228: Healing and Finding Strength After Surprise Heartbreak with Shanel Dubique and Ashley Orjiako

In this episode of Happiness Happens, I sit down with Shanel and Ashley, the duo behind the transformative podcast "Soothing H.E.R." Our conversation sheds light on the internal healing journey necessary for finding joy and resilience in life's most tumultuous time. 

The Power of Resilience Shanel and Ashley's stories are nothing short of inspiring. We uncover the raw and often painful process of healing from life's inevitable heartbreaks. Ashley shares her harrowing experience of dealing with betrayal just a week before her wedding, finding the courage to call off the marriage despite societal pressures and personal agony. Shanel, on the other hand, speaks about her divorce after a seven-year marriage, describing the isolation and struggle of starting anew in a foreign land. Their stories, though unique, converge on a powerful theme - the incredible strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

The Catalyst for Change The conversation takes a deeper dive into the catalyst moments that propelled Shanel and Ashley to start their podcast. Ashley's traumatic heartbreak served as a profound wake-up call, pushing her towards intense therapy and self-reflection. Shanel, having gone through a similar journey of a painful divorce, became an unwavering source of support for Ashley, eventually leading them both to create "Soothing H.E.R" as an outlet for their healing and as a platform to support others going through similar challenges.

Life on the Other Side They emphasize the beauty and liberation found in choosing oneself and walking away from toxic situations. Despite the fear and uncertainty that accompany such decisions, they assure listeners that liberation, strength, and happiness await on the other side. It's a message of hope for anyone feeling trapped or uncertain - that courage and self-love can lead to a richer, more fulfilling life.

The episode closes with a poignant reminder about the importance of giving oneself grace and setting positive intentions for each day. For anyone navigating their own healing journey, their stories serve as a reminder that, despite the pain and challenges, happiness is attainable and often found in the most unexpected places.

 

We’ll touch on:

• 00:00 Intro

• 02:07 What does happiness mean to Shanel and Ashley

• 04:32 Is inner peace always accessible to everyone

• 07:09 Catalyst moment that made them realize they needed to make their podcast to bring women together

• 14:55 How to separate the action of the other person in your relationship and your own self worth

• 19:49 The catch of finding yourself disappearing further into a relationship and feeling muted

• 23:43 Life on the other side of choosing you

• 25:48 Advice for women who are hearing from others that they're making the wrong decision even though they know it is the right one for themselves

• 30:19 How to create more happiness in your day, every day, starting today

Resources:

• Podcast Resources: https://www.simonacostantini.com/resources