The Tests of Life (#FIREHOUR S4, E44)

Happy Wednesday, December 18th, 2024. Thank you. Who's excited for 2025? There's literally like a week and a half left, so it's coming fast. Crystal's on her way down, and just to let everyone know, this is going to be the last episode for 2024. Because next week it's going to be a holiday, and then the week after that it's literally January 1st. So it's, it's New Year literally in, in like in 2 weeks. It's freaking crazy. Feels like the year went by so fast, and there was so much that has happened in 2024, but it flew by, flew by. I hope everyone has been really good. This week for us has been, uh, really wild and life-changing, uh, you know, in good and bad ways. But I think it's always about perspective and gratitude and really about what we're going to do next, right? So last episode we talked about intentions, right? Setting intentions and setting intentions for the new year, right? Every single time you closing new chapter or every single time you close an old chapter, you know, you're going to open up a new chapter. And so being able to set intentions for yourself, right? Set intentions for yourself, for what you want, for what you want to change, for who you want to become, for what you want to bring into this reality, right? For anything that you want to pursue, everything that has been going, you know, going on this journey and like building, building, building all the way up until this moment. Until today, right? Everything, it truly matters because it's really connected, right? There's a quote by Steve Jobs, who is the creator of Apple, right? And he said that you can't connect the dots looking forward, you can only connect the dots looking backwards, right? And that's not verbatim, but what he meant by that to me was that as you go through life, And as you're pursuing your goals and dreams, as you are, you know, building your, your life, right? Building your business, building whatever it is for you. It's so important to give yourself grace and to know that no matter what you do on a day-to-day basis, as long as you believe in your vision, you believe in what you are doing, you believe in what you are pursuing, you, you truly believe that every single action that you take, every single decision that you make, every single, every single decision really that you make, right? It connects back to that belief that you have, right? It connects back to that belief in your vision for what you're doing. And I think that's so powerful because as we set our intentions for 2025, for the new year, as we continue on this journey, right? Whatever your journey looks like for you, your goals and dreams, your aspirations, uh, the people that you want to inspire, that you want to impact, your children, yourself, your future self, like all these different elements to your, your dreams, your goals, etc., right? It goes back to belief, okay? It goes back to belief. There's something I talked about, uh, like a few years ago, and I called it the belief system. The belief system, if you guys haven't seen that, or if you guys never done that training before, the belief system is so powerful because it goes, it, it really ties back all the way from belief and it ties you all the way to your vision, right? And everything in between that entire journey, it's literally like, it's like a Z, but a long, long Z. Okay? Like it's many Zs, but throughout the entire journey, right? It's your life's journey. And it's your belief system. It's your belief journey as well. It ties all the way to your vision. And you're gonna go through ups and downs. You're gonna go through trials and tribulations. You're gonna go through challenges that you feel are impossible to overcome. You're gonna go through so many different things that will slow you down, will also get in your way, will be obstacles that are placed, you know, on your path. There's gonna be literally like so many things that happen right before you're hitting success. Right? And each, each milestone in the belief system, in the belief journey, right? Is it's a milestone, but there's gonna be a huge challenge that you have to overcome. And if you don't, if you don't overcome that roadblock, if you don't overcome that challenge, then what happens is, you know, nothing really. Like it, it's life testing you. And if I had my whiteboard, I'm, I'm gonna get a new whiteboard just so I can really draw it out. But Being able to overcome every single obstacle, every single challenge that gets in your way, right? Life, it's like life's test. It's testing to see if you truly want it, if you truly desire your vision, if you truly believe in yourself, if you truly believe on your path and your journey. And I think that it's, you know, it's hard to do it by yourself sometimes, right? I think that that quote, like, if you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together. Really resonates because it's also part about the mastermind, right? It's about the mastermind effect. Well, from Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich, when two minds come together, right, it forms a mastermind. And the beauty of that, that term, the beauty of that element is that you don't have to have only two people, right? You can have more people than that. You can have as many people as you want. And being able to tie in that, that vision, right? That vision plus belief, Plus being able to be with a community of like-minded individuals who are going together on the journey with that belief intact, right? Connected. And being able to go through the ups and downs and the trials and tribulations and all those obstacles with people, right? You're not doing it by yourself, you're doing it together, right? I think that's what makes it, right? I think that's what makes the journey like possible, right? You make the impossible possible. By sticking together, by using unity and, and community and being able to use that mastermind principle to actually go through the obstacles, go through the challenges, go through all of those, the thing, the tests that life throws at us, right? And then be able to actually hit that milestone, overcome the next one, and so on and so forth, all the way to the vision. Okay. I think that's so important. So, uh, the reason why I wanted to share that, uh, just that concept the belief system and that vision is because, you know, in 2025, right, if you thought that 2024 was hard, if you thought that 2024 was challenging, if you thought that 2024 was near impossible, if you, if you had moments in 2024 where you felt like, you know, this was like do or die, this was make it or break it, and this was like go for broke mode. Like if you had moments and experiences in 2024 like that, right? I want you to reflect on that. Like, reflect on that. And, you know, again, like what Steve Jobs said, right? Connecting the dots backwards, right? And then what I'm— my interpretation is, and adding the element of grace for yourself, right? Look back in 2024, all those hard moments, those challenges, those trials, those tests that life threw at you. Right? Look back at it and look at that version of yourself who was facing it, those challenges, and send some love, right? Send some grace to yourself. Send some compassion, some empathy, because you made it here, right? You made it here. Everything that you did back then to get you to here, to today, it's all part of that journey. It's all part of that vision that you're going towards. So I don't want, like, I really want you to to truly embrace that, right? Truly embrace all of these challenges because it's only molding you into who you're going to become in the future. It's only helping you get better, right? There's that quote, pressure builds diamonds. I know that there's been so much pressure in 2024, even for Crystal and I, like in the past week, there's been so much pressure. But again, it's about how we react to this pressure, right? Uh, I'm not going to go into details, but we had to be in the hospital for the past week, right? Um, two different hospitals for two different people in our lives. And that was not easy for us. Like, that was not easy for us. But that's all in the past 7 days, right? And again, like, it's life-changing things. It's life-changing, uh, experiences. And for the next, like, 20 years, our life is going to be completely different. Right now. And so that right there, right, it's again, it's about how we receive that information, how we react to it, how we respond. What are we gonna use this information and what, how are we gonna use it and what are we gonna do moving forward? Right? So there's so much, like, there's so much data. There's so, there's so much, there's so many different decisions that we can make. All right? But again, uh, that's what, there's that quote. It's in the moment of decision where your destiny is shaped, right? So yeah, thank you all for the love. Mimi says, and you guys continue to show up for the team. Appreciate you guys so much. Thank you, thank you. We, we've— we truly receive you guys' love. Like, we feel it, you know? It's— you can't fake love, like, the feeling of it. So thank you so much. So Uh, hey babe. Thank you.

She's shaking on the side.

I know.

I was hoping you wouldn't call on me so I can drink my shake.

It's okay, you can drink it here.

Hi.

I was talking about, um, well, you heard me. Yeah. But yeah, so yeah, it's been rough, but you know what? Like, uh, I also heard this quote, right? Leaders show up. And the thing is too, is that there's like, again, this is just a test, right? This is another test for life, right? We decided to show up because we wanted to, right? Wanted to show up. And not only that, we made a commitment to ourselves that today, December 18th, literally this December 18th today, it's going to be episode 44, right? We did 44 episodes of Fire Hour this year in 2024. And my decision that I made was I want to at least, like, I want to go all the way until the end of the year, which was for me, it was December 18th today, right? Because it's going to be 44 episodes. 2024 was the year of 8, the year of money, abundance, wealth, prosperity, change, right? Change for everything. I'm planting those seeds of change.. And, uh, for me, I, my intention for Fire Hour was to end with, uh, the episode 8, which is 44, episode 44, which is today. So yeah, it, it's, you know, it's crazy how like things will happen. Like, like life tests you, um, still. And, but that, that's to me, like, that's me connecting the dots backwards. It's like, all right, like, how would I have known that, you know, literally in the past 7 days my life would change like dramatically, you know, and, um, you know, it's just part of the test. It's part of those milestones that we're hitting. Right. Um, Carlos says, facts. It's been a year sending you both love. Thank you for everything. Thank you.

Thank you. Um, I also wanted to say it's perspective, right?

Mm-hmm.

And, um, like what is your perspective on life? Because there's always gonna be two sides to it. You can either see things as a good thing and always make it a good thing and find the silver lining. Or you can, you know, kind of go down those negative spirals, you know, and the mind, it's so tricky. It's always trying, like, your— our brains are wired to keep us safe, right? And so if we see something or we hear something, we tend to naturally hold on to it subconsciously because our brains are trying to keep us safe from certain things, you know. So it's constantly rewiring and training your brain to be like, hey, it's okay, I'm okay, things will be okay. And constantly having that positivity. And we watch a lot of things, we listen to a lot of things, and you hear it from extremely successful people as well. We were watching an episode yesterday as we were coming home, and even people who are extremely gifted in what they they still have, you know, like imposter syndrome or they still have to battle their own minds. And one of the tips that they gave was like, you know, always build your self-confidence. And so, you know, any, anywhere you're at or any level you're at, whether you're the best of the best or you're just starting or you're, you know, mid-journey, there's always going to be times where you doubt yourself or you are unsure. And just know that, like, it's, you know, it's a test. You know, it's a test on whether you're going to allow yourself to think that way or you're going to turn things around and actually look for solutions. So, yeah, just perspective.

Yeah, perspective for sure.

Perspective, positivity. Okay.

Thank you. Yeah, perspective. But you know what? Like, it's, again, it's like, we can, like, these experiences, right? It only fuels our fire. Like, for us, for, you know, for me, like, I'm going to go even harder, right? I'm not letting nothing stop me from getting my goals and dreams. I'm not letting anything stop me from achieving my vision. And I want you guys to, you know, embrace that too, like, for yourself, right? Every single person here is a leader. And all these things that come at us, right? Like the tests of life, the trials, the tribulations, the obstacles, the life-changing experiences, like everything that happens, right? We can— it's information, okay? It's information. And there's definitely tons of emotion, tons of feeling, tons of doubt, tons of mindset obstacles that we have to go after and go through, right? Over, under, or through, right? We're going to make it happen no matter what. And so when it comes to like these things, right, for me, because, you know, again, like depending, like there's something called contrast bias, right? Contrast bias basically allows your mind to decide or your brain decipher between, you know, big and small and good and bad. And, you know, like it's just, it's helping you kind of like understand what you are seeing. And so for me, like, when I look at these, these tests, okay, these tests to life, I use contrast bias. I use contrast bias. And the reason why, it's because, you know, there's like, if you have this experience, right, in your life, and it's, it's a big thing, okay? It's a big thing. Every experience is unique on its own. It's a unique moment in time on its own. Um, but throughout your journey, okay, but the belief system, right, your, your journey From belief to vision, there's gonna be many different experiences, many unique experiences throughout the entire belief system. And for you, if you use contrast bias in your favor, meaning that you are able to, you know, really decipher and be aware and attentive that, you know what, this experience, even though it was maybe traumatic, even though it was a huge big thing that's life-changing, If I contrast that, that moment, that experience to something else, right? Something that was an even bigger moment in your past or that you're gonna face in the future. If you use contrast bias in that way and you're able to recalibrate yourself because you're self-aware and you're, you're just, you know, you wake yourself up in those moments to snap back into your center, to get back to who you are and who you want to become, who you can act as if. You already are, right? Then that right there is gonna help you recalibrate and realign yourself with your intentions and your beliefs and your vision. So that way everything comes back full circle. And even though you had an experience, whatever that was, you're able to keep on going, right? Without slowing down too much. And you know, I'm, I'm not saying to not feel like the experience or to not feel like those life-changing moments,. But what I'm saying is that when it comes time to act, when it comes time to step up, when it comes time to do what you have to do because it's necessary, then you have to be able to, you know, in a moment, switch back on, right? And I think that, you know, there's a lot of people out there who are leaders in the world who like they had, you know, a loved one pass away or they had something very traumatic, you know, life-changing happen and that same day they have to go on stage and speak, or that same day they have to give a presentation that is, you know, something that will change the world. They have to do something like freaking, um, insane that is going to impact the masses. I think that, you know, when you aspire to be like that, right, in those moments, how did those people feel? How did they react to all those decisions that they had to make? How did they react and respond, right? I depend— and I'm not saying that we have to compare, right? Compare like our experiences to any of theirs, whoever that is that you want to choose. But what I'm saying is that, you know, again, it's every single unique decision, every single unique moment in time that leads to the decisions that you make. It starts to shape the journey that you go on and that vision. Okay. And I want you to take away like the fact that Every single thing that happens to you, right? It's happening for you. It's happening for you. And whatever you decide to do with that information, with that experience, right? I just hope that it propels you forward towards your vision. Okay? I hope that it doesn't break you. I hope that it doesn't, and even if it does, like, there's breakdowns lead to breakthroughs. Okay? That's another quote. And so regardless, like, you just gotta get back up., right? You gotta get back up and never quit. Never quit. Continue to go down your, your vision, right? Towards your vision and, and never quit at all, right? Just keep on going until you win. And so there's just, you know, like I'm just throwing out like ideas, but that, that's kind of like what I'm doing, like for myself right now in this, in this moment. It's like for me, I'm just using contrast because You know, again, like, there's so many things that happen in life. And if I'm not propelling forward, if I'm not doing what I got to do, then there's going to be even greater things or greater obstacles that come and it may take me out and I can't have that. All right. There's no way. There's literally no way.

There's a quote and I don't— I don't know what it is, but it's about preparation.

Mm.

I know you know. What is it?

About preparation?

Yeah.

Is it when luck meets preparation?

I think so. Okay. Like that.

I think it's, um, are you talking about luck or success? Success is when luck and preparation meet. Something like that.

Yeah, I think so. And so, you know, being prepared for all kinds of things, you know, we are not given a roadmap necessarily in what can and will happen in life. But being prepared, being prepared for the worst but always expecting the best. You know, there's a lot of times situations come and like, how prepared are you to handle that situation? Or maybe how much work have you done on yourself to be able to be in like a emotional and mental state to take on a responsibility or to take something on that you've never taken on before. And that starts with the work that you do on yourself every single day. And when you see people and they're really strong, like, that didn't just happen out of nowhere. They didn't have an, you know, necessarily an easy life. Like, how can you have, you know, how can you be a strong person and know how to get through hurdles and, you know, jump through fires if you didn't actually have challenges you had to face? And so every time you face a challenge, I hope that you take it as something that you can use to either strengthen yourself and gain you a new perspective, a new experience in life, because there's always something on the other side for you, even though something may seem, you know, very hard at the moment. You know, like, let your emotions usually have to take a back seat, right? There's— I'm sure there's been many times where you guys have faced something and you just, you know, go down an emotional spiral. You get angry, you get sad. Guess what's happening in those moments? Like, it's okay to have emotions, but you're probably not thinking straight in how you need to approach the situation and what you actually need to do, right? Like, you're letting your emotions run you as opposed to your mind, your strategy, and like all the work that you've done. In those moments, it, it shows, right? So, yeah, always take things as an opportunity to grow, to learn, and to be able to assess it. Right.

Yeah, I think that's why they have like crisis plans. Right. There is— there's— it's plans. Like it's— it goes back to preparation, actually, which I think is important to note. Nico says perspective again. I went to a funeral for a family friend I've known for my whole life about a week ago. We see this person every Christmas, was a father. The daughter gave the eulogy and something he said something she said that stood out to me was, he loved— he might have not agreed with something you did, but he loved you. He loved with his whole heart. And that hit me, bro. Condolences. That, that is— yeah, that's, that's a powerful statement that she has shared. Like, that is so true, you know? Like, love is everything, and, um It's, it's sad to, you know, experience all these things and, you know, that, yeah, that just hits, that hits hard.

I actually went to a funeral.

Yeah, she did too. Yep.

10 days ago. Um, yeah, I actually went to a funeral too and, and, um, it's, it's amazing what people say about you or think about you after you're no longer here. You know, um, and this was a father, um, he was also, um, yeah, like he was also a father figure and like a community member. And hearing about his life and hearing like his daughters speak about him, I was just like, oh my goodness, like, you know, there's not— I mean, maybe I just haven't come across many of them, but there's not many people like him, like that he really stood out in his community amongst the family and friends as someone who was someone people aspire to be like and to look up to. And so it's never too late to become the person who you look up to or you envision being, or you hear people say something about someone and you're like, wow, how do I become more like that? You know? And the one thing that I took away from it, or the one thing I remembered about him, was his, his being present, right? He would always make you feel like you were the most important person in that moment that he was talking to you. Like, he looked you in the eye. He was actually listening to what you had to say instead of thinking about how he was going to respond. And just very, you know, his demeanor was very calm, very just like, you know, easygoing. Um, and yeah, I would— when I was a kid, I would see him like almost every single Christmas too. So yeah, like what a coincidence. But you know, what kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? What kind of person do you want to become? What would you want people to say about you like at your funeral? You know, like think about that and start becoming a little bit more of that every single day because life is short and you never know what will happen. And like in order to create like a lasting impact on people, there's times where you have to like slow down and think, what do I want to leave behind? What do I want people to say about me? How do I want people to remember how I made them feel?

Yeah.

Um, Lena says, let me tell you, the Thrive community has uplifted me like no other. Oh, my dad passed in September. I'm so sorry for your loss. Um, that, that, that must be Difficult. Very difficult. If I didn't tune in, I would have been in a dark place for much longer. But I bounced back because I had to show up for myself, my family, my job, and my work. Colleagues didn't know because I wasn't ready to share why I was gone. I'm so sorry for your loss, Lena. You know, I've lost my dad. Next year will be 10 years. Um, he passed away pretty young, and I know that, like, you know, uh, it's, it's not an easy thing, you know. And then Jackie's dad passed away, you know, many years ago as well. And so, uh, we definitely hear you and see you on that one. It's not easy seeing someone, uh, that you think is going to be around to protect you forever, uh, no longer here, right? Like that support system. So sorry for your loss, and I'm so glad that you had this entire community to help support you through that.

Yeah. Yeah, we're— yeah, we're not going anywhere, you know, and like, you are not alone. Like, you are not alone. But thank you for sharing, and thank you for having, you know, just your light to share. Like, it's not It isn't easy. And that's, you know, like, that's literally like those moments I'm talking about. It's like those, those moments in life that, you know, they just come out of nowhere and you're not like ready or not, you know what I mean? Like, you're not— you may not ever be prepared for that. I don't think I would be prepared for that. But it's like, what do we— like, how do we get through that, you know, together? Not by yourself, but together, right? So like, thank you for being here and thank you for, you know, for like tuning into something that is gonna uplift you, right? I think that's so important in those moments, especially that you don't tune into anything that is negativity or that will get you down. It'll only bring you through and it'll only uplift. And I think that that's so important, right? I think that's why it's important to surround yourself with, uh, people who are like-minded, who are positive, who you can lean on. Who have love for you and who, like, will have grace. I think that's so important. Like this again, like, life is so wild. Like, life is— it's beautiful. And it's at the same time, it's like there's going to be so many moments that test us. Like, I want to send you love. Jen says, may love, light, and comfort surround you both as you navigate through this trying time. Grateful for your strength and dedication and showing up despite these challenges. Thank you. Yeah, Nico says funeral was 9 days ago. Jeez. Gosh. I wrote a quote on the— I, I wrote a quote on IG the other day that said, tell people you love them not because they can be gone tomorrow, but because they're here today and it's important to say it now.

Wow.

Bro, that's so true. That is so, so true. Gosh.

Oh yeah, Verge. I remember Verge had lost her father too around, uh, the time she was in this community as well.

2022.

Yeah, it carried— she said it carried me through the grief when I lost my dad, May 2024.

2022. Yep.

Jackie said that's why her rebuild is so meaningful when you go through stuff and overcome it. Yeah, I mean, you can allow these things to like take you down or like create, you know, this new stronger version of you that understands, you know, that, that just has a little bit more understanding on how precious life is and where do you really want to spend your time, where do you want to spend your headspace in.

Yeah, you know what, like, um, there's a good book that I would recommend, uh, for everyone. There's actually two good books. So one is— we're not going to go into it on this call, but one is by Lao Tzu. Okay, um, and the other one is— I'm gonna actually look it up.

So Rach says, life is way too short. The call is hitting home so much. Um, our— oh no, our, our family, our family lost our younger cousin Sunday night. I'm so sorry for your loss. It's, it's a tough time right now too, like with the holidays. I know that usually during the holidays it, it's a bit harder for people just because you think of the holidays and you have like the celebrations and the moments where family have some days off and they come together to just really celebrate the entire year. So I'm sorry for your loss. Um, Lena says, it makes me love life even more. Um, I'm better now, cried the whole month of October to release. It's okay to feel, but we're here at 6 AM going to light up 2025. And yeah, you know, feel it, go through it, and then turn around and lift yourself up.

There's always going to be moments, you know, But that's, that's again, you know, that's the reframe, right? That's perspective shift. That's 100% like the way, you know what I mean? Um, there's two books, right? Uh, the first one, I'll, I'll write it in the chat too. Um, or if someone could write it, that'd be great. But the first one is by Lao Tzu. It's the Tao Te Ching. Okay. The Tao Te Ching, I think that for, especially in, in this, you know, in this month, like I would say,, it would be a good time to use that book and reflect, um, and, and just read it or listen to it. And I think that, uh, especially for those who are going through, uh, you know, trying times with loved ones, I think that this book will really help. It's definitely helped me, uh, you know, through certain experiences. Okay, so, uh, the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu. And then the other one is the The Untethered Soul. Okay. The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer. And that one right there is— yeah, I can't say much about it.

Oh, man, I haven't visited that book since like 2020. It's— I remember it was a good one.

Yeah. Thank you, Nico. Yeah, those two books, especially for everyone who is going like through some transformative. Yeah, some transformation in life. Um, I would recommend those two books. Like, those two books are— they'll hit home, um, I think, and— or I feel, rather. And not only that, but it's also going to be a tool for you because with the Tao Te Ching, for me, it's, it's about like, you know, going with, with nature, like flowing instead of forcing. And in business, what I've learned is that I learned this lesson over and over again, but I think I've I think I've learned enough times. So I'm going to relate this back to business because this is a business call. But again, like Fire Hour, the show Fire Hour is— it's all things, you know, leadership development, business scaling, personal branding, you name it. It's so many different elements because fire to me is transformation. The symbol of fire is life. It's transformation. It is form, but you can shape it in however way you want. And so that's why like Fire Hour is so special because it's, you know, it's 1 hour of transformation and that transformation, that fire is tied to everything that we talk about, right? If you guys think about it, if this is your first time on Fire Hour, right? Like just go back to other Fire Hour episodes. But if you, if you look at Fire Hour as a whole, Right? Everything that we've discussed since 2020 has always been about everything under the umbrella of life. And that's why FIRE Hour to me, like personally, is so special. It's because the goal and intention of FIRE Hour, the vision of it is to change people's lives. It's to truly change people's lives, not just on a financial perspective, but on a, you know, mindset perspective, mindset shifts. Financial shift, wealth shift, family shift, future generational shift, everything. Okay? It's, it's life change. It's life change. And that's why I love doing Fire Hour. It's because when I see people's transformations, when I see people's lives actually changed, when I see a shift in perspective, when I see action is being taken and then it leads to change, significant change in your life, right? Like, that is why we do Fire Hour, okay? That is why Fire Hour exists. It's for life transformation. And so, you know, this, like, everything that I'm talking about when it comes to, like, the Tao Te Ching, um, and when it comes to, like, the Untethered Soul, when it comes to business stuff, when it comes to, like, all these different elements, right, that connects, uh, us together and that ties back into Fire Hour. Right? It's, it is intentional, you know, it is for a reason and it wouldn't come up if there was no purpose in it. And so I really hope and I encourage everyone that, you know what, when you tune in, right, there's gonna be so many different, there's gonna be alignment for sure. There's gonna be things that you pick up, there's gonna be things that, uh, you leave behind. But regardless, like I hope it leads to transformation. I hope it leads to transformation for yourself because I know that that's possible. I know and believe that that is possible and it's definitely happened before, so it can happen again. Ivy says, good morning everyone. I finally remembered to get on Fire Hour. This is a perfect time. Thank you for showing up. So my point, you know, like when it comes to the forcing, right? Like not forcing, but flowing in business, right? Then whenever you have like decisions that you have to make in business, and you feel like it's not going your way, like, I want you to think back to Tao Te Ching, that book. That's why it's important to read, okay? It's important to pick up the tools and use them because it's only gonna help you on your journey to success. It's only gonna help you on your journey towards your vision. All these different tools, it's whatever tool you want to use, right? There are certain tools that, there are certain tools that we mentioned, such as books, such as, you know, audiobooks, such as I mean, podcasts such as tools, references, quotes, people, music, whatever it is, right? Concepts, frameworks, just all these different tools that you can use. Okay, all these tools are to aid you into your success, aid you towards your success in your journey of life, towards your vision. So with Tao Te Ching, especially again, like December, closing of the chapter, Opening up the new chapter, going with flow, not forcing things. There is going to be times when you feel like you have to force things, but according to Tao Te Ching, you never have to force, or you don't have to force. Instead, you got to find the flow and then go with that flow. And what will happen, at least in my perspective and my experience, is whenever I actually remember, like I remember the tool and then I actually go with the way and I go with the flow, it actually works out even better, even better than I imagined it. Okay. There's like this one reel that Crystal sent me, I think like 2 weeks ago or something. And it was by someone who, what's his name? It's called Bashar. So, but something like in that video, Um, like this guy named— or this guy, this being he channels, okay, sorry, this being called Bashar, um, he talks about like the higher mind, okay? And what he's saying, or what, uh, what Bashar is saying is that like, like regardless if you believe in this or not, like let's talk about the video real quick, but the concept of it, the high— he's talking about the higher mind and he says that the mind that we have, um, or I guess whatever you want. I don't really know what he's talking about, but the mind that you have, that you're creating your vision with, and you are doing your best to envision a highest, greatest good for yourself, for your life, whatever that vision is for you. Like, according to Bashar, it's like there's a higher mind that says that's just the beginning. Okay, so I think that's really cool because it's like a perspective shift again. It's like whatever you like whatever I envision as my highest, greatest vision that I can accomplish, that I'm reaching for, that's just the beginning. That's just the start of something even greater that I can't even fathom or I can't even perceive right now. And so I think that that's cool because, or I think that's a cool concept because when it comes to, you know, our goals and dreams for 2025, our vision, right? Everything that we've done looking backwards as we connect the dots, according to Steve Jobs, right? Like his quote, like being able to see how far we've come on this journey all the way towards our vision, right? As long as we don't quit, as long as we don't stop, as long as we don't lose, as long as we don't get beat up by life and we never get back up, as long as we don't quit, as long as we continue on the path towards our vision, then guess what? It's just the beginning, right? It's just the beginning. And so I think that that's such a beautiful concept to, to really use as a tool for yourself. Because again, like, why not dream bigger? Why not imagine beyond your wildest dreams? Why not, right? Why not manifest the reality that you want to, to bring into your life? Because I believe it's possible. I do believe it's possible.

I think also with that in mind, when you have this high goal or this high achievement of yourself, it's important to remain true to yourself and very authentic because people will always tell you what to say, what not to say, when to say it, when to move. And, you know, at the end of the day, like, no one likes to be controlled, right? And so if you want to say something, say it because it's your life. It's your perspective and you're being authentic. And however people may take it or however they may feel if they were to say something like that, that's on them, right? Like, it's not personal. Personally, for me, growing up in a very abusive household, I was always controlled, right? What to say, what to do, how to do, how to think. Like, when you have to do this, when you have to do that. And for me, like, as a woman now, like, I am very independent. And the reason why I became so independent was I don't want to be controlled by anyone, you know? And so, like, also being your higher self, it's like, what do you want out of life? And what are you willing to do to get it right? Like, how authentic are you going to be on your path, on your freedom? And, you know, you will learn the same lessons you've learned before if you don't stop it and nip it in the bud right away. And if people, um, you know, and people are always going to have something to say about your life and what you do and how you do things, uh, because they're not really focused on themselves. They're focused outwards on what other people are saying or doing that they may not necessarily say or do that they don't think you should say or do. But you need to be very authentic to you and who you are. If you know that you're not hurting anyone and that's your truth and that's what you do and that's who you are, then, you know, keep doing it. But of course, like, also listen to feedback, right? If a lot of people are kind of saying the same thing about you and it's something that, you know, you also need to improve on, make sure you take the time and the consideration to think about, hey, like, that is true, I should work on that, I do need to work on that. Like, this is not just one person, it's a lot of people, right? And be thankful and grateful that so many people, you know, want to come to you and tell you about how they think you can improve as a person, right? Because as they're, you know, watching you and telling you what to do with your life, they're probably not looking at their own, right? Like, so take that as, as a gift.

Yeah.

Take that as a gift that they care so much to let you know that they know there's better for you and there's a better version of you and they're just simply redirecting you, right? And, you know, that energy is being spent on you. So it's probably not being spent on themselves, right? If they don't have a story to like tie back of maybe when they did it or maybe what they're also working on that they'd like, you know, accountability. Yeah.

Well, I think that, you know, as a leader, it's about also bringing that, like, you know, it's the feedback analysis from Peter Drucker., right? So, uh, making sure that you don't get lost in the sauce. Okay. Like it's all noise. Um, I think it's important that— wait, here, let me just read this. Giddy says, be authentic. Use your voice. Speak your mind. Yes. I'm gonna, I'm gonna tie it back to that actually. Um, Giddy says, shouldn't care what others think. It's what you think that matters. All right. Stay in your lane. And Lena adds, period. Everyone always looking at someone else's lane. Stay in your lane. I say that all the time to my team. And, and you know, it's really true though, right? It is true. It's like what you say, Crystal, because the thing is, is that I, again, 2025, okay? 2025, it's gonna be a year of change, a year that a lot of things are gonna happen. And, uh, when it comes to you yourself as a leader, like you being authentic, you speaking your voice without anyone else's input, regardless of what it is, right? Again, it's like how you, how you decipher that information, right? How you receive that input. If it's opinions, criticism, uh, other people thinking about you, talking about you, saying things about you, whatever it is, right? You as a leader, okay? You as a leader, it's your job. And especially according to, you know, Peter Drucker's teachings and according to Managing Oneself, According to, uh, like so many other philosophies, right? It's about your philosophy though. Okay? Like you internalize this for yourself. But for me, like every single time I've heard criticism, I've heard opinions, I've heard feedback, I've heard all these different things. It's all, to me, it's all information. Okay? It's all information. And it's like what you said, it's gonna help you on your journey. And depending on how you receive it and how you want to act on the information, is totally— it's totally up to you, okay? It's truly up to you and how you want to take this information and then make that decision to take action. And you don't have to take action on people's opinions. You don't have to take action on the feedback. You don't have to take action on anything for that matter. Only take action on what you want to take action on because it aligns with you, it's authentic to you, it resonates with you, it aligns with your goals and dreams, your vision. It helps the mission, whatever that is for you. Okay? So, you know, again, there's gonna be so much noise. You guys think, you guys think that there's, there's noise right now? Like, wait till you continue to get bigger. Wait till you continue to get more successful. Wait till you continue to make more impact. Wait till you start to really rattle the cages. You start to shake it up. Like you shake life up because again, 2025, we're not playing small, right? We're playing bigger. 2024, we were playing big. 2025, we're playing even bigger. 2026 is going to be even bigger, right? I'm pretty sure people are going to be playing, or you're going to be increasing and getting louder and getting like just making more impact, right? Going harder than ever before, right? We're not, again, you're not by yourself, right? For you, uh, I really want, so this is, this is my message to you actually. It's like what you already know, but I want to reinforce it with everyone here. It's like what you said, like, who cares about other people's opinions, right? If you say, if you feel like you want to say something, then say it, right? Say it and don't be afraid to say otherwise because it doesn't matter, right? It doesn't matter. And if you already, and like I've, so when I've watched like Fire Hour episodes in the past and like I hear you speak, like I'm like, damn, she got so much wisdom. Like, you got so much wisdom. I was not able to receive some of it before. And now I'm like, I'm hearing it now. I'm listening. I'm like, dang. Like, especially like when it comes to like the higher mind, like the, you know, the more conscious side. I think that like there's so much gold in Fire Hour season like 1 and 2, especially when you were in those periods too. Like there's a lot.

Yeah, I think I was like, I don't know. I don't know how many court cases I was ending at that time. But you don't become someone strong, um, unless you really go through it. And like, for the last, um, almost 10 years, I've practically spoken to so many different attorneys in different industries, in different fields, and, uh, most were not voluntarily, um, you know. And so going through challenges were You know, you're faced with opposing parties or you're faced with people you've not really dealt with before, or especially when finances get involved, people are freaking weird. And so when I speak about finances and I talk about things, it's through experience. It's through having been like dragged through the dirt and having things happen where I'm like, don't you only see these things on the movies? Like.. And so really having to go through those things, having a different perspective, because when you're put through a lot of situations involuntarily, you have two choices. You sink or you swim, right?

So swim. All right, that's the takeaway.

Swim. Definitely swim, right? Like, it's going to be challenging, and there may be times where you feel alone because You don't know anyone around you that's ever been through certain situations, but have faith in yourself that you will get on the other side and take moments to— you could take your moments to be emotional and be a freaking mess. And then, you know, like wipe your tears away, like tie up your hair if you're a girl and just like freaking just be like, all right, like my emotions set aside, what do I need to do and how do I need to navigate this? You know, taking that thinking time.

Yeah, it's a lot here. You can actually read everything. Read all of them.

Yeah. Say it and don't be afraid. But also, you can't expect people to agree with you, and that's okay. Everyone is allowed their opinions just as we are. Be at peace. That's so good. Goodie. Be at peace. Be at peace. Yeah, totally. Like, people are always going to have different opinions, right? You're going to say something and they're going to say the opposite of what you say. And sometimes, I don't know, I'm like, are you just doing this to piss me off? Or like, do you really like— do you have like something opposite to say every time I say something? You know, like, it's weird. But yeah, but Crystal and I were boys in a past life. We totally were. Like, we have this like tomboy version of us. And I think that it will always remain in us. And that's why, you know, we are who we are. There were times where we you know, we just were. And we, we had to kind of step into that, like, masculine and just be like, all right, like, I need to handle stuff right now. Like, you know, I can't, I can't just sit in a corner and cry and wait for someone to save me. No one's coming to save me. Um, and Virge says, when it rains, it pours. We were just moved into our current house, and I started back to work from maternity leave the day after he passed. She's talking about her father. Still nursing baby at 7. Oh, that's tough. Nursing a baby at 7 months old, all I could do was act on autopilot. Thrive, Thrive. I wish I had Thrive when I was going through those things. My goodness. I wish I had Thrive and the, and the community support, right? Like a place to plug into to just be like, these are my people. Like I have some supportive people around me. Um, you know, supporting me even if they don't know what I'm going through or they don't know how to help me in the certain situations. I have them just cheering me on, you know, and just saying like, you got this. Because sometimes you just need that encouragement, you know, even if people don't know how to help you in the specific situation you're in, you just need some encouragement from people that are like, you know, I'm, I'm here, you know. Um, yeah, so she was going to work, therapy, staying plugged into Zooms helped me focus on slowly pushing through, unpacking and taking care of my health. I literally decided to walk away from my 15-year career at that time because I felt something had to give. That's when I also decided I needed to go all in with the Thrive opportunity with that intention. A deeper commitment to my purpose drove more action in that direction. Yes. So you didn't allow what happened to take you down. You, you made a decision to turn it around and to decide to choose what you wanted to do. You know, I also, you know, walked away. Well, I had walked away previous, like a few months prior to my dad's passing and like went on my own. I was just like, you know, like I'm I need to go on my own. Like, I need to— I want to be an entrepreneur. I don't want to be tied down, right? So that was almost 10 years ago. Yeah. And I never looked back. Sometimes in certain moments, you make decisions and there's just no looking back. There's only looking forward and improving yourself. Mimi says resonates. Actually, when I decided I'm ready to come back, I thought of you. Oh, thank you. I thought of you, Crystal. These fire hours really do go beyond just Thrive. It's life and business skills and mindset that really will help you conquer whatever life throws at you next. So thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mimi. I know you, I know you went through some rough times as well. And you know, that's, that's life. Like it hits us and it hits us hard and it's okay to just be like, you know what, I need to handle my business. Like as much as you want to show up for others, if you're not showing up up for yourself in the way you need to, you can't show up for others authentically. You can't show up for others because you're not pouring into yourself or handling your own situations, you know.

Um, that's 100% true.

Yeah.

I want to read the last one.

Burj says, growing— and, and, and welcome back. I know you were, you were, um, you were doing a lot of things that I'm, I'm so proud of you. I'm so happy for you. Like, I've been watching your journey. I know you went through some, you know, really tough times times, but I— you also started a few businesses like your event business, um, and your restaurant business, and you've been traveling. I, I still watch, you know, I don't watch all the time, but I always like watch here and there, and I'm so proud of you and everything you've grown through and everything you're still doing. So congratulations on, you know, really pushing through those tough times to be able to be where you are now. Like, I definitely know you were probably in a much better headspace to where you feel like you can, you can give back, you know, and you can show up because you, you've showed up for yourself. You, you've done the things that you needed to do. Um, so yeah, that's good. That's good.

Welcome back. That's really good. Jackie says sometimes our hard times are self-inflicted. They call it suffering from success. Gosh. Uh, Virg says, growing into the leader that I am today took a lot of inner work, reflection on what I wasn't doing that I needed to do and how I need to move— how I needed move to help myself and others move stronger together. I really did turn that pain into power, and it wasn't immediate. Don't rush the process, but stick with intention and move with purpose. It sucks to go through things like that all at once, but the way I look at it now, I had to go through it truly feel like it's your story. The trials and tribulations you go through will become a survival guide for others to get through their storms better. That's so true too. Gosh. So it's, you know, like, okay, first, this is like a big takeaway I got from this call today. Um, I, I already know it, but like to see it in action, to see it like live happening again, uh, it's just, it's amazing because it's literally like what, uh, Crystal said too, right? Community support, right? Like, these are my people. I think that, you know, if you were feeling like alone, right? If you were feeling alone, like, just know that if you just even looked at everyone's messages, right? Everyone is going through something or has been going through something. And the thing is, is that, like, the truth is, is that you're not alone, okay? You're not alone. And what I really want everyone to take away is that when you do feel like you are alone, like, tune in, okay? Tune into your community. Tune into Fire Hour. Tune into something that's gonna help you get social, okay? Come together. Don't, don't become a hermit, like, like I did before. Like, like, go out. Like, be with people because that's where energy is. That's where life is, right? And especially this community. Like, this community is, is really one of those places where it's a safe space. That you don't have to feel like you're alone because you're not, right?

It's—

yeah, we're better together. Exactly. Carla says, this call hit home so much but also reinforced all I've been doing mentally, physically, and spiritually to stay sane, grounded, and present with what really matters while also taking care of myself. Thank you for Fire Hour. You both have helped me become more aligned and look forward to 2025 with y'all. Thank you, Carla. That's That's, yeah, that, that takes courage to share. And guess what? You know what? Like, it's, it's all true, right? It's all true. Um, I resonate with it. I, I'm 100% sure others resonate with that as well. And guess what? Like, this is just, this is the, the end, and then it's the beginning again, right? It's, we're gonna keep on going.

And thank you for showing up, Carla. I know you've had, um, many health challenges in the last few years. Um, I don't know how you do it, but I do. You know, you remain strong and grounded and you know, your, your mental and emotional, um, is felt because going through some of the challenges that you've been through, you still show up and you're showing up for yourself. You know, you're showing up for yourself and for others that you care about. So thank you for being here.

Exactly. Angela says you'll feel alone at every level up, level up, right?

Yeah.

I felt alone exactly a year ago today, one year ago today. Wow. Yeah. And that's, and that's like the thing, right? Like the takeaway is like, and that's so huge too. Like when you level up, like every level has a different devil, right? So it's the, it's when you close one chapter, right? When you close one chapter, you hit one milestone in that belief system, that, that journey towards your vision, right? There's gonna be a bigger obstacle, a bigger challenge, another life's test, right? A bigger life's test, a harder one. And guess what? Like the takeaway is like, don't, if you feel alone, like tune into something with others, right? Tune into your community and to like-minded individuals who are going towards a bigger vision because like we don't have to feel alone. Like it's, and that's, that's like the challenging like part though, right? It's kind of like balancing like when you want to actually feel like want, want to pour into yourself by yourself and then want to pour into yourself with others, right? I think that's, um, something we could talk about in 2025. But that's— yeah, thank you for sharing, Angela. I know it's not easy. It's definitely not easy. There's levels to success. So being at different levels and being with different people at those different levels, it's about having that alignment with those people as well. Everyone here is so amazing. Thank you for— thankful for you all. Have a Merry Christmas and the most beautiful New Year. Thrive on and my GLP, let's go.

Love you all.

Thank you, Lena. Angela says it's alignment and another calling and purpose. Sit with yourself to grow. That's, that's so true.

Different seasons. There's different seasons we go through and not one is the same. Sometimes they are and sometimes they aren't, but every level and every season is, you know, there's something there for you if you look for it.

Yeah, there's gold. Okay, there's gold. There's hidden gold waiting. And that's like, that's 100% true. Jennifer says, yes, this community is where I can be myself, welcome and accepted without judgment. That is 100% true. That's fire. That, that's actually like why, that's one of the reasons why I love the Thrive community. Like our community here, that's why I love it. It's because ever since like I learned about like Thrive, you know, in this community, like it's just, it's like I said before, like it's second to none. There is no other community out there like this. It's all unique, so it's amazing. Mimi says, it's okay if you gotta slow down, slow it down and focus back in. But main thing is you get right back up, right? Right back to it. Yes, exactly. Uh, this call is perfectly what I needed today. Oh man, I needed it too. Uh, Roselle says, I'm so grateful for both of you. You truly made 2024 an incredible year for me. I can confidently say I manifested this. And your support and knowledge has uplifted me beyond words.

Thank you.

Uh, thank you so much. Angela says it's telling you to be aware and take responsibilities, self-reflect, and don't blame why it's happening. Look within. It's happening for us all. Yeah, that's 100% true. You know, like, for us, like, this is a great takeaway too, um, because we're all here, right? We are together. We're not alone. Something that I really want to just share because I think it's important, especially as leaders. Like, we're all leaders here, right? So when it comes to what you do, okay, especially when you're part of a community, like, they're like— it's like what Chris always says, like, no good deed goes unpunished. And the thing is too is that, like, for you, especially when you are representing a community, when you are representing like a brand, a business, a company, but a community, right? Every single one of us who's in the community is a representative, is a leader of the community. So everything that we say, that we think, and that we do, it's going to reflect back towards the community. And so I really want to encourage everyone to really think about that and to understand and just to take notice that, again, especially for 2025, as we grow bigger, as we get louder, as we continue to go down the path towards our vision, right? Whatever that is for you. But going together, right? Going far together as a community, right? Really, like, look within and reflect and think, you know what? And do, like, some self-reflection and journaling and do the inner work. But, like, think back to 2024 and to everything that you've done up until this point, this moment in time. And look at yourself from that perspective of, you know, how good of a leader was I? What do I need to improve? What areas do I need to improve? Uh, who is someone that I can model that I really wanna aspire to be more like, right? You don't have to be like them, but be like, get the attributes, the, the, the things that helped them shape their mindset, that help them shape themselves into that leader that you wish to be. Because you can be that, because you are that, right? It's already within. So you just have to act as if you are that already to bring that energy, bring that life here now, okay? So, but think like, do that work, do the work, okay? Do the work. Think about it, like reflect, paint that vision for yourself in 2025. For your vision of 2025, who— it's about you, okay? It's about you. It's about the who. So who do you want to become in 2025? Who is that leader or that aspirational figure or that symbol that you want to be, that you want to represent? Because again, as you continue to do this work, as you continue to go down this path towards your success, towards your vision, towards whatever it is that you want to manifest into this life, like, it's going to take who? It's going to take you. It's going to take you, a different version of you, the next level of you. The next— that, that, that future self of yours that is like, you know what, this is what I've already done. Now you just have to go through the journey. You have to actually do the work, go through the experience, go through life, take action, right? Take the risk, take the chance, take that leap of faith towards the future that you want to aspire to achieve, that you want to bring into your reality, right? It's gonna take that work though on you. The leadership, leadership development, okay? Leadership mastery, self-mastery. It's going to take the inner work. That's the biggest gap, okay? Collapsing the gap, right, your current situation to your desired result, that, that gap in the middle, it's the leader that you need to become, okay? It's the leader that you need to become to become that version that is willing to do what it takes to get to the goals, to get to your vision, to manifest that reality, right? Who is that person that you need to become in order to achieve your vision. Do that work and in 2025, see it manifest in real time. Okay? So with that said, Carla says exactly who do you need to become to get to where you want to be? All right, exactly. Be, do, have. Okay? Be, do, have. It's, it, that's the framework right there. And you know, all the tools, All of the, the people that, that you are surrounded with, your community, your mastermind group, like the discussion groups that you have, your team members, your leadership, you as a leader, like these are all resources and tools for you. Okay? These are all resources and tools for you that will help support your leadership development, your growth into who you are becoming. Every single day we get a chance to shape our destiny, to shape who we are inside, to shape our actions, our decisions, our mindset, our mentality, our efforts, our energy. What are you consuming? What are you watching? Who are you becoming in the process? Every single action that you take, what decision is it making? What event is it shaping? What are you going to do when it comes time to step up to the plate? What challenges and trials and tribulations and obstacles and milestones and life's tests that are going to throw at you, that are going to be thrown at you, who is that person that's going to face them and overcome them? Over, under, or through, you're going to make it happen no matter what. So with that said, 2025, you know, 2025 is your year. 2024 is— this is the closing of the chapter., right? End it strong. End it with intention. Close that chapter out feeling good, feeling gratitude, giving yourself grace because it's been a challenging 2024. I know that for a fact. But guess what? 2025, Jennifer says, claiming it, right? Yes. 2025 is your year. 2025 is when everything happens for you. But it's up to you. It's up to you. It's up to who you become in the process, doing that work, taking those actions, taking that leap of faith, doing the impossible because it is possible, having belief in yourself, belief in your vision, connecting all those dots as you reflect on the previous year and the past experiences, but taking that information and using it as fuel to your fire and being able to go through that fire because that's what it takes to get to what you want to go. That's what it takes to get to where you want to go. It's possible because you're possible. You're here for a reason, okay? You have purpose, you have a mission, you have a vision, and you're not alone. You're going through this fire with us together, okay? So let's make it happen. Ivy says, doing it scared, but I speak it out 100%. Yeah, amplify your voice. Go after what you want to go after. Share authentically, whatever it is that you want to share, right? With grace, with intentionality, right? And obviously with good faith for everyone. Virtuous, thank you so much for these calls. I think this hits home for everyone. Love you guys so much. Leaders show up through thick and thin. That present leadership is so appreciated. Proud to be led by such incredibly empowered human beings. Thank you so much for that. I know I added some words to that stuff, but V says, thank you for lighting my fire this AM. Let's get it. Let's get it. You know, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Yes.

Finger snap Christmas, you guys, and Happy New Year. We will probably see you guys back on January 8th.

January 8th or January 1st.

Yeah. Yeah. So next week is Christmas. So Merry Christmas if you guys celebrate Christmas.

It's January 1st, babe. It's New Year.

Yeah, Wednesday is the new year.

Well, we'll make an announcement for when Fire Hour season 5 happens. Okay, starts.

But it's going to be interesting.

I know, but season 4 was amazing. Okay, season 4, 44 episodes. We did it. We did it together, everyone. So thank you all for showing up, for sharing, for supporting, for being here. For being present, for taking action, for working on yourself, for doing the work that most people don't do, for being the leaders that you are, for showing up when you don't want to, for showing up for others, for tuning in, for being a part of this community, and for making your goals and dreams happen, right? You are the ones who are going to change the world, to change other people's lives, to change your family's life, to change the future trajectory and the family tree if you want to, right? Whatever you are going after,, right? Your vision, whatever that vision is for you. Again, remember, you're not by yourself. You're here together. You're showing up on FIRE Hour where most people won't. And guess what? Like, FIRE Hour is for leaders. It is for leaders. We talk about leadership development. We are doing leadership development. This is the work that is necessary to accomplish your goals and dreams, to get to the next levels, right? And this is the beginning, right? This is just the beginning again. So 2024, season 4. Officially over.

Wow. Happy holidays, you guys, and happy New Year. We're so grateful for all of you guys and your energy and for showing up for us. Thank you guys so much.

Thank you all.

We'll see you next year.

Yes, we'll see you next year. Have happy holidays, happy New Year as well, and we'll get it. All right, let's get it next year. 2025, it's your year. Let's do this. All right, have an amazing day. Crush it. Dominate your path. Make it happen. All right, you've got what it takes. You just got to give it all that you've got. We'll see you soon. Let's get it. Peace out.

Bye, guys. Well, 2024, it's all wrapped.

Let's do this.

It's all wrapped. Let's do this. What are you doing?

Damn.