Her daughter’s absence became Barbara’s purpose: to break cycles of alienation, pain, and silence.

For Barbara, it began with a lifetime of not belonging—first in her family, then in a broken marriage that spiraled into a fight not in court, but in the fragile space between mother and child no parent should ever face. Parental alienation twisted love into fear, turning her daughters against her with cult-like intensity. She watched in anguish as her children grew terrified of being seen with her, their innocence stolen by manipulation. And then the unthinkable happened: her 15-year-old daughter, Erin, ended her life—a tragedy Barbara had pleaded with professionals to prevent.

Out of that unbearable loss, Barbara chose purpose. Today, she is a wellness advocate, speaker, and author who helps women navigate divorce, heal generational wounds, and reclaim their lives. Through her program Own Your Life, she offers the support she once needed, guiding others to rise above the pain with courage and hope. Barbara’s story is proof that even in the aftermath of unimaginable heartbreak, healing and transformation are not only possible—they can become a beacon for others still fighting in the dark.

Connect with Barbara:

Instagram:
WellnessMattersYouMatter

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/barbaradrtina

https://www.facebook.com/WellnessMattersYouMatter/

You Tube:

https://www.youtube.com/@WellnessMattersYouMatter

Website:

https://wellnessmattersyoumatter.com/

Email:

bdrtina@gmail.com

Purchase my Book:

Amazon: Ignite Possibilities

Connect with Jen:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ineedbluepodcast/
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp1q8SfA_hEXRJ4EaizlW8Q
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567221068683
Website:
https://ineedblue.net/
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-need-blue/id1567450935
Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Purchase my book or Audiobook:
https://whyisurvived.com/

Support the show

Have a plan before you need it.

The holiday season brings excitement—and dangerous distractions. Between shopping lists, phone notifications, and crowded parking lots, it’s easy to let your guard down. But awareness is your greatest defense. Train yourself to look up, scan your surroundings, notice who’s near your vehicle, and trust your instincts when something feels off.

Distractions make you vulnerable; habits make you safe. Small choices like pocketing your phone, walking with confidence, and asking for help to your car can mean the difference between safety and danger. Don’t ignore that uneasy feeling—it’s your built-in alarm system.

Have a plan before you need it. When something goes wrong, you won’t rise to the occasion—you’ll fall to your level of preparation. Keep your escape plan simple: distract, disengage, and get to safety. Carry an item you can throw to divert attention, know where the exits are, and travel with a friend when possible.

Confidence, awareness, and quick action are your best defense.

Bullet points from today's discussion:

Situational Awareness

• Put your phone away when walking to or from your car or through parking lots.
• Scan your surroundings—people, vehicles, exits, and lighting conditions.
• Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is.
• Don’t dismiss feelings of unease; act on them early.

Planning Ahead

• Have a plan before something happens; simple plans work best under stress.
• Know your escape routes wherever you are (store, parking lot, street, etc.).
• Default to escaping, not fighting—your goal is to get away safely.
• Assume the attacker chose the time and place—you must choose the exit.

Practical Preparedness

• Keep keys in hand, not buried in your purse or pocket.
• Carry a distraction item (like “mugger’s money” or an old phone) to throw and create distance.
• Avoid carrying your only defensive item (like keys or pepper spray) inside a bag that could be stolen.
• Use strong body language—head up, make eye contact, walk confidently.

Increase Your Odds

• Use the buddy system—shop or walk with a friend when possible.
• If you feel unsafe, ask for store staff to walk you to your car.
• If chased or attacked, yell or scream—make noise to draw attention.
• Never obey commands that reduce your chance of escape (e.g., “Get in the car”).

Mindset & Training

• Stay calm—panic clouds judgment.
• Practice your plan mentally; repetition builds muscle memory.
• Consider basic self-defense training to increase confidence and efficiency.
• Remember: good habits today become your automatic reactions tomorrow.

Connect with James, Sifu of Wah Lum Kung Fu :

https://www.wahlumkungfu.com/

Melbourne, FL 32935

(321) 255-1048

Message to Sifu Lo: sifu@wahlumkungfu.com

Training Information: info@wahlumkungfu.com

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"A child doesn’t care how much you know till they know how much you care," ~ Kenya

From a nine-year crack addiction to 28 years of sobriety and service, John’s story shows the power of surrender and redemption. On July 22, 1995, sitting in a jail cell after being arrested for stealing, he prayed: “Lord, if you could just take this desire away… I’ll serve you till I die.” Nearly three decades later, John has kept that promise, living free from drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes, and dedicating his life to serving others.

What began as court-ordered community service grew into a lifelong mission. Guided by his mentor, Mr. Lundy, John went from serving at a soup kitchen to leading Feed the Lambs Enrichment Program with his wife, Kenya. Together, they provide tutoring, mentoring, camps, meals, and experiences that help children feel seen, cared for, and empowered. John’s story isn’t just about personal change—it’s about creating ripples of hope that impact generations.

Feed the Lambs Enrichment Program, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to serving underprivileged, low-income youth and families throughout Indian River County.

Website: https://www.feedthelambsep.com/

Address
1615 18th Avenue SW
Vero Beach, FL 32962

Program Future Location:
1175 9th St. S.W. Vero Beach FL 32962

Phone: 772.501.2617

John May, Executive Director: 772.501.2617

Kenya May, Program Director: 772.404.9955

Connect with Jen:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ineedbluepodcast/
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp1q8SfA_hEXRJ4EaizlW8Q
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567221068683
Website:
https://ineedblue.net/
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-need-blue/id1567450935
Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Purchase my book or Audiobook:
https://whyisurvived.com/

Support the show