No is a complete sentence 🤫

The weather outside has us feeling ready for summer. We’re excited ti embrace the season.

Here's what we're getting into today ⬇️

• The Art of Saying No This Summer

• A cute thread on Sensitive Urges for Sensitive Baddies

• How to Break out of The Shame Spiral

• One Minute to Dating Success This Summer

Mastering the Art of Saying 'No': Preserving Your Self-Care Routine like a Boss! 💪✨

No is a full sentence & today we’re chatting about saying "no" to commitments and safeguarding your precious self-care routine this summer. Get ready to embrace the liberating power of setting boundaries and prioritizing your well-being!

The Pressure to Say "Yes"

We get it, you want to please everyone, be there for every request, and wear that superhero cape of eternal availability. But here's the truth: constantly saying "yes" to commitments can leave you drained, overwhelmed, and neglecting the most important person in the equation—you! It's time to break free from the guilt and societal pressure to be a perpetual yes-sayer.

The Empowering Act of Saying "No"

Saying "no" is not a selfish act—it's an act of self-preservation and self-care. It's about setting boundaries, protecting your energy, and honoring your needs. Serenity Now's insightful article, "How to Say No: The Art of Boundaries and Self-Care" provides invaluable tips and strategies for gracefully declining commitments without sacrificing your relationships or feeling guilty.

Prioritizing Self-Care

Preserving your self-care routine is essential for your overall well-being. It's not selfish; it's necessary for your mental, emotional, and physical health. By saying "no" to excessive commitments, you create space to recharge, replenish your energy, and prioritize the activities that bring you joy and rejuvenation. Serenity Now's article offers practical advice on integrating self-care into your daily routine and making it a non-negotiable part of your life.

Establishing Healthy Boundaries

Setting boundaries is like putting on a fabulous suit of armor—it shields you from overwhelm and protects your precious time and energy. Serenity Now's article delves into the art of boundary-setting, offering actionable tips for effective communication, assertiveness, and saying "no" with grace and confidence. Prepare to unleash your boundary-setting superpowers and reclaim control over your commitments.

Remember to share this newsletter with someone you know who could benefit from it.

For all my sensitive baddies out there this thread is for you

Submit your questions about relationships, career, business, personal growth and other topics about life. Either Ericka or another expert will respond in Wednesdays Sensitive Baddie Solutions portion of the newsletter https://forms.gle/Rk5pb5Mzrf9PBX559

Today’s question…….

“I find my thoughts spiraling after having a bad day. I’m always really critical of myself. I always feel bad about it afterwards. How can I stop?

I understand how challenging it can be when a bad day sends your thoughts spiraling into a realm of self-criticism and lingering feelings of shame. You're not alone in experiencing what's known as the "Shame Spiral."

Fortunately, we have insights to share from renowned researcher and author Brené Brown. Let's explore some strategies to help you break free from this cycle and cultivate a healthier mindset.

Firstly, it's crucial to recognize that we all have bad days; it's part of being human. Acknowledging and accepting this truth is the first step in overcoming it.

Takeaway: Having compassion towards yourself and understanding that mistakes and setbacks do not define your worth as a person.

Another key approach is to halt the shame spiral by challenging the negative thoughts and self-critical narratives when they occur.

Takeaway: Use a mantra that counters negative self-talk. For example, when a critical thought surfaces, you can counter it with a statement like, "I am human, and I am worthy of love and compassion."

The last key takeaway to her technique is reaching out to trusted friends or loved ones for support. Sharing your experiences with someone you trust can help bring perspective to your thoughts. Challenging them if they need to be.

Take away: Vulnerability is key to combating shame.

Ultimately, you need to try treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer to a close friend. If you wouldn’t say or do some of the things you do to yourself to them, then you don’t need to be doing it at all.

Remember, You have the power to cultivate itself-compassion. Breaking the cycle of shame and being overly critical of yourself takes time and patience. It requires rewiring your thought patterns, creating a loving mindset, and embracing more positive thinking.

Keep moving forward, one step at a time, and know that you are worthy of love and acceptance.

Love,

Ericka

One Minute to Dating Success: Understanding Your Summer Dating Goals

Are you ready to embark on a summer dating adventure? Before you dive in, take a moment to understand what you want to get out of dating this summer. Here's a quick tip to help you gain clarity and set meaningful goals:

✅ Reflect on your intentions: Start by reflecting on your personal intentions and desires when it comes to dating. Are you looking for a casual summer fling, seeking a deeper connection, or hoping to find a long-term relationship? Understanding your intentions will guide your choices and help you align them with your dating goals.

✅ Define your priorities: Take some time to identify your priorities for the summer. Is it important for you to meet new people, explore different experiences, or focus on self-growth? By clarifying your priorities, you can make conscious decisions that support your overall well-being and dating aspirations.

✅ Visualize your ideal partner: Imagine the qualities and values you seek in a potential partner. Visualize the kind of person you would like to meet and the type of relationship you desire. This visualization exercise can help you gain clarity and attract compatible individuals who align with your vision.

✅ Set realistic expectations: While it's exciting to embark on a summer dating journey, it's important to set realistic expectations. Understand that not every date will lead to a lasting connection, and that's okay. Embrace the process and view each date as an opportunity to learn and grow, regardless of the outcome.

✅ Stay true to yourself: Throughout your summer dating experiences, remember to stay true to yourself. Be authentic, embrace your unique qualities, and communicate your needs and boundaries. By being genuine, you attract people who appreciate and value you for who you truly are.

✅ Enjoy the journey: Dating is an adventure, and the summer season provides a vibrant backdrop for creating beautiful memories. Embrace the journey and enjoy the process of meeting new people, exploring new places, and discovering shared interests. Approach each date with a sense of curiosity and an open mind, allowing yourself to fully immerse in the experience.

By understanding what you want to get out of dating this summer, you empower yourself to make conscious choices and create meaningful connections. So, take a moment to reflect, set your intentions, and embark on your summer dating adventure with confidence and excitement. The possibilities are endless, and love may be just around the corner.

ANNOUNCEMENT 📣

I was supposed to drop the Podcast episode today but I had a migraine yesterday so it’ll be dropping tomorrow!

Thank you for understanding 🫶🏾

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Copyright © 2023 Ericka Ige Co. All rights reserved.

4397 Mercer Road Decatur, Georgia 30035

DISCLAIMER: THIS NEWSLETTER DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE

The information contained in this newsletter is for informational purposes only. This newsletter is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this newsletter.