In this episode, I sit down with the phenomenal Vanity Jenkins. She’s a single mom, business owner, founder, and unapologetic advocate for self-care. Together, we unravel what it means to survive (and eventually thrive) through seasons of exhaustion, guilt, and growth. If you’ve ever felt like your whole life is run on fumes, this episode will meet you right where you are.

Episode Highlights

* Surviving and Naming Burnout:Vanity Jenkins shares her lived experience as an introverted eldest daughter, single parent, and nonprofit executive. She talks about those years of never sleeping, and how the layers of responsibility and cultural expectations left her so deep in burnout she didn’t even realize it until her body finally said “enough!”

* The Hidden Toll of the Nonprofit Sector:We discuss the unique guilt that comes from serving communities you identify with—particularly opening a school for Black children during COVID, balancing the desire to make a difference with the brutal realities of underfunding and overwork.

* Signs That You’re Over Capacity:Both of us share those moments when burnout revealed itself physically—when “just keep pushing” was no longer sustainable. We talk about the unhealthy coping mechanisms that show up (hello, wine and weed!) and how recognizing these signals helped us start healing.

* Boundaries, Joy, & Somatic Practices:Vanity Jenkins reveals how setting boundaries, practicing somatic awareness, and reconnecting with her body has been crucial to restoring her wellbeing. She now teaches these practices to women of color through Shifted Consulting, helping others reclaim joy, rest, and alignment.

* Societal Structure & Self-Care:We didn’t shy away from calling out how society isn’t designed for us to thrive—especially as single parents and women of color. The constant expectations and the myth of the nuclear family make self-care vital.

Guest Connection InvitationWant to connect with Vanity Jenkins? Follow her on Instagram and Facebook at Shifted Consulting, and check out her offerings—including leadership coaching and her “Authentically Me” fellowship for women of color—on shiftedconsulting.com. She’s also on LinkedIn, so look her up and find out how you can thrive in your work, business, and life!

Join the Oasis Community!Are you loving these real, raw, and restorative conversations? Be sure to hit subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, leave a review if this episode spoke to you, and share it with anyone who needs a reminder to choose themselves.

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Until next time, take care, be well, and follow your bliss.

With gratitude,Samantha Gregory

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