Exercising Empathy with Alejandra Parrilla Artwork

Everyday Heroes with Andrew Norlen

A series of one-on-one interviews with powerhouse women. Join New York based actor, writer and entrepreneur, Andrew Norlen, as he sits down with inspiring women in his life. "Join me as I interview these forces-of-nature about their personal thoughts, fears, trials and careers". What keeps you motivated? How do you cope with your grief? These fearless women are speaking up, speaking out and talking about the shit that matters. FOLLOW: Andrew - @Anorlen FEEDBACK: Don't forget to write a review and give us a 5 star rating in the Apple Podcast App/Store! SUBSCRIBE: And check out Andrew's road to publishing his memoir, Defining Brave on his website:https://www.andrewnorlen.com/defining-brave

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Everyday Heroes with Andrew Norlen

Exercising Empathy with Alejandra Parrilla

December 09, 2020 • Alejandra Parrilla • Season 1 • Episode 16

This hero of mine has been a pillar in my life for over eight years. Ale embodies kindness, strength, and compassion. Her and I became fast friends our freshman year of undergrad and she continues to change my life as our friendship grows and changes over the years.

In this conversation, we sit down (over FaceTime of course!) to catch up and discuss her journey over the last few years, and her big decision to move back home—to Miami—earlier this year, that was before Covid arrived and changed her plans.

We talk about finding your tribe and surrounding yourself with people who build you up and hold you accountable. We talk racial unrest and hear Ale's perspective about how we can better show up for our marginalized brothers and sisters, now and always. She shares her journey about her own mental health and how important it has become for her to focus on her well being, everyday, as a practice of mindfulness. (TRIGGER WARNING) She also opens up about her struggles with suicidal thoughts.

Ale's resilience and transparency to share her struggles endlessly inspires me. She finds inner strength from opening up and letting others see that none of us have this crazy life figured out, at all, and it is such a better place to be when we have others supporting us. I can't wait for you to hear from her heart, she is filled with empathy and love and shares so much truth in our conversation.

Ale is changing the world for girls, women, and people everywhere, because she wears her heart on her sleeve and isn't afraid to talk about the hard things in order to grow and learn from her past.

I can't wait for you to hear from this hero of mine! Now get to it!

FOLLOW:
Alejandra -@Alemparrilla
Alejandra's Mental Health Page - @being_alejandra
Andrew - @Anorlen

RESOURCES:
Mental health resource, Suicide Prevention Hotline 800-273-8255

Need help seeking treatment for an easting disorder? - theprojectheal.org

SUBSCRIBE:
Subscribe to this podcast and stay connected with Everyday Heroes, and check out Andrew's road to publishing his memoir, Defining Brave on his website:
https://www.andrewnorlen.com/defining-brave

FEEDBACK:
Check out another episode to hear from the rest of Andrew's amazing heroes, and don't forget to write a review and give us a 5 star rating in the Apple Podcast App/Store.

Please SHARE this episode with friends and family!
Be well. Be kind. And be brave.