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.

Check out the show notes by clicking HERE.

Click HERE to join the email list and receive your FREE Expanding Your Vision guide

Episode Transcript

TaReon Jael (00:02):
Welcome to the Black Woman in Bloom podcast, a
semi-monthly podcast designed touplift, encourage and empower
Black women by exploringwellness topics that promote
self-care and mindfulness.
I'm your host, TaReon Jael, acertified health educator and
medical lab scientist.

(00:22):
For more information, pleasevisit blackwomaninbloomcom.
While I hope you enjoylistening to and learning from
the podcast, please rememberthat it is not a substitute for
a relationship with a licensedhealth care provider.
Hello and welcome to Episode 33, the final episode.

(00:51):
Over the last few months, I'vebeen trying to decide what
direction to take the podcast in.
In the last episode, Imentioned realigning with core
values.
Taking the time to do that hasmade it clear that one of my
core values is spending qualitytime with my family.

(01:12):
Solo, producing a decent,quality podcast requires a
reasonable amount of time and,more than anything, I want to
spend quality time with myfamily, especially my daughter.
I've loved watching her growand learn these past almost two

(01:34):
years.
I love the special moments withher and I try to soak up every
moment when I can.
Sure I could work on thepodcast when my daughter sleeps,
but then other responsibilitieslay waiting for me.
The debate becomes do I work onthe podcast or do I do chores.

(01:58):
Do I do some laundry, preparefor 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

(02:21):
women in bloom going somehow.
Over the past year, I've beenworking on completing coursework
to become a meditationinstructor.
Maybe at some point I'll beable to facilitate black women
in bloom online meditationsessions or offer pre-recorded

(02:42):
meditations, or I may decide torelaunch the podcast, or I may
start a monthly or quarterlynewsletter.
But let me stop myself.
I don't want to fill up myto-do list with a bunch of
projects just yet.
I'm learning that it's okay tohave many different interests,

(03:04):
while accepting that we may notbe able to pursue them in our
current season of life.
I recently finished listeningto Sheila Johnson's book Walk
Through Fire.
Many know her as the co-founderof BET, but she's also
accomplished so much outside ofthat.

(03:26):
Before and during the foundingof BET, she was an accomplished
violinist and orchestra teacher.
Once she stopped teaching, sheran a business offering private
music lessons to kids.
She held the family downfinancially and provided the
most considerable amount ofstartup funds for BET.

(03:48):
Then, after BET was sold, shepursued other endeavors.
She pivoted into thehospitality industry by founding
Salamander Resort in Virginiaand investing in other resort
properties.
She became co-owner of threesports teams the Washington

(04:11):
Mystics, washington Wizards andWashington Capitals.
She also became heavilyinvolved in several
philanthropic endeavors.
The most shocking thing sherevealed, without giving too
much away for anyone who maywant to read her memoir, is that
her marriage to Bob Johnson wasvery emotionally abusive.

(04:34):
After the marriage ended, ittook her years to heal from the
emotional abuse she suffered.
She still had goals, hopes anddreams, but her self-confidence
had been broken.
She wasn't sure what her nextsteps would or should be.
But with each step, each newseason, each new chapter, she

(04:56):
found her confidence growing andgradually became the woman she
is today.
Now, obviously, chasing atoddler around and ending a
podcast is nothing compared towhat Sheila Johnson experienced.
Still, I think it's helpful todraw inspiration from the wisdom

(05:18):
of others in whatever way wecan.
So listening to SheilaJohnson's story reminded me that
life has many seasons.
The season we're in, whateverit entails, is the chapter, it's
not the book, and that's what Iwant to emphasize during this
final episode.
It's okay not knowing what yournext steps will be.

(05:42):
Leave in the moment in thisseason and the next steps will
be revealed as each new seasonunfolds.
If I decide on the next steps,the Black Woman in Bloom email
list family will be the first toknow.
So please join the email listto keep up with new updates.

(06:03):
Check out the link in the shownotes or head to
blackwomaninbloomcom/ episodes/33 to join.
As I reflect on this podcastingjourney, I'm flooded with
memories of the inspiring guestswe've had, the insightful

(06:24):
conversations we've shared andthe growth we've experienced
together.
One of my favorite aspects hasbeen having the opportunity to
encourage and uplift other Blackwomen and our allies.
This podcast has been apersonal journey and I've
learned so much.
Creating each episode has beena source of joy and fulfillment.

(06:49):
I want to express my deepestthanks to this incredible
community.
Your engagement, messages,stories and support have made
this podcast special.
Some of your messages havetouched my heart and I'm
grateful for the community we'vebuilt together.

(07:10):
As we close this chapter, Iwant to thank you.
I'm incredibly grateful for thetime we've spent together and I
hope you carry the positiveenergy of Black women in bloom
with you.