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Can resilience be developed, or is it just something you're born with? Discover how you can build long-term resilience and sustain growth over time, much like strengthening a muscle. In this episode of the Have a Cup of Johanny podcast, we uncover the essential traits of resilient individuals and how these can be cultivated through continuous effort and practice. Through my personal narrative and extensive research, we explore how relationships, flexibility, a positive outlook, emotional self-regulation, mindfulness, problem-solving, and finding meaning play pivotal roles in resilience. From overcoming cultural barriers to thriving in the military environment, I share how trusting relationships beyond family and new environments can foster resilience, thus debunking the myth that resilience is solely an innate trait.

Building resilience isn't just about facing life's adversities; it's about mastering self-regulation. Join me as I recount my experiences with the Army's MRT program, journaling, therapy, and meditation—all crucial tools in navigating childhood trauma and adulthood challenges. We delve into the importance of understanding personal triggers and the transformative power of empathy in emotional responses and interactions. By sharing practical strategies, we emphasize that these skills can be taught and developed, especially in children, to better prepare them for the future. Tune in to discover how consistent practice and facing challenges head-on can strengthen your resilience muscle, equipping you for life's inevitable ups and downs. Don't miss next week's episode for more insightful discussions!

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🌟 Dive into the Shadows of Generational Trauma with "The Devil That Haunts Me" 🌟

Are you ready to explore the depths of horror like never before? Johanny Ortega, author of "Mrs. Franchy's Evil Ring" and the military thriller novella "The Alvarez Girls," invites you on a chilling journey into the heart of Dominican folklore with her latest piece, "The Devil That Haunts Me."

✨ A Tale of Courage and Darkness ✨

Witness a gripping story of a mother and daughter duo, bound by blood and haunted by generational curses. Their fight against an eerie Diablo Cojuelos who follows them isn't just a battle for survival—it's a quest for liberation from the chains of their past. With every turn of the page, "The Devil That Haunts Me" promises to keep you on the edge, blending the rich tapestry of Dominican culture with the universal themes of fear, love, and resilience.

📚 Exclusive Sneak Peek Just for You! 📚

For our beloved podcast listeners, Johanny Ortega offers the first seven chapters FREE. Delve into the suspense and decide for yourself if you're brave enough to face the Diablo Cojuelos. And for those who crave more, secure your ARC and be among the first to review this groundbreaking novel.

🌐 Visit Our World 🌐

Don't miss this journey into the heart of Dominican horror. Head over to the website now to gr...

Send us a Text Message.

Ever wondered how a small shift in perspective can revolutionize your approach to life's challenges? This episode promises to unlock the secrets of adaptation and resilience through personal stories and expert advice. Discover how changing a single word in your mindset from "I need to" to "I get to" can transform daunting changes into exciting opportunities. I share my own journey, underscored by wisdom from my coach, emphasizing the importance of genuine commitment and emotional engagement. You'll also learn why letting go of perfectionism can be liberating, allowing you to focus on progress and flexible thinking rather than unattainable ideals.

But that's not all. We delve into six actionable tips from Centerstone on mastering change, ranging from early recognition and acceptance to mindfulness and meditation practices. Hear how these strategies played a crucial role in my military career and subsequent transitions, offering concrete examples you can relate to and apply. Since the episode airs on Juneteenth this created an opportunity to understand on a deeper level how adaptation strategies can mold not only individuals but communities. Read the article I share on the podcast.

We wrap up the episode by inviting you to join our growing community, encouraging you to share feedback and spread the word. Your engagement helps us all thrive through life's unpredictable journey. Thank you for being a part of this incredible voyage—let's continue to grow together!

Enter a world of fear, resilience, and generational trauma in "The Devil That Haunts Me". Follow Isabella and Julitza as they confront their demons in a tale of suspense, mystery, and the supernatural.

Explore the first seven chapters here

Support the Show.

🌟 Dive into the Shadows of Generational Trauma with "The Devil That Haunts Me" 🌟

Are you ready to explore the depths of horror like never before? Johanny Ortega, author of "Mrs. Franchy's Evil Ring" and the military thriller novella "The Alvarez Girls," invites you on a chilling journey into the heart of Dominican folklore with her latest piece, "The Devil That Haunts Me."

✨ A Tale of Courage and Darkness ✨

Witness a gripping story of a mother and daughter duo, bound by blood and haunted by generational curses. Their fight against an eerie Diablo Cojuelos who follows them isn't just a battle for survival—it's a quest for liberation from the chains of their past. With every turn of the page, "The Devil That Haunts Me" promises to keep you on the edge, blending the rich tapestry of Dominican culture with the universal themes of fear, love, and resilience.

📚 Exclusive Sneak Peek Just for You! 📚

For our beloved podcast listeners, Johanny Ortega offers the first seven chapters FREE. Delve into the suspense and decide for yourself if you're brave enough to face the Diablo Cojuelos. And for those who crave more, secure your ARC and be among the first to review this groundbreaking novel.

🌐 Visit Our World 🌐

Don't miss this journey into the heart of Dominican horror. Head over to the website now to gr...

Send us a Text Message.

What if overcoming fear was the key to unlocking your true potential? Join me on "Have a Cup of Johanny" as we embark on a transformative journey through resilience and the emotional intricacies of change. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of my personal battle with fear, particularly as it relates to my passion for writing. Balancing the demands of family, the Army, and my burgeoning writing career, I confront the anxiety that arises from stepping into the unknown. The stillness imposed by the pandemic forced me to reflect deeply on my fears and the excuses that kept me from pursuing my dream of becoming an author. This introspective period highlighted the universal challenge of facing our fears to achieve meaningful personal growth.

Discover how small steps can lead to significant victories in our chapter on overcoming fear and building resilience. I share my return to the "thinking cave" to reassess my situation, regulate my emotions, and set achievable goals. Celebrating each small win, supported by my husband, family, and professional mentors, has been crucial in maintaining motivation. Through mindfulness, journaling, and meditation, I learned to use fear as a motivational tool rather than a stumbling block. This episode is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of support systems in overcoming life's challenges. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we will dive deeper into strategies for embracing change and confidently navigating transitions.

Support the Show.

🌟 Dive into the Shadows of Generational Trauma with "The Devil That Haunts Me" 🌟

Are you ready to explore the depths of horror like never before? Johanny Ortega, author of "Mrs. Franchy's Evil Ring" and the military thriller novella "The Alvarez Girls," invites you on a chilling journey into the heart of Dominican folklore with her latest piece, "The Devil That Haunts Me."

✨ A Tale of Courage and Darkness ✨

Witness a gripping story of a mother and daughter duo, bound by blood and haunted by generational curses. Their fight against an eerie Diablo Cojuelos who follows them isn't just a battle for survival—it's a quest for liberation from the chains of their past. With every turn of the page, "The Devil That Haunts Me" promises to keep you on the edge, blending the rich tapestry of Dominican culture with the universal themes of fear, love, and resilience.

📚 Exclusive Sneak Peek Just for You! 📚

For our beloved podcast listeners, Johanny Ortega offers the first seven chapters FREE. Delve into the suspense and decide for yourself if you're brave enough to face the Diablo Cojuelos. And for those who crave more, secure your ARC and be among the first to review this groundbreaking novel.

🌐 Visit Our World 🌐

Don't miss this journey into the heart of Dominican horror. Head over to the website now to gr...

Send us a Text Message.

Ever wondered if embracing change could be the key to unlocking your personal growth? This season of "Have a Cup of Johanny," titled "I'm Growing," kicks off with an empowering discussion on resilience and the transformative power of change. I share some of my most personal experiences, including my ambitious challenge of expanding my book into a trilogy. Through these stories, we explore how change, while often intimidating, can be a catalyst for personal development. Our reactions to different types of change shape our resilience, and by adapting and learning from new experiences, we can positively transform our lives.

Restarting the podcast after a previous failed attempt was no easy feat, but it offered invaluable lessons. From wrestling with my chaotic and unpredictable schedules which became impossible to align, to managing unsustainable length of episodes, I've adapted by producing shorter, more manageable episodes and using strategic planning to maintain a sustainable workflow. This journey has not only enhanced my communication skills but also benefited my writing career and my role in my day job. In this episode, we also delve into the importance of overcoming fear as a crucial step in our resilience journey, sharing strategies for facing fears head-on to achieve empowerment and growth. Join me with your favorite cup of coffee (or whatever drink you fancy) as we embark on this journey together, one episode at a time.

Enter a world of fear, resilience, and generational trauma in "The Devil That Haunts Me". Follow Isabella and Julitza as they confront their demons in a tale of suspense, mystery, and the supernatural.

Explore the first seven chapters here

Support the Show.

🌟 Dive into the Shadows of Generational Trauma with "The Devil That Haunts Me" 🌟

Are you ready to explore the depths of horror like never before? Johanny Ortega, author of "Mrs. Franchy's Evil Ring" and the military thriller novella "The Alvarez Girls," invites you on a chilling journey into the heart of Dominican folklore with her latest piece, "The Devil That Haunts Me."

✨ A Tale of Courage and Darkness ✨

Witness a gripping story of a mother and daughter duo, bound by blood and haunted by generational curses. Their fight against an eerie Diablo Cojuelos who follows them isn't just a battle for survival—it's a quest for liberation from the chains of their past. With every turn of the page, "The Devil That Haunts Me" promises to keep you on the edge, blending the rich tapestry of Dominican culture with the universal themes of fear, love, and resilience.

📚 Exclusive Sneak Peek Just for You! 📚

For our beloved podcast listeners, Johanny Ortega offers the first seven chapters FREE. Delve into the suspense and decide for yourself if you're brave enough to face the Diablo Cojuelos. And for those who crave more, secure your ARC and be among the first to review this groundbreaking novel.

🌐 Visit Our World 🌐

Don't miss this journey into the heart of Dominican horror. Head over to the website now to gr...

Send us a Text Message.

As we bring our enlightening May series to a close, join me in "Seasons of Story: Closing the Chapter on 'The Devil That Haunts Them'," where we traverse the ever-changing landscapes of genre and emotion embedded in my trilogy. This series has been a voyage through my evolution as a storyteller, intertwining the eerie tendrils of horror with the serene reflections of historical fiction.

In our final episode, we delve deep into the lives of Julitza, La Doña, and Isabella—three characters whose journeys are marked by resilience, the warmth of sisterhood, and the vivid strokes of Dominican culture. I'll share how crafting their stories mirrored my own personal growth, transitioning from battling life's darker moments to embracing the wisdom that comes with time. This episode is a tribute to the power of sisterhood and found families, which stand as pillars of strength for our heroines.

Together, let's celebrate the vibrant tapestry of Dominican heritage that breathes life into my writing. Discover the profound impact of authenticity and cultural richness in literature, and how these stories resonate with readers seeking depth and truth in their reading experiences. Join me for a heartfelt conversation that promises to inspire and connect, as we bid farewell to our May saga.

Support the Show.

🌟 Dive into the Shadows of Generational Trauma with "The Devil That Haunts Me" 🌟

Are you ready to explore the depths of horror like never before? Johanny Ortega, author of "Mrs. Franchy's Evil Ring" and the military thriller novella "The Alvarez Girls," invites you on a chilling journey into the heart of Dominican folklore with her latest piece, "The Devil That Haunts Me."

✨ A Tale of Courage and Darkness ✨

Witness a gripping story of a mother and daughter duo, bound by blood and haunted by generational curses. Their fight against an eerie Diablo Cojuelos who follows them isn't just a battle for survival—it's a quest for liberation from the chains of their past. With every turn of the page, "The Devil That Haunts Me" promises to keep you on the edge, blending the rich tapestry of Dominican culture with the universal themes of fear, love, and resilience.

📚 Exclusive Sneak Peek Just for You! 📚

For our beloved podcast listeners, Johanny Ortega offers the first seven chapters FREE. Delve into the suspense and decide for yourself if you're brave enough to face the Diablo Cojuelos. And for those who crave more, secure your ARC and be among the first to review this groundbreaking novel.

🌐 Visit Our World 🌐

Don't miss this journey into the heart of Dominican horror. Head over to the website now to gr...

Send us a Text Message.

Venture with us beneath the boughs of the Flamboyant Tree as we unravel the intricate life of Julitza Ramirez Prescott, a young woman ensnared in a legacy of secrets. On this episode of 'Have a Cup of Johanny,' peel back the layers of storytelling with me, your host, as we explore the artistry behind "Under the Flamboyant Tree," the pivotal novel in the "Devil that Haunts Them" trilogy. Delve into the heart of character creation and witness how a blend of Scrivener's organizational prowess and the fluidity of discovery writing can conjure depth within the pages of a gripping tale.

Prepare to traverse the emotional landscape of a protagonist shaped by the Pisces sign, where empathy surges like a tide and generational whispers echo through the branches of a silent, watchful tree. Julitza's narrative, rich with the essence of smart horror and magical realism, beckons you into a realm where the paranormal and psychological intertwine. As we navigate her coming-of-age challenges and the evolution of her emotional state, expect a story that not only captivates but also offers profound reflections on the unseen battles faced by many. Join us and immerse yourself in the art of crafting characters that resonate long after the tale has been told.

Enter a world of fear, resilience, and generational trauma in "The Devil That Haunts Me". Follow Isabella and Julitza as they confront their demons in a tale of suspense, mystery, and the supernatural.

Explore the first seven chapters here

Support the Show.

🌟 Dive into the Shadows of Generational Trauma with "The Devil That Haunts Me" 🌟

Are you ready to explore the depths of horror like never before? Johanny Ortega, author of "Mrs. Franchy's Evil Ring" and the military thriller novella "The Alvarez Girls," invites you on a chilling journey into the heart of Dominican folklore with her latest piece, "The Devil That Haunts Me."

✨ A Tale of Courage and Darkness ✨

Witness a gripping story of a mother and daughter duo, bound by blood and haunted by generational curses. Their fight against an eerie Diablo Cojuelos who follows them isn't just a battle for survival—it's a quest for liberation from the chains of their past. With every turn of the page, "The Devil That Haunts Me" promises to keep you on the edge, blending the rich tapestry of Dominican culture with the universal themes of fear, love, and resilience.

📚 Exclusive Sneak Peek Just for You! 📚

For our beloved podcast listeners, Johanny Ortega offers the first seven chapters FREE. Delve into the suspense and decide for yourself if you're brave enough to face the Diablo Cojuelos. And for those who crave more, secure your ARC and be among the first to review this groundbreaking novel.

🌐 Visit Our World 🌐

Don't miss this journey into the heart of Dominican horror. Head over to the website now to gr...

Send us a Text Message.

As I sit with the memories of my grandmother, Altagracia Ramos, they breathe life into La Doña—a character who captures the very essence of a matriarch's resilience and strength. In today's discussion, we'll uncover the transformative tales of La Doña and her counterparts, Isabella and Julitza, as they navigate the trials and triumphs from youth to the golden years. Their stories not only challenge societal norms about aging but celebrate the unwavering spirit of women who turn their scars into symbols of beauty and power. Prepare to be immersed in the rich narrative that awaits in my upcoming book, "Under the Flamboyant Tree," as we honor the silent battles and unspoken victories carved into the lives of these indomitable characters.

The whispers of the past echo through generations, revealing the silent redemption of the women in my family—a theme deeply embedded within the arcs of La Doña, Isabella, and Julitza. Today, we give voice to the unspoken struggles that shape their existence in oppressive environments and the strength they conjure to emerge transformed. In sharing these sagas of serenity amid chaos, we carefully tread the line between confronting difficult subjects and uplifting the tales of survival. As we venture closer to the release of the series, I invite you to embrace their journeys of love, survivorship, and protection that reflect the real and raw experiences of so many.

• Read about my Forever Muse
• Sign up for the newsletter to stay abreast of this series: https://haveacupofjohanny.com/sign-up-for-our-newsletter/

Support the Show.

🌟 Dive into the Shadows of Generational Trauma with "The Devil That Haunts Me" 🌟

Are you ready to explore the depths of horror like never before? Johanny Ortega, author of "Mrs. Franchy's Evil Ring" and the military thriller novella "The Alvarez Girls," invites you on a chilling journey into the heart of Dominican folklore with her latest piece, "The Devil That Haunts Me."

✨ A Tale of Courage and Darkness ✨

Witness a gripping story of a mother and daughter duo, bound by blood and haunted by generational curses. Their fight against an eerie Diablo Cojuelos who follows them isn't just a battle for survival—it's a quest for liberation from the chains of their past. With every turn of the page, "The Devil That Haunts Me" promises to keep you on the edge, blending the rich tapestry of Dominican culture with the universal themes of fear, love, and resilience.

📚 Exclusive Sneak Peek Just for You! 📚

For our beloved podcast listeners, Johanny Ortega offers the first seven chapters FREE. Delve into the suspense and decide for yourself if you're brave enough to face the Diablo Cojuelos. And for those who crave more, secure your ARC and be among the first to review this groundbreaking novel.

🌐 Visit Our World 🌐

Don't miss this journey into the heart of Dominican horror. Head over to the website now to gr...

Send us a Text Message.

Have you ever felt haunted by a past that refuses to stay buried? Join Joa on a gripping journey through "The Devil that Haunts Them," a trilogy that grew from the seeds of a single manuscript. This season, I lay bare the transformation of "The Devil that Haunts Me" into a character-driven saga, revealing how astrology and emotional depth intertwine to create unforgettable narratives. As I did in "Mrs. Franchi's Evil Ring," the intricacies of human emotion and backstory take center stage, providing a window into the souls of Isabella, Julitza, and La Doña—each a testament to the resilience of different generations.

The heart of our discussion beats with the story of Isabela Ramirez in "Under the Flamboyan Tree," a tale of self-discovery and atonement. Imagine carrying the weight of a dual identity and a love that borders on sacrifice, all while wrestling with the scales of a Libra in search of balance. Isabela's path is littered with the shards of a shattered past: the tragic loss of a daughter, a marriage that's both sanctuary and prison, and the relentless pursuit of redemption. Through her eyes, we confront our own devils, both literal and metaphorical, and seek the truth behind the veil of our actions. Join me as we traverse this emotional landscape, seeking the light of forgiveness and the hope of new beginnings.

Enter a world of fear, resilience, and generational trauma in "The Devil That Haunts Me". Follow Isabella and Julitza as they confront their demons in a tale of suspense, mystery, and the supernatural.

Explore the first seven chapters here

Support the Show.

🌟 Dive into the Shadows of Generational Trauma with "The Devil That Haunts Me" 🌟

Are you ready to explore the depths of horror like never before? Johanny Ortega, author of "Mrs. Franchy's Evil Ring" and the military thriller novella "The Alvarez Girls," invites you on a chilling journey into the heart of Dominican folklore with her latest piece, "The Devil That Haunts Me."

✨ A Tale of Courage and Darkness ✨

Witness a gripping story of a mother and daughter duo, bound by blood and haunted by generational curses. Their fight against an eerie Diablo Cojuelos who follows them isn't just a battle for survival—it's a quest for liberation from the chains of their past. With every turn of the page, "The Devil That Haunts Me" promises to keep you on the edge, blending the rich tapestry of Dominican culture with the universal themes of fear, love, and resilience.

📚 Exclusive Sneak Peek Just for You! 📚

For our beloved podcast listeners, Johanny Ortega offers the first seven chapters FREE. Delve into the suspense and decide for yourself if you're brave enough to face the Diablo Cojuelos. And for those who crave more, secure your ARC and be among the first to review this groundbreaking novel.

🌐 Visit Our World 🌐

Don't miss this journey into the heart of Dominican horror. Head over to the website now to gr...