School of Self-Image

Challenging the Status Quo: The Power of Asking Why

One of the key themes discussed in the podcast episode is the importance of challenging the status quo by asking why and questioning what we have accepted as normal. Tonya Leigh emphasizes the significance of questioning the beliefs and norms that have been ingrained in us without critical examination.

Tonya shares a personal anecdote from her childhood where she questioned the teachings in Sunday school, demonstrating her early inclination to challenge the status quo. She highlights how questioning the norms around her led her to develop a mindset of curiosity and critical thinking, which ultimately shaped her ability to challenge societal norms and expectations.

Join her at the School of Self-Image where personal development meets style, and learn how the audacity to ask can open unexpected doors in your life and career.

Talking Points:

01:00 - Gratitude Amidst Chaos

02:31 - Childhood Memories and Aspirations

04:17 - The Power of Asking: Transforming Lives

06:00 - Questioning Societal Rules and Norms

09:53 - Questioning Religious Teachings

10:12 - Fighting for Possibilities: How Can I?

12:27 - The Importance of Quality Questions

14:45 - Shifting Focus: From Limitations to Possibilities

16:08 - Overcoming Self-Sufficiency and Asking for Help

18:29 - The Role of Rejection in Asking

20:36 - Observing Others: The Power of Asking

23:02 - The ATM Machine Analogy

24:11 - Expansive Energy: The Audacity to Ask and Receive

25:09 - Invitation to Join the Private Podcast Series

Quotes:

 "Learning to ask the right questions of yourself and others can open doors you never knew existed."

"If you have the audacity to ask, your life will begin to change in the most beautiful of ways."

"Energy is everything, my friends, everything. Where your attention goes is where your energy is flowing."

"I ask for help. I ask for what I want."

 "The more willing you are to ask for what you want, are you also more willing to give without any kind of resentment?"

"I want you to see you as an ATM machine."

 "A beautiful life requires you."

Useful Resources:

12-Week Private Podcast Series: https://schoolofselfimage.com/why/

FREE Training: https://schoolofselfimage.com/after/

FREE Download: https://schoolofselfimage.com/self-image-manifesto/

Sign up for the weekly Edit: https://schoolofselfimage.com/edit/

Connect with Self-Image Coach, Tonya Leigh:

Website: https://schoolofselfimage.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyaleigh

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TonyaLeighOfficial

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thetonyaleigh

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TonyaLeighOfficial

Failing Forward: Lessons in Style and Business

Failure is often viewed negatively, but in this episode, Carmin and Sherry Black share with host Tonya Leigh their stories of failure and how they turned it into a stepping stone to success. Carmin explained how her business, Half United, faced a setback due to a manufacturing defect that resulted in a lawsuit. She realized that the failure was not solely due to external factors but also stemmed from her own decisions and priorities. 

Similarly, Sherry Black shared her experiences of encountering obstacles and setbacks in her career as an interior and furniture designer. From relocating from Hawaii to Alaska to launching restaurants in Raleigh, Sherry faced various challenges along the way. However, she emphasized the importance of embracing failure and using it as a learning experience. 

Both Carmen and Sherry's narratives illustrate the significance of embracing failure as a stepping stone toward success. By acknowledging their mistakes, learning from them, and making necessary adjustments, they were able to evolve, grow, and ultimately achieve their goals. Their stories serve as a reminder that failure is not the end but a valuable opportunity for growth and improvement in future endeavors.

Talking Points:

02:45 Stylish careers.

05:15 Childhood fascination with glamorous decor.

09:42 Fashion faux pas anecdote.

14:32 Individuality and self-expression.

18:34 Starting a business with $200.

24:05 Bullets turned into jewelry.

28:39 Overcoming failure and resilience.

30:40 Manufacturing challenges and growth decisions.

38:33 Embracing challenges for growth.

44:25 The impact of personal style.

52:13 Taking risks in business.

59:25 Experience stacking.

01:05: Entrepreneurial mindset and resiliency.

01:16: Signature style preferences.

01:22: Mr. Rogers obsession.

01:23: The value of simplicity.

01:27: Setting daily goals for success.

01:30:58 Imagine possibilities beyond limits.

Quotes:

"Yeah. Yeah, Christian, my brother and I, when we started our first brand, we had no money. I am talking no money. Big money buying mugs from Salvation Army."

"You can still look chic in your workout Clothes, you know a cute little ponytail and put on some lip gloss and you've changed the whole vibe."

"Style is timeless and it starts with you."

Useful Resources:

12-Week Private Podcast Series: https://schoolofselfimage.com/why

FREE Training: https://schoolofselfimage.com/after

FREE Download: https://schoolofselfimage.com/self-image-manifesto

Sign up for the weekly Edit: https://schoolofselfimage.com/edit

Connect with Self-Image Coach, Tonya Leigh:

Website: https://schoolofselfimage.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyaleigh

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TonyaLeighOfficial

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thetonyaleigh

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TonyaLeighOfficial

Unleashing Your Inner Style: My Summer of Self-Expression

Style is not just about clothing and accessories; it is a powerful tool for self-expression that can transform how we experience the world. In the podcast episode, Tonya Leigh discusses how style goes beyond fashion choices and can impact various aspects of our lives. She emphasizes that style is a mindset that can influence how we express ourselves and interact with the world around us.

Tonya Leigh shares her personal journey of how embracing style has changed her life and helped her become more confident and intentional in her self-expression. By paying attention to the details of her style choices, she has been able to rewrite her story and create a more joyful and fulfilling life.

Join Tonya on this journey of self-discovery and learn how style can be a powerful tool for personal growth and transformation.

Talking Points:

00:52 - Designing Your Dream Summer 01:46 - How Style Changed My Life 03:01 - A Decade of Study and Exploration 03:23 - Diana Vreeland: Inspiration and Creativity 04:18 - Why Don't You: New Private Podcast Series 06:05 - Joyful Self-Expression 07:20 - Attracting Like-Minded People 08:18 - Dressing with Intention 12:45 - Telling Your Story Through Style 16:26 - Style Evolution and Growth 18:03 - Daily Attention to Details

Quotes:

"What if the secret to a more joyful, confident life was hidden in the details you've been overlooking?"

"I want to use style to help birth this next version of me."

"You have to be willing to repel people."

"Your style choices are telling a story about who you are and who you aspire to be. Style is your visual autobiography."

"I used to think happiness was a fairy tale forever, just out of reach. I felt stuck a lot of the times helpless and like I was constantly failing."

"Perhaps that last point is the most important because I've found that if we're not mindful, we can get so caught up in the big, the big goals."

Useful Resources:

12 Week Private Podcast Series:  https://schoolofselfimage.com/why

FREE Training: https://schoolofselfimage.com/after

FREE Download: https://schoolofselfimage.com/self-image-manifesto

Sign up for the weekly Edit: https://schoolofselfimage.com/edit

Connect with Self-Image Coach, Tonya Leigh:

Website: https://schoolofselfimage.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyaleigh

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TonyaLeighOfficial

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thetonyaleigh

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TonyaLeighOfficial

Emotional Residency: Packing Up Your Life for Joyful Reinvention

Assessing what parts of our lives we are ready to leave behind and what we want to bring along as we move forward is a crucial aspect of personal growth and transformation. In a podcast episode, Tonya Leigh discusses the process of packing up her belongings as she prepares to move to a new house. This physical act of packing serves as a metaphor for the emotional and mental process of evaluating what serves us and what no longer aligns with our current goals and values.

She emphasizes the importance of being intentional about what we choose to bring along on our journey. This includes not only physical items but also emotional baggage, old beliefs, and outdated thought patterns. By taking the time to assess these aspects of our lives, we can make conscious decisions about what to let go of and what to hold onto as we move forward.

Join Tanya as she shares her own emotional journey of packing up her current home and moving into a new chapter.

Talking Points:

00:30 - Introduction to Packing Up and Moving On

05:30 - Emotional Baggage and Letting Go

10:33 - Sunken Cost Fallacy and Letting Go

15:19 - Packing Up for the Future

18:41 - Moving into a New Chapter

22:47 - Joyful Reinvention through Packing Up and Moving On

Quotes:

"This has been about me deciding what parts of myself I'm ready to leave behind, what things I'm ready to let go of, and equally, what I'm ready to move towards."

"I had divorce papers, I had emails, I had things that when I read them, I was like, oh my goodness, like, who was I and who was my ex because we both had grown up."

"Does this spark joy? Does this belong in my future? Does this excite me? Does this align with my values? Does it represent who I am today?"

"Your brain doesn't know what it's like to walk through the world feeling like you are deserving."

"I believe that packing up and moving on, whether it's metaphorically or it's reality, is one of the most powerful tools for joyful reinvention."

"But then I discovered a simple shift. Or three, that changed everything."

Useful Resources:

FREE Training: https://schoolofselfimage.com/after

FREE Download: https://schoolofselfimage.com/self-image-manifesto

Sign up for the weekly Edit: http://schoolofselfimage.com/edit

Connect with Self-Image Coach, Tonya Leigh:

Website: https://schoolofselfimage.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyaleigh

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TonyaLeighOfficial

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thetonyaleigh

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TonyaLeighOfficial

Creating Magic in Everyday Moments: A Guide to Romanticizing Your Life

Romanticizing your life involves being mindful and appreciating the present moment. Host and Master Self-Image Coach Tonya Leigh emphasizes the importance of being present and mindful to romanticize your life in this weeks School of Self-Image podcast. She highlights the significance of slowing down, being with yourself, and appreciating the details of your life. By being fully present in the moment, you can tend to the details of your life and truly appreciate the joyous moments that may otherwise be overlooked.

Tonya also stresses the practice of slowing down and being present with oneself or those around you. By taking the time to truly be present with yourself and others, you can cultivate a deeper sense of appreciation for the blessings in your life. This involves not being distracted by worries about the future or regrets about the past, but rather focusing on the beauty and goodness that the present moment offers.

Tune in to discover how you can infuse your daily life with meaning and enjoy the present moment rather than rushing toward the future.

Talking Points:

01:00 - Introduction to Romanticizing Your Life

05:30 - Philosophical Perspectives on Romanticizing Your Life

08:32 - Benefits of Romanticizing Your Life

09:16 - Embracing Adventure in Everyday Situations

11:34 - Importance of Mindfulness in Romanticizing Your Life

17:06 - Morning Routine for Romanticizing Your Life

21:18 - Importance of Self-Appreciation in Romanticizing Your Life

25:38 - Balancing Idealism and Realism in Romanticizing Your Life

29:03 - Finding Joy in Work and Daily Activities

31:31 - Building Meaningful Connections and Appreciating Moments

32:45 - Slowing Down and Being Present in Your Life

Quotes:

"Romance is not something that you have to wait until one day to have. In fact, to create a romantic life, it requires that you start right now."

"I will tell you, learning to romanticize my life has been one of the biggest gifts that I've given myself."

"You can filter it in a way that makes you feel optimistic, that makes you feel full of gratitude, that makes you feel abundant."

"I chose to create this alternative universe that I could live in. That's full of adventure. That's full of opportunities. It's full of surprises."

"Looking for the blessing, looking for the joy, looking for the love, looking for the abundance. It's there if you're looking for it."

"Love on yourself more if you want to romanticize your life."

"Really, romanticizing your life is not that hard. It's about you being awake. It's about you appreciating. It's about you tending to the details of your life. And most importantly, it's about loving yourself."

"Appreciate all of the goodness that life offers."

Useful Resources:

FREE Training: https://schoolofselfimage.com/after

FREE Download: https://schoolofselfimage.com/self-image-manifesto

Sign up for the weekly Edit: http://schoolofselfimage.com/edit

Connect with Self-Image Coach, Tonya Leigh:

Website: https://schoolofselfimage.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyaleigh

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TonyaLeighOfficial

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thetonyaleigh

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TonyaLeighOfficial

The Truth About Confidence: 5 Myths Exposed

Confidence is often misunderstood, and host Tonya Leigh debunks five prevalent myths surrounding it in this episode. I encourage listeners to build a confident relationship with themselves and to understand that doubt is a natural part of the journey. Confidence in your abilities will grow over time through repeated actions and experiences.

Tonya dives into the topic of confidence, debunking five common myths surrounding it. She shares personal stories about her journey to self-assurance and highlights that while confidence is desirable, it is not mandatory for living an incredible life. Tanya encourages listeners to pursue their dreams even in the face of self-doubt, emphasizing that confidence can be cultivated through thoughts and actions. Tune in to challenge your beliefs about confidence and discover the power of embracing the unknown in your journey towards self-assurance.

Talking Points:

00:40 - What is Confidence? 01:02 - Confidence is Overrated 01:13 - Action Before Confidence 01:58 - Myth 1: Confidence is Needed for Amazing Things 03:16 - Self-Assurance Over Confidence 04:08 - Personal Story: First Mastermind Retreat 05:54 - Building Confidence Through Repetition 07:01 - Myth 2: Confidence Comes from External Validation 09:02 - Building Self-Trust 10:32 - Myth 3: Confidence Requires Being the Smartest and Loudest 11:57 - True Confidence is Comfort with Oneself 12:29 - Myth 4: Confidence Equals Arrogance 13:56 - Confidence Has Nothing to Prove 15:02 - Myth 5: Confident People Never Doubt Themselves 16:36 - Doubt as a Companion to Confidence

Quotes:

"And honestly, I sort of think confidence is overrated, even though I want you all to feel it."

"There is a big difference. And a lot of you are trying to have confidence in something that you've never done before. And it is practically impossible."

"It becomes this thing that needs to be fed from the outside world."

"Confidence has nothing to prove."

 "Doubt is not a reason to stop. It's a reason to keep going."

"Confidence comes from just believing and trusting in yourself."

Useful Resources:

FREE Training: https://schoolofselfimage.com/after

FREE Download: https://schoolofselfimage.com/self-image-manifesto

Sign up for the weekly Edit: http://schoolofselfimage.com/edit

Connect with Self-Image Coach, Tonya Leigh:

Website: https://schoolofselfimage.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyaleigh

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TonyaLeighOfficial

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thetonyaleigh

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TonyaLeighOfficial

Soul Cravings: The Path to Joy and Fulfillment

 Pay attention to your soul cravings and align with your core values, strengths, and passions for deep fulfillment. In the podcast episode, Tonya Leigh emphasizes the importance of listening to your soul's cravings, which originate from the deepest part of you and are in harmony with your core values, strengths, and passions. These cravings differ from societal cravings influenced by external expectations and norms. By paying attention to your soul cravings, you can experience a profound sense of purpose, joy, and alignment in your life.

Tonya shares her personal journey of discovering her soul cravings, such as a desire to learn about the world, feel at home in different cultures, and explore various cuisines. By following these cravings, she was able to align with her true self and move towards her North Star. She highlights the contrast between societal cravings, which may offer temporary approval or success but lack deep fulfillment, and soul cravings, which lead to a sense of purpose and joy.

She encourages listeners to pay attention to their own cravings and explore what their soul truly longs for in life.

Talking Points:

00:39 - Tanya's New York City Experience 01:55 - Identifying Your Cravings 02:36 - Personal Development Journey 03:08 - Essential Self vs. Social Self 04:12 - Excavating Your True Self 05:06 - Following Soul Cravings 06:08 - Discovering Worldly Cravings 07:00 - Societal vs. Soul Cravings 10:03 - Discomfort in Following Cravings 12:12 - Recognizing Soul Cravings 13:05 - Creating Space for Soul Cravings 14:10 - Developing Self-Trust 15:37 - Paying Attention to Intuition and Body 21:02 - Practical Exercise: Mood Boards 24:04 - Energy from Soul Cravings

Quotes:

"By listening to my soul's cravings, not my societal cravings, but my soul's cravings, has led me towards my North Star."

"I believe in honoring your soul cravings."

"You will know a soul craving because it will bring you joy. Even if it's hard, it'll bring you so much joy and satisfaction."

"You have to be the one that puts up a red velvet rope around your mind, around your soul, so that you can hear you again, so that you can listen and pay attention to what you're being nudged towards and what you're being nudged away from."

"That's not it. I just moved away from my sweet spot."

"What is that one thing that your soul is craving right now? Listen, it's trying to speak to you. Pay attention."

"Unleash your inner powerhouse."

Useful Resources:

FREE Training: https://schoolofselfimage.com/after

FREE Download: https://schoolofselfimage.com/self-image-manifesto

Sign up for the weekly Edit: http://schoolofselfimage.com/edit

Connect with Self-Image Coach, Tonya Leigh:

Website: https://schoolofselfimage.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyaleigh

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TonyaLeighOfficial

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thetonyaleigh

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TonyaLeighOfficial

Overcoming Overwhelm: What to Do When You're Drowning in Your To-Do's

One of the key insights from the podcast episode is the understanding that overwhelm is an emotion created by the thoughts in our heads. Host and Master Self-Image Coach Tonya Leigh explains that when we feel overwhelmed, we are often in a state of fight or flight, where our sympathetic nervous system is activated. This heightened state of stress and panic can make it challenging to think clearly and find solutions to our overwhelming to-do lists.

To manage overwhelm effectively, Tonya suggests accessing the parasympathetic nervous system. This system is responsible for rest and digest functions, promoting a state of calm and relaxation. By engaging the parasympathetic nervous system, we can counteract the fight or flight response and regain clarity of thought. She reflects on her own journey through overwhelm and provides tools to help listeners manage and conquer their to-do lists effectively.

If you've ever felt like you're drowning in tasks, this episode is a must-listen for practical advice and inspiration.

Talking Points:

00:00 - Introduction to Feeling Overwhelmed

05:30 - Overcoming Overwhelm with Self-Care

0:22 - Filtering To-Do List with the Four D's

13:04 - Providing Clarity through Scheduling

4:06 - Releasing Perfectionism for Productivity

16:28 - Embracing the Journey, Not the Destination

18:26 - Celebrating Choices and Finding Inner Peace

20:10 - Empowering Action with Dream Life Masterclass

Quotes:

"What to do when you feel like you're drowning in your to-do's."

"I want to be like that bird. I want to be able to find my stillness.

"Who you're being is up to you."

"Because if you take action off of guilt and fear over and over, you're just building a life that feels like a prison."

"Tonya, you're never going to be done. So stop trying to get to that place that doesn't exist and learn to enjoy the day that you're in."

Useful Resources:

FREE Training: https://schoolofselfimage.com/after

FREE Download: https://schoolofselfimage.com/self-image-manifesto

Sign up for the weekly Edit: http://schoolofselfimage.com/edit

Connect with Self-Image Coach, Tonya Leigh:

Website: https://schoolofselfimage.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyaleigh

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TonyaLeighOfficial

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thetonyaleigh

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TonyaLeighOfficial

Life's Highs and Lows: Discovering Your Path to Alignment

Being outside of your comfort zone and navigating through that phase successfullly requires curiosity and self-reflection. This episode delves into the concept of embracing life's lows as much as you yearn for the highs. Tonya Leigh stresses that straying from your comfort zone is a natural part of the journey and should not be seen as a setback. Being outside of your comfort zone and navigating through that phase successfullly requires curiosity and self-reflection.

Tonya underscores the importance of not being too hard on yourself when you're not in your comfort zone. Instead, she urges listeners to embrace it, stay curious about themselves, and extract the lessons that being out of the comfort zone can offer. By embracing the lows, one can savor the highs even more when they arrive.

The analogy of trying on different outfits is used to illustrate the process of finding what suits you best in life. Just like trying on clothes to find the perfect fit, life is about experimenting and trying new things to discover what resonates with your values and essence. T

This mindset fosters growth, self-discovery, and the chance to correct course when necessary. Tonya's message inspires listeners to value the contrast between highs and lows, understanding that both experiences contribute to personal growth and a deeper self-awareness.

Talking Points:

01:24 Finding your sweet spot.

04:58 Embracing Life's Ups and Downs.

11:09 Core values and connection.

17:12 Living in your sweet spot.

22:23 Making tough decisions about change.

30:44 Joyful reinvention and self-image.

35:08 Embracing life's contrasts.

39:27 Feeling stuck and stagnant.

Quotes:

"I'm feeling so at peace. I'm feeling so excited about the future. I'm feeling healthier. I'm feeling vibrant. I feel like I'm in my sweet spot."

"But unfortunately, what a lot of people do is they just continuously focus on what they don't want."

"You're more motivated. You're more excited about your life. You feel more aligned."

"Every moment is a chance to turn back to you."

"Clarity comes through action."

"What if you learn to embrace the lows as much as you crave the highs?"

Useful Resources:

FREE Training: https://schoolofselfimage.com/powerfully-ever-after/

FREE Download: https://schoolofselfimage.com/self-image-manifesto/

Sign up for the weekly Edit: http://schoolofselfimage.com/edit

Connect with Self-Image Coach, Tonya Leigh:

Website: https://schoolofselfimage.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyaleigh

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TonyaLeighOfficial

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thetonyaleigh

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TonyaLeighOfficial

Creating Intentional Self-Image Events for Personal Growth

Self-image events play a crucial role in shaping our identities, as discussed in the podcast episode. These events can be intentional or unexpected, and reflecting on both types from our past is essential for personal growth and self-awareness.

Intentional self-image events are experiences or activities that we consciously choose with the purpose of changing our self-image and identity. By setting extraordinary goals and immersing ourselves in new environments, we challenge our existing beliefs, push beyond personal boundaries, and facilitate the development of new skills and perspectives. These intentional events are designed to push us out of our comfort zones and help us evolve into a new way of being in the world.  Embracing intentional self-image events can be a catalyst for personal development and lead to a more empowered and fulfilling life.

Join in to explore how moments, both intentional and unexpected, shape our identities and help us evolve personally.

Talking Points:

02:58 - Understanding Self-Image Events

04:03 - Childhood and Self-Image Formation

06:09 - Conflicting Identities: Pageants and Church

07:03 - Overcoming Negative Self-Image from Bullying

08:05 - Gaining Power Through Understanding Self-Image

10:02 - Adult Unexpected Self-Image Event

12:10 - Cognitive Dissonance and Self-Imag

14:08 - Adapting Self-Image to New Realities 

17:13 - Negative Self-Image Events and Recover

19:00 - Compassion in the Face of Self-Image Challenges

20:05 - Creating Intentional Self-Image Events

27:45 - Intentional Self-Image Events for Future Growth

Quotes:

"Life is about all of it. And I've just come to the understanding that embracing that is the secret to true fulfillment."

"I always felt like I was sinning and I was going to go straight to hell."

"The scared little girl in me trying to protect herself from the world. But as the adult me, I've got me."

"This is too good to be true. This surely isn't going to work out. This isn't as good as it seems to be."

"There's going to be so much cognitive dissonance between your beliefs about yourself and your actions."

"When I started to look for the commonalities, it lessened the cognitive dissonance, which allowed me to entertain saying yes to this opportunity that would shape my self-image in a whole different way."

Useful Resources:

FREE Training: https://schoolofselfimage.com/powerfully-ever-after/

FREE Download: https://schoolofselfimage.com/self-image-manifesto/

Sign up for the weekly Edit: http://schoolofselfimage.com/edit

Connect with Self-Image Coach, Tonya Leigh:

Website: https://schoolofselfimage.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyaleigh

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TonyaLeighOfficial

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thetonyaleigh

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TonyaLeighOfficial