Sunday Sermon with Joshua Hood

How often do you pause on a Sunday—or any day—and actually check in with yourself before the noise of the world crashes back in?

Welcome to week three of Sunday Sermon.

Look around at the world right now. Between social pressure, endless comparison on social media, genocide, economic uncertainty, wars, global division, it’s really easy to just default to playing small or trying to not stand out from the crowd. We tend to naturally magnify the abilities of others, minimize our own unique gifts, and allow fear of judgment to limit our choices.

That’s why today’s topic from Chapter 3 of Satisfy Your Soul is an essential part of reclaiming your life.

The Beyoncé Lesson

Chapter 3 opens with a quote from Beyoncé: “The world will see you the way you see you, and treat you the way you treat yourself.”

Imagine Beyoncé as a shy child sitting after dance class, hearing her instructor hum a song. She had a choice in that moment: stay quiet out of self-doubt, or sing. She chose to sing. That single moment of courage altered the trajectory of her life, leading to over 160 million records sold and a historic legacy.

How many times have you allowed the voice of self-doubt to keep you quiet? Our natural tendency is to minimize our own strength and magnify the perceived abilities of everyone else. But that isn’t reality. You are braver than you believe,stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and twice as capable as you have ever imagined.

High Esteem

True self-confidence isn’t built on positive mantras or self talk alone; like trust, it is earned through action + time. There is a direct, unbreakable link between having high self-esteem and doing things of high esteem. When you live with integrity—when you keep your promises to yourself, do the right thing when no one is watching, do what you say you will do, and act in alignment with your deepest moral code—you build an unshakeable sense of self-respect. You always know who you truly are. You cannot genuinely respect yourself if your daily actions contradict your values. True confidence is the natural, beautiful byproduct of living a life of high moral integrity.

Unfuckwithable Confidence

In Chapter 3, I define a core mindset: Unfuckwithable Confidence.

It is the constant, quiet awareness of what an amazing, capable person you are—regardless of what others say, do, or think about you. What other people say and do has everything to do with what is going on inside their own minds, and almost nothing to do with you.

When you stop making other people’s opinions your business, fear loses its grip on your choices.

Eliminating Relationship Neediness

Confidence also fundamentally changes your relationships. When you lack self-love and self-approval, you become “needy” for external validation. You look to partners, friends, or employers to fill a void that only you can fill—which sabotages relationships before they even have a chance to thrive.

When you take inventory of what you like about yourself and build a healthy relationship with yourself first, you stop showing up needy. You begin to attract healthier, more fulfilling connections.

Homework for the Week

* Self-Approval Inventory: Sit down with a journal and make a physical list of 10 things you like about yourself and 5 things you are genuinely proud of achieving.

* Catch Self-Deprecation: Notice whenever you make a self-deprecating joke or minimize your abilities this week. Catch it, pause, and replace it with a positive affirmation of your strength.

* Practice Unfuckwithable Confidence: Step into one situation this week where you would normally stay quiet or seek approval, and own your space with calm certainty.

A Quick Note…

This podcast is based on the core principles of my upcoming book, Satisfy Your Soul: 10th Anniversary Revised & Expanded Edition. Packed with new chapters, practical tools, and resources, this edition is designed to help you begin living your biggest dreams.

While you wait for release day, October 29th, check out my new What Would Dolly Do? apparel line—with proceeds directly supporting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to bring books to children everywhere. Plus, if you need a moment of deep peace, my spoken-word guided meditation track, Sanctuary, is available now on Spotify, Apple Music, and all major streaming platforms.

Visit feelfreetogrow.com to pre-order the book, grab your merch, or stream Sanctuary today.

I will leave you with a Reflection for Your Week

“What is one dream or choice you have been putting off out of fear of what others might think, and how would you show up today if you operated from unfuckwithable confidence?”

Thank you for being here for Episode 3. Join me next Sunday for Episode 4 as we dive into the first BRAND NEW chapter in my new book, Chapter 4, titled A Higher Power, exploring how to reconnect with the sacred after walking away from rigid religious dogmas.

Until next week, take a deep breath, protect your peace, and satisfy your soul.

Warmly,

Joshua Hood

Get full access to Sunday Sermon with Joshua Hood at feelfreetogrow.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to week two of Sunday Sermon.

Look around at the world right now. Between global turmoil, political division, economic anxiety, and environmental shifts, harshness seems to be the background noise of daily life. And when the external world feels heavy, we often turn that harshness inward. We judge ourselves, carry old shame, and run on emotional fumes.

That is why today’s topic from Chapter 2 of Satisfy Your Soul is so vital: Self-Love.

The Power of Deep Appreciation

The legendary author Louise Hay—who had a profound impact on my life—spent decades counseling people through deep trauma, addiction, and crisis. She wrote: “After years of individual counseling with clients and conducting hundreds of workshops, I found that there is only one thing that heals every problem, and that is: to know how to love yourself”.

Self-love isn’t about arrogance or pretending you have it all together. Louise defined self-love as having a deep appreciation for who you are—right now, today, in the middle of all your mess. It is being fully aware of your flaws and still being able to look yourself in the eyes, smile, and know that you are worthy of love.

Three Practical Steps to Cultivate Self-Love

#1—Practice Mirror Work

Mirror Work is a simple, life-changing exercise. Stand in front of a mirror, take a deep breath, look yourself directly in the eyes, and say your name followed by: “I love you. I really, really love you, today”.

If saying that feels too intense or brings up emotion, start with: “I am willing to learn to love you today”. Practicing this daily rewires how you talk to yourself and brings new, loving actions to mind.

#2—Treat Yourself Intentionally

Self-love requires active pampering. Carve out time for a “me night” or a quiet hour. Turn off your phone, light a candle, put on soothing music, take a long hot shower, or listen to a guided meditation. Do the things that rarely make the cut on your daily to-do list.

A Quick Message From Our Sponsor

This podcast is built on the core principles of my upcoming book, Satisfy Your Soul: 10th Anniversary Revised & Expanded Edition. Packed with updated chapters, practical tools, and resources, this edition is designed to help you build radical self-trust and live your biggest dreams.

While you wait for release day, check out our new “What Would Dolly Do?” apparel line—with proceeds directly supporting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to bring books to children everywhere. Plus, if you need a moment of deep peace, my spoken-word guided meditation track, Sanctuary, is available now on Spotify, Apple Music, and all major streaming platforms.

Visit feelfreetogrow.com to pre-order the book, grab your merch, or stream Sanctuary today.

#3—Practice Forward Thinking

True self-love means choosing what your soul needs long-term over short-term numbing pleasures. After my divorce, I fell into a habit of drinking several nights a week to avoid dealing with pain. It eased my mind temporarily, but cost me sleep, health, energy, and peace of mind.

Realizing that self-defeating behavior was stealing my future was the turning point. Turning away from habits, commitments, or relationships that drain your energy—and stepping toward your goals instead—is the ultimate demonstration of self-love.

Homework for the Week

• Practice Mirror Work every day this week. Look yourself in the eyes and speak words of love or willingness to yourself.

• Listen to the track “I Am Worthy” by Chantress Seba.

• Plan one specific way to treat yourself this week.

A Reflection for Your Week

“What is one self-defeating behavior or harsh thought you are ready to let go of this week in order to show yourself true love?”

Thank you for being here for Episode 2. Join me next Sunday as we dive into Chapter 3: Self-Confidence and cultivating Unfuckwithable Confidence!

Take a deep breath, protect your peace, and satisfy your soul.

Warmly,

Joshua Hood

Get full access to Sunday Sermon with Joshua Hood at feelfreetogrow.substack.com/subscribe

How often do you pause on a Sunday—or any day—and actually check in with yourself before the noise of the world crashes back in?

Welcome to the very first edition of Sunday Sermon.

Look around right now. The weight of the world feels extraordinarily heavy. Between global turmoil, relentless news of conflict, corruption, environmental shifts, and political division, it is easy to feel completely drained. When times are tough, our instinct is often to push harder and run ourselves on fumes. But hard times require good self-care more than any.

That is why this space exists. Sunday Sermon is not a podium or a set of strict doctrines. It is a sanctuary. It’s a weekly moment for honest reflection, personal growth, self-care, and real conversation—a space to catch your breath, refuel, and reconnect with what actually matters.

Today marks the beginning of a 12-week journey where we will walk together through my book, Satisfy Your Soul: 10th Anniversary Revised & Expanded Edition. We are starting at the absolute beginning: Part 1: The Relationship with Yourself, starting with Chapter 1: Self-Care.

The Lesson in the Storm

Chapter 1 opens with a foundational truth from Eleanor Brown:

“Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.”

I learned this lesson in the middle of a tragedy. In April 2011, when a devastating outbreak of 368 tornadoes swept across the country, my hometown of Chattanooga took a massive hit. A family in the church I served lost two loved ones, including an infant. Overwhelmed by the tragedy, I threw myself into leading a 16-day disaster response effort, working 16-to-20-hour days, sending over 10,000 text messages, and completely ignoring my own basic needs.

I partnered with Sean Malone, founder of Crisis Response International (CRI), who brought in volunteers and equipment. During the outreach, Sean pulled me aside and gave me a crucial reality check: Taking care of yourself—sleeping, eating, praying, and spending time with family—is non-negotiable if you want to be of service to anyone else.

Just like the airline instruction to put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others, self-care isn’t a luxury—it is survival. Taking space to restore yourself right now isn’t turning your back on the world’s problems; it is how you gather the strength to face them and make a difference.

The Three Fundamentals of Healthy Living

Living your dreams and enduring difficult times requires a body and mind that are fueled and ready. True self-care isn’t about expensive fads; it’s about mastering three basic daily practices:

1. Sleep Deep: Lack of sleep compromises our health, focus, and relationships. Aim for 7–9 hours of deep rest. Keep your bedroom dark, cool, and quiet, and put away screens 30 minutes before bed.

2. Nourish Your Body: Shift your mindset from viewing food merely as entertainment to viewing it as vital energy. Focus on foods that genuinely nourish your cells and keep your body hydrated with plenty of water. Remind yourself: Food is fuel, not fun.

3. Exercise Today: Move your physical body every single day. Whether it’s an intense workout or a quiet evening walk, prioritize daily physical movement.

Homework: Slow Motion Spa Treatment

Our culture is addicted to speed and constantly skipping self-care to save time. This week, practice the exact opposite. Carve out an hour for an at-home “Slow Motion Spa Treatment”:

• Turn off all screens and dim the lights.

• Play calming music and diffuse lavender or eucalyptus.

• Take double your normal time to shower or bathe—move in slow motion, breathe deeply, exfoliate, moisturize thoroughly, and put on comfortable clothes.

• Refuse to skip a single step in caring for your physical body.

A Reflection for Your Week

As you move into this coming week, consider this prompt:

“Where in your life are you running on fumes, and what is one fundamental need—sleep, nourishment, or movement—that you will give yourself permission to honor today so your vessel doesn’t run dry?”

Thank you for being here for Episode 1. Join me next Sunday as we dive into Chapter 2: Self-Love.

Take a deep breath, protect your peace, and satisfy your soul.

Warmly,

Joshua Hood

Get full access to Sunday Sermon with Joshua Hood at feelfreetogrow.substack.com/subscribe