Truth Then Dare with Dr. Nandi Shareef

Episode 10: There’s Joy in the Journey with Sameerah Shareef

Guest: Sameerah Shareef In this special episode of the Truth Then Dare podcast, Dr. Nandi Shareef is joined by her mother, Sameerah Shareef, a certified nurse midwife and pastor, to explore the profound theme of choosing joy in the face of adversity. Sameerah shares her inspiring journey of overcoming life's hardships by grounding herself in joy, faith, and gratitude. This heartfelt conversation highlights the difference between happiness and joy, the importance of ritualizing joy, and the transformative power of a positive mindset. Key Takeaways: The Difference Between Happiness and Joy: * Sameerah explains that happiness is often dependent on external circumstances, while joy is a deep-seated state of being that can persist regardless of life's challenges. The Role of Faith: * Joy is described as being rooted in faith and trust in a higher power, which provides strength and resilience during difficult times. Ritualizing Joy: * Practical tips on how to incorporate joy into daily life, such as spending time in nature, enjoying simple pleasures, and maintaining a gratitude practice. Personal Stories of Resilience: * Sameerah shares a poignant story about choosing joy in a life-or-death situation, illustrating the power of a joyful mindset. Mother-Daughter Bond: * The episode also highlights the strong, supportive relationship between Dr. Nandi and Sameerah, showcasing the importance of family and love. Time-stamped Discussion Points: * 00:00 The importance of exploring the power of joy during challenges * 05:01 Exercising gratitude for family and finding joy amid challenges * 07:39 Finding solace in breathing during life's challenges * 11:35 How faith and spiritual guidance averted a tragic decision * 15:48 The value of emotional sensitivity, vulnerability, and choosing joy * 17:23 Developing grounding skills to manage overwhelming empathy * 22:16 The power of deep appreciation for simple necessities and the like * 27:22 How embracing joy, appreciating others, and sharing it widely makes all the difference #TTDareoftheDay: Today, dare to find joy in a small, unexpected place. Even if life feels heavy or uncertain, pause and look for a single “joy point” — that spark of warmth or gratitude, however tiny it may be. Maybe it’s the quiet comfort of your morning coffee, a favorite song that lifts your spirits, or simply the beauty of the world around you. Let this small joy remind you of your strength, your resilience, and your capacity to find light even in the darkest moments. Embrace this joy wholeheartedly, and carry it with you today as a reminder that you are equipped for this journey, and you are meant to be here, right now, living it. Quotes: * "For me, joy was something that was consistent. There was always a joyful spot somewhere.”- Rev. Sameerah Shareef * “I could be upset.. But the scripture says count it all joy. You make a decision to find the joy.”- Rev. Sameerah Shareef * “God has gifted you in ways that only you are gifted...If you don’t bring forth your gifts in the way that God gave them to you...then you haven’t had an opportunity to live to the fullest that God wants you to live.”- Rev. Sameerah Shareef * “There is no greater, more noble vocation than motherhood. It's the best job I've ever done!”- Rev. Sameerah Shareef Join the Truth Then Dare Movement, Subscribe & Follow: * Join our community newsletter! [http://bit.ly/TruthThenDare] * Check out the Truth Then Dare website * Follow Dr. Nandi on Social Media  * LinkedIn: Dr. Nandi Shareef, PCC [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drnandijshareef] * Instagram: @truththendare  [https://www.instagram.com/truththendare/] * Youtube: @truththendare [https://www.youtube.com/@TruthThenDare] Thank you for listening! Be sure to subscribe to the podcast [http://truththendare.com/podcast] for more episodes focused on going deep, embracing your vulnerabilities, and starting to live an authentic life on your terms.  If you enjoyed today's episode, please rate and review the podcast [http://truththendare.com/podcast]. Your support and feedback helps our audience grow and improve the value of our content.

Episode 9 : What You See is What You Get (Solo Episode)

In this final solo episode of the season, Dr. Nandi Shareef delves into the powerful concept that our beliefs drive our lives. Through personal anecdotes and insightful observations, she explores how deeply ingrained beliefs shape our experiences, relationships, and life outcomes. Dr. Nandi shares her journey of recognizing and transforming these beliefs to create a more fulfilling life, offering listeners practical advice on how to do the same. Key Topics: * Introduction to the Topic: * Importance of understanding how beliefs drive life experiences. * Personal anecdotes of recurring challenges in relationships, career, and friendships. * Recognizing Patterns: * Identifying and understanding recurring negative patterns. * The significance of approaching these patterns with curiosity. * Beliefs vs. Facts: * Clarifying the difference between immutable facts and changeable beliefs. * How beliefs are formed and how they influence behavior and experiences. * Changing Beliefs: * Practical steps to adopt new, empowering beliefs. * Examples of how changing beliefs can lead to different, more life affirming outcomes. * Embracing Challenges: * Understanding that new beliefs won’t prevent challenges but will change how they are navigated. * The importance of having a renewed mindset to tackle new and different problems. Quotes: * “Your beliefs drive your life.”- Dr. Nandi Shareef * "The only way out is through. And the only way to get it done is to do." - Dr. Nandi Shareef * “Anywhere where you don't like the results in your life, there's an opportunity and an invitation to examine your beliefs and decide that different beliefs are what's needed and wanted.” - Dr. Nandi Shareef #TTDareoftheDay:  Take a moment and reflect on an area of your life where you're not seeing the results you truly want. Is it in your relationships, your career, your health? Now, ask yourself: What belief is driving this? Get curious. What’s the story you’ve been telling yourself that’s keeping you stuck? Now here’s the dare—choose a new belief. One that serves you. One that aligns with the life you actually want to live. Try on that new belief and act as if it’s already your truth. The only way to shift your life is to shift your beliefs. So today, I dare you to believe something new. Watch what happens.   Time stamped discussion points:  00:00 The journey of recognizing, investigating, and understanding recurring life patterns  06:23 How formative experiences created a self limiting, victim mindset  07:15 The value of introspection and how it revealed beliefs’ role in shaping and driving life experiences. 12:33 The importance of reflecting and evaluating the impact of beliefs.  15:52 How adopting new beliefs reduced repeated suffering and diversified challenges. Next Episode Teaser: In this special and final episode of the Truth Then Dare podcast, Dr. Nandi Shareef is joined by her mother, Reverend Sameerah Shareef, a certified nurse midwife and pastor, to explore the profound theme of choosing joy in the face of adversity. Reverend Sameerah shares her inspiring journey of overcoming life's hardships by grounding herself in joy, faith, and gratitude. This heartfelt conversation highlights the difference between happiness and joy, the importance of ritualizing joy, and the transformative power of a positive mindset. Join the Truth Then Dare Movement, Subscribe & Follow: * Join our community newsletter! [http://bit.ly/TruthThenDare] * Check out the Truth Then Dare website [http://truththendare.com] * Follow Dr. Nandi on Social Media  * LinkedIn: Dr. Nandi Shareef, PCC [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drnandijshareef] * Youtube: @truththendare [https://www.youtube.com/@TruthThenDare] * Instagram: @truththendare  [https://www.instagram.com/truththendare/] Thank you for listening! Be sure to subscribe to the podcast [http://truththendare.com/podcast] for more episodes focused on going deep, embracing your vulnerabilities, and starting to live an authentic life on your terms. If you enjoyed today's episode, please rate and review the podcast [http://truththendare.com/podcast]. Your support and feedback helps our audience grow and improve the value of our content.

Episode 8: When We Heal Ourselves, We Heal Each Other with Ellena Balkcom

Guest: Ellena Balkcom Welcome back to another episode of the Truth Then Dare podcast, hosted by Dr. Nandi Shareef. In this deeply moving episode, Dr. Nandi chats with Ellena Balkcom about the power of healing, vulnerability, and transformation.  Ellena Balkcom, [http://www.writtenonpurpose.com] Founder of Written on Purpose and former employee of The Walt Disney Company, shares her remarkable journey of healing and self-discovery. After deciding to leave her corporate career to launch her business, Ellena faced unprecedented challenges, including a life threatening car accident and a painful marital breakdown. This episode explores Ellena's story of resilience and the profound impact major life transitions can have on individuals and their families. Key Takeaways: Major Life Transitions: * Ellena transitioned from Orlando, Florida to Savannah, Georgia, facing numerous obstacles, including leaving a stable job at The Walt Disney Company and dealing with marital challenges. * A near-fatal car accident required emergency surgery and led to a significant hospital stay.  * Despite her husband's lack of support during her recovery, Ellena found the strength to move forward, co-writing a book from her hospital bed, which sparked her re-energized spirit. Rebuilding and Growth: * After her marriage fell apart, Ellena took the courageous steps to leave, get a job, and move to Atlanta.  * She bought a house, creating stability and a new life for herself and her daughter. * Ellena’s journey highlights the vulnerability of not having permission or time to break down, particularly as it affected her daughter who observed the challenges closely. Healing Through Rediscovery: * Ellena healed by rediscovering herself, allowing herself time, and appreciating the love and support she received. * She encourages listeners to rediscover themselves, steer clear of harmful coping mechanisms, and to share their stories for communal healing. Time-stamped Discussion Points: * 05:21 Ellena’s story of how she left a cushy role in Orlando for her husband's job relocation to Savannah and subsequently launched her writing services firm * 10:12 How Ellena’s near-fatal car accident led to emergency surgery and lasting trauma for daughter * 17:11 How Ellena transitioned remarkably, creating a successful and fulfilling life post-divorce * 22:07 How entrepreneurship can surpass corporate success, yielding significant rewards despite challenges * 27:53 The importance of rediscovering identity after divorce and remembering who you were before marriage and children #TTDareoftheDay: Dare to Rediscover Yourself. Who were you before life’s challenges shaped you? Chase that version of yourself with unwavering determination—the path to healing and fulfillment starts within. Quotes: * "Many of us don’t realize how much of ourselves we lose in trauma and transition and surviving." - Ellena Balkcom * "I felt such a tug that it's something more. It's something different, not necessarily better, just more of me that was left to be discovered and put into the world, more of the world to be experienced. And I just couldn't shake it." - Ellena Balkcom * "It was less about proving anything to anybody else and more about making her (my daughter) proud." - Ellena Balkcom Connect with Ellena for Ongoing Inspiration: * Written On Purpose: * Website: www.writtenonpurpose.com [http://www.writtenonpurpose.com] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wopcomms/ [https://www.instagram.com/wopcomms/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WOPComms/ [https://www.facebook.com/WOPComms/?locale=he_IL] Next Episode Teaser:  In this solo episode, Dr. Nandi Shareef delves into the powerful concept that our beliefs drive our lives. Through personal anecdotes and insightful observations, she explores how deeply ingrained beliefs shape our experiences, relationships, and outcomes. Dr. Nandi shares her journey of recognizing and transforming these beliefs to create a more fulfilling life, offering listeners practical advice on how to do the same. Join the Truth Then Dare Movement, Subscribe & Follow: * Join our community newsletter! [http://bit.ly/TruthThenDare] * Check out the Truth Then Dare website * Follow Dr. Nandi on Social Media  * LinkedIn: Dr. Nandi Shareef, PCC [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drnandijshareef] * Instagram: @truththendare  [https://www.instagram.com/truththendare/] * Youtube: @truththendare [https://www.youtube.com/@TruthThenDare] Thank you for listening! Be sure to subscribe to the podcast [http://truththendare.com/podcast] for more episodes focused on going deep, embracing your vulnerabilities, and starting to live an authentic life on your terms.  If you enjoyed today's episode, please rate and review the podcast [http://truththendare.com/podcast]. Your support and feedback helps our audience grow and improve the value of our content.

Episode 7: Dark Nights Don’t Last Forever (Solo Episode)

In this empowering solo episode of the Truth Then Dare podcast, Dr. Nandi Shareef explores the concept of "Dark Nights of the Soul", a phrase coined by 16th Century Spanish Mystic, St. John of the Cross, which are those challenging periods in life when everything seems overwhelming and unending. Drawing from her own experiences with hardships such as job losses, relationship challenges, and personal grief, Dr. Nandi offers practical techniques and uplifting advice to help listeners navigate through dark periods and hold onto hope. Key Topics: 1. Techniques for Self-Soothing Through Dark Nights: * Take Care to Take Care: Invest in self-care practices to create a comforting space through scent-scaping with candles/essential oils, meditation, journaling, and taking showers or baths. * Physically Move Through Challenges: Engage in physical activities like taking walks with gratitude meditations, dancing to favorite tunes, or practicing yoga to release tension and improve your mood. * Meet Yourself Where You Are: Identify and nurture the different parts of yourself such as your protectors and exiles (from No Bad Parts) or your inner child, teenager, unhealthy adult (variations from both Susan Anderson’s literature and Lori Jean Glass’ work) by understanding their needs and providing age and context-specific comforts. 2. Ways to Hold On to Hope: * Reflect on Past Resilience: You've survived every hard day before, drawing strength from personal history or ancestral perseverance. * Your Vision Over Your Circumstances: Remind yourself that your long-term vision and goals are more significant than your current struggles. Quotes: * “I care enough about myself to take care of myself.” - Dr. Nandi Shareef * “You want to identify the parts inside of you that are having this difficult experience and ask them what they need from you.” - Dr. Nandi Shareef * "In every point in your life, especially during a dark night of the soul, you deserve a soundtrack, too, one that actually helps to narrate and firm up the experience that you're experiencing." - Dr. Nandi Shareef #TTDareoftheDay: 🚶🏾‍♀️This week, I dare you to take a walk and listen to a gratitude meditation. As you move, reflect on the things in your life you can appreciate, no matter how small. Let this moment remind you that your long-term vision is so much bigger than today’s challenges. You’ve got this—keep moving forward with gratitude.   Time stamped discussion points:  00:00 How it feels to endure repeated life adversities and strive onward 04:37 The importance of prioritizing intentional self-care and personal well-being 09:45 Exploring practices such as gratitude meditation and dancing to improve mood 11:50 Identifying the internal parts we all have and the value of understanding their needs 14:47 How creating a personal soundtrack for difficult times changes everything  17:50 A call to action to cling to hope and allow your vision to transcend your current struggles   Resources Mentioned: * Book Recommendation: * "No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model" by Dick Schwartz [https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/181844193-dr-nandi-shareef] * The Journey from Abandonment to Healing: Turn the End of a Relationship into the Beginning of a New Life by Susan Anderson [https://www.amazon.com/Journey-Abandonment-Healing-Relationship-Beginning/dp/0425172287] * Artists Mentioned: * Londrelle [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazFkVG5XR0VSbXRWbXJqeVYwVUZjN0k5WHdRUXxBQ3Jtc0trSF9EZ0J4RVFQSC1kRHBTZTVsV1YybGRBcF83NFdKWkFXRVlGZUJhMHNxaDFyOHJYZG55MENaNDBlbjJGUUwyNXFHUkNrRml2RGpWTDZPMFI4RlpoU2VLLWkxWmNEV1RUeTlkdjYyRWdfdzVEdmItVQ&q=instagram.com%2Flondrelle] * Beautiful Chorus [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa0I4R25meWUxblJtNVRqSnByU3JzazhZQk9qd3xBQ3Jtc0tsSmxldWk4NVFkVWRxWGlTd0VRWGJNZlROUEQzbG1FSExPOTVnczNLeHZGREg3Mng4SE0zM2lJV3VBM1pwOUppbWRScVBLTE1TeDkwODRobzc4alVoR2hKX0dvXzB3MHlkR1dIRXpaaTBNRG81aDJvRQ&q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.BeautifulChorus.com] *  Gratitude Meditation: * 21 Day Gratitude Meditation by Jessica Heslop [https://youtu.be/xfD4HaBBc0I?feature=shared] Next Episode Teaser: In the next empowering conversation with Dr. Nandi Shareef, she sits down with Ellena Balkcom [http://www.writtenonpurpose.com] to dive into the power of individual healing, vulnerability, and transformation to help transform both oneself and also the next generation.    Join the Truth Then Dare Movement, Subscribe & Follow: * Join our community newsletter! [http://bit.ly/TruthThenDare] * Check out the Truth Then Dare website [http://truththendare.com] * Follow Dr. Nandi on Social Media  * LinkedIn: Dr. Nandi Shareef, PCC [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drnandijshareef] * Youtube: @truththendare [https://www.youtube.com/@TruthThenDare] * Instagram: @truththendare  [https://www.instagram.com/truththendare/] Thank you for listening! Be sure to subscribe to the podcast [http://truththendare.com/podcast] for more episodes focused on going deep, embracing your vulnerabilities, and starting to live an authentic life on your terms. If you enjoyed today's episode, please rate and review the podcast [http://truththendare.com/podcast]. Your support and feedback helps our audience grow and improve the value of our content.

Episode 6: Sometimes, You Have to Fight for Your Friendships with Ashley Company

In this heartfelt and illuminating episode, Dr. Nandi Shareef and her best friend, Ashley Company, [http://ashleyncompany.com] delve into the intricacies of sustaining long-term friendships. Reflecting on their 20-year bond, they candidly discuss the challenges, misunderstandings, and the necessity of fighting to preserve meaningful connections. As visionary entrepreneur and CEO of Jelani Travel [http://gojelanitravel.com], Ashley brings not only her travel expertise but also her profound insights into relationship building and maintenance. Key Topics: 1. Accidental Beginnings: * Discussion on how their accidental meeting turned into a cherished, long-term friendship. 2. Surviving and Thriving After Conflict * Candid talk about a rough patch in their 20-year friendship. * Insights on dealing with life's stresses while trying to maintain a strong bond. * Sharing of personal vulnerabilities and how that aided their reconciliation. 3. Personal Growth Through Friendship * The importance of mutual effort, boundaries, and giving each other space and time. * The emotional journey and development that leads to a stronger, more resilient friendship. 4. Vulnerability and Truth as Tools for Healing * Embracing vulnerability as an essential part of friendship. * How focusing outwardly on each other's needs helps build empathy and understanding. 5. Advice to Listeners * The importance of taking intentional time and space, setting boundaries, and daring to be vulnerable. Time stamped discussion points:  00:00 The power of a chance encounter under the stairs that initiated a meaningful 20-year friendship 05:17 The challenges of navigating our thirties and the questioning of the longevity of our friendship that came along with it 10:17 An emotional reflection on the events that almost tore us apart and our commitment to creating an enduring friendship 16:12 How life's shifts challenge friendships, necessitating constant adaptation, flexibility, and commitment 18:16 The value in developing trust, emotional maturity, and communication for future relationships 22:59 The choice to gain perspective and experience empathy by focusing outward Quotes: * "We were always meant to be friends, and that's why our friendship has been able to withstand the test of time." - Ashley Company * Regarding friendships: “Just because you don't have the answers doesn't mean you can't try something."- Ashley Company * “When you dare to do that harder thing, that's when you get out of your comfort zone.” - Ashley Company * "The vulnerability is being seen in that challenging moment and daring to continue being seen until you heal." - Dr. Nandi Shareef * "Real friends will go into the forest and find you and bring you home." - Mindy Kaling referenced by Dr. Nandi Shareef #TTDareoftheDay: Dr. Nandi dares you to get clear on the relationships that matter today. Reach out to someone you’ve drifted apart from, or take a step back from what’s not serving you. Be bold enough to fight for what’s worth it—and brave enough to let go of what isn’t. Connect with Ashley: * Websites * ashleyncompany.com  [http://ashleyncompany.com] * gojelanitravel.com [http://gojelanitravel.com] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sylviahigh/instagram.com/ashleyncompany_ [http://instagram.com/ashleyncompany_] Next Episode Teaser: Tune in next time as Dr. Nandi explores the concept of "Dark Nights of the Soul" – those challenging periods in life when everything seems overwhelming and unending. Join the Truth Then Dare Movement, Subscribe & Follow: * Join our community newsletter! [http://bit.ly/TruthThenDare] * Check out the Truth Then Dare website [http://truththendare.com] * Follow Dr. Nandi on Social Media  * LinkedIn: Dr. Nandi Shareef, PCC [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drnandijshareef] * Youtube: @truththendare [https://www.youtube.com/@TruthThenDare] * Instagram: @truththendare  [https://www.instagram.com/truththendare/] Thank you for listening! Be sure to subscribe to the podcast [http://truththendare.com/podcast] for more episodes focused on going deep, embracing your vulnerabilities, and starting to live an authentic life on your terms. If you enjoyed today's episode, please rate and review the podcast [http://truththendare.com/podcast]. Your support and feedback helps our audience grow and improve the value of our content.