Lifted to Life by Danna B.: Discovering Your Authentic Self

When we talk about domestic violence, the focus almost always falls on the victim—leaving the children in the shadows. But what happens to the children who grow up watching the abuse? How does that trauma shape who they become? As a child of a domestic violence survivor, I grew up battling low self-esteem and deep feelings of unworthiness. I made a promise to myself that I would never marry an abu...

Have you ever decorated for the next season weeks before it arrives, or caught yourself constantly saying, "I can't wait until Friday"? In this grounded, eye-opening episode, we explore why human psychology naturally wires us to live in anticipation rather than the present moment—and why rushing through our days means rushing through our lives. We break down the subconscious habits d...

We dive into a raw, firsthand account of what happens when you re-invite erratic behavior into your life under the guise of duty or love, and why absorbing emotional blows eventually erodes your mental well-being. Walking away is a unilateral decision—you don't need their permission, agreement, or "closure" to protect your space. What you’ll learn in this episode: The "Toxic Inv...

The voice in your head is your biggest critic. We tend to allow the voice in our head to order and dictate how we approach things that we want to accomplish. That self doubt creeps in and says, “You can’t. You will fail. This won’t be a success.”  Silence that voice in your head by telling it to SHUT THE FUCK UP! After listening to Porsha Williams interview, she expressed the importance of quietin...

You’ve spent two decades being "Mom," but what happens when the kids finally move out? For many, the "empty nest" is promised as a time of pure freedom—but the reality is often a complicated mix of celebration, quiet houses, and unexpected tears. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the Empty Nester transition. Join us as we explore the raw, unfiltered truth of reclaimi...

Why staying in an asymmetrical relationship just to avoid being single is a slow drain on your self-worth. Let's discuss the 5 clear signs you're carrying all the emotional, logistical, and communicative weight (and constantly rationalizing the bare minimum). Let's Chat! Resources: Journey To The Heart by Melody Beattie Email Me: LiftedToLife@gmail.com

Racism, classism, sexism, and colorism—we see these "isms" play out on our screens, in media like School Daze, and across reality TV franchises like The Real Housewives of Atlanta and Potomac. But what happens when the bias doesn't just come from the outside world or the workplace? What happens when it lives under your own roof, embedded right in your direct bloodline? In this episod...

With age comes wisdom, but some lessons take a few heartbreaks, red flags, and years of people-pleasing to fully land. Turning 50 changed the game for me, and in today's episode, I’m sharing the key truths I wish my younger self had understood. We’re talking about the freedom of saying "No," surviving tough relationships by trusting your non-negotiables, choosing deep-rooted joy over fleeting happ...

Have you ever noticed how often the word "but" sneaks into your vocabulary when you talk about your dreams? “I want to travel, but…” “I want to start that project, but…” In this episode, we dive deep into the weightless excuses we carry that keep us from reaching our fullest potential.  From a eye-opening lunch conversation about travel and cruises to the biblical story of Moses at the b...

Growing up, I never heard words of encouragement or support from my mother. It wasn't entirely her fault; it was a cycle. My grandmother never nurtured my mom, so my mom didn't know how to do the same for my siblings and me. When I had daughters of my own, I chose to break that cycle. I wanted my girls to feel deeply noticed, loved, and supported. Today, the young women of Gen Z and Gen Al...

I’ve Been Gone For a Minute Now. I’m back with the Jump Off! Can we talk? In today’s episode, I wanna catch you up on what’s been happening in my life.  I was in a sheer state of exhaustion, anger and frustration. ALL OF THE THINGS! I’m maneuvering and managing through it all. Doing what I can to maintain.  It was time to pivot my way of thinking and operating in a climate of change.  Listening to...

These past 5 years have been plagued with so much death. People of different ages are taking their final rest. It really took a toll on me. Especially when my GGF and Uncle passed away back-to-back. It was a punch to the gut. I had never experienced grief of this magnitude before. I looked the way I felt. It was a hard time with no time stamp. It was rough. I thank God that I recognized the emotio...

Observing my parents as they walked towards me one afternoon, I recognized that my parents are no longer as spry and vibrant as they once were. The reality is that my mother and father are well on their years. I have realized that time with my parents must be intentional.  Time is priceless. It is what we cannot get back. How we truly spend our time is an important form of Selfcare. Being intentio...

We have a tendency to play the game of “Beat The Clock”. We find ourselves facing anxiety and frustration because we are in a fictitious “race” with others. Trying to get something done before someone else.   Comparing your accomplishments to others. It’s important to take “YOUR” time. Scripture says, “I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the stro...

I have been renewed. I am living life anew, by walking in my coochie energy. I was reminded recently that I as a woman, I am resilient, I am sexy. I have reignited the light that shines in and through me; thanks to my co-worker and the words of Dr. Stacii Jae Johnson.  Walking in my coochie Energy reminds  me of how Confident, Cabable and Beautiful I am.  Yeah I may be in menopause and have gained...

Filters on your selfies are temporary layers, that cover who you truly are.  People tend to show in spaces in fear of being their authentic self. Instead of the perfect selfie, show up as your perfect self. Whatever that may look like. Don’t be afraid to be who you really are. Wear what you want to wear. Say what’s on your heart. Set those boundaries. Speak your truth. Stand on who you are. Take t...

Back Up and Breathe; When Things Get Overwhelming? Are you overwhelmed? Whether it’s your personal or professional life, you must learn to back up and breathe. Give yourself the grace that you deserve to keep you from being overwhelmed.  What steps are you taking to avoid being overwhelmed? Are you staying in that headspace? With all that’s going one while maneuvering through uncertainty of this a...

Stop waiting for permission. There is enough space for everyone to create, invent and innovate. Are you waiting for permission to pursue your goals and dreams? What are you waiting for? Your gifts are needed in this world. The people that you’re waiting to give you the thumbs up, will find many reasons as to why your idea won’t work. JUST DO IT!! One of my favorite Bible verses is, ““Do not give d...

Stop waiting for permission to be happy. Do what you want to do.  Happiness and joy is one of many life goals that you need to attain as you mature. When you reach this goal, peace follows, safety, contentment, grace come. Standing on business and truly adopting the zero F’s given. Why do people wait on others to give them permission to be happy? Thats giving too much power to someone. You deserve...

For your own sanity, unplug and delete those social media apps.  Have you ever noticed the number of emotions that you feel as you scroll and swipe through social media?  It’s starts off with the feeling of happy, joyful, sadness, anger and anxiety. All after several swipes through your social media feed.  This week we discuss the negative impact that social media has on our mental health.  How so...

This Menopause is Ghetto!! Have you ever felt ugly? The past few days I have been feeling down about how I looked. With the changes going on in my body, I don’t feel like myself.  This menopause comes with so many symptoms. My sister shared with me her moments of feeling down. I didn’t expect this for myself. For the first time in a long time, I didn’t want to look at myself in the mirror.  I didn...

Where are you now? This week I grabbed a few of my journals from 10 and 20 years ago. That is how long I have been journaling.  All I can say is, look at God. I certainly am not the woman I was in 2006. That woman was sooo foolish. She wasn’t good to herself. She did not have love for herself. She lacked care for herself. She didn’t see how phenomenal she was.  Going back to read how far I’ve come...

Setting Boundaries are a healthy way for you to minimize the chaos in your life. Setting boundaries gives you the space to focus on your passion.  We tend to be overwhelmed because we refuse to say no. We refuse to let those around us know that boundaries cannot be crossed. We have not defined what we will accept and what we will not accept.  In this episode we discuss setting boundaries and the s...

As we get older we become more wiser. Since turning 50, the love that I have for myself grows more and more everyday.  As we age we must face the changes in our lives. Changes in our health, our homes and in the spaces we occupy. I wanna share a few things that I have learned since turning 50. Understanding the importance of knowing that you should be happy with the life you create.  A Brand New M...

How relieved do you feel, when someone has done you wrong and they eventually apologize for their offense against you?  How great a feeling if you would apologize to yourself. We often walk around blaming ourselves for the things that have happened to us. Childhood trauma, any form of abuse, divorce, self inflicted hate or scared to step outside of the norm and just go for it.  I found myself apol...