Feelings You Can Trust with Dominique Davis

The Cost of Abandoning Yourself - Why You Still Feel UnseenFeelings You Can Trust - Episode 27Sometimes the reason you feel unseen…is because you’ve been abandoning yourself to belong.In this episode of Feelings You Can Trust, we explore identity, safety, and what it really means to feel aligned in your relationships and community.Through our first listener letter, we talk about what happens when you don’t feel accepted — even in spaces that are supposed to understand you — and why you don’t have to force yourself to “cope” in environments that don’t feel safe.We also unpack the difference between social identity and your true, spirit-based identity, and how abandoning yourself to meet expectations can keep you stuck in survival mode.Because real belonging doesn’t require you to shrink.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Life update: grief, growth & showing up anyway03:05 – Mental load, EMDR & processing06:57 – Proof of Life: good news still exists08:48 – Listener Letter: feeling unseen in community12:00 – You don’t have to cope in unsafe spaces14:00 – Inner circle standards & safe relationships16:18 – Social identity vs. true self20:13 – Building aligned community22:44 – How identity keeps you in survival31:04 – You are not your career34:58 – Stop abandoning yourself📚Books Mentioned:📖 The Princess and the P.I. by Skye Warren — A romance that explores trust, vulnerability, and connection between two very different worlds.📖 Deep End by Allie Hazelwood — A contemporary romance centered on consent, communication, and emotionally safe intimacy.📖 Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker — A mindset-focused guide on how your beliefs about money shape your financial reality.📩 Want to submit a listener letter?Email: [email protected]🎧 Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify & SubstackDisclaimerI am not a licensed therapist. The perspectives shared in this podcast are based on personal experience, education, and reflection. This content is for informational and self-development purposes only and should not replace professional mental health support. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit feelingsyoucantrust.substack.com

Taking action is one of the hardest parts of building a life you love.Visualization can be inspiring. Planning can feel productive. But the moment you actually have to do the thing, fear tends to show up.In this episode of Feelings You Can Trust, we talk about why taking action often feels so intimidating, how perfectionism keeps us stuck in the planning stage, and why you may never actually feel “ready.”We also discuss how fear shows up in the body, how anxiety can spiral when we’re about to make a big decision, and how learning to recognize that fear response can help you move forward anyway.Because the truth is: building a life that you love often requires making decisions while you’re still scared.And the more you practice moving through fear, the more confident you become in your ability to handle whatever comes next.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – A moment of loving my life02:01 – Why this episode is about taking action04:04 – Proof of Life: kindness in everyday moments06:24 – What I’m reading07:48 – The Feelings You Can Trust framework08:36 – Why taking action feels intimidating09:53 – How perfectionism blocks growth11:12 – Letting go of the “perfect vision”14:05 – When expansion feels uncomfortable16:01 – Anxiety, fear, and catastrophizing17:30 – Recognizing fear in your body19:47 – Catching fear before it spirals21:15 – Moving forward even when you’re scared23:23 – The boulder metaphor: resistance and growth25:47 – The truth: you may never feel ready26:26 – Doing it scared28:18 – Final reflections on growth and possibility🎧 Feelings You Can Trust explores how to build a life you love through a simple framework:* Get out of survival* Declutter and organize your mind* Visualize* Take action* Rinse and repeat📩 Listener Letters are coming next episode!If you have a question, perspective, or something you’d like advice on, send it to:[email protected]⚠️ Disclaimer:I am not a licensed therapist. The perspectives shared in this podcast are based on personal experience, education, and reflection. This content is intended for informational and self-development purposes only and should not replace professional medical or mental health guidance. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit feelingsyoucantrust.substack.com

This episode is different.Today, I’m sharing a real-life example of what happens when you actually apply the Feelings You Can Trust framework.Not perfectly.Not overnight.But consistently.From mindset shifts to intentional action, this episode walks through what it looks like when visualization, alignment, and stewardship move from theory into real life.This is not a conversation about dreaming.It’s a testimony about building.Because the life you love doesn’t happen by accident —it happens through awareness, alignment, and action.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Life Update: A Real Milestone01:20 – Why This Matters02:00 – Proof of Life03:45 – Humanity & Perspective05:30 – The Framework Refresher07:30 – Applying the Work in Real Life10:00 – Scarcity vs Vision14:00 – Stewardship & Responsibility18:00 – Choosing Alignment Over Comfort22:00 – Faith in Action26:00 – Patience & Process29:30 – What This Really Represents31:00 – Closing Reflection🎧 Episode 25 is available now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify & Substack.DisclaimerI am not a licensed therapist. The perspectives shared on this podcast are based on personal experience, education, and reflection. This content is for informational and self-development purposes only and should not be considered medical, psychological, or legal advice. Please consult a qualified professional for support specific to your situation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit feelingsyoucantrust.substack.com

Feelings You Can Trust EP 24: Change Your Self-Talk, Change Your LifeWe often think change happens through information.But real change happens when what you know aligns with what you believe.In this episode of Feelings You Can Trust, we explore the unconscious mind — the part of you that stores patterns, emotional memory, and learned responses — and how self-talk acts as the bridge between conscious intention and unconscious belief.If you’ve ever wanted to show up differently but found yourself repeating the same reactions, this conversation will help you understand why.We discuss:* The role of the unconscious mind* Why “knowing better” doesn’t automatically change behavior* How self-talk reveals what you truly believe* The impact of repetition on identity* Listening to yourself without shame* Becoming a safe space for your own growth🎧 Episode 24 is available now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Substack.💌 Listener Letters return next cycle — send yours to [email protected] am not a licensed therapist. The insights shared in this podcast are based on personal experience, education, and reflection. This content is for informational and self-development purposes only and is not a substitute for medical, psychological, or legal advice. Please consult a qualified professional for support specific to your needs. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit feelingsyoucantrust.substack.com

If you’ve ever said something you didn’t mean…Shut down when you wanted to speak up…Or reacted in a way that didn’t feel aligned with who you’re trying to become…This episode is for you.Today we’re talking about emotional reactivity — what it is, why it happens, and how to respond instead of react.We explore how survival mode shows up in conversations, relationships, and even in the way we cope alone. I introduce the “watchtower” metaphor to help you understand what’s happening in your nervous system when you’re triggered — and why slowing down is the key to reclaiming choice.Because building a life you love requires bravery.Living in survival keeps you in fear.Let’s talk about the difference.⏱ Chapters00:00 – Why I’ve Been Gone + Life Update02:08 – New Segment: Proof of Life 🌎04:31 – Plastic That Dissolves in the Ocean (Hope Is Real)08:35 – Listener Letters Are Coming10:06 – The 5-Step Framework Refresher11:43 – What Is Emotional Reactivity?12:23 – The “Watchtower” vs. Alarm System17:03 – The Gap Between Trigger & Reaction20:04 – Emotional Reactivity & Self-Sabotage22:53 – Who Is Your “True Self”?26:06 – Old Habits vs. New Behavior27:26 – Slowing Down: Tools for Choice28:22 – Reaction vs. Response (The Real Difference)30:46 – Is Survival Running Your Life?31:28 – Final Reflection💌 Listener Letters Coming Next CycleWant advice, perspective, or to share a story?Email: [email protected]📚 Join the Book Clubhttps://bookclubs.com/join-a-book-club/club/black-girls-love-smutDisclaimerI am not a licensed therapist. The perspectives shared on this podcast are based on personal experience, education, and reflection. This content is for informational and conversational purposes only and should not be considered medical, psychological, or legal advice. Please consult a qualified professional for support specific to your situation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit feelingsyoucantrust.substack.com

Episode 22 — You’re Doing a Lot — But Is It Working?In this episode of Feelings You Can Trust, we’re talking about prioritized action — and the self-awareness required to admit when our actions don’t actually support the life we say we want.This conversation is about honesty, alignment, and recognizing when we’re staying busy to avoid discomfort rather than moving with intention. We explore how priorities are revealed through action (not intention), why distraction can feel productive, and how momentum is created when your behavior finally matches your vision.We also discuss the difference between intentional stillness and immobilization, why growth isn’t a dramatic leap but a slow-moving river, and how to assess your daily actions without shame.In this episode, we cover:* The difference between doing things and taking prioritized action* How your visualization reveals your real priorities* Why some actions feel productive but miss the “bullseye”* When distractions act as emotional security blankets* Intentional stillness vs. fear-based avoidance* Why momentum only comes from aligned action* Learning through action instead of ruminationThis episode is an invitation to stop judging yourself — and start telling yourself the truth.⏱️ EPISODE 22 TIMESTAMPS00:00 — Welcome back + holiday reflections01:30 — Panic attacks returning & listening to the body04:40 — Understanding anxiety beyond intellectual awareness07:23 — School, injustice, and nervous system overwhelm10:25 — Regulation, sustainability, and stress hormones12:30 — Accepting long-term support & therapy13:25 — Reading updates & book club interest18:03 — Listener letters reminder19:15 — FYCT framework refresher19:52 — Step four: taking prioritized action21:16 — The difference between action and aligned action22:14 — How visualization reveals true priorities24:10 — When priorities and behavior don’t match26:03 — Self-awareness without shame26:33 — Stillness as an intentional action28:50 — Growth as a river, not a leap34:00 — The bullseye metaphor: action vs. distraction36:11 — Distractions as comfort and security37:15 — Learning through action, not rumination39:00 — When action feels triggering40:05 — Final thoughts + see you next episode⚠️ DISCLAIMERThe perspectives shared in this episode are based on personal experience, reflection, and ongoing education. I am not a licensed therapist, and nothing discussed in this podcast should be considered medical, clinical, or legally binding advice. Please seek support from a licensed mental health professional for guidance specific to your individual needs. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit feelingsyoucantrust.substack.com

Episode 21 — You Can’t Outrun Your PurposeIn this episode of Feelings You Can Trust, we’re talking about what happens when you know you’re called to more — but find yourself stuck in impostor syndrome, stagnation, or self-sabotage instead of momentum.We explore how purpose and vision are deeply connected, why clarity can sometimes activate fear instead of confidence, and how comfort can quietly keep us from evolving. This conversation reframes procrastination, self-doubt, and avoidance not as personal failure, but as nervous-system responses to expansion.You’ll hear why:* Visualization can feel pointless right before momentum builds* Purpose isn’t something you become — it’s something you uncover* Impostor syndrome shrinks vision before action ever begins* Self-sabotage is often a response to joy, alignment, and possibility* Stagnation can feel like “contentment,” but is really fear of capacity* Commitment — not motivation — is what carries vision forwardThis episode is for the woman who feels called, capable, and tired of circling the same lessons. You’re not behind. You’re being invited to stay the course.⏱️ EPISODE 21 TIMESTAMPS00:00 — Welcome back + holiday reflections01:28 — Why community regulates anxiety and self-focus03:31 — What I’m reading + book club update05:06 — Listener letters & collective growth06:15 — The FYCT framework refresher08:03 — Today’s focus: Visualization & purpose09:08 — When visualization starts to feel pointless10:06 — Purpose isn’t something you chase — it’s already within you12:00 — Why being offline matters when discovering purpose13:21 — Vision as a reflection of purpose14:08 — What happens when you don’t know your direction15:01 — Belief systems vs. action16:10 — Limiting beliefs & regret-free reflection17:19 — Impostor syndrome and worthiness18:33 — Learning to see yourself objectively20:26 — Why self-criticism shrinks vision21:23 — Self-sabotage explained22:36 — When alignment feels uncomfortable24:30 — Returning to decluttering the mind25:42 — Stagnation disguised as comfort26:49 — Why vision determines direction27:34 — When the answer is “just do it”29:06 — Personality expansion vs. becoming someone else30:53 — Vision beyond money and status31:40 — Commitment as the antidote33:47 — You can’t outrun your purpose34:49 — Final encouragement: stay the course⚠️ DISCLAIMERThe perspectives shared in this episode are based on personal experience, reflection, and ongoing education. I am not a licensed therapist, and nothing discussed in this podcast should be considered medical, clinical, or legally binding advice. Please seek support from a licensed mental health professional for guidance specific to your individual needs. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit feelingsyoucantrust.substack.com

Episode 20 — Why Being Happy Makes You AnxiousIn this episode of Feelings You Can Trust, we explore a quiet, often unspoken experience: when life is going well, but joy still feels hard to access, trust, or sustain.For many of us, the struggle isn’t survival anymore — it’s allowing ourselves to enjoy what we’ve built.We talk about how anxiety can show up as waiting for “the other shoe to drop,” how joy can feel undeserved or unsafe, and how unfamiliarity with happiness can sometimes be a sign of depression that doesn’t look like sadness.This conversation gently reframes joy not as something you earn, but something your nervous system has to learn how to tolerate.In this episode, we explore:* The anxiety of anticipating loss when things feel good* Why some people feel unworthy of joy* How survival mode teaches us to distrust happiness* The difference between joy being absent vs. unfamiliar* How depression can show up as emotional numbness or guardedness* Letting joy exist without waiting for it to be taken awayThis episode is for the woman who isn’t falling apart — but isn’t fully letting herself feel good either.📧 Email me your listener letters: [email protected]📚 Black Girls Love Smut: https://bookclubs.com/join-a-book-club/club/black-girls-love-smut ⏱️ EPISODE TIMESTAMPS00:00 — Welcome Back & Emotional Check-In02:10 — When Life Is Good but Joy Feels Hard05:48 — The Anxiety of the Other Shoe Dropping09:42 — Joy Feeling Unsafe or Undeserved13:55 — Survival Mode & Distrusting Happiness18:30 — Joy as Unfamiliar, Not Absent22:14 — When This Experience Can Be Depression26:40 — Emotional Guarding & Hypervigilance30:55 — Letting Yourself Feel Good Without Fear35:20 — Closing Reflections & Gentle Encouragement⚠️ DISCLAIMERThe perspectives shared in this episode are based on personal experience, reflection, and ongoing education. I am not a licensed therapist, and nothing discussed in this podcast should be considered medical, clinical, or legally binding advice. Please seek support from a licensed mental health professional for guidance specific to your individual needs. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit feelingsyoucantrust.substack.com

Feelings You Can Trust — Episode 19: How Survival Mode Rewires Your Mind (and Fuels Rumination)In this episode, we’re circling back to Step 1 of the Feelings You Can Trust Framework: Getting Out of Survival Mode. Today’s focus?Rumination.Why we do it, where it comes from, and how understanding your own thought patterns can help you step into a safer, more empowered internal world.Together, we explore generational influences, trauma, social conditioning, the science behind rumination, and practical ways to interrupt repetitive thoughts—so you can finally breathe, observe, and move toward a life you feel safe in.This episode is especially for the woman who’s ready to build emotional clarity, soften survival instincts, and create a mindset that supports her healing… not her fear.⏱️ Episode Timestamps00:00 – Welcome back + holiday break update01:13 – Grad school burnout + cultural immersion paper03:48 – Winter semester updates & upcoming practicum05:24 – What I’m reading (and not reading)06:17 – Book club update: Black Girls Love Smut07:51 – Colleen Hoover thoughts + movie adaptations09:35 – The Bone King obsession10:26 – Listener Letters (how to submit yours)12:04 – Framework refresher: The 5 Steps12:51 – Today’s topic: Getting out of survival mode13:47 – Understanding thought patterns as a “character trait”14:59 – How parents shape our thinking17:02 – Generational trauma & big T trauma explained22:07 – Seeking awareness without blame23:22 – Trauma’s impact on how we think24:00 – What rumination is + how it forms25:05 – NIH research on rumination26:21 – Narrow focus vs. broadened awareness27:53 – The difference between processing and getting stuck28:48 – Fear, immobility, and survival mode29:50 – Why awareness is the first step out of survival31:04 – Mindfulness + vagus nerve breathing33:39 – Anxiety, presence, and self-observation34:09 – The emotional relationship to your thoughts35:29 – How to alchemize rumination into empowerment36:57 – Changing perspective vs. changing circumstances37:26 – Worrying is not always a choice38:10 – Final encouragement + closing thoughts⚠️ Disclaimer:I am not a licensed therapist. Everything shared on this podcast is based on personal experience, research, and my own perspectives. Nothing in this episode should be considered medical, clinical, or legal advice. Please seek support from a licensed mental health professional for guidance specific to your situation.Resources:Black Girls Love Smut: https://bookclubs.com/join-a-book-club/club/black-girls-love-smutRumination Tools:Studies Referenced:Michl, L. C., McLaughlin, K. A., Shepherd, K., & Nolen-Hoeksema, S. (2013).Rumination as a mechanism linking stressful life events to symptoms of depression and anxiety: Longitudinal evidence in early adolescents and adults. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 122(2), 339–352. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0031994Querstret, D., & Cropley, M. (2013). Assessing treatments used to reduce rumination and/or worry: A systematic review. Clinical Psychology Review, 33(8), 996–1009. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2013.08.004 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit feelingsyoucantrust.substack.com

Episode 18 — The Art of Letting Go: Making Space for the Life You WantIn this episode of Feelings You Can Trust, we enter Step 4 of the framework: Take Action — and we begin with the most overlooked part of the action phase: releasing what no longer aligns with the life you’re trying to build.Before you start manifesting, planning, or creating new habits, the very first step is clearing space.That means evaluating the people, routines, environments, and internal narratives that no longer support your growth — and gently letting them go.This episode is for the woman who feels herself evolving but doesn’t yet know how to restructure her life to match that evolution.We explore:✨ Releasing habits, people, and environments that block your alignment✨ Why “trimming the fat” gives you momentum✨ Emotional regulation during times of transition✨ Finals week, grad school updates, and cultural identity paper reflections✨ The ICE raids in Charlotte + the emotional weight of injustice✨ Social constructionism, race, and the stories we are taught to believe✨ How to take action without forcing, rushing, or performing⏱️ Timestamps00:00 — Welcome Back & Grad School Life Update04:12 — Finals Week, Cultural Identity Paper & Research Reflections09:28 — ICE Raids in Charlotte & Emotional Processing14:55 — The Action Step: Why “Trimming the Fat” Comes First21:02 — Letting Go of Misalignment (People, Habits, Spaces)28:10 — Social Constructionism, Race, & Identity Work33:40 — Making Space for Who You’re Becoming38:10 — Closing Thoughts + Listener Letters Announcement📧 Submit a Listener Letter: [email protected]⚠️ DisclaimerThe perspectives shared in this podcast come from personal experience and my ongoing social work education. I am not yet a licensed therapist. Nothing shared should be interpreted as clinical advice, therapeutic guidance, or legally binding recommendations. For personal mental health support, please consult a licensed professional. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit feelingsyoucantrust.substack.com

EPISODE 17 — Visualization Isn’t Optional: How to See the Life You WantThis episode explores the power of visualization and why it’s a non-negotiable step in creating a life you love. I’m also sharing grad school updates, what I’m currently reading, and two new community-centered segments.⏱️ Chapter Breakdown00:00 — Welcome Back & Life Update02:30 — Learning to Read Clinical Research06:00 — “What Am I Reading?” Segment Debut07:00 — Introducing Listener Letters09:00 — The Importance of Visualization34:50 — Challenging Scarcity Narratives36:30 — Gratitude + Closing Thoughts🌿 What’s Inside the Episode* How I’m navigating end-of-semester stress* Tips I’m seeking from the community about reading research* The books currently shaping my thinking* Why listener letters will help us grow together* How visualization creates clarity for aligned action* Reclaiming abundance as someone from historically under-resourced communities💌 Send a Listener LetterQuestions, stories, reflections, advice requests — send them to:[email protected]💛 Thank You for Being HereYour support means everything. New episodes drop weekly.Let’s grow together.⚠️ DisclaimerAll thoughts and advice shared in this newsletter and podcast are based on my personal experience and ongoing education. I am not yet a licensed therapist. Nothing shared here should be interpreted as professional, clinical, or legally binding advice. For personalized support, please consult a licensed mental health professional. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit feelingsyoucantrust.substack.com

Could you imagine a world where everyone feels content to be exactly the way they are? It sounds beautiful, doesn’t it? It does sound great, but keep in mind that your favorite brand would most likely go out of business.Capitalism is fueled by self-hatred. From the moment you exit the womb, you’ve been fed messages encouraging you to hate yourself. How else would they sell you the car note, the consumer credit, and the student debt?In this episode of Feelings You Can Trust, we discuss the history of eugenics and the “one superior race” theory. We also discuss how to unlearn all this self-hate garbage so that we can get rid of those useless thoughts and make room for new loving thoughts to take their place.Chapters:00:00 Intro01:14 Identity09:40 - How social constructs teach you to hate yourself. 12:36 Eugenics15:55 Most of us are programmed to hate ourselves31:25 How to love yourselfDisclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It reflects my personal experience and perspective and should not be taken as professional mental health advice. Please consult a licensed therapist or healthcare provider for support specific to your individual needs.Host and Producer: Dominique DavisEmail: [email protected] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit feelingsyoucantrust.substack.com

Constructing a life that you love requires the ability to employ critical thinking skills. Group thought and passive acceptance of the status quo will lead to a thought process grounded in victimhood.Understanding that everything in our society is a social construct, or an idea created and reinforced by society, is the key to elevating one’s way of thinking. The average person’s beliefs about wealth, sexuality, and race act as barriers to creating truly fulfilling lives. These barriers keep individuals small, discouraging any thoughts that may motivate and nurture a person’s true sense of self.This week’s episode of Feelings You Can Trust focuses on how one can get out of survival by recognizing the social constructs in one’s own thoughts. Getting out of survival is the first step to creating a life that you love!Host and Producer: Dominique DavisEmail: [email protected] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit feelingsyoucantrust.substack.com

While More Peace Please takes a short break between seasons, I wanted to leave you with something nourishing to carry into your days. In this special hiatus episode, I’m sharing a collection of affirmations centered on faith, stewardship, abundance, generosity, and prosperity.These affirmations are designed to ground you in peace, remind you of God’s limitless provision, and encourage you to live in alignment with love and purpose. Whether you listen in the quiet of your morning, on your commute, or before resting at night, may these words offer calm, clarity, and a gentle reminder that you are supported and sustained.Until the next season begins, let these affirmations be an anchor of hope and a whisper of peace in your daily life. 🌿 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit feelingsyoucantrust.substack.com

In the season finale of More Peace Please, we’re returning to the beginning—the place where dreams are born.In this episode, I share why I stopped dreaming for a while... and how I found the courage to start again. Together, we explore the difference between false positivity and truthful optimism, and how real peace can only exist when we’re honest—with ourselves, our fears, and our deepest desires.I’ll also ask you a question I’ve been sitting with:What would you be doing if you weren’t scared?Let’s talk about high-vibrational living—not as an aesthetic, but as a lifestyle rooted in integrity, accountability, and intention. I’m no longer manifesting just for me. I’m manifesting for my community, for my lineage, for something much bigger than myself.This episode is a reminder that dreaming again isn't naïve—it’s revolutionary.Thank you for journeying with me through Season 1. We’re just getting started.And as always, you can ask yourself for more peace… please.Download Climbing Back Up to the Watch Tower on my Substack and stay connected: 🌿 **Climbing Back Up to the Watch Tower** https://substack.com/home/post/p-160155855 💻**Website:** https://www.brownandbendy.com/newsletter 📲 **Instagram:** [@BrownandBendy]https://www.brownandbendy.com/ 🎥**YouTube:** [Brown and Bendy] https://www.youtube.com/c/brownandbendy 💌**Substack:** https://substack.com/@brownandbendy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit feelingsyoucantrust.substack.com

More Peace (Please!) Episode 12 - Finding Peace in Failed Plans (Part 2)I’m joined by the brilliant Kacee M. King, a powerhouse in finance, education, and healing-centered leadership, for a heart-centered conversation on finding peace in failed plans.From the lessons of a failed marriage to the freedom that comes with release, Kacee reminds us that peace isn’t found in perfection—it’s found in trust.Together, we explore:✨ Why striving doesn’t equal peace✨ What failure can teach us about timing and self-compassion✨ How rock bottom can become holy ground✨ And why your goals don’t define your worth—your growth does.We also talk about shifting from ego-driven planning to intention-led living, and how choosing peace sometimes means choosing to let go.This one is for anyone feeling behind, uncertain, or like the plan isn’t panning out. There is still peace. There is still purpose. And there is so much more ahead.Listen now, and as always, ask yourself for more peace, please.Download Climbing Back Up to the Watch Tower on my Substack and stay connected:🌿 **Climbing Back Up to the Watch Tower** https://substack.com/home/post/p-160155855💻**Website:** https://www.brownandbendy.com/newsletter📲 **Instagram:** [@BrownandBendy]https://www.brownandbendy.com/🎥**YouTube:** [Brown and Bendy] https://www.youtube.com/c/brownandbendy💌**Substack:** https://substack.com/@brownandbendy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit feelingsyoucantrust.substack.com

More Peace (Please!) Episode 11 - Finding Peace in Failed Plans So... remember a few episodes ago when I told y’all I’d be bringing weekly trauma-informed yoga classes to YouTube? Yeah. About that. This week on More Peace Please, I’m reflecting on what it means to set a goal, try your best, and still not hit the mark—and why that doesn’t mean you failed. I share how I pivoted from burnout to clarity, and why “failure” often signals a new way forward, not the end of the road. Then I’m joined by the brilliant Kacee M. King, a powerhouse in finance, education, and healing-centered leadership, for a heart-centered conversation on finding peace in failed plans. From the lessons of a failed marriage to the freedom that comes with release, Kacee reminds us that peace isn’t found in perfection—it’s found in trust. Together, we explore: ✨ Why striving doesn’t equal peace ✨ What failure can teach us about timing and self-compassion ✨ How rock bottom can become holy ground ✨ And why your goals don’t define your worth—your growth does. We also talk about shifting from ego-driven planning to intention-led living, and how choosing peace sometimes means choosing to let go. This one is for anyone feeling behind, uncertain, or like the plan isn’t panning out. There is still peace. There is still purpose. And there is so much more ahead. Listen now, and as always, ask yourself for more peace, please. Download Climbing Back Up to the Watch Tower on my Substack and stay connected: 🌿 **Climbing Back Up to the Watch Tower** https://substack.com/home/post/p-160155855 💻**Website:** https://www.brownandbendy.com/newsletter 📲 **Instagram:** [@BrownandBendy]https://www.brownandbendy.com/ 🎥**YouTube:** [Brown and Bendy] https://www.youtube.com/c/brownandbendy 💌**Substack:** https://substack.com/@brownandbendy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit feelingsyoucantrust.substack.com

Welcome to double digits! I can't believe we're already on Episode 10 of More Peace (Please!)—thank you so much for being here. 🌿 This week, I’ve been in deep observation mode. Life has reminded me that healing isn’t always soft, trendy, or Instagram-worthy. Sometimes, healing means sitting in discomfort. Sometimes, it means facing the parts of ourselves we’ve tried to bypass with good vibes, green juice, and journaling. In this episode, I’m reflecting on: ✨What happens when we age but don’t emotionally mature ✨Why wellness isn’t a trend, and how to spot when it’s being used as one ✨The power of emotional honesty in community and relationships ✨ And why—in this day and age—you can’t really be a hot girl if you’re not healing 💅🏽 We also get into: ✨How we love as a reflection of how much we’ve healed ✨The importance of mentorship and soft accountability ✨Why healed communities grow us better than any solo practice ever could ✨Learning to catch when you're trying too hard to be someone you’re not. This one’s for anyone who’s ever felt stuck in their healing journey, or unsure what the next step even looks like. Spoiler alert: it's not more perfection—it’s more presence. ✨ So grab your tea, your journal, and let’s talk about healing that’s honest, unfiltered, and actually transformative. Download Climbing Back Up to the Watch Tower on my Substack and stay connected: 🌿 **Climbing Back Up to the Watch Tower** https://substack.com/home/post/p-160155855 💻**Website:** https://www.brownandbendy.com/newsletter 📲 **Instagram:** [@BrownandBendy]https://www.brownandbendy.com/ 🎥**YouTube:** [Brown and Bendy] https://www.youtube.com/c/brownandbendy 💌**Substack:** https://substack.com/@brownandbendy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit feelingsyoucantrust.substack.com

More Peace (Please!) Episode 9 – Finding Peace in Community (with Yogi Tochi) How do *you* define friendship? Who are you building with? And what does your ideal community *really* look like? In this episode of *More Peace (Please!)*, I’m joined by the radiant and thoughtful @yogi.tochi (https://instagram.com/yogi.tochi) for a heartfelt conversation on connection, belonging, and what it truly means to find peace in community. Together, we explore: ✨ The unexpected beauty that can be found inside fear ✨ The difference between friendship and community—and why both matter ✨ Why we’re not here for gossip, cliques, or mean girl energy ✨ How to invite more depth and safety into your relationships So text your bestie, light a candle, and let this be your invitation to reflect on who’s in your corner—and how you’re showing up for them, too. Let’s build peace, together. 💛 Download Climbing Back Up to the Watch Tower on my Substack and stay connected:🌿 **Climbing Back Up to the Watch Tower** https://substack.com/home/post/p-160155855 💻**Website:** https://www.brownandbendy.com/newsletter 📲 **Instagram:** [@BrownandBendy]https://www.brownandbendy.com/ 🎥**YouTube:** [Brown and Bendy] https://www.youtube.com/c/brownandbendy 💌**Substack:** https://substack.com/@brownandbendy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit feelingsyoucantrust.substack.com

More Peace (Please!) Episode 8 – Finding Peace in Community (with Yogi Tochi) How do you define friendship? Who are you building with? And what does your ideal community *really* look like? In this episode of *More Peace (Please!)*, I’m joined by the radiant and thoughtful @yogi.tochi (https://instagram.com/yogi.tochi) for a heartfelt conversation on connection, belonging, and what it truly means to find peace in community. Together, we explore: ✨The unexpected beauty that can be found inside fear ✨ The difference between friendship and community—and why both matter✨Why we’re not here for gossip, cliques, or mean girl energy ✨How to invite more depth and safety into your relationships So text your bestie, light a candle, and let this be your invitation to reflect on who’s in your corner—and how you’re showing up for them, too. Let’s build peace, together. 💛 Download Climbing Back Up to the Watch Tower on my Substack and stay connected:🌿 **Climbing Back Up to the Watch Tower** https://substack.com/home/post/p-160155855 💻**Website:** https://www.brownandbendy.com/newsletter 📲 **Instagram:** [@BrownandBendy]https://www.brownandbendy.com/ 🎥**YouTube:** [Brown and Bendy] https://www.youtube.com/c/brownandbendy 💌**Substack:** https://substack.com/@brownandbendy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit feelingsyoucantrust.substack.com

Episode 7 – Stop Dreaming, Start Doing: Learning How to Take Aligned ActionDo you have all the ideas but still feel stuck when it comes to actually making things happen?Or maybe you’re out here hustling nonstop, but you’re not seeing the results you expected?If either of those sound like you, this episode is for you.In this episode of More Peace (Please!), I’m diving into why so many of us stay in our heads—dreaming, planning, vision-boarding—but struggle to take the kind of action that leads to real momentum. Then we get into the how of moving forward in a way that feels aligned and grounded.We’ll talk about:* Finding a job that supports your peace and your purpose* Creating self-care habits that actually serve you* Showing up for your calling every single day* Setting real, soul-aligned goals (not just to-do lists)So if you’re ready to get out of your own head and into aligned action, grab a matcha, a notebook, and let’s get it.Download Climbing Back Up to the Watch Tower on my Substack and stay connected:🌿 **Climbing Back Up to the Watch Tower** https://substack.com/home/post/p-160155855💻**Website:** https://www.brownandbendy.com/newsletter📲 **Instagram:** [@BrownandBendy]https://www.brownandbendy.com/🎥**YouTube:** [Brown and Bendy] https://www.youtube.com/c/brownandbendy💌**Substack:** https://substack.com/@brownandbendy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit feelingsyoucantrust.substack.com

Oh my goodness! More Peace (Please!) has almost reached its first 100 downloads! I am so grateful to everyone who has shared their time and energy with the podcast. We're building something beautiful, and it’s just the beginning!Take the next couple of weeks to catch up on episodes you may have missed or relisten to the ones that resonated with your spirit. More Peace (Please!) will return before you know it, on June 3rd with Episode 7!See you soon! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit feelingsyoucantrust.substack.com

Episode 6: Finding Peace in Mindful Consumption Featuring Invino Verity (Part 2)In this conversation, I sit down with Invino Verity, a content creator and storyteller, exploring the nuances of mindful drinking. Together, we unpack what it means to question our relationship with alcohol, without shame, rigidity, or labels.We talk about:✨How alcohol has been normalized in spaces of stress relief and celebration✨What it looks like to pause, reflect, and reconsider our habits✨Why mindful consumption is more about intention than abstinence✨And how peace can be found not just in what we take in—but in what we choose to releaseThis is Part 1 of a two-part conversation centered around awareness, agency, and the journey toward more peaceful living—even in the gray areas.Download Climbing Back Up to the Watch Tower on my Substack and stay connected:🌿 **Climbing Back Up to the Watch Tower** https://substack.com/home/post/p-160155855💻**Website:** https://www.brownandbendy.com/newsletter📲 **Instagram:** [@BrownandBendy]https://www.brownandbendy.com/🎥**YouTube:** [Brown and Bendy] https://www.youtube.com/c/brownandbendy💌**Substack:** https://substack.com/@brownandbendy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit feelingsyoucantrust.substack.com

Episode 5: Finding Peace in Mindful Consumption Featuring Invino Verity In this conversation, I sit down with Invino Verity, a content creator and storyteller, exploring the nuances of mindful drinking. Together, we unpack what it means to question our relationship with alcohol, without shame, rigidity, or labels. We talk about: ✨How alcohol has been normalized in spaces of stress relief and celebration ✨What it looks like to pause, reflect, and reconsider our habits ✨Why mindful consumption is more about intention than abstinence ✨And how peace can be found not just in what we take in—but in what we choose to release This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation centered around awareness, agency, and the journey toward more peaceful living—even in the gray areas. Download Climbing Back Up to the Watch Tower on my Substack and stay connected: 🌿 **Climbing Back Up to the Watch Tower** https://substack.com/home/post/p-160155855 💻**Website:** https://www.brownandbendy.com/newsletter 📲 **Instagram:** [@BrownandBendy]https://www.brownandbendy.com/ 🎥**YouTube:** [Brown and Bendy] https://www.youtube.com/c/brownandbendy 💌**Substack:** https://substack.com/@brownandbendy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit feelingsyoucantrust.substack.com

Episode 4: Finding Peace in Releasing Tomorrow’s WorriesThere’s a difference between forcing ourselves to be present and simply letting the day carry us gently, one moment at a time. In Episode 4 of More Peace (Please!), I reflect on what it really means to live in the day-to-day—without spiraling into the fears of the future or the pressure of needing to always “be present.”This episode is for anyone learning to release the illusion of control, slow down without shame, and trust that peace can be found in the ordinary.✨ Mentioned in this episode:— The beauty of moment-to-moment living— Letting the future handle itself— Why "being present" doesn't have to feel like a performanceDownload Climbing Back Up to the Watch Tower on my Substack and stay connected: 🌿 **Climbing Back Up to the Watch Tower** https://substack.com/home/post/p-160155855 💻**Website:** https://www.brownandbendy.com/newsletter 📲 **Instagram:** [@BrownandBendy]https://www.brownandbendy.com/ 🎥**YouTube:** [Brown and Bendy] https://www.youtube.com/c/brownandbendy 💌**Substack:** https://substack.com/@brownandbendy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit feelingsyoucantrust.substack.com

Episode Title: Finding Peace in Motherhood (with Linda Elaine) Welcome back to PART 2 of Finding Peace in Motherhood!In this episode of More Peace (Please!), we’re exploring what it means to find peace in the ever-evolving, deeply sacred role of motherhood. Dominique sits down with special guest Linda Elaine—mother, spiritual content creator, and radiant soul—to talk about identity, intuition, and the quiet power of choosing presence in motherhood. Together, they unpack the myths we’ve been taught about being “just a mom” and reflect on the joy, challenge, and growth that comes with raising children while staying rooted in your own spiritual path. This episode is a gentle reminder that motherhood isn’t something we have to move beyond—it’s something we can move deeply into. Whether you’re a mom, want to be one, or simply want to hold space for the mothers in your life, this conversation is full of truth, softness, and grounding wisdom. ✨ Tune in and come back home to peace. Download Climbing Back Up to the Watch Tower on my Substack and stay connected: 🌿 **Website:** https://www.brownandbendy.com/ 📲 **Instagram:** [@BrownandBendy]https://www.brownandbendy.com/ 🎥**YouTube:** [Brown and Bendy] https://www.youtube.com/c/brownandbendy 💌**Substack:** https://substack.com/@brownandbendy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit feelingsyoucantrust.substack.com

Finding Peace in MotherhoodWelcome back to the blog—and to More Peace Please, if you’re tuning into the podcast.It’s officially spring, which means one thing in my house: baseball season has returned, and my son AJ is back on the field.I never thought I’d be a baseball mom... and yet, here we are.Truthfully, before I became a mother, I never imagined that “mom” would be a core part of my identity. I told myself I’d always be more than just a mom—as if “mom” was a role I had to overcome or expand beyond to be valid in the world.But once I had my children, everything shifted.And not just emotionally—though, of course, that too—but at a foundational level.I found that I didn’t want to care about anything more than them.And honestly? I don’t.Everything I do is for them, and I’m no longer ashamed to admit that.It took me a while to get to this place of peace with that truth. Because if I’m being real, the patriarchy had me in a chokehold. It shaped how I saw motherhood before I ever had kids—painting it as small, secondary, invisible labor. It made me feel like motherhood should be something I fit in around a more important identity.But now I understand that’s a lie.A big, loud, societal lie.Motherhood is enough.Raising children—truly raising them, with intention and presence and love—requires more energy, patience, growth, and sacrifice than any job title I’ve ever seen. Helping tiny humans become emotionally intelligent, balanced, and joyful adults is soul work. It’s lifelong work.It’s not a “side role.”It’s the role.And it doesn’t make me small.It makes me expansive.So if you, like me, are navigating this season of life and sometimes find yourself wondering whether it’s “enough” to be just a mom, I want you to know: it is. You are.Being a mother is sacred.It’s biology, yes—but it’s also devotion.And there is peace in honoring it fully.Episode Title: Finding Peace in Motherhood (with Linda Elaine)In this heartfelt episode of More Peace Please, we’re exploring what it means to find peace in the ever-evolving, deeply sacred role of motherhood.Dominique sits down with special guest Linda Elaine—mother, spiritual content creator, and radiant soul—to talk about identity, intuition, and the quiet power of choosing presence in motherhood. Together, they unpack the myths we’ve been taught about being “just a mom” and reflect on the joy, challenge, and growth that comes with raising children while staying rooted in your own spiritual path.This episode is a gentle reminder that motherhood isn’t something we have to move beyond—it’s something we can move deeply into.Whether you’re a mom, want to be one, or simply want to hold space for the mothers in your life, this conversation is full of truth, softness, and grounding wisdom.✨ Tune in and come back home to peace.Download Climbing Back Up to the Watch Tower on my Substack and stay connected: 🌿 **Website:** https://www.brownandbendy.com/📲 **Instagram:** [@BrownandBendy]https://www.brownandbendy.com/🎥**YouTube:** [Brown and Bendy] https://www.youtube.com/c/brownandbendy💌**Substack:** https://substack.com/@brownandbendy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit feelingsyoucantrust.substack.com

Episode 1: Finding Peace in the 9-5 After a year away, I’m back—not just with a podcast, but with a new perspective. In this first episode of More Peace (Please!), I open up about where I’ve been, why I stepped away from content creation, and what led me to pursue my Master’s in Social Work. From working in insurance to experiencing deep personal loss, this past year has been a lesson in purpose, alignment, and the ways peace can be found even in unexpected places. I also share the vision for More Peace (Please!)—a podcast exploring what peace really looks like in our lives, sometimes through solo reflections and sometimes through conversations with incredible guests. Plus, an exciting update about Brown and Bendy as it transitions from a wellness platform to a nonprofit focused on somatic healing, community impact, and trauma-informed care. Download Climbing Back Up to the Watch Tower on my Substack and stay connected: 🌿 **Website:** https://www.brownandbendy.com/ 📲 **Instagram:** [@BrownandBendy]https://www.brownandbendy.com/ 🎥**YouTube:** [Brown and Bendy] https://www.youtube.com/c/brownandbendy 💌**Substack:** https://substack.com/@brownandbendy This episode is a reminder that freedom is a birthright, and peace isn’t just something we find—it’s something we choose and create. Let’s begin this journey together. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit feelingsyoucantrust.substack.com