My strong is saying yes only when it aligns with the life I'm creating for myself.

Welcome to Day 1 of the :me-first'" series! Today, we're tackling the dark side of saying yes. Ever felt overwhelmed and exhausted from always being the go-to person? I know I have. In this episode, I share my personal journey of learning to say no and the impact it had on my life.

I discuss why saying yes all the time can lead to burnout and stress and why it's crucial to put yourself first. I'll give you practical tips on how to start saying no, setting boundaries, and protecting your time and energy.

If you're ready to stop overextending yourself and create a 'me-first' life, this episode is for you! Plus, learn more about our upcoming Un-caped workshop on July 30th, where we'll dive even deeper into these strategies. Save your seat with the link in the bio or check the show notes if you're listening on the podcast. Let's reclaim our time and energy together!

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My strong is choosing me-first!

Introducing "Me-First," a life-changing 30-day series designed to help you create the best "me-first" life ever. We're not waiting until December to start making changes. It's time to prioritize your happiness and well-being right now. Join us as we dive into daily tips and encouragement to move yourself back to the top of your list where you belong. Subscribe, share with your girls, and get ready to reclaim your life. Your journey to a "me-first" life starts today.

 

Stay Connected with All Things Shades of Strong and the Black Female Experience:

 - Register for the "Uncpaed" Workshop

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 - Listener Survey: Share your feedback with us HERE.

My strong is sacred

Join us for this enlightening episode with Deneen Tyler as we dive into the heart of healing, focusing on the feminine experience. We explore the nuances of Black womanhood, discussing how to reclaim your power, nurture your emotions, and finding balance in feminine and masculine energy. Deneen's insights and wisdom will inspire you to reconnect with your true self.

Episode Highlights:

Healing the Feminine: Deneen shares her personal healing journey and provides deep insights into the roots of feminine wounds and their lasting effects on Black women.

Impact of Childhood Experiences and Religion: Explore how childhood experiences and religious influences shape our understanding of feminine and masculine energy, and how these factors contribute to our overall well-being.

Navigating the Duality of Energies:  Deneen discusses the duality of feminine and masculine energies, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and balancing these forces in our lives.

Addressing Toxic Masculine Energy:  The impact of toxic masculine energy on the feminine experience and discover ways to protect and nurture your feminine energy.

This episode is a must-listen for Black women who want to nurture their feminine energy.

Deneen Tyler BA MDiv. is a former Mental Health professional turned Spiritual Wellness Coach. She has a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Psychology, a Masters in Divinity and over 15 years of experience supporting adults and children with developing wellness practices. Deneen has spent the last 5 years honing her Tarot divination and skills and spiritual practice rooted in African Spirituality (to include Ancestor veneration, Altar work and the like). She currently uses Mental Health and Tarot to help women identify trauma responses rooted in "mommy wounds". She also hosts Sistar Healing Circles to help women reprogram their mindset and habits so they can live a healthier and happier life.

Connect with Deneen:  Instagram and X: @woman1sh_intuition |  YouTube  | Website

Stay Connected with All Things Shades of Strong and the Black Female Experience:

 - Register for the "Uncpaed" Workshop

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My strong is finding healing and wholeness

Join us for a profound episode with Dr. LaSondra Barnes, a life and spiritual coach specializing in the effects of rejection and self-image, as we dig into the complexities of the father wound. Dr. LaSondra guides us through understanding the origins of the father wound and its lasting effects on daughters. We explore the journey from recognizing the father wound to embarking on a path of healing and self-discovery. Dr. LaSondra shares invaluable insights and strategies for healing, emphasizing the importance of self-awarness, compassion, and forgiveness.

Episode Highlights:

Understanding the Father Wound: Dr. LaSondra Barnes provides deep insights into the origins of the father wound and how it affects individuals, particularly daughters, throughout their lives.

How the Father Wound Shapes our Sense of Self and Independence: Dr. LaSondra Barnes explores how the father wound impacts our self-concept and sense of independence, offering guidance on reclaiming a healthy self-image without becoming hyper-independenct.

Healing Strategies and Insights: Explore practical strategies and valuable insights from Dr. LaSondrea on how to heal from the wound, including the importance of self-awareness, compassion, and forgiveness.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the father wound and learn how to navigate its impact on your life.

Dr. LaSondra Barnes is the founder and CEO of Royal One Enterprise, an empower mentor company equipping women with the confidence to embrace the ROYAL one within by discovering their purpose, embracing their identity, and engaging faith tenaciously. As a life coach, she helps women overcome the effects of rejection and self-image concerns to confidently enhance their identity narrative, build their faith, and live intentionally. Moreover, Dr. LaSondra is the Director of the Master of Arts in Ministry and Formational Leadership programs and an Assistant Professor at Lancaster Bible College | Capital Seminary and Graduate School. Dr. LaSondra holds a Doctorate in Ministry from George Fox University. She is the author of Rejected to Accepted: Learning to Love Myself After Adversity, and Host of the Royal One Podcast.

Connect with Dr. LaSondra:  Instagram and X: @MsRoyalty143  Facebook: Dr. LaSondra Barnes

Links mentioned: Royal One Enterprise | Rejected to Accepted: Learning to Love Myself After Adversity  | Royal One Podcast

Stay Connected with All Things Shades of Strong and the Black Female Experience:

 - Register for the "Uncpaed" Workshop

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My strong is grace, healing and forgiveness.

Join us for a deeply insightful episode with Tigest Beyene, as she bravely shares her journey from hurt to healing. Tigest's story is one of 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, having endured domestic gun violence and the long-lasting effects of trauma. What makes Tigest's story so remarkable is her realization, eight years later, that she had been 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐧, 𝐧𝐮𝐦𝐛 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬. This powerful moment of self-discovery marks the beginning of her healing journey, where she learns to sit with her pain and find forgiveness. In this episode, she discusses the profound impact of her realization and the transformative power of forgiveness and community support in her healing process.

Episode Highlights:

The Power of Forgiveness: Tigest shares how forgiveness has been a crucial part of her healing journey, sharing personal stories and practical advice on embracing forgiveness in one's life.

Building a Support Network: Emphasizing the critical role of community support, we explore ways to build and maintain a strong network that can help navigate through trauma, featuring Tigest's experiences.

Tigest's Healing Journey: We dive deep into Tigest Beyene's personal journey to healing, discussing the challenges she faced and the strategies she used to overcome them.

Join us as Tigest shares her personal journey from hurt to heaaling and how forgivness and community support play a vital role in her healing.

Tigest Beyene is a versatile individual, blending introversion and extroversion in pursuit of personal and collective goals. Her emphasis on actions over mere talk reflects a commitment and supporting women.

Connect with Tigest:  Instagram: @lovetigest25

Links mentioned: Walk By Faith Documentary  |   Love, Sex and Sorrow

Stay Connected with All Things Shades of Strong and the Black Female Experience:

 - Register for the "Uncpaed" Workshop

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My strong is revealing the truth about mental health.

Today, we're joined by Donnita Hathaway, daughter of the legendary musician Donny Hathaway and founder of the Donny Hathaway Legacy Project, for a thoughtful conversation about navigating the many faces of mental health. In this episode, we discuss the complexities of mental health, focusing on unmasking mental health challenges and the significance of seeking support and building community. Just as Donny Hathaway's music unmasked deep emotions and truths, Donnita continues his legacy by shedding light on mental health challenges and the importance of seeking support and building community. 

Episode Highlights:

The Hidden Struggles: Donnita shares intimate stories of hidden struggles with mental health, reflecting on key moments that have influenced her life and well-being, particularly her experiences with her mother and father.

The Importance of Community: Discussion on the critical role of community support in fostering resilience and connection, and how to build a strong support network.

Lifespan Perspectives: Insights into how mental health concerns vary across different life stages, from childhood to older adulthood, and the tailored support needed.

Join us for this insightful conversation on unmasking the complexities of mental health and the power of community in navigating life's challenges.

Part of the Shades of Strong® archive — the birthplace of the Support Languages™ framework. This movement exists to help Black women move from carrying everything in silence to being supported, seen, and sustained in real life.

Donnita Hathaway is the founder of the Donny Hathaway Legacy Project, which is dedicated to the memory of her father, soul singer and songwriter Donny Hathaway. This organization provides holistic mental and emotional health-related education, advocacy and essential resources that are culturally relevant and accessible to support creative artists, Black communities and young people.

Connect with Donnita:  Instagram: @donnitacamille & @donnyhathawaylp

Links mentioned: Donny Hathaway Legacy Project 

Stay Connected with All Things Shades of Strong and the Black Female Experience:

 - Register for the "Uncpaed" Workshop

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My strong is priotizing my mental health.

Today, we're joined by Aubri McKoy for a thoughtful conversation about navigating the intersection of mental health and the Black female experience. As Black women, we understand the unique challenges and pressures we face when it comes to mental health. Get a glimpse into how we navigate societal expectations and find ways to prioritize our well-being. We each share a life experience that has negatively impacted our mental and, emotional well-being, shedding light on the unique challenges faced by Black women in navigating societal pressures. We discuss the importance of seeking support and prioritizing self-care, challenging the stigma surrounding mental health in our community.

Episode Highlights:

Impactful Experiences: We share intimate stories of our experiences and challenges as Black women, reflecting on key moments that have influenced our mental health and overall well-being.

Prioritizing Mental Health: Discussion on  the importance of prioritizing mental health and self-care, sharing strategies and practices for maintaining mental well-being in the face of societal pressures and expectations.

Reflection on Societal Expectations: Hear how we navigate these pressures and discover practical strategies for prioritizing our well-being.

Join us as we discuss impactful experiences, prioritizing mental health, and reflecting on societal expectations related to Mental health and the Black female experience, and visit our website for simialr topics that effect our menttal health such as Breaking Free from the Ride or Die Mentality.

Aubri McKoy is a #JerseyGirl with a passion for service, community, and connection. She is an innovative thinker and strategic problem-solver, always seeking to add value to any room she enters. Her personality is the perfect demonstration of the power of and, as she has eclectic taste and is truly undefined. She is both sassy and classy; planned and spontaneous; critical and loving. Aubri is the author of Anytime Talks, an online blog that is charged with “seeking healing through reflection.” Anytime Talks deals with a range of topics from relationships (platonic and other), coming of age, grief, triumph, and so much more. In 2024, Aubri aspires to take Anytime Talks from paper to podcast, and what better place to start than with Shades of Strong?

Connect with Aubri:  Instagram: @a.u.b_

Links mentioned: www.dfreefoundation.org/academy/

Stay Connected with All Things Shades of Strong and the Black Female Experience:

Register for the "Uncpaed" Workshop Connect on Social Media: We’re @shadesofstrong across all platforms | Listener Survey: Share your feedback with us HERE.

My strong is vulnerability and acceptance

Hey, sis! Shirl and Natty here! Today, we're joined by Traci Neal for an impactful conversation about navigating life on the spectrum. 

Traci shares her experience of being diagnosed with ADHD and Autism at the age of thirty-four and how she's leaning into vulnerability to support her in embracing the labels, highlighting the journey of self-acceptance and growth that will certainly resonate with Black women on a similar journey.

As Black women, we know that societal norms often pressure us to suppress our emotions and mold ourselves to fit certain molds. However, Traci's story reminds us that true strength lies in embracing our authentic selves, diagnoses and all, a message that resonates deeply with Black women who often face pressure to conform to societal norms.

Episode Highlights:

Discovering Diagnoses: Traci shares her journey of navigating a recent diagnosis of ADHD and Autism at the age of 34, revealing the freedom and new perspectives that came with understanding herself better.

Changing Views on Femininity and Vulnerability:How the diagnoses reshaped her perception of femininity and vulnerability, leading to a deeper understanding and acceptance of herself.

Unmasking and Embracing the Labels: Traci shares how she embraces her diagnoses, finding empowerment and a sense of identity in the labels that she once feared.

Blossoming Confidence: We discuss how her confidence has blossomed since receiving her diagnoses, highlighting the positive impact of self-discovery and self-acceptance.

Life Before and After: Traci offers insights into her life before the diagnoses and the profound shifts she has noticed since, revealing a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

Join us as we celebrate Traci's journey and reflect on the power of self-discovery and acceptance. This episode is a testament to the power of self-acceptance and growth, highlighting the importance of embracing our true selves.

Traci Neal is a neurodivergent spoken word artist listed on Poets & Writers residing in Columbia, SC. She is featured in The New York Times, Mahogany (Hallmark) writing community, The Elevation Review, 1619 Speaks Anthology in 2023 (Sims Library of Poetry), and many other media publications. In 2023, she was a Pushcart Prize Nominee for The Elevation Review, longlisted for the African Diaspora Award with Kinsman Quarterly, the second-place poetry winner of the National Career Development Association, and the second-place poetry winner of the South Carolina Career Development Association. Neal uses her poetry platform to help bring awareness to non-profits in need worldwide.

Connect with Traci Neal:

Website: www.tracinealspeakerpoet.com

Register for the "Uncaped" Virtual Workshop: Join us for a transformative experience where we'll redefine strength, let go of hyper-independence, and step into our true power. Reserve your spot today.

Join SOS Sista Circle Waitlist: Ready to break free from "I gotta do it all by myself" and embrace sistahood and community? Get on the waitlist for the Shades of Strong (SOS) Sista Circle and be the first to know when enrollment starts. Join a community of Black women redefining strength and support. This is a chance for you to connect with like-minded women on a journey of balance and fulfillment. Your journey to sisterhood starts here!

Join the Community: Join the Shades of Strong Email List, our community of like-minded Black women empowering themselves and each other. Stay in the loop on new episodes and access to insightful discussions, resources, and practical tips for Black women, addressing their unique challenges and celebrating their resilience.

Connect on Social Media: Follow Shades of Strong on social media for content exploring the Black female experience and stay updated on the latest episodes and community events. We’re @shadesofstrong across all platforms.

My strong is confronting the mother wound with resilience and grace.

Heeeeyyy!!!  Shirl and Natty here! Today, we're joined by Alyson Brown for a deep dive into a topic that deeply resonates with a lot of  Black women, the mother wound.

Alyson walks us through what it is, how it impacts us, and strategies for healing.

We know that navigating the complexities of our relationships with our mothers can be challenging; and society often portrays Black women as strong and invincible, but we’re here to acknowledge that we also carry wounds that need healing.

Episode Highlights:

Defining the Mother Wound: We discuss what the mother wound is and how it manifests in our lives, shaping our identities and relationships.

Navigating and Healing: Our guest, Alyson Brown, shares her personal journey of navigating and healing from the mother wound, offering insights and wisdom.

Perpetuating the Strong Black Woman Trope: We explore how the mother wound contributes to the strong Black woman stereotype, affecting our mental health and well-being.

Correlation with Religion: Alyson shines a light on how religious upbringing can influence our relationships with our mothers and our views on strength and vulnerability.

Join us for this heartfelt conversation as we acknowledge the complexities of the mother wound and explore pathways to healing. This episode is a reminder that it’s okay to confront our vulnerabilities and seek healing, ultimately embracing our strength as Black women.

Alyson Brown is the creator of Healing From A Mother Wound, and the host of Shades of Brown Podcast. She is a mother wound healing coach who advocates for emotional wellness & healthy family relationships. She’s been featured on the Woman Evolve podcast and honored by Impact Magazine. Alyson is quite intentional about being a safe space for anyone she interacts with, and her podcast and mother wound healing coaching are extensions of that – safe spaces where people are seen, heard, and valued.

Connect with Alyson Brown:

Website: www.everythingalyb.com

IG/FB/YouTube: @everythingalyb

TikTok: @motherwoundhealer

Register for the "Uncaped" Virtual Workshop: Join us for a transformative experience where we'll redefine strength, let go of hyper-independence, and step into our true power. Reserve your spot today.

Join SOS Sista Circle Waitlist: Ready to break free from "I gotta do it all by myself" and embrace sistahood and community? Get on the waitlist for the Shades of Strong (SOS) Sista Circle and be the first to know when enrollment starts. Join a community of Black women redefining strength and support. This is a chance for you to connect with like-minded women on a journey of balance and fulfillment. Your journey to sisterhood starts here!

Join the Community: Join the Shades of Strong Email List, our community of like-minded Black women empowering themselves and each other. Stay in the loop on new episodes and access to insightful discussions, resources, and practical tips for Black women, addressing their unique challenges and celebrating their resilience.

Connect on Social Media: Follow Shades of Strong on social media for content exploring the Black female experience and stay updated on the latest episodes and community events. We’re @shadesofstrong across all platforms.

Shop our Self-care Line in the Etsy shop where self-care is an art of nurturing the heart and soul. Our tools—mood trackers, journals, self-nurturing games, and coloring pages—are crafted to elevate your inner journey, inviting you to love your inner self as much as your outer self.

Listener Survey: Share your feedback with us HERE.

My strong is acknowledging my mistakes and holding myself accountable.

Hey there, it's Shirl and Natty! In this episode, we dive deep into a topic that hits close to home: acknowledging our vulnerabilities and mistakes, and the importance of taking accountability, especially within our Black female community.

We know how challenging it can be to navigate the pressures and expectations placed on us as Black women. Society often tells us that we have to be strong all the time, but we're here to say that it's okay to show our vulnerabilities and own up to our mistakes.

Episode Highlights:

Embracing Imperfection: Let's talk about why it's okay to not get it right every time and why strength is found in our ability to learn from our mistakes.

The Power of Acknowledgment: We share personal stories and insights on how acknowledging our mistakes can lead to personal growth and empowerment.

Breaking Toxic Patterns: Explore how accountability can help us break free from harmful cycles, paving the way for self-compassion and forgiveness.

Join us in this candid conversation as we explore what it means to be accountable, not just to others, but to ourselves. This episode is a reminder that our vulnerabilities are not weaknesses but a testament to our strength as Black women

Register for the "Uncaped" Virtual Workshop: Join us for a transformative experience where we'll redefine strength, let go of hyper-independence, and step into our true power. Reserve your spot today.

Join the Community: Join the Shades of Strong Email List, our community of like-minded Black women empowering themselves and each other. Stay in the loop on new episodes and access to insightful discussions, resources, and practical tips for Black women, addressing their unique challenges and celebrating their resilience.

Connect on Social Media: Follow Shades of Strong on social media for content exploring the Black female experience and stay updated on the latest episodes and community events. We’re @shadesofstrong across all platforms.

Shop our Self-care Line in the Etsy shop where self-care is an art of nurturing the heart and soul. Our tools—mood trackers, journals, self-nurturing games, and coloring pages—are crafted to elevate your inner journey, inviting you to love your inner self as much as your outer self.

Listener Survey: Share your feedback with us HERE.