Hey, Sistren! Press "play" and join me as I connect with the brilliant Clinical Dietician and Author, Jessica Wilson, who wrote the transformative book, "It's Always Been Ours: Rewriting the Story of Black Women's Bodies."
Together, we will dive into an eye-opening journey to peel back the layers on the impact of white supremacy and how it shapes the relationship that Black women have with their bodies. In this conversation we talk about food, body image, self-perception and food respectability. Unpacking the effects of survival mode on our food choices and body acceptance, Jessica sheds light on the urgent need for healing and transformation. We are in need of liberation and conversations like this one are a great way to empower ourselves while challenging the harmful, oppressive norms we have to deal with every single day (which is EXHAUSTING).
Listen to this weeks episode by clicking here, sistren.
Keep up with Jessica here:
Grab your copy of It's Always Been Ours!
Want to dive just a little bit deeper with me on topics that I discuss on the show? Wondering how you might be able to support my work? Consider becoming an insider in my Patreon community? Click here!
]]>Heeeey!
In this week's episode, I shared my thoughts on the tough subject - the importance of showing up for ourselves as Black women, and let me tell you, it was no walk in the park to record! But bear with me, as it's worth the listen!
Showing up for ourselves is a part of the work of liberation and as we know, work/labor ain't always a walk in the park. I say this to highlight the importance of knowing you aren't alone and it's not always easy but you are worthy of being seen and prioritized.
Something else I firmly believe in is this: reflection and awareness can help us access the healing we truly deserve. That's why I've shared two journal prompts from the episode that you might find helpful:
How do you describe your internal dialog in your day-to-day life? Remember, the language we use to talk to ourselves plays a significant role in how we show up for ourselves.
Are there past wounds that might be holding you back from fully showing up for yourself? Identifying and acknowledging them is the first step toward healing.
So, whether you've already listened to the episode or not, these journal prompts are here to nudge your soul toward a place where you feel more valued and whole. Let's embark on this journey together and embrace the transformative power of showing up for ourselves. We owe it to ourselves, and we owe it to each other!
Listen to this weeks episode by clicking here, sistren.
Want to dive just a little bit deeper with me on topics that I discuss on the show? Wondering how you might be able to support my work? Consider becoming an insider in my Patreon community? Click here!
]]>In this episode of the podcast let’s explore the importance of asking ourselves "why" when making decisions or reacting to situations in life. We will delve into the significance of going beyond surface-level answers and understanding the root causes of our actions and emotions. Through self-awareness and exploration, we can gain a better understanding of ourselves, break harmful patterns, and find a path towards healing and self-acceptance. This episode briefly touches upon the quest for “perfection” as well as attachment styles which I have an episode coming out soon on. Also, I talk about the need that Black women have to recognize patterns and to question them so that we can break out of toxic cycles.
Listen to this weeks episode by clicking here, sistren.
Want to dive just a little bit deeper with me on topics that I discuss on the show? Wondering how you might be able to support my work? Consider becoming an insider in my Patreon community? Click here!
]]>In this episode of the podcast I am in conversation with Brittny Horne, Founder of RVL Wellness, a self-care puzzle company created specifically for Black women.
During our time together here are some of the points we talked about:
Want access to podcast episodes before they drop? Click here to join Brown Girl Self-Care on Patreon for bonus content created to refill your cup. When you join Patreon you help Brown Girl Self-Care be able to create more content to serve Black women.
Support for our sponsor:
This episode was sponsored by RVL Wellness Co., a small black woman-owned puzzle company located in Charlotte, NC.
RVL (pronounced Revel) Wellness Co. was founded to provide Black women a luxe self-care experience through dedicated quiet time and mindfulness products.
Founder, Brittny Horne, understood the pressure on Black women to be booked and busy without prioritizing their wellness. She started RVL as a reminder to pause and enjoy an intended moment of calm through puzzling.
They're on a mission to elevate both the personal and professional well-being of Black women. Their mindfulness products feature curated collections from Black female artists and reflect the values, dreams, and joy in our life experience. They believe art should be savored and design puzzles to be framed and used as home decor.
Whether you have time for a mini wellness break or a full day for quiet time, they have a range of puzzles for you to bask in your peaceful moment. Renew your energy with their handmade puzzles available in 48, 120, or 300 pieces.
It’s your right to settle in and show love to yourself through intentional downtime. They're here to help you revel in it, piece by piece.
RVL Wellness Co is offering a 15% off discount to all of my listeners. Go to www.rvlwellnessco.com and use code "BGSC15” at checkout for 15% off your first order of a self-care puzzle for a limited time.
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Hey, girl, hey! Recently, right as I was hopping off of an Instagram Live a young lady asked me about self-soothing. I wasn't able to discuss it then, so thought the podcast would be an excellent place to provide some insight.
In this episode I talk about what self-soothing is, why I feel that it in some cases it's a band-aid fix (but definitely a tool for our self-care tool kits) and also some ways to do it to bring down stress levels and anxiety.
Support for our sponsor:
RVL Wellness Co is offering a 15% off discount to all of my listeners. Go to www.rvlwellnessco.com and use code "BGSC15” at checkout for 15% off your first order of a self-care puzzle for a limited time.
This episode was sponsored by RVL Wellness Co., a small black woman-owned puzzle company located in Charlotte, NC.
RVL (pronounced Revel) Wellness Co. was founded to provide Black women a luxe self-care experience through dedicated quiet time and mindfulness products.
Founder, Brittny Horne, understood the pressure on Black women to be booked and busy without prioritizing their wellness. She started RVL as a reminder to pause and enjoy an intended moment of calm through puzzling.
They're on a mission to elevate both the personal and professional well-being of Black women. Their mindfulness products feature curated collections from Black female artists and reflect the values, dreams, and joy in our life experience. They believe art should be savored and design puzzles to be framed and used as home decor.
Whether you have time for a mini wellness break or a full day for quiet time, they have a range of puzzles for you to bask in your peaceful moment. Renew your energy with their handmade puzzles available in 48, 120, or 300 pieces.
It’s your right to settle in and show love to yourself through intentional downtime. They're here to help you revel in it, piece by piece.
RVL Wellness Co is offering a 15% off discount to all of my listeners. Go to www.rvlwellnessco.com and use code "BGSC15” at checkout for 15% off your first order of a self-care puzzle for a limited time.
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In this episode I'm sharing five things that I wish I knew years ago when I battled depression. The Mayo Clinic defines depression as a mood disorder that that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest.
Causes of depression include abuse, serious illnesses, personal problems and even genes with women being twice as likely as men to be depressed. (WebMD)
According to Hopkins Medicine, approximately 26% of Americans suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. That is about 1 out of every 4 adults.
My hope is that this episode, and my story, help you or someone you know to understand that if you've ever experienced depression, anxiety, sadness or uncertainty, you are not alone.
Support for our sponsor:
This episode was sponsored by RVL Wellness Co., a small black woman-owned puzzle company located in Charlotte, NC.
RVL Wellness Co. was founded to provide Black women a luxe self-care experience through dedicated quiet time and mindfulness products.
Founder, Brittny Horne, understood the pressure on Black women to be booked and busy without prioritizing their wellness. She started RVL as a reminder to pause and enjoy an intended moment of calm through puzzling.
They're on a mission to elevate both the personal and professional well-being of Black women. Their mindfulness products feature curated collections from Black female artists and reflect the values, dreams, and joy in our life experience. They believe art should be savored and design puzzles to be framed and used as home decor.
Whether you have time for a mini wellness break or a full day for quiet time, they have a range of puzzles for you to bask in your peaceful moment. Renew your energy with their handmade puzzles available in 48, 120, or 300 pieces.
It’s your right to settle in and show love to yourself through intentional downtime. They're here to help you revel in it, piece by piece.
RVL Wellness Co is offering a 15% off discount to all of my listeners. Go to www.rvlwellnessco.com and use code "BGSC15” at checkout for 15% off your first order of a self-care puzzle for a limited time.
Hey, Hey!
In this episode of the Brown Girl Self-Care Podcast, a show for Black women honoring their wholeness, I'm in conversation with Dr. Nic Hardy, a Licensed Therapist based out of TX whose zone of expertise includes helping us repair and/or grow from our relationships while also addressing challenges we face that are rooted in fear, anxiety and trauma.
His work has been featured in Cosmopolitan, HuffPost, NBC LX, PopSugar Ask.Men, Bustle, PscyhCentral and other national publications. He has also consulted on mental health for several fortune 500 companies. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Houston, where his research focused on relationship satisfaction in Black and minority families.
Today, Nic and I are talking about self-care as it relates to issues including:
Survival mode
Managing tension in relationships where we are the primary caregiver
The importance of not overcompensating in relationships
How to better communicate with your partner in healthier ways so that we aren't sending/reading the dreaded "we need to talk" text message
You can find Nic here:
Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/nichardy_/
Website to book a session -> https://www.nichardy.com/
Twitter -> https://www.twitter.com/nichardycs
If you know that it's your season to take your self-care to the next level, be sure to join my private community on Patreon -> https://www.patreon.com/BrownGirlSelfCare
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ps - Ready to operate from an intentional place of more self-love, clarity and peace so that you can take action on living well while doing the things you've been called to do ? Join me in Flourish, an eight week transformative coaching program. You can check it out right here -> Flourish
]]>In this episode we talk about:
Ways to follow/connect with Crystal:
Watch Crystals adventures on her Youtube Channel by clicking here!
Her Website: Nomad 4 Less
Her Instagram: Crystal Vanner
Resources mentioned:
African Americans That RV and Camp
African American Singles That RV and Camp
Have you heard about the Day of Collective Rest for Black Women event? Make sure you are on the newsletter to get more info by clicking right here!
Support this episodes sponsor:
]]>This week on the Brown Girl Self-Care Podcast I'm riding solo to share some thoughts on how not believing in yourself can kill your vision. I had the pleasure of experiencing someone confidently and boldly execute her vision even though there weren't many people there to experience what she had to offer, and it was a great reminder that this is the energy I want to hold within myself as I move towards my vision and goals.
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This week on the Brown Girl Self-Care Podcast I had the opportunity to connect with Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Hazel Walker, Founder of It's APARENTly Time.
With over nine years of experience, Hazel has learned the importance of offering therapy for parents and couples in a judgment free zone of support built on three principles: Empowerment, Self-Love, and Growth. She strongly believes that we have the tools we need to overcome parenting obstacles and uses her therapeutic skills to address the impact of depression, low self-esteem, trauma and other challenges we experience in our community.
** As an Amazon Affiliate, Brown Girl Self-Care earns a small commission on your purchase. This commission allows us to continue creating content specifically for Black women.
]]>These are brands I've either shopped, partnered with, or found during a search that piqued my interest and made me feel seen and heard. Buying Black is an action verb that helps our community rise while resisting oppression and systemic racism.
Amber Jackson, owner and a native of Chicago, creates unique tea blends to inspire calm, joy and creativity. She also uses her growing platform to celebrate Black culture as well as hold space for important conversations crucial to our wellbeing and community.
There is no such thing as having too many plants. Donna, owner of The Rachet Hipster, an online resource for plant care and shopping, has over 80. If your green thumb hasn't quite kicked in yet, Donna can help you unleash your inner plant mom while not feeling so overwhelmed while keeping your plants alive.
With offerings that include Lavender, Matcha and Ginger Root, you are sure to quickly find your fave. Owned by Summer and Kam Johnson, who started the bee farm after one of their children experienced allergies, their mission is to cultivate the tastiest honey completely free of pesticides and additives. The name of the company was inspired by their two children, Zach and Zoe.
Lingerie Brand Love Vera was born out of the need for diversity and inclusivity. With sizes ranging from S to 4X, Love Vera is determinedly making room for all Black women to feel valued, confident and celebrated while looking absolutely HAWT.
Syrup so Black? Absolutely if you are talking about Michele Hoskins, owner of Michel Foods that offers her delicious syrups. With a secret recipe created by her great-great-grandmother, freed slave America Washington, Hoskins syrups are proof that success may take time but it can be very sweet.
Rooted in love and self-care for the Black community, Buttered By K-Luxe is a family owned and operated business (which includes 4 daughters and twin sons) that prides itself on crafting hydrating skincare products that utilize natural, organic, ethically sourced ingredients and are produced in small batches.
Be sure to share this post with your community to help spread the word about these amazing Black-Owned businesses. Also, comment below and let me know
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If this will be your first year participating in Earth Hour you may be super excited to show your support but you also may be wondering what you can even do for a whole hour or how to get started.
Get your candles and lighter ready now, while it's fresh in your mind, so that you don't have to go searching for them minutes before. I know you have "good" candles you've been saving for a special occasion, right? What better time than Earth Hour to pull them out and actually use them? Some of us hoard candles like we do the good china in grandma's glass hutch and then we never end up using them. Now is the time. You are worth it!!
If you don't have candles take yourself right now to the dollar tree and pick up all the tea lights your heart and home can hold. Tea lights are perfectly sized and really set a beautiful mood.
Need some "me" time?
If you haven't had much "me" time this week this is the perfect chance to journal, read, stretch and/or make time for stillness all by candlelight.
Get your kids involved!
What's more fun than setting up a pillow fort, putting a puzzle together, reading stories or sitting outside on the porch to gaze up at the night sky?
How does an indoor picnic by candlelight sound?
With your family or even solo, this is a wholesome, more intimate way to experience the food you are eating. Don't forget to pull those pretty plates out I mentioned upthread. My daughter has wanted to create a Charcuterie board for a few weeks now and I think this would be the perfect opportunity to give it a go along with a nice wine for me.
None of this needs to be overly complicated or "perfect" so don't overthink it. Check in with yourself during the hour. How does your body feel? What are your senses saying to you as you move throughout your candlelit environment or while you are outdoors? Are there ways to allow yourself the chance to be further planted in the moment?
Remember, If the lights are off and you are intentionally present, it's a huge win not only for the planet but for you as well.
If you need more tips on Earth Hour or want to check out some of their events, be sure to check out Earthhour.org.
Will you be participating in Earth Hour this year? Let me know in the comments below.
]]>In this episode I'm speaking with Christian Counselor and Speaker Kobe Campbell about trauma. What you are listening to is a portion of a conversation we recently had live in front of an audience. Here is what you'll hear in the session:
What is trauma?
How is it received?
How do you know if you experienced it?
What are the ways our relationships with our parents play out in our friendships and intimate partnerships?
Make sure you connect and follow my guest Kobe here:
Want the full conversation plus others just like this one? Join Brown Girl Society today for chats, digital downloads and a village of supportive Black women.
]]>It's easy to forget who you are, or who you are being led to be, when you feel stuck in a place of being overwhelmed and depleted. That's how I've been feeling for about a week or so. Today I decided to make a list (with the help of the alphabet) of who I am in God based on his promises for my life as well as the purpose he has for me.
I hope that you find this list helpful and that it encourages you to hit the pause button this week and sit down with your pen and journal to make your own.
Feeling alone in your journey of a life well lived? Need more faith based support? In need of a sense of belonging and community with other Black women? Join Brown Girl Society!
]]>In this episode of the podcast I'm sharing a letter I received from the community and my thoughts about staying comfortable with your struggle.
If you are feeling afraid to get out of your struggle comfort zone or have ever gotten anxiety about a season of growth and opportunity, this episode is for you.
Make sure to join our online village, Brown Girl Society, by clicking here.
]]>I've gotten several questions in my inbox asking "How do I start loving myself?" or "What does it look like to show up for myself?" In this episode I'm going to give you seven exact ways that we show up for others that we can use to treat ourselves with the attention and care we deserve. These simple but effective principles are powerful ways to recognize God's love for us that you can start applying today!
If you need accountability to help you reach your self-care goals, join Brown Girl Society.
]]>Sis, if you are working at a job that no longer serves you, hear me when I say you are not stuck. If you are afraid to set up healthy boundaries in the workplace, you are not out of luck. If you have never considered negotiating to get what you want and need (more money, vacation time, perks, etc) when looking for new employment it's not too late.
I had the pleasure of speaking with lawyer and coach Toya Gavin of Legally Bold about all of the above (and more!!) during a Brown Girl Self-Care LIVE fireside chat. This conversation was so timely I wanted to bring some of the nuggets she dropped here to the podcast.
You can connect with Toya on Instagram right here!
Want to hear the entire recorded conversation plus others like it? Join Brown Girl Society!
]]>Black women all over the world have at least one thing in common - we are always SO hard on ourselves when what we need is more grace. Ever been hard on yourself about how you haven't done enough or things didn't work out the way you wanted them to but you tried your very best? If you're raising your hand just know that I see you.
This episode of the show is specifically for you. It's a quickie meant to encourage you to realize you are doing your best and to not be so hard on yourself.
Want to deep dive into this topic and many others specifically centering Black women? Be sure to join Brown Girl Society!
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Episode takeaways:
Recently I sent out an email to the BGSC community to let you know just how worthy and amazing you are, and that resulted in me receiving a ton of messages in my inbox.
Ladies in the community replied back saying things like, "Man, I really needed this today, I was struggling" or, just "thank you so much for saying these words."
I want to talk about some ways that I've recognized that I undervalued myself that you may be doing right now:
1 - We don't recognize the gifts and talents that we have and how valuable they are. Or we ignore them completely, because they aren't "perfect."
TIP: Valuing the things that you either had to learn how to do, or things that come naturally to you. Realize that you have the goods!
2 - We undercharge for our services and products or don't ask for a raise
TIP: Raise your rates. Speak up for yourself and request that raise you've been waiting on for years.
3 - We treat ourselves like trash or leftovers
TIP: Value who you are, take care of your body and speak life over yourself. Treat yourself like you are worth something.
4 - We wait around for somebody to give us the nod that that says we are important.
TIP: We don't need anybody else's validation to love ourselves the way that we deserve. We don't need anyone's high five or approval to now justify us taking care of ourselves the way that we deserve.
How does a little motivation sound? Get 36 digital affirmation cards here!
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