Leilanie Arellano: Stepping out of Your Comfort Zone and Embracing Change with special guest, MJ Racadio (May 25, 2015)

Leilanie Arellano, MSN (Leadership and Health Education), BSN, PCCN Founder Inspirational Alignment Advocacy Foundation, Inc.

Leilanie is currently enrolled at University of Phoenix pursuing Doctorate Degree in Health Administration

Change is constant and it is essential to life to reconfigure and broaden our horizons for growth, increased productivity and pursue sorts of opportunities. Stepping out of our comfort zone can be challenging and adaptive responses must be created to achieve better results. Our willingness to embrace change and take ownership to expand boundaries can make a high impact to achieve desired outcomes.

Transition stage can be challenging but as we continue to focus on our intention and purpose, we can eventually build momentum and hone our skills. Positive attitude, putting in the time and making the commitment, as we go through the pace of change can lead to success and satisfaction.

To Mario “MJ” Racadio, Podcast DJ, and owner of the radio show BlogTalk with MJ Racadio aired at Rhythm 105.9 every Saturdays in Sacramento, California; change is inevitable and when opportunity knocks at your door, it is critical to evaluate your goals. “If the opportunity is in alignment with what you are aiming for, then go for it ” said MJ. Recently, MJ took a leap in moving to Los Angeles from Sacramento, California for better career opportunities. MJ embraced this change with enthusiasm to learn, experience new things and discover new places. So far, his new experiences are helping him develop his skills to be more marketable and at the same time enjoying meaningful experiences.

Meeting MJ in Los Angeles last May 16 was a great experience. I first met MJ on October 2014 in Hollywood for the launching of Maxi Tone Cosmetics recognizing 50 successful Filipinas in the U.S. A. Humbled to be selected as one of Maxi Tone’s 50 ladies, MJ interviewed me during the event on the red carpet via Pacific Coast TV. Our second meeting is the other way around. I traveled to Los Angeles to interview MJ about his radio show Blogtalk with MJ Racadio to create inspiration in alignment with my new journey to personal blogging. MJ launched Blogtalk with MJ Racadio last year and recently celebrated the one-year anniversary. MJ interviews influential and celebrity people to create a connection, inspiration and empowerment of successful persons in the media and music industry. According to MJ, he also works as a Marketing Consultant at Preferred College of Nursing in Los Angeles and a certified Massage Therapist. MJ also loves to sing and has recorded songs in the past. He performed in special events such as singing the US National Anthem at the University of Phoenix Commencement in Sacramento, California and singing Philippine National Anthem for National Karate Tournament in Manila, Philippines.

MJ is very down-to-earth and a fun-loving person. He took the time to spend the day with me exploring Hollywood, Melrose Ave and Beverly Hills area. “Staying humble and having a thick skin like the Great Wall of China is essential in this industry,” said MJ with a smile. Born in Urdaneta, Pangasinan, Philippines he grew up in Villasis, Pangasinan and left the country in his teenage years to reside in the United States. He said his parents raised him to be always grounded and treat people with kindness. According to MJ, it is important to become genuinely interested and take time to get to know others to build a greater connection. By building a good rapport with others, we can always learn something new. Sharing success strategies can encourage others to go after their dreams. MJ likes to surround himself with positive people and looks back to those who have helped him along the way with gratitude and appreciation. With this state of gratitude, he gives back by showing support to others as well, creating a remarkable ripple effect.

During his free time, MJ keeps himself busy by being involved in Filipino-American community events, connecting with new friends, and participating in a church choir. “You have to have a purpose to fulfill your unique role God has set for you. Staying active in the community keeps me focused on my goal. To get to the direction that you need to go, you must act on it and have a commitment. Work hard and never give up on your dreams.” said MJ. Following his passion for public relation and music industry, his commitment to achieving his goals continues to ignite momentum and creates more opportunities for growth and productivity.

Getting to know MJ was a positive experience. A fellow Ilocano, we grew up in the same region back home and speak the same dialect. Sharing our cultural values and roots made our conversation more captivating. Surprisingly, MJ shared that his favorite hero is our very own, Philippines’s National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. A doctor, great philosopher, poet, journalist, novelist, world traveler, and artist; Dr. Jose Rizal’s works serve as an inspiration to MJ. Dr. Jose Rizal’s incredible intellectual and artistic talent motivates MJ to stay well rounded and be open to endless possibilities.

I was excited to discover that MJ and I both graduated from the University of Phoenix and he was once the President of his alumni. As a current student at University of Phoenix advanced studies, sharing our meaningful experiences as “A Phoenix“ created a greater connection. Being in alignment with MJ in different levels deliberately sparked more enthusiasm to continue discovering true purpose and take concrete steps toward fulfillment of goals.

Stepping out of our comfort zone and embracing change can be challenging but it is critical to stay active and enthusiastic. Being open to change can lead to greater opportunities and achieve best potential. The most difficult part is taking the first step and adjustments, but unique planning and creative strategies can help ease the transition process. Change is constant and it is our choice to make our experiences meaningful and rewarding. Most importantly, to never give up and stay persistent toward attainment of our goals. So, go out there and do not be afraid to take risks. Our willingness to expand can shift toward new possibilities. According to Winston Churchill, “ There is nothing wrong with change if it is in the right direction.” So, take a leap and find your magic.