At Women Speakers Association our Premier members are experts with specialties in very specific niches.
In this episode, we take a deep dive into finding the flow in your life even when you are experiencing anxiety and addressing some big issues among young people today including addiction in connection to vaping, intimate partner violence, and trauma. Plus, it’s National Recovery Month which is about bringing awareness and support to those individuals and families dealing with addiction.
Oftentimes, the stress and trauma in our lives lead people to cope by using substances and ultimately abusing them. There is hope, however, to get on the path toward healing and recovery. Though it may seem like a taboo to talk about this topic, these two Premier women are breaking down the barriers and opening up heartfelt dialogue with their wisdom, tips, and tools for healing anxiety, breaking the stigma of taboo topics.
Featuring Gwen Lepard and Azelene Williams
Our experts share their advice for women leaders and speakers:
Gwen says “3 F’s: Focus, Feel, and Flow…
Resist the temptation to dwell on what’s wrong, instead FOCUS on what’s right in your life and expand on that! When you FEEL an emotion, a symptom, or a fear, take in an easy breath and ask, what’s mine and what’s others, then trust that you know what’s yours. Allow yourself to FLOW into gratitude and gain more well-being through the awareness of what’s right in your world.”
Azelene shares “Engaging in open conversations with young people is a crucial first step towards helping them overcome their vaping addiction. As a parent or guardian, it’s important to create an environment where they feel safe and unjudged, allowing them to be open about their experiences. Remembering our own adolescence can help us empathize with the challenges they are facing, particularly regarding peer pressure. Establishing trust with your child is invaluable in this process.
Moreover, becoming well-versed about the vaping industry and understanding how it may influence young people is crucial. It’s important to identify the sources and levels of peer pressure they are under. Knowledge about the industry, its marketing tactics, and its appeal to youth can help us better guide them towards making informed decisions. If a child trusts you and feels comfortable discussing these issues, you are halfway there towards helping them overcome their addiction.
Finally, providing them with the necessary tools and resources to combat addiction is essential. This could range from educational resources on the dangers of vaping to professional counseling or therapy. Encourage them to engage in healthier coping mechanisms and activities that can distract them from the urge to vape. Remember, overcoming an addiction is not an overnight process, it requires time, patience, and above all, support.”
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Gwen Lepard is a Transformation Coach. She provides support and empowerment to Conscious Entrepreneurs and Empaths through sharing tools, techniques, and training resulting in transformation. You can learn more about Gwen at https://gwenlepard.com/
Azelene Williams is a Lived Experience Presenter, Author, and Social Worker. She specializes in youth healthy relationships, coercion and consent, and the dangers of vaping. She also does live experience presentations in schools and online to support young people to make better decisions when it comes to peer pressure and growing up. You can learn more about Azelene at https://azelenewilliams.com/
Our Host and Producer is Laura Rubinstein, Certified Hypnotherapist, Digital Media & Marketing Mentor and Business Transformation Strategist. Follow her blog here: http://TransformToday.com