Yemoja Speaks

I have a hard time developing a relationship with myself becauee I care deeply about the relationships with others. I prioritize the emotions and actions of others as I hide my emotional struggles. However, developing a relationship with myself has become the most important thing to me. Let's talk about the setback we have by prioritizing others over ourselves. If you like this podcast topic let me know. Leave a comment and share what you are doing to deepen the relationship with yourself. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yemojaspeaks/support

People make jokes about us reverting back to an old version of ourselves through habits or behaviors because they are uncomfortable with our change. They want us to stay at the level that they are comfortable with because they haven't started their journey to change so our new energy disruption their spirit. Let's discuss it! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yemojaspeaks/support

When we fast the body, soul, and the mind we understand how we are responsible for our own happiness. Our negative experiences doesn't define our joy but it helps to shape our identity. Let's talk about it! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yemojaspeaks/support

Foster youth have resources that need to be discussed and Ohio Action and YAB is hosting its annual youth summit to discuss the resources. If you would like to attend please visit the website at --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yemojaspeaks/support

Many times what holds us back is the belief that we aren't worth it. We have been told that we aren't good enough so we believe it and treat ourselves according to the thoughts of others. Don't hold yourself back. You are worth it and you deserve it! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yemojaspeaks/support

You have rights and amazing perspectives to give. Listen to other foster youth and alum give their perspective and experience in foster care. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yemojaspeaks/support

Unfortunately Darnell T. life was taken by his temporary foster mother February 2024. We are discussing his case. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yemojaspeaks/support

We want to be successful but sometimes the fear holds us back. We fear success, opinions, or failure but that doesn't mean we cannot accomplish our goals. We can do it through the fear. Let's talk about it. Follow me on Instagram @yemojaspeaks --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yemojaspeaks/support

Many times we say we want the truth but honest can be hurtful and we want to resist it. I find myself resisting the truth when someone calls me out and holds me accountable. I want to become better but listening to my flaws is difficult. Let's discuss it. Follow on Yemojaspeaks on IG. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yemojaspeaks/support

I deleted emotional regulation and uploaded affirming emotions in its place last week. If you haven't listened to that episode please go listen. Bonus there is another episode being released today at noon. Thank you for listening and supporting this podcast. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yemojaspeaks/support

We are discussing emotional regulation. Sometimes it hard to name and accept what we feel but I discuss tips on what happens when we aren't aware versus how we can become aware and make changes. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yemojaspeaks/support

Many of us have areas where we have been neglected by our caretakers but as we step into adulthood, we take on the responsibility to parent ourselves. I discuss 9 ways to start I. Your self-parenting journey. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yemojaspeaks/support

When we reach 18 years old we think we are grown and can do what grownups do. However, sometimes we aren't prepared to really discipline ourselves like the adults have done. I talk about my experience with the adulting process. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yemojaspeaks/support

Talking about the supportive circle that I had to create around me which being in foster care and how it helped and hurt me. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yemojaspeaks/support

Being surrounded by --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yemojaspeaks/support

My parents decisions reflect their upbringing while mine reflect the endless possibilities because the overwhelming support given to me. We have moments in our lives that we can choose to take the advise from others or choose the same situations as our family. What is your decision? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yemojaspeaks/support

I don't allow others to join in my quiet moments of reflecting but I decided to step out of my comfort zone. I invited someone to join me to reflect and plan our futures together. It turned out nice and it helps both of us to be accountable. Find someone to share your goals with so they can hold you to them. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yemojaspeaks/support

Many times we don't believe in our journey because we are too focused on others. I had to slow down and appreciate my journey and who I am becoming. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yemojaspeaks/support

Silent tears poem. Sometimes our pain is what pushes us into our purpose. I have used writing as a way to express my pain and connect with others. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yemojaspeaks/support

Our mental houses are clutter while we look to find our missing shoe we thought we put in the closet. Organized chaos is a contradiction, attached to traumatic experiences. Diving deeper into my trama by addressing it by the name, my failed relationships with my siblings due to being in foster care. Being in foster care is traumatizing but not being able to share a connection with your family is more hurtful. Let's talk about it. This episode is dedicated to Sharonda Swanson, my mother may she rest in peace. Nakupenda mama! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yemojaspeaks/support

Hi --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yemojaspeaks/support

Have you felt that you were being rejected by your biological and foster family? Maybe you felt like you didn't fit in their square box because you are a circle. I have too but didn't know how I felt about until I became an adult. Rejection hurts but should be acknowledged. Follow me on Instagram and TikTok @yemojaspeaks --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yemojaspeaks/support

When difficult times come what do you do? I find myself on the verge of giving up until I remember my purpose. I reflect over my journey and all of my decisions. While I do not make excuses for my choices I do understand that my decisions were made based on my emotions and limit information. As I think about my future I know that my past will always be there to remind me of my decisions. However, I will be emotional mature to conquer my future reactions to the choices of my past. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yemojaspeaks/support

When out physical environment is out of order our mental is usually in the same state. The first thing is to have a focus that is so strong that you don't want to pull away from it. I had to clean my house and breathe to slow down. I needed to be still to find clarity. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yemojaspeaks/support

It requires us to look at ourselves in the mirror to be honest. We have allowed people to walk all over us but now we are taking our power back through reflecting. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yemojaspeaks/support

Foster parents post COVID is difficult. Many foster parents were concerned about transmission of the virus but now we are still facing an issue with limited foster parents signing up. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yemojaspeaks/support

The challenge of being a foster is rewarding. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yemojaspeaks/support

Did you know we can develop an emotional addiction? It is the emotional connection that we have with others knowing that the relationship is unhealthy but we stay because it is familiar. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yemojaspeaks/support

Emotional habits are unconsciously formed based on the freedom or restriction given to us. If our caretakers validated our feelings we develop healthy emotional habits, however, many times we need to learn it in adulthood. Follow us on social media [Yemoja Speaks Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/yemojaspeaks/) [Yemoja Speaks Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/YemojaSpeaks) --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yemojaspeaks/support

Too many times we hear about other people matching energy but we don't hear how that might have gotten someone killed or harm. It might look cool but some people don't stay at the same level they go to 100 real quick and expect to fight. Are you ready for a fight over something minor? Let talk about it. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yemojaspeaks/support

Love poem --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yemojaspeaks/support

Hamjambo? Sijambo Leo! It can be hard when we realize that our friend that we have known over 10 years is really a long-time acquaintance instead. An acquaintance is a person that we share a surface level relationship with but really don't have trust in establishing a real relationship. I have realized how private I am which means that I don't share much of my personal information anyways, however, the people that I have had around me for years should have more personal stories. Many of the people I have known for 10 years, we don't know personal details about one another. I figured out that our friendship was not mutual the hard way and now I am figuring out what I should do next. Follow us on social media Yemoja Speaks Instagram Yemoja Speaks Facebook --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yemojaspeaks/support

Some people don't care about what you are going through they only want to have access to you. Check to see if they are true or not. Do they tell you all the things wrong with you? Do they only talk to you when it is convenient for them? Do they not show up for you but want you to show up for them? Hmmmm

Poetry has helped me get through emotional traumas that I wanted to hold on to but have been able to release. Many of us find it hard to express our feelings in a traditional talking way but we use our art to express it all. Art is not supposed to be understood by everyone, yet when people can relate we have find our tribe like us. If you want me to figure your poem on Yemoja Speaks Podcast email it to yemojaspeaks@gmail.com Follow us on social media Yemoja Speaks Instagram Yemoja Speaks Facebook --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yemojaspeaks/support

Sharonda or Lolo as she was known as was my beautiful mother. Many people are surprised by me when they meet me and know my history of being in foster care but I give the award to my mother for the strong foundation she set for me. This is my open ended letter to my mother, thanks you for taking the pain so I could be free. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yemojaspeaks/support

“Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.” Neil Gailman, Coraline What are your dragon? Our dragons can be: toxic thinking habits, anxiety, procrastination, childhood trauma, emotional trauma, and relationship trauma. It is okay to cry to get through it. Although I have not tame all my dragons I am learning my emotions and how I can use them rather than them using me. How do you tame your dragon? Know your emotions Know your goals and where you are heading Find balance through; mediation, writing, poetry, dance, sewing, etc. If you liked this episode, let us know by leaving us a message or liking it. Please follow us on social media Yemoja Speaks Instagram Yemoja Speaks Facebook --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yemojaspeaks/support

What to do daily for behavioral change --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yemojaspeaks/support

We have all had questions about the process of becoming a foster and adoptive parent. As a former foster youth, I have questioned the process due to my personal experience and hearing the experience of my friends. I also see in the news where the system fails the child, so I wanted to understand how foster parents are screened. Join the conversation with Zina K, a foster parent recruiter for Pressley Ridge. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yemojaspeaks/support

Change behavior --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yemojaspeaks/support

Mental health discussion with Dr. Sonji Kenyatta, a licensed professional clinical counselor. Dr. Kenyatta practice cognitive behavioral talk therapy which means we do what we think. She has worked as a professional clinical counselor for well over 20 years and now has her own practice counseling individuals each day. Therapy is becoming more popular in conversations because many of us understand the power of our trauma when used effectively. We discussed how some of us break the generational curses by bettering our lives, which impacts our relationships with family and friends. Join the conversation, how are your relationships impacted by you learning and healing? Follow us on social media Yemoja Speaks Instagram Yemoja Speaks Facebook --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yemojaspeaks/support

Mental health is important yet many times goes unnoticed until a major event occurs. It is equally important to listen to people around us when they think that something can be corrected about our behavior. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yemojaspeaks/support

We must look at the relationships that we have to understand if they are hindering or helping us to succeed. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yemojaspeaks/support

Our journey requires reflection and preparation. To prepare we must know what we have already done and what others have done so that we can try new attempts instead of repeating old habits. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yemojaspeaks/support

Being okay that I have overcome so much in our lives. I thank myself and you should too because you made it! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yemojaspeaks/support

Understanding how your dad impacted your emotional and mental well-being is important. Many people talk about daddy issues but don't explain how their dad impacted them emotionally. I explain my complex relationship with my dad. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yemojaspeaks/support

I have been looking at my behaviors and journey so far. I have made many of mistakes but have come to realize that I share traits that my parents have or had that I want to get rid of. Some of the things that I do isn't right and doesn't make sense. Healing myself means that I must look at the behaviors that mom had and how I use them or release them. I know that some of my traits need to go but at least I was able to look at them. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yemojaspeaks/support

Have you been told that you were just like one of your parents? Yes many of us have been told that once in our lives. I told the time to do an overview of my parents and understand the qualities that I have too. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yemojaspeaks/support

Walk away from people who are intentionally triggering you and trying to bring you to their level. It prevents you from growing when you match the energy of others who aren't aspiring to better themselves. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yemojaspeaks/support

What does vulnerability mean, and are you willing to be vulnerable to strengthen your connections? Vulnerability means that you are willing to be yourself by disclosing difficult things about you knowing that there is a possibility you could be hurt. Are you willing to be open and hurt or does being open come with fear and shame for you? Research says people who are vulnerable live happier because they have deeper connections. Is it truth or worth it? Sponsor: Yemoja's Media website 25% Winter Shoot Follow us on social media Yemoja Speaks Instagram Yemoja Speaks Facebook --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yemojaspeaks/support

Having great friendships, where we can truly be vulnerable and open is a blessing. We share great laugher and ideas. Although it is great to have wonderful friendships, sometimes boundaries get overlooked and lines gets blurred. We take this healthy friendship and want to deepen the relationship to being romantic. Growing up I didn't see many healthy relationships, rather being platonic or romantic, so having them in my life means learning how to make lasting bonds. However, how do we navigate a friendship when someone develops romantic emotions ultimately complicating the relationship? Resources Follow us on social media Yemoja Speaks Instagram Yemoja Speaks Facebook --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yemojaspeaks/support

I had to understand how I had healthy relationships in my past but could not see them because I could not recognize my struggles. I allowed my efforts to get in the way of how I showed up in relationships. My need for control hindered how I interacted with friends, which created complicated relationships from my side. I received an email from a fantastic friend explaining our relationship; however, I could not explain my side due to an unfortunate loss. This situation allowed me to think how important it is to be vulnerable with people that want to be supportive and open. It saddens me that I waited until it was too late to let go of old emotions. You must deal with old emotions to fix relationships before you miss the opportunity.  Follow us on social media Yemoja Speaks Instagram Yemoja Speaks Facebook --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yemojaspeaks/support