I don’t consider myself much of a reader, but lately I’ve gotten hooked onto Wendy Suzuki’s Good Anxiety: Harnessing the Power of the Most Misunderstood Emotion. I’ve been reading this book because I’ve had a lot of trouble with anxiety in the past and present, but it’s now reached a breaking point. The book is helping me understand both the inevitability of anxiety in daily life and how to use it in a more productive way going forward (especially in a work setting). I don’t necessarily know how well Suzuki’s suggestions are going to work in the long run, but her book could be very useful and I recommend reading it. Link: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Good-Anxiety/Wendy-Suzuki/9781982170745

One of my favorite podcasts that I currently listen to is The Coffee Klatch with Robert Reich. Robert Reich is a former Secretary of Labor under President Clinton and also served on President Obama’s economic transition advisory board. In this podcast, he not only covers current events from the lens of poor and average Americans, but also illustrates the power dynamics within the United States and how we can shift it back in favor of everyday citizens. I enjoy this podcast because he offers a unique perspective of the American economy and politics that corporate media fails to account for and outlines concrete steps that we can take to make this country fairer for the majority.

I am not a huge fan of outlining where I see myself in five or ten years. When I was in college, I envisioned myself taking up a lucrative career in finance, and look where I am now! Since my college days, I’ve changed my destination and taken several detours before I wound up in my preferred place serving in the youth fields. This is to say that I’m open to change and not fixated on one particular destination without consideration for other destinations. With all of that said, in five years, I envision myself living in a better world than I previously found it. By that time, I believe that our work at Youth MOVE CO will have positively impacted hundreds to thousands of youth in need because we will have developed adequate resources for these youth and thus made it significantly easier for them to seek help and receive what they need to thrive.

So I joined Youth MOVE Colorado in 2022. Youth MOVE Colorado is a program for lived experience young people to help other young people that are struggling with basic needs, mental health and other things that might come up as a barrier. I have helped youth in the past 3 years get IDs, bank accounts, be more social, teach them coping skills and teach them what harm reduction is.

I mostly watch current event reels and news, sometimes a good movie here and there. I like to be updated on what's going on around the world and in my community. I listen to the radio 106.7 or 103.5 are my go to favorites. https://1067thebull.iheart.com/

https://www.nbcnews.com/us-news

I imagine myself in 5 years as still growing and learning new things. I still want to live in Colorado and help people along my life journey. I will still have my two cats that I love so dearly. I hope my anxiety and P.T.S.D calms down in the next 5 years, it seems like it has been a roller coaster lately with it.

I am involved with Youth MOVE CO because I believe it is essential for youth to receive mentorship and resources. After all, they are in the most formative years of their lives, and I have personal experience with what it feels like to need help navigating life.

This summer, I have been reading "Oathbound", which is the third book in the "Legendborn Cycle" series. I may be biased, but this book series is one of the best ones out at the moment. I have also been binge-watching "Bel-Air" with my friend, which is a modern take on the "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" show. Here are the links for the summaries of the "Legendborn Cycle" and "Bel-Air":

• https://www.tracydeonn.com/legendborn

• https://www.peacocktv.com/stream-tv/bel-air

  
  

A podcast I enjoy listening to is "Tales" by Parcast. I would recommend this podcast if you are into tales and folklore, because the podcasters do a good job of explaining the origins of many famous fairytales. Plus, I find it fun to distract myself with fictional things when my day-to-day life gets stressful. Here is the link:

• https://open.spotify.com/show/2OIRaDoDPKx77wz1945ihy?si=d6ee7d74c9f44c24

I am going to be completely honest and transparent, I have no clue where I see myself in 5 years. I just hope by then I'll have a stable career and a place to call home.

I am involved with youth move co because of facing homelessness myself. And I have always been an advocate for others when I could be. With being a vista it gives me an opportunity to support my community and bring some positive change and it gives me good experience.

Recently I watched Superman in theatres and it was a very good movie on so many levels I won't post any spoilers here but it aligns with a lot of my values and I believe it spreads a positive message.

I recommend this ted talk about the truth of what it is like being an LGBTQ youth in the united states. The speaker goes into how hard her upbringing was and how many LGBTQ youth face homelessness. And no matter how hard it gets you shouldn't give up things get better.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDaR9zAiKbc

The place I see myself in five years is finishing up college for zoology because that is what I really want to do and still volunteering for non profits to really be engaged in my community still. I see this opportunity really helping me get where i want to be in five years.

I joined Youth MOVE CO because I know what it's like to struggle. There was a time when my siblings and I faced housing instability. It was one of the hardest times in my life, I felt isolated, vulnerable, and uncertain about the future. Things began to change when I met my site lead through my school. With their support, I was able to secure stable housing. It wasn’t easy, but reaching that goal, having a safe place to call home, was one of the biggest accomplishments of my life.

That experience inspired me to help others who are going through similar struggles. I know how powerful it is to feel seen, heard, and supported. Being part of the Youth MOVE CO team has been incredible. Knowing that the work we do is making a difference for youth across our community and that I’m part of that change, brings me joy and healing. I'm proud to stand with my team as we work to uplift others and create a better, more supportive world for young people.

Lately, I’ve been reading poems that feel more like affirmations, gentle reminders that speak directly to the soul. One book that’s really resonated with me is by Yung Pueblo. There’s a poem in it that I keep coming back to during this phase of my life. It says:

• "Heal yourself, but don't rush it."

• "Help people, but have boundaries."

• "Love others, but don't let them harm you."

• "Love yourself, but don't become egotistical."

• "Stay informed, but don't overwhelm yourself. Embrace change, but keep pursuing your goals."

These words stick with me. I find myself reading them over and over, they remind me that it’s okay to take my time, to protect my peace, and to grow at my own pace.

I have been listening to David Goggins podcast it is incredibly motivating and inspiring, he makes me feel like I can become Superman. I listen to him during my workouts, and it fires me up because he's a reflection of who I want to become. He pushes me to chase the best version of myself, not just for me, but to prove to others that I can rise above their doubts.

One part of his podcast really stuck with me: “Don’t ever let one second in life beat you.” That line hit hard. It made me realize how quickly time passes, and how giving up in even a single second can cost so much. I carry that with me every day. Whenever I feel like stopping, I remind myself not to let that one second win. Instead, I use it to fuel my drive and push harder toward my goals.

Where I see myself in five years is in college, confidently pursuing a degree I'm passionate about. I envision having my car fully paid off and building strong, healthy relationships with others, while maintaining a positive mindset and honoring my personal boundaries. I want to grow in self-love and feel more comfortable in my own body.

I hope to live more in the present, not held back by the past, and embrace life with a sense of adventure, joy, and love. I strive for peace within myself, to be honest and kind, especially in how I treat myself. I also see myself living in the apartment I’ve always wanted, surrounded by friends and making time to truly enjoy life with them.

Above all, I want to accomplish more of my goals, continue growing, and live freely as my authentic self.