Embracing Life's Seasons: Growth, Resilience, and the Final Reflections of Black Woman in Bloom

As I sit here reflecting, I can't help but marvel at the seasons of life and how they ebb and flow with our deepest values and commitments. It's been a journey of growth, challenges, and self-discovery here at Black Woman in Bloom, and our final episode promises to leave you with reflections on the delicate interplay between pursuing passions and the precious moments with our loved ones. I open up about the tough decisions we face when life's demands overshadow our ambitions and share the heartfelt realization that sometimes, it's crucial to pause and appreciate the season we're in.

Drawing from the stirring memoir of Sheila Johnson, we explore the theme of resilience, embracing change, and thriving amidst uncertainty. Sheila's narrative, while uniquely hers, serves as a beacon to all of us, a reminder that each chapter in our lives builds towards greater confidence and reinvention. So as we close this chapter of Black Woman in Bloom, remember, it's not the end of the story, merely a transition into what's next. And for those eager to stay connected and informed about future endeavors or potential relaunches, I invite you to join our email list through the link provided, ensuring you're part of our journey, every step of the way.

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Transcript

TaReon Jael: 0:02

Welcome to the Black Woman in Bloom podcast, a semi-monthly podcast designed to uplift, encourage and empower Black women by exploring wellness topics that promote self-care and mindfulness. I'm your host, TaReon Jael, a certified health educator and medical lab scientist. For more information, please visit blackwomaninbloomcom. While I hope you enjoy listening to and learning from the podcast, please remember that it is not a substitute for a relationship with a licensed health care provider. Hello and welcome to Episode 33, the final episode.

TaReon Jael: 0:51

Over the last few months, I've been trying to decide what direction to take the podcast in. In the last episode, I mentioned realigning with core values. Taking the time to do that has made it clear that one of my core values is spending quality time with my family. Solo, producing a decent, quality podcast requires a reasonable amount of time and, more than anything, I want to spend quality time with my family, especially my daughter. I've loved watching her grow and learn these past almost two years. I love the special moments with her and I try to soak up every moment when I can. Sure I could work on the podcast when my daughter sleeps, but then other responsibilities lay waiting for me. The debate becomes do I work on the podcast or do I do chores. Do I do some laundry, prepare for the following work week or straighten the house? Usually the chores win and, let's be honest, there are occasions when I need to sleep, when the baby sleeps. So what's next? Honestly, I'm not exactly sure, but I know I want to keep black women in bloom going somehow. Over the past year, I've been working on completing coursework to become a meditation instructor. Maybe at some point I'll be able to facilitate black women in bloom online meditation sessions or offer pre-recorded meditations, or I may decide to relaunch the podcast, or I may start a monthly or quarterly newsletter. But let me stop myself. I don't want to fill up my to-do list with a bunch of projects just yet. I'm learning that it's okay to have many different interests, while accepting that we may not be able to pursue them in our current season of life. I recently finished listening to Sheila Johnson's book Walk Through Fire.

TaReon Jael: 3:19

Many know her as the co-founder of BET, but she's also accomplished so much outside of that. Before and during the founding of BET, she was an accomplished violinist and orchestra teacher. Once she stopped teaching, she ran a business offering private music lessons to kids. She held the family down financially and provided the most considerable amount of startup funds for BET. Then, after BET was sold, she pursued other endeavors. She pivoted into the hospitality industry by founding Salamander Resort in Virginia and investing in other resort properties. She became co-owner of three sports teams the Washington Mystics, washington Wizards and Washington Capitals. She also became heavily involved in several philanthropic endeavors.

TaReon Jael: 4:22

The most shocking thing she revealed, without giving too much away for anyone who may want to read her memoir, is that her marriage to Bob Johnson was very emotionally abusive. After the marriage ended, it took her years to heal from the emotional abuse she suffered. She still had goals, hopes and dreams, but her self-confidence had been broken. She wasn't sure what her next steps would or should be. But with each step, each new season, each new chapter, she found her confidence growing and gradually became the woman she is today. Now, obviously, chasing a toddler around and ending a podcast is nothing compared to what Sheila Johnson experienced. Still, I think it's helpful to draw inspiration from the wisdom of others in whatever way we can. So listening to Sheila Johnson's story reminded me that life has many seasons. The season we're in, whatever it entails, is the chapter, it's not the book, and that's what I want to emphasize during this final episode. It's okay not knowing what your next steps will be. Leave in the moment in this season and the next steps will be revealed as each new season unfolds. If I decide on the next steps, the Black Woman in Bloom email list family will be the first to know. So please join the email list to keep up with new updates. Check out the link in the show notes or head to blackwomaninbloomcom/ episodes/ 33 to join.

TaReon Jael: 6:16

As I reflect on this podcasting journey, I'm flooded with memories of the inspiring guests we've had, the insightful conversations we've shared and the growth we've experienced together. One of my favorite aspects has been having the opportunity to encourage and uplift other Black women and our allies. This podcast has been a personal journey and I've learned so much. Creating each episode has been a source of joy and fulfillment. I want to express my deepest thanks to this incredible community. Your engagement, messages, stories and support have made this podcast special. Some of your messages have touched my heart and I'm grateful for the community we've built together. As we close this chapter, I want to thank you. I'm incredibly grateful for the time we've spent together and I hope you carry the positive energy of Black women in bloom with you.