51: Putting faith in God’s plan for your life and business with Brooke Thomas

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Welcome to the Becoming Bulletproof podcast. I am your host, Tracy o'. Malley. I'm a mom to millennials, an author, Enneagram expert and multi million dollar entrepreneur, and master performance and business coach. I've gone from rock bottom to building a bulletproof business and life. If you're looking for the unfiltered transparent truth and ethos, an extra kick in the ass, you will discover that here. Each week I'll be bringing you success stories of high level entrepreneurs as we discover how they became bulletproof and created their empire. You'll learn the story behind the glory along with Enneagram inspired truths so you can ignite your own purpose, profits and build your legacy. It's time for you to become bulletproof. Buckle up, let's go.

Hello and welcome to another episode of the Becoming Bulletproof podcast. And today's episode is a special one. I met this beautiful woman, gosh, it was about a year ago now, which is crazy because I feel like I've known her my own, my whole life. Like, when you meet somebody and, you know, like we understand each other and I mean, if you looked at her, she's absolutely stunning and warm and inviting and all of that like, that aside, it was like my soul could recognize what her soul had been through. You know, we come from a past that wasn't easy. You would not know that looking at her and seeing what she has done from the outside. And that is something I really. We're going to drive home a lot that, you know, you see the highlight reels, you see the glory, but there's always a story behind it for that resilience, for that willingness to overcome and to, you know, claw a way out of some really tough things. And I met her and it was like immediately I was drawn to her and trusted her. And for all of you that know me, you know that that is not something that comes easily for me as an enneagram8 and just who I am in general. And so getting to know her over the last year or so, I am not quite sure I've ever met someone.

That is so genuinely rooting for you. You know, there are people that say, yeah, I'm here to support you, whatever you need, call me. Like, this girl eats, breathes, breathes and sleeps that, and she means it. And if she ever says something about you or for you, it is so genuine and in the world today that is hard to come by. And this girl walks that talk honestly like nobody I've ever met. And I mean that. So she is somebody so Special. Brooke Thomas is the CEO and founder of Live Out Loud. Like what a perfect name for her. She runs elite level masterminds, live events. She's doing small group coaching programs. She is a master and high level achiever in network marketing, which is something that we both are passionate about. She runs a thriving online community. She is constantly on video doing trainings on mindset leadership and creating authentic relationships. What I love about Live Out Loud, it's a philosophy and a strategy that impacts success at every level of life. She's, like I said, a top earning industry expert in network marketing. She's got multiple businesses that generate revenue streams of over seven figures. She is a mom. She is a wife to Brett who actually just left and resigned his 25 career with the same company. And I'm talking high level, like high level corporate job to go all in working with her full time. If that is not saying something about the caliber of this woman, I don't know what else is. She's grown a team of over 6,6000 people in less than 20 months. She's got two beautiful daughters and two beautiful dogs I love. She has just released her podcast. It just popped open like this last week and the rave reviews are flooding in like, like 200 reviews in a week. Crazy, crazy, crazy. And I want you all to find her on the little podcast app right now and go subscribe. And once you listen to her with me, you definitely know that she's going to bring all her goods to her podcast too. So throw her a review and give her some five stars because she is a five star, world class, full of grace, full of guts, full of grit kind of woman. And you know where this, where we're going to kind of take this is it was about 15 years ago when, you know, Brooke experienced something that is like life defining, life changing, life affirming moment. And it's usually in our darkest, most scariest times that, you know, God can enter us. And it's when we're most willing to surrender because, you know, we don't have much else at that point point. And it's in those moments. And you're going to hear Brooke talk about it. Like I know at my darkest of days where I was like, I am in the biggest hole, I don't know if it's possible to get out, you know, but God, right? And 15 years ago she experienced that when she was diagnosed with stage three melanoma while she was pregnant. So we're going to talk about that and what overcoming different layers of fear looks like. And with that, my dear friend, Brooke Thomas.

Hello. Hello. Wow. I went through so many different emotions while you were saying all of that. I have chills all over my body because I'm just so grateful for that introduction. But I'm also just emotional from just everything you said. I just appreciate you so much. And.

I know that you have a really amazing gift of seeing people for who they really are. And that has always been, like a desire of my heart since I was little. Just people really seeing me for who I am. And so I just want to say thank you for that because that's. I just know that you saw that you saw me from the beginning, and I've always felt so safe and so comfortable with you and who you are, and I respect you as a woman and in business and the way you parent and just everything. So thank you, first of all, just for. For your words because that was an amazing introduction. So thank you.

Thank you for that. You know, my favorite part of the interviews is kind of like springing an introduction on y'.

All.

Yeah.

I'm like, whoa.

Yeah, because, like, I do research, obviously I knew you, but, like, you know, really see you. Because I think, and this is something so important to kind of even start with is I think all of us, no matter how much money we make, how good we look on the outside, who we're partnered with, you know, who our kids are, at the end of the day, we're all human and we all want to be seen, heard, and understood. And I know there were times in your life, and mine included, where, like, I was like, am I even relevant in this world in my own home? Like, and I know that it's really important for that. And, you know, as a world class leader and global expert on so many different things, I know there was a time in your life where you didn't feel seen, heard, and understood. And, you know, for you to become who you are today, you had to overcome lots of obstacles, lots of fears. And so what was the first memory you have of, like, oh, like, I know God has gifts inside of me. I know that all of this stuff I've been through or going through has to matter for something. But, God, how do I get out of this? Or how do I overcome this? What was your first memory of, like, okay, I'm a girl that's going to be an overcomer.

Well, I mean, I would say that really what rocked me to my core was that moment. And then, and I did take myself, you know, back and healed, you know, so many wounds after this.

But I'll.

I'll take you first to. You know, it was 16 years ago. I was 26 years old, and I was recently married and got pregnant pretty quick and was just thinking I was healthy, living a life that I thought was good.

Because I had buried so many emotions. So I'll get into that. But I go into a doctor's appointment, first trimester of pregnancy, you know, thinking again, I'm thinking I'm healthy, I look healthy. You know, I'm newly married, all excited. And they basically told me in that moment that I had stage three melanoma. Well, it wasn't right in that moment. They thought I did based on what they saw. And they said they wouldn't let me leave. They basically took me straight into the oncologist at the hospital that I was at to see my doctor, and they would not let me leave. My husband was out of town. We had to call him and make arrangements for him to come back. And they basically told me, according. They had me get blood work. They had me stay at the hospital all day. And they said, you have stage three melanoma. You have two options. And they sat and reviewed all of the women that were around my age that were in a similar situation, and what happened if they didn't choose these options? And the one option they really tried to push on me was to abort the baby and have chemotherapy. And they said, you know, in your situation, we just feel like that's the best thing to do in your first trimester. You know, that's what we suggest you do. Because we have seen this. You know, when you have pregnant, you know, skin cancer, it just. It accelerates. It spreads fast and hard because of the hormones and everything. And they said, you know, if you don't make an. Make some sort of decision, you know, we can't be responsible for what's going to happen to you or your baby. The other option. Because I said, well, what? Like, there has to be another option. I was kind of like, this has to be a joke. Can we just, like, actually, can I leave and then come back after the baby's born and then we'll deal with all of this? Because that's how I had always just shut things down. Like, okay, let's just pretend this is not really going on, and let's just come back later and then I'll deal with it. And they wouldn't let me leave. And so the other option was to cut the cancer out without anesthetic, because in your first trimester of pregnancy, they couldn't be liable or responsible for anesthetic, like, going into your body, because it could affect the baby at that age. And, you know, first trimester is the most. Where they're the most cautious. So they did get. So I chose that option. They did give me top topical lidocaine. But if anybody has been cut with 50 stitches and cauterized, you can. I could smell it. I could feel it. About five people had to hold me down. I had to put something in my mouth, like a. It was almost like a rubber ball.

To bite down on.

Yep. And it was just one of those things where I. Because I felt like I didn't have any other option, I chose that. And I'm like, let's just go. Let's just do this. And I'm.

I'm.

I kind of have that type of personality. Like, okay, if I have to walk through this pain, like, let's just do it now. And I either, you know, I'm like, let's just not. Let's pretend it's not happening and let's just avoid it, or let's just do it right now. So I went through that, and it was. I didn't realize how much that was going to open me up to pain that I was experiencing emotionally based on them giving me a death sentence. And they basically told me, also according to my blood work, according to my history, according to my family's history, that I probably would not live past 40.

They said that cancer would absolutely return in my body based on my blood work. So I am happy to say that's not my story anymore. I'm 42, and I officially don't even have to go back the way I used to. I used to have to go every six months to get blood work, they said, for the rest of my life. And now it's only yearly. So according to this. And there's no signs of it coming back. And I just am believing for that. I've had some scary moments, but. So, yeah, that was a ton where what it caused. You know, I thought that, okay, I got this cancer cut out. I'm just gonna, you know, it's fine. Like, okay, now I'm gonna have this baby. Well, where the scar was and where the surgery was, it was on my side. And as I grew out front, the stitches would open. It was, you know, it. It was just a mess. Like, it caused so much more physical pain. And this. Even the way it looked, it looked like a huge. Almost like a huge shark attack.

Right.

And it had keloided like, it was just so ugly, too. And that just made me feel just worse about just I had to look at it and it hurt. And I was trying to, you know, go through this pregnancy. I was so grateful that I was alive and, you know, I saved the baby. But, you know, everything was. All this fear started to take over. A complete fear that I think I had buried for so long. And fear is like my go to, you know, weakness that I. That I always step into when something triggers me, and it's just. I just get covered in fear. And so it just. I wanted to be so grateful, and I felt like I had to be and I needed to be. But there was so many emotions that were coming up from feeling so afraid of, you know, what if the baby really, you know, isn't going to be healthy? What if I really do die? And what. You know, all of these things that opened up for me to just really evaluate, you know, where I was, what I was doing, what I was not doing, what. Why I'm even here, you know, what's going on. I didn't feel like I belonged anywhere in that moment. It just brought up a lot of stuff that I started to work through. And, you know, I really started to come into a place of complete faith. And it was only because I was on my knees almost every day, just crying out and asking God to just help me. Like, help me with the fear, cover me, help me to feel like that I'm worth it to continue this. And why did this happen? And, you know, all of the emotions of, like, did this happen because I did something wrong? You know, I used to feel. I used to think like that before I really understood grace and I understood faith the way that we know it to be true. And so there was just so many things, Tracy, that came up that allowed me to become the woman I am today. And it was a long road. It wasn't. Didn't happen just, like, in a couple months, you know, by any means.

Well, like, you said you were 26 when this kind of happened. And, you know, you said some things that I know the story itself is so powerful, and, like, I know that you all are listening right now, and you're like, holy shit. Like, that is, like, scary. But something you said was so powerful and that you would just shut it down. Can we deal with this later? Shut it down. Can we deal with this later? In that moment of the doctors telling you, like, this is what they advise.

You know, let me just have this baby. We'll deal with it later. And I'm Pretty confident that most of your life, up until those 26 years, you had experienced trials and things coming at you that you would just shut it down to deal with it later, to just power your way through. Right?

Yes.

And then the gift of cancer. Yes, I know. I said it's a gift sometimes because it actually took you to your knees, which is where your faith happens.

So early on, like when you are faced with this and you have to kind of like there's something about being taken to your knees and being put into your own kind of season of silence to let God download, you know, because we, I know you're a prayerful warrior.

And we talk and you're in relationship with God through talking, but it's a two way street. And sometimes we have to sit in that season of silence to hear what his message is for us. And as we shut it down and deal with it later, most of our life, which I did too, differently than you, but the same. We can't hear what he's trying to put in us. Right. And so when you are in your own season of silence with cancer and getting ready to birth a beautiful baby girl, you know, that's when God's talking to you. And when you're sitting there, did you start to look back at your life the 26 years before and identify like, yes, I didn't do anything wrong. I was just kind of dealing with what I had to deal with, which is what you've done your whole life and you still do it today. I mean, like you said, you know, fear can trigger you. And whenever you like get afraid, that's when Brooke goes into power through shut it down, deal with it later. Right. Overdrive.

Yeah. And you know, I always describe it as like a. I felt like my whole life I kind of lived where I was stuffing things and pushing things, my emotions, you know, how I really felt. Because I just wanted people to love me and like me. And I felt like unless I told people what they wanted to hear, they wouldn't like me or love me and certain. And there were times where that actually happened. And so it just reiterated what I, what, what one of my really strong beliefs were. So I, I did grow up most of my life just being really okay with telling people what they wanted to hear and what they wanted to do. And that actually was my identity. And I was fine with that because as long as they were happy and they loved me or liked me, I was, I was actually good. Like, I actually thought that was living. And I think what happened was when I Experienced this. It reminded me of all of the stuff that I had been stuffing. And I was angry, and for the. And I was just like, wait a second. Like, they're giving me a death sentence. I could die. And why am I not, like, saying what I want to say? Why am I not. Who really am I? And, you know, I started to really realize that. I say it's like a beach ball that you kind of stuff under. You try to put the beach ball underwater. And you can only keep a beach ball underwater for so long, right? And then it just keeps popping to the surface. And I felt like in that moment, this was my breaking moment where I finally was. I was on my knees, and I was like, I don't feel like I have a hope for the future. So, you know, what's the point? Why am I in this job? You know, that I'm. You know, I was working. Like, I was a business major, and I got, like, a corporate job, but I didn't really want to do that. But I was just doing it because I thought that that's what everybody would want me to do. And, you know, I felt like, what? Like, God, like, help me, because I thought I've been. I thought I was a good girl. I've been doing all of these things that everybody wants me to do, and I thought that that would help me to have a better outcome. Like, I really didn't know who I was. And when I. That's what the most embarrassing thing was for me at that age. And, you know, at 26. And then it really lasted for, like, five to seven years after that because more layers were being uncovered. You know, there's always layers that get uncovered. And I just remember being embarrassed because I spoke to somebody that was trying to walk through this with me, and I remember them saying, like, who is Brooke? And I remember, like, really, like, weeping and crying. Like, I couldn't. Dropping to my knees because I was embarrassed that I couldn't articulate who I was, because I was just, like, whoever people needed me to be. And that was embarrassing because I felt like, oh, my gosh. Like, how do I not know who I am? And so I started going down this process, process of discovering who I really was. And really, that's where my faith came in, because I felt like God awakened my spirit and reminded me of who I really am and who I was created to be and all of the gifts inside of me to love people well and to encourage people well, and to actually, you know, just, you know, want to see other people succeed. That's really who he created me to be. I just was using it the wrong way or the way that was not, you know, really helping me to be who I am and to stand strong for what I want and to know will still love me and everybody else, it's okay, you know. And there was a Bible verse that I read for the first time. Some of the things I started doing was, you know, reading the Bible and, you know, listening to worship music and talking to people. I never, I want to say this like my faith does completely. It's everything to me. You know, my faith leads everything. But I want to preface this with I didn't always feel that way. I always felt connected to God, but I never actually felt comfortable around quote unquote Christians or faith based people because I actually felt like I wasn't good enough. And I think a lot of people struggle with that. So I want to say that because when we start talking about faith and God and Bible verses, I know some people feel intimidated. Like, well, that's easy for her. That must just come easy for her, even praying out loud. I mean, I am a bold prayer warrior and I love to pray over people because I feel the strength and the power. But it hasn't always been like that. I remember wanting to pray and being so shut down by myself of feeling intimidated and not enough, and I was shaking and, you know, just not feeling like I could completely connect. And I think that's what happens to a lot of us where, you know, we have this, you know, perception of what that's supposed to look like. And when there are people out in the world doing it really well and they seem quote, unquote perfect, we feel like, well, that's, that's not for us either. So I was kind of in this place where I was like, well, I want that, but I don't feel like I really fit in there because I'm not good enough. And then I really don't want this other life over there because I feel like I have to people please or, you know, it's just. So I want to say this Bible verse that really changed, started to shift and change things. For me it was Jeremiah 29:11. And it says, for I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope, a future. And that was the verse that I was like, I felt the presence of God because I had just been praying. Like, I don't even know if I have a future. What am I doing? Why am I even here? And I don't even understand why did this happen to me? And now I have to take care of a baby that, you know, and then I might get sick and then, you know, all the fear, right? And I read that verse and something came alive in my spirit. And I started to ask God to just like, you know, can you keep sending me these verses? Can I keep, like, reading things where you're speaking to me? Speak to me, please. And I was speaking to God like it was a friend and a father. And that's when my journey began, of faith, where I started to truly feel a connection to words and scripture. And, you know, I was meeting people that I feel like he was placing in my life to nurture and love me and teach me who I really was and that it was okay that he created me and it's okay, like. Like I'm supposed to be me, you know, and that's. That was the big thing that happened. Does that make sense to you?

Yeah. So, like, I. I've always been a girl of faith, too. And I also recognize, like, for the same reasons, I wasn't comfortable around people who were very well scripted in religion, because it wasn't modeled for me in my home. So I didn't know what actually operating in my faith looked like. I knew I believed in it, but when, you know, shit would hit the fan, it's like I would basically be saying, like, you know what, God? I see you and I know you're there. But you know what? Let me handle this one, and I'll call you when I need you. And it wasn't like this flippant kind of thing. It was just never modeled for me. And I think, like, through your cancer, through my rock bottom moments, like, it's where we got our voices and we actually started that relationship. Because it's one thing to believe, but for anything to flourish and grow and thrive, you must have this even energy exchange, right? You have to be in relation, which means, you know, you have to listen as much as you talk or pray, right? And I think that happened. And you know how well versed I am in the Enneagram and listening to you. I've known this about you for a while, but, like, it's like what you were doing was classic, like, enneagram, three achiever behavior. Like, I'm not going to do it unless, like, I can be great at it. I'm not going to do that or I'm going to shut it down and we'll deal with it later. And Because I need to move on to something that makes me feel like I matter, that makes me feel like I can have a place in this world. And you know, that scripture that you. You know, you read is so beautiful, and it's so true. Like, yes, there are plans for me. And I love that you shared that. You know, this wasn't something that came easy to you at first. You know, like I said, you know, you see the. The glory, but you don't always know the story behind it. So, you know, it's just like anything. You know, you started doing this, and it didn't happen overnight. It's like conditioning, right? It's like, yeah, I want to run a marathon. We don't just decide and then go do 26.2 miles tomorrow. It's a conditioning process. So, you know, 16 years ago, you really started the conditioning process. And, you know, life happens. And I also like to say this. I know you'll agree, like, you've been through a lot, like, a whole hell of a lot. And so have I. And. And just when I think, okay, I can take a breather, God's. God's gonna move on to somebody else for a while. Sure enough, like a wallop upside the head comes. And I know for me before, I really was conditioned in operating in my faith rather than fear, I'd be like, come on, you've got to be kidding me. Like, seriously. And I've. I've surrendered that. And I know that every single time that happens, it's an opportunity to grow, and it's an opportunity to really walk. God's plan.

Yeah.

For my life and my. Some of my favorite scriptures. You know, the. The steps of a man are ordered. You know, the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.

Yeah.

And that means ordered, past tense. He's already got your plan laid out, so I've quit trying to do it. And I've also resigned to the fact that until God decides our time on Earth is done, there are going to be layers and layers and layers and lessons and lessons and Blessings. Right? So 16 years ago, you start your conditioning process, and you go on to have a second daughter and marriage and moves and business. And when was it that you got out of doing what everybody expected you to do? Getting that corporate job, using that business degree, looking all fine and fabulous with the two dogs, two kids, beautiful husband that Brooke says, you know what? God has a bigger purpose. He wants me to live out loud because I have been through what I've been through to help serve the greatest Good. And so where did you decide that that was going to be implemented?

Yeah, I mean, so I quickly quit the corporate thing, you know, shortly after my, you know, my first daughter was born because I started to discover, like, I don't really like that. But then I, but then I stepped right into getting my real estate. I said, I'm just going to stay home with the kids for a little bit or with my first daughter. And that, that didn't last very long because I really had so much desire to work and make an impact. And so I got my real estate license. And that was another thing that I did that was so out of alignment with who I was because I honestly, I tell people this, this is another embarrassing thing. I really did it because I thought it sounded, you know, okay, I passed the real estate license. It sounds kind of smart, you know, I mean, even though, I think, you know, you can get your real estate license, well, I'm not gonna say it's pretty easy because I do think those tests are hard, but it's hard. It just wasn't. I was just doing it because it was another thing I could say, oh, I have my real estate license now. It really was not, it was another cover up to say, oh, I have this now. And you know, one of the things that you said is so true. It's like I never ever think about perfection. Like, I don't personally ever think that, like, oh, I'm trying to do this to be perfect. But I do think that I have always been afraid or I was afraid, I'm not anymore, of making mistakes. And then if I made mistakes or I showed up and I messed up, then again, more people would leave me or not love me or not like me. And so I read something, I wanted to read it real quick because I think you would really like this too. I read something back a long time ago that I keep with me on my note, in my notes, on my phone. And it was in like a faith based book. And it says, I encourage you to stop, stop being held hostage by the fear of making mistakes because you will make mistakes. We all will. God is not asking you not to make any mistakes. He's calling you to be bold. He's calling you to be fearless in approaching life, in stepping out in faith and entrusting him to lead you. And I remember, you know, I got my real estate license and it just wasn't in alignment. And I wanted to create and do some other things around health and nutrition because that's really what I got into, you know, Know, that's what really started to, you know, spark interest in me, you know, from the cancer diagnosis. I wanted to learn more about food and anti inflammatory diets and I wanted to make sure my kids were healthy. And so I started to be really creative in the kitchen and, you know, just packing healthier lunches. And so I was like, what if I could do something around this? And people laughed at me back in the day. I mean, this is back before people were really doing that and, and it was really popular. And so I just started creating things that were in my heart. And I started to ask God to like, help me to be fear in that. And it was funny because I read that and it felt like it spoke to me about being fearless. And I just started praying for opportunities. I'm like, I know this sounds crazy, but I just want opportunities to be creative. And I was always told that I wasn't creative, so I just thought I wasn't. But I have realized that I am such a creative. Like I am a major creative. Like, I love to create things and my youngest daughter's like that too. And I started to use that side of me and opportunities just started coming and I started to just have fun with my work. And that's how I became successful because I started to be in line with who I really wanted to be. And I did still walk a road. I mean, I created cookbooks, I was on a local NBC show doing like healthy lifestyle recipes. And I started creating a healthy lifestyle program that I sold to corporations. And all of the these crazy things that I'm like, how did I do that? But I was so in alignment with who I wanted to be and what I wanted to do, and it just started to flow. But I kept asking God to keep the creativity going. And what you said about that road, that has already been laid out for us, you know, I believe that, you know, supernaturally what has been created for us, no man can shut. So I was. When you're in the zone and you're walking in that, you know, no matter what somebody else tries to do to shut you down, if you can just keep walking, you will work out. Now along the way, I will tell you, I had years of, you know, being a little bit dissed by my neighbors or my friends that, you know, said they were my girls and like, it was like crickets, you know, for support. And back then I still needed that. I still needed and wanted people to support me and they weren't. And that was another layer of healing that I had to walk through. Of knowing that, you know, that it's not about them, it's about me. I've got to learn to love myself so I can love others and others can love me the way I need it. But it will happen when I love myself first. And I really just think, looking back, I just. I wasn't loving myself the way that I know now how to. And so I probably wasn't attracting the right people because once I stepped into understanding this and really working on myself more and more and reading books that I just, you know, just lit me up like lioness arising and without rival, this. Lisa Bevere is one of my favorite authors, and I just love her books.

I started to pray, like, again, when you. When you get creative and you read and you are around the right people, you know, you start to just get these ideas and these thoughts that are downloaded. And I started to pray that God would send me women that just saw me, got me, that loved me the way I could love back, because I felt like I needed that. And I felt so alone and isolated because I was trying to do all these things, But I still craved that tribe of women. And I felt very strongly that God said to me, go create it. Quit sitting around waiting for it and go create it. They're out there, but you have to start first. And I was like, oh, man, okay. And it was like I showed up with a different. I started showing up with a different posture, and I felt like I started to truly find women that were like the women that I wanted to find. And I started to build kind of my own tribe leading the way. And then through that, droves of women just kept coming into my life, and I started to really see the difference between the women that I was attracting before and then the women that I was attracting after as friends, you know? And I just. I realized it really was a me issue, and that's why I'm so, like, pumped up, excited all the time to just, first of all, help and promote and love on other people that I genuinely love, because I know how much that can do for somebody. Just a kind thought or word that somebody knows you're thinking about them and you're cheering them on and you're trying to champion them to the next level. Like, that can change somebody's life, that can change somebody's day, because not a lot of people do that, but it's got to be genuine, you know? And then I also just realized how important it is to just really stand in what you want to do and just do it, and your People will find you. Your people will always find you. If you're very clear about who you are.

Well, with some, you know, I work with so many people that are so rooted in faith, and yet there's this disconnect, and you kind of alluded to this earlier, is that, like, you operated from a place where you just wanted people to like you, love you. Like, and we, we could deep dive into, like, where that's rooted from. We, you know, most of us have that. But I think when, when you, and you did flip the switch, you're like, it isn't about them, it's about me. Because as much as, especially if you are rooted in faith and believe that you are going out of your way to have people love you, you're treating them in a way that's not being reciprocated. I want you to know, and I know that this, this switch flipped for you. Thank goodness. Because then all of a sudden the caliber of people you started attracting was really different. Is you need to treat yourself though your beauty, your God's beautiful and wonderful creature, as well as you're treating these people that, you know, you know, I hear it all the time. We have to love them because God, that's what God would want me to do. But, you know, it has to start with you. It has to, because what happens when we discard ourselves in order to do, you know, air quotes, love people as God would? You're going to attract more people that mistreat you, which is what happened for you. And it wasn't until you said, enough is enough with love and grace, of course, that you said, I need to love me as God would first. And sure enough, what you started to attract into your life was exactly that. Powerhouse women who love God, who are here to serve a greater good. Right. And so I know many of you listening are followers of Brooke and followers of me. And one of the things that has drawn you to us is our immense faith through adversity and obstacles and, and all sorts of things and the resiliency that comes with that. And I'm sure she will say the same thing. You must love yourself as though you are God's wonderful, beautiful creature first. You're a beautiful child of God first. Before you can start loving everyone as though that God is like, you know, I think people like he would never want you to discard yourself for somebody else ever. Absolutely. So when you started doing that and people, I mean, it was like gangbusters, Ms. Brooke, that, yeah, you know, they came and they came in hard and heavy and with faith.

Yes, it was. It literally still feels like a miracle, the way that everything transpired. And I always say, like, you know, God's. God's speed is right on time, and it speeds up right when you're ready. And, you know, there's so many times that I think people pray and they pray not truly believing that the timing is everything. And now my prayers are so different. It's just, like, I'm gonna believe for this because it's in my heart, and I'm gonna thank God in advance. And I really want this to be, like, sped up. I'm ready. But I believe in your timing, God, and so I want your will to be done first. And so whatever that looks like, I'm good. And I have found there's certain times where he has really, like, been just so quick to answer. And it reminds me of how quick he will be to answer when the timing's right. And I just felt that so, so much in that moment. And there's been so many times where I just would get so emotional and weep, just me and God, because I'm like, gosh, you really heard me. You really get me. And he's like, yeah, that's what I do.

And I don't know about you, Brooke. Like, it's so funny because that first time I really surrendered and said, you know, know your timing, not mine. And it did happen fast. Like, Godspeed is always right on time. I love that. It's probably what I'm going to name this episode because it's so beautiful. But I know the first time it happened, and it happened so ridiculously fast, where I almost. It was so fast, I couldn't even come up for air and realize what happened. And so tell me, that was eight years ago.

Wow.

At rock bottom, where I completely surrendered. And, you know, I walked away from all of my income. I walked away from every person I'd ever known other than my children. I walked away from family. I walked away from my ego and identity that I'd been carrying for 40 years. And ironically, within six months, my whole life continued to change. And people showed up like, you know that movie Field of Dreams? Like, if you build it, they will come. Like, seriously out of the cornfields. Thousands and thousands of people came now since then because it worked so well. I surrender all the time. However, I have to catch myself. And I'm sure you do, too, because I know how fast it can work. I'm like, okay, God, I surrender. And then in my mind, I sort of have a Timeline on which I kind of hope God operates. And I'm very quickly humbled because when I was hit with another season of silence two and a half years ago, I knew like, okay, this is going to be an evolution. This is kind of where we're at. We're at today. And I was like, cool, I've surrendered. 30 days from now, I know God's just going to drop the bomb on me. And it's been a painful waiting process and it's been very humbling. And I know you've experienced this too, because you are so strong in faith and obedient and you're doing the right things that, you know, God's timing is never wrong. And if it's not happening, there's either a, I have some more work to do on myself or it's not for me. And that's hard and humbling. Right? And I know you've experienced it too, Even when you decided to walk away from a million dollar business.

Oh.

Oh, man. And, you know, that was another moment. There's so many moments. But that was, that was a very scary moment. But it was one of those times. Where have you ever had one of those moments where your entire body just, you just know what you're supposed to do and it does not make sense to anybody. And it definitely doesn't make sense on paper.

But every part of my being knew that that's what I needed to do. But there was still fear, obviously, major fear. And I just, I didn't want to wait. I just jumped. I did it. And I am so grateful I did because it did pay off sooner than I ever thought it would, and I'm grateful for it. But it was a very scary moment to walk away from that and follow something that felt, again, more in alignment. You know, I have found that this whole alignment thing is everything. Like, I do believe that, you know, seasons change, you know, we, we, we change. I used to stand on stages, you know, with that prior company, and I made the mistake and I, and I talked about how I felt like I, this was a mistake again, at least, you know, I'm being vulnerable because I don't ever want to just think that. I always want to admit my mistakes because I've learned from them and I've grown from them and I want to speak about them. And I remember standing on stage because that people pleaser still, I thought I had gotten rid of it, but looking back, I'm like, that was because I was a people pleaser. I stood on stage, I honored everybody there And I said, I am going to be here forever. I'm never going anywhere. And as a businesswoman, let me tell you, you should never say that. You know, you should never say never and always. But in that moment, what I told people later, I wanted to talk about it, because in that moment, I really did believe that. It wasn't like I was saying that out of, you know, a sales tactic. I really believed it. That. But through that, of course, because there's video of me saying that.

Oh, yeah, there's.

There were people that reminded me of that and were very harsh about it. And it really hurt me because I was like, but, oh, my gosh, I can't believe I said that either. But in that moment, that is how I felt. And what I learned from that was, you know what? And this just comes, I think, with age and maturity and growth in business. You know, know, I won't ever say that again. But I also won't apologize for being so excited in the moment to say what really my heart felt. But I also think we have to give ourselves permission in business, as women especially, to know that, like, you know, we shift and we change and new opportunities come about and we should never feel like we have to be stuck anywhere. And life, you know, just. It changes. And so if an opportunity comes along that you feel more aligned with and your soul feels more aligned with, why wouldn't you do it? You know, that's what. Life is so precious. We're only here on this earth for so long. Why not go for it? And I think so many times we do get stuck in, like, well, I said I was going to do this kind of like, well, I took my real estate license. I guess I have to do this. But it was miserable for me because it really wasn't in line. And so we've done so many things, Even Brett leaving his job and moving to California. It's crazy at all our ages, just because, you know, 54, 42, our kids are in middle school and high school. Everybody and their mother wanted to tell us why. All the reasons. That was a mistake, you know, the timing, all of that. But it's the best thing that we ever did. And I feel like we went to another layer of living because we jumped. Is it scary? Yes. Is it still scary? Yes. It's not as comfortable at all, but it's exhilarating. It's exciting. It's like, okay, if we can do this, we can do it. Anything, you know?

You know, it's. It's one of those things, like, I'VE had this, too. You know, I've been at this eight years of like, you know, doing leadership on video and, you know, things are on YouTube and everything's caught on tape now. You know, and I've had people say things, well, you've changed. I'm like, well, that's the goal.

Thank you.

Yeah, thank you. And yes, my opinions and my evolvement have changed. And exactly what you said. Who I was then is exactly who I was then. And. And the whole goal is to grow and become more. Like, have different perspective as we mature and gain wisdom and experience more of life. Like, more things happen. Like, since I started in leadership, I've lost some powerful, important people in my life. I've experienced my own mortality that will shift a perspective on a dime. And how you operate in the world and. And for those of you out there that are paralyzed by fear because you're worried maybe you've said something and you're changing your mind, you're ready to pivot, but, you know, you are not anchored into the ground and set to do that. And here's the thing. When people. I don't know where they come from to have a bold opinion without being asked for it, but everybody seems to. Like, I have lots of opinions and I never inject them unless I'm asked specifically. But most everybody operates as though, like, what? Well, if you're saying it out loud, then I have permission to interject all my thoughts and opinions. And I want you to know this, that people are going to talk stuff about you. They are. And I also want you to know that you don't have to get defensive. You don't have to explain yourself because almost always it is a reflection of their own fears. They want to keep people where they are so they can feel comfortable with maybe not moving the needle in their life. Life. And. And you're going to leave people in your dust, and it's going to be okay because you can't make room for the beautiful blessings that are coming and the right people to help you live out those steps that God has ordered for you without clearing the path sometimes. And it doesn't mean you don't love them. It doesn't mean they're bad people. But, you know, there's a season reason in a lifetime sometimes, you know, for people, there's a great poem out there called that Season Reason, Lifetime. And even. And even ones that blood to you, you can love them from afar. You can pray so deeply for them, and you don't have to let them into your Energetic space, because had Brooke listened to what everybody was saying to her, the thousands and thousands and thousands and thousands and thousands of lives that this beautiful woman has been able to not just impact, but really.

Help them live out loud and live into their God given purpose and God given gifts. Like, you have to blaze the trail. You have to. You have to.

I love that you're saying all this because the other thing, you know, and you stand for this so well and you, you just represent this so well. And you know, I'm so grateful that we came together the way we did. We met in a mastermind and I think that it really has taught me so much to. We always have to be around people that do want to grow too and get excited about growth. Because you know, what you said before, if somebody, well, you've changed, you know, the old self would be. I would be like, oh my gosh, how do I convince them that I'm. I haven't totally changed? Like, I'm still this, you know, instead it's like that, you know, that you just say thank you. Thank you for noticing, you know, and.

Even if they mean it as a, As a rip on you.

Exactly. No, that's what I'm saying. Like, thank you for noticing and moving on. And it is so beautiful. You know, one of the things that. And I'm sure this happens to you all the time when we, when we started, and I'll say both of us, because tell me if I'm wrong, but like, when we started to really love ourselves well. And step into who we really are. The women that came out of the woodworks, not only were the women that my heart craved, but every single time I run a mastermind, every single time I have a special woman that, like, I can just feel that, you know, I already know what she's going to say. The women that I attract are usually, you know, have been through similar things I've been through, or they were, you know, they want to be reformed people pleasers like I am now. And so they always end up telling me something that is so deep and so such a wound that they're so afraid to tell me. And before they even get out of their mouth, I'm like, girl, I got you. I already know what you're going to say. And guess what? Me too. Like, and to be able to say, like, I get you, and I've gone through that too. And they feel like, so connected to a point where they just know they're in the right place. And that's what fuels me to Keep going. That's what I fight for every day, to not stay quiet and not, you know, just hide, you know, because there's so many women out there that need nurturing, women that really do want them to win. And there isn't a lot, A lot, a lot. There's, there's enough, but there's not a ton.

Yeah, you're not going to find the people if you are surrounded by clubs. And what you said, like surrounding yourself with people that want to grow. And let's just be real, a lot of times it's not going to be your blood family. It's just not because there's generational patterns and conditioning that have gone on time after time after time that a lot of times it's not going to happen there. And, and for those of you men that are listening, because I attract a very high level man to my audience as well. And that seems to be my, like, that's the little zone that's kind of happening for me that is like out of the norm talk about like, you know, people wanting me to do workshops just for men and because, you know, as these women are empowering themselves that you attract, and I do attract too, and, and these women are dropping these bombs on us that they're so that they've buried for decades. There's usually men in their lives that love them, that know that as their woman partner is evolving, if they don't up their game, they're not gonna be able to keep up and they don't want to hold them back and keep them small. So for you men that are listening and that I work with very many of you, I want you to know that this is so important that we really continue to surround ourselves not just with women, but men also that are growing and that want us to grow. And you know, environment is so much stronger than willpower. I mean, I'm the strongest willed person I know. And even I can succumb to an environment that's not good for me. And that's why I'm always evaluating and some people really judge it harshly. And that's okay because I know what God has in store for me. And I can't live that out loud.

If I am buried under quicksand and wreckage and negativity and judgment. And so Ms. Brooke, my goodness, what an example you are to so many of us. I know that God put you in my life for a divine reason. And I think what you do, I seriously watch you from the sideline and you just blow me away with your intense Love for people, your genuine cheerleading capabilities, not just to cheer them on, but then to say, this is the path I walked on. Follow me. You know, as you are asking God to lead you, guide you, walk beside you, you are taking every woman behind you and saying, take my hand, because I know where we're supposed to go. And living out loud, you embody that. And so if you are listening right now, you must go check out her podcast, subscribe, leave a review, slide into her DMs on Instagram. Like, seriously, this woman is something that you need to have in your life.

So, Brooke, thank you so much. I am just so honored to be in your presence. I mean, you are living out your calling, and you're. It's. It's just. I love it. I always say I want my people to know my people. So any chance I get, I tell people about you, and I love to share you with the world, because what you're doing is just so beautiful and just the way you parent, you know, kids, it's just so special. And what you're putting out in the world is so awesome, and it's so authentic. And I just love everything about you. Your personality, your. Just everything that you do to make the women in your life feel important and special. The ones that you care about, the ones that you really see. And so I just want to say thank you again, and it's just been so awesome to talk to you. Don't you love podcasting for this reason that you can just have a really good conversation with somebody?

You know, I like to feel like sitting on a couch in, like, our.

I know. I know it. That's how I felt. So.

But I want to say something to what you just said, because, like, it hit me right in my heart as you said it, because when you said, like, how I make women feel.

Yeah.

Was something that was not natural for me, really. I grew up pretty much judging and assuming every woman was weak and that they would stab me in the back and wouldn't be there for me. And so I had to learn new conditions, specifically starting around 19 years ago. And it's been a slow process, but the last eight have been accelerated to really know that this isn't. That, like, what I experienced isn't the reality in front of me. And as long as I keep standing in the truth of who God made me, the right people will show up, and I can trust that and that I can cheer them on and support them, and I can, you know, just circle back to how we started and how you and I met and the connection you and I had. Every one of us wants to be seen, heard, and understood. And I know when you are in the presence of Brooke or myself that that's gonna happen.

Yes.

So, Brooke, where can they find you, my love?

Well, on Instagram, it's liveout Loud. Brooke. And then, you know, just my website, brooke thomas.com. brooke with an E. And you can kind of find everything there. Facebook, Brooke Thomas. So anything, my tribe is live out loud Tribe. So anything live out loud or Brooke, you'll find me.

My goodness, what a force you are for the greatest good in this world. I so appreciate you. You guys, if you have listened to this and it landed on your heart, and you know that Godspeed is always right on time too, please screenshot this, share it with the world, tag us in it, so we know how this landed on your heart. So we can bring you more of what you actually need to move the needle in your life to help you stand on the front line of your life so you too can become bulletproof. My love, thank you for spending the morning with me. I love you so much.

I love you too. And I just appreciate you and I just. I just know that, gosh, you just do so much for so many women. I just. I pray that this podcast is blessed and that favor just stays all over you. So thank you so much again.

I love you, girl. We'll see you soon.

Okay, See you soon.

Thank you for tuning in to the Becoming Bulletproof podcast. If you learned a thing or two from our show today, it would mean a lot to me if you shared it. And tag me so I can hear exactly what landed on your heart. This will help me to bring you even more episodes with the topics and guests you want. Please head over to itunes and leave an honest and loving five star review. If this made an impact on you, you can find me on Instagram tracyomalley and I have tons of free resources for you@traceeomalley.com as always, if you are wanting to ignite your purpose, profits and build your legacy, it's time to stand on the front line of your life and do the work. Let's become bulletproof.

Sam.