Nichole Joy Show

Hey everyone, grief journey update ahead. The last episode dropped on September 5th, a Thursday, and the feedback I got really warmed my heart. Some of you shared kind words, and it felt good to know my vulnerability resonated with you, especially when it comes to grief.

But, honestly? I’ve been dragging my feet about recording again. Maybe it was a vulnerability hangover, or maybe I just needed some time. When we left off last episode, I was talking about how I was dancing with my grief. Well, let me tell you how the universe delivered.

On September 6th, the day after sharing the most recent episode, my dad had a birthday party in his building—music, champagne, dancing, the works. When I walked in, he was already in his element, dancing and having a great time.

It was beautiful to see him enjoying himself, but when he noticed me and gestured for me to join him, I was hit with a wave of overwhelming emotion. The last time I had danced with my dad was at my wedding in 2015, nine years ago. The emotions hit me like a bag of bricks. I suddenly felt like I couldn’t handle it. I considered passing on the offer because I was afraid of losing my composure. But then I gave myself a quick pep talk, “Get it together! You’re not going to miss this chance.”

So, I went out there, and I’m not gonna lie—I lost it. I ugly cried right in front of everyone. Talk about a vulnerability moment! I know I’ve said that crying is healthy, and it is, but doing it in front of a room full of people is a whole different ball game.

It felt like the universe was reminding me, “Hey, you said you wanted to dance with your grief. So here you go.” And that’s exactly what I did. I ugly cried and danced with my dad for the first half of the song, and it was intense. I realized that I was not just dancing with my grief, but also with my dad’s grief—his loss of my mom, the love of his life, despite how many years it had been since they were together.

Sometimes I get so caught up in my own grief that I forget he’s grieving too. He’s been dealing with this since April, and it hit me that we were both in this dance together.

I felt it was important to share this moment because I needed a bridge to move forward from our last conversation. I hope this resonates with some of you who might also need that transition. It’s okay to feel sad, to be vulnerable, and to express those feelings—especially in a world that often tells us otherwise.

So, as you listen, remember it’s okay to dance with your grief, to cry when you need to, and to pep talk yourself into facing those tough emotions. Here’s to a week of honoring our feelings—whatever they may be. xo

In this episode, we’ll dive into a topic that’s been relevant for me lately: processing and embracing emotions, including grief. Here’s a look at what you’ll hear in the episode:

Thank you for tuning in, friend. I hope this episode helps you navigate your own emotional landscape with greater ease, flow, and compassion. xo

In this episode, we’ll dive into a topic that’s been relevant for me lately: processing and embracing emotions, including grief. Here’s a look at what you’ll hear in the episode:

Thank you for tuning in, friend. I hope this episode helps you navigate your own emotional landscape with greater ease, flow, and compassion. xo

Welcome back to The Nicole Joy Show…

In this deeply personal episode, I’m opening up about some significant changes in my life and how they’ve reshaped my work and identity. After the unexpected loss of my mother in April, I’ve been on a profound journey of grief and transformation, and I want to begin to share these experiences with you.

Here’s what you’ll find in this episode:

How to Connect:

Your Feedback: I’d love to hear about your experience with the meditation and any insights you had. Your feedback means a lot to me, truly.

Thank you for tuning in. I’m grateful to have you on this journey with me, and I hope this episode brings you comfort and inspiration.

Xoxo,

Nichole Joy

In this episode, I guide you through the intricate subject of triggers. But first, a caveat: be sure to seek professional support as needed when triggered. Trust yourself here.

I delve into encountering conflicting beliefs on social media and share my personal approach to handling such situations. I’ll explain the concept of multiple truths and the futility of engaging in online arguments. Reflecting on my journey, I discuss growth, compassion, and discernment in navigating relationships with individuals of differing beliefs, both personally and professionally. Here’s where it gets sticky: I encourage you to take a look at yourself when triggered, explore your underlying beliefs and take responsibility for your reactions. Overall, I cover personal responsibility, boundary-setting, and maintaining compassion, even if it means disengaging from certain relationships for the sake of mental well-being. 

In outline form:

Additional links and things:

4. Connect with me on Instagram: ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/nichole_joy__/⁠

In this episode, I guide you through the intricate subject of triggers. But first, a caveat: be sure to seek professional support as needed when triggered. Trust yourself here.

I delve into encountering conflicting beliefs on social media and share my personal approach to handling such situations. I’ll explain the concept of multiple truths and the futility of engaging in online arguments. Reflecting on my journey, I discuss growth, compassion, and discernment in navigating relationships with individuals of differing beliefs, both personally and professionally. Here’s where it gets sticky: I encourage you to take a look at yourself when triggered, explore your underlying beliefs and take responsibility for your reactions. Overall, I cover personal responsibility, boundary-setting, and maintaining compassion, even if it means disengaging from certain relationships for the sake of mental well-being. 

In outline form:

Additional links and things:

In this episode, let’s go deeper into the concept of "staying in your own lane," building on last week's discussion about its potential harm when imposed on others. We’ll explore the nuanced perspective of when it's appropriate to embrace this mentality, particularly in the context of personal growth and innovation.

Nuanced Perspective:

I acknowledge the gray areas, recognizing both the dangers of projecting "stay in your own lane" onto others and its value in fostering authenticity and innovation. It's crucial to resist blindly conforming to industry norms while carving out our own paths authentically, especially when we see alternative, more efficient approaches.

Examples and Insights:

Drawing from my time in the doula industry, I illustrate the importance of courage and innovation in breaking away from conventional practices. From there, I expand the discussion to motherhood, where societal expectations often butt heads with our own unique needs. Goal: flex your discernment and create your own realities.

Navigating Industries:

I share personal reflections on removing myself from toxic environments and cultivating a tailored approach to business and life, particularly along my entrepreneurial journey. Heavy on maintaining focus amidst industry noise and controversies, and staying true to our missions and values.

Additional links and things:

In this episode, let’s go deeper into the concept of "staying in your own lane," building on last week's discussion about its potential harm when imposed on others. We’ll explore the nuanced perspective of when it's appropriate to embrace this mentality, particularly in the context of personal growth and innovation.

Nuanced Perspective:

I acknowledge the gray areas, recognizing both the dangers of projecting "stay in your own lane" onto others and its value in fostering authenticity and innovation. It's crucial to resist blindly conforming to industry norms while carving out our own paths authentically, especially when we see alternative, more efficient approaches.

Examples and Insights:

Drawing from my time in the doula industry, I illustrate the importance of courage and innovation in breaking away from conventional practices. From there, I expand the discussion to motherhood, where societal expectations often butt heads with our own unique needs. Goal: flex your discernment and create your own realities.

Navigating Industries:

I share personal reflections on removing myself from toxic environments and cultivating a tailored approach to business and life, particularly along my entrepreneurial journey. Heavy on maintaining focus amidst industry noise and controversies, and staying true to our missions and values.

Additional links and things:

Now, it's not my usual style to dive into internet drama, but sometimes, you come across something that hits close to home. Recently, I stumbled upon a post on Facebook where someone suggested that “Beyoncé should stick to her own lane and stay out of country music.” Now, this struck a chord with me, not just because I'm a fan of Beyoncé, but because it's reflective of a mindset that we should have left behind by now.

Let's break this down together and understand why such comments are not just harmful, but also a reflection of someone's own limiting beliefs. As we enter 2024, it's high time we move away from shrinking ourselves and others based on preconceived notions.

As a woman entrepreneur who has faced her fair share of challenges and risks, I feel a responsibility to address these harmful comments. Moreover, as a mother to black children, it's crucial to speak out against perpetuating stereotypes, especially when it's coming from one (white) woman about another (Black) woman.

The claim that someone should stay in their lane is essentially a projection of the individual's small perception of themselves. We shouldn't be putting people into boxes, whether it's about their music, their work, or even their role in motherhood. We are here to expand, evolve, and try new things.

Now, if you're in a position of influence, be it as an entrepreneur, mentor, or guide, remember the sacred responsibility that comes with it. Your words carry weight, and they can either inspire or discourage those who look up to you.

Putting someone in a box not only limits their creative expression but also goes against the universal commandment of being fully expressed as individuals. The journey to self-expression involves shedding old layers and making space for the new, for your soul's expression.

I'm currently diving into an audiobook on creativity, and it emphasizes that some of the best art can be polarizing. Not everyone has to like it, and that's perfectly fine. Our world needs a spectrum of voices, flavors, and expressions.

So, instead of limiting others, let's be aware of our reactions and thoughts when we encounter such statements. Here are a few questions for you to ponder: 1) Can you cheer for others when they take risks? 2) Can you allow yourself and others to step outside of boxes and labels?, and 3) Can you embrace people's highest possibilities?

It's time to break free from the old paradigm, hold visions of highest possibilities, and create a world where diversity and creativity flourish. 

And by the way, have you heard Beyoncé's latest country tracks? They're on repeat in my car, and yes, I'm officially a country music fan in 2024. #influenced.

Now, it's not my usual style to dive into internet drama, but sometimes, you come across something that hits close to home. Recently, I stumbled upon a post on Facebook where someone suggested that “Beyoncé should stick to her own lane and stay out of country music.” Now, this struck a chord with me, not just because I'm a fan of Beyoncé, but because it's reflective of a mindset that we should have left behind by now.

Let's break this down together and understand why such comments are not just harmful, but also a reflection of someone's own limiting beliefs. As we enter 2024, it's high time we move away from shrinking ourselves and others based on preconceived notions.

As a woman entrepreneur who has faced her fair share of challenges and risks, I feel a responsibility to address these harmful comments. Moreover, as a mother to black children, it's crucial to speak out against perpetuating stereotypes, especially when it's coming from one (white) woman about another (Black) woman.

The claim that someone should stay in their lane is essentially a projection of the individual's small perception of themselves. We shouldn't be putting people into boxes, whether it's about their music, their work, or even their role in motherhood. We are here to expand, evolve, and try new things.

Now, if you're in a position of influence, be it as an entrepreneur, mentor, or guide, remember the sacred responsibility that comes with it. Your words carry weight, and they can either inspire or discourage those who look up to you.

Putting someone in a box not only limits their creative expression but also goes against the universal commandment of being fully expressed as individuals. The journey to self-expression involves shedding old layers and making space for the new, for your soul's expression.

I'm currently diving into an audiobook on creativity, and it emphasizes that some of the best art can be polarizing. Not everyone has to like it, and that's perfectly fine. Our world needs a spectrum of voices, flavors, and expressions.

So, instead of limiting others, let's be aware of our reactions and thoughts when we encounter such statements. Here are a few questions for you to ponder: 1) Can you cheer for others when they take risks? 2) Can you allow yourself and others to step outside of boxes and labels?, and 3) Can you embrace people's highest possibilities?

It's time to break free from the old paradigm, hold visions of highest possibilities, and create a world where diversity and creativity flourish. 

And by the way, have you heard Beyoncé's latest country tracks? They're on repeat in my car, and yes, I'm officially a country music fan in 2024. #influenced.