The Kira Banks Podcast

What would you do if you had an abundance of money? What a time to be asking this question. I imagine many of you would say feed all the hungry children, or provide housing and healthcare for everyone. This week pushed us to reflect on our relationship with money. Do you trust yourself with money? What are the limiting beliefs you’ve been taught about it? More money more problems? Root of all evil? Get clear on what has shaped your attitude towards money. And spend some time thinking about what you would do if you had an abundance of it.

“I am worthy right now. I don’t have to wait until I achieve certain accomplishments to love myself and enjoy my life.” This reminder was right on time for me as I can often get caught up in the next thing and put off doing something fun or taking a break. I know I’m not alone, because a recent coaching client told me she only feels valuable when she is productive. The pressures to achieve are real, and it’s essential that we remind ourselves that our worth doesn’t equal our work.

“I am gentle with myself as I learn new things. It’s OK to make mistakes as I grow.” I believe this statement. I tell my kids a version of it, yet when I really slow down to reflect, I’m still pretty hard on myself when I make mistakes. This week reminds us to find the lessons in mistakes and encourage ourselves with compassion rather than punish ourselves with criticism. Easier said than done! I’d love to hear how you are gentle while learning new things.

“I release the need to control outcomes. I trust that everything is working out for me.” This week’s mantra was so loud, lol. I am known to like to control things, which makes trusting the process hard for me. Yet this week invited us to envision what our day would be like if we didn’t have any anxieties or worries. I was reminded of my on again off again practice of mindfulness and the power or deep breaths to calm the nervous system. What do you to relax and release control?

You can do this. This week is all about the pep talk we give ourselves when feeling doubt. Notice I didn’t say “IF” we’re feeling doubt. Hopefully you’ve grown in your confidence as you’ve gone through this year of self-love, but it’s also normal to sometimes need encouragement. This week’s affirmation is “When I feel doubtful, I remember I have the power to make a positive change in my life. I can do this.”

Listen to your heart and trust it to lead the way. Can you think of a time you listened to your heart and things worked out for the better? How about a time when you felt betrayed by your own heart? This week encourages us to practice listening and trusting our heart. One way we can do that is to check in with ourselves about decisions. If our heart isn’t giving us a loud and resounding, “yes,” let the answer be “no.” What ways do you practice letting your heart guide the way?

I am worthy of my own love. Does the phrase hit different now compared to the beginning of this journey? My hope for you is that it does and that you are more comfortable engaging in activities simply because you want to and it feels good. This week invites is to identify what unconditional self-love looks like. As you continue on this journey towards, keep exploring and discovering. You’re worth it.

This week pushes us to reflect and explore what we have been told about our bodies and pleasure. Part of the affirmation is, “I am entitled to discover all of the pleasures” my body holds. Do you believe this statement? Were you raised to be ashamed of enjoying your body? This truth came into focus for me after reading Adrienne Maree Brown’s book “Pleasure Activism.” And this week’s reflections on how I can love my body in spite of what I was taught inspired me to keep discovering. 

It’s easy (for a time) to be who others want us to be. There’s less friction for them, but it can leave us feeling resentful. Spend time this week reflecting on who you have been expected to be, how that is shaped by family, which might even include parts of yourself we’re proud of. What aspects do you want to hold onto or grow? What aspects do you want to put down and leave behind? You get to decide who you are. Enjoy the journey of discovery and evolution. 

“I am my ancestors wildest dreams!” You’ve likely seen it on a t-shirt, and this week pushes us to reflect and explore those who have come before. Who were they? What would you ask if you could? What would you thank them for? Spend some time this week being close to your ancestors whether it’s through looking at pictures, cooking a meal, lighting a candle, or asking elders to tell you stories from the past.