EP: 5 - Sandra's Journey: Reinventing Life Through Adversity and Empowerment

In this episode of 'The Unmasking Effect Podcast,' we dive into the incredible journey of Sandra Reardon, a real estate powerhouse with a background in international business and marketing. Sandra shares her inspiring story of leaving Chile, overcoming challenges in the United States, and rising from cleaning tables to selling million-dollar homes. She emphasizes living fully with gratitude, the power of resilience, and the importance of aligning with one's unique path. Sandra's tale of reinvention, from engineer to entrepreneur, and her resolve in the face of personal tragedy, provides a powerful message of motivation and determination. Tune in to be moved by Sandra's philosophy of life and her commitment to helping others through her work and advocacy.

Transcript

[00:00:00] Ike Anderson: Welcome back to another episode of the Unmasking Effect. Today's guest is someone whose journey will remind you that no dream is too big, no challenge is too great, and that stepping outside your comfort zone can truly change your life. Joining us is Sandra Reardon, a powerhouse real estate professional and agent.

[00:00:22] With Sotheby's Realty with a rich background in international business and marketing, Sandra has sold over 100 million in transaction volume. An incredible accomplishment, but what makes her story so remarkable isn't just her professional success. It's the journey that got her here. In this episode, Sandra takes us through her personal reinvention from leaving her life in Chile to immigrating to America with a vision for something more.

[00:00:57] You talk about her rise [00:01:00] from cleaning tables at restaurants to selling million dollar homes, all while embracing the mantra that life is too short not to live fully. Harmoniously with gratitude for every situation. Sandra's story is one of resilience, courage, and the power of following your unique path.

[00:01:21] Even when it seems stepping far outside your comfort zone, whether you're dreaming of your next big leap or looking for inspiration to create a life you truly love, this conversation will leave you motivated and ready to take action. Let's dive in. Please join me in welcoming the incredible Sandra Rein to the unmasking effect.

[00:01:55] So you say you're in Virginia? Yeah. Okay. How long have you [00:02:00] been living in Virginia? 

[00:02:01] Sandra Reardon: 20 years. 

[00:02:02] Ike Anderson: 20 years. Where are you from originally? 

[00:02:04] Sandra Reardon: I'm from Chile. 

[00:02:06] Ike Anderson: Chile, okay. Awesome. I came, I stay in 

[00:02:08] Sandra Reardon: 2003. 

[00:02:10] Ike Anderson: Oh, okay. Okay. What made you decide to come to the US 

[00:02:15] Sandra Reardon: Adventure Advent 

[00:02:17] Ike Anderson: Adventure. 

[00:02:18] Sandra Reardon: Well, that's one of the, I have, um, a relationship and I ha I was totally heartbroken and everything.

[00:02:27] It was so, um, I can call dark in my life. And then, um, I. My mom invited me to, uh, come to United States for a vacation or a period of time, of, uh, two or three weeks, and I decide to start a new life, and I was like, you know what? I wanna go to United States. I wanna go and see what people love United States, and I want to adventure with my American dream.

[00:02:57] Ike Anderson: Awesome. Mm-hmm. What was your, uh, [00:03:00] life like in Chile? 

[00:03:02] Sandra Reardon: Um, I finished college. Um, I'm engineering, marketing and businesses. And, um, I have a job from nine to five, but I was very unhappy. Like I didn't, like I. Um, that people work extra hours and, um, in Chile, you know, people don't pay extra hours. And I was super, super tired of that kind of life, and that's one of another reason why I just want to adventure or just jump to, to see what is, what is in United States.

[00:03:36] And I am very happy that I made that decision. 

[00:03:39] Ike Anderson: I see. Awesome. So as a, a young lady growing up. Um, what were like your passions and dreams and what were you excited about 

[00:03:50] Sandra Reardon: When I was leader? 

[00:03:52] Ike Anderson: Like you're eight, nine, 10-year-old. 

[00:03:56] Sandra Reardon: Okay. Well I am, I was very girly. Um, you [00:04:00] know, I was, um, ballet dancer and, um, my dad for some reason, um, I.

[00:04:07] He was very unhappy for me to be a Ballina and he's like, you are not going to live, you know, professional in the future, being a Ballina. And uh, um, actually was very professional. They tried to send me to a specialist school and he's like, he pulled me out. He have a big area with my mom and say, she's not going to be a ballerina.

[00:04:29] She's going to be an engineer. And I want to study communication too, like this, right? I love this. I love, uh, social media and networking and, uh, talk to with people. So, and my dad, by the time I couldn't afford it too, that communications and, um, the universities there are very, very expensive. So he was like, no, you can't.

[00:04:49] So I had that job. I finished college as he wanted me to do, and I got the degree and I was. Doing that job for a year and I was like, oh my God, a nightmare. [00:05:00] And I was like, this is not for me. So, 

[00:05:02] Ike Anderson: mm, 

[00:05:02] Sandra Reardon: mm-hmm. Yeah. Awesome. 

[00:05:04] Ike Anderson: So I have, uh, two daughters. Um, the eldest is 18 now, and the 16, the second one. Oh, wow. Um, when they were younger, they loved to dance.

[00:05:16] So, you know, we did the whole dance class, ballet, the whole thing. And I remember thinking about it and I'm like, uh. I make money being like dancers, but like not that kind of dancing. I 

[00:05:31] Sandra Reardon: know. I mean, I know that my dad did the best for me, right? Yeah. But he tried to. Guide me to one part that it was not mine to be honest.

[00:05:42] Mm-hmm. Because a job from five, uh, nine to five is would never me, like, I was like, no, this is not for me. But, you know, I know that he did it with the best intention because as a parents, we always want the best for kids and make sure that they can make it when we are not here anymore. Right. And, [00:06:00] uh, I'm very grateful.

[00:06:02] Um. For whatever he did. But I'm 47 now and I totally go back to social media and now I do what I love. So I'm very happy. 

[00:06:12] Ike Anderson: Awesome, awesome, awesome. So what was the process like? Um, now coming to America and going on your grand adventure? 

[00:06:24] Sandra Reardon: Well, it was very hard to be honest, but it's all about the mindset.

[00:06:30] It's all about how you look the situation. Because when I came here, I, I was, in my mind, I know it was an adventure, so I, I knew that thing. It would not be easier, you know? Uh, so. Everything in my brain, it was like, oh, this is an adventure. I was an engineer and business, and I have a job, like an office. I have my car, I have everything until I have a good living.

[00:06:55] And, uh, when I came to United States, I couldn't even speak English, 

[00:06:59] Ike Anderson: [00:07:00] really? 

[00:07:02] Sandra Reardon: See my accent. I'm sorry if I, I make some, uh. The pronunciation issue, but no, 

[00:07:07] Ike Anderson: no, no, not at all. 

[00:07:09] Sandra Reardon: So it was very hard for me and, um, I have a very tough time because I couldn't speak, uh, the language and all. So I was nobody here. I was, no, um, my degree was no valid here, so I had to start cleaning tables and, uh, cleaning houses.

[00:07:26] Um, by the time my mom was cleaning houses. And, um, uh, I told my mom like, I, it's no way I can continue cleaning houses. That was not for me. And then, um, she was little bit disappointed of me at that time, but I said, let me, let me. Find my path. So I started to work in the restaurants cleaning table, and I become a bartender, and that's how I start.

[00:07:53] Ike Anderson: Awesome, Sandra. So. Just to back up a little bit. So when your mom came to the [00:08:00] us is that what she used to do for work? Yes. Or is to, uh, clean homes? Yes. Okay. And she invited you on that journey to get you started? 

[00:08:09] Sandra Reardon: Yes. And she was saying, this is the first way you can make money. And I, I remember I was crying and sit down on the steps or, you know, in the house and I was like, you know what, mom?

[00:08:20] I can't do this. I don't care if they pay me a thousand dollars at this point. I don't care about the money. I just can't do this job. So, mm-hmm. Um, I went to, um, you know, try to find a job as a bartender or, you know, waitress, and by the time I couldn't speak very good English. But then, um, they say, okay, you, you had to be a ba.

[00:08:40] So I, I was cleaning table, actually. Mm-hmm. Um, that's was how I started. But then my mom used to live with a lot of roommate. In her house. And I really didn't like the environment there. So I left my mom house, um, actually the first [00:09:00] month when I came here and I was looking for, uh, a room and I found this roommate that's, uh, he was very, very good with me.

[00:09:09] And, uh, we become very good friends and I was living with him. Um, couple, four years. But then after that, my mommy was very upset with me and, um. Because I, I, I left the, you know, her house. 

[00:09:26] Ike Anderson: Yeah. 

[00:09:27] Sandra Reardon: But you know, I think by that time we have an argument and when I left, I couldn't speak English. I had no money, like no money.

[00:09:35] Probably had 300 in my bank account and I just have a mattress. So, uh, I find this person who allowed me to stay with him and pay rent. And, um, by that time I start to be surrounded. Just with American people. 

[00:09:51] Ike Anderson: Mm-hmm. And 

[00:09:52] Sandra Reardon: that helped me a lot with my, um, language because they teach me, they help me and all of that.

[00:09:58] Ike Anderson: Yeah. So why do you think your mom [00:10:00] was upset with you for leaving? 

[00:10:02] Sandra Reardon: Well, I think, uh, she was very worried because she know, um, you know, she knew that I'm not. I couldn't speak English. I had no money. She was like, where are you going? People are bad. You know, something can happen to you. And I was like, no, this is, let me, let me doing this by myself.

[00:10:20] And actually the adventure become, this is adventure, right? Like no money, you know, no English, um, no papers by the time. So, uh, well I have my visa. Um, but you know, it was a very uncertain 

[00:10:36] Ike Anderson: time. Certain times, yeah. Mm-hmm. So, you know, I'm, I guess it's the immigrant mindset to just come find work and start working.

[00:10:45] You know, I'm from Jamaica originally. Oh wow. My parents came before me. And so what you're speaking, um, about is what I had to observe them going back to doing work they wouldn't usually do back home. [00:11:00] And they adjusted to make a living here and to, to, to help us to grow and become who we're so, you know, I understand the protection and them wanting us to do it a certain way just for safety and all those things.

[00:11:14] So 

[00:11:14] Sandra Reardon: yeah, I told my mom, let me do it differently. This is not for me. This is not, I mean, like sometime in life people can tell you do this, but it's, you feel like. This is, this is not, this is not match with my, my align with my energy or whatever I wanna do in life. So that's why I become to, you know, you know, being in my own path, which went amazing because, um, I met so many good people.

[00:11:41] Um, I was a sponsored by a company because I brought my degree here and I was the sponsor as a vice president of a company, a computer company. So that was a very good. 

[00:11:51] Ike Anderson: Awesome. Mm-hmm. Awesome. So, Sandra, if we were to rewind, um, what I'd like you to do for me is to introduce yourself. [00:12:00] Okay. Um, there's a, a lot of young ladies sitting watching this interview and they're gonna look at you and I'd just like you to introduce yourself.

[00:12:10] Tell us who you are, um, what you're about, what, what's your profession or what do you do? Um, what's your passion? Um, just to give us an idea of who you are. 

[00:12:21] Sandra Reardon: Okay, well. Hi everyone. My name is Sandra Reardon. I am from Chile. I live in United States for 20 years. I am an entrepreneur, I'm a mother, and my biggest passion is to, uh, motivate people and express how life is a, uh, cycle of life, summer, winter, fall.

[00:12:44] And, um, I become through a lot of things in my life as a woman and I. My biggest, biggest passion is to motivate women out there to say that we are enough and [00:13:00] also we are capable to do anything. And I know that sound very cheesy, but it is true because I, I, I become that person that I always want to be.

[00:13:10] And there were moment that I was thinking that, um. I, I would not, I would not be able to make it. Uh, so that is my biggest passion to spread this, uh, word of my experience. Um, I'm a real estate agent as well. I do investments and I have different businesses. So, and also I have, um, I support Line now sport collection.

[00:13:39] Ike Anderson: Okay. And when you say sport collection, what do you mean? 

[00:13:42] Sandra Reardon: It's a sport wear that I created like this six months ago, so it's very new. 

[00:13:48] Ike Anderson: Okay, awesome. Yeah. Congratulations. 

[00:13:51] Sandra Reardon: Thank you. Thank you. 

[00:13:53] Ike Anderson: So can you describe a significant challenge you faced then, how you overcame it during your own reinvention? [00:14:00] 

[00:14:00] Sandra Reardon: I have a lot.

[00:14:01] Not a lot, but probably. Two time that I had to reinvent myself. One, it was when I came to United States, you know, and from engineer business or this level to become a basket and cleaning table. I is like, I know a lot of people have issue with that to change and then when I reinvent myself, but I think.

[00:14:28] My faith and my visualizations of where I'm going, keep me very clear of, um, the outcome. So for example, when people will, you know, look at me probably down or I was cleaning table, I didn't even care because I knew where I'm going. Like it's like, this is not gonna be forever. This is a period of my time.

[00:14:52] And I think that's very important to know that any situation in life. It's not permanent. And [00:15:00] I, and I know a lot of people think sometime I getting a hard time and, and then the mind's like, oh, this is gonna be forever. This is gonna be my life. And that's not true. This is just a period of time and we need to, you know, remember that.

[00:15:13] And then that's one of the biggest, I think, good key to remember, say, this is not going to be forever. This is a period of my time and visualize where I'm going, where I wanna be, uh, who I wanna become. You know, like that's kind of like, okay, this is, I don't care about this, I don't care about that because I'm going this way.

[00:15:31] Um, so that's what I did when I just came to United States and I started to be surround American people. They helped me a lot with my English. And then I, um. I start to become, you know, like a better waitress and then bartender, you know, it was a lot of funny stories out there about my language and how I become a being a bartender, which made me, um, my income started to be, you know, better as well.

[00:15:57] And, um, that's was the, um, [00:16:00] one of my, you know, time when I reinvent myself and I become better. Uh, and uh, I just wanna be very clear with your questions. So, um, that was one time I had to reinvent myself and the second time, um, I was married for eight years and I was very, um, you know how I said my husband was, um.

[00:16:22] A very good provider and the pandemic start. And I remember because I have two businesses, I have, I'm real estate and also have a childcare. And by the time the pandemic start, I start to, you know, have to close my business, very uncertain about, um, real estate because I wasn't sure if I can, I will be able to show properties.

[00:16:42] And then, um, my husband, I remember, he's like, don't worry about it. You know, I'm, I'm still working online and, you know. Then he passed away suddenly from a heart attack. Oh, wow. And then, uh, on May 1st, [00:17:00] 2020, um, I wake up that morning and I was so happy because we was quarantined and I was out day off. Right.

[00:17:08] And then I'm going to make my breakfast. And then when I came downstairs he was dead. So, um. That was a big challenge. One of the biggest challenge in my life because, uh, I don't know how to say, I had to just realize what's going on, what happened. 

[00:17:28] Ike Anderson: Mm-hmm. I tried 

[00:17:29] Sandra Reardon: to do CPR to him and he was gone and, um, I heard him like, uh.

[00:17:35] To be honest, I mean like it was like 7:50 AM and I, he was making coffee and I came downstairs like 8:10 AM and he was totally gone. So I did a CPR, had to call 9 1 1 and, um. When 9 1 1 show up, they said, sorry man, he's gone. And I was in shock. I was screaming, I was start arguing with the 9 1 1. [00:18:00] I say, no, this is, you can't get me the answer.

[00:18:02] What happened? And you know, by the time the pandemic just start. So, um, it was very uncertain time. And then I had to leave the house because, you know, they had to, you know, and sit. Situation like that happens. Everybody had to leave the house and you know, the police had to come inside and see what happened.

[00:18:19] But, um, that was a big challenge because. We used to, you know, um, spend a lot of time together, especially with the pandemic. And then he was kind of like, we paid bills together. And I always felt like he was more respected because he's American, he was in America, and I felt like people would not respect me because my accent.

[00:18:42] And so he was kind of like the big supporter, like dwell everything in the house. And that time I was totally. I don't, I don't know if I should say loss, but it was a lot of question in my brain, like, yeah, what would I do now? I had to pay the mortgage, I had to do the [00:19:00] bills, I had to take care everything by myself.

[00:19:03] And with this accent, I don't wanna say a limitation, but it was one of my biggest limitation that I have in the past. Not anymore, but, um, so that when I start to, uh. Reinvent myself to this strong woman. And that's when like, okay, one of the biggest motive was my daughter because, you know, yeah. It was very sad situation.

[00:19:31] And my daughter, you know, she's 18 years old. She was with my, when she was 16, no 15 actually. Uh, she was 14 years old to be a silent 14 years old and. I remember that one morning I really was like very tough to me to wake up and I was like, okay, you know what? I'm a mother and I don't want my daughter.

[00:19:55] Daughter being around sad environments and I need to [00:20:00] make, you know, this environment good for her. And that was my biggest, uh, sword. I think my daughter was my, so to wake up, stand up, take a shower and say, we wanna do this. Um, and that was when I had to reinvent myself. I remember I got a phone call from one of my client that they want to, you know.

[00:20:23] Lease the house. And I was like, okay, you know what? My focus right now is gonna be a hundred percent on real estate because I know I had to make money. I, I need to just do something. I can't just be home crying and all of that and 

[00:20:38] Ike Anderson: mm-hmm. Um, 

[00:20:39] Sandra Reardon: and plus the, all the legal thing that we need to, you know, by the time we had to take care, my focus was change the focus.

[00:20:48] And remind yourself that your daughter, how your daughter want to remind of these times and mm-hmm.

[00:20:59] We are [00:21:00] example, sometimes we say no, they're little. No, we are example, we always, the kids always wanna look at when my mom, when my dad, you know, like mm-hmm. It's so important that it's being our parents is a big responsibility and 

[00:21:13] Ike Anderson: it's 

[00:21:14] Sandra Reardon: right. And then a lot of people say no, they, they are, they're looking us.

[00:21:18] And uh, that's why I just changed my focus. And that day actually I was a top producer. And I did like so good. And I was like, you know what? I did this. I, uh, now I wanna take care. And I don't know, you know, I'm very spiritual, but I, I remember, I, I felt my husband and my brain say like, you got this, you know, pay the bills before they do this.

[00:21:39] You know, and then I, I, I felt like, okay, I got this. I know how to do it. And, um, and that's why I become, you know, the person I am. And also I. Search for a lot those, uh, support, uh, communities. And then when I find Tony Robbins and I become 

[00:21:59] Ike Anderson: mm-hmm. [00:22:00] Yeah. So Sandra, when, what, what do you think when you were in the midst of working through everything that was going on, the new responsibilities and everything, like where did you muster up that strength and that resource from to just step out and stand into your own responsibility?

[00:22:21] Into your own self to figure it out? Like did you any, did you use any tools or any specific resources, um, or did you just feel that power come forth as the situations presented itself? 

[00:22:35] Sandra Reardon: Well, I have to tell you something, uh, that's, it's a lot of people actually ask me how I can keep going, right? Um, I'm a big believer.

[00:22:46] I believe in God. And, um, I think that is a another sword that I have in my life, my faith in God, because I think God kind of like, you know, the owner of my life, but God [00:23:00] know what he's doing with my life. And I think even though it's so painful, there's a reason why, you know, he's doing what he doing in my life and I think, okay, God, you know, I got it and I wanna do it.

[00:23:13] I wanna make it, um. I know whatever, uh, issue, you know, at, it's not under my control. And that's one of the biggest thing that I say, okay, I, I got this and I had to get through it. 

[00:23:27] Ike Anderson: Mm-hmm. Got it. Um, as far as your daily rituals and things you do on a daily basis to align yourself and for you to be powerful, um, do you have any special rituals that you do daily to, to help you become and align with your highest and best self?

[00:23:46] Sandra Reardon: Yeah, of course I do. Um, first thing in the morning where I'm very, uh, grateful for another day. Um, my experience, um, that I had with my husband that he passed away in five minutes and then I got the [00:24:00] ashes very quick. I realized that life, you know, I never will take life as a gran. Granted, you know, we never know when is the last day, so I'm very grateful every day.

[00:24:11] So that's the first thing I do in the morning. Be grateful for. A new day. Um, grateful for my, uh, health and be grateful. That's the first thing I do in the morning. Then I do meditation for 40 minutes, and then I read my favorite book. I do, I read a lot, a lot of book, but a lot of book is all about self growth.

[00:24:32] So that's finances. And, um, also about, I'm very holistic about, you know, food and all this stuff. So that's my, my ritual. And after that, I go for a run outside for half an hour. 

[00:24:45] Ike Anderson: Mm. And how do you end your day? 

[00:24:49] Sandra Reardon: Um, with a prayer? And when my puppies, I love my puppies to be honest. Like I, my puppies are, you know, I love dogs and [00:25:00] I really believe, um, I'm very like how you can say meditations and I love animals or the nature, and sometimes I just, you know, drive to a place where I'm just myself and the nature and think about it and then just be grateful, but always with a prayer that, um.

[00:25:21] To God to help me to be the best person I can be with others. 

[00:25:26] Ike Anderson: Understood. So what's three things you've learned about yourself based on the, the things you've been through and the reinventions that you've had to gone through to to date? 

[00:25:39] Sandra Reardon: I think I learned myself that I'm very strong. I learned that, um, the thing that I was told when I was little was not true.

[00:25:52] I learned that I had to delete a lot of beliefs that I have that is not serving me anymore, [00:26:00] and I am comfortable to do anything that I want to do in life. 

[00:26:07] Ike Anderson: Mm. 

[00:26:07] Sandra Reardon: And also I learned too that, um, giving. It's one of the, um, one of the biggest meaning in life because now I'm supporting, um, sexual assault and domestic violence, uh, institution here in Leesburg, Virginia.

[00:26:23] Uh, I am voluntary there and I dedicate part of my time, um, to, to spend my time with, um, those type of women. So, uh, well, it's not just women for mens and anybody who can be, uh, you know, in violence or domestic. 

[00:26:41] Ike Anderson: Gotcha. Understood. That's awesome, Sandra. 

[00:26:44] Sandra Reardon: Oh, thank you. 

[00:26:45] Ike Anderson: Um, what would you, what's one advice you would give someone that would be going through some of the things that you've gone through?

[00:26:57] What's an advice you would, would give, [00:27:00] um, that person? 

[00:27:01] Sandra Reardon: Well, first of all, I will say, as I said before, that nothing. It's forever. So this is, this is just a moment and, and don't focus on the moment. Just focus on where you wanna go, focus on where you, how you wanna fix it, where you wanna go. Like, I know sometimes it's, it can be very tough because I got through that.

[00:27:23] I like, I'm like, okay, what else? How I can get, there's no way I can get out of this. There is always a way, like, don't focus much on the problem or the situation. Focus on, okay, what I'm going to do with this, and, uh, you know, and the question like, maybe this is means something for me. For example, I was questioning why this is happened to me, why life is so hard on me.

[00:27:46] Why, you know, like, and, and I just like. You know why? Because this is, each of these moments is gonna help me to grow. And I, by the time, if somebody says something like that, to me, it's like, yeah, life forever. Like whatever, [00:28:00] you know? But now that I'm out and now I can, I, I know where I'm going and I can say, this is, this is true.

[00:28:06] The power of, uh, of, of the mind when I say, okay, this is temporarily I wanna. Use the tool I have or maybe, uh, look for resources out there to help me to get out of this. Just focus on that and, um, and, and remember this is not going to be forever. Uh, there is always a way to, to get outta situations. 

[00:28:29] Ike Anderson: Yeah.

[00:28:29] Awesome. So what's motivating you right now in your current journey? 

[00:28:36] Sandra Reardon: Oh, I have a lot of motivations though. Well, one is, one is my daughter. Uh, one is because I really want to help others as a giving, um, this institution that I'm helping, um, they have just few. One shelter, they try to do another shelters.

[00:28:51] But I know that if I, um, if my, my goals, I, if I reach out my goal, I would be able to help, [00:29:00] um, other people and, and probably create other shelters in different states. And there is so much to do in life. When you do good. So that's why it's my motivation every, every day, like helping people, you know, I do real estate and also I do, uh, now I do life insurance and try to help people because I get through that.

[00:29:18] I, I know if somebody died, you know, and you know what happened with the family. And I try to help people to spread the word about, you know, be protected, you know, if something happen. Uh, so that is the biggest motivation for me. 

[00:29:31] Ike Anderson: Awesome. Awesome. What's the best piece of advice you've ever received? 

[00:29:37] Sandra Reardon: That we made them, um, the meaning of our life is our responsibility.

[00:29:43] Ike Anderson: Hmm. Can you elaborate on that a little bit more? 

[00:29:46] Sandra Reardon: Like, um, everything have a meaning, right? And sometimes, for example, um, I wanna ex uh, ex uh, explain one of the situation, one of the meaning. I, I use this, uh, the meaning of [00:30:00] life. When I drop off my daughter to college, I come back home. Um, and I, as, as I told you before, my daughter is my sore, right?

[00:30:08] Like I'm going to fight. And then when I show this good environment for my daughter, when I come back that day, I began a big house and I was looking at my house, an empty house with no husband,

[00:30:24] sorry, again, with my daughter gone as well. And I start to feel like, um. There we go, Sandra, you don't have to acting happy or create this happy environment if you don't want anymore. Nobody's watching you. Mm. Right. And you any not alone, right? I, and then automatically change my brain. It's like, no, no, this is, this is one of the meaning I can make on my life.

[00:30:56] But I wanna choose the good meaning. Like, God know [00:31:00] why put you in this situation. And this is my time, this is my time to grow, this is my time to learn. This is my time to kill it. Because now all the time I have, I can use it to grow and, and do my businesses. And uh, that's the way I made, like, okay, this is the meaning and then that's it.

[00:31:17] This is not the meaning, like, you know, oh my God, you know, I. Everything is gone. My daughter, my husband, everybody, you know, and I'm here alone. So I think the meaning is so important. Uh, the meaning, any situation or circumstances. And, um, I switch it and I think I. I really believe the meaning of my life.

[00:31:39] It's, um, they grow and this is my time. I can do whatever I want. And that's why I get into, you know, communities and group with travel. We, uh, you know, and, um, I can, I, I'm able to help other as well, uh, you know, these institutions. And that's, that's why I say. [00:32:00] It's so important, the perceptions or the meaning that you give to any circumstances in life.

[00:32:06] Ike Anderson: Absolutely. So let's talk about the meaning a little bit more. Um, so the meaning, how, how did you manage the, let's just call it the positive, compelling meanings versus the negative heavier. Non-comp compelling mean, it's like how do you measure them and decide which one to align to, because sometimes people can get motivation from negativity as well.

[00:32:36] So how did, did you manage both and choosing 

[00:32:41] Sandra Reardon: which one? Trying to choose? 

[00:32:42] Ike Anderson: Yeah. 

[00:32:43] Sandra Reardon: Well, um, it's easy for me, uh, because, uh, one is gonna serve me, one is not going to serve me. Mm-hmm. One is going to make me grow. Somebody is going to put me down. So I always choose the one is gonna [00:33:00] serve me for my future. So for example, in the the sample, I just say like, okay, I'm alone.

[00:33:06] You know this, this meaning if I got the negative meaning I'm not going anywhere with that meaning other than down. I can be even depression, sadness, if that will not disturb it is not gonna serve me in a positive way. And it's not going to, they overcome, it's not gonna be good. This meaning. This is my time.

[00:33:26] This is my time to grow. I wanna do business, I wanna travel, I wanna do this. I wanna take my daughter, you know, to Europe. I wanna, you know, this meaning is gonna serve me for the life of my dream, but the life I always wanna have. So, when we had two, meaning I always wanna choose, the meaning will help me to grow and, and, and, and get to the life I want or the life I choose to have.

[00:33:50] I mean, I can choose to be depressing, but I don't want to be that. Right. It's like the choice you want, you know, this, this path or [00:34:00] this path. And then that's why for me it's like, okay. I always, when I have a healthy, wealthy, happy life, this is what I want in my life. And it's not impossible and I know that, but I know it's require a lot of words.

[00:34:14] And when those negative thought come to my of, because we're human, we always going to have negative thoughts. That's part of the human being. But we need to cut them and say, okay, is this thought or this really gonna. That my, my purpose of life or this is going to where this thought when it take me, yeah.

[00:34:36] And then I switch it. 

[00:34:37] Ike Anderson: Yeah. Like you've said, a lot of powerful things in just the last 60, like throughout the whole, the interview. But this is very powerful because see, I think. What I hear you say, you have a vision of your life and for your life of being abundant, of being happy, of being prosperous. Of being [00:35:00] adventurous.

[00:35:00] Like all the categories of life, you have a vision of what that looks like. Yes. And then you also create the meanings of, of everything that happens in your environment. Like what does it mean? And you make the decisions based on the vision that you have, whether you're gonna go there or you're gonna go here.

[00:35:18] If you make the ultimate higher feeling purpose decisions that's leading you towards your goal, then you know that's the the decision and the direction where you should go. Yeah. If you make the decision that goes offline of. Not where you want to go, and it creates that feeling of depression, anxiety, all those things, then you know it's not the right way.

[00:35:42] No. So, so how do you realign back to the true north, the mission, the vision, the decisions that you've made for yourself? If at any point you've went offline. Is it just like a decision that you just decide in that [00:36:00] moment that, oh, I'm going in the wrong direction? Yeah. Or is there something that you use to realign back to your true north?

[00:36:07] Sandra Reardon: I learned how to use it actually, because I read a lot of books about mindset and, um, you know, nap Only Hill is one of my biggest, like, uh, you know, that, uh, so it, it took me time because sometime I realize if I choose, for example, like, okay, the sad part. I'm not going to be happy and I'm going to be frustrated with myself, like how I put myself in this situation.

[00:36:30] I'm sad, or mm-hmm. You know, some people start eating knowing that you wanna gain weight, you know, but it, it's not, you don't have the power to say, done. I don't wanna be sitting on the couch, you know, eating this food. And like, I know it have to be something in your brain. And then it's simple to say, is this is a life you wanna have.

[00:36:46] Mm-hmm. Life is too short if this is what you want to do with your life. You know, that's a question. And for me, it's so funny because I use couple of words and I wanna share with you. You know, sometimes it's like, [00:37:00] oh, you know, like, oh, this, or sometime, oh, this client, you know, whatever. I say negative thought in my brain.

[00:37:06] Um, and then I say Sandra, harmony, harmony, harmony with everything. Harmony, you know, like happiness, like even the problem. Put harmony in the problem. You know, put something there to motivate to say, okay, we wanna just, just the mood you put in the situation, it changes. You know, like, okay, I have this problem.

[00:37:26] And 

[00:37:26] Ike Anderson: you're reframing the whole situation to create new meanings. 

[00:37:30] Sandra Reardon: Yes. 

[00:37:31] Ike Anderson: Awesome. Yeah. Yes. Like that, that is major takeaway for anyone that's watching because, um, it's, it's very clear that, again, I talk about this filter of life and everything in a reality comes in through this filter. And whatever comes outta that filter is the meaning that we create from it.

[00:37:50] So we have to be very conscious in what we're creating and what it means, because that'll affect your mood, your attitude, your personal, it affects everything. 

[00:37:59] Sandra Reardon: [00:38:00] Yeah. It's something, it's the, the con, we have to be conscious like it, and it is not easy to get there. Mm-hmm. So I understand why people say, no, you don't know because it's because.

[00:38:12] Control and, and, and sometimes like, no, we have the conscious and unconscious and sometimes the unconscious like still doing a stop and, but if you start to work and you conscious like, no, no, this is not, this is not where I wanna go, and then this is not the life I wanna have, or this is not the person I wanna be around with.

[00:38:29] It's just like, it's so quick and, and, and it's, it's an exercise that I always say, just start for a little bit, like, okay, what you did today or what was your first this morning? What is the first thing come to your brain this morning? You know, and then it changed everything. But I know it's a process and that's the thing I want, I'm very ex like excited to, to do videos and then express the words about how we can change that because it's, I know it's easy to let our brain or mind, you know, go [00:39:00] one way, 

[00:39:01] Ike Anderson: but mm-hmm.

[00:39:01] Sandra Reardon: Yeah. 

[00:39:02] Ike Anderson: That's awesome. Um. Gems. Good stuff. Love it. 

[00:39:08] Sandra Reardon: Yeah. You know, and, um, thank you so much for doing this video because I know they, there are a lot people out there. They're having a hard time right now. And a lot of people too in social media, they send me private messages, say how you keep it, uh, positive, how you deal with, with negative people and how you deal with, you know, the environment.

[00:39:30] And, and, and it's hard, I know it's not easy. Um, I get the, even family members sometimes can be very, uh, I don't wanna use the word toxic, but can be very, um, negative and. But you know, for me, I have a challenge actually recently with one of my family member and I just try to understand where they come from and I understand, try to understand why they can, they can't see the light or they can't see [00:40:00] something.

[00:40:00] Mm-hmm. And I try to support, um, this as much as I can, but in some point. Had to come from the person, you know, switch the switch on our mind. Mm-hmm. 

[00:40:15] Ike Anderson: Yeah. Yeah. It's, uh, it's, it takes, uh, a power to try to understand versus being understood. 

[00:40:23] Sandra Reardon: Yeah. And 

[00:40:24] Ike Anderson: yeah. That's awesome. So what's next for you, Sandra? Um, is there another reinvention on your horizon?

[00:40:32] Sandra Reardon: Yes, of course. I always, I always do to, I love to rain by myself, but I, I'm very happy with all the, uh, outcome that I had this year actually. And, um, now I'm going to try to focus on a new market in real estate and insurance, and I signed with a new community, so I'm going to, um. This is my next adventure, and I'm very, very excited to see what it's gonna bring to me.

[00:40:57] So I'm going to New York on the September 20th with a big, [00:41:00] big event with, um, uh, with a lot of realtors out there. And yeah, very, very excited about that. 

[00:41:08] Ike Anderson: Awesome. Awesome. Well, Sandra, I'm, I'm super, uh, grateful for you to be here today and sharing your journey, sharing your story. Um, it's very inspirational, um, your journey from Chile to where you are today.

[00:41:23] Um, you choosing your path very consciously, uh, for what you didn't want to do, and more importantly, what you wanted to do and, and following through that. I think that takes a lot of grit. A lot of resilience to overcome some of the things that you have, um, especially some of the things you have no control of.

[00:41:41] Yeah. And you know, clearly you've, uh, pulled yourself to this point where you're able to help others and to continue to grow and expand. And I think that takes a special sense of awareness and, uh, thank you. A sense of who you're being, how you show up in this [00:42:00] world. So, um. I, I acknowledge you and I honor you for, for your journey and, um, I'm grateful for your presence today and, and sharing.

[00:42:09] Um, 

[00:42:10] Sandra Reardon: thank you so much and you know, and I really appreciate the opportunity that you get me to be here and express how I overcome the obstacle that I have in my life. 

[00:42:21] Ike Anderson: Yeah, and more than anything else, not just how you overcame it, but just like how you reinvented who you are, who you're being, and how you show up and the process you use to realign your mindset, um, to point to your missions, your goals to positivity versus the alternative because yeah.

[00:42:40] The alternatives always easy. Right. But you've chosen to focus on that, so that, that's awesome. Um, before we close, Sandra, is there anything else you would like to add? Anything you would like to share as a, as a takeaway for, for today? 

[00:42:55] Sandra Reardon: Well, um, I just wanna say that, uh, any. [00:43:00] Person, woman or man or whatever out there, it's dealing with any, um, hard time.

[00:43:07] Um, just don't forget that first of all, you are not alone. There's a lot of resources out there. Um, you can contact me if you wanna talk to with somebody. You know, I'm on Facebook and Instagram and always, always, please never forget that, um, there is. Life cycles and nothing is forever. The situation you're living right now is not forever.

[00:43:32] So remember that It's always, it's like after the rain, the rainbow can, right? And um, and that's is kind of the nature. So remember that the situation is not going to be forever. So. 

[00:43:45] Ike Anderson: Awesome. Yeah, powerful. How can we, um, find you, Sandra, if someone wanted to reach out or connect with you? 

[00:43:51] Sandra Reardon: Oh, I have my Facebook, Sandra Reardon.

[00:43:54] Um, my Instagram too is, uh, power fit Well, you just said Sandra Reardon, and you can [00:44:00] find me there as well. And I just want to make, uh, you know, this message to if you feel alone or you know, or, um, alone, or you need someone to talk with, you know, to send me a message. 

[00:44:14] Ike Anderson: Awesome, Sandra. 

[00:44:15] Sandra Reardon: Mm-hmm. 

[00:44:16] Ike Anderson: Well, I again, thank you so much for being here.

[00:44:18] Sandra Reardon: Oh, you're very welcome. Thank you. 

[00:44:21] Ike Anderson: Wow. What an inspiring and empowering conversation with Sandra. Her journey of leaving Chile, starting fresh in America and rising from cleaning tables to selling million dollar homes is a testament to resilience, determination. And the courage to follow your dreams.

[00:44:42] Sandra's philosophy of living fully, finding harmony and seeing the good in every situation is such a beautiful reminder to embrace life's challenges as opportunities for growth. Thank you for sharing your story and your wisdom with us. Your [00:45:00] journey is powerful and an example of what's possible when we step outside our comfort zones and stay true to our path.

[00:45:08] If you found value in this conversation, be sure to share it with someone who might need that extra spark of inspiration to take their next big leap. If you're ready to take these conversations to the next level, I. This is the place for you. Inside the community, you'll find exclusive resources, live events, and a supportive group of like-minded individuals who are all on their own path of transformation.

[00:45:37] To learn more, join us. Head to the unmasking effect.com and the links also in the bio for this show. We'd love to have you as a part of this amazing community. Thank you for tuning in today, for being a part of this journey and for showing up for yourself. Keep on masking, keep growing, and keep [00:46:00] believing in what's possible.

[00:46:01] I'll see you next week for another transformative episode of the Unmasking Effect. Peace.