We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Milan-Devi LaBrey. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Milan-Devi below.
Milan-Devi, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
For many people, resilience stems from deep within, fueled by a combination of personal determination, the strength derived from challenging experiences, and perhaps the unwavering support of a parent or someone close to you in your childhood. That last part of this combination wasn’t part of my personal experience. In fact, my childhood was riddled with adversity, and my parents and family were always less than supportive of my dreams and pursuits. So, my early experiences and ability to navigate through difficulty were rooted in an innate drive to overcome obstacles and prove others wrong.
However, with life experience and time, I have learned to draw strength from my own sense of purpose and the conviction to forge ahead, even in the face of discouragement, because I know and trust that no matter what happens, it is exactly as it is meant to be. But that is only one piece of the puzzle, as resilience also comes from having gratitude for the small wins on one’s life path and for those who cross it along the way. It’s about knowing that when something doesn’t happen as planned, it simply means I have yet to see the whole picture or need to pivot. Yes, there can be disappointment. But once we reflect and look back on our journey, we can always see the path we’ve taken far more clearly.
But I also have to give credit to the many angels who have come into my life, pets and people who have, if even for a short time, shown me who I was and held space for me when I was down. Or when needed, provided strength when I could not find it for myself. Resilience comes in many different forms. But our ability to adapt, bounce back, and recover in the face of adversity, disappointment, and pain helps us learn not only to withstand and overcome difficult situations but also teaches us how strong and brave we all really are.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a multifaceted individual known for my diverse accomplishments and contributions across various fields. As the Founder and President of PremaStar Productions and the visionary behind KideoGo, I have an entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to innovative projects. I also serve as the G100 Global Chair for Values and Volunteerism, highlighting my dedication to promoting positive social impact.
Beyond my roles in business and leadership, I am an award-winning author with international recognition, an actress, a former iHeart radio show host, and a skilled psychology instructor. My expertise extends to speaking engagements on topics such as The Rule of Five, Authentic Leadership, Personal Signature Creation, Child Development, and Emotional Intelligence.
I am a dedicated advocate for emotional intelligence and the core principles of love, truth, peace, right conduct, and nonviolence. My commitment extends to a global audience, utilizing diverse forms of media to spread these foundational values. Beyond my current project of constructing a platform tailored for children called KIDEOGO, specializing in emotionally intelligent streaming content with exciting, educational series like Val Pals, The Adventures of Meg’s Friends, World Communities, and more, my company, PremaStar, is actively engaged in writing animated TV series and features.
My team and I have completed writing the first season of Discovering Poly Pax and my first feature, Quinbe. My approach goes beyond merely creating entertainment content; I envision and work towards fostering impactful movements. Driven by a passion for instilling positive values, I endeavor to make a lasting contribution to society through my work in various media formats.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
- I am sure many others have said this a million times. But it bears repeating. You must follow your passion and purpose, as it is crucial in bringing a profound sense of fulfillment and meaning to your life. When you engage in activities that align with your passions and resonate with your purpose, the work feels less like a chore and more like fun. People who are connected to their purpose also often find a more profound sense of connection with others and contribute positively to their lives and the lives of others. It is also a stepping stone towards personal, spiritual, and collective growth.
- Ask for help when you need it and surround yourself with good people who want to see you reach your dreams. Asking for guidance in business or personally is a crucial element of success as it taps into the collective knowledge and expertise available. No individual possesses all the skills, the ability or even insight needed to navigate the complexities of the business world and life. Seeking assistance fosters collaboration, accelerates problem-solving, and allows for diverse perspectives that can lead to innovative solutions. It also helps overcome stress and the loneliness that inevitably comes with life. It is important to remember that asking for help can strengthen relationships and build support, which will help sustain your success.
- This last skill has been the hardest to learn and can still be a challenge for me. It is learning to surrender. In the art of surrender, it is essential to recognize the limits of control over external circumstances and embrace acceptance. It is a transformative process that involves letting go of the need to micromanage every aspect of life, allowing room for flexibility and resilience. But make no mistake, much like vulnerability, surrendering doesn’t imply weakness; instead, it is an acknowledgement of the inherent unpredictability of life. By relinquishing the grip on outcomes and trusting the natural flow of things, you can find a sense of liberation and reduce stress. It also opens the door to embracing the present moment, fostering resilience, and cultivating a profound understanding that some things are beyond our control. But make no mistake, this isn’t easy to do. It takes practice, trust, and implementation of the first two qualities I mentioned.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When life becomes overwhelming (and it does a lot), it’s essential to prioritize self-care and adopt strategies to regain balance. I love taking short walks throughout the day, engaging in regular workouts, or closing my eyes and doing nothing until the feeling passes. One or a combination of these helps provide a physical release and mental clarity. I also allow myself to take breaks, whether that single moment to just breathe or a day (or days) off, providing much-needed relaxation.
I am also working on learning to say no and set stronger boundaries to help manage commitments and reduce stress. I like incorporating meditation or Kriya breathing into my routine to help keep me calm or provide perspective when things feel chaotic. But the biggest thing that helps me is simply being honest about my feelings and asking for help when needed. I haven’t always done that. My ego and I battled over it for many of my adult years. I have had to learn that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness and that it can provide valuable support.
Finally, finding activities that bring you joy and making time for them is essential. This nurtures your emotional well-being. Nothing is so important that self-care shouldn’t be your priority. This has been a super hard lesson for me. But I have learned the hard way that if I am not healthy, happy, and fulfilled, I don’t and can’t give the best of myself to my work, creativity, team, or any relationship.
Contact Info:
- Website: www,drmilanlabrey.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/drmilanlabrey
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KIDEOGO/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmilanlabrey/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KIDEOGO
- Other: www.premastar.com Linkedin: KIDEOGO an PREMASTAR PRODUCTIONS
Image Credits
All images with the dog are from Raymond Hamlin
