Love, Life, & Balance

with Leticia Estrada

Interview by Chris Palmore

Leticia Estrada is a first generation Mexican-American journalist.

Born and raised in Los Angeles California, Leticia graduated with a degree in political science and journalism from the California State University Northridge. At the age of fifteen, she began a promising career as an international model. A job that took her all over the world. However, her real passion is broadcasting journalism. She’s currently working as a News reporter for Spanish language TV station EstrellaTV in Los Angeles California.

What does being grateful mean to you?

Being grateful to me means to see the beauty in the smallest of the smallest things that surround me. Every night before I go to bed I write down 5 things I am grateful for and they always end up being the most basic things. I feel that when I focus on the small blessings that I have around me. I let go of what is holding me back and accept where I am right now, this moment here and now.

What are three things, right now, that you are grateful for?

Three things that I am grateful for right now this very moment is my yoga practice, the love of my family and my significant other, I’m going to have to have two more..that will be my career and my health.

Tell me the story of your first public newscast? What were you reporting and where were you?

I can tell you the story of my first live report. I was in the Salvadoran consulate in Los Angeles reporting on three Central American children that were trying to cross to the U.S to be with their mother. They were detained by Mexican officials and they have been detained now for 3 months. It was my first live report. I could feel my legs shaking and my heart beating so fast, my palms were sweating. I waited for the cue nervously.

When I started speaking I realize that this story was not about me I felt this deep empathy and care for these 3 children I’ve never met and I felt the story in my bones. I really did and I realize that being a journalist is not about me, it’s not about how I look, is not about how I sound. It’s about being genuine and telling a story that can transform people’s lives. I tell stories, but i tell stories with a message.

“It’s about being genuine and telling a story that can transform people’s lives.”

While reporting the news could you share a moment of kindness that left a lasting impression?

I always find the most kindest moments that leave an impression in my heart from our firefighters. They risk their lives to save others. I’m a breaking news reporter and I see horrible tragedies. But I also get to see those that are willing to help others without anything in return. That’s the beauty of human kindness.

Tell me the story of how you fell in love with yoga?

I felt in love with my yoga practice when I was 15 years old. But It wasn’t until I traveled to India that I submerged into what is now a mystical, and sacred approach to my life. My yoga practice besides my career is one of my top priorities. I have found my inner strength, compassion, kindness, hatred, love, anger, all the emotions you can think of.. while I’m on my mat. I have learned to accept myself through this beautiful practice.

Through Instagram you share your passion, work, and appreciation of others and life. Who in your life inspires you, and why?

The person that inspires me the most is the man that I fell in love with. He is my friend, my partner, my everything. He is one of the most genuine and kind individuals I have ever met in my entire life. He just gives and gives without expecting anything in return. One of the things that I always have admired from him is his humility. He is such a humble man and that to me means the world.

What is one hobby of yours that might surprise someone who only knows you from the news?

One of my favorite hobbies is to cook. I love to cook Mexican food. I grew up in a traditional Mexican household where my mother always made every single dish from scratch. I grew up with the aroma of all the Mexican spices. My mom always said to me ” mija tienes buen sazón” which means you have the right touch.

When you hear the phrase, “most enjoyable work experience.” What memory first comes to your mind? Who was there, what were you doing and what was it for?

The most enjoyable work experience I had was when I had to cover a story on a new roller coaster at the theme parks Six Flags Magic Mountain Flags Magic Mountain. I love the adrenaline rush. The ride was pretty scary but I loved it.

In closing, what is one suggestion that you can give our readers that can help them incorporate gratitude, appreciation and love into their daily lives?

The suggestion I can give to your readers that I know for sure they can incorporate into their daily practice of gratitude is to be grateful for the small things.. the simple breath that I take, the food that I eat, the shelter. They can start by appreciating all the small things. For me, it really makes a difference.

“They can start by appreciating all the small things.”

Love, Life, & Balance

What does being grateful mean to you?

What are three things, right now, that you are grateful for?

Tell me the story of your first public newscast? What were you reporting and where were you?

While reporting the news could you share a moment of kindness that left a lasting impression?

Connect with Leticia

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