Sober In The Morning

Join me as I sit with my best friend, D.J. Reed, for a very intimate conversation on his “coming out” to me. We may not always be equipped to have the conversation but we must hold ourselves accountable. Can we talk about it and are you ready?

Today, I’d like to share my Birthday reflections with you as I have empowered myself to focus on 4 pillars to bring insight, strength and joy into my New Year of living. I will also share a new perspective on how to redirect negative thought, in order to shift focus and remain present. Join me today for a better tomorrow.

Let’s talk about parental figures, you know ya Mama and yo Daddy. Within this 10 minute episode, we are taking the gloves off to knock out the myths that are parents are superhuman and truly consider, oh wow—they are simply humans…just like us. It’s gonna get real y’all, but I know you’re ready to have the conversation. Let’s pack light and journey through this together.

You don’t need permission, but here is your reminder. Whatever you want to do, however you want to do it—the time is now. Take center stage, this is your curtain call.

Within these 7 minutes we are going to break ground and when we feel the earth shattering below us; representing our worlds—our beliefs on CONTROL; we will dig even deeper.

Join us for a candid conversation on divorcing ideas, relinquishing control and living in the moment; with “Thanks Divorce” podcast host, Janine Bell.

No one is coming, but that is okay because you are already here. In today’s episode, I encourage you to remember that you are who you’ve been waiting and there’s no need to wait—because you are ready! Show up and show out!

"Thank you" isn't a phrase that provides just do, for all the ways I appreciate you. Brenda Hart Hyman, my Mommy.
The older I get, the more I see you and for this I am so proud. I am so proud of you.
To our Mothers, Women with glorified titles too bold to bear and crowns often heaviest to wear--yet you do, each and every one of you. In your own way, you teach us. Children. Remind and rear us into the people we are today.
"Thank you" just isn't a phrase that provides just do, for all the ways we should value you.

Why?! Well the answer is simple and it may not be for you. You don’t owe anybody your “why,” rhyme or reason. The choices that you’ve made for yourself, are simply that. Today, I share with you my why and remind both you and myself, it is only I—that needs to accept it.

It’s official official, welcome to Season 2 and THANK YOU so very much for joining me today.

Season 1, that’s a wrap!!!!!

In today’s episode, I encourage you to consider the thing that people say about you, that may have you question: “are they hating”, “trying to be helpful” or “hurting me??” My Nana used to say “a piece of grain,” and today we’re going to use it as food for though.

It’s 2022 y’all and we are weeks away from Season 2! I just wanted to catch up real quick, while rounding out and wrapping up this season with 40 episodes. Talk soon, ya!

It’s time to realize that we have absolutely no control of time, but with the time that we do have; let’s find ways to make it time well spent. Our time is more valuable than we know because we don’t know how long we will have it.

On today’s episode, I want to show my deepest gratitude by thinking you all for your listenership. I encourage you to listen to previous episodes and share with your community! Please know that you can always share your feedback and reach out to me as I hope to host in person events, guest on the show, and connect with you all in real time.

Today it got deep. We’re talking about mental health: dispelling misconceptions, sharing personal stories and a call to action: how to check-in with yourself. This may be the realest episode I’ve recorded thus far, pass the tissue and let’s get open. *EDIT: I stopped drinking and began therapy at 29. Turning 30 sealed the deal of changing my life*

It’s easy to give advice, but are you on who practices what you preach? Today I encourage you to consider 3-5 pieces of advice you’d share with someone else; and use these jewels this week…for you! Some gems aren’t meant to be dropped, they’ve gotta be stored for your own restoration.

Today we are joined by my dog Snax, who has down all that he could to distract me from recording today’s episode. After four failed attempts to record due to his constant barking and crying, I decided to pivot and record despite his distractions because ‘such is life.’ In this short episode, I aim to remind you to stay the course, despite your distractions—keep going toward your path to greatness!

On today’s episode we are going to come up with three goals to consume during: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Three opportunities to pour into ourselves because we are hungry for growth. Your will to do can absolutely inspire you! So what will you focus on today? You have three opportunities to turn up your power and turn down your doubt. Thank you Les Brown for being a catalyst in our hunger for GREATNESS!

Let us consider for a moment how we define ourselves based off of who we see ourselves to be. Does this gaze exist from your past histories perspective or do you see yourself for who you are today? In this episode, I will share a personal anecdote of my personal struggle with identity beginning in my childhood and how I’ve had to unlearn the stories I believed, based off the books that were read me—better known as how others viewed me. This is going to be a ride, let us pack light and journey on together.

It isn’t what you know, it’s what you do. Right, or is that wrong when it comes to your practice? Far too often, we ignore our inner voice which attempts to shield us from our impulse and ego…but why?! In today’s episode, I’d like to unpack with you the reasons why we neglect what we know. If you knew better, what would you do?

Sometimes saying “no” to others, means saying “yes” to yourself. In today’s episode we are talking about the service and grace we give to ourselves and how to tap in, when we are feeling tapped out.

Moving forward toward the path of forgiveness means acknowledging your feelings and understanding your growth, in order to heal for yourself. You are not responsible for the pain that someone else causes, but you are responsible for your healing. On today’s episode, we are talking about forgiveness, foundational to begin and end—within and for ourselves.

Have you heard the phrase “my name is my name?” Have you ever considered what this actually means? Today we are discussing just that, who we are, as we are and not what we do. Stay tuned, this one is for you!

On today’s episode, we are exploring what we need to create for ourselves and define this thing as law through the simple phrase, “because I said so!”

This is an episode you don’t want to skip. Find a quiet space and turn up your volume. It’s time to take off your mask and get comfortable with who you are—-breathing new air. We are unveiling the mask.

You, whomever you are and wherever you are, you are who matters. On today’s episode, we are reclaiming the notion of “who is who.” You are a Winner and it is an honor to mention you, you do not come in first or last place because you create your own lane and stand confidently in it. You are not defined by anything for which you did not declare for yourself. Who’s who can not exist in your space because you already know who YOU are!

What is that “thing” that you’re keeping from yourself? On today’s episode, we are unpacking the parts of ourselves we keep hidden. We must ask ourselves, what we are afraid of and if we are finally ready to LIVE our lives doing the thing(s) we are called to do!

On today’s episode we are talking about transitioning our thoughts from “I wish,” “I think,” “I’m not” to “I will,” “I can,” and “I am.” How many lives have you changed already? Now are you ready to change your own. It begins with one sobering thought.

This episode is dedicated to the parts of ourselves that get left behind when we are moving so fast to keep up with someone else. To the back of the house, stage directors that keep us fully present and ready to perform. For the behind the scenes action—it’s your time to shine. Love on yourself today♥️

Today I challenge you to be an observer and active listener. Pay attention to what you see and what you hear; without actively participating through voice. Pay attention to the World around you and ask yourself; how can I become a better addition to this wonderful place we call Earth. The goal today is to be of this world, not just in this world.

Today I encourage you to BIG UP on your shadow. When you take steps ahead of what you hope to leave behind, you become bigger than your shadow. Do not stand stagnant in the darkness of your mind. There’s so much to share, so much for you to do. I recognize your strength and encourage you to move out of the shaded spaces of your thoughts and into your lightness of your heart. Keep going and don’t stop—don’t ever stop.

On today’s episode we are going to explore “the story we tell ourselves,” as their are three sides to every story: yours, theirs and the truth. What is the story that you tell yourself and how does this personal narrative impact the situation at hand?

Here’s a simple message today to turn down the dial of doubt you’re tuned into and turn up the thought of victory. Start today. Whatever it is. Start.

The story of our people comes from our people. We can no longer afford to let outsiders tell our stories. Become your own Author. If you want to break generational curses, change the narrative. Start recording, documenting and archiving. Your great grandchildren may not have social media by the time they are born and you are long gone. How will your stories be told. What will your legacy be?

Do you remember your first introduction to drugs of any form? How old were you and where were you? In today’s episode I will share some of my first experiences with drugs and alcohol that would shape the rest of my life.

On this very sobering episode we are talking about the other side of the prison bars. Join me as I share my personal experience with a loved one in incarcerated and hold space of solidarity for you and yours.

This episode is dedicated to “The Pretty Boys,” that help me grow to The Woman I am today.

You made it! Wherever you are, however you are; as long as their is breath in your lungs today; we must celebrate you! You made it today. You’re here. You’re still standing and today we give thanks for this!

Some like it hot, they say—so they get lit ignoring the trauma that ignites the flame. Today we are talking about Bottomless Brunch, a favorable weekend pastime or a dangerous game? Remember to let the spirit flow through you consciously, otherwise you’ll let the spirits flow.

You are IT. That’s it. It’s YOU...in real life.

Today we introduce the mantra, “I am here, my very being is on purpose with purpose. I have been called to...” Consider this mantra and write what you believe your purpose is, what are you here to create? I will provide a series of questions to help you unpack what is keeping you from your purpose, but only you can determine the “why.” Let’s use begin, together.

On January 29, 2018, I knew I’d have to change my life for the rest of my life. This is my story to sobriety. Everyone’s sounds and looks different, please do not compare your journey to anyone else’s and recognize first your who you are, where you’ve been and pay respect to where you’re going. This is your path, your footsteps are imprinted in your road—stay the course.

You’ll need to take notes for this episode as we are exploring your relationships both romantic and platonic. Consider these questions when identifying the types of relationships you have: 1) who are you in these relationships? 2) what types of people do you most commonly attract? 3) do you set boundaries? 4) what are your goals within these relationships? Do you have any? 5) how important is it for you to maintain healthy relationships in your life? This is a deep dive in the shallow waters of relationships my friends, don’t drown out your inner voice. It’s time to start swimming!

Sometimes your biggest supporters are people you don’t even know, the people who have found your work/word/art because it spoke to them. So we must stop trying to speak to people who aren’t hearing us; it may not be because they aren’t listening, but because it isn’t for them. Fake love will have you thinking your crazy, when in fact—it just wasn’t for you. What is for you is already yours.

On this journey of life, our exploration is no greater because of where we started or where we’ll end it—it’s about how we travelled. In this episode, we are exploring what the means to begin again, to start over. Perhaps consider, that it isn’t about your destination—but your journey. How will you travel and are you afraid to begin again and again?

What feelings arise when you hear the word “no?” How does it make you feel when you need to say “no?” How often do you avoid your inner voice when you participate in something you should be saying “no” to? In this episode, we will identify three ways we show up when we hear, say and reject the word “no.” Take your time to identify, take notes and be bigger than your emotions because your peace can depend on it. By saying “no” to someone/thing you can say YES to yourself!

This morning I encourage you to be still, to practice stillness however this looks for you—but truly be present. You can close your eyes and just breathe, for at least 5 minutes if you can. You don’t have to meditate just be present. Pay attention to the looming thoughts in your mind that keep presenting themselves to you-don’t try to push them out. Hold them, we will revisit them. Take a few more moments for yourself in this space and remember to breathe. When you open your eyes, write down the thoughts that came to you. The ones that appear constantly in your mind (at least 5). Do you have your list? Today, work on those thoughts in order to prioritize yourself today. When we are still we are open to signs and with sober mind; we can replenish our bodies. Now that’s love.

On today’s episode, we are going to identify “Imposter Syndrome,” and how it has shown up in our lives. We will be present in our bodies as vehicles and pull up to this negative notion that we are unworthy and drop it off/out of our thoughts because it is unfit for our journey of life. We will do mirror work, where we stand in front of our reflections for as long as we can; fully gazing to see ourselves and addressing negative thoughts head on. Whatever arises in your head, say it aloud and to your reflection! We chant, “I AM WORTHY,” because it is the most sobering phrase. Today, we are on the brink of our boldness and we will no longer let Imposter Syndrome show up, when we are present. No more!