Welcome to The Black Mother Wound podcast where we dig deep into the unique challenges faced by Black women in their relationships with their mothers. Join us every
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By Jennifer Arnise
Welcome to The Black Mother Wound podcast where we dig deep into the unique challenges faced by Black women in their relationships with their mothers. Join us every
... more5
150150 ratings
The podcast currently has 36 episodes available.
How we can stay connected and work together!
1. Sign-up for my Mother Wound Group course waitlist
2. Download my FREE Black Mother Wound Healing Guide
3. Work with me one on one
4. Order my book on Amazon
5. Listen to the Podcast
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The greatest challenge in healing is not the external obstacles but the internal beliefs we hold about ourselves. Healing is often misunderstood. Many of us believe that healing is like fixing a broken leg—it’s about making something that’s damaged whole again. However, healing is not just about repairing something broken; it's about understanding and transforming the way we perceive ourselves and our experiences. It's a deeply personal journey that involves examining and changing our internal beliefs and self-talk.
Thus, healing involves more than just addressing the hurt caused by others; it also requires working on the limiting beliefs we’ve developed as a result of that hurt. Indeed, the greatest challenge in healing is not the circumstances we face but our willingness to shift the way we see and take care of ourselves. When we focus on our needs and well-being, we start to see things differently. Healing happens when we decide to change the negative thoughts we have about ourselves, allowing us to move forward and create a future that isn’t held back by old beliefs. Remember, each step taken towards understanding and transforming these internal beliefs is a step towards reclaiming our true selves.
"The first thing that will further your healing goal is prioritizing yourself. To prioritize yourself, there must be a shift in your thinking."– Jennifer Arnise
Topics Covered:
(00:00:00) Episode Snippet
(00:01:43) Prioritizing what matters
(00:03:45) Being good to myself
(00:05:07) Healing is a change of perception
(00:07:01) What does it mean to be healed?
(00:09:04) Do less and have more
(00:11:08) Embracing the long road of healing
(00:12:29) Challenging self-limiting beliefs
(00:14:25) Changing how you see yourself
(00:18:05) It’s harder to stay where you are
(00:20:23) How would my life change for the better?
(00:22:29) Healing works best with support
Key Takeaways:
"Some things have to get done, some things can wait till later."– Jennifer Arnise
"You can have a better body, more money, more friends and not be healed."– Jennifer Arnise
"If you cannot change the way you see yourself, nothing else is gonna change."– Jennifer Arnise
DISCLAIMER: I am not a licensed psychologist, medical doctor, or health care professional and my services do not replace the care of psychologists, doctors or other healthcare professionals. All opinions expressed here are my own. If you feel you are in any danger of harming yourself please call 911. I am not providing health care, medical or nutritional therapy services, or attempting to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any physical, mental or emotional issue, disease or condition. All opinions are my own and based on my personal lived experience.
Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackmotherwound
Sign-up for the RESOLVE Mother Wound Healing Group Waitlist today!http://bit.ly/resolvewaitlist
Support the show
Join my 6-Week Mother Wound Healing Course
How we can stay connected and work together!
1. Sign-up for my Mother Wound Group course waitlist
2. Download my FREE Black Mother Wound Healing Guide
3. Work with me one on one
4. Order my book on Amazon
5. Listen to the Podcast
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In life, it’s easy to be tough and assertive when we’re defending someone else or fighting for a cause. We might stand up with confidence and take action when we see injustice or when someone we care about is being treated unfairly. But when it comes to standing up for ourselves, many of us hesitate or even back down. There’s often a sense of guilt associated with prioritizing our own needs.
However, we must learn to advocate for ourselves, speak up, and set healthy boundaries. Remember, boundaries are statements about what you want and need. They are not a conversation to negotiate or a tool to change others' behavior. Instead, they are personal guidelines for how you will respond in situations where your needs are not met. Boundaries are the lines we draw to protect ourselves from being overwhelmed, disrespected, or taken advantage of. Therefore, we must not allow others to cross these lines because when we fail to establish clear boundaries, we risk losing our sense of self.
Topics Covered:
(00:00:00) Episode Snippet
(00:03:43) How the mother wound affects our communication
(00:05:00) Children being seen and not heard
(00:06:12) How gossip takes over women conversation
(00:08:47) Setting a boundary
(00:11:02) Understanding the four parts of boundaries
(00:13:52) How you feel is not up for negotiation
(00:15:09) Understanding how you feel
(00:16:06) Prioritizing how others affect you
(00:19:46) Stand up for yourself
(00:21:26) Don’t settle for ‘what should be’
(00:22:50) Being guilty vs feeling guilty
(00:23:57) Healing the fear of punishment
(00:25:23) The power of speaking up
Key Takeaways:
"Most people think a boundary is a conversation, something to be negotiated. It is not; it is a statement."– Jennifer Arnise
"Healing your mother wound is all about you regaining autonomy."– Jennifer Arnise
"Most people think a boundary is a conversation, something to be negotiated. It is not; it is a statement."– Jennifer Arnise
"You have the power to build a new reality of support and community around you."– Jennifer Arnise
DISCLAIMER: I am not a licensed psychologist, medical doctor, or health care professional and my services do not replace the care of psychologists, doctors or other healthcare professionals. All opinions expressed here are my own. If you feel you are in any danger of harming yourself please call 911. I am not providing health care, medical or nutritional therapy services, or attempting to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any physical, mental or emotional issue, disease or condition. All opinions are my own and based on my personal lived experience.
Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackmotherwound
Sign-up for the RESOLVE Mother Wound Healing Group Waitlist today!http://bit.ly/resolvewaitlist
Support the show
Join my 6-Week Mother Wound Healing Course
How we can stay connected and work together!
1. Sign-up for my Mother Wound Group course waitlist (The next class starts in October)
2. Download my FREE Black Mother Wound Healing Guide
3. Work with me one on one
4. Order my book on Amazon
5. Listen to the Podcast
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In our quest for happiness, we often look outward for validation and affection. We frequently invest so much energy in seeking approval from those around us. We want to hear loving words, experience acceptance, and feel nurtured and valued. Many of us grow up longing for the kind of love we believe should come from our mothers. We look for it in relationships, achievements, and approval from others, thinking that these will fill the void within us. But the truth is, the love and acceptance we crave don’t necessarily come from others; they must first come from within.
We must realize that self-love is not a grand or complicated concept. It’s about understanding that we deserve to feel good and be kind to ourselves. When we learn to nurture ourselves, to speak kindly to ourselves, and to prioritize our own needs, we start to build a foundation of self-acceptance that is unshakable by external circumstances. It’s not about dismissing the value of external validation but about realizing that true contentment begins with self-love. Remember, self-love means treating ourselves with the same compassion we would offer a dear friend.
Topics Covered:
(00:00:00) Episode Snippet
(00:02:03) Gratitude for support
(00:04:41) Cycle of self-blame
(00:06:10) Why we are our own worst critics
(00:07:41) Feel at home in yourself
(00:09:32) The manipulation of love
(00:12:19) Do you like yourself?
(00:14:43) Healing needs changing
(00:16:13) Showing up flawed
(00:18:27) How acting despite flaws reflects self-love
(00:21:40) Listen to yourself
(00:22:28) Treat yourself with curiosity
(00:24:56) How lightheartedness enhances self-comfort
(00:25:58) Build healthier ways to treat yourself
Key Takeaways:
"The reason I want you to heal your mother wound is so you can feel at home in your own body, your own mind so you can belong to someone."– Jennifer Arnise
"Healing your mother wound is about changing your actions, your habits and your patterns."– Jennifer Arnise
DISCLAIMER: I am not a licensed psychologist, medical doctor, or health care professional and my services do not replace the care of psychologists, doctors or other healthcare professionals. All opinions expressed here are my own. If you feel you are in any danger of harming yourself please call 911. I am not providing health care, medical or nutritional therapy services, or attempting to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any physical, mental or emotional issue, disease or condition. All opinions are my own and based on my personal lived experience.
Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackmotherwound
Sign-up for the RESOLVE Mother Wound Healing Group Waitlist today!http://bit.ly/resolvewaitlist
Support the show
Join my 6-Week Mother Wound Healing Course
How we can stay connected and work together!
1. Sign-up for my Mother Wound Group course waitlist
2. Download my FREE Black Mother Wound Healing Guide
3. Work with me one on one
4. Order my book on Amazon
5. Listen to the Podcast
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Everyone wants to have a positive, loving relationship with their mother. We all dream of a bond built on trust, kindness, and mutual respect. There is a special part of our hearts that aims to protect them, please them, and make them proud. We imagine that this deep connection will bring joy and fulfillment, and we work hard to achieve it, even when it feels challenging.
But what if, despite our best efforts, we find ourselves feeling more hurt and frustrated rather than loved and valued?
It’s important to understand that you don’t have to endure a relationship that continually causes you stress and sadness. Valuing yourself means recognizing when a relationship is harmful and making the choice to protect your own mental and emotional health. Going no contact, though a difficult decision, can sometimes be necessary to stop the cycle of pain and start healing. Choosing to prioritize your own well-being is not an easy path, but it is often the first step toward finding peace and building healthier relationships.
In this episode, I will share with you the challenges and benefits of going "no contact" with your mother, especially when the relationship is causing you stress, pain, and emotional strain. We'll explore what it means to take that step, why some people feel it's necessary, and the benefits and challenges that come with it.
Topics Covered:
(00:00:00) Episode Snippet
(00:01:25) What does “no contact” mean?
(00:02:08) The emotional cost of protecting yourself from your mother
(00:05:25) The burden of protecting your mother’s feelings
(00:07:36) Choose yourself
(00:08:51) Clearing the voice in your head
(00:12:05) The challenges of going no contact with your mother
(00:14:58) When family ties hurt
(00:17:45) Build other relationships
(00:19:40) Learning to live on my own
(00:23:19) Rules of no contact
(00:24:44) Start setting boundaries
Key Takeaways:
"When we have to face reality, we have to bury the dream of the mother we've always wanted."– Jennifer Arnise
"Do not think that you can change your mother and make her the villain in the story when you have not taken responsibility for your own life."– Jennifer Arnise
DISCLAIMER: I am not a licensed psychologist, medical doctor, or health care professional and my services do not replace the care of psychologists, doctors or other healthcare professionals. All opinions expressed here are my own. If you feel you are in any danger of harming yourself please call 911. I am not providing health care, medical or nutritional therapy services, or attempting to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any physical, mental or emotional issue, disease or condition. All opinions are my own and based on my personal lived experience.
Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackmotherwound
Sign-up for the RESOLVE Mother Wound Healing Group Waitlist today!http://bit.ly/resolvewaitlist
Support the show
Join my 6-Week Mother Wound Healing Course
How we can stay connected and work together!
1. Sign-up for my Mother Wound Group course
2. Download my FREE Black Mother Wound Healing Guide
3. Work with me one on one
4. Order my book on Amazon
5. Listen to the Podcast
***************************************
Becoming your true self is a journey that involves understanding who you are and being brave enough to show it. It’s about making choices that align with your own values and not just following what others expect of you. In today’s world, many of us struggle to stay true to ourselves because we’re constantly bombarded with opinions and expectations from others. We might find ourselves trapped in roles and identities created by the expectations and influences of those around us—especially our mothers. Many people live under the shadow of their upbringing, which can be exhausting and disempowering. However, this does not have to define our lives.
Being your true self can be challenging, even though it’s who you really are inside. The pressures to fit in, fear of disapproval, self-doubt, and breaking old habits can make it tough. However, taking steps toward your true self is worth it. We must realize that living authentically brings a sense of peace and fulfillment that can’t be found by trying to meet others' expectations. It means giving ourselves permission to explore our own interests and make choices that reflect our true desires and values. It involves saying no to things that don't align with your values to prioritize your own well-being even if it means facing criticism.
In this episode, I will guide you through the journey of discovering and embracing your authentic self. We’ll look at how to let go of old habits shaped by past relationships and learn about your core values, needs, and feelings to create a life that truly represents who you are.
Topics Covered:
(00:00:00) Episode Snippet
(00:01:13) Impact of conditioned identity
(00:03:03) What makes up your identity?
(00:04:28) Living your values
(00:06:27) Understanding your needs
(00:08:06) What are your preferences?
(00:09:03) Understand your emotion
(00:11:18) The importance of authentic identity
(00:14:31) Embrace authenticity without fear
(00:17:48) The power of creating a new identity
Key Takeaways:
"Oftentimes we have selected values that we're not actually living by."– Jennifer Arnise
"Pretending to be someone that you're not, is exhausting and it turns you into a liar and a manipulator."– Jennifer Arnise
"When you reparent yourself, you become your true self. "– Jennifer Arnise
DISCLAIMER: I am not a licensed psychologist, medical doctor, or health care professional and my services do not replace the care of psychologists, doctors or other healthcare professionals. All opinions expressed here are my own. If you feel you are in any danger of harming yourself please call 911. I am not providing health care, medical or nutritional therapy services, or attempting to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any physical, mental or emotional issue, disease or condition. All opinions are my own and based on my personal lived experience.
Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackmotherwound
Support the show
Join my 6-Week Mother Wound Healing Course
How we can stay connected and work together!
1.Sign-up for my Mother Wound Group Healing Intensive
2. Download my FREE Black Mother Wound Healing Guide
3. Work with me one on one
4. Order my book on Amazon
5. Listen to the Podcast
***************************************
“To trust oneself is the first step to truly living.” When we think about trust, we often focus on trusting others. However, one of the most important forms of trust is self-trust. Many of us struggle with self-trust, feeling uncertain about our decisions and abilities. This lack of trust often stems from our early relationships, particularly with our mothers. Growing up, seeking approval and guidance from our mothers is natural, but if this relationship is marked by control or criticism, it can leave us feeling incapable of making our own decisions.
Building self-trust starts with acknowledging our own strengths and capabilities. It involves making decisions, even small ones, and reflecting on their outcomes without excessive self-judgment. Each decision we make, successful or not, is an opportunity to learn and grow. Remember, self-trust is not an overnight transformation but a continuous journey. It takes self-compassion, practice, and consistent effort to build.
In this episode, I will explore the journey of learning to trust yourself and healing from the impact of a mother wound. I will break down why many of us struggle with trusting our own decisions and how this can deeply affect our lives.
Topics Covered:
(00:00:00) Episode Snippet
(00:01:53) Self-trust is the cornerstone of healing
(00:03:47) How a mother’s trust shapes her child
(00:05:09) The comfort zone trap
(00:08:01) How not trusting yourself leads to self-rejection
(00:10:20) Empower yourself through small decisions
(00:13:07) Overcoming childlike fears
(00:16:04) Aligning your actions with your words
(00:18:42) Take care of yourself first
(00:23:53) The impact of shame on self-trust
Key Takeaways:
“But why would you trust yourself if you have no track record of having a solid sense of integrity with yourself?"– Jennifer Arnise
“When you start to take care of yourself, yourself starts to take care of you and that builds self-trust."– Jennifer Arnise
“Healing your mother wound is about having autonomy and that is impossible without self-trust."– Jennifer Arnise
DISCLAIMER: I am not a licensed psychologist, medical doctor, or health care professional and my services do not replace the care of psychologists, doctors or other healthcare professionals. All opinions expressed here are my own. If you feel you are in any danger of harming yourself please call 911. I am not providing health care, medical or nutritional therapy services, or attempting to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any physical, mental or emotional issue, disease or condition. All opinions are my own and based on my personal lived experience.
Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackmotherwound
Sign-up for the RESOLVE Mother Wound Healing Group Waitlist today!http://bit.ly/resolvewaitlist
Support the show
Join my 6-Week Mother Wound Healing Course
1. Join my 6-Week Mother Wound healing course
Sign-up for the RESOLVE Mother Wound Healing Group Waitlist today!http://bit.ly/resolvewaitlist
Support the show
Join my 6-Week Mother Wound Healing Course
How we can stay connected and work together!
1. Join my 6-Week Mother Wound healing course
2. Download my FREE Black Mother Wound Healing Guide
3. Work with me one on one
4. Order my book on Amazon
5. Listen to the Podcast
***************************************
How do our relationships with our mother impact the way we connect with friends today?
Friends are essential pillars of support and companionship in our lives. They offer us not only camaraderie but also emotional sustenance and validation. However, our ability to form and maintain these friendships can be deeply influenced by our relationship with our mothers. When our mothers couldn't provide us with the emotional support we needed, we might unconsciously seek these from our friends instead which can lead to overcommitting in friendships, where we strive to be everything to everyone. We may fear disappointing others if we don't constantly give and sacrifice for them.
The journey of healing begins from within. Sometimes what we fail to realize is that the wounds we carry from our relationship with our mother can never be healed simply by being the best friend for others but through being a better friend for yourself. It requires acknowledging our own needs, setting healthy boundaries, and learning to prioritize our well-being without guilt or fear of disappointing others.
In this episode, I will share insights into how overcommitting in friendships can be traced back to our relationships with our mothers.
Topics Covered:
(00:00:00) Episode Snippet
(00:02:09) Overextending in friendships
(00:03:19) Healthy relationship requires reciprocity
(00:04:46) Accustomed to lack
(00:06:05) Are you struggling with the effects of a challenging relationship with your mother? Ready for change? Go to https://jenniferarnise.systeme.io/resolvewaitlist to join Resolve, our six-week group healing program, and start your journey to healing and self-discovery.
(00:07:02) Healthy friendships start with self
(00:08:04) Recognize your true feelings
(00:11:18) The process of building better relationships
(00:13:11) Overcommitting in friendships
(00:14:31) What does friendship mean to you?
(00:15:30) Start living your life
(00:17:01) Undo self-rejection and abandonment
(00:18:41) It's your job to rescue yourself.
Key Takeaways:
"When we grow up and we get into friendship, we become obsessed with people thinking that we are all the things that our mother wasn't to us."– Jennifer Arnise
"You can only have healthy friendships when you start being a good friend to yourself."– Jennifer Arnise
DISCLAIMER: I am not a licensed psychologist, medical doctor, or health care professional and my services do not replace the care of psychologists, doctors or other healthcare professionals. All opinions expressed here are my own. If you feel you are in any danger of harming yourself please call 911. I am not providing health care, medical or nutritional therapy services, or attempting to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any physical, mental or emotional issue, disease or condition. All opinions are my own and based on my personal lived experience.
Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackmotherwound
Support the show
Join my 6-Week Mother Wound Healing Course
How we can stay connected and work together!
Join my 6-Week Mother Wound healing course
Work with me one on one
Buy my book
Listen to the Podcast
Watch the Podcast on Youtube
Check out the website
***************************************
What does it mean to grieve the mother-daughter relationship we’ll never have?
Growing up, we all have an image of what a mother should be — nurturing, loving, and a source of unwavering support. Yet, for many, this ideal remains just that: an ideal. Instead, reality can be far from it, leaving a void that shapes our lives in profound ways. As children, we instinctively seek comfort, guidance, and affirmation from our mothers. However, when these foundational needs go unmet, it sets the stage for a journey marked by longing, introspection, and ultimately, grieving the absence of the mother we never had.
Many of us hold onto the hope that our mothers will change, but in reality, trying to get her to be different only hurts us more. It prevents us from truly healing. Grieving this loss is hard, but it’s necessary. It’s like opening a door to a new life where you can find more love and peace. This process involves acknowledging and feeling your emotions, taking care of yourself, and finding freedom in acceptance. Remember, this journey is about healing your relationship with yourself, not just with your mother.
In this episode, I will guide you on the journey of grieving the mother you'll never have and finding solace in nurturing your own unmet needs.
Topics Covered:
(00:00:00) Episode Snippet
(00:01:54) Grief doesn't have a fixed timeline
(00:03:00) Moving past the shame response
(00:05:34) Show up for yourself
(00:07:44) Finding freedom in focusing on oneself
(00:09:20) The true role of mothers
(00:11:19) How does forgiveness play into grieving the mother that we'll never have?
(00:14:12) Accepting your mother’s limitations
(00:16:41) Build a healthy relationship with yourself
(00:19:07) Build a support system around you
(00:20:58) Hold yourself in high regard
(00:22:48) Move beyond manipulation
(00:24:30) Be easy with yourself
Key Takeaways:
“When you can grieve the mother you've never had, you can also grieve the person you've pretended to be. From there you can begin to live authentically. – Jennifer Arnise
“The grieving process is like a birthing ground for something else to come.”– Jennifer Arnise
“The hardest pill you're ever going to swallow is the acceptance that you were treated poorly, neglected, abused.”– Jennifer Arnise
DISCLAIMER: I am not a licensed psychologist, medical doctor, or health care professional and my services do not replace the care of psychologists, doctors or other healthcare professionals. All opinions expressed here are my own. If you feel you are in any danger of harming yourself please call 911. I am not providing health care, medical or nutritional therapy services, or attempting to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any physical, mental or emotional issue, disease or condition. All opinions are my own and based on my personal lived experience.
Sign-up for the RESOLVE Mother Wound Healing Group Waitlist today!http://bit.ly/resolvewaitlist
Support the show
Join my 6-Week Mother Wound Healing Course
How we can stay connected and work together!
Join my 6-Week Mother Wound healing course
Work with me one on one
Buy my book
Listen to the Podcast
Watch the Podcast on Youtube
Check out the website
How do you meet the needs your mother never met? There is no perfect parent, just as there is no perfect human. Some parents were unable to provide for their children materially and financially. However, there are needs that surpass those things, which we often neglect and set aside. Every person has emotional needs such as tenderness, patience, grace, understanding, and acceptance. When emotional needs are left unmet, they can significantly impact our behavior toward others and, especially, toward ourselves. Most people in this situation tend to mirror the rejection they received from others, being hard on themselves, and even neglecting the healing they truly need.
Healing from the needs your mother never met is never easy. It takes small, committed steps of self-care and self-control. It means letting go of and unlearning the habits you have become accustomed to. It involves spending time with yourself and seeking quietness to hear yourself clearly and understand your needs. It can also mean trusting yourself and being patient and appreciative of your progress. Remember, it's not your fault for what happened to you, but it's your responsibility to fix it. Stop blaming your parents, even if you have the power to, because healing cannot prosper there.
In this episode, I will guide you through the essential steps of recognizing and addressing your unmet needs.
“You're only healing if your life is changing and your life can only change when you take different actions." – Jennifer Arnise
Topics Covered:
(00:00:00) Episode Snippet
(00:02:29) The unmet emotional needs
(00:05:05) The role of quietness in nurturing unmet needs
(00:06:39) The inability to advocate for oneself
(00:08:43) Getting honest about self-treatment
(00:10:06) The habit of self-tenderness
(00:11:58) Create a habit of appreciation
(00:13:32) Healing work takes time
(00:15:07) Building self-trust through budgeting
(00:16:38) Take small actions that build up your life
(00:17:23) What does it mean to reparent yourself?
(00:20:19) Through the Battleground to Freedom
(00:22:12) Commit to yourself
(00:23:19) Healing work can be lonely
(00:24:12) The benefit of meeting your unmet needs
Key Takeaways:
“Healing your mother wound is not about you and your mother, it's about you and you." – Jennifer Arnise
DISCLAIMER: I am not a licensed psychologist, medical doctor, or health care professional and my services do not replace the care of psychologists, doctors or other healthcare professionals. All opinions expressed here are my own. If you feel you are in any danger of harming yourself please call 911. I am not providing health care, medical or nutritional therapy services, or attempting to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any physical, mental or emotional issue, disease or condition. All opinions are my own and based on my personal lived experience.
Sign-up for the RESOLVE Mother Wound Healing Group Waitlist today!http://bit.ly/resolvewaitlist
Support the show
Join my 6-Week Mother Wound Healing Course
The podcast currently has 36 episodes available.
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