Today's guest, Helene Beck recently celebrated her 100th episode on her very own podcast, Coming from the Heart. I love her enthusiasm for hosting the show, her motivation to inspire exercise, and her profound passion for music. Her love for music began at a young age, as she would sing along to commercials and mimic songs she heard. This passion for music led her to take lessons when she was around 10 or 11 years old. She continued to nurture her musical talent by listening to albums and singing along to artists like Stevie Wonder and Billy Joel, forming a deep connection to singing and music early on. She remained involved in music, participating in choir and pursuing music voice lessons at a studio in Hoboken. She took her musical endeavors seriously, recording at a studio in Brooklyn, a professional environment where even Lady Gaga had recorded. Despite her busy schedule and teaching career, Helene always found solace in music and expressed a desire to return to singing and recording, recognizing the therapeutic and fulfilling nature of music in her life. Helene's experiences with music highlight its significant role in her life, from childhood singing to professional recording sessions. Music has been a constant source of joy, expression, and creativity for her, shaping her identity and providing a means of emotional release and connection. Helene's mother had a profound impact on shaping her values and passions. As a reading recovery teacher dedicated to education, the mother instilled a strong sense of community service in the speaker. Going above and beyond in her role, she bought supplies for students and gave back to the community, inspiring the her own actions and choices. Her mother's commitment to education was evident in her journey, where she aspired to pursue a career in science but settled for being a lab technician due to financial constraints. Despite this, she later went back to school in her forties to pursue her educational goals, showcasing resilience and determination. This perseverance likely influenced the Helene's own pursuit of passions and continuous learning. Helene's admiration for her mother's dedication to education and community service is evident in her own actions, such as collaborating with the Hoboken Shelter and advocating for mental health awareness. The values instilled by her mother have translated into a passion for giving back to the community and making a positive impact, reflecting a deep-rooted influence that continues to shape the Helene's choices and endeavors. Helene's father, a school principal, had a strong sense of humor and used it as a coping mechanism, especially during challenging times. Despite facing illness and tough situations, he maintained a humorous outlook. For example, even when in the hospital, he would use humor and sarcasm to lighten the mood. This ability to find humor in challenging times not only helped Helene's father cope but also influenced her own perspective on dealing with adversity. She mentions that her father's humor was a way to release tension and bring levity to difficult moments, showing that laughter can be a powerful tool for resilience and emotional well-being. This aspect of her father's personality highlights the importance of finding joy and humor even in the face of adversity, emphasizing the value of maintaining a positive outlook and using humor as a coping mechanism in tough times. Describing my dad as an embellisher and creator, she had her question for my dad prepared: Does he perceive a change in awareness surrounding mental health? Her father adhered to the mentality of enduring hardships without expressing emotions, reflecting the stark generational differences. Despite this, she recalls a rare moment of seeing him cry upon losing his own father. Have you ever felt alone, searching for answers? Coming From The Heart Podcast is a safe space to share your experiences, expertise, and powerful messages of introspectivene