Pursuing Me with Shakirah Forde

This episode explores mindful reflection and the benefits of intentional introspection. I define what mindful reflection is, discuss how it positively impacts your personal growth, offer quotes and journal prompts to get you thinking and share my own results of reflecting over the past year.

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You can reach me at Hello@ShakirahForde.com

Website: www.Shakirah Forde.com

Title: Pushing Through the Seasons

Publish Date: 12/4/2023

Duration: 16min 20 sec

Episode Summary: In this transparent episode, I delve into my personal battle with seasonal depression, exploring how the changing seasons affected my motivation, focus, and discipline. I share my journey of falling into a slump as the days grew shorter and the weather changed, leading to a desire to stay indoors and a decline in energy levels. The episode is a candid discussion about the signs of losing focus, such as decreased physical activity, increased napping, falling behind on creative projects like blogging and podcasting, reduced social interactions, and a lack of organization.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. The Impact of Seasonal Changes: Understanding how shorter days and colder weather can lead to seasonal depression and affect daily routines.
2. Recognizing the Signs: A look at how wanting to stay indoors, feeling tired earlier, and reduced energy are indicators of a shift in mental health.
3. Personal Struggles: Our host shares their experiences with decreased physical activity, more daytime napping, falling behind on their blog and podcast, reduced interaction with friends, and a struggle to stay organized.
4. Finding the Way Back: The turning point in regaining focus, including the crucial role of physical exercise, the importance of getting organized (especially through journaling), the benefits of meditation, and the positive impact of stepping out of the house.

Episode Highlights:

• The Role of Physical Exercise: A detailed discussion on how returning to the gym helped in regaining energy and focus.
• Journaling as a Tool for Organization: Insights into how maintaining a journal can aid in staying organized and on track.
• The Power of Meditation: Exploring how meditation can help in regaining mental clarity and focus.
• Stepping Out: The importance of not staying confined indoors and how getting out can positively impact mental health.

@shakirah_forde | Hello@shakirahforde.com

Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to share their own experiences with seasonal depression and how they cope with changes in focus and motivation. They can reach out via social media or email to join the conversation.

Email: QandA@shakirahforde.com

Show Notes:

• Brief overview of the significance of liberating oneself from others' opinions.
• Personal anecdotes illustrating the struggles with caring too much about other people's perspectives.
• The objective of exploring and discussing practical insights, advice, and techniques to break free from the influence of external judgments.

• Exploration of the evolutionary and psychological roots of why humans care about what others think.
• Discussion on social acceptance, belonging, fear of ostracism, and societal pressures.
• Impact of cultural norms and social media on our perception and self-worth.

• Sharing moments and events leading to the realization of the need for change and self-acceptance.

• Emphasis on the importance of internal validation over external approval.

• Practical steps and daily habits for fostering self-confidence and a strong sense of self.
• The role of mindfulness, meditation, and self-reflection in reducing anxiety and changing thought patterns related to others’ opinions.

• Experiences and impacts of living more authentically on well-being.
• Exploration of the deep connection between authenticity and happiness.

• Contact information for further interaction, advice, and support. QandA@shakirahforde.com

In this episode, we delve deep into the journey of liberating oneself from the fear of others' opinions, exploring the psychological and evolutionary origins, the turning points that inspire change, and practical strategies for living more authentically. Through personal anecdotes and expert insights, this episode aims to inspire and empower listeners to embrace their true selves and find happiness and fulfillment in authenticity.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, we explore the often overlooked beauty of impermanence in friendships. We talk about the varying dynamics that friendships can undergo, how to recognize when it’s time to let go, and the positives that emerge from doing so. Join us as we dive into the nuances of our relationships and how they contribute to our growth and self-understanding.

Key Takeaways:

1. Impermanence is a Natural Aspect of Life:

   • Friendships can go through phases, and that's perfectly normal.

2. Recognizing When to Let Go:

   • Evaluating a friendship is crucial for both parties involved. Are you growing together or growing apart?

3. Amicable Separation:

   • It’s possible to end a friendship with understanding, clarity, and even gratitude for the moments shared.

4. Personal Growth:

   • The end of a friendship can lead to individual growth, freedom from constraints, and the opportunity for new connections.

1. Defining Boundaries:

• Unraveling what boundaries mean in a holistic sense.
• Categorizing boundaries: Physical vs. Emotional vs. Mental.

2. Why Boundaries are Essential:

• The role of boundaries in safeguarding mental health and emotional well-being.
• How boundaries carve out space for personal growth and self-discovery.
• Strengthening relationships through clear and respectful boundaries.

3. Debunking Myths: Common Misconceptions about Boundaries:

• Are boundaries a sign of selfishness? Unraveling the truth.
• Addressing the idea of boundaries as rigid constructs.
• Exploring the fear: Will setting boundaries alienate loved ones?

4. Red Flags and Alarms: The Signs of Poor Boundaries:

• Recognizing when we're overcommitting and its consequences.
• The silent toll: How resentment and burnout creep in.
• The relationship domino effect: Conflicts and misunderstandings.
• The danger of sidelining personal needs.

5. Blueprint for Balance: How to Set Boundaries:

• Cultivating self-awareness to understand personal limits.
• The art of communicating boundaries: Clarity combined with kindness.
• The importance of consistency in boundary-setting and maintenance.

6. Essential Reads: Top Books to Help Set and Manage Boundaries:

• Highlighting key reads, including works by Dr. Henry Cloud, Dr. John Townsend, Anne Katherine, M.A., Randy J. Paterson, Dr. Brené Brown, and Tara Brach.

Episode Overview:

In this episode, we delve into the concept of 'self-fullness' - a healthier, empowering perspective on prioritizing your own needs and wellbeing. We aim to challenge societal notions about selfishness, propose ways to balance self-care with caring for others, and offer steps to practice 'self-fullness.'

Episode Highlights:

1. Introduction & Background: Unpacking societal perspectives of selfishness and introducing the concept of 'self-fullness'

2. Redefining Selfishness: Discussion on 'self-fullness,' the importance of prioritizing your needs, and distinguishing between being selfish and self-full

3. Embracing 'Self-fullness': Practical steps to embrace 'self-fullness,' including recognizing your needs, learning to say no, and making time for self-care

4. Conclusion: Encouraging listeners to take the first step towards 'self-fullness,' thanking listeners for their support, and announcing the next episode's topic

Key Quotes:

• "Being 'self-full' means recognizing that you are just as deserving of care, kindness, and understanding as anyone else."
• "Prioritizing your needs isn't just about feeling better in the short-term, it's about long-term health and happiness."
• "By saying no when you need to, you're showing respect for yourself and your own limits."
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I practice Self-fullness daily with my 90-min evening routine that you can check out here :

https://shakirahforde.com/evening-routine/

Show Notes

Part 1: Understanding the Rising Trend of Burnout

Part 2: Unraveling the Impact of Burnout

Part 3: Recognizing Burnout in Ourselves and Others

Part 4: Strategies to Combat Burnout

Signs and Symptoms of Burnout

1. Physical Symptoms:Chronic fatigue and low energy levels, even after adequate rest. Frequent headaches, muscle tension, or other physical complaints. Changes in sleep patterns, such as insomnia or oversleeping. Weakened immune system, leading to frequent illnesses.
2. Emotional Symptoms:Feeling overwhelmed and emotionally drained most of the time. Increased irritability and impatience with colleagues, friends, or family. Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness. Loss of motivation and a sense of detachment from work and responsibilities.
3. Cognitive Symptoms:Reduced concentration and difficulty focusing on tasks. Memory problems and forgetfulness. Decreased creativity and problem-solving skills. Negative and cynical thoughts about work and life.
4. Behavioral Symptoms:Withdrawal from social interactions and reduced engagement with others. Procrastination and avoidance of tasks. Increased reliance on unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as excessive alcohol or drug use. Neglecting personal care and hygiene.

This episode helps to shift our mindset around emotions by understanding what they are, their true purpose and ways to improve comfort with "Negative" emotions.

Show Notes:

Understanding Emotions

Feelings are an intrinsic aspect of the human experience. It shapes the way we perceive and interact with the world around us.

Feelings are not random or meaningless occurrences

Challenging the Good vs. Bad Dichotomy

Labeling emotions as "bad" can lead people to suppress or deny these feelings, self-judgment, poor relationships, and recurring pain.

Learning from "Negative" Feelings

Honoring, processing, and sharing our emotions can lead to personal development, emotional stability, and healthier relationships4 practical strategies for processing and learning from emotion

Learn 4 practical strategies for processing and learning from emotions

Show Notes

Defining Spiritual Alignment

"Spiritual Alignment is the recognition of a true self and the pursuit of behaving in ways that reflect your souls your higher purpose."

Understanding Happiness

What happens when we are not aligned

How do you create alignment

Personal Experience with alignment

Signs your are aligning yourself

Here are 5 signs that you are aligning with your true self

1. You see things on a deeper and more selfless level
2. You start to feel different from others and may experience a sense of alienation.
3. You love yourself and others more genuinely
4. You feel more connected to nature
5. You notice an influx in synchronicities

Does it feel like no matter how hard you try to make changes in your life, you find yourself in the same type fo relationships or feeling the same dissatisfaction no matter the job. In this week's episode we explore why we experience recurring pain and how to stop the cycle.

In our launch episode, I explore what love is, what its not and why it can not exist without acceptance. I define what acceptance is and give tips and tools to cultivate more meaningful, loving and long lasting relationships.