EP 203 Finding Joy Through Travel and Self-Discovery A Journey with C.K. Collins

In this episode of the Stuck In My Mind Podcast, host Wize El Jefe sits down with C.K. Collins, an inspiring individual who has found joy through travel and self-discovery. C.K. Collins opens up about their personal journey, sharing valuable insights and experiences that have shaped their life and perspective. The conversation begins with C.K. Collins reflecting on their initial hesitation to venture into the world of video content. However, they eventually found their footing by doing pre-recorded videos, which led to them joining a live talk radio show. C.K. Collins describes the thrill of interacting with the audience and how going live made them feel like a part of the show. As a result, they now do live videos three days a week, fostering a connection with their audience that fills them with joy. The discussion then takes a turn towards self-discovery and the importance of choosing oneself before dating. C.K. Collins delves into the concept of their book, "The Swipe Right Effect," which emphasizes the significance of prioritizing personal growth and self-love. They highlight the idea that by choosing oneself first, individuals can reclaim their power, break free from stagnation, and ultimately find greater happiness. Drawing from personal experiences, C.K. Collins candidly shares their past mistakes in relationships, acknowledging that they often rushed into dating without fully knowing themselves. They admit to dedicating excessive effort to their 24-year marriage, ignoring their intuition's subtle warnings that something was wrong. When the truth came out, their self-confidence and intuition were deeply affected. However, they highlight a turning point when their sister-in-law gifted them a bracelet inscribed with the words "I am enough." Wearing this bracelet became a catalyst for C.K. Collins' journey to self-love and falling in love with themselves. C.K. Collins delves into the inception of their podcast, which initially started as a collaborative effort with a friend. However, when their friend became pregnant, C.K. Collins took the leap and started their own podcast. They reflect on the early episodes, which centered around current events like the pandemic, elections, and social justice issues. While they enjoyed podcasting, they admit that it wasn't until they shifted their focus to interviews and conversations that they truly fell in love with the medium. C.K. Collins reveals their passion for sitting down with people, asking thought-provoking questions, and sharing their guests' stories. The conversation takes a twist as C.K. Collins recounts an unforgettable hiking experience in Patagonia. Starting the hike later than usual, they initially felt lost and uncertain about which path to take. However, they pushed forward, eventually reaching the mountaintop and basking in the sense of accomplishment. This solo adventure taught C.K. Collins the importance of planning and self-reliance, reinforcing their independence and self-confidence. C.K. Collins goes on to describe their transformative journey through divorce and a spiritual hike in Spain, covering 500 miles. They found solace in conversing with strangers along the way, realizing the power of non-judgmental connections and the benefits of simply being heard. These encounters honed their listening skills and made them a better mother, friend, daughter, and boss .The discussion then explores the topic of confidence-building, with C.K. Collins sharing various endeavors they undertook to boost their self-assurance, such as attempting to learn Tango and Buena Saris. They also reveal how solo travel became an adventurous experience that helped rebuild their confidence. The speaker reflects on the kindness of strangers encountered during their travels, emphasizing the importance of stepping out of comfort zones and embracing new experiences. Gratitude becomes a central theme as C.K. Collins discusses its transformative power. They emphasize the significance of being grateful for difficult experiences, as they often lead to personal growth and positive outcomes. By focusing on what one already has and not dwelling on what has been lost, C.K. Collins believes that gratitude attracts more good things into one's life. In sharing their personal story of their brother-in-law's miraculous recovery from a brain injury, C.K. Collins highlights the power of resilience and the ability to come back from adversity. They stress the importance of gaining perspective, letting go of triggers, and not allowing problems to overwhelm one's life. The episode concludes with C.K. Collins emphasizing the ongoing practice of self-love. They encourage listeners to turn off negative thoughts and replace them with positive mantras, such as "I am enough." They share their personal journey of starting with a mantra and progressing to meditation and goal-setting as tools for self-discovery and growth. Through C.K. Collins' captivating stories and authentic reflections, listeners are inspired to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery, finding joy, and embracing the power of choosing themselves. This episode serves as a valuable reminder that through travel, self-reflection, and gratitude, we can take control of our lives, find happiness, and create the change we seek.