In this episode of Thym 4 Tea with Mikita, we’re unpacking what happens when we stop labeling ourselves as "overwhelmed," "anxious," or "depressed"—and start getting real about what we’re actually feeling. Mikita shares how storytelling, emotional vocabulary, and tiny daily actions create space for healing, connection, and growth. With vulnerability and warmth, she walks us through her own journey of anxiety, imposter syndrome, and rediscovery, proving that wellness isn’t a one-size-fits-all path—it’s personal, portable, and rooted in truth.

💡 Show Notes:

• 🎧 Why the labels we use (like “stressed” or “burnt out”) might be holding us back
• 📚 A powerful quote by Brené Brown and what it really means for healing
• 📊 Shocking wellness stats (6.8 trillion market!)—and why that doesn't mean we're okay
• 🧠 Why emotional vocabulary is the missing link in most wellness advice
• ✨ Mikita’s personal story of anxiety, breathwork, and discovering the root emotion
• 🛠️ Actionable tips for claiming micro-moments for self-care
• 🧘🏽‍♀️ Simple practices you can start today: Box breathing, journaling, naming emotions
• 💬 The real impact of saying, “I feel stretched thin” instead of just “I’m overwhelmed”
• 🙌 A community call to try one small practice this week—DM me on IG @mikitasmith_

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#thym4teawithmikita #manifest #purposefulliving #liveunapplogectically #freedom #podcast #womeninpodcast #podcastlife #empoweringwomen

In this inspiring episode, host Makita welcomes Dr. Jan Schwartz, an award-winning author, speaker, and expert in criminology, forensic behavior science, and homeland security. Dr. Schwartz shares her journey from growing up in a Chicago suburb, surrounded by organized crime and strong community leadership, to becoming a beacon of resilience and hope. She discusses the profound impact of her loving elementary school teachers, who instilled in her a deep sense of care and leadership, and how these experiences shaped her work in white-collar and organized crime investigations. Dr. Schwartz introduces her concept of "authentic intelligence," a blend of mental, emotional, and spiritual gifts that can empower individuals and communities. She also reflects on her best-selling book, Last Summer with Oscar, and her upcoming release, which explores how to harness these gifts to create a meaningful life. With stories of courage, trust, and humility, this episode is a heartfelt exploration of resilience and the power of authentic connection.

• Key Topics Discussed:
  • Dr. Schwartz’s childhood in a Chicago suburb, influenced by organized crime and strong community leadership.
  • The transformative role of her elementary school teachers in fostering resilience and leadership.
  • Her concept of "authentic intelligence" and its role in personal and communal growth.
  • Insights from her book Last Summer with Oscar and her upcoming release on mental, emotional, and spiritual gifts.
  • A powerful story of standing firm during an interrogation by a Fortune 500 chairman and his mafioso associates.
• Books Mentioned:
  • Last Summer with Oscar: A moving story of love, courage, and a dog’s journey with cancer.
  • Upcoming release: Authentic Intelligence: How to Use Your Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Gifts to Create the Life and World You Want.
• Key Takeaway: Dr. Schwartz emphasizes the importance of humility, trust, and feeding our mental, emotional, and spiritual intelligence to live resilient, authentic lives.

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Life don’t always go as planned, and that’s alright. I’m sharin’ 3 powerful ways to blaze a new trail, no matter if you’re 25 or 75. We’re talkin’ dreamin’ out loud, trustin’ the process, and believin’ you can do the impossible. From my Virginia roots to the urban grind, I’m bringin’ stories and real talk to inspire you to find your joy.

Timestamps

• [00:00] Intro: Thank y’all for sharin’ your time and space!
• [01:15] Story Time: A friend from back home who pivoted at 55 to chase her culinary dreams.
• [03:30] Topic Intro: 3 Ways to Blaze a New Trail: Smash Limits & Spark Joy + Affirmation: “I am capable of creating a life that sparks joy, no matter my age or circumstances.”
• [05:00] Way #1: Dream Out Loud with Zero Limits – How to let go of “can’t” and imagine big.
• [09:45] Way #2: Trust the Messy Process – Why pivotin’ ain’t linear and how to keep goin’.
• [14:20] Way #3: Own Your Power to Do the Impossible – Believin’ you’re never too old to start.
• [18:50] Emotional Side of Pivotin’ – Givin’ yourself grace and celebratin’ small wins.
• [22:00] Key Takeaways: 3 points to remember.
• [23:30] Call to Action: Take one step toward your pivot this week.
• [24:00] Outro: Leave a review, tune in next time, and “That’s all the tea I got to spill today. Until next time, namaste.”

Key Takeaways

1. Dream without limits. Let go of “can’t” and imagine a life that excites you.
2. Trust the process. Pivots are messy, but every step forward counts.
3. Own your power. You’re never too old or inexperienced to chase what sparks joy.

Affirmation
“I am capable of creating a life that sparks joy, no matter my age or circumstances.” Say it, feel it, live it.

Call to Action
This week, do one thing to blaze your trail. Write down a big dream, take a small step like signin’ up for a class, or talk to somebody who inspires you. You got this, fam!

Resources

• Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho – Quoted in the episode for that “universe conspires” vibe.
• Journal Prompt: What’s one dream you’ve been holdin’ back? Write it down, no limits.

Connect with Us

• Leave a review on HERE to help more folks find the show.
• Follow us on @mikitasmith_ for behind-the-scenes and inspo.
• Got a pivot story? DM us or email @ thym4teamikita@gmail.com —we might shout you out!

That’s all the tea I got for now. Until next time, namaste. 🌻

#SparkJoy #SmashLimits #KeepIt100

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Support the show

#selfdevelopment #Wellness
#thym4teawithmikita #manifest #purposefulliving #liveunapplogectically #freedom #podcast #womeninpodcast #podcastlife #empoweringwomen