The Kira Banks Podcast

What would you do if you had an abundance of money? What a time to be asking this question. I imagine many of you would say feed all the hungry children, or provide housing and healthcare for everyone. This week pushed us to reflect on our relationship with money. Do you trust yourself with money? What are the limiting beliefs you’ve been taught about it? More money more problems? Root of all evil? Get clear on what has shaped your attitude towards money. And spend some time thinking about what you would do if you had an abundance of it.

“I am gentle with myself as I learn new things. It’s OK to make mistakes as I grow.” I believe this statement. I tell my kids a version of it, yet when I really slow down to reflect, I’m still pretty hard on myself when I make mistakes. This week reminds us to find the lessons in mistakes and encourage ourselves with compassion rather than punish ourselves with criticism. Easier said than done! I’d love to hear how you are gentle while learning new things.

You can do this. This week is all about the pep talk we give ourselves when feeling doubt. Notice I didn’t say “IF” we’re feeling doubt. Hopefully you’ve grown in your confidence as you’ve gone through this year of self-love, but it’s also normal to sometimes need encouragement. This week’s affirmation is “When I feel doubtful, I remember I have the power to make a positive change in my life. I can do this.”

I am worthy of my own love. Does the phrase hit different now compared to the beginning of this journey? My hope for you is that it does and that you are more comfortable engaging in activities simply because you want to and it feels good. This week invites is to identify what unconditional self-love looks like. As you continue on this journey towards, keep exploring and discovering. You’re worth it.

It’s easy (for a time) to be who others want us to be. There’s less friction for them, but it can leave us feeling resentful. Spend time this week reflecting on who you have been expected to be, how that is shaped by family, which might even include parts of yourself we’re proud of. What aspects do you want to hold onto or grow? What aspects do you want to put down and leave behind? You get to decide who you are. Enjoy the journey of discovery and evolution.

This week’s message might feel like a contradiction with all the pain and oppression happening here and abroad. However, the message remains: You are entitled to have a happy life. Limitless bliss and joy are your birthrights. That doesn’t mean every moment of every day exudes joy and bliss, but it definitely means you are deserving and have access to these experiences. How are you touching joy daily?

“I am grateful for every blessing in my life, big or small.” I really am! And yet this week reminded me of some tools I can use to boost my gratitude. Spend some time reflecting on what you appreciate about yourself, your relationships, your life. If you can identify something you are grateful for each day, it can help you see more opportunities for gratitude. The more you look for it, the more you find it. You’ll soon realize, you don’t have to wait for big news or major milestones. Gratitude can come in all sizes!

You can do hard things. Seriously, it might not be your preference, but you can do it! This week’s mantra is “I am strong & capable. I can keep trying even when things are hard.” It’s a good reminder that might help you keep trying, keep getting back up, keep pushing through. Of course, this mantra isn’t for times when the hard thing is toxic. It’s for those challenges in life that make us stronger and for the goals that we can look forward to reaching when the hard work is finally over. Kara Lawson, the coach of Duke women’s basketball said we have to “do hard better.” That sentiment has helped me when things are hard. https://youtu.be/JHROcdosuF4