How do we overcome comparison and feeling behind when social media gives us a front row seat to everyone’s lives?

Marshae and I discuss struggles with comparison, competition, waiting seasons, and contentment in this episode. We share the importance of being present, stewarding what you have, celebrating others, and much more!

For more, follow @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠themakingspacepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram.

I’d love to hear what you think about our conversation! Let me know your thoughts on Instagram or reach out via email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠

REFERENCES

Bible verses:

• 1 Thessalonians 4:11 (mind your business)
• 1 Corinthians 9:24 (run your race)
• Exodus 20:17 (don’t covet)
• 2 Corinthians 2:11 (don’t be ignorant of Satan’s schemes)
• 2 Corinthians 10:5 (take every though captive)
• Romans 12:15 (rejoice with those who rejoice)
• Ecclesiastes 3 (there is a time for everything)
• Matthew 25:14-30 (Parable of the Talents)
• Psalm 47:1 (shout unto the lord with a voice of triumph)
• Hebrews 11:1 (faith is the evidence of things unseen)
• Romans 8:28 (all things work together for good)

Books:

• Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
• Slow Burn: The Work and Wonder of the Wait by DawnChere Wilkerson

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Intro

(01:34) Learning to stop being hard on yourself

(07:56) Overcoming pressure to achieve certain milestones

(11:12) Does healthy comparison exist?

(13:40) How comparison easily leads to competition

(18:06) Take your eyes off yourself and steward what you have

(25:19) Social media kills contentment

(37:20) Feeling behind in life

(42:01) Why do we feel pressure to rush through our lives?

(47:00) Practicing gratitude and celebrating others

(54:50) Final reflections

(57:41) Encouragement for those struggling to wait

(01:01:54) Outro

In this episode, Sobechukwu and I share stories about obedience, walking in faith, and surrendering our plans to God. She also talks about her time as a campus missionary with Circuit Riders! We touch on trusting God when it comes to financial provision, relationships, and everything in between.

Sobechukwu's Circuit Riders tour vlog

For more, follow @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠themakingspacepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram.

I’d love to hear what you think about our conversation! Let me know your thoughts on Instagram or reach out via email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠

The podcast is back and better than ever! In this intro episode, I reflect on the biggest life lessons I learned during my summer in Greece, open up about my faith, and share a bit about what to expect this season.

For more, follow @⁠⁠⁠⁠themakingspacepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram.

In the season two finale, my friend Avery, a registered dietician, discusses her experience with an eating disorder and how to develop a healthy (and happy) relationship with food. We also have a candid conversation about our struggles with body image, ways to overcome being hyperaware of your appearance, and finding confidence outside of how others perceive you.

We discuss intuitive eating, mindful exercise, unrealistic body standards, social media, self-love, and more. We also share practical advice for anyone struggling with these topics.

For more, follow @⁠⁠⁠⁠themakingspacepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram.

I’d love to hear what you think about our conversation! Let me know your thoughts on Instagram or reach out via email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠

REFERENCES

Resources:

• Get help: nationaleatingdisorders.org
• The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Timothy Keller
• Intuitive Eating 101
• Ate app

Bible verses:

• Psalm 139:14 – I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
• Proverbs 18:21 – The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Intro

(02:07) Avery’s experience with an eating disorder

(10:22) Dealing with your body changing overtime

(17:33) Becoming a dietician and giving back

(19:02) Confidence, social media, and unrealistic body standards

(23:06) How to control negative thoughts and hyperawareness

(28:04) Advice and encouragement on improving your body image and relationship with food

(42:16) “Gym girl” storytime

(43:36) Setting healthy wellness goals

(45:31) Calling people out about weight comments

(47:27) Final thoughts

(48:53) Outro

In this episode, my friend and self-taught personal finance guru, Jadyn, shares why it’s never too early (or too late) to learn how to take control of your finances. We discuss budgeting, investing, lifestyle creep, her best financial advice, our biggest financial mistakes, and much more! We also talk about the societal pressure to chase wealth and earn more, and what marriage has taught her about money.

For more, follow @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠themakingspacepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram.

I’d love to hear what you think about our conversation! Let me know your thoughts on Instagram or reach out via email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠

REFERENCES

Financial terms / concepts discussed in this episode:

In this episode, my cousins Amaka, Ekenem, and I reflect on growing up as the eldest daughters. We discuss how “eldest daughter syndrome” has manifested in our lives, learning to set boundaries, healing from childhood trauma, having hard conversations with our parents, and forgiving family members.

We also talk about the impact of eldest daughter syndrome on your friendships, relationships, and future family.

REFERENCES

⁠What is ‘eldest daughter syndrome’?⁠ – NBC article

⁠ep. 13: i miss my friends (adult friendships, catch-up culture, and platonic love)⁠ – Making Space

ep. 06: a crash course on speaking up for yourself – Making Space

In this year’s birthday episode, I reflect on turning 25 with my friend Quynh. We share our experiences of the dreaded “quarter-life crisis" and discuss the tension between figuring out what you really want in life versus chasing goals based on the expectations of others.

We also touch on several topics including adulting, anxiety, grad school, friendships, self-care, and therapy!

For more, follow @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠themakingspacepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram.

I’d love to hear what you think about our conversation! Let me know your thoughts on Instagram or reach out via email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠

Related Episodes:

In this episode, Jordyn and I discuss our biggest dating lessons, hot takes, unpopular opinions, and regrets. We share our thoughts on online dating, emotional and physical boundaries, the dangers of fantasizing, and much more!

For more, follow @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠themakingspacepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram.

I’d love to hear what you think about our conversation! Let me know your thoughts on Instagram or reach out via email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠

REFERENCES

Bible verses:

Podcast episodes:

My good friends Destny and Damilola are back on the podcast to rant about our hair struggles. We share our negative experiences with African hair braiders and dissect the rules and unrealistic beauty standards surrounding black hair. We also talk about learning to take care of our natural hair and confront the unhealthy social standards that women face.

For more, follow @⁠⁠⁠⁠themakingspacepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram.

I’d love to hear what you think about our conversation! Let me know your thoughts on Instagram or reach out via email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠

Previous episodes:

ep. 01: natural hair and the struggle of being a black girl in the American school system (ft. Damilola)

ep. 03: a beginner's guide to cultivating a joyful life (ft. Destny)

In this episode, Mfon and I have a very honest conversation about mental health and faith. She shares her ongoing struggles with depression and the role of faith in her mental health journey. We discuss the taboos around mental illness and medication in the Christian community and the importance of getting help and giving yourself grace.

We also share practical advice for those dealing with mental health issues and simple ways to support a friend struggling with their mental health.

For more, follow @⁠⁠⁠themakingspacepodcast⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram.

I’d love to hear what you think about our conversation! Let me know your thoughts on Instagram or reach out via email: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠

REFERENCES

Mental health resources:

Videos:

Bible verses: