The Impeccable word "Encouragement"

[00:00:00] Welcome to The Season of Self Love, your daily dose of inspiration and encouragement.

[00:00:05] I'm your host, Nyomi Banks, and I am thrilled to be here with you today.

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[00:01:06] Today is Monday, May 20th, 2024, and I welcome you my beautiful people to The

[00:01:16] Season of Self Love podcast.

[00:01:17] I am your host, Nyomi Banks, and today we are diving into a very uplifting topic

[00:01:22] and as embracing encouragement, the power of positive words.

[00:01:25] Well you know this month is our theme for using our words impeccably and the word

[00:01:30] for today is encouragement.

[00:01:32] We'll explore how the right words can uplift us and transform our outlook on life.

[00:01:37] But let's do this.

[00:01:38] Let's take a quick break and then when we come back, we're going to go deeper

[00:01:43] into this word, this impeccable word, encouragement, encouragement, alright?

[00:01:47] It's your girl Nyomi Banks here on The Season of Self Love podcast and we'll be

[00:01:52] right back.

[00:01:53] Get ready for an exciting month of inspiration and empowerment on Ask Nyomi

[00:01:57] bridging the gap.

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[00:02:20] And wrapping up the month on May 30th, don't miss our special guest, a

[00:02:24] neuroscientist turned adult content creator and fishing influencer,

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[00:03:19] All right, my beautiful people.

[00:03:25] It's your goody, God.

[00:03:26] It's Naomi Banks here on this season of Cephala podcast.

[00:03:28] And I welcome you back.

[00:03:30] All right, today's word, today's word is encouragement.

[00:03:34] You know the month of May is all about using our words impeccably.

[00:03:37] And we thought to use the word encouragement.

[00:03:40] But before we get into this topic, let's begin with a nice guided meditation.

[00:03:44] Meditation, all right?

[00:03:45] Excuse me guys.

[00:03:46] All right, so find a nice comfortable position.

[00:03:49] And then I want you to close your eyes.

[00:03:53] Now take a deep breath in.

[00:03:56] Feel the air that fills your lungs, all right?

[00:03:59] I want you to exhale letting go of any tension or stress.

[00:04:06] As you continue to breathe deeply, I want you to imagine a warm, golden light surrounding you.

[00:04:13] Developing into a cocoon of peace and tranquility.

[00:04:19] Now with each inhale, I want you to invite positivity and encouragement into your being.

[00:04:25] I want you to feel the light within you growing brighter with every breath.

[00:04:31] Now as you exhale, I want you to release any doubts or fears that may be holding you back at this time.

[00:04:38] I want you to let go of what no longer serves you.

[00:04:44] Now take a moment to set an intention for yourself.

[00:04:48] Something positive and empowering that aligns with your goals and your values.

[00:04:54] Now I want you to take another deep breath in and I want you to visualize yourself achieving this intention.

[00:05:02] Embracing the feeling of accomplishment and fulfillment that comes with it.

[00:05:09] Now in this moment, you are strong.

[00:05:13] You are capable.

[00:05:16] And you are deserving of all the good things that life has to offer.

[00:05:20] Now when you are ready, I want you to slowly open your eyes.

[00:05:28] Bringing this sense of encouragement and empowerment with you as you go about your day.

[00:05:34] And I want you to remember that you are capable of great things.

[00:05:39] Trusting yourself in your abilities.

[00:05:44] Alright my beautiful people, you are new here to the Season of Self Love podcast.

[00:05:48] It's something we do every day Monday through Friday.

[00:05:52] We begin each episode with a nice guided meditation to help ground and center us.

[00:05:57] To prepare for whatever the topic that we are talking about in hand.

[00:06:01] And today is all about the impeccable word encouragement.

[00:06:05] Alright so now let's talk about understanding encouragement.

[00:06:09] Let's define it alright.

[00:06:11] What it really means and why it's such a vital part of nurturing our mental and emotional well being.

[00:06:17] Well you see encouragement is the act of giving someone support and confidence.

[00:06:22] Or even hope.

[00:06:24] It involves expressing belief in a person's ability and providing motivation to pursue their goals.

[00:06:30] And offering positive feedback to boost their self-esteem.

[00:06:34] So when you encourage someone, you are acknowledging their efforts and highlighting their strength.

[00:06:40] And inspiring them to keep going.

[00:06:43] Even in the face of challenges.

[00:06:47] You see encouragement can come in many forms such as words of affirmation.

[00:06:53] Gestures of support or simply being present for someone in need.

[00:06:58] Encouragement is a powerful tool for fostering personal growth.

[00:07:03] Building resilience and nurturing relationships.

[00:07:08] And it helps people to believe in themselves and overcome obstacles.

[00:07:12] As well as reach their full potential.

[00:07:15] So by offering encouragement you can make a meaningful difference in someone's life.

[00:07:21] And contribute to their success and well being.

[00:07:26] So now that we know what the true meaning of encouragement is.

[00:07:32] I want you to ask yourself have I been of encouragement to someone?

[00:07:40] And then I want you to sit and think about who truly has been of encouragement for me in my life.

[00:07:47] Well right now I want to share with you a personal story of where encouraging words made a significant difference in my life.

[00:07:55] You see when I was a little girl I used to get teased a lot from family members and you know peers.

[00:08:03] Because of my darker skin. My darker hue.

[00:08:07] And I was called like you little chocobaby, you little darky.

[00:08:12] You know all of those mean words of being the darker hue.

[00:08:19] And I'm saying hue.

[00:08:22] And even though my father was of darker complexion.

[00:08:26] And I believe there was a few other family members particularly on my mother's side was darker.

[00:08:32] My grandmother was of darker skin.

[00:08:35] Two of my uncles and an aunt.

[00:08:37] My grandmother had 11 children all together.

[00:08:41] There was still alive 11 children all together.

[00:08:44] And I believe I'm the oldest out of all the grandkids but majority of them were more of a lighter tone.

[00:08:51] Caramel complexion.

[00:08:53] My mother was I guess you want to say more caramel like you know complexion.

[00:08:57] And so a majority of the people were.

[00:09:00] On my dad's side they were a little bit more darker skin on my dad's side.

[00:09:06] But I particularly spent a lot of time on my mother's side of the family.

[00:09:10] So a lot of times I was teased a lot.

[00:09:13] You know from the younger family members but you don't know what that do to a young girl that's 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.

[00:09:22] You know in that stages to where they start to look at themselves and kind of compare themselves to other people.

[00:09:29] You know it's nowhere like it is now to where first it was just TV that we had to compare ourselves with people.

[00:09:37] Maybe people in the neighborhood.

[00:09:39] Now it's more of social media.

[00:09:41] But when I was younger I remember I used to live with my grandmother to go to school.

[00:09:48] But on weekends I had my beautiful aunt who was a darker complexion and she was gorgeous.

[00:09:53] Actually I would say that she was the darker version of my mother.

[00:09:56] Her and my mother looked just alike.

[00:09:58] But she was just a darker color than she was a darker complexion than my mom.

[00:10:03] And I used to go with her and my uncle on weekends to their home they didn't have any children at that time.

[00:10:10] And so they used to have myself and another one of my aunts who was a few years older than me.

[00:10:16] Of course she was lighter complexion and then my uncles two sisters and my other aunt who all three four of them were light skinned.

[00:10:25] They were a lighter complexion than me.

[00:10:28] And I remember and they were a little older than me too.

[00:10:33] And I remember my aunt who was darker and you know she would always say how beautiful I am, how pretty I am, how beautiful my hair is.

[00:10:43] And she like really would talk into me.

[00:10:45] And I remember one day we were sitting there and I was doing something.

[00:10:51] And she just grabbed my hand and said don't ever let nobody tell you that your skin is not pretty.

[00:10:56] Don't ever let nobody tell you that your skin complexion is not pretty.

[00:11:02] And even though she was a few tones lighter than me she still was considered dark, dark skinned.

[00:11:08] But I've never heard anybody call her any mean words because she carried that complexion so well.

[00:11:16] And I know you're saying Naomi she carried, yes she carried that complexion so well.

[00:11:20] And when she say you know chocolate is a good color, is a good name.

[00:11:25] You know chocolate, you know she would make these mean words that they were saying and she would kind of make them of a positive for me.

[00:11:32] She would make them for a positive for me.

[00:11:36] And she just held so much confidence but she always talked into me.

[00:11:44] I remember her telling me about embracing my skin complexion.

[00:11:48] And I also remember from the time I was, I think I was probably 10 to maybe 13 or 14 and I'm about to tell my age.

[00:11:58] But I remember using, it used to be this skin cream that's bleaching cream called Ambi in black and white cream.

[00:12:07] And this was supposed to lighten my skin.

[00:12:10] And I remember when she saw me using that she was like uh-uh no.

[00:12:14] She said because that would mess your skin up.

[00:12:17] She said baby you have beautiful skin.

[00:12:20] She kept just making sure that I knew that.

[00:12:23] And she said you know your skin is like black diamond.

[00:12:26] Your skin is like black diamond baby, your skin shine like black diamond.

[00:12:31] She said you ever realize when you put on that um we used to use petroleum, petroleum and the baby oil.

[00:12:40] She said when you put that on your skin she said you see how your skin shine.

[00:12:44] She said now look at those other light skinned people, your skin, their skin don't shine like that.

[00:12:49] She said baby that's black diamond.

[00:12:52] Now back then I didn't even know it was such a thing.

[00:12:55] I just thought of one diamond, you know the clear diamonds?

[00:12:59] That's the only diamond that I knew.

[00:13:02] But then I remember I used to have these um collection of encyclopedias and things that my mom had bought for me and my sister.

[00:13:10] And I looked up the word black diamond.

[00:13:16] And I saw that the black diamond is one of the most rarest unique diamond possible.

[00:13:25] A real authentic black diamond is the rarest and the most unique diamond and also the most expensive.

[00:13:37] And so at a young age of 12 or 13 I understood that I was the most rarest of them all.

[00:13:50] That my uniqueness and my skin was beautiful.

[00:13:58] And me understanding what me being a black diamond was and understanding what the words were, could nobody take that away from me.

[00:14:06] So I then wore my dark skin out loud with my head high.

[00:14:18] Could nobody tell me nothing.

[00:14:21] Could nobody tell me nothing.

[00:14:24] And you know what till this day, then until this day she has always been my biggest supporter through every single thing that I've done.

[00:14:35] Every single thing that I've done.

[00:14:38] Even through the adult industry, even now.

[00:14:41] She was the one who taught me about makeup.

[00:14:44] She was the one who taught me about styling my clothes.

[00:14:49] Actually she was the first one that took me to go see a gynecologist.

[00:14:54] Yes, yes.

[00:14:57] You know see because my mother was she was too afraid of, but yes she didn't know the language to talk to me about sex.

[00:15:05] So she used to tell me don't do it.

[00:15:07] Don't do it you'll get pregnant don't do it.

[00:15:09] That was it.

[00:15:11] My father told me about the birds and the bees, but he couldn't articulate for a young girl about that.

[00:15:19] You understand what I'm saying?

[00:15:21] And so my auntie, she was the one who was able to tell me how to use certain feminine products.

[00:15:29] You know she showed me how to do that.

[00:15:31] And she was the first one that took me to a gynecologist.

[00:15:34] So I could know and be comfortable with who I am as it were.

[00:15:37] Now I know you say well where was your mama at?

[00:15:39] You know my mother worked a lot.

[00:15:41] She worked between working a lot and she was when I say she was very driven as my mom worked as well.

[00:15:48] She was getting certification, she was going to school, she was always trying to better herself so she can better her family, her situation for her family.

[00:15:57] And so she never really dug into about us as being a woman.

[00:16:05] Yes I see my mom wear makeup.

[00:16:07] Beautiful.

[00:16:08] But she never took the time to sit and play with me with makeup.

[00:16:12] My aunt played dress up with me.

[00:16:15] She played dress up with us.

[00:16:19] Makeup, hair did our nails.

[00:16:22] She made us embrace our femininity as a woman.

[00:16:26] And still to this day I might be 51 years old and you know and she's what 69 now 60.

[00:16:36] You can't tell this woman nothing.

[00:16:38] She's beautiful.

[00:16:39] Beautiful and she makes sure that everybody around her feels beautiful.

[00:16:45] Let's say I'm the oldest out of I think like maybe 40 grandkids and through the time she was taking all of us both the girls and the boys.

[00:16:54] And she's all brought us into her home to this day and she has spoken some amazing words in each one of us.

[00:17:05] And she has encouraged us in each one of us.

[00:17:10] Still to this day she does it.

[00:17:13] So when I tell you that words of encouragement from others will help someone uplift their souls.

[00:17:23] It helped me in a time when me as a little black girl back in the late 70s early 80s going into the 90s.

[00:17:31] That it helped empower me in so many ways helped me to know who I am.

[00:17:39] It helped boost my self-esteem.

[00:17:43] It helped me walk amongst my best friends are Hyella, Lice Ken, beautiful women.

[00:17:52] But they in turn think I'm just as beautiful as them.

[00:17:58] But she was truly the woman who put that confidence in my back.

[00:18:03] And I got one more auntie that did the same thing.

[00:18:06] On my daddy's side she was the baby girl.

[00:18:08] And when they say shining like black diamonds she was darker than me.

[00:18:13] She was darker than my aunt.

[00:18:18] And as I got older as an adult my aunt on my mom's side used to tell me how she used to look up to my dad's sister.

[00:18:27] The darker she said because I saw how she embraced her darkness.

[00:18:31] And I saw how she came in looking in school and she said so I was like oh yeah.

[00:18:36] But also what I learned from that is for me to be an encouragement to others.

[00:18:50] That's what I learned.

[00:18:52] I learned how to talk into others from her, from my aunties, from my other aunties.

[00:19:02] At that time I had nine aunties and not knowing how much that number nine would mean for me.

[00:19:10] Yeah, yeah.

[00:19:11] Alright my beautiful people so let's do this.

[00:19:16] This is the second quick break and when we come back we're going to talk a little bit more about this impeccable word encouragement, alright?

[00:19:22] It's your girl Iygahtisnami Banks here on this season of Self Love podcast and we'll be right back.

[00:19:31] Common barriers that prevent people from expressing...

[00:19:34] Hey it's your girl Iygahtisnami Banks here from this season of Self Love podcast.

[00:19:41] I would say remorse. So, shaming guilt is a very divided emotional...

[00:19:46] Now these are one of the many amazing conversations that we have every day Monday through Friday right here on the season of Self Love podcast.

[00:19:56] With myself Naomi Banks as well as our resident therapist Dr. Will Washington of Washington Wellness Institute.

[00:20:04] Come by.

[00:20:06] Come by.

[00:20:11] You can hit us on the website theseasonofselflovepodcast.com

[00:20:16] And we'll be back with this, with the truth.

[00:20:19] Is it...

[00:20:22] Alright welcome back Iygahtisnami Banks here on the season of Self Love podcast.

[00:20:27] Another month of May is all about using our words and impeccable right but today's word is encouragement.

[00:20:35] And before the break in the first segment I talked about a beautiful auntie of mine.

[00:20:41] Like I said she is one of my best friends.

[00:20:44] She is a person who taught me how to truly be a lady.

[00:20:50] But during the break, I didn't know it was very early here, she lives in Chicago and I had to text her.

[00:20:58] I truly did. It's like after I finished that segment I was in tears like...

[00:21:03] And it was tears of happiness because I think I am so blessed.

[00:21:06] I am blessed beyond measures to have had her beautiful spirit in my life.

[00:21:16] And when I say she made me feel seen when I did not feel seen.

[00:21:24] And if anybody has heard my show about abandonment you guys will understand what I'm speaking about today.

[00:21:33] And my auntie Sue, that's what her name is.

[00:21:37] But she has been everybody's auntie Sue.

[00:21:40] An amazing woman, amazing woman. She has a hard nose too at times.

[00:21:44] But when I was sitting here and I was just speaking about her and sharing the story with you all.

[00:21:50] How she made me feel amazing as a beautiful black diamond.

[00:21:56] As a beautiful black diamond.

[00:21:59] And the words that she used for me and how she talked into me and everything that I did was just amazing.

[00:22:07] And I felt that it was like a movie that was playing in my head as I was speaking.

[00:22:12] But I just remember those times, I remember those weekends.

[00:22:16] I remember her during the summer taking us places seriously.

[00:22:20] And yeah so I had to give her a nice long text this morning just to let her know that I love you my sister, my auntie, my girl, my role, my model.

[00:22:32] I had to let her know.

[00:22:34] Alright so and then speaking of that, that has been for me has been the impact of encouragement for me.

[00:22:41] Alright so let's get it moving on.

[00:22:44] So let's talk about the psychological effects of encouragement.

[00:22:47] Did you know that positive words can actually change, can actually change the way our brains function?

[00:22:56] Now I've dived into some fascinating research and studies that reveal how regular doses of encouragement can improve our mental health.

[00:23:08] And it can boost our confidence and even enhance our resilience.

[00:23:13] So remember before, and even what I just spoke, and remember before when in the first segment when I talked to you and I told you all on how this woman spoken to me.

[00:23:22] And showed me how to embrace my dark skin, my complexion and move forward on.

[00:23:29] And how she got part of that from my aunt on my dad's side who was older than her and was a darker hue of me.

[00:23:37] And how she got that and how I saw that in her as well.

[00:23:40] That in turn turned my little young insecure person self into a powerful woman of color.

[00:23:50] A powerful dark skinned woman.

[00:23:53] Truly it has so that for me, the words that just, it changed my whole mental aspect of who I am.

[00:24:03] Just from those words of somebody regularly talking to me.

[00:24:07] So you see regular doses of encouragement can have a very significant positive impact on our mental health.

[00:24:14] And in several ways. One, by boosting our self esteem.

[00:24:18] Encouragement helps individuals to develop a more positive self image and belief in their abilities which can increase self esteem and self worth.

[00:24:29] Number two, it can help reduce stress and anxiety.

[00:24:32] You see positive feedback and support can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

[00:24:38] So by providing a sense of reassurance and security.

[00:24:42] Three, it also can help building resilience.

[00:24:46] Encouragement can help individuals to develop resilience by strengthening their ability to cope with challenges and setbacks.

[00:24:55] It can help with motivating actions.

[00:24:57] By feeling encouraged it can inspire individuals to take action towards their goals and leading them to a sense of accomplishments and fulfillment.

[00:25:07] As well as enhancing their emotional well being.

[00:25:12] You see regular encouragement can promote feelings of happiness, positivity and overall well being contributing to improved mental health.

[00:25:23] And it also can strengthen relationships.

[00:25:27] See by offering encouragement to others we can build stronger and more supportive relationships that contribute to a sense of connection and belonging.

[00:25:37] So overall regular doses of encouragement can create a more positive mindset.

[00:25:42] It can improve coping skills and it can foster emotional wellness.

[00:25:48] All of which are essential to components of our good mental health.

[00:25:54] You know for me this is what I do.

[00:26:00] I encourage not only those outside of us but I encourage my beautiful girls.

[00:26:05] I have three beautiful black diamonds.

[00:26:08] Three beautiful black diamonds.

[00:26:10] That I talk to them about embracing who they are.

[00:26:16] Their skin complexion, their size, their hair, their uniqueness, their originality, their weirdness.

[00:26:26] Has it been a challenge? Yes it has.

[00:26:30] Because of course they have other influences outside that speak negativity into them and make them feel a certain way.

[00:26:40] So I try my hardest as another beautiful chocolate black diamond.

[00:26:46] Speaking into them are positive words of encouragement.

[00:26:51] I let them know that they are powerful queens and goddesses that they were created and they were born through a beautiful queen and goddess.

[00:27:03] But not only those but I talk into everyone.

[00:27:06] I talk into everyone.

[00:27:10] Because I believe that everyone has the potential to be the greatest that they can ever possibly be.

[00:27:20] I know what it feels like to be spoke down on.

[00:27:25] I know what that means and I never want anybody to feel that way.

[00:27:30] And so when I see you smiling, I talk into you.

[00:27:37] When I see you looking down and not knowing how to eye contact with, I speak into you.

[00:27:45] I see your goodness.

[00:27:48] I want you to allow that goodness to shine just bright.

[00:27:55] I don't care if you was a man or a woman, black or white, gay or straight.

[00:28:01] So if anybody is listening out there now just know that you are a beautiful woman.

[00:28:14] Just know that you are an example of a black diamond.

[00:28:22] So as I'm doing this podcast, I'm on this journey of self-love, self-discovery.

[00:28:33] Empowering myself.

[00:28:40] My dream and my goal in life is also to put those words of encouragement and inspiration to you too.

[00:28:49] And my prayer is that you would take the words that I give you.

[00:28:53] You take those words and you use those words and repurpose those words and pass them on to someone else.

[00:29:00] Whether there's a loved one or a stranger.

[00:29:05] So we can make this a domino effect.

[00:29:08] So we can pass it, pay it forward is the word. Pay it forward to others.

[00:29:14] That is what this self-love season is all about.

[00:29:18] This is what this podcast is all about.

[00:29:26] It's us serving one another.

[00:29:30] Yes, it is.

[00:29:32] Alright so let's do this. Let's take this quick break and when I come back I'm going to add some practical tips on it.

[00:29:37] How can I be an encouragement for someone, Naomi, when I feel this way?

[00:29:42] But when we come back from this break I've got a few tips for you alright?

[00:29:46] Alright it's your girl, you got it's on me Banks here on this season of self-love podcast.

[00:29:58] Hey hey hey this is Dog Pound Mike Mike

[00:30:01] and this is Naomi Bridgley McGapp Podcast.

[00:30:05] Come check us out every week and remember I'm no relationship expert.

[00:30:09] I just tell it like I hear from McKinney.

[00:30:12] Get back at me.

[00:30:18] Alright welcome back it's your girl you got it's on me Banks here on this season of self-love podcast.

[00:30:25] Today is all about using our words impeccably and today the word is encouragement.

[00:30:31] So before the break I told you that I had some practical tips to offer for encouragement.

[00:30:36] So now that we can give, now how can we give and how can we receive encouragement effectively right?

[00:30:43] It's not just about saying nice things. It's about meaningful interaction that truly uplift.

[00:30:50] What I'm going to do right now I'm going to share some strategies for crafting sincere empowering messages

[00:30:56] and discuss how we can make our environments from work to home more supportive.

[00:31:02] You see crafting a sincere empowering message involves thoughtful consideration and genuine expression of support.

[00:31:10] One is to be pacific.

[00:31:14] Tailor your message to the individual mentioning pacific qualities, their actions or achievements that you admired or find inspiring.

[00:31:23] You see for me when I'm speaking to loved ones or friends or anybody I just see goodness in them.

[00:31:36] Whatever little thing that they do in life and they don't celebrate it, I celebrate it for them.

[00:31:44] But also I show them to acknowledge that little award or that little goal that they did in their lives.

[00:31:55] And they say, I don't remember. No do you understand what you did?

[00:32:02] And I go back and I let them know this is where you started at, this is where you at now.

[00:32:07] I don't care if it's a step, a crawl or whatever but you moved from this space to this space.

[00:32:13] So I remind them of how far they come. Like I said I don't care if it's just a step.

[00:32:26] Well they just ran a damn marathon.

[00:32:36] As I say I'm going to make you love yourself.

[00:32:40] But I'm going to help you to see the goodness even through all of this book BS.

[00:32:47] Even after all of this heartache, even after all of that we still going to find some real true goodness of it all.

[00:33:02] And what I learned through my self love journey is that this is how I can see things differently.

[00:33:07] This is how I can take negative experiences that we say and those are lessons for me and they were powerful lessons for me.

[00:33:16] That I'm able to use them now because I remember how I got through that moment.

[00:33:24] So even if a glimpse of that come now, I know what to do.

[00:33:29] I know how to maneuver around it. I know what my mindset needs to be with me.

[00:33:37] Does that make sense? Using positive language with them.

[00:33:44] Focus on using positive and uplifting language to convive your message to them.

[00:33:50] Your message effectively and avoid negative or critical remarks.

[00:33:57] The next one is acknowledge effort. Recognize the hard work, the dedication or the progress that that person has made.

[00:34:04] And this shows your value in their efforts.

[00:34:08] Not too long ago a still friend of mine was going up for this amazing competition, this amazing award.

[00:34:18] And I want to make sure that they knew that they were a winner already just by placing in the finals.

[00:34:26] I believe sometimes we are now I believe before I did but now I believe that sometimes when we think we want that big reward.

[00:34:37] Sometimes that big reward is not for us at this moment at this time.

[00:34:43] Because it could be blocking something that's bigger and better for us.

[00:34:54] And so whatever it is I want to show them value in what it is now.

[00:35:00] When I say, when I speak to my girls, when I speak to my daughters, my friends, even my brothers.

[00:35:08] I try to speak positive words with encouragement.

[00:35:22] Let's see it a different way.

[00:35:26] My loved one, let's see it this way.

[00:35:31] You see how far you come. You know, you almost there.

[00:35:35] But not only that but I say that to myself.

[00:35:41] Just as much as I provide encouragement for others, I do it for myself.

[00:35:47] Now I want y'all to think, ooh Naomi is always so high hair now.

[00:35:56] No, but I have more happy days than I do bad days.

[00:36:02] I have more amazing days.

[00:36:07] I have me some okay days.

[00:36:10] I have me some thankful days.

[00:36:13] I have some days like with fun.

[00:36:19] But I understand them all and I embrace them and I accept them all.

[00:36:25] Because I understand the value of me and my life.

[00:36:33] The next one is provide encouragement.

[00:36:36] Offer words of encouragement, motivation and support to inspire that person to keep going and to pursue their goals.

[00:36:44] Be empathetic. Show empathy by acknowledging that person's feelings or struggles.

[00:36:50] While also expressing confidence in their abilities to overcome those challenges.

[00:36:58] And personalize the message.

[00:37:01] Make the message personal by referencing shared experience.

[00:37:05] Inside jokes or special memories that deepen your connection with this individual.

[00:37:15] Offer constructive feedback.

[00:37:18] If providing feedback, do so in a constructive and encouraging manner.

[00:37:24] Focus on areas of improvement while highlighting strengths and potential.

[00:37:32] Express gratitude.

[00:37:35] Show appreciation for that person's presence in your life and the positive impact that they have

[00:37:41] or they had on you or on others.

[00:37:47] Use inspirational quotes or stories to incorporate relevant quotes.

[00:37:52] Antidotes or stories that resonate with that person's situation.

[00:37:56] That can serve as a source of inspiration.

[00:37:59] And the last one is be genuine.

[00:38:02] Be authentic.

[00:38:05] Above all, be sincere in your message.

[00:38:08] And let your true feelings shine through to create a meaningful and powerful message.

[00:38:14] So by incorporating these strategies into your messages, you can craft a sincere and empowering message that uplift and motivate others in a genuine and heartfelt way.

[00:38:28] Alright so Dr. Will reminded me that May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

[00:38:36] And I know we hadn't really been doing anything.

[00:38:39] Well we do. We do something every day with it.

[00:38:41] And I want to ask something differently for these next two weeks.

[00:38:44] I know we did a guided meditation in the beginning but I want to just pause for a moment.

[00:38:49] Right in the middle or towards the end, I want us to take a moment to pause and just reflect on the conversation that we talked about today.

[00:38:59] Thus far about encouraging others.

[00:39:03] That impeccable word of encouragement.

[00:39:05] And I want to just take a moment right now to just take a quick guided meditation.

[00:39:15] Alright if you would just join me in this moment.

[00:39:19] Alright.

[00:39:22] Alright now get comfortable in your position and I want you to close your eyes.

[00:39:28] And I want you to take a deep breath in and I want you to hold it for a moment.

[00:39:32] Now exhale slowly releasing any tension in your body.

[00:39:37] I want you to reflect on the empowering strategies that we discussed today.

[00:39:44] And I want you to think about how you can incorporate them into your interaction with others to uplift and inspire.

[00:39:52] And I want you to visualize yourself communicating with sincerity and positivity.

[00:39:57] And I want you to imagine sharing words of encouragement and support that resonate deeply with those around you.

[00:40:07] Now take a deep breath in.

[00:40:12] Exhale out.

[00:40:15] I want you to focus on the importance of being authentic and genuine in your interaction.

[00:40:21] I want you to embrace your ability to connect with others on a meaningful level through your words and actions.

[00:40:29] Now bring your attention back to your breath.

[00:40:33] I want you to inhale deeply feeling any sense of calm and clarity wash over you.

[00:40:39] Now exhale any remaining stress or doubt letting go of anything that no longer serves you.

[00:40:46] And as we close this meditation I want you to remember the power for you to hold to make a positive impact through your communication.

[00:40:54] I want you to carry this intention with you as you move forward spreading kindness and inspiration wherever you go.

[00:41:02] So when you are ready I want you to gently open your eyes and bring a renewed sense of purpose and empowerment to your day.

[00:41:09] And I want to thank you for just joining me in this guided meditation.

[00:41:14] And again this is something that we're doing new now because the month of May is even though we talk about impeccable words but it's also meant to

[00:41:26] help awareness month and I want to make sure that we are in that space that we are even through learning all of this.

[00:41:35] Even going through this self love and self discovery sometimes we need a moment to pause.

[00:41:40] Sometimes we need that moment to pause.

[00:41:44] Alright my beautiful people so as we wrap up I want to revisit just some key insights from today's episode.

[00:41:49] I want to remember that the right words at the right time can be a beacon of support.

[00:41:56] Again I love to hear on how encouragement has touched your life and share your stories with us on social media or via email.

[00:42:04] Let's spread the positivity far and wide alright.

[00:42:08] Again thank you for joining me today here on the Season of Self Love podcast.

[00:42:13] And don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed today's episode.

[00:42:18] And stay tuned for more empowering discussions as we continue to explore the power of words this month.

[00:42:25] So until next time keep embracing your journey with love and encouragement and have a good one.

[00:42:31] Thank you for listening to the Season of Self Love podcast.

[00:42:36] And we hope that you enjoyed this fun field with inspiration, empowerment and self discovery.

[00:42:43] Remember practicing self love is a journey and not a destination.

[00:42:49] For more information and to stay connected with us visit our website at theseasonofselflovepodcast.com.

[00:42:59] And if you have any suggestions or questions or feedback feel free to shoot us an email at seasonofselfloveatgmail.com.

[00:43:09] And don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for daily doses of self love tips, motivation and community support.

[00:43:18] So join our Facebook group the Season of Self Love to connect with like minded individuals on their journey to self discovery and self compassion.

[00:43:29] Thank you again for being a part of our community and dedicating to nurturing self love and embracing self worth.

[00:43:37] So stay tuned for more exciting episodes and guests in the next season.

[00:43:41] And remember you are worthy of love, kindness and all the happiness in the world.

[00:43:47] So until next time take care of yourself and spread love wherever you go.

[00:43:52] See you soon.