I sit down with Amanda Miller Littlejohn for a deep and necessary conversation about rest, self-care, and the societal pressures that often lead to self-betrayal, especially for us. We talk about how overworking becomes ingrained in our muscle memory, making it hard to slow down, and how the “strong Black woman” trope pushes us to constantly prove ourselves.
Amanda and I explore the cultural perspectives that shape our relationship with rest and why it’s so important to incorporate daily practices that help us reconnect with ourselves. We also discuss the challenges of navigating midlife while balancing responsibilities and how identifying our sacred work can bring more joy, ease, and fulfillment into our lives. This episode is an invitation to redefine rest- not as a reward, but as a revolutionary act of self-preservation.
In this episode, we discussed:
- How the "strong Black woman" trope creates unrealistic expectations
- Why overworking becomes ingrained muscle memory- and how to break free
- The importance of daily self-care practices for staying grounded
- How self-betrayal manifests and leads to burnout, especially in midlife
- The role of cultural perspectives in shaping our understanding of rest
- Why identifying and embracing sacred work is key to a fulfilling life
- How rest can be a revolutionary act against a productivity-obsessed culture
- The connection between joy, authenticity, and pursuing personal passions
Guest Spotlight:
Amanda Miller Littlejohn explores burnout, our relationship to work, and how to find alignment at work and in life. She is a sought after executive coach and brand strategist whose clients span the globe from San Francisco to Singapore. An accomplished freelance journalist, Amanda is a 2024-2025 Rosalynn Carter Mental Health Journalism Fellow. Her writing has appeared in The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and Forbes and explores the mental health challenges and opportunities of high-achieving midlife professionals.
How to Connect with Amanda:
X - @amandamogul
IG - @iamamandamillerlittlejohn
in - in/amillerlittlejohn
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Be Well Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. The show is edited, mixed and produced by Megan Hayward. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert.
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