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In this powerful episode, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Patricia Barbee (Patty), Executive Director of Project Bridging and educator, for an honest conversation about navigating life's transitions.

From morning routines to major life changes, Patty shares her wisdom on helping youth and adults alike move through difficult transitions with grace and intention. They discuss the importance of mentorship, positive reinforcement, love languages, and why sometimes you just need to "be positive or be quiet."

KEY TOPICS:
• Understanding transition in childhood and adulthood
• The power of mentorship and community
• Love languages beyond romantic relationships
• Positive consequences and reinforcement
• Getting out of your own way
• Why asking questions matters
• Building routines that support growth

ABOUT THE GUEST:
Patricia Adrienne Barbee is an educator and the Executive Director of Project Bridging, a program focused on middle school students during their critical transition years. With over 20 years in early childhood education, Patty is passionate about advocating for children and helping them navigate life's changes.

MEMORABLE QUOTES:
"Be positive or be quiet."
"If you care, you will learn."
"Give yourself time to adjust to things."
"You're worth it. Get you some help and get you some people who love you."

RESOURCES:
Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/coreydionlewis
Newsletter: www.healthyprojectmedia.com

Coffee Can't Fix Everything is a mental health podcast that breaks stigma through authentic conversation. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to a mental health professional.

CHAPTER MARKERS:
00:00 - Introduction & Welcome
00:09 - Meet Patricia Barbee: Educator & Advocate
01:39 - The Shoe Game & Personal Style
02:34 - Corey's Journey: Turning 42 & Transitions
03:30 - What Makes Transition So Hard?
04:40 - Learning from Early Childhood: Daily Transitions
05:55 - The Role of Mentorship in Transition
06:36 - Middle School: The Lost Land
08:00 - Love Languages & How We Receive Care
09:45 - Asking the Right Questions
11:27 - "Be Positive or Be Quiet"
12:41 - Fighting Through the Quicksand
14:53 - From Wasting Time to Investing in Yourself
16:41 - It's Okay to Say "This Isn't For Me"
18:04 - Consequences: Positive & Negative
19:52 - Believing in Yourself More Than Outside Voices
20:52 - Patty's Personal Transitions: Loss & Healing
22:00 - The Power of Positive Reinforcement
23:03 - Every Day is a Fresh Start
25:42 - Morning Routines & Self-Care
27:38 - Building Your Village
29:04 - Learning to Be Yourself
30:47 - Not a Morning Person: Embracing Your Process
32:26 - Final Advice: Give Yourself Time
34:11 - Closing Thoughts: You're Worth It

Mental health resources

https://www.iowahealthieststate.com/back-the-black
Call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
https://988lifeline.org
National Alliance on Mental Illness (education and support)
https://www.nami.org
Mental Health America screening tools and resources
https://www.mhanational.org
Therapy for Black Men directory
https://therapyforblackmen.org
Find a therapist near you
https://www.psychologytoday.com