Opportunity Gains: Building in the Void

Staying Up: Lessons from the Void | Opportunity Snatched: Finding Gold in Change

Overall Synopsis:

In this edition of We Zoe and Ali: Where Wellness Meets Wealth, Dr. Ali Reign and Dr. Zoe Hart add to the series with, Opportunity Gains. Ali and Zoe reimagine setbacks as stepping stones to greatness. Ali dives into the art of thriving amid chaos, using his side eye 👀 charm and resilience to turn obstacles into opportunities. Zoe, flips the script, and highlights ✨ real-world societal changes that have the potential to elevate well-being, fairness, and progress for all. Together, they share inspiration with readers to embrace change, find empowerment in challenges, and secure their future with purpose and action.

Table of Contents:

• It Hits Different with Dr. Ali Reign →Staying Up (Lessons from the Void): Building a Brighter Future from Life’s Unexpected Pauses

• Snatched with Dr. Zoe Hart → Opportunity Snatched (Finding Gold in Change): How Shifting Systems can Unlock Unexpected Wins for Everyone

• Life in Action: Applying Wellness Wisdom

  • Applied Wellness Examples:

    1. Rewriting Your Day

    2. “Plan B” Planning

    3. Mental Armor Practice

    4. Eating Cleaner on a Budget

    5. Housing Movement Action Steps

    6. Cutting Through Bureaucracy

Section 1: It Hits Different w/ Dr. Ali Reign

Staying Up (Lessons from the Void)
Building a brighter future from life’s unexpected pauses

It’s been a minute since I’ve hit you with some fresh thoughts. Long overdue, but hey, life’s been serving a buffet of “what just happened?” energy lately. Feels like the collective vibe is one big, shared cringe emoji—empty stares, existential sighs, and a lot of “coulda, shoulda, wouldas” floating in the air. (Side note: I retired from “shoulding” on myself seven years ago, so trust me, that wasn’t easy to type.)

Here’s the thing: it feels like we’ve all been a part of the Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight… and some days we’re just not sure which fighter you actually were— for real for real, right? …like someone hit pause on our highlight reels and switched over to a blooper compilation. The “collective we” has wobbly knees, a slight glaze in our eyes, wondering what’s next. And let me put you up on game: this is where the magic happens.

Think about it. Ever finished that project you’ve been stressing over (and have that chef’s kiss masterpiece moment in your mind) and then—bam!—forgot to hit save? First instinct: panic. Second instinct: grab snacks and cry about it. But the third? That’s where you rise up, rewrite it, and make it even better. You already know you can because you just did it. Life’s curveballs are basically a remix waiting to happen.

The truth? It’s never really about the outcome. It’s about proving to yourself that you’ve got the guts to keep going when the chips are down. It’s about flipping the script when the drama’s on high and knowing you’ve got the pen—and the plot twist—in your hands.

This is my zone. Chaos? Love it. Uncertainty? Let’s dance. I’m built for the “figure-it-out-as-we-go” moments. When the lights go out, that’s when I shine the brightest. Why? Because I know the only thing I truly need is my faith in self, my strength in mind, my courage, and my ability to pivot like a pro on game day.

It’s tempting to focus on “why me?” or “how did this happen?”—especially when you were sure that Plan A was foolproof. (And then you got hit in the mouth, lol) But the real flex? Focusing on the recoil, the next move. Wasting time on Plan A’s plot holes means you’re sleeping on Plan B’s glow-up. And honestly, Plan B is usually where the vibe’s at anyway. Another moment, another opportunity, and odds that are leaning ever so slightly in your favor.

So here’s to stacking those odds— taking what’s left and turning it into what’s next. Here’s to stepping into the unknown with a smile, some swagger, a little laughter and a playlist that drowns out the noise (thank you, noise-cancelling earbuds). As the year winds down, I’m strapping on my metaphorical armor— on my Jamie Foxx “what had happened” energy— sans the leather short set…

We’ve all been through it. Paid the ticket and walked out feeling like the trailer was better than the movie. But I promise you, blockbuster days are ahead because the universe isn’t just out there—she’s got us. Always has, always will.

Stay up, fam. Tilt your chin, fix your crown, and remember: the view from up here? Chef’s kiss. 😘

(FDR said it best—“A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.” So buckle up, grab the wheel and be ‘bout dat action boss.)

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Life in Action: Applied Wellness Examples

1. Rewriting Your Day

   • Start your morning journaling with the prompt: “If I could redo yesterday, what would I do better?” Use this as a mental “rewrite” to set an intentional tone for the day.

   • Evidence Base: Journaling has been shown to reduce stress and improve focus. (Baikie & Wilhelm, 2005, Advances in Psychiatric Treatment)

2. “Plan B” Planning

   • Dedicate 15 minutes weekly to brainstorming alternative solutions for ongoing challenges. For example, if your fitness routine gets interrupted, plan a backup workout you can do at home.

   • Evidence Base: Flexible thinking enhances problem-solving skills. (American Psychological Association)

3. Mental Armor Practice

   • Practice mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for 10 minutes daily to cultivate resilience in chaotic moments.

   • Evidence Base: MBSR reduces anxiety and enhances emotional regulation. (Kabat-Zinn, 1990)

References

• Baikie, K. A., & Wilhelm, K. (2005). Emotional and physical health benefits of expressive writing. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 11(5), 338–346.
  DOI: 10.1192/apt.11.5.338

• American Psychological Association (APA). (2020). Building your resilience. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org

• Kabat-Zinn, J. (1990). Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness. New York: Delacorte Press.

You’re a part of our We, and (your feedback is everything) please drop a comment.

Section 2: Snatched with Dr. Zoe Hart

Roshawnna Novellus looking at the ocean while in the passenger seat in Southern California.

Opportunity Snatched (Finding Gold in Change)
How shifting systems can unlock unexpected wins for everyone

Change: The one thing we all know is coming, but it still throws us off balance. When life doesn’t align with our expectations, focusing on what’s been lost is easy. But sometimes, the unexpected brings lessons and opportunities we couldn’t have imagined.

As the U.S. prepares for a new administration, many people are anxious. What will happen to human rights, DEI efforts, or immigrant communities? These concerns are real. But I’ve learned, through countless twists and turns in my own life, that there’s always a chance for growth—even when the path looks shaky. Let me share a few places where I see possibilities shining through.

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1. Food Quality Standards: What Was in My Twinkie?!

Growing up in California, my after-school routine often included a stop at the gas station for a snack. If I behaved myself (which, let’s be honest, I always did—why risk unnecessary drama?), I’d grab a Twinkie, some lemon drops, or whatever candy called out to me that day. Looking back, I can’t help but wonder what I was actually eating.

Turns out, a lot of it probably wasn’t food. The U.S. allows chemicals in its processed foods that many other countries have outright banned. Red dye, for instance, has been linked to health issues like obesity and diabetes, disproportionately affecting communities with limited access to fresh, nutritious options (Source).

Now there’s talk of banning harmful additives, and I’m here for it. Imagine a future where the snacks and meals we grab aren’t loaded with questionable ingredients. Healthier food for everyone isn’t just about nutrition—it’s about equity. Families in every community deserve to eat well without needing a PhD in chemistry to decode labels.

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2. Lower Interest Rates: Freedom for Stuck Sellers

The housing market right now reminds me of gridlock on the 405 in LA—everyone wants to move, but no one can. Sellers with low mortgage rates feel stuck. Why would they give up a 3.5% loan for today’s rates at 7%? Meanwhile, families are squeezed into spaces that no longer fit their lives.

The new administration is hinting at pressure to lower interest rates. If that happens, sellers who feel trapped could finally list their homes, creating more movement in the market. As a real estate agent in Atlanta, I’ve seen how this could transform lives. Families with growing kids could finally find space to spread out, while downsizers could make moves that align with their new lifestyles.

This isn’t just good news for buyers and sellers—it’s good news for communities. Movement in the market strengthens neighborhoods, and I’m excited to help families find their way home. Real estate, for me, is about creating possibilities and peace of mind—not just transactions.

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3. Streamlining Government Efficiency: Cutting Through the Red Tape

One thing that drives me up the wall? We all have to navigate outdated systems to deal with government agencies. Fax machines, clunky websites, and the endless phone hold—why does it feel like time stops when I deal with bureaucracy?

As an enrolled agent, I spent months—sometimes years—helping clients resolve simple issues with the IRS. I saw firsthand how inefficiency eats away at people’s lives and livelihoods. That’s why I’m cautiously optimistic about proposals to modernize government systems. Imagine resolving an issue quickly without sending multiple faxes (yes, people still fax things) or waiting half a year for a response.

For small business owners especially, streamlined processes could mean more time to focus on what matters: growing our businesses, supporting our families, and giving back to our communities.

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Finding Balance in Change

I’ve traveled the world and seen how unexpected changes can open new doors. Yes, I’m concerned about policies that might harm marginalized groups, and I’ll continue to advocate for justice. But I also believe in the power of reframing challenges into opportunities.

Whether it’s cleaner food, a more accessible housing market, or an easier time navigating government systems, we can find moments of progress in the chaos. It’s not about ignoring the challenges—it’s about finding ways to thrive within them.

As we move forward, let’s focus on creating lives filled with peace, purpose, and opportunity—no matter who’s in charge. ✊🏾

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Life in Action: Applied Wellness Examples

• Eating Cleaner on a Budget

  • Swap one processed snack for a fresh option, like apples with almond butter, and explore local farmer’s markets for affordable produce.

  • Evidence Base: Improved diet quality reduces risks of chronic diseases. (Harvard School of Public Health)

• Housing Movement Action Steps

  • Advocate for local zoning reforms or join a neighborhood association to push for affordable housing initiatives.

  • Evidence Base: Community engagement improves collective well-being. (Journal of Urban Affairs)

• Cutting Through Bureaucracy

  • Use digital filing systems like cloud storage for documents and research your local representatives’ efficiency platforms.

  • Evidence Base: Streamlining processes reduces stress and increases productivity. (Government Efficiency Studies, U.S. GAO)

References

• Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (2020). The Nutrition Source: Healthy Eating Plate. Retrieved from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource

• Fainstein, S. S. (2010). The Just City. Cornell University Press.

• Journal of Urban Affairs. (2019). Community engagement and urban planning: Best practices for equitable outcomes. Retrieved from https://www.tandfonline.com

• U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). (2021). Modernization and Efficiency in Public Sector Services. Retrieved from

  https://www.gao.gov

• Federal Reserve Economic Research Division: "The Impact of Interest Rates on Housing Markets."

• U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO): "Modernization and Efficiency in Public Sector Services.

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About the Authors