Redefine Success and Find Peace

Hello Beautiful People,

I hope this message finds you thriving and in good spirits. As we navigate through the hustle and bustle of life, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. That's why I'm excited to share with you this week's podcast episode, where we delve into the concept of success and how we can redefine it to lead more fulfilling lives.

Episode Highlight: "Redefining Success for Personal Peace"

In this episode, I, Celeste, a therapist from Boston, take you on a journey to explore the societal constructs of success and challenge you to think about what success really means to you. We often get caught up in what we're told success should look like - the degrees, the accolades, the material possessions. But is that really all there is to it?

Here's what you can expect from this heartfelt discussion:

• Understanding Your Narrative: Learn to identify where your current idea of success originates from and how it might be holding you back.

• The Power of Gratitude: Discover how gratitude can shift your perspective and help you appreciate the abundance you already have.

• Self-Care and Intentionality: I share insights on the importance of loving yourself and being intentional with your actions to foster success.

• Seeking Validation: We'll talk about the pitfalls of seeking external validation and how to focus on living life for yourself.

• Patience in the Process: Embrace the journey of redefining success with patience and understand that change takes time.

This episode is not just a conversation; it's a call to action. It's about taking a step back to reflect on what makes you feel whole and content, beyond the noise and expectations of the world around us.

Tune in now to this transformative episode and start the process of redefining success on your own terms. You can listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, or watch it on YouTube. And remember, if you're looking for more content like this, you can always find me on all social media platforms by searching for Celeste the therapist.

Let's embark on this journey together and redefine what success means to us. I'll be back next Wednesday with more insights, but until then, take care of yourselves and keep striving for the success that truly fulfills you.

Warm regards,

Celeste
Therapist | Speaker | Podcast Host

P.S. If you find value in our discussions, please share this episode with someone who might need to hear it. Let's spread the message of personal peace and true success together!

Long Weekend Trip to LA

For my husband's birthday, we decided to take a weekend getaway to Los Angeles. We both share a love for football, comedy, and good food. Upon our arrival on Thursday, we took the opportunity to indulge in some street food at Taqueria - Kogi BBQ Taco Truck. We opted for the combo plate priced at $11, and the flavors were absolutely delightful. Following our meal, we stumbled upon a charming bakery called BAKED LA, where I treated myself to a scrumptious pastry paired with a perfectly brewed cup of coffee.

Our accommodation of choice was Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport. The check-in process was seamless, allowing us ample time to delve into the captivating world of Netflix's Squid Game immersive experience in LA. If you've seen Squid Game, you'll know just how gripping it can be. Each moment had us on edge; despite knowing it wasn't real, it genuinely felt as though we were participants on the game show itself. The attention to detail truly made for a remarkable and well-executed adventure. There was a strict no recording policy so I was not able to get any footbage. Afterwards, we decided to make another stop at Don's Jerk Stop for some delectable jerk chicken accompanied by breadfruit.

On the second day of our trip, we began by enjoying a cup of coffee at South LA, a locally owned coffee shop in south central. The quality of the coffee was exceptional. We then decided to visit the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame and took some time to explore the area. Afterwards, we drove a few miles up to see the famous Hollywood sign, which left me feeling incredibly impressed. Returning to our hotel, we ordered some appetizers and enjoyed a relaxing evening. Later that night, we had the pleasure of attending a sold-out show featuring Gary Owens at the Ontario Improv; his comedic performance had us all in stitches.

The following day kicked off with another delightful cup of coffee from Coffee MCO—an exquisite café located on the border between DTLA and Koreatown. Our next stop was at Peterson Auto Museum, an experience that proved unexpectedly captivating for both my husband and me. Discovering numerous classic cars from beloved movies evoked a strong sense of nostalgia within me.

We wrapped up our memorable adventure with an evening at the world-famous Laugh Factory—an absolute blast! On our final full day, we started by indulging in an amazing cup of coffee from Sip & Sonder—a globally recognized Black women-owned coffee brand situated in Inglewood. Across the street stood The Wood, where we treated ourselves to some mouthwatering BBQ cuisine.

To conclude our weekend getaway on a high note, we attended an exhilarating NFL game between the Chargers and Chiefs. We love football but was not invested in who won. We purchased the cheapest tickets and went to the standing room area with amazing views. This trip was truly an unforgettable experience filled with laughter and excitement.

The Power of Affirmations and Taking Baby Steps Towards Your Goals

Hello Shifters

Happy New Year! 🎉 It's Celeste here, and I'm thrilled to share with you the first solo episode of 2024 on the Celeste the Therapist Podcast. As we step into this vibrant new year, I'm excited to help you maintain that fresh energy and channel it into meaningful change in your life.

In this latest episode, I dive deep into the power of affirmations, the importance of taking baby steps towards your goals, and the transformative impact of reframing your mindset. Whether you're looking to switch jobs, improve your health, or simply be a better version of yourself, this episode is packed with insights and actionable advice to guide you on your journey.

I share personal anecdotes, including the story of a doctor who revolutionized his life and career by focusing on prevention rather than just treatment. Plus, I offer tips on how to create accountability in your relationships, set realistic goals, and find peace and joy in the simple things.

If you're ready to make this year truly count and work towards a healthier, happier you, tune in to this empowering episode. Remember, every day is a new opportunity for change, and I'm here to support you every step of the way.

Listen to the episode now and let it be the catalyst for your transformation this year. Don't forget to share it with someone you care about - it might just be the nudge they need to kickstart their own journey.

Stay connected and follow me on all social media platforms by searching Celeste the Therapist, and for more about me and the work I do, visit CelesteTheTherapist.com.

Here's to a year of growth, healing, and progress. Let's make it count!

Warm regards,
Celeste
#CelesteTheTherapistPodcast #NewYearNewYou #MindsetShift #PersonalGrowth

Self-awareness leads to personal growth.

Self-awareness is a crucial aspect of personal growth. It is the ability to recognize and understand one's own thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. When individuals possess self-awareness, they can identify their strengths and weaknesses, their values and beliefs, and how they interact with others. This self-awareness allows individuals to make conscious choices and take intentional actions that align with their goals and values.

In the podcast transcript, Celeste, the therapist, discusses the importance of self-awareness with her guest, Jermaine Morris, a certified coaching consultant. Jermaine explains that self-awareness can be achieved through tools such as the DISC assessment, which helps individuals understand their decision-making processes and their interactions with others. He emphasizes the need to practice self-awareness without judgment, as it allows individuals to accept themselves as they are while also recognizing the need for change.

The conversation highlights how individuals often operate in an adaptive state of high stress without even realizing it. They may create stress for themselves by how they perceive and respond to situations. This lack of self-awareness can lead to burnout and a false belief that their stress levels are simply a part of who they are. However, by becoming self-aware, individuals can recognize that their reactions and defenses are not their natural state but rather responses built up over time.

Self-awareness also involves understanding the impact of one's perspectives and beliefs on their stress levels. Celeste mentions how our perspectives and the way we perceive situations can create more stress for ourselves. By examining our perspectives and evaluating how we respond to things, we can identify patterns and make conscious choices to reduce stress and create a more positive mindset.

The podcast transcript emphasizes that self-awareness is a process that requires time and patience. It involves recognizing and accepting one's current state while also acknowledging the desire for change. It is important to approach this process with self-compassion and grace, understanding that the patterns and behaviors developed over time were survival mechanisms. As individuals work towards personal growth and change, they need to be gentle with themselves and understand that it may feel like a battle as their system resists the new ways of being.

Self-awareness leads to personal growth because it provides individuals with the knowledge and understanding needed to make intentional changes. By being aware of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, individuals can identify areas for improvement and take proactive steps towards personal development. Self-awareness allows individuals to align their actions with their values and goals, leading to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

In conclusion, self-awareness is a powerful tool that leads to personal growth. It enables individuals to recognize their strengths and weaknesses, understand their patterns and behaviors, and make intentional choices. Through self-awareness, individuals can reduce stress, create positive mindsets, and work towards personal development and growth. It is a process that requires self-compassion and time, but the rewards are invaluable in creating a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

Listen now: www.celestethetherapist.com/episode444

A Journey Through Exploring the Rich Culture and Beauty of the Caribbean: Cuba

DAY 1

For my birthday weekend, I had the opportunity to take a long weekend trip to Cuba with my husband and his cousin and wife. From the moment I arrived at the airport, I was immediately captivated by the charm of the country. It felt like stepping back in time with cars from different decades still in use due to the embargo. We had the pleasure of staying at a stunning airbnb called Villa Vera Roof-top Terrace, where our hosts and cook provided us with an unforgettable experience. They were incredibly attentive and accommodating, always ensuring that we had everything we needed. 
On our first day, our host helped us set up an appointment for my husband's haircut, which only cost $5. Afterward, we took a leisurely stroll through the streets before enjoying a delicious dinner prepared by the talented on-site chef. 

DAY 2

The second day began with a homemade breakfast before venturing off to Las Terrazas, approximately an hour away from Havana. The views were breathtaking, and we embarked on a scenic 4-mile hike. During our excursion, we even stumbled upon behives in the forest and pure honey being sold for just $2!

Additionally, we were able to purchase some incredible artwork and visit Lester Campa Melo studio. In the evening, based on their recommendations, we savored a memorable dinner at Casa Mia Paladar one of Cuba's finest restaurants.

DAY 3

On the third day of our trip, we embarked on a 3-hour Auto and Architecture tour around Havana. It was an incredible experience as we explored the entire city in a vintage car. Our guide was highly knowledgeable and provided us with detailed explanations of the history of the most important neighborhoods in the city. On the tour we had a chance to visit the fishing town of Jaimanitas where cuban artist José Fuster is displayed everywhere. He specializes in ceramics, painting, drawing, engraving, and graphic design. We were able to learn so much about the architecture and history of Havana, gaining an overview of this remarkable city. Later that night, we enjoyed a delightful dinner out. 

DAY 4

Moving on to the fourth day, we started our day with a delicious breakfast prepared for us before heading to old Havana. There, we connected with a tour guide who took us on a fascinating tour in a horse and carriage. Throughout the tour, we learned about the rich history and captivating architecture of Old Havana, as well as gaining insights into the restoration process while visiting some historic sites.. We then had an amazing lunch at Paladar Don Lorenzo. In addition to our insightful daytime activities, we also had the opportunity to explore the vibrant nightlife at Pazillo nightclub where we enjoyed some very good, tasty and affordable drinks.

DAY 5

Our fifth day coincided with my birthday. We knew it would be a long day ahead, so we had our cook prepare breakfast for us before embarking on a 3-hour car ride to The Parque Nacional de Viñales. Once there, we indulged in a private tour atop our own horses through picturesque landscapes located within Sierra de los Órganos. Our private tour was amazing by Horse Riding Vinales My horse's name was Carmelo and he gracefully carried me as I absorbed all there was to learn about their thriving agriculture industry, which includes rum production, honey making, and tobacco cultivation on their farm.  To top it off, we savored a mouthwatering lunch where every ingredient came directly from the farm.

To culminate our unforgettable trip in style, we enjoyed an exquisite authentic birthday Caribbean dinner on our rooftop prepared by the in-house chef while being treated to breathtaking views that left us awe-inspired.

I am extremely thankful to the team at Villa Vera Roof-top terrace for their exceptional service. I want to thank Gretel the house manager/concierge who took care of our every need. Our cleaner and cook Yanni . She made amazing breakfast for us. Our in house chef Ibrahim who created amazing Caribbean and authentic Cuban dinner for us. They went above and beyond to cater to our every need and were always accessible to my family and I. If you are planning a trip to Cuba and desire an extraordinary experience, I highly recommend booking with Sunset Rooftop in the ❤️ of Havana~Villa Vera Rest assured, your time with them will be truly unforgettable.