Tamu Thomas, is a transformational and embodiment coach, workshop facilitator, podcaster and somatic movement practitioner. Tamu helps over-functioning, over-working, high-achieving women to establish boundaries, find their purpose AND make good money.

Toni interviewed Tamu about her first book, Women Who Work Too Much: Break Free from Toxic Productivity and Find Your Joy, in April last year, and we think Tamu’s book - and this conversation - is the perfect antidote for ‘new year new you’ overwhelm.

Tamu’s specialist subject is toxic productivity. She’s also an advocate for eschewing toxic positivity and in this conversation we discuss how to create a brilliant and joyous life without either.

“I want people to know it’s okay to pause, to rest, to live with ease and joy,” says Tamu.

Hell yeah to that as a manifesto for 2025!

IN THIS EPISODE:

* Prioritising joy and ease: Shifting the focus from hustle culture to living well.

* Books as tools for transformation: The significance of specific books in Tamu’s personal and professional growth and self-love.

* The joy of sharing words: And using Substack as a platform to authentically connect with others.

* Making peace with what is: Tamu opens up about the process of accepting - and embodying - her late diagnosis ADHD, and adapting to perimenopausal energy levels.

* Supporting women in midlife: Shifting the narrative around aging and productivity and wellbeing for women.

* Writing as therapy and connection: The process of writing a book as an emotional and self-expressive journey.

* Celebrating our 'flow' years: Emphasising the beauty of midlife as a time of reflection and self-discovery.

* The importance of alignment: Living in alignment with one's true self and values.

* Self-awareness and growth: The transformative power of observing emotions and patterns.

SHOW NOTES:

In this episode Tamu references and recommends so many great books, including several on somatic healing and embodiment:

* Women Who Work Too Much by Tamu Thomas

* Bodyfulness by Christine Cauldwell

* My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies by Resmaa Menakem

* The Somatic Psychotherapy Toolbox by Manuela Mischke-Reeds

* The Shadow Effect: Illuminating the Hidden Power of Your True Self by Deepak Chopra, Marianne Williamson and Debbie Ford

* A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson

* The Body Is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love by Sonya Renee Taylor

* The Wild Edge of Sorrow: Rituals of Renewal and the Sacred Work of Grief by Francis Weller

* The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield

* Life Visioning: A Transformative Process for Activating Your Unique Gifts and Highest Potential by Michael Bernard Beckwith

* Mind Magic: The Neuroscience of Manifestation and How It Changes Everything by James R Doty

* Women Living Deliciously by Florence Given

* Black Feminist Thought by Patricia Hill Collins

* Anchored: How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory by Deb Dana

We can’t wait for you to listen.

Please share with the people you love, let us know what you think, and - of course - what you are reading right now.

And follow us on Substack for more author interviews, book recommendations and general word nerdiness:

https://shelfhelpclub.substack.com/

https://tanyalynch.substack.com/

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shelfhelpclub.substack.com/subscribe