Welcome to episode 39 of "Empower U 2 Podcast" I'm thrilled about this episode because it's all about empowering ourselves to combat negative thoughts and take our lives to the next level. 

Did you know that on average, we have about 70,000 thoughts a day, and a whopping 80% of them are negative? That's a problem, but fear not; in today's episode, we're diving into how to combat negative thinking.

Negative thinking is a common struggle, and it can leave us feeling lost in our thoughts. 

As a licensed clinician, I often see people struggling with anxiety and depression due to their thoughts. It's crucial for us to be in control of our thoughts, even if we can't stop them from coming. We have the power not to entertain them. Trust me; I have negative thoughts too, but I'm conscious of them. I can decide whether to keep them around or show them the door.

Let me share five strategies I've used with clients and students in my Empower You counseling program.

1. Recognize and Acknowledge
2. Challenge Negative Thoughts
3. Practice Self-Compassion
4. Reframe Negative Thinking
5. Seek Support

Be patient and kind to yourself throughout this process. Without greatness, there's no you, and without you, there's no greatness.

We love hearing from our listeners! Send us your thoughts, feedback, and suggestions through our Fan Mail on Buzzsprout.

Thank you for listening to Empower U2 podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode and want to dive deeper into empowering content, visit our website at https://natashaparisspeaks.com/

If you want more empowerment, we have something that will support your growth and decrease your self-doubt. You can pre-order The Mental Health Therapist Expert's new book: https://bit.ly/OwnYourPowerByNatashaParis 

I look forward to empowering you on this journey of personal growth and finding joy in life's challenges. Remember, you have the power to live your best life.

Be EMPOWERED for GREATNESS!!

Your Friend,

Natasha Paris
Empowerment Strategist.

Hello, my friends! Welcome to another episode of the Empower You Affirmation series. I'm Natasha Paris, your empowerment strategist and transformational speaker, and I'm thrilled to be here to inspire and empower you to be the best version of yourself. 

Eliminate all distractions—just my voice and your breath should be the focus. And third, close your eyes, relax your body, and let go of any tension or anxiety.

Episode 38. I want you to repeat after me, with your eyes closed, breathing deeply: "I am God's gift to the world." Inhale deeply through your nose, hold it, and exhale through your mouth. Feel the tension leaving your body.

Take a moment to absorb this truth. "I am a gift to the world."

Embrace your uniqueness with confidence and humility. You can remain in this space, meditating on this affirmation as long as you like. You, my friend, are a gift to the world. 

Be empowered for greatness because without greatness, there is no you, and without you, there's no greatness. Until next time, be empowered.

We love hearing from our listeners! Send us your thoughts, feedback, and suggestions through our Fan Mail on Buzzsprout.

Thank you for listening to Empower U2 podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode and want to dive deeper into empowering content, visit our website at https://natashaparisspeaks.com/

If you want more empowerment, we have something that will support your growth and decrease your self-doubt. You can pre-order The Mental Health Therapist Expert's new book: https://bit.ly/OwnYourPowerByNatashaParis 

I look forward to empowering you on this journey of personal growth and finding joy in life's challenges. Remember, you have the power to live your best life.

Be EMPOWERED for GREATNESS!!

Your Friend,

Natasha Paris
Empowerment Strategist.

It's your girl Natasha Paris and welcome to Episode 37, and I am beyond thrilled to have my incredible friend Shantell here on the Empower U 2 podcast. We're diving deep into the art of balancing a hectic life—being a wife, a mom to four boys, and a therapist. Shantell spills the beans on her journey, from shifting her mindset to finding that elusive balance, and creating a peaceful sanctuary at home. 

The golden nuggets? Acknowledge the need for change, do what brings you joy guilt-free, and turn your home into a haven of peace and balance. It's all about empowerment, and we're serving it up hot!

And you, yes, you don't wanna miss the full-on vibe of our video podcast. Hit play and subscribe button on YouTube our YouTube channel: 

➡️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZBcpBXguDE

Video and Podcast edited by: Jeffrey Herbert

We love hearing from our listeners! Send us your thoughts, feedback, and suggestions through our Fan Mail on Buzzsprout.

Thank you for listening to Empower U2 podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode and want to dive deeper into empowering content, visit our website at https://natashaparisspeaks.com/

If you want more empowerment, we have something that will support your growth and decrease your self-doubt. You can pre-order The Mental Health Therapist Expert's new book: https://bit.ly/OwnYourPowerByNatashaParis 

I look forward to empowering you on this journey of personal growth and finding joy in life's challenges. Remember, you have the power to live your best life.

Be EMPOWERED for GREATNESS!!

Your Friend,

Natasha Paris
Empowerment Strategist.

Get seated, relax, and open your palms to receive. Throughout this episode, we'll focus on your breath as a grounding technique. 

Understand that it's normal to have passing thoughts, but our goal during this meditation is to acknowledge them and then let them go, focusing on our breath instead.

Today's affirmation is, "I am beautiful. I am smart. I am kind." Repeat this in your mind as you inhale, drawing in these positive qualities. Exhale to release negativity.

You are beautiful, and 'smart' encompasses making wise choices and personal growth. You are also kind. Breathe in, hold, and exhale.

Remember to speak life into your soul daily and be deliberate in affirming your self-worth. The world may try to tell you otherwise, but you are beautiful, smart, and kind.

Continue to breathe deeply in your safe space. You can stay there, focusing on your breath and affirmations. We'll meet on the other side.

We love hearing from our listeners! Send us your thoughts, feedback, and suggestions through our Fan Mail on Buzzsprout.

Thank you for listening to Empower U2 podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode and want to dive deeper into empowering content, visit our website at https://natashaparisspeaks.com/

If you want more empowerment, we have something that will support your growth and decrease your self-doubt. You can pre-order The Mental Health Therapist Expert's new book: https://bit.ly/OwnYourPowerByNatashaParis 

I look forward to empowering you on this journey of personal growth and finding joy in life's challenges. Remember, you have the power to live your best life.

Be EMPOWERED for GREATNESS!!

Your Friend,

Natasha Paris
Empowerment Strategist.

In episode 35, we're going to affirm that you deserve the best. You deserve it all. So, let's begin. Close your eyes and take a deep breath in. As you exhale, say the affirmation out loud with me: "I deserve the best."

You don't need to push anyone aside to claim what's meant for you. You deserve it all. Take a deep breath in, hold, and exhale. "I deserve the best in love, in friendships. I deserve it all."

My dear friends, remember that you deserve everything your heart desires – amazing relationships, financial abundance, perfect health, and more. 

Embrace this self-worth, and always remember that you deserve it all. Be empowered for greatness.

I hope this session leaves you feeling empowered and inspired.

We love hearing from our listeners! Send us your thoughts, feedback, and suggestions through our Fan Mail on Buzzsprout.

Thank you for listening to Empower U2 podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode and want to dive deeper into empowering content, visit our website at https://natashaparisspeaks.com/

If you want more empowerment, we have something that will support your growth and decrease your self-doubt. You can pre-order The Mental Health Therapist Expert's new book: https://bit.ly/OwnYourPowerByNatashaParis 

I look forward to empowering you on this journey of personal growth and finding joy in life's challenges. Remember, you have the power to live your best life.

Be EMPOWERED for GREATNESS!!

Your Friend,

Natasha Paris
Empowerment Strategist.

"How do you feel worthy when life throws you trash?"

One thing's for sure, my friends, when life throws you trash, it can be quite challenging to find your sense of worth. 

In other words, "worthy" means feeling a sense of worth, being recognized as important, and possessing qualities that others want to acknowledge.

But the reality is, there are many people on this planet who do not feel worthy. They think about their life experiences, such as molestation, abuse, addicted parents, or being bullied, and they don't feel like they are worth being here. 

Why do people feel unworthy? Well, they often blame their childhood, upbringing, or past experiences, thinking, "I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth," or, "I didn't have the opportunities others had." But worthiness is not determined by external circumstances. You can't change your family, upbringing, or others, but you can change how you see your life.

Worthiness is something you can nurture within yourself, regardless of life's challenges. You have the power to change how you perceive your life. Embrace your worthiness, and you can lead an amazing life.

We love hearing from our listeners! Send us your thoughts, feedback, and suggestions through our Fan Mail on Buzzsprout.

Thank you for listening to Empower U2 podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode and want to dive deeper into empowering content, visit our website at https://natashaparisspeaks.com/

If you want more empowerment, we have something that will support your growth and decrease your self-doubt. You can pre-order The Mental Health Therapist Expert's new book: https://bit.ly/OwnYourPowerByNatashaParis 

I look forward to empowering you on this journey of personal growth and finding joy in life's challenges. Remember, you have the power to live your best life.

Be EMPOWERED for GREATNESS!!

Your Friend,

Natasha Paris
Empowerment Strategist.

So, let's get ready to relax. Take a deep breath in and exhale while we focus on today's affirmation in Episode 33. 

Find a safe, peaceful place to sit or stand – although I recommend sitting for a truly relaxing experience. Ensure it's a quiet, distraction-free space as we dive into our affirmation for today.

Now, my friends, the affirmation for today is a powerful one: "I am worthy." Repeat it to yourself, "I am worthy."

You are worthy of a great life, a great partner, a great career, wealth, perfect health, and peace of mind. Let's breathe in, hold, and exhale. "I am worthy of great love, and no matter what I've done in my past, those things are gone. What matters now is your presence. I am worthy."

Because you, my friends, are truly worthy. Remember, without greatness, there is no you.

We love hearing from our listeners! Send us your thoughts, feedback, and suggestions through our Fan Mail on Buzzsprout.

Thank you for listening to Empower U2 podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode and want to dive deeper into empowering content, visit our website at https://natashaparisspeaks.com/

If you want more empowerment, we have something that will support your growth and decrease your self-doubt. You can pre-order The Mental Health Therapist Expert's new book: https://bit.ly/OwnYourPowerByNatashaParis 

I look forward to empowering you on this journey of personal growth and finding joy in life's challenges. Remember, you have the power to live your best life.

Be EMPOWERED for GREATNESS!!

Your Friend,

Natasha Paris
Empowerment Strategist.

Today, we're delving into a topic that many of us can relate to, especially those who've experienced divorce or breakups with children involved. It's a tough journey, and I've been through it myself, even nine years after my divorce.

As a licensed clinician, I've met many individuals struggling with their ex-partners. 

Here are my tips:

1. Put Yourself First: Prioritize your well-being and seek therapy or support.
2. Focus on Your Children: After taking care of yourself, prioritize your children's well-being and happiness.
3. Maintain Clear and Respectful Communication: Try to keep communication polite, even if you can't stand your ex.
4. Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries to maintain a healthy co-parenting relationship.
5. Consider Mediation or Counseling: Family counseling or mediation can help improve communication and resolve conflicts.
6. Focus on Consistency, Routine, and Structure: Provide your children with a stable and loving environment with routines and structure.
7. Document and Maintain Records: Keep records of significant events and issues, just in case you need them for legal purposes.
8. Seek Legal Advice: If the situation becomes toxic or unmanageable, consider consulting a family law attorney for guidance.

The goal is to create a positive and stable environment for your children while navigating the complexities of co-parenting with an ex-partner. Remember, you're not alone in this journey, and self-care is crucial.

We love hearing from our listeners! Send us your thoughts, feedback, and suggestions through our Fan Mail on Buzzsprout.

Thank you for listening to Empower U2 podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode and want to dive deeper into empowering content, visit our website at https://natashaparisspeaks.com/

If you want more empowerment, we have something that will support your growth and decrease your self-doubt. You can pre-order The Mental Health Therapist Expert's new book: https://bit.ly/OwnYourPowerByNatashaParis 

I look forward to empowering you on this journey of personal growth and finding joy in life's challenges. Remember, you have the power to live your best life.

Be EMPOWERED for GREATNESS!!

Your Friend,

Natasha Paris
Empowerment Strategist.

Welcome to episode 31, where we explore the world of affirmation and meditation. It is so important to quiet the chatter in our minds and affirm what God says about us. Today, we're going to talk about affirming that you are extraordinary, not just ordinary.

Before we dive into it, I want you to find a peaceful, quiet place without distractions.

So, once you're comfortable in your peaceful place, let's start by focusing on your breath. 

Keep doing this throughout our affirmation series, as deep breathing helps clear the mind and release stress.

"I am extraordinary. I am special in every regard. There is no one like me because I am extraordinary. I am a leader in my life, in my family, and at work. I am extraordinary."

I want you to sit in your comfortable, safe place as long as you want and continue to repeat this affirmation: "I am extraordinary." 

Stay empowered, my friends.

We love hearing from our listeners! Send us your thoughts, feedback, and suggestions through our Fan Mail on Buzzsprout.

Thank you for listening to Empower U2 podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode and want to dive deeper into empowering content, visit our website at https://natashaparisspeaks.com/

If you want more empowerment, we have something that will support your growth and decrease your self-doubt. You can pre-order The Mental Health Therapist Expert's new book: https://bit.ly/OwnYourPowerByNatashaParis 

I look forward to empowering you on this journey of personal growth and finding joy in life's challenges. Remember, you have the power to live your best life.

Be EMPOWERED for GREATNESS!!

Your Friend,

Natasha Paris
Empowerment Strategist.

In today's episode, we're going to talk about how to prevent losing your mind and maintain positive mental health.

I can't stress enough how vital it is to make a conscious effort to avoid getting caught up in frustration, negative thinking, and negative functioning. When your mind spirals out of control, it takes a toll on you physically and emotionally. I've seen many individuals who felt like they were losing their minds, and I want to assure you that there is hope. So, let's jump right in and discuss how to keep from losing your mind.

First and foremost, it's crucial to admit when things aren't going well. Don't be afraid to seek professional help if you're struggling; you don't have to go through it alone. Secondly, create a routine and maintain order in your life because a chaotic environment can lead to a chaotic mind.

Next, stay connected to people who love and support you. If that's challenging in your immediate surroundings, reach out to online communities that share your interests. Human connection is vital for our well-being.

Limit your exposure to negativity, whether it's from social media, the news, or negative people. It's essential to protect your mental space. Practice stress management through deep breathing, exercise, yoga, or whatever helps you let go and relax. And don't forget to focus on gratitude. Being thankful, even for the small things, can bring more positivity into your life.

I want you to know that you are not alone, and there is hope for a brighter future. So, my friends, don't lose your mind. Stay strong and take control of your mental health. Thank you for joining me today.

We love hearing from our listeners! Send us your thoughts, feedback, and suggestions through our Fan Mail on Buzzsprout.

Thank you for listening to Empower U2 podcast! If you enjoyed today's episode and want to dive deeper into empowering content, visit our website at https://natashaparisspeaks.com/

If you want more empowerment, we have something that will support your growth and decrease your self-doubt. You can pre-order The Mental Health Therapist Expert's new book: https://bit.ly/OwnYourPowerByNatashaParis 

I look forward to empowering you on this journey of personal growth and finding joy in life's challenges. Remember, you have the power to live your best life.

Be EMPOWERED for GREATNESS!!

Your Friend,

Natasha Paris
Empowerment Strategist.