The Intersection of Neurodivergence & Vulnerability w/Traci Neal

My strong is vulnerability and acceptance Hey, sis! Shirl and Natty here! Today, we’re joined by Traci Neal for an impactful conversation about navigating life on the spectrum.  Traci shares her experience of being diagnosed with ADHD and Autism at the age of thirty-four and how she’s leaning into vulnerability to support her in embracing the labels, highlighting the journey of self-acceptance and growth that will certainly resonate with Black women on a similar journey. As Black women, we know that societal norms often pressure us to suppress our emotions and mold ourselves to fit certain molds. However, Traci’s story reminds us that true strength lies in embracing our authentic selves, diagnoses and all, a message that resonates deeply with Black women who often face pressure to conform to societal norms. Episode Highlights: Discovering Diagnoses: Traci shares her journey of navigating a recent diagnosis of ADHD and Autism at the age of 34, revealing the freedom and new perspectives that came with understanding herself better. Changing Views on Femininity and Vulnerability:How the diagnoses reshaped her perception of femininity and vulnerability, leading to a deeper understanding and acceptance of herself. Unmasking and Embracing the Labels: Traci shares how she embraces her diagnoses, finding empowerment and a sense of identity in the labels that she once feared. Blossoming Confidence: We discuss how her confidence has blossomed since receiving her diagnoses, highlighting the positive impact of self-discovery and self-acceptance. Life Before and After: Traci offers insights into her life before the diagnoses and the profound shifts she has noticed since, revealing a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Join us as we celebrate Traci’s journey and reflect on the power of self-discovery and acceptance. This episode is a testament to the power of self-acceptance and growth, highlighting the importance of embracing our true selves. Traci Neal is a neurodivergent spoken word artist listed on Poets & Writers residing in Columbia, SC. She is featured in The New York Times, Mahogany (Hallmark) writing community, The Elevation Review, 1619 Speaks Anthology in 2023 (Sims Library of Poetry), and many other media publications. In 2023, she was a Pushcart Prize Nominee for The Elevation Review, longlisted for the African Diaspora Award with Kinsman Quarterly, the second-place poetry winner of the National Career Development Association, and the second-place poetry winner of the South Carolina Career Development Association. Neal uses her poetry platform to help bring awareness to non-profits in need worldwide. Connect with Traci Neal: Website: www.tracinealspeakerpoet.com Register for the “Uncaped” Virtual Workshop: Join us for a transformative experience where we’ll redefine strength, let go of hyper-independence, and step into our true power. Reserve your spot today. Join SOS Sista Circle Waitlist: Ready to break free from “I gotta do it all by myself” and embrace sistahood and community? Get on the waitlist for the Shades of Strong (SOS) Sista Circle and be the first to know when enrollment starts. Join a community of Black women redefining strength and support. This is a chance for you to connect with like-minded women on a journey of balance and fulfillment. Your journey to sisterhood starts here! Join the Community: Join the Shades of Strong Email List, our community of like-minded Black women empowering themselves and each other. Stay in the loop on new episodes and access to insightful discussions, resources, and practical tips for Black women, addressing their unique challenges and celebrating their resilience. Connect on Social Media: Follow Shades of Strong on social media for content exploring the Black female experience and stay updated on the latest episodes and community events. We’re @shadesofstrong across all platforms. Shop our Self-care Line in the Etsy shop where self-care is an art of nurturing the heart and soul. Our tools—mood trackers, journals, self-nurturing games, and coloring pages—are crafted to elevate your inner journey, inviting you to love your inner self as much as your outer self. Listener Survey: Share your feedback with us HERE.