Hey y’all! This week’s episode is super special because it’s my birthday week 🎉 and we’re talking all about self-celebration. I’m sharing the story of my very first solo trip to Toronto at 39, and how it completely shifted the way I view celebrating myself. Instead of waiting for validation from the world, I learned to claim my own joy and take pride in my journey—big wins and small. In this episode, we’ll dive into how celebrating yourself can fuel your self-love, confidence, and leadership, and why it's so important to honor every part of your journey. Brown Heart Affirmation: "Today, I celebrate myself. I honor my growth, the journey, and the joy I create in my life. I am worthy of every win." Key Takeaways: • Self-celebration is one of the most powerful ways to practice self-love. It builds confidence and mental clarity, helping you recognize your worth. • My solo trip to Toronto was a game-changer for me. It taught me to stop waiting for others to validate my journey and instead celebrate myself—both personally and in leadership. • When we celebrate others, especially as leaders, we create spaces where people feel seen, valued, and brave enough to show up as their true selves. Actionable Tips: • Positive Affirmations: Start your day with affirmations like, “I am worthy of every win,” or “I honor my journey.” These little mantras remind you to celebrate even the smallest victories. • Set the Standard for Self-Celebration: It might feel strange at first, but celebrating yourself teaches others how you want to be honored. You’re setting the tone for how you deserve to be treated. • Pause and Acknowledge Wins: Anytime you accomplish something, no matter how small, take a moment to pause, breathe, and say, “I’m proud of you.” It shifts your mindset and reminds you that your efforts matter. Brown Heart Moment (Mindful Moment): Let’s take a moment to reflect on something you accomplished this week. It could be anything—a new habit you started, an act of kindness, or just getting through a tough day. Breathe into that moment and allow yourself to feel proud. You did that. You are worthy of that joy. Call to Action: This week, I challenge you to celebrate at least one win—big or small. Take a pause, reflect, and say “I’m proud of you.” It’s in these small moments of self-love that we start to see our true worth. 💖 If today’s episode spoke to you, please subscribe, share it with someone who could use a little more joy in their life, and celebrate yourself today! 🎉 📩 Want more tips and inspiration? Subscribe to my Substack:https://substack.com/brownheartwellness Grab your tea and listen in! Check out https://magichour.sjv.io/3e63GA for some of my favorite teas!

Ever find yourself looking for a pause button... Mindfulness Can Be Your Secret Weapon.

In today's fast-paced world, finding a moment to pause feels like a luxury—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, we explore the power of mindfulness and how small, intentional moments throughout your day can help you reduce stress, boost your mental clarity, and become a more effective leader.

• Mindful leadership: Why mindfulness isn’t just for the yoga mat—it’s a powerful tool for staying grounded in everyday life.
• Breathing techniques: A simple 4-second breath that will calm your nerves and help you respond thoughtfully in stressful situations.
• Impatience decoded: How to recognize and manage impatience with mindfulness, both at home and in the workplace.
• Practical tips: Learn how to start your own mindful morning routine and create space for reflection in your day.

Samantha shares how she transformed her hectic mornings into mindful moments, starting with a simple note on her mirror. Hear how slowing down her daily routine prepared her for the challenges of the day and improved her ability to lead with intention.

"Mindfulness isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence."

Here’s how you can bring mindfulness into your life today:

1. Mindful Breathing: Before any meeting or tough conversation, take a deep breath in for 4 seconds, hold for 4, and exhale for 4. You’ll feel more calm and centered.
2. Pause Before You Speak: Give yourself a moment of silence before responding. It creates space for clarity.
3. Gratitude Practice: At the end of the day, reflect on something you’re grateful for. This will shift your mindset from stress to gratitude.

Ready to incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine?

Hit play to unlock strategies you can use right now to shift your perspective and lead with calm confidence.

📩 Subscribe to my Substack for more mindfulness tips and exclusive content: Brown Heart Wellness

If today’s episode resonated with you, make sure to share it with someone who could use more mindfulness in their life, subscribe, and leave a review. Next week, we’ll be celebrating self-love and joy—it’s my birthday week, so you won’t want to miss it!

In this very first episode of the Brown Heart Wellness Podcast, Samantha welcomes you to a space where authenticity, healing, and empowerment are celebrated at every turn. Join us as we explore the story behind "Brown Heart"—a symbol of deep connection, compassion, and support between friends that grew into a movement for empowered living.

Samantha shares her vision for this podcast as a sanctuary for Black women to reconnect with their voices, embrace their true selves, and create their own safe spaces in the world. Expect to dive deep into meaningful conversations about self-awareness, leadership, and the profound connection between who we are and how we show up every day.

You’ll also learn how this podcast is an extension of the work done at Brown Heart Wellness, where therapy and coaching services are tailored to uplift and empower. And don't forget—this is a two-way street! Samantha will be taking your questions, offering heartfelt answers, and creating an open dialogue that helps us all grow together.

Ready to dive deeper into our community? Subscribe to the Brown Heart Wellness Substack for exclusive content, journal prompts, affirmations, and behind-the-scenes insights that will help you on your journey to self-discovery and healing. Click here to join us today!

Ready for more personalized support on your empowerment journey? Explore our coaching services tailored to help you unlock your full potential, lead with authenticity, and live a life aligned with your true self. Learn more and sign up here.

If you would like to add tea to your mindfulness moments add home check out Magic Hour Teas at https://magichour.sjv.io/3e63GA.

Intro/Outro Music Produced by: Sirenn