January 12 is my birthday. I don't know when you'll catch Episode 124, but I recorded it around my birthday and wanted to share some reflections with you. As I get older and dive into helping others, I find myself in a reflective mood.

To celebrate my birthday, I've got two things for you. The first is a beautiful poem that struck a chord with me this morning. It talks about savoring the remaining "sweets" of life, embracing maturity, and surrounding ourselves with genuine human connections. It aligns with my mission for this season of life. Second, I'm thrilled to share a free virtual workshop called "Thrive Under Pressure." If you want tips on navigating tough times, moving forward when you feel stuck, or dealing with anxiety, you are invited to access the workshop.

So, for a bit more about the poem, Mario's poem inspired me to live with intensity, surrounded by people who touch hearts and grow through life's challenges. Here it is: 

Here’s the poem:

I counted my years and found that I have less time to live from here on than I have lived up to now.

I feel like that child who won a packet of sweets: he ate the first with pleasure, but when he realized that there were few left, he began to enjoy them intensely.

I no longer have time for endless meetings where statutes, rules, procedures and internal regulations are discussed, knowing that nothing will be achieved.

I no longer have time to support the absurd people who, despite their chronological age, haven't grown up.

My time is too short:

I want the essence,

my soul is in a hurry.

I don't have many sweets

in the package anymore.

I want to live next to human people,

very human,

who know how to laugh at their mistakes,

and who are not inflated by their triumphs,

and who take on their responsibilities.

Thus human dignity is defended and we move towards truth and honesty.

It is the essential that makes life worth living.

I want to surround myself with people who know how to touch hearts, people who have been taught by the hard blows of life to grow with gentle touches of the soul.

Yes, I'm in a hurry, I'm in a hurry to live with the intensity that only maturity can give.

I don't intend to waste any of the leftover sweets.

I am sure they will be delicious, much more than what I have eaten so far.

My goal is to reach the end satisfied

and at peace with my loved ones

and my conscience.

We have two lives.

And the second begins when you realize you only have one.

-Beautiful poem by Mario de Andrade (San Paolo 1893–1945)

Life is too short to be stuck, and I'm here to walk this journey with you. I love how the poem emphasizes the importance of learning from life's hard blows and growing with the gentle touches of the soul. It's a reminder that our past doesn't have to make us bitter – we can choose to get better.

As we navigate this year, my commitment to you and this podcast remains strong. So, whether you're facing grief, shame, or anxiety, please know that you're not alone. Together, we'll explore how to thrive under pressure and find internal peace and joy.

Love you all, and I'll be back with more episodes soon. Stay tuned!

Much love, 

-Dani