Auz on Air: The Ballad of a Growing Black Girl

Are you surviving… or truly thriving? In this episode, I'm talking about the difference between just surviving and actually thriving. I share some signs that you might be in survival mode and give tips on how to start moving out of that space. This one's for anyone who feels stuck or like they're just going through the motions.

In this episode, I discuss recent changes in my life and how change can be a blessing. We must practice acceptance and learn to let things go because it's inevitable. Whether a change is wanted or unwanted or good or bad, we must keep putting our best foot forward and trust the process.Mentioned YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gfSMhiJitQ

In this episode, I talk about the things I've been doing to improve my quality of life. I've been more intentional in pursuing my creativity, becoming healthier, being more social, etc. I hope that this episode inspires you to do the same and go after the things you've been wanting to.

In this episode, we are touching on the topic of "the meaning of life." I talk about finding purpose in your life and figuring out your passions. What brings you fulfillment, and can you find a way to help others through what you love to do?

In this episode, I talk about my most recent relationship and breakup and what I've learned along the way. Breakups are hard but with some strength and perspective, they get easier after a while. I hope that my candidness can help anyone who's been in a similar situation. You're gonna be okay :)

In this episode, I discuss the difference between guilt and shame. The two aren't synonymous. Guilt is good, shame is not. So many of us are bound by our past, but we must release the mental shackles we have over ourselves. We're human, we all make mistakes and we shouldn't have to be ashamed of ourselves. This is your sign to set yourself free.

In this special episode, I tell 25 things I've learned in my 25 years so far. Some things I've shared before, some things are new, but I hope that you can take something with you and apply it to your life. With age comes experience, which in turn means wisdom. I don't regret going through things because I learned what I needed to, but if I'm able to prevent anyone else from experiencing the struggles I have, that's good too!

For the first episode of 2024, we are diving head first into healing and becoming the best version of ourselves. I've been on my healing journey for 2+ years and I have a lot of information and perspective to share. So many of us are starting new journeys this year and I want to be able to provide some crucial insight that could help you on your journey. Happy healing! Creators mentioned: Terri Cole, Alexis Sparks, Psych2Go, Dr. Tracey Marks, Lavendaire, Therapy Jeff, Therapy in a Nutshell, Stephanie Lynn Coaching (Not mentioned: RC Blakes, The Holistic Psychologist, Breeny Lee). Podcasts mentioned: Self Care IRL, Black Girls Heal, For the Healthy Hoes, Balanced Black Girl, On Purpose w/ Jay Shetty, The Self Love Fix, Unpack with Cat, Woman Evolve, The Moments Podcast, I Missed Me, Dear Future Wifey. (Not mentioned: Therapy for Black Girls, In the Light, Happy & Healthy, The Daily Grace, The Anxious Love Coach, The Christian Bae).

Our attachment styles are how we show up in relationships relative to how our parents met our needs as children. Its important to understand where your attachment style comes from and work towards healing and becoming more secure so you can show up better in relationships.

In this episode, I talk about parent wounds aka mommy and daddy issues. How our parents treat us directly affects our self-esteem and how we see and show up in the world. It's important to notice the correlation between our parents' actions and our actions. While the trauma we experienced isn't our fault, it is our job to heal and not let it affect us negatively so the cycle continues.

In this episode, I bring on Josh as my special guest again as we tackle the subject of adulthood. We discuss relationships, healing, finances, and other things we've faced during our adult lives. Adulting is hard y'all! Growing up and facing new responsibilities and trials is never an easy game, but we have to learn how to play the cards we've been dealt.  Apologies for the sound issues!

In this episode, I discuss some exciting new things happening in my life and the things I've learned over the past few months that have helped me in my growth/healing journey. It's important to take time to reflect on the progress you've made in life, no matter how small or big you think it is. I'm blessed to be in the position I am today, but it wasn't easy and the journey was crappy at times. But I knew I had to keep going in order to get out of the space I was in that wasn't right for me. I can look back and see all the little steps I took that brought me to where I am, and you should do the same!

In this detailed episode, I take a dive with a very special guest on the taboo topic of mental health in the Christian community. Mental health is stigmatized in general, but especially in the Christian space. The church hasn't been the best at creating a safe space for people who deal with mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. The devil can definitely mess with our minds and make us believe negative things, but not all negative thoughts are from the enemy. Many of us deal with mental health struggles because of our trauma and circumstances, and we deserve to voice our thoughts and feelings without judgment. My special guest, Josh, and I discuss our mental health struggles and our perspectives on the issue. Know you're not alone and don't feel ashamed because of what you're going through.

In this episode, I discuss my struggles with self-acceptance and taking accountability for my faults and the things I've learned and reflected on. In order to love ourselves we must accept ourselves as a whole, the good and the bad qualities we possess, but it can be extremely difficult for those who already struggle with not feeling good enough. Being told your flaws can be embarrassing and make you feel bad, but it is needed in order to grow in life. Here's the article I quoted: https://positivepsychology.com/self-acceptance/

In this first episode of the new year, I discuss the topics of self-worth, self-love, and growth on a deeper level than I have before on this platform. Something I learned recently really opened my eyes more and it's changed the way I view this journey that I'm on. So I decided to share what I learned with you all so it can change your perspectives as well! Here is the YouTube video that helped me open my eyes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sg0MWlpoh0U

This past Monday, my therapist told me something that shook me. At first, I didn't take it as a good thing but now my perspective has changed. She told me I didn't need therapy anymore. Most people are thrilled to hear something like that, but I wasn't. I was confused and I didn't know if she made the right call. I didn't feel ready to take the tools I had learned and move on because I didn't know if I actually learned them. I didn't know if I grew as much as people said I did. But as I sat alone talking to God, I realized that I had grown a lot. Auzri from a year ago and even 6 months ago isn't the same Auzri I am now. I was so focused on my growth, that I didn't see the growth that I actually made. So this is your sign to ease up and realize that you have progressed and that you are doing okay. 

In today's episode, I talk about how hard it can be to set boundaries when you're insecure, an anxious attachment, or a people pleaser. These qualities tend to stem from childhood trauma that has caused us to put our worth into how we fit and show up in other people's lives. We blur the line between who we are and what we do, which is detrimental to our mental health and wellbeing. It's hard to say no when you feel you have to ride along with what people say or do in order to be liked, but I'm here to tell you that stops today. If someone doesn't like you because you won't compromise your character or value, that's a them problem, not a you problem. They're not the people you want in your life. Understand that you're worthy regardless of what other feel or do because you are separate of them. You are not in charge of their emotions and you don't have to change yourself or wear yourself thin in order to make them happy.

In today's episode, I talk about my experience with anxiety and overthinking, my struggles with it, and the things that have helped me. By all means, I haven't overcome these two strongholds in my life, but there are some things I've learned along the way. This isn't your typical definition of anxiety that everyday people deal with. This is for the smaller percentage that deals with anxiety almost every day and should probably seek some form of counseling for it. Sometimes the best thing to handle anxiety is to face it head on and sometimes the best thing is to not handle it at all.

In today's episode, I discuss having patience and being gentle with yourself during goal-reaching and journeys. When you finally let go of the need for you and your journey to be perfect and allow the ups and downs, the destination will be much sweeter and greater to experience. You're also removing negative self-talk, and disappointment, and the journey will feel less hard as well. So ride the waves that the journey gives you. Hold yourself accountable and be stern with yourself when you get lazy or backtrack, but also know that those things are a part of life and inevitable. Nothing is linear. Growth is all over the place like a rollercoaster. So enjoy the ride!

In today's episode, I talk about the struggles I've been dealing with that are along the lines of stress, grief, loneliness, and sadness due to a recent event. My mission now is to find peace and do things and be around people that bring happiness and comfort. Life will always throw trials at you, whether they're personal or mental or outward things we can't control. All we can do as humans is adapt and learn to find the rainbow that's at the end of the storm.

In today's episode, I talk about my toxic trait of defensiveness and how it stems from my low self-esteem. I am a very defensive person, and it'll make me either angry and try to clap back or it'll make me sad and feel bad about myself. And while it's fine to defend yourself when needed, having a guard up can be counterproductive. It causes arguments and it stunts your growth. I have a bad habit of closing my ears and opening my mouth, but the good news is, all habits are breakable. If you're like me, you need to realize it's really okay for someone to tell you something that in the long run can help you. You're not a bad person for someone having something negative to say. You've gotta learn to bring the guard down and open your ears.

In today's episode, I was inspired by recent events to talk about this subject. Many of us are holding things in and refuse to express our emotions and heal from the pain we've experienced. But, it's time to end that. It's time to heal and let go, fully. We are only in control of our present selves. We can't change others and we can't change the past. All we can do is be in the present moment and plan accordingly for the future. Stop focusing so much on others and what you could've done differently. Focus on you, the current you.

In today's episode, I go into emotions and how they should be felt and regulated instead of hidden and forgotten. Everyone gets triggered every now and then, which is okay. Most of us are hurting from some sort of trauma, hurt, or disappointment. But as adults, it's up to us to find independent and dependent resources that help us heal and manage the negative emotions we feel. You can't control your emotions if you never allow yourself to feel them, so be vulnerable and truthful with others and yourself. 

In today's episode, I highlight the importance of self-care. I break it down into 3 categories: mind, body, and soul. No matter what your life circumstances are, it's vital to take care of your mental, physical, and spiritual health. Chances are if one is off, it'll affect the others. You have to find what works for you and create a balance and routine that you can stick to in order to calm you down and make you feel saner in this hyper-productive society. I don't care how busy you are, you are never too busy to tend to yourself and your needs. Period. So, do nothing or do something that makes you happy in order to bring a sense of peace and relaxation to your being.

In this episode, I talk about inner-child healing and give 6 steps you can take in order to heal your wounded inner child. It's sad to say that most of us are wounded in a way and it's been carried into our adult lives. But, it's never too late to unlearn any skewed habits or mindsets that were created in our childhood from the dysfunction and neglect we may have experienced. It's never too late to love on and attend to our inner child that is hurt and needs us. It's now up to us, as adults, to tend to ourselves and our wounded inner child as if we were our own parental figure.

In this episode, I give some biblical truths that aid in your self love journey, such as giving reasons why God wants you to love and accept yourself. As Christians, there's a whole new perspective on things that we get that others don't, which is really cool! If you're a Christian struggling with low self-esteem and self-hatred, this episode is for you!

In this episode, I discuss the start of my walk with Christ that has brought me to where I am currently in my life. I gave Jesus a chance and He has been changing my life and perspectives on it. I didn't want to just say I was Christian or be a Christian simply because others around me were. I wanted to start my own walk to see if Christianity was something I wanted, and I'm here to tell you that it is! Despite the hardships and confusion at times, I still intentionally choose to spend time with God and have Him transform my life!

In this short episode, I just talk about some exciting stuff happening in my life currently. I truly thank God and feel blessed at the fact that I've made it to another year and that things are turning around for me. Continue to trust God through the storms and mundane times in your life. He is making a way for you, but you just have to wait it out and see!

In this episode, I talk about my self love journey and discuss personal life experiences that led me to believe I wasn't enough, which thus created this self-loathing behavior I've had for years. I give advice on the steps I'm taking to help me fall in love with myself. People, self love is a non-linear journey. Don't beat yourself up if you take steps back and have bad days. But the point is to keep pushing and learn to care, love, and nurture yourself in a way that brings life and love to your being. Know that you're worthy, loved, important, and enough despite the things you've been through, the things you've done, and what others have told you!

In the second episode, I discuss my journey through inconsistency and feeling stuck in all realms of my life (physically, mentally, relationally, financially, and spiritually). I get raw and real on my struggles of wanting to do better for my life but not doing so or not knowing how. I'm pretty sure we all feel this way in some way or another. We want a hot girl summer body but still avoid working out and reach for pizza instead of salad. It's so hard to be disciplined! How can we forge a new path that leads us towards success instead of continuing to walk the path that leads us to stagnation? No one likes to be stuck but it seems many of us are in some shape or form. How do we get off the hamster wheel? How do we break the pattern?

Hello! Welcome to the first (not official) episode of the "Auz on Air: The Ballad of a Growing Black Girl" podcast! I'm Auzrielle and today, I'll just be talking about myself and a little about my journey that led me to create this podcast. My life has changed drastically in such a short period (that also feels extremely long) and I wanted to have a space where I share my thoughts and experiences with others who might be going through the same things I am. This podcast will feature discussions on personal development, self-care, relationships, and Christianity, along with intertwining topics like anxiety, negative thinking, and productivity. If anything I said grabbed your attention, don't be afraid to come back for future episodes and follow me on my socials! Thank you! - A