Self Care Oasis - Standout Authors Unbound with Samantha Gregory

Join me, Samantha Gregory, the self-care alchemist, as I chat with host Kevin about my journey from people-pleasing and burnout to becoming an author and advocate for self-devotion and healthy boundaries. In this episode, we unpack my book No More Crumbs, dive into my writing process, discuss the impact of toxic relationships, and explore the power of journaling, personal transformation, and embracing incremental change.

Timestamps & Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction & Samantha’s Self-Care Journey01:03 - Pivotal Moments: Early Menopause as a Wake-Up Call02:16 - Overcoming People-Pleasing & Saying No04:04 - Recognizing FOMO and Trusting the Universe05:40 - How Samantha Decides What to Say Yes To08:04 - Discovering Writing and Becoming an Author10:10 - The Importance of Self-Awareness and Journaling16:10 - Samantha’s Book Writing Process17:24 - Interviews & Strategies in “No More Crumbs”26:04 - Promoting the Book & Realities of Book Sales31:47 - Impact: Reader Testimonials & Transformation33:42 - The Key Lesson: Reinventing Yourself42:09 - Advice for Aspiring Authors47:28 - Challenge: Being More Intentional & Self-Aware48:31 - Where to Find Samantha Gregory & Closing

If you’re ready to shift from surviving to thriving, set boundaries, and cultivate self-love, this episode will empower you with practical tools and inspiration. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a comment, and check out No More Crumbs at nomorecromsdating.com.

Follow Samantha:Substack: Self-Care OasisLinkedIn: Samantha GregorySelf-Devotion Office Hours: Third Thursdays at noon EST

#SelfCareOasis #SamanthaGregory #StandoutAuthorsUnbound #SelfLove #NoMoreCrumbs #PersonalGrowth #Podcast

I’m Samantha Gregory, your guide and architect of the Self Devotion Sanctuary, a transformational space designed for women who are ready to transition from merely surviving to living deliberately. Here, we cultivate nervous system wealth, establish real boundaries, and design our lives around capability rather than exhaustion.

The Path to Self Devotion

In today’s society, the concept of self-care is often seen as a temporary solution, a bandaid for the deeper issues we face. However, I’ve discovered that true transformation requires more than just self-care; it demands self devotion. Self devotion isn’t a chore or an obligation. It is a lifestyle, an innate embodiment of who we are.

From Self-Care to Self Devotion

My journey from self-sacrifice to self-care, and ultimately to self devotion, has been profound. Self-care, while necessary, is not enough. It wasn’t until I became wholly dedicated and devoted to myself that I found lasting change. Self devotion became the path that guided me from burnout and survival mode to a life of joy and intention.

Daily Practices of Self Devotion

Every day, I practice self devotion through meditation and mindfulness, resetting myself whenever I feel anxious or frazzled. This process might involve simple acts like folding laundry or taking a stroll. These resets allow me to realign with my purpose and prevent me from living a fragmented life.

Putting myself first, prioritizing my needs, giving myself grace, and moving away from self-neglect, is essential. Many might find this counterintuitive, but it’s a vital part of nurturing and listening to one’s intuition. By doing so, self-care becomes second nature, and I no longer need to schedule it in. It just happens.

Living with Radical Responsibility

Taking radical responsibility for my life has been a transformative step in my journey to self devotion. It means taking ownership of my thoughts, actions, and the life I am creating. This perspective empowers me to let go of external pressures and to focus on my own needs and boundaries.

Breaking Free from External Validation

I learned the hard lessons of self-abandonment and the need to please others by carrying the burden of others’ expectations. However, after a pivotal diagnosis, I realized the necessity of radical self-care. I began to focus inward, listening to my body, and allowing myself the grace to let go of unrealistic obligations.

Empowering Yourself through Self Devotion

By adopting a mindset of self devotion, I have begun to see and care for myself as the worthy individual I am. Living with intentional self devotion allows me to fill my own cup, leading to an overflow that empowers me to support others without sacrificing my well-being.

Invitation to the Self Devotion Sanctuary

I invite you to join me on this journey of shameless self devotion. Within our community on Substack, I share articles, videos, and personal insights to guide you from self-sacrifice to self-care and self devotion. One-on-one mentorship is also available for more personalized guidance.

Conclusion

This journey begins and ends with you, empowering you to live your dreams and align your life with your true self. Embrace the fullness of self devotion, and let it transform your life from survival to thriving.

Until next time, remember to prioritize yourself. Subscribe for more insights into the life of self devotion, and let’s continue this journey together.

Timestamp

00:00 Introduction: The Shift from Self-Care to Self-Devotion00:55 Understanding Self-Devotion01:54 Daily Practices for Self-Devotion02:47 The Importance of Resetting and Realigning03:09 Overcoming Self-Neglect and Burnout03:36 Recognizing and Honoring Your Intuition08:47 The Journey to Radical Responsibility12:57 Living a Life of Overflow14:45 Invitation to Join the Community17:24 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode, I sit down with Adaku Mbagwu, a firstborn daughter specialist, to dive deep into the unique challenges and healing journeys of eldest daughters.

We talk about what it means to be an eldest daughter, the pressures and unspoken expectations we carry, and how those roles shape our identities, boundaries, and relationships.

If you’ve ever felt like the family fixer or struggled to put yourself first, this episode is for you.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction & What’s in This Episode00:39 - Meet Adaku Mbagwu: Firstborn Daughter Specialist02:08 - Adaku’s Eldest Daughter Story & Early Responsibilities06:13 - Hitting Rock Bottom: Burnout and Breaking Free10:16 - Recognizing Eldest Daughter Syndrome13:09 - The Power of Boundaries & Re-learning Self Care17:37 - The Trap of Perpetual Caretaking21:01 - Practical Ways to Fill Your Cup24:40 - Healthy Coping vs. Negative Patterns28:29 - The Physical Impact: Back Pain and Suppressed Emotions33:03 - Building Support and Safe Friendships36:32 - How to Know if You Have Eldest Daughter Syndrome38:19 - Signs, Symptoms & How They Show Up42:33 - Mother-Daughter Relationships: Breaking Generational Patterns51:52 - Setting Boundaries Without Justification57:19 - Grieving the Old Self & Moving Forward59:29 - About the Healed Hero Community & Where to Find Adaku1:00:31 - Closing Thoughts & Final Encouragement

If you’ve ever felt alone in your experience, this episode will help you see yourself in a new light and give you practical tools for your healing journey. 💜

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share. Leave a comment below if this resonated with you or if you want to share your own eldest daughter story!

Find Adaku:

Grab her free burnout guide on her website: https://www.healedhero.comInstagram & LinkedIn: @adakumbagwu

Follow the Self Care Oasis Podcast for more heart-opening conversations about boundaries, balance, and bliss.

#SelfCareOasis #EldestDaughterSyndrome #Boundaries #HealingJourney #SelfCareCommunity