I Have Given My Answer

High Priestess Afiya Matthews joins us on this episode where we take a rare dive into faith and religion. She shares with us intimate details of her journey through religious experiences, and gives us her take on how to live a life that is authentic to you, and no one else.

Afiya Matthews works for the largest nonprofitr in Texas by day, but her true calling is that of a Spiritual Worker. She considers it her personal mission to care for those who see about others while neglecting themselves (sound familiar anyone?).

As someone I trust with my spirituality, AND my friendship, I am thrilled to be able to have her share her journey with this community.

In today's episode, we talk to TaKenya Freeney Battle. This INCREDIBLE #MagicalBlackOne reminds us that in a world that wants us to tone ourselves down, we have a responsibilty to ourselves to be MORE. We learn about what our earliest experiences with freedom mean, and how we can sing the world a song with the music that speaks to our heart.

And because we support Black women businesses in THIS space - Here is her information so that you can find her, and see if this is someone you need to know (spoiler alert, she is): I introduce children to the magic of music and performance with kid-friendly, personalized piano and vocal coaching programs. With me by their side, your child will boost their confidence, master their favorite instrument and unleash their inner rock star. To get your child started on a musical journey that hits all the right notes, visit KenyasKeys.com.

In this episode we focus on self-worth, and what that means to us as Black womxn. It's important to know that we are worthy, and we don't need anyone's validation to know that (not even our own). We discuss the difference between self-esteem and self-worth, why you need a healthy supply of both, but why one of these will carry you across the finish line.

This week's episode is brought to you by the My Time, My Way Challenge, kicking off March 20, 2023! Register now at www.e616consulting.com/challenge. Spaces are LIMITED and going FAST. We want you to be there so we can remind you what self-worth is, and how to wield it!

This episode is brought to you by the FREE My Time, My Way Challenge, taking place from March 20 - March 24, 2023. Five days of live trainings leading us toward Rest, Restoration, and Reclaiming our time and space. Register at www.e616consulting.com/challenge About Our Guest:

Hanako Moondance is a MAGICAL Librarian with specialties in Children's Literature and Storytelling. But do NOT be fooled - we are NOT talking about childish things on this episode! She is an EXPERT in welcoming people (can confirm) and Cartoons (and in her own words, "my strong opinions as an adult turned parent")!

Aside from all THAT - she is a gracious mom of two amazing kiddos and she enjoys naps, snacks, and cartoons with the people she loves.

Episode Summary:

February is often a month to talk about love - and often focused on loving others. Here? We're talking about loving ourselves at every stage of our lives. And not just the lives we've lived, but the ones that have changed during the unrecedented world events. Hanako gives us vulnerability that can give us insight into how we can show ourselves grace, if we just look through the eyes of our children.

About Our Guest:

Dee Anaya is the Founder and Creative Grief Guide of Adventures of Grief Girl. She is a Mom, an educator, and a Grief Coach. She is also a parental advocate for families with children who are Deaf or Hard of hearing. Aside from all THAT - she is an artist, a writer, and a self-proclaimed (and I can confirm!) a creator of magical things!

Find her on IG at https://www.instagram.com/adventuresofgriefgirl/?hl=en

Episode Summary:

Grief is a topic that touches all of our lives, but that we rarely want to discuss. By sharing with us her rawness and vulnerability, Dee tells how living with grief has touched her life since her infancy, and encourages us to continue to move forward through the power of "and" in our lives. We can be sad and laugh. We can move forward and grieve. The beauty of the hard stuff is that we don't have to choose how we get through it.

"I've had to learn that one of my most powerful words is 'No.'" - Siteria Gregory.

About Our Guest:

Siteria Gregory is the Founder and Senior Artist of SitiART Beauty Studio. An Environmental Scientist and lover of the arts, she believes in caring for Black women in ways that provide true rest.

Find her at www.siteriagregory.com

Episode Summary:

Boundaries are often misunderstood as keeping people out in damaging ways. Today, we talk about how Boundaries really exist to keep you safe and peaceful, and shoule probably be used more than they are. We discuss the differences between boundaries and rules, talk about the complexities of growing up a Black girl, and the ways that we can move forward remembering that rest is NOT a sin.

In our Pilot episode, you'll hear from our Lead Consultant, Liz Gilliam, MSW. She'll introduce you to the show, and we'll take a DEEP dive into Imposter Syndrome - what it is, how it can show up, and what researchers and authors have said about it. We'll end with strategies and realities on how to work through it this episode, and remind you that you are, in fact, the shit.

In this intro to our Podcast, we are giving you just a taste of what you can expect. Here at I Have Given My Answer, we give Black Women the space to show up as their full selves, into a space of welcoming Community, Comfort, and Confidence.

Our Pilot Episode drops February 7! Stay tuned so that you can participate in the conversation! We can't wait to have you.