Shades of Strong® | Supporting Black Women in Redefining Strength, Rewriting Narratives & Celebrating Authenticity Shirley Hubbard and Natalyn Bradshaw

My strong is embracing self-compassion amidst self-criticism.



Welcome to Day 22 of our “me-first” journey! Yesterday, we talked about finding hope in broken places. Today, we’re diving into the impact of holding ourselves in contempt and how it affects our journey to a “me-first” life. This step is crucial for understanding how self-criticism can hinder our well-being and reinforce hyper-independence.



Holding yourself in contempt is more than just an internal struggle; it shapes how you live and interact with the world. It’s that harsh inner voice that undermines your achievements and self-worth, and it often extends to how you view your physical appearance. Understanding this dynamic is essential for creating a “me-first” lifestyle.



Today’s episode is all about recognizing the ways self-contempt can affect your life and how shifting towards self-compassion can transform your experience.



Key Takeaways:



* The Cycle of Self-Criticism: Discover how constant self-criticism, whether about achievements or appearance, can contribute to hyper-independence. We’ll explore how this cycle reinforces the need to do everything alone and sets unrealistic standards.

* The Impact on Self-Worth: Understand how holding yourself in contempt can diminish your sense of self-worth and confidence. We’ll discuss the link between negative self-perceptions and the difficulty of embracing a “me-first” mindset.

* Shifting to Self-Compassion: Learn practical strategies for moving from self-criticism to self-compassion. We’ll talk about the importance of celebrating achievements, practicing daily affirmations, and engaging in activities that reinforce your self-worth









Join our Upcoming "Un-caped" Workshop:   If today's topic about self-contempt and self-compassion resonates with you, join our monthly "Un-caped" workshop on the last Tuesday of the month. The next one is July 30th, and it’s a great chance to explore these themes further and connect with others on a similar journey.



Looking Ahead: Tomorrow, we'll explore another important aspect of living a "me-first" life - turning pain into purpose. Stay tuned to continue this transformative journey with us.











Stay Connected with All Things Shades of Strong and the Black Female Experience:



 - Register for the "Uncpaed" Workshop

 - Stay Connected and Follow us on Instagram

- Join the Shades of Strong Email Community for weekly encouragment and empowering resources

 - Listener Survey: Share your feedback with usHERE.









 

My strong is finding light in the midst of darkness.



Welcome to Day 21 of our “me-first” journey! Yesterday, we talked about knowing when to walk away. Today, we’re focusing on finding hope in broken places. This step is about more than just seeing the silver lining—it’s about discovering how hope can be a guiding light even in the most challenging times.



We’ve all encountered moments when life feels scattered and overwhelming. During these times, hope can seem like a distant memory. But finding hope in these broken places is essential for rebuilding and moving forward.



Today’s episode is all about recognizing how even in our darkest moments, hope can provide strength and direction. We’ll explore how being grateful for hope can actually amplify it and how to cultivate a practice of acknowledging and appreciating hope in our lives.



Key Takeaways:



* The Power of Hope: Understanding that hope isn’t just a fleeting feeling but a powerful force that helps us rebuild and find strength amid adversity. Recognizing hope in broken places can guide us through tough times.

* Nurturing Hope Through Gratitude: How being grateful for hope can make it grow stronger. We’ll talk about how actively appreciating hope can create a positive cycle and enhance our resilience.

* Finding Hope in Everyday Moments: Discover practical ways to identify and embrace hope in daily life. We’ll discuss small signs of hope and how sharing these moments with others can reinforce our sense of hope and build supportive communities.









Join our Upcoming "Un-caped" Workshop:   If today's topic about finding hope in broken places resonates with you, join our monthly "Un-caped" workshop on the last Tuesday of the month. The next one is July 30th, and it’s a great opportunity to delve deeper into these ideas and connect with others on a similar path.



Looking Ahead: Tomorrow, we'll explore another important aspect of living a "me-first" life - holding yourself in contempt. Stay tuned to continue this transformative journey with us.











Stay Connected with All Things Shades of Strong and the Black Female Experience:



 - Register for the "Uncpaed" Workshop

 - Stay Connected and Follow us on Instagram

- Join the Shades of Strong Email Community for weekly encouragment and empowering resources

 - Listener Survey: Share your feedback with usHERE.









 

My strong is know when to let of what no longer serves me.



Welcome to Day 20 of our "me-first" journey! Yesterday, we dove into focusing on what we can control, and today, we're tackling another crucial topic: knowing when to walk away.This step is about more than just moving on—it's about making space for what truly nurtures you.



We’ve all faced moments when staying in a job or relationship, despite its draining impact, seems like the only option. But knowing when to walk away from these situations is key to breaking free from cycles of dissatisfaction and frustration. That comfort you feel from familiarity might be more of a trap than a sanctuary.



Today’s discussion is all about recognizing when that comfort is holding you back and finding the courage to let go. We dive into understanding how clinging to what's familiar can keep you in a cycle of dissatisfaction and how stepping away can open doors to new opportunities and growth.



Key Takeaways:



* The Real Cost of Familiarity: Understanding how staying in situations that no longer serve you can keep you from experiencing true fulfillment and growth. Knowing when to walk away means recognizing when what’s familiar is actually holding you back.

* Finding the Courage to Let Go: Practical advice on how to muster the bravery to make the tough decisions. We’ll talk about the emotional and practical steps to take when you decide it’s time to move on, and how to handle the fears and uncertainties that come with it.

* Opening Doors to New Opportunities: Discover how knowing when to walk away can lead to new, enriching experiences that align with your true desires. Stepping away from what no longer works creates room for growth and new possibilities.









Join our Upcoming "Un-caped" Workshop:   If today's topic about knowing when to walk away resonates with you, join our monthly "Un-caped" workshop on the last Tuesday of the month. The next one is July 30th, and it’s a great opportunity to delve deeper into these ideas and connect with others on a similar path.



Looking Ahead: Tomorrow, we'll explore another important aspect of living a "me-first" life - finding hope in broken places. Stay tuned to continue this transformative journey with us.











Stay Connected with All Things Shades of Strong and the Black Female Experience:



 - Register for the "Uncpaed" Workshop

 - Stay Connected and Follow us on Instagram

- Join the Shades of Strong Email Community for weekly encouragment and empowering resources

 - Listener Survey: Share your feedback with usHERE.









 

My strong is focusing on things I can control. 



Welcome to Day 19 of our "me-first" journey! Yesterday, we chatted about overcoming fear, and today, we're exploring a closely related challenge—focusing on things you can control. This discussion is vital as we continue to evolve away from old, restrictive habits and toward a life where we handle uncertainties with grace and ease. Focusing on what you can control  is crucial to avoiding regression into old habits that no longer serve us.



Change is challenging, especially when it surfaces fears about the unknown. But here’s the thing—we might not be able to control every aspect of our lives, but we can certainly control our responses. Today, we'll explore practical strategies for doing just that. We're not just talking about surviving amidst chaos but thriving by recognizing the areas of our lives where we have true agency and making intentional choices there.



Today, it’s all about learning to chill and let things flow a little. As we move away from our hyper-independent habits, we’re making room for living in a way that’s not just about surviving, but thriving. We’re talking about moving from trying to control everything to just letting go and letting life happen.







Key Takeaways:



* Empowerment Through Control: Learn about the empowering effect of focusing on areas of your life you can directly influence and the peace that comes from releasing the rest.

* Practical Strategies: I dive nto actionable ways to identify what's within your control and how to leverage this focus to reduce stress and enhance well-being.

* Shifting Perspectives: Discover how changing your focus from what you can't control to what you can fundamentally shifts how you interact with the world, making you more proactive and less reactive.









Join our Upcoming "Un-caped" Workshop:   If today's conversation about control and managing it resonates with you, then you won't want to miss our monthly "Un-caped" workshop. We'll dive even deeper into topics like this. It all happens on the last Tuesday of the month. The next one is July 30th, and I’d love to see you there. This is your chance to connect with others who are on the same journey and to really reinforce your commitment to a "me-first" life.



Looking Ahead: Tomorrow, we'll explore another important aspect of living a "me-first" life - Knowing when to walk away. Stay tuned to continue this transformative journey with us. 











Stay Connected with All Things Shades of Strong and the Black Female Experience:



 - Register for the "Uncpaed" Workshop

 - Stay Connected and Follow us on Instagram

- Join the Shades of Strong Email Community for weekly encouragment and empowering resources

 - Listener Survey: Share your feedback with usHERE.









 

My strong is overcoming fear to live a truly empowered life.



Welcome to Day 18 of our "me-first" journey! Yesterday we talked about embracing change. Today, we’re discussing its close cousin, overcoming the fear of the unknown. Just like change, fear of the unknown often bubbles up when we start altering long-held patterns. It’s crucial to confront and manage this fear to prevent slipping back into those familiar but limiting behaviors.



Overcoming fear is not just about suppressing our anxieties; it's about changing how we react to uncertainty. As we've started the process of  letting go of hyper-independent habits, we've created opportunities for more supportive, interconnected ways of living. Today's focus is on understanding and managing the fears that arise during these transformative times.







Key Takeaways:



* Understanding the Fear of the Unknown: I explore why uncertainty can be so paralyzing and yet so important for growth, and how facing it can lead to a more fuffilling life.

* Strategies to Overcome Fear: We'll discuss practical ways to confront and manage fear, ensuring that it motivates rather than hinders us.

* Building Resilience: Learning to harness our fears can significantly bolster our resilience, helping us thrive in the face of life's unpredictabilities.









Join our Upcoming "Un-caped" Workshop:  If today's conversation about control and managing it resonates with you, then you won't want to miss our monthly "Un-caped" workshop. We'll dive even deeper into topics like this. It all happens on the last Tuesday of the month. The next one is July 30th, and I’d love to see you there. This is your chance to connect with others who are on the same journey and to really reinforce your commitment to a "me-first" life.



Looking Ahead: Tomorrow, we'll explore another important aspect of living a "me-first" life - letting go of control Stay tuned to continue this transformative journey with us. 











Stay Connected with All Things Shades of Strong and the Black Female Experience:



 - Register for the "Uncpaed" Workshop

 - Stay Connected and Follow us on Instagram

- Join the Shades of Strong Email Community for weekly encouragment and empowering resources

 - Listener Survey: Share your feedback with usHERE.









 

My strong is embracing change to live a truly "me-first" life.



Welcome to Day 17 of our "me-first" journey! Yesterday, we tackled breaking generational curses. Today, we shift gears to discuss embracing change. Change often follows once we start dismantling old patterns, and it's important to handle it well to avoid reverting to those old habits.



Embracing change isn't just about dealing with the new—it's about truly transforming our approach to life's challenges. As we've started to break away from ingrained behaviors, like hyper-independence, we've opened up space for new ways of living. Today, it's all about learning to roll with the punches and adapting to change in a way that strengthens our  "mee-first" lifestyle.



 







Key Takeaways:



* Understanding the Nature of Change: I dive into why change is so uncomfortable, yet so necessary for personal growth, and how it can lead to a more fulfilled and balanced life.

* Connecting Personal Change to Broader Growth: I share insights from my own life about the drastic changes I've faced, like diving into entrepreneurship and facing the hardships that followed, to illustrate how embracing change has been pivotal for my personal and professional development.

* Actionable Steps for Adapting to Change: Discussion on practical strategies to handle change effectively, ensuring it leads to positive outcomes instead of overwhelming us.









Join our Upcoming "Un-caped" Workshop:   To explore these themes further and gain more tools for handling change, , join us at the Un-caped workshop on July 30th.We'll dive deep into strategies for not just surviving but thriving through changes in our lives. Save your seat NOW.



Looking Ahead: Tomorrow, we'll explore another importatn aspect of living a "me-first" life - reclaiming joy. Stay tuned to continue this transformative journey with us.











Stay Connected with All Things Shades of Strong and the Black Female Experience:



 - Register for the "Uncpaed" Workshop

 - Stay Connected and Follow us on Instagram

- Join the Shades of Strong Email Community for weekly encouragment and empowering resources

 - Listener Survey: Share your feedback with usHERE.