Surviving Me

Virgo season is here — and with it comes the energy of order, reflection, and healing. But along with Virgo’s gifts of discipline and service comes a shadow side: self-criticism, overthinking, and perfectionism.In this episode of Surviving Me, we explore what Virgo energy is teaching us right now:✨ How to create routines that actually heal instead of drain✨ Why boundaries matter during times of service and giving✨ The importance of trading self-criticism for self-compassionVirgo season isn’t asking us to be perfect — it’s asking us to be present. Tune in and learn how to move through this energy with clarity and care.NRwBox6fwsFaT9yfJQEO

In this solo episode of Surviving Me, Dai explores what it means to call in the love we truly deserve — not the love that wounds us, drains us, or keeps us small, but the love that aligns with our healing.Guided by The Lovers and The Empress from the Witchy Cauldron Tarot, and anchored by an oracle message, this episode unpacks how to stop settling for survival-based relationships and begin attracting partnerships rooted in alignment, self-worth, and abundance.We’ll talk about why manifesting love begins with choosing yourself, nurturing your own heart, and believing that you are already the beloved.✨ Affirmation: “I am worthy of love that nourishes and expands me.”💌 Journal Prompt: If the next person I love had to match the way I love myself right now, what kind of love would I be calling in?Tune in for a heart-centered conversation on calling in the love your soul has been waiting for.

Sometimes joy feels risky. Because what if it doesn’t last? What if it gets taken away? For many of us, it feels easier to lean into numbness than to risk disappointment.In this episode of Surviving Me, I open up about the hidden comfort of numbness, the reality of functional depression, and why we often protect ourselves from happiness out of fear.This conversation is about:✨ The ways numbness shows up in daily life✨ How functional depression hides behind “looking fine”✨ Why happiness can feel scary after loss and disappointment✨ Small steps to feel safe in joy againNumbness might protect us from pain—but it also keeps us from the fullness of life. This is your reminder: you’re allowed to feel again.

In this solo episode of Surviving Me, Dai steps into a new chapter—bringing tarot into the healing conversation. Guided by The Fool from the Witchy Cauldron Tarot and The Coach from the oracle deck, this episode explores what it really means to take a leap of faith in your healing journey.The Fool reminds us that every ending is a new beginning, a chance to step forward even when we can’t see the full path ahead. Paired with The Coach, we’re reminded that while the leap is ours, the landing doesn’t have to be—support, accountability, and guidance matter.Tune in for soulful reflections, an affirmation to carry with you, and a Glow Letter–style reminder that you are not leaping alone.✨ Journal Prompt: Where in your life are you being asked to leap, and who is supporting you through it?

The Blueprint to ThriveHER: Healing Beyond Survival with Dr. Sonya McKinzieIn this powerful hour-long conversation, I’m joined by Dr. Sonya Alise McKinzie, Founder & CEO of ThriveHER Inc., a transformative organization dedicated to empowering women through mentorship, personal development, and community impact.Dr. McKinzie has authored and co-authored 24 books, including The Blueprint to ThriveHER and the celebrated children’s story Paisley and the Purple Balloon. Her dedication to service has earned her prestigious recognition such as the 2025 American Mother Inc. of the Year (Georgia), the 2024 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, and an Honorary Doctorate in Humanitarianism.In this episode, we talk about what it means to heal beyond survival, to create a life rooted in purpose, and to leave a blueprint for others to thrive.📌 Connect with Dr. Sonya:🌐 Website: www.thriveher.me📖 Books: Amazon Author Page | ThriveHER Shop📱 Facebook: DrSonyaAliseMcKinzie✨ This is our very first hour-long episode—because the message was too powerful to split into two.

Grief has a way of stopping us in our tracks—reminding us how fragile life really is. In this deeply personal episode, I open up about the passing of my uncle, the guilt of wishing I had done more, and the hard truth that tomorrow is never promised.We live in a time where watching someone’s story feels like checking in, but real love asks for more. This episode is both a release and a reminder: if you can fix it, reach out, forgive, or simply say “I love you”—do it now. Because life is too short to keep waiting, and some conversations may never get another chance.

This episode is for anyone tired of one-sided love, half-effort friendships, and emotional labor with no return. We’re done overextending. We’re done settling for crumbs and calling it connection.In Reciprocity or Nothing, we’re naming the silent exhaustion of being “the giver,” the heartbreak of always understanding but rarely being understood, and the radical decision to require mutuality—in love, in friendship, in healing.Because bare minimum isn’t love.And peace shouldn’t cost your wholeness.🖤 Let this episode remind you: if it’s not mutual, it’s not for you.

In this episode of Surviving Me, we’re joined by Nykera for a conversation that’s honest, raw, and way too relatable.Together, we unpack the things we wish we had known before falling in love—the red flags we overlooked, the lessons we had to learn the hard way, and the ways love can either heal or unravel us.This isn’t just a relationship episode. It’s a reflection on self-worth, boundaries, emotional patterns, and how we often lose ourselves in pursuit of something we hoped would feel like home.Whether you’ve just left a situationship, still healing from your “almost,” or re-learning how to love yourself—this one is for you.⸻💌 Subscribe to the Glow Letter for bonus healing notes & journal prompts.🎙️ New episodes every Tuesday.🦋 Follow us @survivingme_ and leave a rating—it helps more stories like this get heard.

What happens when life is falling apart but little hands still need to be held? In this deeply honest episode, we talk about what it means to mother through overwhelm—to show up with love, softness, and strength even when you feel like you’re barely holding on.This one’s for the moms showing up with tired eyes, full hearts, and invisible battles. The ones making meals while swallowing grief. The ones holding space for their children while no one holds space for them.If you’ve ever felt like you were breaking while still trying to be whole for someone else—this is for you.✨ Plus: A calming affirmation, journal prompts, and a free Motherhood Reset Checklist inside the Glow Letter.

In this episode, I take you inside my real-life experience using an at-home STD testing kit from HeyMistr — no needles, no appointments, and absolutely no shame.We’re talking about why sexual health is self-care, how functional and private the process really is, and what it means to prioritize your body without guilt. I’ll also share current HIV and STI stats for Arizona, Houston, and Philly to show why access and education matter now more than ever.If you’ve ever felt afraid, embarrassed, or just unsure about getting tested — this episode is for you.🎥 Want to see the full process? I filmed myself using the kit step by step. Watch it on my IG:@princess_shortness and @survivingme_💌 Subscribe to the Glow Letter on Substack for a deeper reflection on self-care and body trust.

In the very first episode of our new men’s series State His Way Through, Malik joins the mic to talk about what it really means to love a woman who’s in the middle of her healing.This is a conversation about patience, pressure, emotional responsibility — and the unspoken weight many men carry when they’re trying to love someone while still learning how to love themselves.Malik keeps it honest about emotional walls, overthinking, masculine conditioning, and the discomfort that can show up when softness is required.This isn’t just about romantic relationships — it’s about emotional maturity, identity, and doing the work.🎙️ A Surviving Me conversation.💬 Segment: State His Way Through🦋 Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube📩 Glow Letter now live on Substack — link in bio.

If you’ve ever put something off and called it laziness — this episode is for you.Sometimes procrastination is survival.Sometimes sabotage is protection.And sometimes, the closer we get to peace, the more we push it away.This solo episode dives into why we pull back when things get good, how fear masks itself as stillness, and what it means to prepare for joy without sabotaging it.

You’re showing up, getting it done, smiling when needed — but inside, you’re numb.This episode explores the quiet, unseen pain of functional depression: the version that keeps you looking “fine” while feeling anything but.If you’ve ever said, “I don’t even have time to fall apart,” this one’s for you.We talk about the pressure to perform, the guilt of not feeling grateful, and why survival isn’t enough — we deserve peace too.

What do you do with the words you never got to say?In this raw solo episode, Dai opens up about the emotional weight of connections that end in silence — the “almosts” that still leave deep bruises, the people we envisioned more with, and the ache that lingers when closure never comes.If you’ve ever found yourself checking your phone for a reply that never came, or sitting with the heaviness of a text you wish you hadn’t sent — this one is for you.This is not just about heartbreak. It’s about honoring the part of you that craved clarity and choosing peace anyway.✨ Subscribe to the Glow Letter: [insert Substack link]💬 Follow on Instagram: @survivingme_🦋 Real stories. Raw healing.Leave a rating or comment — it helps the show reach others who are surviving something too.

We’re taught that closure brings peace. But sometimes the closure never comes. No apology. No explanation. Just silence.In this episode, we’re letting go of the idea that someone else’s validation is a requirement for your healing. Closure doesn’t come from the person who hurt you—it comes from the version of you who’s ready to move on without them.If you’ve been waiting for the right words, the why, or the wrap-up before you allow yourself to release it… this one’s for you.

This episode is a love letter to those who’ve ever felt like they had to justify their identity just to be accepted.In honor of Pride Month, we’re talking about what it means to exist without apology. To take up space as you are. To heal from the fear of being misunderstood—and to finally stop shrinking for rooms that can’t hold your truth.This one’s for those navigating identity, rejection, coming out, staying in, or simply being. You don’t owe anyone clarity before you grant yourself compassion.

This isn’t a full episode—it’s a pause.A moment to say thank you for being part of this journey.Surviving Me just hit 71 downloads and 58 listeners, and while the numbers are growing, it’s the impact that matters most.If you’ve ever listened, shared, rated, or simply pressed play… this episode is for you.Because you’re helping build a space where survival meets softness—and that’s worth celebrating.Tune in for a short, heartfelt message from me to you.We’re just getting started. 🦋

What happens when someone loves you—but not in the way you need?In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Ashley opens up about the heartbreak of being emotionally unmatched. From loving someone’s effort but feeling the absence of depth, to navigating motherhood while choosing herself, this episode is a vulnerable look at what it takes to walk away from “almost” and start meeting yourself fully.This one is for the woman who’s done performing patience. For the mother holding both her child and her boundaries. And for anyone realizing that love isn’t enough if it doesn’t meet you where you are.

In Part 1 of this soulful conversation, Ashley opens up about what it really means to fall for someone’s potential. Not who they are — but who you believe they could become.From holding onto hope to confronting hard truths, this episode unpacks the quiet grief of loving someone who never quite showed up.This is for the ones who stayed too long, who kept believing, and who had to learn that potential isn’t enough.

Jass joins us for a real, raw conversation about what it means to be the “fun one,” the “strong friend,” and the woman who holds everyone together—while quietly holding her own pain. We explore how easy it is to be overlooked when you always seem okay, and the deep healing that comes from finding sisterhood that feels safe.She opens up about betrayal, boundaries, emotional exhaustion, and learning to show up for herself in the same way she shows up for others.This one’s for the women who pour into everyone—but are finally learning to choose themselves.

You’re doing all the “right” things—meeting deadlines, showing up for others, even smiling when you don’t feel like it. On the outside, you’re thriving. But inside? You feel numb. Disconnected. Like you’re going through the motions just to get by.In this episode of Surviving Me, we’re exploring what it really means to be high-functioning but emotionally hollow. From silent burnout to emotional disconnection, we unpack how survival mode can become a lifestyle—and how to gently begin the work of feeling again.You’re not broken. You’re not weak. You’re just tired of pretending. And that’s a powerful place to start healing from.

I’m Not Rushing Love and That’s GrowthIn this solo episode, Dai unpacks what it means to stop chasing love and start choosing peace. She reflects on past patterns, emotional rushing, and the quiet power in waiting for love that feels aligned — not urgent.If you’ve ever confused intensity for intimacy, or rushed into connections hoping they’d fill a void, this one’s for you.Because healing means being okay with the pause — and knowing that slowing down is sometimes the most radical form of self-love.

Parenting will test you—but sometimes, it exposes you. In this deeply personal solo episode, Dai unpacks what it feels like when your child activates an unhealed version of you. From overreactions that don’t make sense in the moment to the slow work of self-regulation and grace, this episode is a soft but honest reflection on what it means to parent while healing.If you’ve ever felt guilt, shame, or confusion after snapping at your child—this one’s for you.You’re not broken. You’re becoming.

Abuse doesn’t always leave a mark—but it always leaves an imprint. In this live episode of Surviving Me, we’re diving deep into the many forms of abuse that often go unseen and unheard: emotional, verbal, financial, spiritual, psychological, digital, and physical.Whether you’ve lived it, watched someone you love go through it, or are still trying to make sense of your own experience—this conversation is for you.It’s not just about awareness. It’s about naming what hurt us so we can begin to reclaim what still belongs to us.🖤 Live chat will be open.🦋 Resources will be shared.🎧 Come as you are—just don’t stay silent.

In this deeply reflective episode, Ant returns to talk about the version of himself that never fully left. The one who had to survive, protect, perform, and perform again—just to make it through.But what happens when you start healing… and that old you still lingers? Do you bury him? Battle him? Or learn to integrate the lessons he carried?This conversation unpacks what it really means to grow while still being haunted by your past self—and how to move forward without shame.Raw, real, and rooted in truth, this episode is for anyone standing at the intersection of “who I was” and “who I’m trying to be.”

This episode explores what happens when “self-care” becomes an excuse to avoid accountability. Let’s talk about the difference between real boundaries and emotional walls — and why honesty is the missing piece in so many healing journeys.

You weren’t “just like that.” You were surviving.This episode unpacks the hidden trauma behind the traits we’ve mistaken for our identity. From people-pleasing to perfectionism, we’re getting real about what was never your personality — it was protection.

Sometimes what looks like healing is really just emotional avoidance dressed in spiritual language. Is that silence self-preservation… or a fear of confrontation? Is that solitude sacred… or a mask for isolation?In this solo episode of Surviving Me, we explore the blurry line between true healing and the subtle ways we hide behind it.Dai breaks down the difference between intentional growth and unconscious escape — and invites you to check in with your patterns, your boundaries, and your heart.If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re healing… or just hiding really well, this episode is for you.Let’s talk about:• The “healed girl” illusion• When boundaries become walls• Why doing the work sometimes means getting uncomfortable• A gentle call-in to choose truth over protection Because the journey back to yourself is the real work.

The truth isn’t always gentle. Sometimes it breaks you wide open before it builds you back up. In this episode of Surviving Me, we unpack the kind of truth that shatters illusions, exposes betrayal, and leaves you standing in the rubble of everything you thought was real. But in that mess? There’s freedom. There’s clarity. And there’s a chance to finally meet yourself—no filters, no lies.This is for the ones who had to learn the hard way. Who found healing in heartbreak and power in painful revelations.Because the truth might ruin your comfort… but it will rescue your soul.

Her Way Through was just the beginning…But healing evolves—and so did I.Join me as I open up about the name change, the story behind Surviving Me, and what’s coming next… including 2 powerful new segments.Tune in. Tap in. Transform.What do you think of the new nameBecause the journey back to yourself is the real work.Catch new episodes every Tuesday & Thursday!

In this diary entry, we’re breaking down a few hard but healing truths inspired by 12 Rules for Life — and what they taught me about moving different.From learning why living in your truth matters, to finally standing tall in your own light — this episode is about the glow-up that happens when you stop shrinking yourself just to survive.Because healing?It’s not just about being softer.It’s about being realer, stronger, and more honest — first with yourself.Whether you’re mid-glow or just getting started, this one’s for you.Press play, grab your journal, and let’s talk about it.

You’ve done the work. You’re healing, setting boundaries, choosing peace…But what happens when peace has to sit in the same room as your biggest trigger?In this raw solo episode, we’re getting into the emotional tug-of-war that comes from being forced to deal with someone who constantly tests your growth—especially when walking away isn’t an option.Whether it’s a co-parent, a family member, or someone from your past, this episode is for anyone learning to protect their peace without losing their progress.Because sometimes healing doesn’t look like silence—it looks like choosing not to go off… even when you could.

This episode is for every woman who’s in her soft girl era—lighting candles, drinking water, setting boundaries… but still battling the urge to pop off when disrespected.Because healing is cute until somebody tries you.We’re talking about the inner conflict of wanting peace but still feeling that fire, learning emotional regulation while staying true to yourself, and navigating the space between softness and survival mode. You’re not crazy. You’re not behind. You’re just learning to be gentle without being walked over.Welcome to the era where we’re choosing softness—but we still remember.

In this solo episode, we’re unpacking the Law of Detachment—not in a cold, distant way, but with softness and trust. Letting go doesn’t mean you don’t care. It means you trust what’s for you will stay, grow, or return in alignment.We talk about the difference between control and clarity, and how surrendering can actually bring you closer to what you want—because you’re no longer forcing it.This is for anyone who’s learning to release, not out of fear… but from a place of power.

In Part 2, Vicky returns to open up about the grief we don’t talk about enough—the kind that comes from what you never had. The nurturing, protection, or emotional safety you should’ve grown up with.She gets real about what it looks like to honor the inner child, feel the sadness without shame, and still move forward with compassion for herself and the past. If you’ve ever felt like you were parenting yourself while still healing—you’re not alone.This episode is for the version of you who needed more… and is learning to give it now.

In this episode, I’m joined by someone who’s been in my life for over a decade—my girl Vicky. We’re diving deep into what it means to become your own safe place after life, people, and even childhood taught you that safety wasn’t always guaranteed.Vicky opens up about her journey of rebuilding trust within herself, learning to show up for her emotions, and creating peace from the inside out. If you’ve ever felt like you had to shrink, hide, or constantly seek validation just to feel secure—this one’s for you.It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s rooted in growth.Let’s glow through it, together.

Everybody talks about how empowering setting boundaries can be—but nobody really talks about the grief that sometimes comes with it. In this solo episode, I get vulnerable about the side of boundaries that doesn’t always feel like a glow-up.I’m learning that sometimes standing up for yourself means standing alone. That choosing your peace can come with pain. And that honoring your worth doesn’t mean your heart won’t still miss what you walked away from.If you’ve ever felt conflicted about choosing yourself, if you’ve ever sat in the sadness that comes with walking away—this episode is your reminder that you’re not crazy, you’re just healing. And you’re not alone.

The Glow Up Diaries - Episode 1 SummaryIn the inaugural episode of "The Glow Up Diaries," the host opens up about her personal healing journey, emphasizing the emotional and often messy nature of healing. The podcast is designed as a safe space for listeners to engage with their own healing processes and share in a communal experience. The host aims to foster a supportive environment akin to a sister circle where struggles, breakthroughs, and emotions can be explored without shame. The episode balances discussions of pain with reminders of growth and resilience.Introduction to Healing Journey (Timestamp: 00:00)• The podcast is deeply personal and focuses on the healing journey, indicating that no one has it all figured out.• "It's coming straight from the trenches of healing." (Timestamp: 00:30)Concept of Healing (Timestamp: 00:40)• Healing is not a uniform process and often does not follow a conventional plan.• The journey is described as layered, emotional, and personal, which is acknowledged openly by the host. • "Healing isn't just one size fit all." (Timestamp: 00:50)The Glow Up Diary Theme (Timestamp: 01:10)• The podcast reflects both the struggles and the growth during the healing process, capturing the essence of "glowing" while experiencing pain. • "We're also glowing and we're healing and we're reclaiming." (Timestamp: 01:25)Communication Style (Timestamp: 02:00)• The host wants the experience to feel like a conversation among friends or a sister circle, creating an inclusive atmosphere.• "I made it to talk with y'all and go through it with y'all." (Timestamp: 02:15)Invitation for Listener Stories (Timestamp: 02:50)• The host expresses a desire to include listeners’ stories in the podcast, reinforcing community engagement and shared experiences. • "If anybody's comfortable with wanting to share their story, you could easily DM me." (Timestamp: 03:00)Conclusion (Timestamp: 03:20)• The episode ends on a hopeful note, encouraging listeners that they are not alone in their healing journey.• "Keep glowing through it, keep growing through it, and keep going through it." (Timestamp: 03:40) Key Takeaways• The podcast serves as both a personal diary and a collective healing space. • Healing is a journey filled with ups and downs, and listeners are encouraged to embrace both aspects. • There is an open call for shared experiences and a collaborative spirit among listeners.