AlignedLife with Justin Castelli
Finding Freedom When We Reframe and Rewire with DonJay Rice
20 Nov 2025
In this episode, I sit down with DonJay Rice, a financial advisor who specializes in financial behavior and helping clients reframe their relationship with money. We explore his powerful insight that "there is freedom when we reframe and rewire" – the idea that the stories our brains tell us about money, success, and life itself may not always be accurate, and that we have the power to reprogram our thinking. DonJay shares his remarkable journey through a stage 3 cancer diagnosis and how this experience transformed his perspective on life, gratitude, and what truly matters. We discuss the concept of "defensive pessimism" versus embracing hope, and why he chose to face his diagnosis with positivity rather than fear. His story about waking up at exactly 3:20 AM during his cancer treatment – the same time his friend PJ was praying for him – is a beautiful reminder of human connection and the synchronicities that occur when we slow down enough to notice them. We also dive into the tension between being present versus worrying about the future, the danger of living in the "highlight reel" versus the "behind the scenes" of real life, and why finding small moments of amazement each day can be transformative. DonJay's philosophy that "wealth is a state of mind" infuses everything he does, both in his work with clients and in how he approaches life itself. This conversation is for anyone navigating grief, seeking perspective on what matters most, or looking to rewire their relationship with money and meaning. Connect with DonJay: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donjay-rice-fbs%C2%AE-36950a297/ Instagram & Facebook: @DrumbeatofWealth Website: www.drumbeatofwealth.com Takeaways - Reframing and rewiring can lead to freedom in thought. - False beliefs often stem from childhood experiences. - Parenting involves unintentional influences on children's beliefs. - Transitioning careers can lead to deeper client connections. - Grief is not just about loss; it encompasses all life transitions. - Community support is crucial during challenging times. - Naming challenges can help in coping with them. - Gratitude can be found in simple moments. - Awareness of emotions is key to personal growth. - Life transitions can bring both joy and grief.
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