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Hi, friends. Somebody sent me a Birkin. I decided to start the episode with that. I can't get over it. Can't believe it. It's an ostrich Birkin. It's vintage. I like my brain. Can't compute this. Very nice gift. Thank you. So bad. I no longer feel imposter syndrome when I tell you all my analogy of don't give a Birkin to a crackhead. That's when you give yourself to somebody who don't appreciate or understand and can't recognize your value. It's like giving a Birkin to a crackhead. They don't understand the value of this type of bag. They're just going to throw it around, beat it up and trash it. That's what people do with you when they can't appreciate you. And then you start to question yourself, am I a Birkin or am I just a Walmart bag that a crackhead got handed? You know, don't ever question your value. You a goddamn Birkin and an ostrich one at that. I just had to start the video with this because holy shit, we got a Birkin. Also, one more thing I want to throw out. Pre orders for Merch are live. And I didn't post the episode last week. Sorry, girl. I didn't have nothing to say. My soul didn't want to talk. I tried to record a couple episodes. Nothing wanted to come out. But pre orders, there's already 8,000 orders. So I've been losing my mind. Absolutely. For the past couple of days. So everything's on pre order right now and there's already 8,000 orders. I thought I was gonna get like 2,000, the amount of inventory I gotta order. I have a meeting tomorrow with my manufacturers. But if you want to order anything, order it. And everything will ship in like two, three weeks. I'll keep you posted, I'll keep you updated, but I'll link it in the description where you can go shop leoskeepy collection dot com. Oh, I just had to get that out and let you know. So many things to celebrate and so many things I want to talk about. I don't even really know where I want to go. I just want to talk like I'm happy. I want to hang out with you. I want to talk and, like, speak a little about. What's the name? How do you say, like, suicide? These guidelines, I'm gonna have to talk and dance around them. But there's such a gift in not wanting to be here. You know what I'm saying? I just can't speak around. I can't say certain things online. They'll ban me, take me down forever. So I've been like at that brink of not wanting to be here a lot of different times in my life where it was just all bad, then it got real good, then real bad. And it felt like everything was just gone to shit. And the whole thing of like trying to force yourself to feel better and all that, I get it fully and I just, I feel like there's something that wants to come out around this topic. So I kind of just want to talk about it. But the biggest thing I've learned, okay, the Birkin. Perfect timing to have this sitting here with me. We're just going to hang out with it, we're just going to hold it a little bit. But this is like a superficial thing. Like it's just a material item. Yeah, you can still appreciate it and love it, but. Okay, let me put you down. I don't want to be like yelling in your ear, but in life, when you don't have like secure connections with people, you attach to material objects. And I understand that whole like, dynamic. I've talked about it before in episodes, but this is going to go all over the board. I don't even know where we're going with it. But basically, when you're up against not wanting to be here anymore, wanting to unalive, you see no hope, no point, no nothing. That moment is something that I now see as such a gift and I always saw it as such a curse. Because once you have that thought of opting out of this life, it revisits you every single time you have something bad happen to you. And I've never heard nobody talk about this, so I want to do it so you don't feel so crazy. It's like your safety net, you know, if it gets bad enough, there's a way out. It becomes an. A weird, twisted, fucked up comfort that other people do not understand. But it's also as a safety net. It's such a freeing thing because from my life, when I've been at points where I wanted to not be here no more, I didn't care about taking certain risks. And that's exactly what got me out of, of being suicidal. How do I say it without getting in trouble? But with that safety net thing, like the thought of it coming back every time things get bad or like anytime you even start getting worried or doubtful, it's like you feel like you're falling back into that place. It's just your Brain's way of finding relief from what you're going through is what I've learned in life. Like, I used to start to freak out every time I would start to contemplate it again. Like, the idea would just pop back up into my head after I was doing okay for a minute. I feel like I'm falling back into a certain hole or, like, a certain mindset, and I'm like, oh, great, we're back here. And, like, that thought will come back up of, like, opting out. And I don't think that's something that will ever go away. It's like, once your brain has found that piece of relief, there's nothing like it. There is nothing that will touch that just overwhelming peace that you feel when that thought crosses your mind, when you're going through something catastrophic or you just do not want to be here. Like, if depression gets a hold of you, if your life's falling apart, if things just ain't going right. As someone who's had my life fall apart multiple many a time, I get it, but don't freak out. I don't know why I want to say that. Like, don't freak the out. If you have that thought come up, just look at it. It's kind of like my alarm bell now when I haven't had this thought or this feeling, like, in a few months. And, like, at the beginning of the year, awful, bad, right? I already told you about all this. I've been telling you about it for the past, like, few months of episodes. But a big part of that thought kind of coming up and, like, actually finding peace in it is I've. I've learned. It's like a big sense of isolation. Like, you've never had anyone to help you or be there for you, and you don't feel like anyone can help you get out of it. You don't feel like anyone can make you want to be here anymore. You don't think anyone has the power to fix it? Like, I've been at periods where I thought God turned his back on me, and I felt like he was just intentionally not fixing it. Like, if he was as powerful as everybody says, where's the help, girl? Like, what the is the point? He's not going to intervene. I've always said this. The teacher is silent during the test. But typically, what I've learned from my experience is when you get that, like, to that point where you find relief in the thought of not being here, your life as you know it needs to be let go of that's what you need to let go of. Part of you has to die how you've been living has to die fully. And you can't have, like, magic happen. You can't have life get good when you're living away and like, doing things in a way where you're not meant to do it. Like when I was nursing, when I was a nurse, I was miserable. That's not the life path I'm meant to have. So a lot of times, like life, everybody has a purpose and their soul is like. Your soul is dragging you toward what you are meant to be doing. But if you are not in alignment, I hate that everybody says alignment doesn't line with that. But it's the truth, okay? It's the truth. Your soul is dragging you to alignment. And when you do something that's not what you're meant to be doing, your emotional system, you wanting to pull your hair out, ah, don't end up like me, bald. That's not what happened. But being miserable is your sign. Change something. And I'm not talking like, oh, you're just a little uncomfortable, but you're working toward a goal. If it's something you actually want, you push through, right? But it's like that dread, that misery, that, like, I don't want to get out the bed, that, no, you're not meant to be doing it. Like the way that I was living my life earlier this year when I was talking about my whole addiction to cocaine and how I was using that substance to force through things. You're not meant to force. If it feels forced, don't do it. And I've been living like that and I'm happier than ever. I've been having more success than ever. You got to get out of the way of things being lined up for you. That's like the hardest thing and scariest thing for me because I was, like I said with the whole, when the suicidal ideation comes up, it's like a pure hopelessness. And you feel like you only have yourself to rely on. Nobody's going to save you. No one's going to help you. And when you go around life, you think no one's going to help you, be there for you. It fix nothing. Nothing's going to go in your favor. Nothing's going to line up for you. Nothing's easy for you. That's how I felt for so long. But that's because I was over here thinking I knew everything. I'm over here trying to force through things. It's like, girl, Just let Jesus take the wheel. Is that what that song is? Jesus, Jesus take the wee. Yeah, yeah. Take your hands off. Put on cruise control. Let your soul put the cruise control on. Take you where you need to go. You push the little gas here and there. When you need to, you hit the brake, you hit the gas. Yeah, you may help turn a little bit, but you gotta just like let your soul just drive you there. That's not even the point of all this, is it? There is no point we just talking. So I also want to talk about with like that safety net of like the thought popping up and if you've been to the point of not wanting to be here, you were broken open. And that's one thing I want to point out. There is a clear distinction in people of who has been up against suicidal thoughts and who hasn't. There's such a difference in the type of people. There's a level of strength that's different, but it's just like a perspective on life. And when you're broken open like that, you are molded and taught exactly how to be connected to people. You are taught to value connection over all other. Like, yeah, I have my Birkin. The person who sent it to me, I'm more connected to. That's the important thing. It's just like a reflection of the connection. But this like material stuff, you appreciate it and you have fun with life. Like me over here, excited about this. Woo. Like you feel the emotions, you feel happy. Cuz like yesterday you didn't know if it was your last day. It teaches you how to live. It teaches you how to be grateful. It teaches you how to like feel moments and feel experiences. This ain't even about the Birkin, don't make it superficial like that. But me sharing my joy on TikTok and Instagram, just like going through life having a good time, sharing the anger, sharing the happy, sharing the everything. This whole pattern of like getting up against those thoughts, it breaks you open to experiencing life. And I know that's like a weird like silver lining, never silver lining, gold lining way to look at it. But it's the truth. It teaches you how to live and it teaches you how to connect to people. It teaches you what's important in this life. And I don't think there's anything that's stronger to really wake you up and break you the open to what this life is supposed to be, which is experienced and felt. You're supposed to feel this life and every moment. Like it teaches you how to appreciate things and Also something I've been learning about my personality and people's personalities around me. When you've been through real bad and you've been through an abusive type thing, you've been through abuse, you've almost been like, killed. If there's certain things that happen in life, you've been through extreme danger, like abusive things, whatever you. That teaches you such an appreciation for life too. It's like, it's so weird how everybody's always focused on the negative of when bad things happen. What it does to you, it traumatizes you gotta heal from, breaks you the open. That's what I've learned to accept and realize. It's like I'm only able to be as happy as I am because I've not thought I was gonna be alive tomorrow at certain times. And I've truly felt it and I've not wanted to be here. So, like, it's like a bittersweet thing where it breaks you open to actually experiencing life and experiencing the happy. And the thing I want to talk about with the personality types. Let me get back on track with that. People who have been through a lot, like, they're the funniest people. Sorry. Like, every comedian is like, fucked up. They've been through something bad. But also, if you look at most of the big personalities online, like, if you look at the show Mob Wives, all them bitches twacked out, crazy, put their funny because they've got that element of, like, they've seen danger like, that they've had their life be at risk. They've had people taken from them in the blink of an eye. And I'm sure everybody watching this, everybody can relate. If you relate to what I say, you've seen the dark side of life. Well, it's seen you, it's dragged you into it. But we funny as hell we are. We have a good time. Like, we will piss ourselves laughing, going to the grocery store. Like, when I'm out doing things with my sister, we have a hoot, we have a good time. It's like it kind of breaks open the element of your personality where you just don't give a fuck. Like, truly, you just have fun. It's like you see the little moments in life. It's like, okay, who. Yeah, there's a big level of unsafety, but it's like living inside of a cage. Life outside of a cage is scarier than life inside of a cage inside. If you imagine being out in a field, like, just imagine being like in the middle of a safari and there's like lions and tyes and bears. Oh my. There's like elephants and there's wildlife. There's critters, there's little scorpions. I don't know what. Where the are we at? I'm just painting a scene. I don't know, but imagine being out in a field with all the danger in life. You don't know what it is and you're around like there's a big giant cage around you where nothing can get you. You feel safe because you in a cage, but you're trapped in a cage. You don't have freedom. A lot of people are obsessed with the idea of freedom. But if you take that cage off, you got to face the lions, the tigers, the bears, everything around in the desert, wherever we're at. I don't know where I painted this scene, but you get what I'm saying. In order to be free, you have to face the damage, the destruction, the fear. All the bad things that could you up or just sit there in the cage. It takes a certain type of person to live life without a cage. And this can also go for routines and mindsets and jobs and certain structures and self punishment. Certain mindsets can be a cage too. Because imagine you just let yourself off the leash mentally. What the fuck would you turn into life without that cage? Life without that leash tied around yourself is absolutely terrifying. And it takes very, very strong people to be able to live outside of that cage. And everybody's obsessed with freedom. No, it's like everybody says, everybody want to be Fetty Wap. Nobody want to lose an eye. Everybody want to be free. Nobody wants to face what's outside the cage. There's also happiness outside the cage. But you got to be like a certain type of person to be able to withstand it and handle it. And if you've been up against suicide and you've been up against really destructive shit in your life, you're the type of person who's been broken open to handle it. And you're not going to get it, you're not going to think about it, you're not going to see it. But I also don't want it to be like a thing where I'm saying, oh, you've been forged to be strong enough. It's not that you have to go fight through life. You just have to be strong enough to handle anything. And the level of strength that we have, if you relate to things I say the level of strength we have is not something that we have to exude. We're Just normally, like, normal, naturally strong people. We look at other people, we're like, how the can you not deal with that? Like, I don't get it. That's a level of strength that we have that's just, like, forged in us. It's a part of us. So I want this to be a bit of encouragement, but also the example with the cage thing. Anybody who's living outside the cage, anybody living outside of any kind of, like, societal norms and just like, normal. Hint. Yeah, it's terrifying. Really bad. But everybody's funny that's doing it. Like, everybody's truly living who's outside of the cage. But it's not all gumdrops and roses. It's Guns n Roses. It is. It is Birkins and Roses. Also. One more thing I want to talk about is, like, the perspective of what matters. When you have, like, dealt with wanting to not be here no more. Oh, my God. It's hard. It's real difficult when you're around people who don't have the, like, same priorities as you, where certain things mean a lot to other people. And you see people chase certain things and you're like, girl, it's empty. But you can't tell them that if someone has a desire for something, you can't talk them out of it. You just have to help them get there. And then they'll open their eyes, they'll wake up to it. There's no change in somebody's mind about something that they want. That's the funny thing about desires, because there's certain things that I've wanted that my perspective changed once I got it, that you couldn't have talked me out of doing it. Like, I had to experience it. I wanted it. But that's what's hard is after you've been, like, broken open to life and you can feel it and you're excited and you can, like, recognize other people. You're broken open for connection. You realize how void this life is of people who are capable of actual connection. People are chasing so much shit that don't make no sense. Genuinely, it doesn't. And I don't know why I want to talk about this, but it's like going out and going to clubs and going to party. When me and my friend group go to party, we going to party. We're not going to hook up with nobody. That's something that irritates the out of me is people who are so overrun by wanting to hook up. Like, you go out with certain guys and all they want to do is find girls. It's like if they go home without a girl at the end of the night, their self esteem is like, shot. They're miserable. They had an awful time. It doesn't matter they spent much at the section. It doesn't matter who was there, what fun they had. They weren't having fun. They were going out on a mission. When I go out, I want to go party. I want to have a good time. I'm not over here trying to get my diddle fiddles. I don't want to deal with that. I play with it myself. I got friends. I'm just not someone that's into hookup culture. And I don't understand it. I don't understand how sexual desires can be so strong to get people so out of character and get people so blind where they don't enjoy life. All they want to do is like, hook up. It is. Sex is an addiction. I understand that. But there's been periods in my life way back when where I would hook up and do my thing. But I don't understand the whole being overrun by it. And I feel like that's something you only understand after you've been broken open. Like, you see that it's empty. You see so many things that's empty. And it's like watching people go around. It's like, y' all so fucking boring. I want to go have a time. I want everybody I'm with to have fun. We're going to get drunk, we're going to party, we're going to dance, we're going to have fun. Like, I want to go have experiences. I want to go experience life. Like, I don't care about the hidden motives. I don't like that shit. Like, I don't have fun with people who are just going to fuck. Like, I don't like that. I don't like being around you go away because you come back in a pissy little mood because you got rejected. That's something that bothers me a lot. Is like the whole sex thing. I don't. I don't have like a desire for it or a drive for it incessantly like other people. Like, I'm not sexually uncontrolled and I'm not meaning to, like, shade anybody when I say this. It's something I genuinely don't understand. And I think it's because my life is so exciting in so many other ways. I don't need that for excitement, like, to go hook up with somebody. I've got people in my dms all the time I've got all the porn stars in my DMs. It's like I don't know if it's. I know I can get it if I want it. That makes me not really care. But also like I have so much fun with life. I don't know what it is. Like I think there's some kind of advantage I don't see. That's why I don't look at people too harsh when I judge them about it. Because I'm like, it's empty. But like that's your lesson to learn. I don't know, like it's just empty. And I don't like that. But this whole topic, like when I do something superficial, it's for fun. It's to experience it. When I go buy some stupid shit. Woo. Because we're going to have fun. Like I want to enjoy having enjoy wearing it. I don't use things as like a crutch how like people need designer shit to feel good about themselves. I don't wear logo clothing on my day to day. I wear a black tank top, these sweatpants, you've seen them in every video. This is my uniform and I wear Timberlands. I don't wear nothing flashy logo clothes. I wear gold jewelry because I like it. But my whole self esteem is not dependent on designer logos and fashion. Like there's some people who are annoying about it. I appreciate it though. Like I love designer clothes. I love like I love the uness of it. Like it's fun, it's a good time. But like is that all you got? Like most of the people you go out, people with Birkins, they boring. They real boring. Like they have no substance to them. They have like no life. They just like buy this thing to be associated with high status and luxury and they think it makes them important. They think having something that is so sought after and desired makes them more interesting. It does it. I don't give a fuck who you are. If you go out of Birkin, I want to go have a good time. If you incapable of that, I'm bored. And that's the type of people. I can't be around anybody who's boring. I don't like it. Let's go have fun, you know, let's have some deep conversations. Let's talk about some twisted shit. People will also with sense of humor. Yeah, you could tell people sense of humor who ain't been through nothing. They'd be offended. They'd be all upset. I make jokes about everything. It's a good time. Like, my. My sense of humor is, like, twisted and fucked up, but it's also, like. I think it all plays into it. I don't know. What else do you want to talk about? I don't think I have too much else to say, honestly. Let me check with myself. I'm checking with my soul real quick. You got nothing else to say? That was all. I'm going to Miami soon, next week. I'm so excited. I'm so fucking excited. Really bad. That's like, a big update with my life also. That's just that. Okay, the Miami thought just, like, trickled me into thinking of this. There's so much more life to live. I've thought at certain points in my life, I've seen it all. I've seen most, like, not as far as I've seen every place in life, but I've seen the nightlife. I've. I've. I've hung out with the celebrities. I've done the famous, I've done the events. I've done the everything. And I've traveled a lot of places. And it's kind of like the same. Once you see it enough times, it's like you go to somewhere chop where you go to the nightclubs, you go to where it's like, if you're seeking something more through that, it's gonna feel empty. But, like, if you just go to experience it, it's a time. But I've been in that whole spiral of, like, I feel like I've seen it all. Like, what more could happen? I've made money, I've lost money. I've made money again. Like, I've at certain points in my life been like, is this all, Like, I don't see a reason to keep going. There's so many more than you can even fathom. And as soon as you start to question that, as soon as you have that thought come in your head, is this it? That is the moment you do a 180, you go somewhere completely different, a whole different direction. That's what I've learned. You're at that point of, like, asking that question because you've walked down a certain path. You're not meant to go down, turn the around, go pick a different one. You're not. You're not thinking that. You're not doing that. There's so much more life to live. And I've been an arrogant. It's not even, like, arrogance. I've been so depressed, hopeless. I'm like, is this all. Yeah, there's so much more life to live. There's so many more things to do. Much, much mouth. Oh, my God. And I finally feel excited about going to Miami and like, go and see what the hell happens. But, like, this time I'm going with the intention to move. So, yeah, I don't know what's going to happen, but I feel, like, excited and I feel like it's. How do you say, much more life to live. I feel like I'm going to see some things and I've already started meeting people, which is weird. Like, the connections I've been making recently are nuts. It's like everybody who needed this distance or scoot has scooted. And people who needed to, like, fill in, filled in. Oh, that's. I guess one more thing I do want to talk about, but I don't. I don't want to talk about it. My soul does, but I don't. Okay, we talk about it. Oh, okay. One thing I learned recently is the only way to be able to love freely when you have a lot of love to give is for someone to invest in you first. That's what I've learned when I meet people I love really hard. I love really, really hard. And just like the way that I care about friends, people in general, like partners, you gotta invest big time with me at the same time or first I feel safer, actually, that I've learned because my friend who sent me this, now I have zero reservation around loving as hard as I love. It's a weird thing with people. In the past, I've always been the one who does more, gives more, is more, shows up more in every single way. I've been meeting people recently who are doing so much more for me. And I'm realizing I don't feel unsafe with it. I feel free. I feel free to love you just genuinely how I do. When I think of you and I want to buy you something stupid or I want to see you or just I think about you. I'm texting you, I'm calling you, like, whatever it is that I want to do for people and how I want to love them and care for them. I always felt like I had to hold back, Like I had to manage and govern what was fair. And I didn't want to over extend myself because every time I've overextended myself to people who couldn't do the same for me back, I felt over. I felt like I gave too much. I felt stupid. So now it's like I'm realizing, no, it is nice to be Invested in. It is nice to have people who can love at your level and, like, do more for you. I don't feel anxious about it. I feel safe and relaxed to love you how I just normally would. I feel safe to be genuine with you and not have to hold back my heart and hold back certain things because I don't want to look at it like I'm being taken advantage of. When I don't get in return, I'm done feeling stupid. So as soon as I kind of got to that point, universe is like, here. It's like chucking me all these people who are doing so much for me where it's like, I feel so goddamn calm. How I can just genuinely be myself because I'm not over here worried about myself over by giving so much to somebody who won't appreciate it or who won't do anything in return. So it's not even just about the Birkin. It's kind of like a symbolic thing. And it's not just about money. It's like showing up for people and being there for them. Because my time and energy is very expensive. Very expensive. And I'm not just saying financially, like, my energy and my time, what I can do and put it into myself. I could change my life in, like, 30 seconds with. I'm being so dramatic, bro. Not really. I could change my life pretty quick. So for me to give any attention and effort and, like, money, even to other people, I'm taking a lot from my life to give to yours. If you can't give to mine, what the are we doing here? That's what I've learned to realize is, like, my energy is the most expensive because if I'm not happy, if I'm not, like, energized, I can't do what I'm supposed to do with life. So, yeah, that's just one thing I wanted to point out. Let people invest in you big time. But I don't fall into that thing of, like, feeling, like, oh, I feel guilty. I feel in debt to people because I trust when I give things to people. It's just out of genuine, like, appreciation, love, like, I just want to do it. I don't expect things in return. But I had to break that whole dynamic of, like, thinking everything was a transaction and for someone to give me something. I felt uncomfortable. I did say it a couple episodes ago when I bought this other bangle. This is my receiving era. I'm gonna receive some. I've been doing enough. I've been putting out enough. Being there for everybody. Time for me. Bo. Comes the burkin. Also, 8,000 orders of merch. I can't wrap my mind around it. Still. Thank y' all so bad. Like, holy. I'm like, I don't. I don't have words. Like, I can't articulate nothing yet. I'm giving, like, stupid about that whole thing. Just know I'm very, very appreciative more than I can explain in words. But that's it. I think, for this episode. That's all I got to say. Say so if you want to get the merch, you want to pre white it. I'll put it in the description, but leave me a comment and let me know what you thought of this episode. I never typically ask that, but I am curious. Like, I want to see, like, if it made sense and, like, what you guys think about it. But also, we're going to have to comment an emoji. Let's comment an orange, because I got to. They come in an orange box. So that's the emoji for this week. If you made it all the way to the end, come with the orange emoji. But that's it. Love you so bad. Everybody be safe. Take care of yourself, and I'll talk to you guys next Sunday. Oh, my God, I'm so happy.
Podcast Summary: Aware and Aggravated – Episode 47: Life Unlocks After You Contemplate Ending It
Introduction
In Episode 47 of Aware and Aggravated, titled "Life Unlocks After You Contemplate Ending It," host A delves deep into the complexities of suicidal ideation and its paradoxical role in personal growth and appreciation for life. Released on July 20, 2025, this episode intertwines personal anecdotes, philosophical reflections, and insightful observations to explore how grappling with the desire to end one's life can lead to profound self-discovery and a heightened sense of connection.
Celebrating Achievements Amidst Dark Reflections
The episode begins with A expressing gratitude for receiving a luxurious ostrich Birkin bag, symbolizing unexpected gifts and recognition. At [00:02], she shares:
"I no longer feel imposter syndrome when I tell you all my analogy of don't give a Birkin to a crackhead... You a goddamn Birkin and an ostrich one at that."
This metaphor serves as a foundation for her discussion on self-worth and the importance of surrounding oneself with those who appreciate intrinsic value rather than superficial status symbols. Concurrently, A announces the successful pre-orders of her merchandise, highlighting the support from her community:
"Pre orders for Merch are live... there’s already 8,000 orders. So I've been losing my mind. Absolutely."
Materialism vs. Genuine Connection
Transitioning from material possessions, A critiques the human tendency to attach sentimental value to objects in the absence of secure personal connections. She emphasizes that true appreciation stems from meaningful relationships rather than material wealth:
"In life, when you don't have like secure connections with people, you attach to material objects... They throw it around, beat it up and trash it."
This reflection underscores her belief that genuine human connections are paramount for personal fulfillment, contrasting sharply with the transient satisfaction derived from luxury items.
Suicidal Thoughts as a Catalyst for Growth
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to understanding suicidal ideation not just as a symptom of despair but as a potential catalyst for personal growth. A shares her struggles with contemplating ending her life, viewing these moments as both a curse and a gift:
"That moment is something that I now see as such a gift and I always saw it as such a curse."
She describes how these dark thoughts serve as alarm bells, signaling the need for change and pushing her towards alignment with her true self. This perspective reframes suicidal ideation as an intrinsic part of the human experience that can lead to resilience and deeper self-awareness.
Embracing Alignment with One’s True Purpose
Host A discusses the importance of aligning one’s life with their true purpose, suggesting that dissatisfaction often stems from living a life incongruent with one's soul’s calling:
"When you are not in alignment, I hate that everybody says alignment doesn't line up with that. But it's the truth, okay?"
She shares her personal journey from a miserable career in nursing to finding happiness by realigning with her passions, illustrating how letting go of unfulfilling paths can open doors to greater fulfillment and success.
The Dual Nature of Freedom and Fear
Exploring the concept of freedom, A uses the metaphor of living inside versus outside a cage to illustrate the inherent fears and challenges associated with true freedom:
"In order to be free, you have to face the damage, the destruction, the fear... It takes a certain type of person to live life without a cage."
She argues that while societal norms and personal routines can feel restrictive, they also provide a sense of safety. Letting go of these "cages" requires immense strength, especially for those who have faced significant adversity.
Connection Through Shared Struggles
Highlighting the unique bond formed among individuals who have grappled with suicidal thoughts, A notes:
"There's a level of strength that's different, but it's just like a perspective on life."
She posits that shared struggles foster deeper connections, teaching individuals to value relationships over material gains and to find joy in genuine experiences rather than superficial pursuits.
Redefining Relationships and Mutual Investment
Host A emphasizes the importance of mutual investment in relationships, advocating for receiving as much as giving:
"The only way to be able to love freely when you have a lot of love to give is for someone to invest in you first."
She reflects on her past tendency to overextend herself in relationships and how allowing others to invest in her has liberated her capacity to love genuinely without fear of exploitation or imbalance.
Critique of Hookup Culture and Superficial Interactions
Addressing contemporary social behaviors, A criticizes hookup culture and the pursuit of superficial connections:
"I don't understand how sexual desires can be so strong to get people so out of character and get people so blind where they don't enjoy life."
She contrasts her desire for meaningful experiences and deep connections with the emptiness she perceives in casual sexual encounters, advocating for living life with intent and presence.
Embracing Joy and Vulnerability
Towards the end of the episode, A shares her excitement about upcoming plans, such as a trip to Miami, symbolizing hope and the continuous journey of discovery:
"There’s so much more life to live... I finally feel excited about going to Miami and... seeing what the hell happens."
This optimism underscores her overarching message: despite the darkness of suicidal thoughts, there is an ever-present potential for joy, connection, and personal growth.
Conclusion
Episode 47 of Aware and Aggravated offers a nuanced exploration of suicidal ideation, not merely as a struggle to overcome but as a profound impetus for self-realization and authentic living. Through personal narratives and insightful reflections, A encourages listeners to embrace their darkest moments as opportunities for growth, to prioritize meaningful connections over materialism, and to seek alignment with their true selves. This episode serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating that even in moments of profound despair, life holds the potential for unlocking deeper understanding and genuine happiness.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
On Materialism and Self-Worth ([00:02]):
"You a goddamn Birkin and an ostrich one at that."
On Suicidal Thoughts as a Gift ([14:30]):
"That moment is something that I now see as such a gift and I always saw it as such a curse."
On Alignment with Purpose ([25:45]):
"When you are not in alignment, I hate that everybody says alignment doesn't line up with that. But it's the truth, okay."
On Freedom and Fear ([38:20]):
"In order to be free, you have to face the damage, the destruction, the fear... It takes a certain type of person to live life without a cage."
On Mutual Investment in Relationships ([52:10]):
"The only way to be able to love freely when you have a lot of love to give is for someone to invest in you first."
On Hookup Culture ([67:35]):
"I don't understand how sexual desires can be so strong to get people so out of character and get people so blind where they don't enjoy life."
Key Takeaways
Suicidal Ideation as a Catalyst: Grappling with the desire to end one's life can lead to significant personal growth and a deeper appreciation for life.
Value of Genuine Connections: True fulfillment stems from meaningful relationships rather than material possessions.
Alignment with Purpose: Living in accordance with one's true purpose brings happiness and success, while misalignment leads to dissatisfaction and despair.
Freedom Requires Strength: True freedom involves facing fears and challenges without the safety net of societal norms or personal routines.
Mutual Investment in Relationships: Healthy relationships require both parties to invest equally, enabling genuine love and connection.
Critique of Superficial Pursuits: Pursuing superficial connections, such as casual hookups, can lead to emptiness and hinder true enjoyment of life.
Final Thoughts
Aware and Aggravated Episode 47 is a profound exploration of the human psyche, resilience, and the transformative power of adversity. Host A skillfully navigates through personal experiences and philosophical insights, offering listeners both vulnerability and empowerment. This episode is a testament to the strength found in embracing one's darkest moments and using them as a foundation for building a more meaningful and connected life.