Sisters Gathering to Heal

Eboni K.  Williams, attorney, multi-millionaire, TV personality, and podcaster told bestselling author, teacher, and healer Iyanla Vanzant that she would only date a bus driver if he owned the bus.   In episode S3 E13, newly barred attorney and educator, Perneita Farrar joins me in what I deem an important conversation for today's Black woman. We talk about Perneita's dilemma, the challenges of dating blue-collar men, and what I wished Iyanla had told Eboni K to do to improve her chances of attracting a provider and protector. CONNECT WITH DEBORA Want to change your life? Book an Embrace Vulnerability Breakthrough Session My Current Offerings: https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/ Move Abroad Support for Black Women Over 50 https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/MoveAbroad Let's Conquer Loneliness Together: https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/ConquerLoneliness Follow me on IG SistersGatheringtoHealPodcast Do me a favor, if you enjoyed the podcast, please subscribe, share, rate & review. Thank you!  Buy me a Coffee. Thank you!   Get copies of my books Love Addicted: One Woman's Spiritual Journey Through Emotional Dependency, Why Did He Break Up With Me? Lessons in Love, Loss & Letting Go, and Write That Book! How to Start or Finish the Book You're Meant to Write @ Amazon Go to Sisters Gathering to Heal and grab a copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do  And remember to love yourself FIRST and love yourself FIERCELY! 

It may be hard to hear, but truth be told many women are energetically more masculine than they are feminine. In episode S3 E12, I talk about how we hurt ourselves, repel masculine men, and damage our children when we lead with our masculine energy. I also offer ways we can, as we REDEFINE what it means to be strong, engage in self-care practices that will nurture our feminine essence, increase our magnetism and fuel our feminine power. Happy Mother's Day, Beloved! CONNECT WITH DEBORA Want to change your life? Book an Embrace Vulnerability Breakthrough Session My Current Offerings: https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/ Move Abroad Support for Black Women Over 50 https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/MoveAbroad Let's Conquer Loneliness Together: https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/ConquerLoneliness Follow me on IG SistersGatheringtoHealPodcast Do me a favor, if you enjoyed the podcast, please subscribe, share, rate & review. Thank you!  Buy me a Coffee. Thank you!   Get copies of my books Love Addicted: One Woman's Spiritual Journey Through Emotional Dependency, Why Did He Break Up With Me? Lessons in Love, Loss & Letting Go, and Write That Book! How to Start or Finish the Book You're Meant to Write @ Amazon Go to Sisters Gathering to Heal and grab a copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do  And remember to love yourself FIRST and love yourself FIERCELY! 

Episode S3 E11, was inspired by a conversation that I had with a classy, beautiful sisterfriend who finds herself smitten by a handsome, charming man who boomeranged back into her life. One night my friend called me and we talked into the wee hours of the morning about the "situationship" (her word not mines) that she's in. It's natural for a heterosexual woman to desire the attention and companionship of a man. But at what cost do we entertain a man? This is what I talk about in this episode. Btw, my friend granted me permission to share her story.  CONNECT WITH DEBORA Want to change your life? Book an Embrace Vulnerability Breakthrough Session My Current Offerings: https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/ Move Abroad Support for Black Women Over 50 https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/MoveAbroad Let's Conquer Loneliness Together: https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/ConquerLoneliness Follow me on IG SistersGatheringtoHealPodcast Do me a favor, if you enjoyed the podcast, please subscribe, share, rate & review. Thank you!  Buy me a Coffee. Thank you!   Get copies of my books Love Addicted: One Woman's Spiritual Journey Through Emotional Dependency, Why Did He Break Up With Me? Lessons in Love, Loss & Letting Go, and Write That Book! How to Start or Finish the Book You're Meant to Write @ Amazon Go to Sisters Gathering to Heal and grab a copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do  And remember to love yourself FIRST and love yourself FIERCELY! 

If you're reading this, you still want more out of life. It's how humans are built. And it's also human to sometimes want something but find ourselves stuck or stalled because we're wrestling with fear. Can you relate or is it just me? In episode S3 E10, I explore what holds us back from being, doing, and having the things, experiences, and life that we desire. Listen to the end for what's coming up for the Sisterhood. Oh, if this episode blesses you in any way, do me a favor and leave a comment, rate the podcast, share it with a friend and subscribe.  CONNECT WITH DEBORA Want to change your life? Book an Embrace Vulnerability Breakthrough Session My Current Offerings: https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/ Move Abroad Support for Black Women Over 50 https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/MoveAbroad Let's Conquer Loneliness Together: https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/ConquerLoneliness Follow me on IG SistersGatheringtoHealPodcast Do me a favor, if you enjoyed the podcast, please subscribe, share, rate & review. Thank you!  Buy me a Coffee. Thank you!   Get copies of my books Love Addicted: One Woman's Spiritual Journey Through Emotional Dependency, Why Did He Break Up With Me? Lessons in Love, Loss & Letting Go, and Write That Book! How to Start or Finish the Book You're Meant to Write @ Amazon Go to Sisters Gathering to Heal and grab a copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do  And remember to love yourself FIRST and love yourself FIERCELY!   

-     We properly wrap up our Stop Calling Me Strong Series with an always timely conversation about self-care and pleasure. In episode S3 E9, I sat down with Certified Erotic Blueprint Pleasure & Intimacy Coach, Tosh Patterson.  Tosh, who teaches women how to simplify life so they can reignite their sensual/sexual self, shares how the strong black woman syndrome led to bouts of anxiety and drove her into a deep depression. Because her family and friends had held her in such high regard, she struggled in secrecy and silence.  Tosh shares how she broke free and together we unpack:  What causes the strong black woman (SBW) to stop hearing her own voice What keeps SBW from asking for support and receiving it when offered What it takes to become a woman who confidently asks for what she needs and wants  What the SBW is encouraged to do even when she's falling apart The link between setting better boundaries and vulnerability How perfectionism keeps the SBW bound  The impact of Black Excellence, i.e., striving for material success—cars, houses, clothes, degrees—on the lives of black women  What the SBW does that undermines intimacy in her most cherished relationships What are self-care and pleasure and why it matters so much How to build the prioritizing self-care and pleasure muscle  What it takes to heal the SBW Syndrome To work with Tosh on retreat or through 1:1 coaching, email her.   Tosh co-authored The Path to Pleasure: A Black Woman's Guide to Healing Her Inner Goddess, Igniting Her Spirit, & Awakening Her Pleasure - Available on Amazon. Need a Retreat? Check out BLACK GODDESS COLLECTIVE Join the BLACK COLLECTIVE FACEBOOK GROUP   CONNECT WITH DEBORA My Offerings: https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/ Move Abroad Support for Black Women Over 50 https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/MoveAbroad Let's Conquer Loneliness Together: https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/ConquerLoneliness Follow me on IG SistersGatheringtoHealPodcast Do me a favor, if you enjoyed the podcast, please subscribe, share, rate & review. Thank you!  Buy me a Coffee. Thank you!   Get copies of my books Love Addicted: One Woman's Spiritual Journey Through Emotional Dependency, Why Did He Break Up With Me? Lessons in Love, Loss & Letting Go, and Write That Book! How to Start or Finish the Book You're Meant to Write @ Amazon Go to Sisters Gathering to Heal and grab a copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do  And remember to love yourself FIRST and love yourself FIERCELY!    -        

I had so much fun recording and editing this installment of the Stop Calling Me Strong series with Advocate, DEI Facilitator, Healer, Teaching Artist, Activist, Playwright, and Stand-Up Comic Sheila Gaskins.  In S3 E8, I talked to Sheila, who is the author of the forthcoming book of poetry and prose, A Whistling Girl and a Crowing Hen Never Comes to a Very Good End and Other Things My Mama Said, about: why this series topic resonates so strongly with her the obstacles to black women being soft, sweet, and giddy  how she, like many black women, was forced into a masculine role how labeling black women strong benefits white supremacy   what her black male therapist said that changed everything what black women ought to give themselves permission to be  I had a load of ah-ha moments during this conversation. Listen, share with a friend or family, and leave a comment.  Connect with Sheila on FB and IG CONNECT WITH ME My Offerings: https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/ Move Abroad Support for Black Women Over 50 https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/MoveAbroad Let's Conquer Loneliness Together: https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/ConquerLoneliness Follow me on IG SistersGatheringtoHealPodcast Do me a favor, if you enjoyed the podcast, please subscribe, share, rate & review. Thank you!  Buy me a Coffee. Thank you!   Get copies of my books Love Addicted: One Woman's Spiritual Journey Through Emotional Dependency, Why Did He Break Up With Me? Lessons in Love, Loss & Letting Go, and Write That Book! How to Start or Finish the Book You're Meant to Write @ Amazon Go to Sisters Gathering to Heal and grab a copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do  And remember to love yourself FIRST and love yourself FIERCELY! 

Are you a strong black woman? Do you feel free?  In episode S3 E7 of the Stop Calling Me Strong series, I talk with therapist turned Life Coach, Diane Jones, who lives in Mexico where she is happily designing a 'soft life' for herself. In this juicy conversation full of gems, Diane, who says she too was once plagued by the strong black woman syndrome, shares how hitting a wall in her profession changed the trajectory of her practice and personal life.  We talked about so much, including:  how, like the typical strong black woman, she allowed unaddressed anxieties to pile up  why the strong black woman rarely makes choices based on what she needs and desires how, when making major shifts, the SBW ought to move why strong black women get no reciprocity  what SBW aren't allowed to say out loud what typically is the root cause of SBW's emotional eating  why strong black women are bound  and how SBW can break free!   Connect with Diane, who is working on curating retreats for women who are “All hustle and no wholeness,” at  http://www.thelotuswellnessgroup.com/ CONNECT WITH ME My Offerings: https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/ Move Abroad Support for Black Women Over 50 https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/MoveAbroad Let's Conquer Loneliness Together: https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/ConquerLoneliness Follow me on IG SistersGatheringtoHealPodcast Do me a favor, if you enjoyed the podcast, please subscribe, share, rate & review. Thank you!  Buy me a Coffee. Thank you!   Get copies of my books Love Addicted: One Woman's Spiritual Journey Through Emotional Dependency, Why Did He Break Up With Me? Lessons in Love, Loss & Letting Go, and Write That Book! How to Start or Finish the Book You're Meant to Write @ Amazon Go to Sisters Gathering to Heal and grab a copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do  And remember to love yourself FIRST and love yourself FIERCELY! 

Our Stop Calling Me Strong series continues with Speaker, Teacher, Advocate, and certified Life Coach,  Jacqueline Lofton, once upon a time the quintessential strong black woman. Jacqueline took care of everybody and everything at home and at work and did so seemingly flawlessly. That is, everybody got her care but her. In S3 E6, Jacqueline talks about having a breakdown in 2017, which had her asking.. What about ME? When can I be vulnerable? When can I depend on other people to take care of ME? When does somebody care about ME? She shares what happened that turned her breakdown into a breakthrough. We explore: What's often at the root of the strong black woman's drive to give and do too much How and why black parents crush their children's dreams.  The role that Black Excellence plays in strong black women's lives We wrap up our conversation with ways the SBW can get off the hamster wheel of "I'm not enough" and "I got something to prove." DON'T BE SHY, CONNECT WITH ME My Offerings: https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/ Move Abroad Support for Black Women Over 50 https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/MoveAbroad Let's Conquer Loneliness Together: https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/ConquerLoneliness Follow me on IG SistersGatheringtoHealPodcast Do me a favor, if you enjoyed the podcast, please subscribe, share, rate & review. Thank you!  Buy me a Coffee. Thank you!   Get copies of my books Love Addicted: One Woman's Spiritual Journey Through Emotional Dependency, Why Did He Break Up With Me? Lessons in Love, Loss & Letting Go, and Write That Book! How to Start or Finish the Book You're Meant to Write @ Amazon Go to Sisters Gathering to Heal and grab a copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do  And remember to love yourself FIRST and love yourself FIERCELY! 

Our Stop Calling Me Strong Series continues.  In episode S3 E5, I talk to Angela Williams who, only months after her 22-year-old son rear-ended a tractor-trailer, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Angela shares how the expectation that she be always be strong, even when she was bedridden, left her feeling unimportant, abandoned, and dependent on her 80-something-year-old grandfather. She speaks candidly about her 16-year marriage, how it was tested and almost fell apart during this time. Angela and I talk about lessons that that illness taught her, like learning to communicate her feeling and needs and setting boundaries that support her emotional, physical and spiritual health and wellbeing.   Angela is an Independent Scentsy Consultant, Motivational Speaker, and Resilience Coach who helps people navigate life transitions, cope with chronic stress and illness, recover from trauma, and overall improve their well-being. Find her on YouTube at Today's Vibe and visit her Scentsy site at https://smellvibes.scentsy.us CONNECT WITH ME My Offerings: https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/ Move Abroad Support for Black Women Over 50 https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/MoveAbroad Let's Conquer Loneliness Together: https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/ConquerLoneliness Follow me on IG SistersGatheringtoHealPodcast Do me a favor, if you enjoyed the podcast, please subscribe, share, rate & review. Thank you!  Buy me a Coffee. Thank you!   Get copies of my books Love Addicted: One Woman's Spiritual Journey Through Emotional Dependency, Why Did He Break Up With Me? Lessons in Love, Loss & Letting Go, and Write That Book! How to Start or Finish the Book You're Meant to Write @ Amazon Go to Sisters Gathering to Heal and grab a copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do  And remember to love yourself FIRST and love yourself FIERCELY! 

For our Stop Calling Me Strong Series, in episode S3 E4, I talk with Love Coach Renee Miller who knew she was a catch. At least on paper. But her success, or lack thereof, in dating told a different story. When she dated, Renee, like a lot of strong black women led with her achievements and success. Consequently, she got nowhere with love. When Renee, a self-proclaimed serial dater, got intentional about changing the trajectory of her love-life she attracted the love of her life. We talked about the power of vulnerability, healing, letting yourself be seen, and much more.  Renee Miller, MBA, PCC, supports women in remembering who they are in life and love. She has extensive experience personally and with clients regarding online dating, integrity dating, and all things femininity. Connect with Renee @ The Love Camp  DON'T BE SHY, CONNECT WITH ME My Offerings: https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/ Move Abroad Support for Black Women Over 50 https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/MoveAbroad Let's Conquer Loneliness Together: https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/ConquerLoneliness Follow me on IG SistersGatheringtoHealPodcast Do me a favor, if you enjoyed the podcast, please subscribe, share, rate & review. Thank you!  Buy me a Coffee. Thank you!   Get copies of my books Love Addicted: One Woman's Spiritual Journey Through Emotional Dependency, Why Did He Break Up With Me? Lessons in Love, Loss & Letting Go, and Write That Book! How to Start or Finish the Book You're Meant to Write @ Amazon Go to Sisters Gathering to Heal and grab a copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do  And remember to love yourself FIRST and love yourself FIERCELY! 

In episode S3 E3, Qurell-Amani, SAG-AFTRA writer, director, owner of sKribble sKratch Prods, and the author of Panther Woman: A One Woman Show adds her confident voice to our Stop Calling Me Strong series. Qurell says she enjoys being seen as strong, she, however, takes issue with how people tend to treat strong women when they finally need help and support. With Qurell, who unapologetically proclaimed 'I DON'T need a man', we explore: how does a woman make a man feel needed why do men, particularly black men, so need to feel needed  who she turns to for emotional gratification and support what she does when being vulnerable with a man "fails" and more.  You can find Qurell on YT at Travel, Sis CONNECT WITH ME My Offerings: https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/ Move Abroad Support for Black Women Over 50 https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/MoveAbroad Let's Conquer Loneliness Together: https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/ConquerLoneliness Follow me on IG SistersGatheringtoHealPodcast Do me a favor, if you enjoyed the podcast, please subscribe, share, rate & review. Thank you!  Buy me a Coffee. Thank you!   Get copies of my books Love Addicted: One Woman's Spiritual Journey Through Emotional Dependency, Why Did He Break Up With Me? Lessons in Love, Loss & Letting Go, and Write That Book! How to Start or Finish the Book You're Meant to Write @ Amazon Go to Sisters Gathering to Heal and grab a copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do  And remember to love yourself FIRST and love yourself FIERCELY!

We're back with another episode in the Stop Calling Me Strong series. In S3 E2 I talk with author, speaker, and the owner of Be Your Own Kind of Beautiful Coaching, Inc., and the Evelyn Rose Collection, a plus-size boutique, Khadija Ali Wilson.  Khadija talks about...  how years of suppressing her feelings led to excess weight and a health crisis what she struggles with in her marriage  what self-care really is  her struggle with vulnerability and more   Khadija and her husband Abdullah cohost the Heal to Love Podcast, where they take listeners on an intimate journey through the highs, lows, and lessons in love and healing. Connect with Khadija at  www.exceptionalchildrenbook.com and www.yourkindofbeautiful.com   DON'T BE SHY, CONNECT WITH ME My Offerings: https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/ Move Abroad Support for Black Women Over 50 https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/MoveAbroad Let's Conquer Loneliness Together: https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/ConquerLoneliness Follow me on IG SistersGatheringtoHealPodcast Do me a favor, if you enjoyed the podcast, please subscribe, share, rate & review. Thank you!  Buy me a Coffee. Thank you!   Get copies of my books Love Addicted: One Woman's Spiritual Journey Through Emotional Dependency, Why Did He Break Up With Me? Lessons in Love, Loss & Letting Go, and Write That Book! How to Start or Finish the Book You're Meant to Write @ Amazon Go Sisters Gathering to Heal and grab a copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do  And remember to love yourself FIRST and love yourself FIERCELY! 

If you're like most women, you want to look and feel as youthful as humanly possible lol. If not, then this BONUS episode isn't for you lol. Share it with a friend though. Now, for the rest of you I offer some of the things that I do--and don't do--that keep me feeling and looking younger than my years. But first, I give you the 911 on what ages us. Then I share my "secrets," which includes anti-aging acts that are often overlooked. Have a listen. If you enjoy what you hear, do me a favor and leave a comment, subscribe, share, rate and review. You can even buy me a coffee. Smooches!  DON'T BE SHY, CONNECT WITH ME My Offerings: https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/ Move Abroad Support for Black Women Over 50 https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/MoveAbroad Let's Conquer Loneliness Together: https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/ConquerLoneliness Follow me on IG SistersGatheringtoHealPodcast Do me a favor, if you enjoyed the podcast, please subscribe, share, rate & review. Thank you!  Buy me a Coffee. Thank you!   Get copies of my books Love Addicted: One Woman's Spiritual Journey Through Emotional Dependency, Why Did He Break Up With Me? Lessons in Love, Loss & Letting Go, and Write That Book! How to Start or Finish the Book You're Meant to Write @ Amazon Go Sisters Gathering to Heal and grab a copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do  And remember to love yourself FIRST and love yourself FIERCELY! 

Happy New Year! In this new season, I'm doing a series entitled Stop Calling Me Strong. I'm conversing with Black women about the impact of the 'strong black woman's burden' on their lives and what, if anything, they are doing to heal from the tendency to self-silence, caretake and present as independent. In episode S3 E1, I talk with Barbara Johnson Milburn who says she is so tired of being called strong. We talked about how her man, and the sisters in her church, responded when her only child, her son, passed away. We discuss why other black women (and men) seem to find it hard to offer comfort and support when a 'strong black woman' is sick, sad, or grieving.  Sisters Gathering to Heal, the Podcast: Courageous Conversations about Self-Love and Healing for Black Women. Host, DeBora M. Ricks, Self-Love Doula, Mother, Editor, Author, Attorney, Globetrotter & Founder of Sisters Gathering to Heal, the Movement.  DON'T BE SHY, CONNECT WITH ME Move Abroad Support for Black Women Over 50 https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/MoveAbroad Let's Conquer Loneliness Together: https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/ConquerLoneliness My Offerings: https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/ Follow me on IG SistersGatheringtoHealPodcast Do me a favor, if you got anything out of listening please subscribe, share, rate & review this podcast. Thank you!  Buy me a Coffee. Thank you!   Get copies of my books Love Addicted: One Woman's Spiritual Journey Through Emotional Dependency, Why Did He Break Up With Me? Lessons in Love, Loss & Letting Go, and Write That Book! How to Start or Finish the Book You're Meant to Write @ Amazon Go Sisters Gathering to Heal and grab a copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do  And remember to love yourself FIRST and love yourself FIERCELY! 

If you're in the habit of not believing in yourself, pushing away money, deflecting compliments, signing up for struggle love, abandoning yourself, and letting fear have the last word, then episode S2 E16 may interest you. As you listen ask yourself, "Who do I want to BE in 2023?" I promise you, if you were to leave just one of these bad habits in 2022, you'll transform your life in the new year. Wishing you the BEST year and you ever...in 2023. Smooches   Welcome to Sisters Gathering to Heal, the Podcast where we have Courageous Conversations about Self-Love and Healing for Black Women. I'm your Host, DeBora M. Ricks, Self-Love Doula, Mother, Editor, Author, Attorney, Globetrotter, Sushi lover & Founder of Sisters Gathering to Heal, the Movement.  GET SOCIAL WITH ME Move Abroad Support for Black Women Over 50 https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/MoveAbroad Let's Conquer Loneliness Together: https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/ConquerLoneliness My Offerings: https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/ Follow me on IG SistersGatheringtoHealPodcast Please subscribe, share, rate and review this podcast. Buy me a Coffee. Thank you!   Get copies of my books Love Addicted: One Woman's Spiritual Journey Through Emotional Dependency, Why Did He Break Up With Me? Lessons in Love, Loss & Letting Go, and Write That Book! How to Start or Finish the Book You're Meant to Write @ Amazon Go to Sisters Gathering to Heal and grab a copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do  And remember to love yourself FIRST and love yourself FIERCELY!  

I met with a lot of resistance when doing this episode. But to paraphrase 'black lesbian feminist warrior mother' Audre Lorde, my silence will not protect me. So I pushed forward because I personally know black women who are hurting enough to consider taking their life because being strong has proven to not be enough.  In episode S2 E15, I talk about... why I think successful BW (& BM) end their own life the toll that the pursuit of Black Excellence takes on BW the burdens of the strong black woman    the many reasons a black woman might consider ending her life how black women can save themselves and each other  Finally, I share my personal experience with depression, suicide, and spirituality.  Sisters Gathering to Heal, the Podcast: Courageous Conversations about Self-Love and Healing for Black Women. Host, DeBora M. Ricks, Self-Love Doula, Mother, Editor, Author, Attorney & Founder of Sisters Gathering to Heal, the Movement.  GET SOCIAL WITH ME Move Abroad Support for Black Women Over 50 https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/MoveAbroad Let's Conquer Loneliness Together: https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/ConquerLoneliness My Offerings: https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/ Follow me on IG SistersGatheringtoHealPodcast Thanks for subscribing, sharing, rating & reviewing this podcast Buy me a Coffee. Thank you!   Get copies of my books Love Addicted: One Woman's Spiritual Journey Through Emotional Dependency, Why Did He Break Up With Me? Lessons in Love, Loss & Letting Go, and Write That Book! How to Start or Finish the Book You're Meant to Write @ Amazon Go Sisters Gathering to Heal and grab a copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do  And remember to love yourself FIRST and love yourself FIERCELY!  

Awhile ago a woman that I know called me brave because in a blog I shared that I experienced loneliness when my daughter left for college. Loneliness is an epidemic in America and the UK, and yet most people would rather suffer alone in silence than tell someone that they are lonely. In this episode, S2 E14, I talk about the plethora of causes, some which are commonly overlooked, the impact on our physical and mental health, and share proven and novel ways to conquer loneliness. By the way, some of these approaches will require that you be vocal, visible and vulnerable.  Welcome to Sisters Gathering to Heal, the Podcast where we have Courageous Conversations about Self-Love and Healing for Black Women. I'm your Host, DeBora M. Ricks, Self-Love Doula, Mother, Editor, Author, Attorney & Founder of Sisters Gathering to Heal, the Movement. GET SOCIAL WITH ME Move Abroad Support for Black Women Over 50 https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/MoveAbroad Let's Conquer Loneliness Together https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/ConquerLoneliness More Offerings: https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/ Follow me on IG SistersGatheringtoHealPodcast Thanks for subscribing, sharing, rating & reviewing this podcast Buy me a Coffee. Thank you!   Get copies of my books Love Addicted: One Woman's Spiritual Journey Through Emotional Dependency, Why Did He Break Up With Me? Lessons in Love, Loss & Letting Go, and Write That Book! How to Start or Finish the Book You're Meant to Write @ Amazon Go Sisters Gathering to Heal and grab a copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do  And remember to love yourself FIRST and love yourself FIERCELY!  

You've undoubtedly heard about Shanquella Robinson, the lovely 25-year-old black woman who lost her life in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico when she traveled there with six so-called friends. In episode S2 13, I talk about jealousy and envy, which I'm convinced are at the root of Shanquella's untimely death, how to spot these people and what to do with them.  GET SOCIAL WITH ME Find me on TikTok: @SelfLoveDoula Get on My Calendar: https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/ Follow me on IG SistersGatheringtoHealPodcast Thanks for subscribing, sharing, rating & reviewing this podcast Buy me a Coffee. I appreciate you!  Get copies of my books Love Addicted: One Woman's Spiritual Journey Through Emotional Dependency, Why Did He Break Up With Me? Lessons in Love, Loss & Letting Go, and Write That Book! How to Start or Finish the Book You're Meant to Write @ Amazon And grab a copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do  And remember to love yourself FIRST and love yourself FIERCELY!  

I didn't know my socialization as a black girl meant that as a woman I would expect little from men and settle for even less. I had no idea that I was conditioned to accept 'struggle love' relationships. That is, I believed that mistreatment, emotional and psychological abuse, disrespect, neglect, even cheating were to be expected. Consequently, I tolerated all manner of abuse, disrespect, neglect, pain, and betrayal from men. But not anymore.  In episode S2 12, I talk about some of the 'struggle love' relationships that I endured, what was at the root of this proclivity, and how self-love and healing have changed the game.  GET SOCIAL WITH ME Join me on TikTok: I'm SelfLoveDoula Get on My Calendar: https://ScheduleTimeWithDeBora.as.me/ Follow us on IG SistersGatheringtoHealPodcast I'd appreciate it if you'd Subscribe, Share, Rate & Review this podcast. Buy me a Coffee. Thank you!  Get copies of my books Love Addicted: One Woman's Spiritual Journey Through Emotional Dependency, Why Did He Break Up With Me? Lessons in Love, Loss & Letting Go, and Write That Book! How to Start or Finish the Book You're Meant to Write @ Amazon And grab a copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do  Love you FIRST and love you FIERCELY!    

Do you feel stuck? Trapped? Alone? Did you do all the things that you were told would lead to happiness,  abundance, and fulfillment only to discover you aren't any of those things?  In this episode, I talk with my friend Ellen S. Wright, a therapist who lives in Honolulu, Hawaii with her son. Ellen shares how her late mother's words, "Everything has to be hard before it gets easy" has led to her creating a hard life, one of not-enoughness, loneliness, and fear. We talk about... the value of coming out of hiding the illusion of security  the right to grieve our losses  when you're sick and tired of being sick and tired  what if I build it and they don't come and more Ways to Connect with Ellen Link tree: https://linktr.ee/ewrightconsulting  Her Website: http://Www.ellenswright.com  Facebook business- https://www.facebook.com/ewrightconsultingservices Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/ewrightconsulting/ GET SOCIAL WITH ME Follow me on TikTok as SelfLoveDoula Follow us on IG SistersGatheringtoHealPodcast I'd appreciate it if you'd Subscribe, Share, Rate & Review this podcast. Buy me a Coffee. Thank you!  Get copies of my books Love Addicted: One Woman's Spiritual Journey Through Emotional Dependency, Why Did He Break Up With Me? Lessons in Love, Loss & Letting Go, and Write That Book! How to Start or Finish the Book You're Meant to Write @ Amazon And grab a copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do  Love you FIRST and love you FIERCELY!  

Sis, what kind of life are you living? Are you always working, busy, exhausted, and taking care of others? Do you believe you have to do EVERYTHING by yourself? Are you too strong for your own good? In a sentence, are you living the hard life, Sis?  What if there's another, uh, better, softer way to live? In this episode, I talk about another way for black women to live; it's called the Soft Life. If a softer life appeals to you, have a listen. Then rate, share, support, and comment on this podcast. Smooches! If you'd like to support this podcast, buy me a Coffee. Thanks!  ___________________________________________________ Sisters Gathering to Heal Podcast: Courageous Conversations about Self-Love and Healing for Black Women. Host, DeBora M. Ricks, Self-Love Doula, Mother, Editor, Author, Attorney & Founder of Sisters Gathering to Heal, the Movement. In this sacred space, we support Black women in Finding Our Voice, Coming Out of Hiding, and Owning ALL of ourselves. We'll dare you to be more Vocal, Visible, and Vulnerable in service of loving and healing yourself, because when Black women heal we heal generations.  LET'S GET SOCIAL Follow us on IG SistersGatheringtoHealPodcast Grab a copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do  Please Subscribe, Share, Rate & Review. Buy me a Coffee. Get copies of my books Love Addicted: One Woman's Spiritual Journey Through Emotional Dependency, Why Did He Break Up With Me? Lessons in Love, Loss & Letting Go, and Write That Book! How to Start or Finish the Book You're Meant to Write @ Amazon You are to be applauded for taking a Self-Love and Healing journey with me.

"Black woman, travel solo. If you're waiting for somebody to see the world with, stop," many travel influencers insist. "But I don't feel safe traveling alone. I'll be lonely. I'll get so bored. I'm scared," many black women say.   I started traveling solo in 2021 after I moved to Mexico. Prior to that I did group travel, traveled with family and friends, and traveled alone to attend a retreat or self-development course. None of this, in my opinion, is 'true' solo travel.  Now that I've been doing this solo travel thing for a minute, I get what some women feel and fear. In this episode, I share MY truth about solo travel. I share what I see as the pros and cons of venturing out alone. And I get candid about one of the biggest concerns, loneliness, and ways to combat it.  LET'S GET SOCIAL Follow me on IG: SistersGatheringtoHeal Join my mailing list and grab your copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do at Sisters Gathering to Heal  Please Subscribe, Share, Rate & Review. Buy me a coffee. Jumpstart your writing journey, and get my book Write That Book! How to Start or Finish the Book You Are Meant to Write @ Amazon Buy copies of my other books Love Addicted: One Woman's Spiritual Journey Through Emotional Dependency and Why Did He Break Up With Me? Lessons in Love, Loss & Letting Go @ Amazon Sisters Gathering to Heal Podcast: Courageous Conversations about Self-Love and Healing for Black Women. Host, DeBora M. Ricks, Mother, Self-Love Doula, Editor, Book Midwife, Author, Attorney & Founder of Sisters Gathering to Heal, the Movement. Thank you for taking this self-love journey with me. Smooches  

My daughter Adia celebrates and honors me with the most incredible words and gifts on my special days. This Mother's Day in a FB post she wrote: "to the woman who never tried to pretend she was fearless but instead leaned in to fear..." and inspired this episode.    I talk about some of the things that scare us, like judgment, failing, the unknown, what fear can masquerade as, and how to lean in to it.     Sisters Gathering to Heal Podcast: Courageous Conversations about Self-Love and Healing for Black Women. Host, DeBora M. Ricks, Mother, Self-Love Doula, Editor, Author, Attorney, Globetrotter & Founder of Sisters Gathering to Heal, the Movement. LET'S GET SOCIAL Follow me on IG SistersGatheringtoHealPodcast Grab a copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do  Please Subscribe, Share, Rate & Review. Buy me a Coffee. Are you an aspiring author? Got questions? Get answers, book a Birth That Book Consult with me. Get copies of my books Love Addicted: One Woman's Spiritual Journey Through Emotional Dependency, Why Did He Break Up With Me? Lessons in Love, Loss & Letting Go, and Write That Book! @ Amazon So pleased you're on this self-love and healing journey with me. 

In episode 7, I was inspired by Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith to talk about emotional intelligence and how our EQ affects the quality of our relationships with ourselves and others.    I talk about the power of self-awareness and how a simple pause can lead to more harmonious, lasting relationships. You'll also hear how overcommitting can hurt relationships.      Sisters Gathering to Heal Podcast: Courageous Conversations about Self-Love and Healing for Black Women. Host, DeBora M. Ricks, Mother, Self-Love Doula, Editor, Book Midwife, Author, Attorney & Founder of Sisters Gathering to Heal, the Movement.   LET'S GET SOCIAL Follow me on IG SistersGatheringtoHealPodcast Grab a copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do  Please Subscribe, Share, Rate & Review. Buy me a Coffee. Are you an aspiring author? Got questions? Get answers, book a Birth That Book Consult with me. Get copies of my books Love Addicted: One Woman's Spiritual Journey Through Emotional Dependency, Why Did He Break Up With Me? Lessons in Love, Loss & Letting Go, and Write That Book! @ Amazon So pleased you're on this Self-Love and Healing journey with me.

In this episode, I'm in Dakar, Senegal, a trip I gifted myself for my birthday. I must warn you, I I get emotional. It's the nearness of the ferocious Altantic Ocean, finally being in West Africa (the Motherland again) and having revelations about the magic and beauty of being black in a world that has told us we're less than.     Sisters Gathering to Heal Podcast: Courageous Conversations about Self-Love and Healing for Black Women. Host, DeBora M. Ricks, Mother, Self-Love Doula, Editor, Book Midwife, Author, Attorney & Founder of Sisters Gathering to Heal, the Movement. LET'S GET SOCIAL Follow me on IG SistersGatheringtoHealPodcast Grab a copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do  Please Subscribe, Share, Rate & Review. Buy me a Coffee. Are you an aspiring author? Got questions? Get answers, book a Birth That Book Consult with me. Get copies of my books Love Addicted: One Woman's Spiritual Journey Through Emotional Dependency, Why Did He Break Up With Me? Lessons in Love, Loss & Letting Go, and Write That Book! @ Amazon So pleased you're on this Self-Love and Healing journey with me.

Sisters Gathering to Heal Podcast: Courageous Conversations about Self-Love and Healing for Black Women. Host, DeBora M. Ricks, Mother, Self-Love Doula, Author, Editor, Book Midwife and Attorney.  Episode 5 was inspired by Stephanie Perry of Exodus Summit, who did some YT videos about Black Women learning to embrace a life of EASE. Shucks, it didn't even occur to most Black Women during my era to question societal and familial dictates, rules, and expectations around work, love, relationships, and success. Thank God younger BW are challenging and redefining what it means to be black and woman in America and beyond. Have a listen to why I believe BW struggle letting go of struggle.  Follow me on IG SistersGatheringtoHealPodcast Grab a copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do  Please Subscribe, Share, Rate & Review. Buy me a Coffee. Are you an aspiring author? Got questions? Get answers, book a Birth That Book Consult with me. Get copies of my books Love Addicted, Why Did He Break Up With Me? and Write That Book! @ Amazon Love yourself FIRST and Love yourself FIERCELY! 

Cheslie Kryst, the 30 yr. old lawyer, TV correspondent, and Miss USA 2019 took her life on January 30.  After reading my guest Coach Kofi William's blog, I felt compelled to broach this important topic.  One of my inspirations for starting this podcasting journey was the suicide of blogger Karyn Washington, who suffered from depression at the passing of her mother; she was 22.  Kofi and I talk about what had her check in to a hospital 30+ years ago, BW redefining what it means to be strong, how to transform your life, and more.  Visit Coach Kofi Williams. Sis, if you are having thoughts of hurting yourself, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or 1-888-628-9454  if you're outside of the USA.  Talk to someone. And seek professional help. Remember, you matter and you are loved.  LET'S GET SOCIAL Follow me on IG SistersGatheringtoHealPodcast Grab a copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do  Please Subscribe, Share, Rate & Review. Buy me a Coffee. Are you an aspiring author? Got questions? Get answers, book a Birth That Book Consult with me. Get copies of my books Love Addicted, Why Did He Break Up With Me? and Write That Book! @ Amazon Love yourself FIRST and Love yourself FIERCELY! 

You want to live an abundant life, right?  Of course, you do. Well, then listen to my conversation with Diane Jones, author of The Abundance Journal. She drops some real gems.   Diane, who says it's time Black Women let ourselves come undone, talks about why we must fall back in love with ourselves and how doing so supports us in creating abundance in every area of our lives.  LET'S GET SOCIAL Follow me on IG SistersGatheringtoHealPodcast Grab a copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do  Please Subscribe, Share, Rate & Review. Buy me a Coffee. Are you an aspiring author? Got questions? Get answers, book a Birth That Book Consult with me. So pleased you're on this Self-Love and Healing journey with me.

Kathy Hampton, a dear and long-time friend with whom I went to law school, invited me to have a conversation with her for her YouTube channel. My apologies that, although I spent about 4 hours trying I wasn't able to edit it. IIt was too large. But the content is so valuable that I think that that trumps the sound quality and many 'um's,' 'okay's' and 'you know's.' We talked about vulnerability, how it starts with us telling ourselves the truth first. And of course we talked about self-love, how our shadow self, when ignored, will sabotage our best intentions.  LET'S GET SOCIAL Follow me on IG SistersGatheringtoHealPodcast Grab a copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do  Buy me a Coffee. Gracias!  Are you an aspiring author? Got questions? Get answers, book a Birth That Book Consult with me. Please subscribe, share, rate, and review this podcast. So pleased you're on this Self-Love and Healing journey with me.

As we enter a brand new year full of promise and possibility, even if you're not making any New Year's Resolutions, like most of us you probably want to uplevel your life in 2022. In this episode, I offer you 10 Things to Leave in 2021, beginning with one of my personal favorites, stop seeking approval, that if embraced will transform your life.  Sisters Gathering to Heal, the Podcast: Courageous Conversations about Self-Love & Healing for Black Women. I'm your host, DeBora M. Ricks, Mother, Self-Love Doula, Editor, Book Midwife, Author, Attorney & Founder of Sisters Gathering to Heal, the Movement. Email me. LET'S GET SOCIAL Follow me on IG SistersGatheringtoHealPodcast Grab a copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do  Buy me a Coffee. Gracias!  Are you an aspiring author? Got questions? Get answers, book a Birth That Book Consult with me. Please subscribe, share, rate, and review this podcast. So pleased you're on this Self-Love and Healing journey with me.

I once was the sista who believed if only I can get a good man to love me, as they say in London, proper...I'd be straight. There would be no need, I thought, to love myself. You already know that did not end well. I'm now the sista who's always looking for new ways to love me better, and to help other black women to do the same. So, as we walk into 2022 I share 10 Acts of Self-Love to Prioritize and Practice, from finding your voice to reclaiming your playful, fun self. Have a listen.  LET'S GET SOCIAL Follow me on IG SistersGatheringtoHealPodcast Grab a copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do  Buy me a Coffee. Gracias!  Are you an aspiring author? Got questions? Get answers, book a Birth That Book Consult with me. Please subscribe, share, rate and review. So pleased you're on this Self-Love and Healing journey with me.

When I watch YouTube videos and listen in on Clubhouse conversations, I hear the pain that black men and women who are looking for love and commitment are in.  In this episode, I talk about the one quality that many men seek in a woman. Few women appreciate the power of this soft quality and, therefore, fail to possess or work to reclaim it.     LET'S GET SOCIAL Follow me on IG SistersGatheringtoHealPodcast Grab a copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do  Buy me a Coffee. Gracias!  Are you an aspiring author? Got questions? Get answers, book a Birth That Book Consult with me. Please subscribe, share, rate and review. So pleased you're on this Self-Love and Healing journey with me.

In this episode, I talk about love and relationships. I explore:  Why we struggle to sustain love and relationships Is love a skill that we can learn Why and how we drive people away  What gets in the way of loving and being loved Daddy issues, abandonment, and "love" addiction The real purpose of love and relationships Who some say are the loneliest people on the planet  When we don't choose vulnerability what we do instead Tools for healing a trauma And much more...  LET'S GET SOCIAL Follow me on IG SistersGatheringtoHealPodcast Grab a copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do  Buy me a Coffee. Gracias!  Are you an aspiring author? Got questions? Get answers, book a Birth That Book Consult with me. Please subscribe, share, rate and review. So pleased you're on this Self-Love and Healing journey with me.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of talking with Ericka Sallee, Author and Transformation Success Coach, about:  how every experience can lead you to your purpose The Impostor Syndrome The Tall Poppy Syndrome  How she found her purpose  And more! Contact Ericka at https://trusynergy.org Grab a copy of Pathway to Purpose at Amazon. Welcome to Sisters Gathering to Heal Podcast where we have Courageous Conversations about Self-Love and Healing for Black Women. I'm your host, DeBora M. Ricks, Mother, Self-Love Doula, Book Midwife, Editor, Author, Attorney & World Traveler.  LET'S GET SOCIAL Follow me on IG: SistersGatheringtoHeal Join my mailing list and grab your copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do at Sisters Gathering to Heal  Buy me a smoothie: CashApp @ $Abundant2  Are you an aspiring author? Got questions? Get answers! Book a Birth That Book Consult with me. Jumpstart your writing journey, get my book Write That Book! How to Start or Finish the Book You Are Meant to Write @ Amazon Buy copies of my other books Love Addicted: One Woman's Spiritual Journey Through Emotional Dependency and Why Did He Break Up With Me? Lessons in Love, Loss & Letting Go @ Amazon Please Subscribe, Share, Rate & Review this episode. Thank you for taking this self-love journey with me. Smooches

I talk with my sister-friend PJ Osunyoyin Cannon, Ifa and Osun Priestess, Spiritual Guidance Coach, Reiki Master, and professionally trained Life Coach and author of Forgiveness is Bliss: A Real-Life Approach to Sustained Happiness about: Colorism and how it threatens to sabotage our dreams   How our mothers' narrative about themselves showed up in our lives The power of forgiveness, who it serves, and why we should do it And more Visit PJ's website at https://blissfullivingcoach.com Welcome to Sisters Gathering to Heal Podcast where we have Courageous Conversations about Self-Love and Healing for Black Women. I'm your host, DeBora M. Ricks, Mother, Self-Love Doula, Book Midwife, Editor, Author, Attorney & World Traveler.  LET'S GET SOCIAL Follow me on IG: SistersGatheringtoHeal Join my mailing list and grab your copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do at Sisters Gathering to Heal  Buy me a smoothie: CashApp @ $Abundant2  Are you an aspiring author? Got questions? Get answers! Book a Birth That Book Consult with me. Jumpstart your writing journey, get my book Write That Book! How to Start or Finish the Book You Are Meant to Write @ Amazon Buy copies of my other books Love Addicted: One Woman's Spiritual Journey Through Emotional Dependency and Why Did He Break Up With Me? Lessons in Love, Loss & Letting Go @ Amazon Please Subscribe, Share, Rate & Review this episode. Thank you for taking this self-love journey with me. Smooches

I call this experimental bonus episode a "Pop-Up Podcast." See, I'm a recovering perfectionist. Part of my recovery work is to not let perfectionism stop me from being producing content. In this episode, I talk about how shadow work is connected to greater self-love. If you haven't done so already, please leave a comment, share, and subscribe. Smooches Sisters Gathering to Heal Podcast: Courageous Conversations about Self-Love and Healing for Black Women. Host, DeBora M. Ricks, Mother, Self-Love Doula, Book Midwife, Editor, Author, Attorney & World Traveler.  This sacred space is all about supporting Black women in Finding Our Voice, Coming Out of Hiding, and Owning ALL of ourselves. We'll dare you to be more Vocal, Visible and Vulnerable in service of loving and healing yourself . . . because when Black women heal, we heal generations.  Every two weeks, you can expect authenticity, transparency, and vulnerability as we share insights, stories, conversations, and interviews that will challenge you to love yourself first and to love yourself fiercely! LET'S GET SOCIAL Follow me on IG: SistersGatheringtoHeal Join my mailing list and grab your copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do at Sisters Gathering to Heal  If you got something out of this episode, please Subscribe, Share, Rate & Review. Thank you for buying me a cup of Hibiscus Tea: CashApp me @ $Abundant2  Are you an aspiring author? Got questions? Get answers! Book a Birth That Book Consult with me. Jumpstart your writing journey, get my book Write That Book! How to Start or Finish the Book You Are Meant to Write @ Amazon Buy copies of my other books Love Addicted: One Woman's Spiritual Journey Through Emotional Dependency and Why Did He Break Up With Me? Lessons in Love, Loss & Letting Go @ Amazon Thank you for taking this self-love journey with me. Smooches

A lot of people, even those on the "love and light" spiritual path, just can't seem to manifest the juicy life of their dreams. Why? Because they are terrified of the dark. That is, they are afraid to deal with parts themselves that they disapprove of, shun, reject, disown, and fear. In this episode, I talk about the benefits of facing and healing the Shadow Self, how to catch it in action, and offer tools that will support you in doing life-altering work, i.e., Shadow Work. ____________________________________________________________ Sisters Gathering to Heal Podcast: Courageous Conversations about Self-Love and Healing for Black Women. Host, DeBora M. Ricks, Mother, Self-Love Doula, Book Midwife, Editor, Author, Attorney & World Traveler.  This sacred space is all about supporting Black women in Finding Our Voice, Coming Out of Hiding, and Owning ALL of ourselves. We'll dare you to be more Vocal, Visible and Vulnerable in service of loving and healing yourself . . . because when Black women heal, we heal generations.  Every two weeks, you can expect authenticity, transparency, and vulnerability as we share insights, stories, conversations, and interviews that will challenge you to love yourself first and to love yourself fiercely! LET'S GET SOCIAL Follow me on IG: SistersGatheringtoHeal Join my mailing list and grab your copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do at Sisters Gathering to Heal  If you got something out of this episode, please Subscribe, Share, Rate & Review. Thank you for buying me a cup of Hibiscus Tea: CashApp me @ $Abundant2  Are you an aspiring author? Got questions? Get answers! Book a Birth That Book Consult with me. Jumpstart your writing journey, get my book Write That Book! How to Start or Finish the Book You Are Meant to Write @ Amazon Buy copies of my other books Love Addicted: One Woman's Spiritual Journey Through Emotional Dependency and Why Did He Break Up With Me? Lessons in Love, Loss & Letting Go @ Amazon Thank you for taking this self-love journey with me. Smooches

In this episode, I talk about one of my favorite things: Vulnerability. What is vulnerability. What it's not. Many confuse vulnerability with weakness, but vulnerability is FAR from weakness. In fact, one of the most courageous things humans can do is be vulnerable. Social worker and researcher Brene Brown's definition of vulnerability resonates with me: the willingness to embrace "uncertainty, risk and emotional exposure." I dive into each of these. Have a listen. Then subscribe, share, rate and review.  Sisters Gathering to Heal Podcast: Courageous Conversations about Self-Love and Healing for Black Women. Host, DeBora M. Ricks, Mother, Self-Love Doula, Book Midwife, Editor, Author, Attorney. This sacred space is all about supporting Black women in Finding Our Voice, Coming Out of Hiding, and Owning ALL of ourselves. We'll dare you to be more Vocal, Visible and Vulnerable in service of loving and healing yourself . . . because when Black women heal, we heal generations.  Every two weeks, you can expect authenticity, transparency, and vulnerability as we share insights, stories, conversations, and interviews that will challenge you to love yourself first and to love yourself fiercely! LET'S GET SOCIAL Follow me on IG: SistersGatheringtoHeal Join my mailing list and grab your copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do at Sisters Gathering to Heal  If you got something out of this episode, please Subscribe, Share, Rate & Review. Buy me a cup of green tea: CashApp me @ $Abundant2 Are you an aspiring author? Got questions? Get answers, book a Birth That Book Consult with me. Jumpstart your writing journey, get my book Write That Book! How to Start or Finish the Book You Are Meant to Write @ Amazon Buy copies of my other books Love Addicted: One Woman's Spiritual Journey Through Emotional Dependency and Why Did He Break Up With Me? Lessons in Love, Loss & Letting Go @ Amazon Thank you for taking this self-love journey with me. Smooches

In this episode, I talk about the transformative power of doing the hard sh&t. What feels hard to you? Charging for your services, asking for help or support, setting better boundaries, not wasting your time, energy, and attention on people that are a waste of time? After you listen, leave a comment and share this episode.  Sisters Gathering to Heal Podcast: Courageous Conversations about Self-Love and Healing for Black Women. Host, DeBora M. Ricks, Mother, Self-Love Doula, Book Midwife, Editor, Author, Attorney. This sacred space is all about supporting Black women in Finding Our Voice, Coming Out of Hiding, and Owning ALL of ourselves. We'll dare you to be more Vocal, Visible and Vulnerable in service of loving and healing yourself . . . because when Black women heal, we heal generations.  Every two weeks, you can expect authenticity, transparency, and vulnerability as we share insights, stories, conversations, and interviews that will challenge you to love yourself first and to love yourself fiercely! LET'S GET SOCIAL Follow me on IG: SistersGatheringtoHeal Join my mailing list and grab your copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do at Sisters Gathering to Heal  If you got something out of this episode, please Subscribe, Share, Rate & Review. Buy me a cup of green tea: CashApp me @ $Abundant2 Are you an aspiring author? Got questions? Get answers, book a Birth That Book Consult with me. Jumpstart your writing journey, get my book Write That Book! How to Start or Finish the Book You Are Meant to Write @ Amazon Buy copies of my other books Love Addicted: One Woman's Spiritual Journey Through Emotional Dependency and Why Did He Break Up With Me? Lessons in Love, Loss & Letting Go @ Amazon Thank you for taking this self-love journey with me. Smooches

In this episode, I unpack why my siblings would frequently call me "selfish," and the revelation that I finally stumbled upon all these years later that now makes me proudly own that "insult." I share seven (7) reasons why people will call a self-loving Black woman selfish.  Sisters Gathering to Heal Podcast: Courageous Conversations about Self-Love and Healing for Black Women. Host, DeBora M. Ricks, Mother, Self-Love Doula, Book Midwife, Editor, Author, Attorney.   This sacred space is all about supporting Black women in Finding Our Voice, Coming Out of Hiding, and Owning ALL of ourselves. We'll dare you to be more Vocal, Visible and Vulnerable in service of loving and healing yourself . . . because when Black women heal, we heal generations.  Every two weeks, you can expect authenticity, transparency, and vulnerability as we share insights, stories, conversations, and interviews that will challenge you to love yourself first and to love yourself fiercely! LET'S GET SOCIAL Follow me on IG: SistersGatheringtoHeal Join my mailing list and grab your copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do at Sisters Gathering to Heal  If you got something out of this episode, please Subscribe, Share, Rate & Review. Buy me a cup of green tea: CashApp me @ $Abundant2 Are you an aspiring author? Got questions? Get answers, book a Birth That Book Consult with me. Jumpstart your writing journey, get my book Write That Book! How to Start or Finish the Book You Are Meant to Write @ Amazon Buy copies of my other books Love Addicted: One Woman's Spiritual Journey Through Emotional Dependency and Why Did He Break Up With Me? Lessons in Love, Loss & Letting Go @ Amazon Thank you for taking this self-love journey with me. Smooches

Sisters Gathering to Heal, the Podcast: Courageous Conversations about Self-Love & Healing for Black Women. I'm your host, DeBora M. Ricks, Mother, Self-Love Doula, Editor, Book Midwife, Author, Attorney & Founder of Sisters Gathering to Heal, the Movement. Reach me at DeBoraMRicks@gmail.com In episode 18 I talk about 4 things black women 60+ ought to stop doing: 1. taking care of grown people 2. waiting 3. living in the past, and 4. betraying, abandoning, and neglecting themselves. And of course, I suggest ways to stop doing these things.    LET'S GET SOCIAL Follow me on IG: SistersGatheringtoHeal Join my mailing list and grab your copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do at Sisters Gathering to Heal  If you got something out of this episode, please Subscribe, Share, Rate & Review. Buy me a cup of tea: CashApp me @ $Abundant2 Are you're an aspiring author? Got questions? Well, I've got answers, book a Birth That Book Consult with me. Want to jumpstart your writing journey, get my book Write That Book! How to Start or Finish the Book You Are Meant to Write @ Amazon As well, buy copies of my other two books Love Addicted: One Woman's Spiritual Journey Through Emotional Dependency and Why Did He Break Up With Me? Lessons in Love, Loss & Letting Go @ Amazon Thank you for taking this self-love journey with me. Smooches

I'm rebranding myself. It's time I stop trying to speak to ALL Black women and instead speak to the women I know and understand best, women 60 and over. In this “debut” episode, I talk about the secret struggles women 60 and over wrestle in silence with, like feelings of invisibility, loneliness, regret, fear that it's too late and their too old, and the inability to pour into themselves. LET'S GET SOCIAL Follow me on IG: SistersGatheringtoHeal Join my mailing list and grab your copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do at Sisters Gathering to Heal  If you got something out of this episode, please Subscribe, Share, Rate & Review. Buy me a cup of tea: CashApp me @ $Abundant2 Are you're an aspiring author? Got questions? Well, I've got answers, book a Birth That Book Consult with me. Want to jumpstart your writing journey, get my book Write That Book! How to Start or Finish the Book You Are Meant to Write @ Amazon. And get copies of my other two books, Love Addicted: One Woman's Spiritual Journey Through Emotional Dependency and Why Did He Break Up With Me? Lessons in Love, Loss & Letting Go @ Amazon Thank you for taking this self-love journey with me

In this episode, I talk about self-sabotage, something we all do. It's sneaky, painful and it keeps us from fulfilling our deepest desires and realizing our dreams. I share 15 ways we self-sabotage, why we do it, and what we can do to overcome it.  LET'S GET SOCIAL Join my mailing list and grab your copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do at Sisters Gathering to Heal  If you enjoyed this episode, please Subscribe, Share, Rate & Review. Buy me a smoothie: CashApp me at $Abundant2 SOME GOODIES Are you an aspiring author? Do you have questions? Well, I have answers. Book a Birth That Book Consult with me.  You may get copies of my books, Love Addicted, Why Did He Break Up With Me? and Write That Book! on Amazon

In episode 15, I talk about fear and giving yourself permission to try, mess up, and be awkward. _________________________________ Sisters Gathering to Heal, the Podcast: Courageous Conversations about Self-Love and Healing for Black Women. I'm your host, DeBora M. Ricks, Mother, Self-Love Doula, Editor, Book Midwife, Author, Attorney & Founder of Sisters Gathering to Heal, the Movement. This sacred space is about Black women in finding our voice, coming out of hiding, and owning ALL of ourselves. We'll dare you to be more Vocal, Visible and Vulnerable in service of loving and healing yourself . . . because when Black women heal, we heal generations.  Every two weeks, you can expect authenticity, transparency, and vulnerability as we share insights, stories, conversations, and interviews that will challenge you to love yourself first and to love yourself fiercely LET'S GET SOCIAL Join my mailing list and grab your copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do at Sisters Gathering to Heal  If you got something out of this episode, please Subscribe, Share, Rate & Review. Buy me a bouquet of flowers: CashApp me at $Abundant2 MORE GOODIES Are you an aspiring author? Do you have questions? Well, I have answers. Book a Birth That Book Consult with me.  Buy copies of my books Love Addicted, Why Did He Break Up With Me? and Write That Book! on Amazon

In this episode, I share a painful experience that brought me to tears. I talk about how my desperate attempt to attach myself to another powerful sister who was rocking her brand failed miserably. I share what I realized about myself and why I saw that experience as a gift from God.   LET'S GET SOCIAL Follow me on IG: SistersGatheringtoHeal Join my mailing list and grab your copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do at Sisters Gathering to Heal  If you're learning to love yourself, doing your healing work, finding your voice, embracing the power of vulnerability, working to overcome the fear of being visible, or wrestling perfectionism to its ugly knees and you're interested in sharing your story, email me so we can talk about the possibility of you being a guest on the podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please Subscribe, Share, Rate & Review. Buy me a smoothie, CashApp me @ $Abundant2 MORE GOODIES Are you an aspiring author but you just can't seem to start or finish your book? I can help, book a Birth That Book Consult with me.  Buy copies of my books Love Addicted, Why Did He Break Up With Me? and Write That Book! on Amazon

In this episode, I talk about what stands between so many people and an amazing life: the unwillingness to let go. I talk about why some are resistant to letting go of anger and resentments. And I share some of the tools I use, tools that work like magic, to heal my relationships. LET'S GET SOCIAL Follow me on IG: SistersGatheringtoHeal Join my mailing list and grab your copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do at Sisters Gathering to Heal  If you're learning to love yourself, doing your healing work, finding your voice, embracing the power of vulnerability, working to overcome the fear of being visible, or wrestling perfectionism to its ugly knees and you're interested in sharing your story, email me so we can talk about the possibility of you being a guest on the podcast. If you resonated with this episode, please Subscribe, Share, Rate & Review. Buy me a smoothie, CashApp me @ $Abundant2 MORE GOODIES Are you an aspiring author but you just can't seem to start or finish your book? I can help, book a Birth That Book Consult with me.  Want to level up your relationships, get copies of my books Love Addicted & Why Did He Break Up With Me? For my aspiring authors get Write That Book! All on Amazon Sisters Gathering to Heal, the Podcast: Courageous Conversations about Self-Love & Healing for Black Women. I'm your host, DeBora M. Ricks, Mother, Self-Love Doula, Editor, Book Midwife, Author, Attorney & Founder of Sisters Gathering to Heal, the Movement. Want to have me on your podcast, book a Birth That Book Consult, or some other reason, email me.   

Sisters Gathering to Heal, the Podcast: Courageous Conversations about Self-Love & Healing for Black Women. I'm your host, DeBora M. Ricks, Mother, Self-Love Doula, Editor, Book Midwife, Author, Attorney & Founder of Sisters Gathering to Heal, the Movement. In episode 12, I talk about redefining "strong" and share 12 acts of self-care that translate into more self-love. I also talk about how in my effort to fill a void I was almost "scammed" by a past lover.     LET'S GET SOCIAL Follow me on IG: SistersGatheringtoHeal Join my mailing list and grab your copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do at Sisters Gathering to Heal  If you're learning to love yourself, doing your healing work, finding your voice, embracing the power of vulnerability, working to overcome the fear of being visible, or wrestling perfectionism to its ugly knees and you're interested in sharing your story, email me so we can talk about the possibility of you being a guest on the podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please Subscribe, Share, Rate & Review. Buy me a smoothie, CashApp me @ $Abundant2 MORE GOODIES Are you writing a book but could use some help? Book a Birth That Book Consult with me.  Get copies of my books Love Addicted, Why Did He Break Up With Me? and Write That Book! on Amazon Thank you for taking this juicy journey with me.

When we don't get it "right," mess up, fail, especially if we repeatedly seem to miss the mark or fall short of our ideal, we will often impatiently ask, "What's wrong with me?" In this episode, I share the question that we ought to be asking ourselves instead, according to Oprah Winfrey and her co-author Dr. Bruce Perry, and offer 3 steps we can take to heal whatever is ailing us.  LET'S GET SOCIAL Follow me on IG: SistersGatheringtoHeal Join my mailing list and grab your copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do at Sisters Gathering to Heal  If you're an author, coach, consultant, entrepreneur, healer, or business owner who is learning to love herself, doing her healing work, finding her voice, embracing the power of vulnerability, working to overcome the fear of being seen, or wrestling perfectionism to its knees and you're interested in sharing your story, email me so we can talk about the possibility of you being a guest on the podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please Subscribe, Share, Rate & Review. Want to buy me a cup of coffee? Yes! CashApp me @ $Abundant2 Thank you for taking this juicy journey with me.

In this episode, I dive into one of my favorite topics: Self-Love. I tell you why I teach self-love? Signs that you're not loving you, and what it looks like when a woman decides she deserves better.   LET'S GET SOCIAL  Follow me on IG: SistersGatheringtoHeal Visit my website at Sisters Gathering to Heal, join my mailing list and grab your copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do  If you're an author, coach, consultant, entrepreneur, healer, or business owner who is learning to love herself, doing her healing work, finding her voice, embracing the power of vulnerability, working to overcome the fear of being seen, or wrestling perfectionism to its knees and you're interested in sharing your story, email me so we can talk about the possibility of you being a guest on the podcast. Smooches If you enjoyed this episode, please Subscribe, Share, Rate & Review.  Help keep this podcast alive, buy me a cup of coffee: CashApp at me $Abundant2 | Thank you! So glad you're on this juicy journey with me.

Arguably, a woman's voice is the most important asset that she possesses. But what if she's afraid to use that voice? In episode 9, I share how my negative self-talk started to sabotage my vision for this podcast, what I am/was afraid of, and why Black women must find their voice. LET'S GET SOCIAL Follow me on IG: SistersGatheringtoHeal Join my mailing list and grab your copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do at Sisters Gathering to Heal  If you're an author, coach, consultant, entrepreneur, healer, or business owner who is learning to love yourself, doing her healing work, finding your voice, embracing the power of vulnerability, working to overcome the fear of being seen, or wrestling perfectionism to its knees and you're interested in sharing your story, email me so we can talk about the possibility of you being a guest on the podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please Subscribe, Share, Rate & Review. If you'd like to support the continued production of this podcast, buy me a cup of tea: CashApp me at $Abundant2 Thank you for taking this juicy journey with me.

Did you hear about the controversy swirling around The Talk co-hosts, Sharon Osbourne and Sheryl Underwood? Well, that "mess" had me asking anew, Can Black and White Women REALLY Be Friends? It's a real question to me, one who has had her share of traumatizing experiences with white women. So, I decided I wanted to explore this question. Ber-Henda Williams, Visionary+Empath Coach and bilingual poet who believes feminine empaths are here to disrupt the patriarchy and oppression with their mission-based businesses, immediately came to mind.  In this episode, we talk about:  One reason white people recoil when called a racist  What "kind" of white women make good friends to Black women And much more... CONNECT WITH BER-HENDA: Her website www.ber-hendawilliams.com IG: Berhenda Also, find Ber-Henda on Clubhouse ABOUT Sisters Gathering to Heal, the Podcast, where we have Courageous Conversations about Self-Love & Healing for Black Women. I'm your host, DeBora M. Ricks, Mother, Self-Love Doula, Editor, Author, Attorney & Founder of Sisters Gathering to Heal, the Movement. This sacred space is all about supporting Black women in Finding Our Voice, Coming Out of Hiding, and Owning ALL of ourselves. We'll dare you to be more Vocal, Visible and Vulnerable in service of loving and healing yourself . . . because when Black women heal, we heal generations.  LET'S GET SOCIAL Join the Sisterhood and grab your copy of 13 Things Black Women Who Love Themselves DON'T Do at Sisters Gathering to Heal  Every woman has a story! Are you learning to love yourself fiercely? Are you doing the work to heal yourself and your life? If you'd like to be a guest on the podcast send me an email.  If you enjoyed this episode, please Subscribe, Share, Rate & Review. And you may support the continued production of the podcast via CashApp: $Abundant2 Thank you for taking this journey with me.