Recently, I came across a thought-provoking video suggesting that we shouldn't expect to wake up with identical energy levels every day. In the comments, someone wrote, "Let's normalize rest as being equal to productivity." This resonated deeply with me.

The Balance Equation

Self-care isn't just a buzzword—it's essential. No one can master anything long-term without a well-balanced life. Even those we admire as paragons of success have their own behind-the-scenes methods of achieving balance that we don't see. And I emphasize "might" because we've witnessed "successful" people fall from grace in preventable tragedies, just as we've seen others rebuild and rebrand themselves—what we call "comebacks."

I've changed significantly in just the past few months. As 2025 races by, I find myself hungrier for knowledge than ever before. This thirst for learning is both invigorating and exhausting.

What's working for me is structuring my days around three energy states:

1. Passive energy - When I absorb new information and learn

2. Active energy - When I share knowledge through livestreams or journaling

3. Neutral energy - When I engage in activities with reckless abandon, like playing piano in a hotel lobby or meditating

Beyond Burnout

None of us exist in isolation, and none of us can maximize our potential without balance. While we can accomplish plenty through sheer determination, burnout is very real—and it's being discussed more than ever.

I've noticed generalizations about younger generations (born around 2000 and later) lacking work ethic or purpose. But I resist such broad generalizations. We are all uniquely individual. What's important is researching what helps us uncover our strengths and weaknesses, enabling us to find purposeful, fulfilling work.

Beyond Traditional Wisdom

For over two decades, I've encountered the same business advice: have a plan, maintain discipline, stay focused, define your ideal customer, find your niche. While social media has shifted some paradigms, the fundamentals remain unchanged—without substantial knowledge, one cannot authentically teach from a place of authority.

I've outgrown my wariness of the phrase "jack of all trades, master of none." True mastery doesn't imply that learning ceases. Individuals can indeed be masterful, as I experienced through my dedication to violin in my youth. Though that chapter has closed, the discipline it taught me remains valuable.

I've realized my varied interests serve a purpose: connecting with people from all walks of life. This diversity of knowledge reminds us that we're all connected through consciousness or energy—whatever term resonates with you.

The Reset Button

When life feels chaotic, when we feel misunderstood or lost, there's immense value in stepping back. Nothing replaces taking time to quiet your mind, focus, breathe, and reset from a neutral position before beginning again.

You likely have some sense of what brings you joy and peace regarding work and aspirations. And it's rarely about superficial goals like wealth, stylish wardrobes, or status symbols. I've experienced high-quality objects and experiences firsthand, and I can attest that happiness doesn't reside there.

My greatest happiness has come from the simplest, often free experiences: helping others, volunteering, multigenerational family playground adventures. These priceless moments shape us and remind us to get out of our own way, embrace vulnerability, and remain open to diverse opinions while questioning everything.

Objective Truths in a Subjective World

I often hear people say we're living in a "subjective era." Subjective means something depends on personal experience and feelings rather than external reality. For example, "This song is amazing" is subjective—anyone can agree or disagree. Contrast this with "This song sold one million copies"—an objective fact no one can dispute.

My personal truth emerged when I looked inward to understand nature and spirituality. Like throwing a rock into a pond creates ripples that extend beyond what we can see, we don't create new energy—we transform existing energy. Even better, consider a volcanic eruption: the lava devastates existing structures, and huge boulders can change the shape of entire bodies of water and land. Neither I nor the volcano creates new energy—we simply transform what already exists, though the volcano's impact is certainly more visible.

It's fascinating that I chose a water analogy, considering our bodies are primarily water. Understanding how waves, frequencies, and external stimuli affect us physically and metaphysically isn't subjective—it's scientifically proven. Research confirms that music affects us emotionally and sound waves influence us mentally, sometimes without our awareness.

It's a fact that governments possess technology capable of influencing weather patterns. I'm not religious, nor am I diving into conspiracy theories—I'm simply sharing truth. On a fundamental level, this proves that everything isn't subjective.

A Challenge for Self-Discovery

I challenge you today: Take a real pen and paper and conduct a personal inventory. I've created a guidebook (link coming May 2025) that covers everything you need to take stock of who you believe yourself to be in this moment. Write down all the things you identify with and what habits you notice about yourself.

I must confess, writing this journal helped me create this new offering in real time. I'm becoming increasingly aware of what I'm meant to create in the world. It's not brand-new knowledge, but I am a channel, a vessel, and a creator within myself—using all the energy around me from knowledge, influences, and inner peace to reshape truths that already exist, offering them in ways that help others understand themselves.

I'd love to hear your thoughts, goals, dreams, hopes, and challenges. Thank you for being here—you're reading this for a reason.

My hope is to inspire exploration of self, truth, and continuous evolution. This is truly a journey. We're not meant to be the same person we were yesterday or even five seconds ago. And scientifically speaking, we aren't—change is constant. We can rewire our brains, and once we understand this, we understand everything.

Thank you for reading. Love you, mean it.

For weeks, I've had these thoughts swirling in my mind: "No such thing as coincidence, nobody you admire started with experience, what lights you up or breaks your heart..." But these ideas haven't just been recent visitors—they've been lifetime companions, now finally converging as I explore what drives me and why I'm focusing on men in this founding phase of my coaching business.

I've always wondered why, like my mother, I identified as a "tomboy" and felt more comfortable around men. The answer is simple—men communicate differently. They speak plainly, rarely sugar-coating their thoughts or hiding behind subtext. While they might lack emotional flowery language, their directness resonates with my objective, emotionally resilient nature.

At work, when I have planes full of male sports teams or businessmen, I can't help but call them "bros" and comment on their instant "bromances." I sometimes envy that camaraderie while missing my own friends with what the patriarchy would call "big d*ck energy." I wish "big vagina energy" had the same ring to it (and "big cunt energy" would cause worldwide pearl-clutching). Perhaps "Grand Goddess Energy" could work? Don’t get me started on ‘Kunti Kola Energy’ *giggle*.

This language discrepancy reveals something deeper: female-related terms are almost always derogatory, while male-related terms often connote power. Raise your hand if you've heard someone called a "pussy" or told they did something "like a girl." Being called a "dickhead" isn't great, but it doesn't carry the same damaging weight.  🎼Bars.

It reminds me of Jacqueline Novak's brilliant comedy "Get on Your Knees," where she hilariously points out the irony of calling an erect penis "hard as a rock" when, atomically speaking, nothing is truly solid—including your boner, sir. The gender bias in our language reveals our skewed reality.

What drives me in developing my coaching practice is understanding why "the patriarchy" feels compelled to exaggerate their prowess—perhaps because deep down, many men needed the same care and sensitivity girls received in childhood. A 2021 University of London study found that while young boys and girls experience similar accidents and express distress similarly, girls often receive more physical comfort. The implications couldn't be clearer.

As I reveal these realities, I recognize the work ahead. But who better than I—big sister to the late Alexander, cousin to seven Puerto Rican/Irish/Italian wolves, and lover of straight-forward no-BS banter—to create a path not to fix men, but to reflect them so they might fix themselves?

Before you go, here's a fun fact: the average woman's clitoris is actually 5-7" in length (mostly internal), while the average male penis is only 5". Not a competition, but knowledge is power when applied correctly!

We're living in an age where ignorance is a choice. Whether we identify as woman or man, there's so much more to us than meets the eye. We're not merely atoms that combined in the womb but also the sum of every conscious and subconscious experience driving our actions and emotions, because yes, even feelings are subatomic particles ma'am.

From a feminine perspective, we're divine clouds of stardust interacting with other clouds. From a masculine view, we're buncha tiny nuts bouncing off other nut bags. Either way, we deserve understanding and the freedom to express ourselves authentically during our finite time on this third rock from the sun.

Don't you think so? I'd love to hear your thoughts! Send me an email at NKC@nikolaknows.org and let's continue this conversation. I read every message and can't wait to connect with you. Until then—love you, mean it.

You know, I’ve been thinking about something that keeps popping up in my journey—whether it’s volunteering, entrepreneurship, or professional work. One major challenge I see for aspiring entrepreneurs without formal business education is the lack of proper guidance.

When I casually scroll through success stories (like we all do), I notice a common theme: successful people are almost always consulting mentors, making solid plans, and being consistent. It hit me that I haven’t had to wrestle with this challenge as much myself, probably because I’ve been pretty self-aware from a young age. One of my inherent strengths is being able to process information quickly and carve out roles that align with my ikigai—the Japanese concept of one’s reason for being.

That said, I can also admit that one of my weaknesses is emotional resilience, especially in personal relationships. I’m so used to logically discussing communication that sometimes my “over-communicating” style isn’t well-received by those who aren’t accustomed to that level of intensity. It’s something I’m working on—self-awareness and evolution are ongoing processes, after all.

Despite moments of self-doubt, I’ve realized that I’ve been tapping into my ikigai throughout my life. My experiences as a crisis counselor and my current role in aviation naturally intersect, reaffirming that I’m meant to be a mindfulness entrepreneur and perhaps continue working as a counselor. Honestly, I sometimes feel like a 'first responder in the sky.' Sure, some people joke that flight attendants are just 'glorified waitresses,' but I know that passion and integrity rise to the top—no matter the profession. I take comfort in knowing that the truth always comes to light, and bad behavior usually can’t thrive in a healthy environment. I also keep one of my favorite quotes by Margaret Mead close to my heart: 'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.'

This all got me thinking about how Japanese society often referred to as “futuristic”—they’ve established practices that support both individual and community well-being. Meanwhile, over here in America, we’re caught up debating whether food coloring is bad for you or whether it’s acceptable for political leaders to discuss reprehensible behavior. Sometimes, I just want to challenge those in power to take a step back—like, imagine if someone like Donald Trump took the 10-day Vipassana Meditation Challenge and learned to look inward. Just think about the potential if world leaders embraced the mindset of “it shouldn’t have to happen to you for it to matter to you" as mentioned in my first newsletter.

It’s made me reflect on adulthood as well. We often think being an adult means making money, having kids, or taking on responsibilities, but those things alone don’t make you mature. It’s like we believe that the moment we hit 18, 28, or even 38, we can do whatever we want because we’re “adults” now. Reality check: maturity and growth take way more than just age or financial stability.

Honestly, being an entrepreneur is like riding a daily rollercoaster of small wins and massive self-doubt. Meditation has been my anchor through it all. I don’t know how people manage without it! I know there are mixed opinions about what meditation actually is—some say you can meditate while walking or cooking. Sure, mindfulness can be present in those moments, but there’s no substitute for sitting in silence and truly focusing inward. There’s just something undeniable about universal truths and science—like gravity. You can’t argue with it.

While humility is a constant in my life, one thing I’m proud of is my objectivity. I’ve learned to look at situations without letting emotions take the wheel. It’s a skill I’ve honed through experience, and it’s been invaluable when I’m in situations where clear thinking is essential.

Like this one time in NYC, where I was with a group of five friends trying to find a spot to eat. After some back-and-forth, we found a packed but vibrant Mexican place with just enough space to make it work. I had already started putting together a makeshift seating area when one person decided they didn’t like the vibe because it was too crowded. So, we left and ended up at a quiet, almost-empty tavern down the street. Honestly, it was a buzzkill, and I couldn’t help but think how much the majority of us wanted to stay at the first place, but we all chose to acquiesce. It reminded me why I usually end up as the planner and problem-solver—sometimes you just have to know what environment you want and stick to it.

Reflecting on that night, I realized how important it is to be clear about your intentions and stand your ground. Communication can make or break a situation, and I know now that I can’t always expect others to see things the way I do. It’s just another lesson learned.

All of this feeds into what I’m doing now—turning my thoughts into blogs, social content, and strategies. I’m building my business as a mindfulness entrepreneur and establishing my own organization. Not because I’m just trying to “adult” my way through life, but because I’m a lifelong learner who knows my purpose: helping others become better communicators and more self-aware adults.

And who knows? Maybe along the way, they’ll discover their own ikigai. Stay tuned. And If you agree with anything I've said thus far, show your support by sharing this blog with someone you care about, I appreciate It more than you know!

I should be asleep by now, but inspiration is calling. Right now, I’m semi-off-grid, helping set up a meditators’ reunion/conference. I could have attended as a guest, but volunteering—being of use—just feels right. There’s something powerful about forming genuine bonds with like-minded people who share my values of service and connection. It’s a reminder that karma is real: the good energy we put out into the world comes back tenfold. I’m welcoming that energy, sooner rather than later.

All this has me reflecting on my past life—the one where I was a fearless go-getter, thriving as a young adult in Atlanta. I was living my dream: representing the world’s biggest brands, getting paid to travel, and immersing myself in the vibrant energy of live music. As a budding VJ, I interviewed legends like Common and Kanye West (back when he rocked the “Jesus” piece) and even caught the attention of one of today’s most famous comedians, who once said to me, “You should have your own show.”

That moment stuck with me, and here I am—knowing that it’s time for me to take the stage. As much as I love being a helper, I know it’s my time to reap what I’ve sown. I’ve always poured into others, but now I’m claiming my own purpose.

If you’re reading this, I want to make a sincere request: If my journey resonates with you, help me amplify it. Share my YouTube channel, follow me on TikTok—connect with “Nikola Knows” wherever you find me. I’m building something real, and I can’t do it alone.

I’m putting my whole heart into this—growing my content, building my team, and creating a space where passion meets purpose. I know I’m in the right place at the right time, with the heart of a lion, ready to roar. I’ve always done it on my own, but the truth is, none of us are truly alone. Each connection matters.

Join my tribe. Spread the word. Be part of this journey with me. Your support means everything—and together, we’ll make it count.

Alright, let's get real for a moment. I'm doing something that absolutely terrifies me – I've just posted my first YouTube episode after 10 years away from on-camera work I once loved. And you know what? It's far from perfect, but that's exactly the point.

The episode is basically a slice of my life right now – me dragging myself to work, capturing those chaotic moments that somehow make up my day, but also highlighting those sweet, peaceful late-night moments that keep me sane. Oh, and there's a surprise cameo of this amazing Mexican cafe that I just had to brag about.

I'm calling this my "Adventures with Purpose" series, and here's the deal: I'm committing to biweekly updates. Yep, you heard that right. Every other week, I'll be throwing myself in front of the camera, raw and unfiltered.

So here's my shameless plug: Like and subscribe! Episode 2 is dropping on Palm Sunday, and trust me, you won't want to miss it. I'm not promising perfection – I'm promising authenticity. Some takes might be awkward, some moments might be messy, but isn't that just life?

This is me, stepping out of my usual zone, and back into my purpose one YouTube vlog at a time. Who knows where this journey might lead?

Anyone who’s ever dreamed of being their own boss has asked these THREE questions: 

Can I do this on my own? Can I afford to start the business I want? How will I know if I’ll succeed?

Sure, there are a million other worries (trust me, I’ve been there—endless questions, infinite overthinking). But why listen to me, let alone share this with your people?

Here’s the thing: Have you ever wondered why you’re drawn to certain voices online? 

I’ve spent years figuring out how to grab the attention of big-deal decision-makers worldwide—and now I’m obsessed with sharing what I’ve learned. Why? Because I’ve clawed my way out of the same swamp of self-doubt. For years, I was stuck in cycles of worry until I finally snapped. I realized I had to rewire my brain—like a mental workout plan—before I saw real change.

Let’s get real: I used to stew in silent frustration, jealous of girls half my age who blew up online. No “talent,” just bold personalities or wild antics on camera. But here’s what shifted: I stopped side-eyeing others and started auditing myself. I ditched envy, leaned into hobbies, and forced myself to connect with people differently. And guess what? That “crazy” influencer? She did have skills—charisma, guts, the kind of personality that hooks an audience.

Take the Kardashians. Love ’em or hate ’em, you can’t deny their hustle. Decades later, they’re still thriving because they mastered the art of staying relevant. That’s strategy, baby.

My biggest “aha” moment? The only person I need to outdo is the me from yesterday. To become 100% my own boss, I had to stop overthinking and start doing.

So why stick with me? While others recycle clichés like “babies crawl before they walk,” here’s my twist: We can swim before we’re even born. It’s about tapping into that raw, natural state—your instincts—to move fearlessly.

Want more of that energy? Share this with someone who needs it. Let’s get out of our heads and into the game.

Have you ever woken up thinking "Today I'll meet my new best friend" or "Today I'll have the best brunch ever"? For me, I wake up, give gratitude, and tell the universe what I hope for. Whether I'm flying for work saying "I will have a great crew" or when the crew isn't great repeating "I love my job" until the trip ends safely—I always plan for purpose in everything I do. Purpose is why you do something or why something exists. The wiser I become, the more purpose matters in every decision.

When "Adventures with Purpose" launches this year, I'll be chronicling my journey as I shift from employee life to becoming a true business owner. 

Why tune in? In a word: integrity. With experience from over 100 contract jobs and insights gained from life as a practicing meditator with over 50 days of silent meditation amidst actual monks, I've learned and apply practical methods for mental clarity that actually work in the real world.

These insights have been battle-tested in real crises. When chaos erupts at 35,000 feet during an in-flight emergency, my colleagues often comment on my unusual calm. This same centered approach helped me navigate and ultimately escape an abusive relationship with a criminal who tormented me in my late teens. I've learned that clarity doesn't just improve your day—it can save your life.

But don't worry—this isn't just about surviving difficulties. It's about thriving and finding joy along the way. I firmly believe you can have both style AND substance. I keep my inner child alive through spontaneous adventures in travel and cuisine. One day I'm handling a medical emergency in the sky, the next I'm sampling street food in a country where I don't speak the language.

Let's face it, how many influencers do you follow who seem to offer either serious advice OR fun content? I'm here to deliver both because that's how real life works. By sharing my experiences—both the challenging ones and the joyful ones—I hope to inspire you to connect with me and step out of your comfort zone.

We have such precious little time in this lifetime. Why not make the most of it? Whether you're looking to advance your career, heal from past trauma, start a business, or simply find more meaning in your daily routine, I'll be sharing actionable insights from my uniquely diverse background.

My promise to you: practical wisdom, authentic stories, and a reminder that growth doesn't have to be all serious all the time. You're here now, so enjoy joining me on this adventure, with purpose.

There's a popular quote that says "it's never too late to learn something new" and "better late than never." What I love about timeless quotes is how relevant they become at pivotal moments—like now, as I transition from employee to business owner.

I launched Nikola Knows inspired by a myriad of successful businesspeople I've discovered over time. One woman particularly influences me—I don't know much about her yet except that Mark Cuban invested in her business after she overcame homelessness (she once lived in San Francisco Airport). Her YouTube content and books offer straightforward, no-fluff guidance that resonates with me.

While I appreciate motivational speeches and positive feedback—whether for my work as a flight attendant or for my well-behaved pups—I've discovered I'm more analytical than I previously realized. I'm embracing proven processes that successful entrepreneurs follow, taking stock of my knowledge and experiences as I make this transition.

My Background

Growing up in New York City provided me exposure to diverse perspectives that helped shape who I am. Thanks to creative parents and the cultural richness of the city, I developed a broader worldview than someone from a more isolated environment might have.

This isn't to disparage quieter upbringings—I know brilliant people who emerged from such backgrounds by seeking out literature, art, travel, and diverse friendships. I mention this only because I want to be clear: I'm not positioning myself as someone who knows everything. Nobody likes a know-it-all.

Truth in a Confusing World

In 2025, misinformation is everywhere. I frequently hear from passengers, colleagues, and strangers: "I just don't know what's true anymore." This saddens me deeply.

There are still trusted sources we can rely on—verified texts, practices, and direct experiences that help us understand what matters and how much richer life can be "in the light versus in the dark."

The Heart of NikolaKnows.org

I created this platform to share what I know and whom I trust. If I discover certain information or connections aren't fully trustworthy, I'll take accountability and make adjustments—no sweeping things under the rug.

As I tell flight attendant trainees: "I will never give you an answer unless I am sure it is correct." This principle of integrity is central to my approach. It's too easy to blindly trust without fact-checking, and I'm committed to being a reliable resource.

What You'll Find Here

NikolaKnows.org serves as my digital home base where I'll document my entrepreneurial journey with complete transparency:

• Journal Entries: Honest updates about my business experiences—successes and failures alike

• Freelance & Interview Mastery: Practical advice from my years of experience navigating professional transitions

• Meditation Guides: Practical approaches for clarity and motivation—no mystical jargon

• Travel Insights: Lessons from my life as a professional traveler

I once had a little pink diary with a yellow penguin on it, secured with a massive padlock I installed myself. Back then, I guarded my thoughts carefully. Now, I understand the value of transparency and sharing knowledge.

Connect With Me

I've created multiple ways for you to engage with my content:

• This Website: Your hub for all core content and updates

• YouTube: Travel + foodie vlog "Adventures with Purpose"

• TikTok/Instagram/Threads: Daily inspiration, meditation made approachable and business journey insights

Choose whatever format works best for you. My goal is making these insights accessible in whatever way you prefer to consume content.

Remember, it's never too late to learn something new. I'm on this journey of transformation and invite you to join me—as an active participant or interested observer. Wherever you are in your own journey, there's a place for you in this community.

I look forward to connecting with you and sharing this adventure together.

My Journey Toward the TEDx Stage

I was pleasantly surprised to learn about opportunities with TEDx. At this point, I had grown tired of the endless stream of so-called experts I come across in my daily research. But what caught my attention was discovering that TEDx Talks offer a more accessible platform than traditional TED Talks for sharing important ideas.

That's something I've envisioned for myself, even before I fully realized it.

I love deep, philosophical conversations, especially one-on-one. That's when real connection happens, in my opinion. And more often than not, when I share personal experiences, I end my passionate tangents with a joking, "Thanks for coming to my TED Talk." It always gets a laugh, but deep down, I've always known that I had something important to say.

And then I watched a powerful TEDx Talk about scaling empathy—and I cried. No, I sobbed.

Because what I heard aligns so deeply with what I believe: empathy, self-awareness, and the truth that, no matter what we've been through, we all have the capacity to grow, to evolve, and to reconnect with the purest version of ourselves—the inner child that still lives within us.

The speaker talked about how children are naturally empathetic, how their innocence keeps them open, and how harnessing that empathy encourages action.

Children say the funniest, most unfiltered things—not because they're cruel, but because they simply don't know any better. They haven't been shaped, stifled, or scarred by the world.

But exposure changes that. Exploitation changes that.

And I know that all too well.

Loss, Love, and Scars That Never Fade

Stepping out of my comfort zone and sharing my past hasn't been easy. But if there's one thing I've always longed for, it's connection.

As an only child, I used to watch siblings playing together and long for that kind of connection. So when I found out I was going to be a big sister, I was ecstatic. I imagined all the memories we would create, the bond we would share.

And for a while, we did.

My little brother, Alex, would have turned 30 this year—on February 20. He was incredible. With our 10-year age gap, we didn't fully connect when he was younger, but as he grew, I saw how much we had in common. His wisdom amazed me, even at a young age. I was so proud to be his big sister.

But life doesn't always give us the time we expect.

At just 21, Alex's life was cut short. One devastating day, my parents found him unresponsive in his room. My father—who had medical training—performed CPR on his own son. But nothing could bring him back.

The loss was earth-shattering. And yet, even in his absence, Alex continues to shape the way I see the world.

That moment is burned into my brain like a scar that will never fully heal. But here's what I've learned about scars: they make us stronger, they make us tougher. And more often than not, they are earned in moments of childlike wonder—when we were fearless, when we explored without hesitation, when we embraced life with open hearts. They never truly fade, but they serve as reminders—not just of pain, but of the love, joy, and laughter we once had. I want to remind people of that joy, to help them reconnect with the wonder, the playfulness, and the resilience that still lives within them.

Turning Pain Into Purpose

For a long time, I guarded my story. It felt too personal, too sacred. But as I continue this journey of self-discovery, I realize that the more I align with people who inspire me—people who share their stories on stages like TEDx—the more I understand the power of sharing my truth.

Success isn't just about personal achievement. It's about using our voices to reach more people, to help more people. And that's exactly what I intend to do.

Keeping our inner child alive means embracing balance, seeking community, and learning from one another. When we step outside of isolation and engage in open conversations, we realize we are never truly alone—not in our curiosity, not in our fears, not in our scars.

So I will keep telling my story. And I welcome others to share theirs. Because once we stop hiding behind our pain and start embracing play, connection, and understanding, we can heal.

We can evolve.

And together, we can write a new chapter.

Thanks for coming to my TED Talk.