#STS Part 3: The Power of Affirmations | Alicia Landeau, Chris Nkwontah, Jennifer Gibbs, Suzzette Robinson and Tricia Blake
In this powerful episode, I sit down with five incredible members of a private self-talk group I created on Facebook at the start of the year: Alicia Landeau, Chris Nkwontah, Jennifer Gibbs, Suzzette Robinson, and Tricia Blake. Every day, each member shares a video of themselves reciting their personal affirmations, creating a beautiful space for self-accountability and growth.
I’m deeply passionate about the power of affirmations and the "I AM" statements we choose to speak over our lives. For the past decade, I’ve made it a non-negotiable part of my daily routine. Through this group, I’ve found a way to give back and encourage others to embrace the positive language that shapes their identities and their world.
In this episode, we’ll hear from each member as they share their unique mantras and the impact this practice has had on their lives. Together, we explore how these affirmations have empowered them and helped them speak their truth into existence.
Tune in to be inspired by their stories and discover how powerful the words "I AM" can be.
Have an empowering story to share? Submit your request, for a chance to be a guest.
Find us online: https://linktr.ee/nkechinwaforrobinson
Transcript
Great day.
Inkechi:Amazing human.
Inkechi:Welcome to the Empowered in my skin podcast, where our mission is to help 1 billion people in this world think in more empowering ways.
Inkechi:Empowered humans empower humans.
Inkechi:So you are in the right spot to become a lead domino for empowerment today.
Inkechi:My name is Inkechi.
Inkechi:I'm not only your host, but I am a vibrant optimist to bring you empowering content with each episode, we will be bringing you content, alternating between longer episodes with feature guests and shorter episodes called Empowering Bites, where I'll be joined by my co host, Gabby Mamone.
Inkechi:So if you're ready, let the show begin.
Inkechi:Yes.
Inkechi:Great day.
Inkechi:Alicia, how are you doing, girl?
Alicia:Hello, hello.
Inkechi:Wonderful day for you.
Inkechi:So, yeah, excited, excited to talk to you about self talk, and I want you to introduce yourself to the world in your best self talk ish way and go, awesome.
Alicia:Awesome.
Alicia:Well, everyone, my name is Alicia Lando.
Alicia:I am trinidadian.
Alicia:I am a financial service professional.
Alicia:I am a friend.
Alicia:I am a sister.
Alicia:I am a daughter.
Alicia:And I'm excited to share space with you today.
Inkechi:I love it.
Inkechi:I love it.
Inkechi:We've been sharing space for a while, so, and I've seen you grow, and I think it's just been so awesome to be part of your journey.
Inkechi:So thank you.
Inkechi:Thank you for inviting me in.
Inkechi:We go a little bit further back than the self talk group that this episode is really about.
Inkechi:And there was a day where you actually just said, yes, I'm going to just start doing daily mantras, you know, so maybe you can of speak to, like, sometimes it's just about making that decision.
Inkechi:What made you make that decision?
Inkechi:And how has the.
Inkechi:How have you continued to maintain that daily practice?
Alicia:Well, to essentially kind of give some context.
Alicia:So when we first encountered each other, if you will, let's just say I was in a period of transition.
Alicia:So essentially, you know, you sort of introduced that concept of, you know, daily affirmation, sort of claiming that those aspects of yourself on a daily basis, because oftentimes we have that negative self talk that drowns out.
Alicia:Right.
Alicia:So I was like, you know what?
Alicia:I'm going through this rough patch.
Alicia:Why not?
Alicia:What would it hurt?
Alicia:Like, just give this a shot.
Alicia:Why not?
Alicia:Right?
Alicia:So that was sort of my sort of thinking at the time was like, what would it hurt?
Alicia:Like, it is only to your benefit.
Alicia:So that was sort of where my head was at at the time, in the beginning of that sort of positive affirmation, you know, journey, if you will.
Inkechi:Yes.
Inkechi:Okay.
Inkechi:And then, so at the onset, was it uncomfortable?
Inkechi:Because I know you weren't doing it by, you never really did it by yourself.
Inkechi:It wasn't like just me.
Inkechi:I.
Inkechi:You were in a group, there were other people record a video.
Inkechi:And so what was that experience like at the.
Inkechi:At the onset?
Alicia:In the beginning, I was like, okay, sure, I'll do it.
Alicia:Why not?
Alicia:Let's do it.
Alicia:But I think it's.
Alicia:I think it just the more that I did it, it sort of resonated more and then also depends on what's going on at the time.
Alicia:So essentially, it's almost like, for the lack of a better term, my prayer, in a sense, you're sort of kind of speaking, you know, it's become your spiritual practice.
Alicia:A part of it.
Alicia:It's a part of it.
Alicia:It's.
Alicia:Yeah, I wouldn't say it's a silver bullet, but it's part of.
Alicia:Part of it.
Alicia:As far as you know, your, not only, like, your spirituality, but just your mental wellness, if you will.
Inkechi:Right.
Alicia:Because I feel like the, for me, the, as time goes on, it's not linear.
Alicia:Right.
Alicia:So the positive self talk sort of really resonates when you're confronted with those instances where you have fear or doubt.
Alicia:It's like, okay, this is like, no, Alisa, you got it?
Inkechi:Yes, yes, yes, yes.
Alicia:I'm intelligent.
Alicia:I could solve this problem, you know what I'm saying?
Alicia:So those sort of impromptu, sort of self talk to kind of boost your confidence in whatever you're going through, be it work or whatever life stuff you're dealing with.
Alicia:Yeah.
Inkechi:And I think that's almost the premise of, like, one of the things I'm hoping that listeners actually take away from the September series is like, having a positive self talk lifestyle doesn't eradicate or eliminate the negative, right?
Inkechi:Like, I know every single day there are thoughts that what I believe it, what I know it does, at least for me, and I think what you just expressed as well is when those thoughts come up, there's an equal and opposing language that helps to drown that out more.
Inkechi:Right.
Inkechi:And almost get you back into sort of self belief, self confidence, self, you know, sort of like fighting the.
Inkechi:Facing the fear and continues to pressing forward.
Inkechi:And all of that, at the end of the day, lives within us, right.
Inkechi:Like, those same negative thoughts and the same sort of positive affirmations all come from within.
Inkechi:And so this whole life cycle, this lifestyle of adopting a positive, is really about helping you from an inner space, you know, be ready to help yourself in those, you know, times in life where it has the propensity to bring you down.
Inkechi:Right.
Inkechi:So.
Inkechi:So now we are like, now there's a group that you joined then on January 1, and there's others in there.
Inkechi:And we're on day 238, on the day that you and I are recording this episode.
Inkechi:And I would say that you were already ahead of the game.
Inkechi:Now it's just you're now doing it in a group with other people.
Inkechi:But what is the experience actually seeing others?
Inkechi:Does that have any effect on you seeing others and knowing that others are going to be posting in there, talking to themselves?
Inkechi:Essentially?
Alicia:Yes.
Alicia:No, I think it's wonderful because, like, you know that community is always good, right, on a similar sort of wavelength or a similar path to our own greatness on a day to day basis.
Alicia:I think sometimes, depending on the day, it's just like some other people's affirmations.
Chris:Resonate with me or something.
Alicia:It's just like, oh, that hit me right there.
Alicia:So I think that because we're in community, we also benefit from each other's affirmations.
Alicia:Like, some things boost us that you didn't anticipate would sort of resonate.
Alicia:So I think that was the beauty of the.
Alicia:Not only of the seeing the affirmations, but sharing it, you know, we benefit from each other's claiming our greatness.
Alicia:Yeah, absolutely.
Alicia:Yeah.
Inkechi:Some days I actually don't have.
Inkechi:All I have time is to kind of say mine.
Inkechi:But one of the things I love is when I go in there and I actually just see somebody else.
Inkechi:Like, you know, just as I enter the group, I see somebody else's post.
Inkechi:It actually just says, it affirms.
Inkechi:I don't know, it just does something.
Inkechi:Like, it just makes me feel a little bit more accountable.
Inkechi:You know what I mean?
Inkechi:Like, yeah, I'm not only, like, they're keeping me accountable to being in there every single day as well, right?
Inkechi:So.
Inkechi:Absolutely.
Inkechi:And what happens on those days where you're like, oh, God, I'm not feeling it today.
Inkechi:And either, like, do you.
Inkechi:Do you give up on the.
Inkechi:On the practice or do you.
Inkechi:Do you double down?
Alicia:I think when you slip up, you just gotta pick yourself up and just get back at it, you know what I mean?
Alicia:It's just, you know, you just give yourself some grace.
Alicia:Give yourself a little hug and just get back to it, you know?
Inkechi:Yeah.
Inkechi:Grace is needed in this.
Inkechi:In this.
Inkechi:In this lifestyle, for sure.
Inkechi:And so I think everyone is like, well, can you share some of your mantras?
Alicia:Oh, okay.
Alicia:Well, we can go through it.
Inkechi:Yeah, let's go.
Alicia:Let's do it.
Inkechi:Okay, you see, it's so funny.
Inkechi:You're the third person I've interviewed, and I could tell that they are like, oh, my God, I have to share them.
Inkechi:But the first thing they do is they close their eyes, which, to me.
Alicia:Yeah.
Alicia:It's like my prayer.
Alicia:Like, let me get censored.
Inkechi:And I love that because it means it's from within.
Inkechi:You're not.
Inkechi:Okay.
Inkechi:Okay.
Inkechi:Now let me let you get centered.
Chris:Okay.
Alicia:Okay.
Alicia:I am peace.
Alicia:I am blessed and highly favored.
Alicia:I am cherished.
Alicia:I am loved.
Alicia:I am powerful.
Alicia:I am strong.
Alicia:I am healthy.
Alicia:I am growing.
Alicia:I am becoming the woman I am destined to be.
Alicia:I am living a life of abundance.
Alicia:I am making a difference in people's lives.
Alicia:I am an entrepreneur.
Alicia:I am a leader.
Alicia:I am successful.
Alicia:I am grateful.
Alicia:I am a child of God.
Alicia:I am ready for what's next.
Alicia:I am in flow.
Alicia:I am love.
Alicia:I am created to succeed.
Alicia:I am designed to win.
Alicia:I am equipped to overcome.
Alicia:I am anointed to prosper.
Alicia:I am limitless.
Alicia:I am unshakable and unstoppable.
Inkechi:I love.
Inkechi:You know, considering that I've been part of your journey, the one that really always resonate with me is I'm ready for what is next.
Inkechi:I know that that was something that was challenging, you know?
Inkechi:And I think now it's.
Inkechi:To me, when I hear you say that, it's like this.
Inkechi:Even in the face of uncertainty, you know that whatever is coming for you next, you're gonna be able to get through it.
Alicia:Absolutely.
Alicia:Absolutely.
Inkechi:I love it.
Inkechi:I love it.
Inkechi:And as a parting, I want you to now gift the world.
Inkechi:If there's one mantra that somebody who's listening to this is saying, okay, I'm starting my affirmation game, my self talk game, and I just need some help to build it.
Inkechi:What's one that you want to.
Inkechi:You resonate?
Inkechi:Like, that means a lot to you that you want to share with them?
Alicia:I think, generally speaking, whatever crisis or fear or challenge you may facing you, you just flip it.
Alicia:But I think one that I think that serves, regardless of whatever you're going through, is I am limitless.
Alicia:The skies, you know, I'm saying, like.
Alicia:Cause oftentimes you might have this kind of thoughts like, can I do it?
Alicia:Or.
Alicia:Or the circumstances beyond me pressing through.
Alicia:I am limitless.
Inkechi:Indeed.
Inkechi:Indeed you are.
Chris:Indeed you are.
Inkechi:Yes.
Inkechi:Yes.
Inkechi:Thank you so much.
Inkechi:I love being on this journey with you.
Inkechi:I hope it never, ever ends.
Inkechi:And we are limitless, and I see no end.
Alicia:Absolutely.
Alicia:Absolutely.
Inkechi:Everyone that's listening to Alicia, I trust that you are feeling completely empowered in your skin.
Inkechi:And this is where we both say peace.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:Yeah.
Inkechi:Hey, Chris.
Inkechi:What's up?
Inkechi:Hello.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:What's going on?
Inkechi:Welcome to the episode where we're talking everything about the self I am mantra group.
Inkechi:Chris and I had a little bit of a b roll, and so just wanted to say little facts.
Inkechi:Cause we also.
Inkechi:I didn't do this with Alicia.
Inkechi:I should have.
Inkechi:But they have been doing their mantras since we had a mentoring program, the empowered my skin leadership mentoring program.
Inkechi: ,: Inkechi:2022.
Inkechi:And as of today, of this recording, it's 257 days in the Facebook group, but it's 690 days for them.
Inkechi:Okay, so let's talk about.
Inkechi:Let's talk about, like, day one.
Inkechi:And what made you sort of, like, I always say, commitment is staying true to what you said.
Inkechi:You're gonna do it long after the feeling, which you said, it has passed.
Inkechi:Right?
Inkechi:So there was something.
Inkechi:I remember you guys are pretty impressed with the fact that I do them every day and I rhyme them off, and that's how we started.
Inkechi:I said, are you guys ready?
Inkechi:You guys want to do it?
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:And remember when we said ink, everybody was like, no, we don't want to do it.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:It's too much pressure.
Inkechi:It was.
Inkechi:And I don't know if I forced you guys.
Inkechi:I found.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:No, you just.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:You just.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:And that's what actually pushed me, because all you said was, just give it a try.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:Let me know what you guys think.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:Like.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:And that was just telling me, like, go do it.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:You think it's.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:It's a big deal.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:Let me know how it improves your life.
Inkechi:Right, right.
Inkechi:I think.
Inkechi:I think at the beginning, I might even have given you some.
Inkechi:I think I might have shared some.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:You did.
Inkechi:I like that you guys made it your own.
Inkechi:And so, anyway, so take us back to day one, what it felt like, because you were.
Inkechi:You had to record then we were on what.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:This was way back when, when I was still navigating the whole idea of, oh, look, what is this about?
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:Like, so you had already walked us through, you know, after that great mentorship session.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:It was more like, okay, you have these tools.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:How do you incorporate them?
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:How do you use them?
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:And, you know, I had written out your words, right?
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I am.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I am.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:And I'm like, who are you?
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:What are you like?
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:And, you know, you.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:You told us you're not looking for perfection.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:You're not looking for, oh, you're going to get a pass.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:Mark, this is yours.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:You need to own this.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:And that was how it gradually started up for me, owning a my words, right?
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I am Chukuma nkwanta Christopher.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I'm fun.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I'm intelligent.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:Speaking those words and letting me, you know, looking at the mirror and listening to those words put those little, little things that I took for granted.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:Because, remember, we are coming from a society where it's more like we didn't.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:It wasn't common to hear these things being said to yourself, right?
Inkechi:It's.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:You would always take them for granted, but these things make meaning because it's coming from you.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:It's coming from you.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:And that's what you kind of let us understand, right?
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:Because all we're doing was sharing with one another, and I was feeding off that energy because I then understood, you know, goosebumps.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:Even now I'm sitting here, I'm like, I still get goosebumps.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:And it's.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:That's showing me, like, yeah, you're going to take something out of this.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:Like, it's not the same every day.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:It's always something different.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta: So trust me, from: Inkechi:Well, I feel this.
Inkechi:I feel the effect.
Inkechi:So when you just said those three mantras, right now, you know, you said your name.
Inkechi:I'm fun.
Inkechi:I am.
Inkechi:I'm intelligent.
Inkechi:There was a level.
Inkechi:And it's so funny because I recently had an episode on that, from self belief to self conviction.
Inkechi:So I've heard you say those before.
Inkechi:Like, it's been a while since we've had sort of this, you know, one on one talk about this.
Inkechi:And there was a time where I recognize, okay, yeah, he believes them.
Inkechi:But the manner in which you said it now, you touched your chest.
Inkechi:You know what I mean?
Inkechi:Like, you said it with the conviction.
Inkechi:It's more than that.
Inkechi:The tone.
Inkechi:The tone was very.
Inkechi:Was very settled, was very firm.
Inkechi:You were saddled in those words.
Inkechi:I felt them.
Inkechi:Right.
Inkechi:That's conviction.
Inkechi:You know, you've gone to the depth of conviction.
Inkechi:I am convinced that this is true by myself.
Inkechi:And that's why I always say people like, when you're uncertain, at a minimum, your name is something that you're convicted about, right?
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:Absolutely.
Inkechi:So talk to me now what it feels like, because it doesn't mean that the world doesn't still throw things at you.
Inkechi:But.
Inkechi:690 days later I mean, I've seen you do it while you're walking.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I know, and that's what I'm saying, it's.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:When you say, what does it feel like?
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:Every day feels different.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:It's about being on another continent is about being somewhere else.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:It's about being frustrated.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:It's about being triggered.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:But you're still.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I am just, like, slowing everything down, being in that moment and starting it.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:Words to me, I'm on the train.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:It's really, really tense.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I'm Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I'm in a place of peace.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I am listening, you know, because I struggle with my inner voice till today.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:It's still something I always try and want to that inner child, to let it understand that, hey, we are okay.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:We might have gone through trauma, gone through whatever it is you get triggered.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:It's okay.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:We just have to keep each day going.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:And you said it in one of your videos, this is no joke.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:And I was like, ik is talking to me because I don't know how big or sister with this.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:It is no joke.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:But the thing is, you just get that clarity when you listen.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:And you set the camera to yourself and you speak to yourself, you speak to the group, and those words just, you know, reiterate what it is you.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:You're trying to point out.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:It's going to be a great day.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:You're a great individual.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:You are a super attractor.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:You're.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:You're there to just show love and, you know, receive that love.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:And people think it's a small thing, but it goes a long way.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:And that's the benefits I've seen in my life today.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:That's why tomorrow I tell anybody.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:Nobody can tell me anything.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:They can.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:No, I'm sorry.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:It's not, not.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I know she is.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I know she's dog pov.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:So this is, this is a, this is a stay with me, too.
Inkechi:You know, I love it.
Inkechi:And what I love is that you share it.
Inkechi:So I, yeah, you know, I know through some mutual acquaintances that you have also, you know, tried to help others, you know, and sort of embracing.
Inkechi:More embracing.
Inkechi:So what's that been like?
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:Like, it's ink.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:My community, our community is, as I've said, it's you trying to break that cycle of speak to yourself because it's not something we grew up with.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:Right.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:It's a challenge.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:And I always tell people, it's not just a challenge I'm going to shy away from.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:It's still something that's always going to be work in progress.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I might not use the approach in which everybody feels like, oh, you know, you need to share content.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:Mine is if I need to.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:If you need help, if you feel like, oh, you.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:You want to be in this circle.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I need to see that commitment.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:It's not just, you know, the words anymore for me.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:Like, it's easy to say, oh, yeah, let's.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:Let me jump on, like, no, consistency is not a small thing.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:People think, oh, it's easy to.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:Because it is not.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:You said it.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:It's a hard thing.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:It's hard.
Inkechi:It gets harder.
Inkechi:It's hard because we somehow forget.
Inkechi:That's why I always say commitment.
Inkechi:Staying true to what you said you're gonna do long after the feeling in which you said it has passed, because that feeling is so fleeting.
Inkechi:You know what I mean?
Inkechi:Like, life is very transient.
Inkechi:And so I even remember I went through Covid, and I remember the morning I woke up.
Inkechi:The first morning in the hospital, I woke up.
Inkechi:The mantras just sort of came to life, and then everything else just kind of opened up, you know?
Inkechi:I just.
Inkechi:You just kind of knew that you're gonna get better, you know?
Inkechi:So what I want to ask you is, you know, in some, have you had moments like you, like, thank you for sharing transparently that you still have that inner voice.
Inkechi:How quickly, like, how quickly now are you able to get out of that?
Inkechi:Like, do you or does it is a very situational dependent.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:No, it's two things I'm doing right now as much as I do this mattress.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I'm seeking therapy because I have so much to upload.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:So I am telling you, I am in a better place.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:But there are days that it could be a struggle.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:And as I've said, it's being present with myself.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I don't allow my mind to go to the past or to the future.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:No, it's about sitting down, breathing, saying these words to myself, letting me know, letting that inner voice know.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:Yep, you've been triggered.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:You've been going through this.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:But it's a matter of, how do you.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:How do you push through?
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:Right?
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:It's.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:It's one thing to say, hey, um.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:It's going to get better ink.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I'm not lying.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:It does it.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I was.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I was.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I just recovered from this nasty flu.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:And in my head, I kept going, like.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:But I did everything right.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I've been working out, staying healthy.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:What's.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:What's this all about?
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:Is your body just telling you, like, hey, slow down, you're human.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:But in my head, because I'd be doing this and I'd be feeling so great, I forgot that they are going to be upside down.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:And you always, I think just five that day to just try that video.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:And I'm like, she's talking to me.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:She's talking to you.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:Like.
Inkechi:So the world wants to hear how you talk to yourself.
Inkechi:So can you share some of your mantras with us?
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:For sure.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:For sure.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:So this is.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:This is it, folks.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:It's nothing too specific, but, you know, I gear up, I look in, say, let's go.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I'm Chukwuma, Christopher.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I'm strong mentally.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I'm physically.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I am breathing.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I'm growing.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I'm here.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I'm grateful for moments where I'm slowing down.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I'm taking in this fresh air.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I'm breathing more.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I'm alive.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I'm sound, that I am great.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I'm in Nigeria, a great father, a phenomenal partner.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I'm joy unlimited.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I am worthy of love.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I am creative beyond measure.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I am here to stay, to make a positive impact, and to show people I am worthy of love.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:You are worthy of love.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I'm fun, authentic.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I'm intelligent, a great and super attractor.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I'm attracting that energy that I know gets me to the finish line.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:And not just the finish line, but to just show love in a much, much encouraging way.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:Thank you.
Inkechi:Thank you so much, Chris.
Inkechi:And you have the mic.
Inkechi:One last ask.
Inkechi:If there's one mantra, only one, that you get to give today, what's it gonna be?
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I'm peaceful.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:Be at peace, folks.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:Find peace in here.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:Always.
Inkechi:He's pointing.
Inkechi:For those of you that are listening, audio.
Inkechi:He's pointing to your heart.
Inkechi:Find peace inside of you.
Inkechi:It's there inside all of us.
Inkechi:Thank you so much.
Inkechi:Amazing.
Inkechi:Chris, you are fantastic.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:You, you, you are the fantastic one.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:Much love to you always.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:I love you.
Inkechi:No problem.
Inkechi:Right back at you.
Inkechi:And all right, take care.
Inkechi:Hey, Jen.
Jen:Hi.
Inkechi:Welcome, welcome, welcome.
Inkechi:So, as you know, we are in the month of September, and we are doing a self talk series.
Inkechi:And being so close to me, you know how special that is for me, right?
Inkechi:Like, I just have this mission this year to really help people, you know, talk really well to themselves.
Inkechi:I think we should.
Inkechi:We deserve it.
Inkechi:And the whole.
Inkechi:You are actually a catalyst, I guess, for some of, you know, this particular episode where we're featuring all of the people that are in the Facebook self talk group, and in large part, that was born from a post that I did.
Inkechi:So that's what I've been explaining.
Inkechi:And.
Inkechi:And then you were like, I'm in.
Inkechi:Because you always, like, I think we.
Inkechi:And I might have had a conversation.
Inkechi:Anyway, you might remember.
Inkechi:Yeah.
Inkechi:So my first question to you is, like, how did you come about, like, deciding to be in the group?
Inkechi:Do you remember?
Jen:I do remember, actually.
Jen:And I think it might have been because we kicked it off for the.
Jen: For: Inkechi:Yeah, right.
Inkechi:On January 1.
Inkechi:Yeah, yeah.
Jen:November, December.
Jen:You had posted a video about your self talk, and I know you've had that practice for a long time, but I think I was just in this interesting, reflective place, and I reached out to you and I said I was really inspired by that.
Jen:And you being you, you're like, well, let's do this.
Jen:Like, do you want to?
Jen:Let's do this.
Jen:Let's formalize it.
Jen:Let's incorporate this practice as a community.
Jen:And I went from being inspired by you to being recruited by you.
Chris:And.
Jen:Then the rest is kind of history.
Jen:But I will share with you that being the way I am, I actually spent a good 2 hours thinking through, like, not consecutive thinking through what I wanted to say to myself.
Inkechi:Yeah, yeah.
Jen:And I think that was, like, such an impactful thing for me to do is what do I need to hear right now in my life in this moment that I want to remind myself about over and over and over again?
Jen:And so that whole practice of just even preparing to create the practice of saying stuff to myself was actually being really thoughtful about what I needed to say for myself.
Jen:So that in and of itself was very helpful for me.
Inkechi:And I love it because I always say, like, I'm so geeky about this.
Inkechi:Like, I think, like, I'm an I am junkie.
Inkechi:And I just wanted to say for all the listeners, for everyone that's listening to this around the world like this, we're talking to, like, a badass shiro here right now.
Inkechi:She's, like, the chief data officer at one of Canada's, like, biggest, like, companies and financial institutions, and.
Inkechi:And she does her daily mantras every single day.
Inkechi:Like, everybody can do it.
Inkechi:So.
Inkechi:So you've been in the group for over 250 days now.
Inkechi:Yes, 200 as of recording.
Inkechi:57 days.
Jen:Like, I know, it's amazing.
Inkechi:And when you think about doing something, like, we just, like, day to day life, we just do things, you know?
Inkechi:But when you.
Inkechi:I think there's something about.
Inkechi:I'm a big gamification junkie, too, but there's something about being able to track what you've been doing.
Jen:Yes.
Inkechi:So talk to us about, like, how has that.
Inkechi:How has it been for 257 days?
Inkechi:Like, as you sit back and you're like, holy.
Inkechi:Were you like, oh, my gosh.
Inkechi:It's 257 days.
Inkechi:Or does it have feel like 257 days?
Jen:For me, it's.
Jen:For me, it's just become a practice, and so it feels like.
Jen:Not like something I'm tracking.
Jen:And to anyone listening, even though I said it took me over 2 hours just to plan for what I wanted to say to myself.
Jen:It doesn't have to be 2 hours.
Jen:It could be.
Jen:I need to say this one sentence to myself.
Jen:Like, I know that that's it, and it needs to be one sentence.
Jen:But for me, like, the way in which we do it on the Facebook group, it's very simple.
Jen:And, I mean, I haven't done it every single day on the Facebook group.
Jen:I've done it almost every day, and I have done it every day to myself.
Jen:So it doesn't feel like.
Jen:It just feels like something I do.
Jen:Like, I brush my teeth, so I'm not.
Jen:Even though we're tracking the days as a community, which I think is fun, it doesn't feel long or short.
Inkechi:It just feels like something you do now.
Jen:It's something I do now.
Jen:Exactly.
Inkechi:And have you used your mantras in your day to day conversations so transparently?
Inkechi:Seems like you've had a little bit.
Jen:Of a day I have today, yes.
Inkechi:So do you ever have moments where you find that these mantras kind of help you in real.
Jen:Oh, 100%.
Jen:And that's what I mean.
Jen:Like, part of our practice as a community, which is powerful, is we share a video of ourselves speaking our mantra to each other, which I think is beautiful and very inspiring that we're all part of it.
Jen:But separate from that, I say it to myself, you know, through the day when I need to, it's not like all day long, but if I'm in a spot where it's just feeling really hard, and sometimes you feel like you can't grab onto something to get out of it, I will say my mantra because I have control over that.
Jen:And it's just a bit.
Jen:It brings a sense of settling to the moment that's been really, really helpful.
Jen:And some of the sentences in my mantra are more needed depending on what's happening.
Jen:I say them all every day, but I absolutely use it.
Jen:Like, especially in those moments where I just need to grab onto a tool that I know is good for me, I'll just.
Jen:I'll do the mantra, and I love.
Inkechi:What you just said.
Inkechi:Like, it is my mantra, and I have control over it.
Inkechi:Right.
Inkechi:Like, a lot of times, I think when we're in these situations that are outside of our control, because we're outside of our control.
Inkechi:We don't know what we can grab.
Inkechi:Like, we don't typically think about right away, what can I grab onto that is my control.
Inkechi:And I think having that practice so readily available and innate in you, you automatically just kind of grab onto something that you know to be true about yourself.
Jen:Yeah.
Jen:And that's been helpful.
Jen:And I think for me, too, like, some things feel more true than others, depending on the day.
Jen:But I know when I crafted what I said, I really, really believed in them when I crafted them.
Jen:So even if there's some wavering about, do I really believe what I just said?
Jen:It's like I did at one point, and that was very true.
Jen:And I want to hang on to that energy from that point in time because I need it right now.
Jen:I need it right now.
Inkechi:So you and I have had a conversation, so just double clicking on that a bit around what.
Inkechi:What can you do?
Inkechi: ted my mantra journey back in: Inkechi:I didn't.
Inkechi:I wasn't equipped with all the awareness and stuff that I had right now.
Inkechi:I just said, okay, I just started saying mantras to myself.
Inkechi:I don't know at what point I started to believe them, but they weren't necessarily mantras.
Inkechi:I believed right out of the go, but I knew that over time, I would.
Inkechi:Now I have way more knowledge.
Inkechi:So you and I were talking about that.
Inkechi:And so what can you share around when people are trying to get into this, you know, sort of daily practice?
Inkechi:You know, is it better to pick mantras that they don't, you know, believe to be true, or how can they frame them so that it, like, what would be your suggestion to them?
Jen:I think that they need to be something that resonate with you.
Jen:Right.
Jen:It could be a belief that you want to live into, but it needs to be meaningful and sort of an area of, like, where you want to invest your brain.
Jen:Like, I want to invest my brain and starting to think this way about myself, even if I don't quite think this way now.
Jen:I think that's what's more important.
Jen:And, I mean, I'll share with you one of mine.
Jen:I have many sentences in mind, but.
Inkechi:Just, we're going to get you to share your mantra in a minute.
Jen:Oh, there we go.
Jen:But, like, for me, I actually have this core set of statements that I knew was important for me to really invest in at the beginning of the year, and then at the very end of my mantra, I throw in different things that are more kind of have evolved over the year, more situational that it's like, oh, on top of all that foundational stuff I'm working on through the year, I really need to tell myself this stuff right now.
Inkechi:Yeah.
Jen:So you can kind of, I think it's okay to play with it, and it really brings some self awareness about what you need right now and why.
Jen:Right.
Jen:So it really needs to be very personal to you.
Inkechi:And I love that that's just been the theme of what you've been saying over the last, you know, eight minutes that we've been talking.
Inkechi:But it's really about that.
Inkechi:Right.
Inkechi:It's, it is yours.
Inkechi:There's no, there's no rule to it.
Inkechi:There's no rhyme or reason.
Inkechi:It's just, it's really, it's about getting into this habit of speaking more positively to yourself than maybe the world typically has done or your experiences have done in the past when you're not sort of focused on that.
Inkechi:And so have you def, you observed a dimming of the negative talk?
Jen:I think so, in general, not just because of the mantra, but just because of all the other self awareness and all the work that I've invested in over time.
Jen:So I think the, that that had already been happening through other work that I've done.
Jen:But I think when I recognize I'm leaning into maybe a negative mindset, again, this is just a quick tool to say, but, and these other things are also true.
Jen:Just, it's like a bit of a settling.
Jen:Right.
Jen:Settling in.
Inkechi:Yeah.
Inkechi:Okay.
Inkechi:So let's hear the truth about you, girl.
Inkechi:Share your mantras.
Jen:So I'm going to share bits and pieces of my mantra that I think are reflective of what I was saying at the beginning, like, things I really needed to work on, and the one that has been very powerful is when I speak my needs, I receive them abundantly because I am generally a person that takes a lot of accountability, leans in, does a lot of hard things, and it's harder for me to ask for help.
Jen:And so I was recognizing in this moment in my life, I really need to ask for people for help.
Jen:There's just a lot of growing happening for me, me right now.
Jen:And when you're in this growth stage, I think you need to lean on people for help.
Jen:So that line has really actually created action in my life where I'm reaching out for help when I normally wouldn't.
Jen:And so it's reminding me to do that.
Jen:And I've shared that with my team at work, too, because we're in a tough growth period right now.
Jen:There's a lot of opportunity and a lot of challenge.
Jen:So I've actually shared that line in my mantra with people.
Jen:Like, when you speak your needs, you will receive them abundantly.
Jen:Like, it's hard right now, but you've got help, you're supported.
Jen:So that one has been really impactful.
Jen:The other one is, I embrace the mess that I sometimes am and just really giving myself grace for feeling like things are hard.
Jen:Right.
Jen:And it being okay.
Jen:Another one is, my mind, body, and spirit are powerful because I make them so.
Jen:And just a reminder of some of the other practices I've added to my life, like eating well, working out that those are important to me and they create and they're in my control to keep powerful.
Jen:And then the last one I'll add is one that I mentioned, I've added through the year that I think I just needed to, like, remind myself.
Jen:And that one is I am calm, confident, capable, and convincing.
Jen:So there's a lot of sort of things I had to do in my professional life that were really stretching my comfort level.
Jen:And I had to just keep reminding myself of those c's.
Jen:They're all calm, capable, confident, and convincing.
Jen:So that's when I'll just throw in there that I've, that's an example of something I've inserted because I needed to sort of remind myself of that situation.
Inkechi:I take that one from you.
Inkechi:I don't me calm, but I'll take that one from you.
Inkechi:I would say I'm patient.
Inkechi:I'm learning to wait.
Inkechi:Well, I love that.
Inkechi:Yeah, I love that.
Inkechi:That's a new, I am willing to wait.
Inkechi:I'm becoming someone who waits.
Inkechi:Well, is what I said.
Jen:The other thing I'll add, which I think has been fun for me to add, is I am open to the gifts that the universe has to offer me, which for me felt a little bit woo woo like just for who I am.
Jen:But it also opened up my mind every day to say, okay, there's a lot of stuff going on, but there's these gifts, and I need to.
Jen:I need to look for them.
Inkechi:I need to be open and ready to receive.
Jen:I need to be open and ready.
Inkechi:I mean, mine is.
Inkechi:I'm open to receive.
Jen:Yes.
Inkechi:Right.
Inkechi:I'm perfectly aligned to receive.
Inkechi:And my biggest fun one that I have, that actually, I used to say it as a joke until I actually start to attract wealth was.
Inkechi:I am a multimillionaire.
Inkechi:Yeah.
Jen:I love it.
Inkechi:Until I was like, oh, let me just see how I'm doing in this world.
Inkechi:And I'm like, oh, I mean, there's.
Jen:Scientific proof about how when you start to change your thoughts, you start to see evidence.
Jen:Like, your brain looks for evidence that what you're thinking and saying is true.
Jen:Right.
Jen:And so why not give it helpful things to go search for?
Inkechi:And there's no limit.
Inkechi:Like, on my vision board, I have the number 500 billion.
Inkechi:And when people could see it, they say, what does.
Inkechi:That was the 500 billion.
Inkechi:I'm like, that's how much I'm worth.
Inkechi:Yeah.
Inkechi:And then I write, and then somebody caught and they're like, well, why'd you stop there?
Jen:Yeah.
Chukwuma Christopher Nkwanta:Yeah.
Inkechi:Right.
Inkechi:So that was good.
Inkechi:It was in the magazine.
Inkechi:Don't.
Inkechi:Don't question my vision board.
Inkechi:Well, jed, I'm so grateful that you're in the, in the chat.
Inkechi:And if there's one mantra that you have the microphone to share with someone else, to gift it to somebody else, what would be a mantra that you want to give away today?
Jen:I would say it is, I am whole.
Jen:I am whole.
Jen:I am enough.
Jen:I am whole.
Jen:Like any version of that, where just remind yourself there is no deficit in you.
Jen:You are fully, fully, fully, fully human, fully whole.
Inkechi:Thank you.
Inkechi:Thank you so much.
Inkechi:I love you.
Chris:Love you, too.
Inkechi:Talk soon.
Inkechi:Bye bye.
Inkechi:Great day, sis.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:Good morning, friend rising.
Chris:Yeah.
Inkechi:Thank you for saying yes.
Inkechi:So I'm gonna get it started, and I just want you in your, like, greatest self talk ish way to introduce yourself to the world.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:So while I am Suzette Robinson Malcolm, I am a daughter, I am a wife, and also I am a sister, an auntie, and I am just a great.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:I would say, um.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:Well, I'm trying to look the words to describe me well, I'm bold.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:I'm beautiful, strong.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:I am.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:That's it.
Inkechi:You're beautifully and wonderfully made.
Inkechi:So how was, like.
Inkechi:It's so funny because I didn't want to.
Inkechi:I wasn't going to interrupt.
Inkechi:I was going to let you just kind of work through that.
Inkechi:How does that feel?
Inkechi:Because I know I put you on the spot because typically I interview, I introduce people, but how does that feel?
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:Well, putting me on this, because sometimes I'm shy, you know, to talk about myself and just to get a feel of, like, I know that people probably think that I'm great, but for me to say it for myself, it's.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:It gets hard sometimes.
Inkechi:Yeah.
Inkechi:Yeah.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:So that's why I probably got stuck, because, like, I was like, oh, my gosh, you know what I mean?
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:For me, because most of the time, you don't describe yourself in certain ways, right?
Inkechi:Yeah.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:So I'm bold, I'm beautiful, I'm talented, I'm very ambitious and all of that.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:And, you know, I'm a strong woman.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:And anything that I set my mind how to do, I do it.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:So I do it with confidence all the time and resilience.
Inkechi:And see, now, see, you're warming up, and then it becomes.
Inkechi:You give people permission to, like, say, no, man.
Inkechi:You know, just.
Inkechi:You matter.
Inkechi:You know what I mean?
Inkechi:And just, yeah, share yourself with the world.
Inkechi:So.
Inkechi:So this episode is all around, as you know, about the self talk group that I founded in January on Facebook.
Inkechi:And you joined.
Inkechi:And so just wanted to know, you know, what inspired you to join that group.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:So what inspired me to join the group is that, first of all, I like a challenge.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:Also, I wanted to challenge myself to have the self talk.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:I do do this already, but I wanted to be more consistent and I wanted to pour more into myself because I pour in so much into other people.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:So I said to myself, why not start pouring into myself in a.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:And also affirming it and believing it and walking it?
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:So when I just.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:When I.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:When you ask me if I'd love to join this group that you have, it was easy to say yes because it's something that I always wanted to do and just to be doing it for so long.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:And I am.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:I am so happy because to.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:To know how long we've been doing it is just amazing.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:And I was like, wow, is that already?
Inkechi:Yeah, it's crazy.
Inkechi:I always say, like, I always tell people, like, until you start and you start to track things.
Inkechi:Like, so today we are recording this on day 237.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:I know.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:And I just before, well, when I wake up, I try to just, like, do it, but then there's days you do it in the afternoon, and then you're like, oh, my gosh.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:I didn't do my mantra.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm: Oh, it's: Suzette Robinson Malcolm:I gotta do my mantra.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:You know what I mean?
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:So it gets me excited, and I love it, you know, because it's live.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:And if there's anybody who is listening to this, I would say, go ahead.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:And even if you don't have to do a group, do it for yourself.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:Look at yourself in the mirror in the morning and just be telling yourself that you're beautiful, you're gorgeous, you're enough.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:Those kind of things, you know?
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:And when I look at myself, I'm going to tell you the real truth.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:In kitchen, I used to look at myself and see flaws.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:Oh, I have a spot here on my face.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:My stomach doesn't look right.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:Oh, this.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:That.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:I need to change this.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:I'm too fat and too big, you know?
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:And just joining the group made me change all of that and know that I'm beautiful.
Inkechi:Yeah.
Inkechi:And you are the.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:You are, you know, and I don't see the flaws anymore.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:It's like the 237 days I have no flaws.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:There's nothing wrong with.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:I'm perfectly made by God, you know, and I'm loved by him.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:So what kind of flaws do you have?
Alicia:Right.
Inkechi:Right.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:Oh, it's very hard.
Alicia:Don't.
Inkechi:Don't get me wrong.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:It's hard.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:It's very.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:I'm not going to tell you.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:It's easy to just change your mind, because it's just like, if you look on the wall and you're looking at a clock that you put on the wall and you see that clock every day, and every day you look at that clock and you move that clock from the wall, you're still going to look for the clock on the wall.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:So it's just the same in your life.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:Like, the change that you have to do is that you're still gonna see the flaws, but you have to tell yourself, you're better than your flaws.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:You know, your flaws and the fear that you have and what people may think, and a lot of us, which is why I am one of them.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:I can talking about me now.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:Some people might say, hey, yo, why, oh, why are you losing so much weight?
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:Why are you working out?
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:Right?
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:And I tell them my why.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:I don't say, oh, I don't like, you know, feel negative about it or anything.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:I tell them my why?
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:Because my why might be different from your why in that you shouldn't not work out, but I would encourage you to work out.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:But if you choose not to, that's.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:That's yours.
Inkechi:Right.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:But when I want to work out, it makes me feel good inside.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:It makes a me feel healthier, stronger.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:And I want to.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:I want to do it for me.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:So it's not for people, it's for me.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:And you have to do it for you.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:And always remember, anything that you're doing, it's not for the people who are looking.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:They're watching.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:Yes, but who are you doing it for?
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:And what is your why?
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:Why are you doing it?
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:And you have to know why.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:You're doing it before it become, before it come, before it become consistent.
Inkechi:Yeah, I love it.
Inkechi:So you have like your self talk didn't start.
Inkechi:I remember we, I interviewed you on this podcast some time back.
Inkechi:I'm gonna have to ask my teen to maybe find some clips from that because in that interview we talked about, I remember why I was inspired to interview you was because of your bathroom and I said, saw all of your IM statements like all around your bathroom on your mirror and these were things that you would see and the whole imagery of seeing these words, these positive words in front of you.
Inkechi:So my question to you is, as you start to think about when you started that journey of really starting to affirm yourself and I think coach stormy was your inspiration maybe.
Alicia:Yes.
Inkechi:Yes.
Inkechi:How has that evolved?
Inkechi:Like, have your mantras changed?
Inkechi:Have you kept sort of the same set and you just add more like what does that journey look like for you?
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:So I've had added more to the, since I started this group because it was always the ones that I did in my mirror.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:So as soon as I did this mantra mantra, I changed some a bit.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:And even if my mantra that I do on a regular basis for the 237 day, I actually added some stuff so it never looks the same because when I'm speaking, I'm speaking from how I'm feeling inside.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:Word has to mean something to me.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:You just don't roll it off your tongue.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:Yes, it comes off your tongue because you want it.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:But some part of it I change.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:Because there are days that you feel down, right.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:And you have to.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:I am strong, you know, I am bold.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:And there's days you might not feel beautiful, so you just tell yourself you're beautiful or it's my day, you know?
Inkechi:Yeah.
Inkechi:So we all want to hear some of your mantras and I know it might be uncomfortable now because you're being put on the spot, but, you know, I'm just going to ask you just to share.
Inkechi:Just go.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:I will hear the voice of the Holy Spirit within.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:I will lead and not follow.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:I will create and not destroy.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:I am a force for good.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:I defy the odds.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:I set new standards.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:I'm above and not beneath.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:I am the lender and not the borrower.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:I am created by God, loved by God, protected by God.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:So I say, no weapon formed against me shall prosper.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:No weapon formed against me shall prosper.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:And any tongue that lays it up against me in judgment, it shall be condemned.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:It is my season, it is my turn.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:I am bold.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:I am beautiful.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:I am strong.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:I am enough.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:I am a multimillionaire.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:I am healthy.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:I am wealthy.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:I am a champion.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:I am a winner, and I will win.
Inkechi:Yeah.
Inkechi:I love it.
Chris:I love it.
Inkechi:And because I've been in there with you, I actually know which ones you added tweaked, you know?
Inkechi:So I think.
Inkechi:I think that's really awesome.
Inkechi:It's just.
Inkechi:It's really great to see in there, sis.
Inkechi:And.
Inkechi:And knowing that you're gonna be in there puts me in there, too.
Inkechi:I think there's something about that competitive thing, but I think it's also about being around people who are helping to pull each other up.
Inkechi:Right?
Inkechi:So, thank you so much.
Inkechi:And in parting, I want you to.
Inkechi:I don't know if it's a favorite mantra, but what is, like, if I just said you have one mantra to leave the world with, which one would it be?
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:I am resilient.
Inkechi:There you have it.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:Yes, I am resilient.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:And I want to say something to you.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:Thank you for having me on your platform.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:It's an honor.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:And your platform is an amazing platform.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:So if there's anybody that's listening, they could go ahead and listen to your podcast, because you will get something even from one.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:One of the person who you have interview on your podcast, because I listen to them, and I get a lot of gems from them.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:Secondly, I want to thank you for having me in your group, because it has changed my life, and it has made me a better person even more to go out and touch somebody.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:So if you can do that for me, I can do it for somebody else, and somebody else can do it for somebody else.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:So I've been telling people about the mantra.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:I've been telling them to do it and try doing it for themselves.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:Right?
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:So, with that said, you are the bomb.
Inkechi:And, you know, so for those of you that may not know, because we didn't really introduce each other, but if you caught it, we actually shared the last.
Inkechi:Same last name.
Inkechi:And though she's Robinson, Malcolm, and I'm one for Robinson, so, yes, we are sister in law, so we are family.
Inkechi:And, Suzy, I will be honest with you.
Inkechi:Since day one.
Inkechi:Day one, and I mean, day one, is like my first date with your brother, you have shown me such love.
Inkechi:And so I think, for me, the greatest gift right now, as I sit here interviewing you, is just seeing how much you love yourself, because I think I feel your love more because of how much love and care and worthiness and that you now feel for yourself.
Inkechi:And I think that's been the biggest, best journey to watch, and I'm so grateful to have you in my life because you enrich and make mine that much better.
Inkechi:So thank you.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:Same year, same year, it goes.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:Listen, I have no biological sisters, and I earned three sisters from.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:And I love you, Art.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:Like, you're the person I can also call on and say, sis, you're one of the.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:I could call and said, hey, I need you, and you're there.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:So thank you for being that, you know, always, always.
Inkechi:And so there you have it, world.
Inkechi:Suzette Robinson.
Inkechi:Malcolm.
Inkechi:She is incredible.
Inkechi:Her energy is awe inspiring, and when she enters into room, she shifts the energy towards something greater and better.
Inkechi:So thank you so much, Suzette.
Inkechi:Love you.
Inkechi:And I'm gonna say we're out.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:Bye.
Inkechi:Okay, so in your most self talkish way, you know, kind of like thinking about your favorite affirmations, I want you to introduce yourself.
Chris:Oh, my goodness.
Alicia:That's tough.
Inkechi:But you know what?
Chris:I'm just gonna.
Chris:I'm just gonna jump into it because, you know, when you see, you go by memory in my most self talk ish way, you know, my name is Trisha Blake, and I am fearfully and wonderfully made, and I am a joyful disruptor.
Chris:I am a wellness instigator.
Chris:I can do all things through Christ.
Inkechi:Yes.
Chris:And I am happy to be here.
Inkechi:And it's so funny.
Inkechi:I love that because, like, oftentimes when I'm in, interviewed on a panel and they say, please, you know, talk a little bit about yourself, I will obviously separate the two.
Inkechi:I'll say, well, what I'm made for, and then I'll kind of go in, and then there's what I'm paid for, and then I'll talk more about, like, my corporate, you know, job and stuff like that.
Inkechi:So, yeah.
Inkechi:Thank you.
Inkechi:Thank you, madame Trisha Blake.
Chris:I was like, you didn't even say.
Inkechi:I'm the rich auntie, the metaverse.
Inkechi:I'm like, where is that?
Chris:I'm going to get to that later.
Inkechi:That's what I said.
Chris:It was tough to kind of choose.
Inkechi:You know, you caught me off guard.
Chris:I was going to give you the corporate bio, but I'm like, with the corporate bio, that is part of your.
Chris:I am.
Inkechi:I see where I get it.
Chris:And I think we'll probably touch on that, where it becomes, I don't know, not legalistic, but it's like, okay, you have this as.
Chris:As your affirmations.
Chris:I am powerful, and I am, you know, this, and I am that, and I'm so many things.
Chris:Like, I'm multi hyphenate.
Chris:Like, I'm so many things.
Inkechi:Yes.
Inkechi:Yeah.
Inkechi:And most of all, you are such a gift in my life and so grateful for you.
Inkechi:And so let's talk first about the group.
Inkechi:Right.
Inkechi:So this episode is all around talking to the members of the self talk group, which, you know, you so joyfully joined on January 1.
Inkechi:Yes, I did.
Inkechi:So I'm gonna just prefix my question to you, saying that consistency is doing what we said we're gonna do long after the feeling, which we said it has passed.
Inkechi:So let's first talk about why you said yes to joining the group.
Chris:I said yes because it felt right.
Chris:It felt good.
Chris:It felt like it was something that I needed in that season.
Chris:And knowing that this has been your forever journey, I said, I want to join my friend.
Chris:I want to join my sister and, you know, lock arms with her because she's sitting in there in that facebook live all by herself in this group.
Chris:She's talking to herself in the mirror all by herself.
Chris:I said, I'm going to join because, you know, where two or more gathered.
Chris:Right.
Inkechi:Yeah.
Inkechi:And it gave me such joy because we've been on a little bit of a self talk life even outside of that group, you know, for some time.
Inkechi:And so thank you for the partnership.
Inkechi:Now, we are 237 days in today when we're actually recording this episode, not when it airs, but when we're recording this episode and wanted to just, you know, talk to you about what that journey has been like for you.
Chris:Hmm.
Chris:Well, you know, I'm gonna.
Chris:I'm just gonna put it out there.
Chris:Full transparency.
Chris:Shave the shame of the 237 days.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:I haven't.
Chris:And we talked about consistency.
Chris:I haven't been consistent.
Chris:But guess what.
Chris:Guess what?
Chris:It's.
Chris:It is okay.
Chris:Because what I have learned, and I think I was trying to allude to that earlier Washington, it became something that was a checkbox, and I felt that.
Chris:And there were also some, I think I was trying to reconcile some personal health challenges that I was having.
Chris:And the way that we were recording it, I wasn't feeling comfortable in my skin, which is interesting because we're talking about self talk, and I didn't even want to go.
Chris:I didn't feel like going on video, you know, and so I didn't continue the practice because of that particular feeling where I had to do the self talk on camera, you know, with the group.
Chris:But I also recognized that, you know, I'm still self talking every day.
Inkechi:Yes.
Inkechi:Right.
Chris:And although, you know, like I said, it's been an interesting journey because I specifically chose, you know, a certain set of self talk affirmations.
Chris:And then, you know, life journeys into, they're not resonating with me anymore.
Chris:And I want something that, like, that feels good and they feel good.
Chris:I'm not saying that they didn't feel good, but, you know, I'm on a faith walk right now, you know, in my spiritual journey, and I felt that my affirmations need to be grounded in the word.
Inkechi:Yeah.
Inkechi:So I'm gonna.
Inkechi:I'm gonna park that because I do want to ask a very specific question about that because I think it'll resonate with listeners.
Inkechi:But let's talk.
Inkechi:I want to also touch on something that I think you said is, I love the fact that you shared that when it felt more of a checkbox, it lacked, it lost its intention for you.
Chris:Yes.
Inkechi:And so, you know, and I.
Inkechi:And then you also touched on.
Inkechi:It didn't stop your self talk life.
Inkechi:It just stopped the practice of going into the group to do that.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:Yeah.
Inkechi:So talk of a little bit more then about a typical day in your head, you know, and how self talk helps you either work through it and sort of navigate those gunshots.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:Bullet.
Chris:I am blessed.
Chris:How's that?
Chris:Wake up in the morning, touch your feet, touch the ground, or your eyes open.
Chris:Let's just start with the eyes open before your feet touch the ground, because your eyes need to open to be able to, you know.
Chris:Well, no, not necessarily.
Chris:Your eyes can't be closed if you know yourself surrounding.
Chris:But you know what I'm saying.
Chris:Navigating that.
Chris:Yeah, I open my eyes and I give thanks, and I think, you know, ground in the gratitude.
Chris:This a posture of gratitude is how I would start off my day.
Chris:And so, you know, I am blessed being the first one to be able to open my eyes, like, just acknowledging that space and that particular posture, opening up to my bible and going immediately to scripture.
Chris:So I am a faith walker.
Chris:So knowing that, and that's what's guiding me, that continues into starting off my day, going into scripture, and then.
Inkechi:I.
Chris:Think holding on to that as I go through.
Chris:So you got the Bible app, and I might go through that, but knowing that I am chosen.
Chris:Right.
Chris:And walking through my day, I am loved.
Chris:And how.
Inkechi:Reminders.
Chris:The reminders.
Inkechi:Ever so present.
Chris:Yeah, always present with the ever present.
Chris:You know what I mean?
Chris:Holy spirit.
Jen:Yeah.
Inkechi:And I think without sort of developing some type of self talk habit or some ability where you actually have started to condition your mind to some of those, you know, great affirmations about yourself, if they're not there, they won't be present when you most need them.
Inkechi:So I love, you know, I think it's more about those mental deposits that we put in there.
Inkechi:So for those moments where those, those gunshots are going off are not favorable for us, you can say things like, I am chosen.
Inkechi:I am.
Chris:I'm chosen.
Chris:I am a child.
Chris:Exactly.
Chris:I am a child of God.
Chris:I.
Chris:Yeah, and stay that.
Inkechi:So to your other, to the other point that you were making.
Inkechi:So now that my direct question to that, and I think it's so like, like, it's transient, right?
Inkechi:Like, my first, very first affirmation was I am phenomenal.
Inkechi:I think it was.
Inkechi:And then my second one was, I am beautiful, and I had nothing else.
Inkechi:Like, I had no, I had no game.
Inkechi:Like, you know, I just heard about the power of I am, and, and I started, and I remember, like, I don't know, iam statements.
Inkechi:And anyway, now that's a whole different story.
Inkechi:But I think, like you, there are certain mantras or affirmations that are needed at certain different types of our lives.
Inkechi:So maybe talk about what was that, like, what, what transitioned, why you had to, like, what were your affirmations that you felt you needed to transition from?
Inkechi:Or how do you know when there's that transition needed?
Chris:I think I was, I was led by the spirit there, going back to the intentionality, it didn't, it wasn't necessarily feeding my spirit in the same way.
Chris:And I changed.
Chris:I, I didn't want to use any of them.
Chris:I made that decision that I need to start fresh.
Chris:But what did that look like?
Chris:And that in itself was, was a journey, because I'm also still focusing on the intentionality of a specific scripture and how that speaks to me and how that would complete me but still align.
Chris:Right.
Chris:I just, yeah, it was, it was a conscious decision.
Chris:I didn't want to use any of them.
Chris:I'm not using any of them.
Chris:I want to ground it in what I know as the truth.
Chris:Right.
Chris:If I decide, if I'm using the word to strengthen me throughout the day, then it really is about, yeah.
Chris:Aligning.
Chris:I'm renewing my mind every day.
Chris:If I'm going into the scripture, I'm grounding my identity in faith and my mindset and my faith is going to strengthen my overall well being.
Inkechi:Yes, yes.
Chris:And, you know, combating the negative self talk, if I'm using the mantras that I had before or if I grounded in scripture based truths, then that's going to deepen my understanding of who I am and who I can, you know, rely on for to help me combat, you know what I mean, those moments.
Chris:And then I think it's also, I would say, yeah, you know, the sheep fell away from the flock, but I came back.
Chris:But this is a part of my growth.
Chris:That's a part of my self growth, but most importantly, it's a part of my spiritual growth.
Inkechi:Yes.
Inkechi:Yeah, yeah.
Chris:And still finding it, living out in faith, still finding a way to be resilient, still building my confidence because I actually feel switching it up.
Chris:I become more confident.
Inkechi:Yes, yes, yes.
Chris:You understand what I mean?
Chris:Because then that's faith based confidence in, you know, who can test me, right with that on my side.
Inkechi:So share some in parting here, share some of your favorite I am statements.
Chris:I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Chris:I am chosen to.
Chris:I am God's masterpiece.
Chris:I am strengthened by Christ.
Chris:I am not alone.
Chris:I think that one is definitely a big one.
Chris:I am an overcomer.
Inkechi:Yes.
Chris:And I am loved.
Inkechi:Yes, yes, yes.
Inkechi:Love.
Inkechi:Share love.
Inkechi:You give love.
Inkechi:You receive love.
Inkechi:And you love massively.
Inkechi:And I love you.
Inkechi:I love you.
Inkechi:So, madam, self takish.
Inkechi:Self takish rich self talk.
Inkechi:Yes.
Inkechi:I thank you.
Inkechi:I thank you for.
Inkechi:For coming on this podcast.
Inkechi:And so, one last thing.
Inkechi:For all of the humans that are here listening to, I want you to give them a gift for a mantra that they can adapt and take in as of today, starting now.
Suzette Robinson Malcolm:Go.
Chris:You.
Chris:So I'm like, is it an I am, or is it you are?
Inkechi:Oh, you're gonna say I am.
Inkechi:You're gonna ask them to repeat after me.
Chris:Repeat after me.
Chris:I am not alone.
Inkechi:I'm not alone.
Chris:I am strong.
Inkechi:I'm strong.
Chris:I am courageous.
Inkechi:I am courageous.
Inkechi:There you go.
Inkechi:I am not.
Inkechi:Oh, go.
Chris:Oh.
Chris:I was gonna say I'm not afraid.
Chris:I was gonna go.
Chris:I was ready.
Chris:See?
Inkechi:Now I'm warmed up.
Inkechi:I'm not afraid.
Inkechi:I love it.
Inkechi:I love it.
Inkechi:Thank you so much, Trisha.
Inkechi:It is so great.
Inkechi:And I look forward to seeing you in the.
Inkechi:I can't say it, but I'm gonna say it.
Inkechi:But seeing you in the group with your new mantras.
Chris:I'll be there.
Chris:The sheep will return.
Chris:The prodigal daughter is coming back.
Chris:I didn't fall off the cliff.
Inkechi:I know.
Inkechi:You know, and you're ready with them anyway.
Inkechi:I love that you are.
Chris:Yeah.
Inkechi:I so thank you so much, love.
Chris:Thank you for having me.
Inkechi:Bye bye.
Inkechi:There you have it.
Inkechi:I trust you are feeling more empowered in your skin.
Inkechi:As the late doctor Maya Angelou said, when you get, you give.
Inkechi:When you learn, you teach.
Inkechi:So it would mean so much for us at Eims if you would share this episode and tag us or teach an insight that you took from today's episode episode on your socials and tag us.
Inkechi:Feel free to leave us a review over at iTunes and follow us on social media at Empowered my skin finally, remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode.
Inkechi:See you soon.
