In this Election Day episode, Samantha explores the power of using your voice, from voting to setting boundaries with family and colleagues. Whether in tough conversations or protecting your peace, find out how to show up with courage, especially when it’s uncomfortable.

Brown Heart Affirmation: "Today, I honor the power of my voice. I make choices that align with my values, knowing that my voice holds power, even in the smallest actions."

Key Topics:

• Embracing Your Voice on Election Day – A reminder to vote and how expressing yourself shapes both life and community.

• Managing Workplace Tensions – Ways to stay grounded when values clash.

• Navigating Family Dynamics – Balancing self-respect with familial love, especially in tense moments.

Actionable Tips:

1. Set Boundaries for Political Discussions – Know which topics are worth engaging in.

2. Prepare for Tough Conversations – Outline your main points to stay focused.

3. Breathe and Pause – Use the space between reaction and response to center yourself.

4. Lean on Safe Spaces – Seek out supportive environments to build resilience.

Brown Heart Mindful Moment: Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and think of a moment where you stayed silent. Visualize speaking up confidently and let your voice grow stronger in your mind.

Next Episode: Join us next week to explore how to balance year-end planning with self-care as we prepare for 2025. Subscribe and share if today’s episode resonates—let’s keep building courage, together.

I decided to start sharing some things that stood out for me each week!

Most complimented item this week! - My favorite Azalea Tortoiseshell glasses from Zenni!

Show of the week! - The Martha Stewart documentary on Netflix was so amazing! It’s always interesting to see female moguls’ journey.

Most drank tea this week! - Magic Hour Teas are still my favorite, but I am looking for a Black Owned tea company to support!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the Brown Heart Podcast!

In this episode of the Brown Heart Podcast, Samantha Edu explores the journey of reclaiming your voice, particularly as a Black woman in corporate spaces. She shares a personal journal entry that marked a turning point in her journey and dives into the challenges of self-censorship, the weight of systemic pressures, and how finding your voice is key to personal and professional growth.

Brown Heart Affirmation:
"Today, I honor my voice. I recognize the systems that have silenced it and the courage it takes to reclaim it. I speak with clarity, confidence, and compassion, knowing that my voice is my power."

Key Takeaways:

• Self-censorship often stems from internalized pressures within systems of oppression.
• Reclaiming your voice is a process that starts with small, intentional steps.
• Using your voice isn't just about being heard in corporate settings—it's about leading yourself in all aspects of life.

Actionable Steps:

• Write it Down: Journal about something you’ve been afraid to say.
• Find Brave Spaces: Surround yourself with people and environments where you feel safe to express your voice.
• Take Small Steps: Practice using your voice in small, everyday moments.

Listen Now:
Take a moment to connect with your voice and discover how you can start using it more boldly, both at work and in your personal life. Tune in now to learn how to take the first steps toward reclaiming your authentic expression.

Call to Action:
Challenge yourself this week: find one moment to speak up and reclaim your voice. If today’s episode resonated with you, share it with a friend and subscribe for more empowering episodes.

If you would like more information on The GreatBIG Life Academy check out her website and the new Youtube channel!

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!