Despite the pressing challenges faced by Florida's children, DeSantis seems more interested in divisive measures than addressing their needs. The governor's misguided priorities are evident in his choice of photo opportunities and symbolic actions. For instance, he signed HB 1557 at a private charter school with a predominantly affluent, non-minority student population, while neglecting the majority of children living in poverty

Looking back at my mother, I realize that despite her petite frame of 5’4” and 110 pounds, she was a strong woman in many ways. Her vibrant personality, with a funny and flamboyant demeanor, both of which showcased her fiercely Leo and strong fiery Irish heritage, both of which she was proud of. Her light blue eyes with white sparkles in the middle and her mesmerizing smile could light up any room.

“Exposure to substance abuse, inadequate housing, lack of financial stability, health issues, parental incarceration, neglect, and various forms of abuse are only a few of the major issues concerning these children. Unfortunately, the majority of these children endure at least two or more of the aforementioned injustices. The devastating consequences resulting from such circumstances and experiences have a profound and long-lasting impact on their lives that is often irreversible, undoubtedly shaping their character to some degree.

It is not as if many of them are exposed to anything further than the life into which they are born. It is as if they are chosen by these awful tribes and held captive; until it is too late, they have gone through all of the rites of passage and grow from a child into a tribesman of the same awful nature. Never once given the choice or a chance for something more or better or just something different.”

Having the idea that you are nothing more than to be someone else’s bride someday, just a damsel in distress, consistently reinforced while growing up in addition to learning that the surest way to earn praise is to somehow be deemed “pretty,” as that is what girls and young women are most often complimented on and it is the virtue which falsely seems to hold the most importance. Being pretty, nothing more, just pretty, not funny, not intelligent, or any other virtue associated with one's mind or inner self.

Are we so ignorant or naïve as to believe that consistently being subjected to only these uninspired storylines in our most formative years, often with no other role models or empowering examples of the female archetype to influence us, are we really to believe that this does not have an impact on the belief systems, social ideals, ingrained levels of self-esteem, and overall empowerment of the females in our society?

Christy interviews Brian Craft, marketing extraordinaire and fellow thespian.

Christy interviews Heather Hawley of Heather Lauren Photography on her artistic and charitable pursuits.

Welcome to Sound Behavior Podcast, episode 36 with special guest, Ms. Christy Chilton, Hollywood actress and professional model.

Christy’s story enables her to have an natural ability to speak with authority to encourage others as motivator, teacher and mentor. Bottom line our world needs more people like Ms. Chilton.

I have also come to realize that although she may not be able to verbalize to the extent of being capable to have any “important” conversations, my mother’s basic instincts and behaviors while interacting with me really do tell me all that I need to know, She loves me, my mother loves me, and really, that’s the only answer I need from her. 

“Now more than ever we need to work together, to keep each other strong. There are so many of us that have put years and a lot of work into making Sarasota’s community what it is. I know we still have a lot of bright (“fight” seems too negative of a word right now) left in us to make it happen.”

My next guest is a true mover and shaker, entertaining and inspiring others apparently comes quite naturally to Jeremiah Higgins. A popular on-air personality with his radio show broadcasting across the Nation, he intrigues and entertains his large following by showcasing musicians, restaurateurs, actors, actresses, and other artistic souls similar to himself.

As enlightened and introspective as he is, he’s also quite the go-getter, a forward thinking entrepreneur who’s found much success in the restaurant industry, opening some of the latest and greatest establishments in California and throughout the US, including the swanky Fleetwood's on Front St., a restaurant and bar owned by rock and roll icon Mick Fleetwood in Maui, Hawaii.

Jeremiah carries such an adventurous, optimistic outlook on life, contemplative and curious about all things related to art and music, and he remains on the brink of all that’s new, cool, and trending so I thought I’d ask for a bit more insight into this vibrant, multifaceted man who’s responsible for making so much happen around him.

“Being me. The older I get, the more I realize that being me is about coming to terms with and allowing myself to be and to do all of the things that I was much too scared to be or do while growing up.”

“My upbringing- After a turn of events, we became extremely poor- as a kid, I was shunned for this, Parents told their children not to befriend me. I was even ridiculed for not having a bicycle like the other kids.

I overcame this by believing in myself, working very hard to build my success and for me, building my lavish Bella Vista mansion was symbolic and rewarding. It is my proof (to myself and others) that Anyone, even a kid with No Bike, can Overcome anything and Their Dreams Can be a Reality.”

“My purpose in creating this blog series is to interview as many different people as possible as to demonstrate that while we are not all the same as one another, we can all empathize and relate to one another on some level. I also plan to showcase the importance and beauty of the projects and passions that my interviewees are pursuing, as well as their individuality.”

“Try to find silver lining in each situation. Your perception of any given situation in life makes all the difference in how you will navigate through it. If you feel you’re being challenged, try to find the lesson in it and be grateful for the strength you’re gaining. You have the ability to shape and empower your life in any given moment, so long as you stay aware!”