Breaking Joy

In today's episode, I'm having a heart-to-heart with Illiah, a creative director and brand strategist who helps women step fully into their brilliance with confidence and impact. But today, we're going deeper than branding—we're talking about the raw, unfiltered reality of balancing business, motherhood, and advocacy for a neurodivergent child. Illiah shares the weight of carrying it all, the grief of a late diagnosis, and the relief of finally finding real support. If you've ever felt like the world expects you to hold everything together while silently falling apart—this one's for you. Here's a glance at this episode…

[2:07] Meet Illiah [5:11] Balancing Motherhood & Business [7:40] Advocating for a Neurodivergent Child [10:53] The Myth of "Fixing" Neurodivergent Kids [14:48] Early Signs & Late Diagnosis [19:05] The Grief of Missed Years [23:46] Finding Support & Community [29:05] The Weight on Siblings [32:15] How This Changed Illiah's Business [37:20] You're Not Failing, You're Evolving Connect with me on Instagram Connect with today's guest: Connect with Illiah on Instagram Learn more about her design services for more resources, click here!

Today, I'm sharing a bit of my journey as a photographer and storyteller. Over the last 16 years, shooting boudoir sessions has been a way to create a safe space for women to be themselves and start a journey of self-love...... Buttttt! I'm no longer offering traditional boudoir sessions! Listen to find out why!

Here's a glance at this episode…

[03:45] The Real Meaning of Boudoir

[07:30] A Special Story

[11:15] The Heart of the Experience

[15:20] Why I'm Saying Goodbye to Traditional Boudoir

[20:00] What's Next: Beauty and Women's Portraiture

Connect with me on Instagram

In this episode I had an incredibly heartfelt conversation with the amazing Dr. Courtney, a compassionate divorce and co-parenting coach. With over two decades of experience in healthcare, Courtney brings a deep understanding of human behavior, mental health, and the importance of self-care during challenging life transitions to her coaching practice. We had a deep discussion about the power of forgiveness and healing after experiencing difficult relationships, especially divorce. We also talked about the physical toll that stress and unresolved emotions can take on our bodies, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion and grace during challenging times. Courtney's message of hope and resilience, coupled with her expertise in healthcare and coaching, is truly inspiring, reminding us that it's okay to struggle but that we have the power to choose healing and growth. Connect with today's guest: Dr. Courtney Coaching Courtney's Instagram Here's a glance at this episode… [10:37] Discussing the power of forgiveness and healing after challenging relationships [19:55] Courtney shares her personal journey of forgiving herself and choosing peace [28:18] The physical toll of stress and unresolved emotions on our bodies [36:45] Courtney's inspiring message of hope and resilience. Connect with me on Instagram

Today I'm having another heart to heart with Lindsey Pace, a licensed therapist specializing in anxiety and OCD. In this insightful episode, we chat about practical techniques for managing thoughts and emotions, emphasizing curiosity and acceptance over control. Lindsey also shares her expertise with warmth and humor, offering valuable insights into understanding and navigating the complexities of the human mind.

Connect with today's guest: Lindsey Pace's Instagram Evercare Counseling 📞 757-206-2824 Here's a glance at this episode… [1:15] Exploring the connection between thoughts and emotions [5:30] Lindsay shares insights on constructive awareness therapy [10:45] The power of curiosity in managing thoughts [15:20] Practical techniques for becoming more curious about thoughts [20:05] Integrating faith and spirituality into anxiety and OCD therapy [25:40] The importance of experiencing emotions without judgment [30:15] Recognizing the role of anger and other core emotions [35:00] Emotion regulation techniques for a healthier mindset [40:10] Addressing shame and guilt in the context of Christian faith [45:25] Perspective on connecting with a therapist and finding the right fit Connect with me on Instagram

Today's special guest, Keisha Pelton, is joining me on the podcast and we're chatting all about holistic health, conventional medicine, and patient advocacy. Keisha shares some practical tips like how to manage hypertension and even dives into the importance of advocating for proper medical care. Keisha is passionate about how individuals can take charge of their health while embracing both traditional and alternative approaches.

Connect with Keisha: 📧 [email protected] Connect with Keisha on Instagram

Here's a glance at this episode…

[30:02] how holistic approaches have the potential to cure health issues.

[32:03] insights from a nursing project focused on helping homeless individuals lower their blood pressure through simple dietary changes.

[37:15] a personal experience advocating for child's medical care and the importance of patient advocacy.

[45:39] exploring herbal remedies as alternatives to traditional medications like blood thinners. Connect with me on Instagram

In this episode I chat about finding (and cultivating) meaning and purpose in our daily lives. Join me, Sharon Elizabeth, as we unravel the intricacies of infusing purpose into the seemingly ordinary and dive into actionable steps to cultivate deeper fulfillment. From reflecting on core values to exploring passions and embracing growth, we explore how intentional choices can transform routine into purpose. Let's embark on this path together and witness the magic of bringing purpose into every facet of our lives.

Here's a glance at this episode… [00:24] Exploring the Desire for Meaning and Purpose [01:35] Reflecting on Core Values [02:57] Finding Direction in Everyday Tasks [11:01] Nurturing Meaningful Relationships [13:52] Exploring Passions and Interests [19:38] Embracing Growth and Adaptability

Join me as I share my unique approach to the new year, focusing not on resolutions but on self-commitments. I dive into five commitments I'm making to myself in 2024. From cutting out misaligned work to giving myself permission to dream, these commitments are rooted in aligning my life with my values and passions. Discover how setting boundaries in my photography business and prioritizing self-development play a crucial role. I also unveil my journey toward becoming a children's author and emphasize the importance of embracing every emotion, especially grief. Lastly, I discuss my ongoing commitment to physical and mental health, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own growth and challenge them to make meaningful commitments for the year ahead.

Here's a glance at this episode… [01:30] Cutting out misaligned work and aligning with values [03:01] Giving myself permission to fully lean into my passions [04:56] Allowing space for dreams and potential continued education [06:58] Taking action towards publishing my first book [08:33] Prioritizing grief and embracing every emotion [10:09] Continuing to prioritize physical and mental health

Unraveling six profound lessons that unfolded during the difficult year of 2023. This episode is a candid journey through the intricate layers of grief, where I share deeply personal excerpts from my journal, offering a glimpse into the profound pain, anger, and faith that accompanied the loss of my mother. From navigating the duality of emotions to embracing self-compassion and challenging societal expectations, 2023 became a year of transformation, learning, and rediscovery. Join me in this vulnerable conversation, where I lay bare the lessons that shaped my existence and invite you to find resonance in your own journey of growth and self-discovery.

Here's a glance at this episode… [01:28] The unique experience of loss and grief [02:01] Excerpts from my journal during this season of grief [03:26] Faith, anger, and facing the unthinkable [06:30] Losing oneself and the journey of rediscovery [07:17] Embracing the duality of life [08:35] Unlearning shame and embracing self-compassion [09:12] Connecting with a younger self through parenting [10:40] Redefining purpose beyond photography [12:15] Dreams don't have to be scary; finding peace [14:27] Heading into 2024 with shifts and embracing who I am [17:34] Closing thoughts on growth, transformation, and embracing life's challenges

In this episode, I dive into the importance of self-advocacy as it pertains to our health and well-being. I don't know about you, but have you ever felt dismissed by a doctor or totally overlooked by a healthcare provider? I'm sharing personal stories and frustrations and highlighting the importance of advocating for yourself and your loved ones. From misdiagnoses to overlooked details, mistakes happen, but hopefully after this episode you'll have some practical tools to help you assert yourself confidently when it comes to your health. You'll learn valuable tips for effective communication, seeking second opinions, educating yourself, tracking symptoms, understanding healthcare coverage, and accessing community resources. Don't miss this empowering episode on taking control of your health journey. Here's a glance at this episode… [00:58] Doctor dismissals and self-advocacy [02:21] Importance of checking medical records [04:10] Advocating for an accurate diagnosis [07:16] Seeking second opinions [11:16] Advocacy despite dismissive medical experiences [12:43] Overlooked health issues and their consequences [14:15] Examples of dismissive ER experiences [16:11] Acknowledging mistakes in healthcare [19:31] Tips for effective communication [21:06] The role of self-education [22:36] Importance of documenting symptoms [24:09] Understanding healthcare coverage tips [25:07] Seeking community support options [27:00] Encouragement for health advocacy

Join me in this emotional episode as I reflect on the past year since saying goodbye to my sweet mumma. In the spirit of vulnerability, I share the heartfelt eulogy I wrote for her funeral—a tribute to her strength, laughter, and the lasting impact she had on our lives. Through tears and laughter, we navigate the journey of grief, growth, and cherishing memories. May this episode bring solace and connection to those experiencing their own losses.

Here's a glance at this episode… [0:41] Reflecting on the past year [2:49] Recalling Mumma's laughter and the unfairness of loss [4:42] Memories, regrets, and Mumma's lasting wisdom [8:26] Gratitude, reflection, and the power of shared stories