode:
01:31 - Understanding Your Dominant Thinking Style.
09:46 - Balancing Your Thinking Style.
20:16 - Challenging Negative Beliefs and Setting Goals.
31:00 - Why are Self-Care, Awareness, and Supportive Relationships important for realignment?
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!

Thursday May 18, 2023
Thursday May 18, 2023
On this episode of Realign Your Life Podcast, the host, Vivian talks with Kim, who shares her journey of realignment. Kim discusses the importance of being in alignment with one's passion and purpose to avoid wasting time, and shares her own experience of realizing she was not walking in her purpose while working in healthcare.
She also emphasizes the importance of having a relationship with God to help with decision making and relationship building. Vivian and Kim also talk about the power of having a supportive circle and how crucial it is to surround oneself with positive and purpose-driven people.
Snapshot of the Key Points from the Episode:
[00:07:20] Importance of finding passion and purpose to avoid frustration and align oneself for success.
[00:17:13] Encouragement is important when realigning one's life, and it's important to surround oneself with people of purpose and positivity.
[00:20:40] Nothing without God; can't be an entrepreneur, mother, wife, or anything without Him.
[00:22:46] Kim talks about why she starts her day with meditation on God through scripture, how she constantly communicates with God throughout the day in various ways, and how she realizes that having a relationship with God doesn't require following strict rules.
About Kim Ross -
Kimberly Alexander Ross is a native of Shelby N.C. Married to Jason Ross, they have four beautiful adult children, Emily, Erin, Jason II and Joshua and six amazing grandchildren. Above all else, Kimberly Ross is an anointed woman of God, who has been divinely chosen, consecrated, and commissioned as a 21st Century change agent for Christ (Eph. 4:11-16).
After working alongside physicians in an office setting. Kim realized there was more for her and found her passion and purpose as a leader in quality assurance within the healthcare system. She is a trailblazer as one of the first entering Gardner Webb University’s degree program, Organizational Leadership.
She is currently employed as a Senior Quality Assurance Analyst. In addition to working in her chosen field, Kim is a woman business owner with her husband and recently started the non-profit 501-3c, Connections Resource Center. To learn more about
How to Connect with Kim Ross:
Email: connectionsresourcecenter23@gmail.comWebsite: ConnectionsResourceCenter.com
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!

Thursday May 11, 2023
Thursday May 11, 2023
In this episode of Realign Your Life Podcast, our host discusses the importance of mindfulness and the role it plays in our everyday lives.
The podcast also highlights the importance of being present in the moment and identifying triggers in our lives to develop coping skills. The speaker shares several scriptures and recommends incorporating mindfulness into our daily routine. The process of transformation is like that of a caterpillar turning into a butterfly, and mindfulness is essential for a more peaceful, joyful, and focused life. Tune in to the Realign Your Life Podcast to learn how incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine can transform your life, as discussed through the Holy Scriptures.
Snapshot of the Key Points from the Episode:
[00:00:57] Vivian discusses the value of mindfulness in the Bible and how it has been around for thousands of years.
[00:04:36] The need to think on positive and uplifting things.
[00:07:03] Renewing the mind with God's truth leads to transformation, like the caterpillar to butterfly. Mindfulness helps manage triggers and emotions.
[00:08:35] Being careful about what we allow into our minds and spirits.
[00:17:07] Mindfulness with scripture: start the day with a Bible verse, reflect on it. Read five Psalms and one Proverb every morning.
[00:19:25] Meditate on God's word, understand the writer's intent, and find ways to apply it in your life; use study tools if needed.
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!

Thursday May 04, 2023
Thursday May 04, 2023
Realignment is a process that cannot be achieved overnight; it requires introspection and self-assessment to identify your strengths and weaknesses. To realign with your calling, you must put these into perspective and develop a plan to leverage them. While it may be tempting to only focus on your strengths, it's important to acknowledge and work on your weaknesses. They are real, and you need to face them head-on in order to learn how to navigate and overcome them effectively.
Sometimes, it's difficult to invest in ourselves by realigning our priorities. But if we don't, we risk pouring from an empty cup and depriving ourselves of what we need to thrive. Working on yourself won't always be easy or enjoyable, but it's a necessary step toward realizing your full potential. By embracing necessary changes and dedicating time and energy to cultivating your passions, you can overcome limitations and achieve a fulfilling life.
In this episode, Kim Gabriel, Founder and CEO of The Vine and Branches Outreach, shares her inspiring journey of self-realignment. With candor and vulnerability, Kim takes us on a transformative journey filled with valuable insights and lessons on the importance of self-reflection and personal improvement. Throughout her story, she reveals the challenges and rewards that come with embarking on such a path of self-discovery. Join us as we explore the power of realigning with oneself for a happier, healthier life.
Tune in!
Snapshot of the Key Points from the Episode:
[04:05] What motivated Kim to begin the journey of realigning her life?
[08:10] The steps that Kim took to help her align with what God was calling her to do.
[12:56] How setting priorities affected Kim’s professional and personal relationships?
[14:33] Kim’s advice to anyone looking to realign their life.
[16:04] What would Kim do differently in her realignment process?
About Kim Gabriel -
Kim is the Founder/CEO of the VINE and Branches Outreach. The VINE and Branches Outreach came about after the death of her grandson, Khalil. Kim believe that The LORD told her to start a soup kitchen to help those in need, then a short time later expanded it to include a youth and adult center. Kim’s husband and co-founder, Bill Gabriel, the President, and Executive Director, enthusiastically joined her in this venture. Together, they see it as our assignment/purpose from God!
The organization's mission is to nourish, nurture, educate, and empower the community's most marginalized and vulnerable youth, adults, and families through our core ministries: K's Kitchen and Khalil's Korner.
They provide services for those with food insecurities, tutoring and mentoring for students, as well as mental health services, and Bible study activities, to name a few.
How to connect with Kim Gabriel:
Email: admin@tvabo.org

Thursday Apr 27, 2023
Thursday Apr 27, 2023
Sharing your story can be a powerful inspiration for others. It allows us to connect on a deeper level and understand each other in ways we would not otherwise. When we open up and become vulnerable, it can lead to personal growth and healing. By being brave enough to share our stories, we create connections with others that have the power to change lives and give us the courage to pursue our dreams.
Although some may choose to leave their past behind, it's crucial to remember that by revisiting our memories, we can also relive the joys of life. Our experiences shape who we are today and embracing our stories allows for growth and empowerment. By acknowledging that our story matters, we remain connected to the world around us despite any past pain endured.
In this episode, Vivian emphasizes the significance of sharing our personal stories, and how doing so can create a profound impact. No matter where we come from or what experiences we have had in life, our stories can inspire and bring positive change. Your story has the power to inspire others in ways you may not even imagine.
Let’s jump in!
Snapshot of the Key Points from the Episode:
[02:08] How powerful is your story?
[03:00] Why do people hate remembering their past? Remembering shows how mindful you are.
[09:09] You have a story to inspire others
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!

Thursday Apr 20, 2023
Thursday Apr 20, 2023
In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get lost in the chaos of our daily lives. We're bombarded with tasks, technologies, and other distractions that can make us feel disconnected from ourselves and the present moment. Sometimes we may even feel like we're not on the right path - that we're not aligned with our passions and values.
Mindfulness is a powerful tool that helps us step back from the chaos and distractions of our daily lives, and connect more deeply with ourselves. It's all about being present in the moment, appreciating where we are and what we have, and tapping into our inner selves. By practicing mindfulness regularly, we can become more self-aware and gain greater clarity about what truly matters in our lives. This can lead to a sense of calm and peace, as well as a better understanding of how to thrive.
In this episode, Vivian delves deep into the topic of mindfulness and how it can transform our lives. She explains how to get started with mindfulness and the incredible benefits it can bring. By practicing mindfulness, we learn to observe and accept our thoughts and feelings without any judgment. With Vivian's guidance, you'll discover powerful techniques that will help you stay present in every moment of your day. Join us for this enlightening discussion on the power of mindfulness!
Tune in!
Snapshot of the Key Points from the Episode:
[04:27] Why is mindfulness so important in self-care and well-being?
[06:56] The benefits of practicing mindfulness in our lives.
[13:30] How can you start practicing self-care and mindfulness?
[20:47] Mindfulness is a practice, don’t get discouraged about yourself.
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!