The Importance of Persistence: A Journey from Rock Bottom to Resilience

Join us in this heart-to-heart conversation where personal stories of struggle and triumph reveal how persistence leads to success. From family vacations gone awry to life-altering decisions to quit alcohol and tobacco, this episode delves into the challenges and victories of overcoming personal demons. Featuring raw, authentic discussions about hitting rock bottom, leveraging community support, and finding joy in the journey, we explore the transformative power of persistence. Engage with us as we share resources and open up about the importance of mental health, friendship, and self-acceptance.

Recommended Resources from Jon:

Apps
Meeting Guide - Apple App Store | https://apps.apple.com/us/app/meeting-guide/id1042822181
Meeting Guide - Google Play Store | https://play.google.com/store/search?q=Meeting%20guide&c=apps
Days Sobriety Counter - Apple App Store | https://apps.apple.com/us/app/days-sobriety-counter/id1084331959
Simple Days Counter - Google Play Store | https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.volnoor.simpledayscounter&pcampaignid=web_share&pli=1

Books
Atomic Habits | https://a.co/d/ac51CQY
As a Man Thinketh / As a Woman Thinketh | https://a.co/d/27Zxu4b / https://a.co/d/8WVkgsv

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Out Loud & Laughing: Two Gay Cousins, Big Talks, Bigger Laughs!
Featuring Bryan Ruiz and Jon Ruiz

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OutLoudAndLaughing?sub_confirmation=1o

Out Loud & Laughing is a hilarious and heartfelt podcast where queer cousins Bryan Ruiz and Jon Ruiz share their unique perspectives on life, love, and everything in between. Through a comedic lens, they dive into hot topics, life lessons, and the highs and lows of growing up queer.

With laughter as their compass, Bryan and Jon create a space where identity and humor intersect, fostering connection, self-expression, and unapologetic joy. Whether you're here for the laughs, the relatability, or a mix of both, this is the show that celebrates being your authentic self—out loud and laughing.

Links:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OutLoudAndLaughing

Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7obVHRF8knOr0WUMOZLJnM?si=gkaKszbXRhqjKafhme1Y_g

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/out-loud-laughing/id1791165133

iHeartRadio Podcast: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-out-loud-laughing-264615963/

RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/out-loud-laughing/

Time Stamps:

00:00 Friendly Reunion and Catching Up
00:21 Vacation Plans and Challenges
01:29 Travel Day Struggles
02:58 Arrival and Initial Setbacks
04:20 Finding Joy Amidst Chaos
06:04 Reflecting on the Vacation
07:00 Transitioning Back Home
09:45 Discussing Persistence and Success
15:18 Facing Emotional Burdens
16:10 A Life-Changing Move
16:33 Sobriety and Support Systems
19:13 Rock Bottom and Recovery
22:01 The Journey of Acceptance
25:25 Support and Relationships
30:15 Persistence and Success
31:29 Final Thoughts and Gratitude