Meet TaMia Speaks, a resilient soul with a transformative journey from Flint, Michigan, to Houston, Texas. Her narrative intertwines the triumphs of entering the behavioral health field and earning a psychology degree from an HBCU with the challenges of spiritual and narcissistic abuse. In the pursuit of serving others, she discovered a life that neglected her own needs. TaMia’s awakening led her to genuine self-care, fostering thriving relationships, enhanced confidence, and authenticity. Unfortunately, societal teachings often overlook the crucial skills of self-awareness and emotional intelligence. TaMia, drawing from a decade-long healing journey, blends personal experience with professional expertise to create a safe space for others to embark on or continue their wellness journey.
How can we become more awakened to be self-aware of our own needs over others?
TaMia: I once heard someone say that when you say yes to one thing you automatically say no to something else, that “something else” is usually ourselves. For us as women, especially Black women, we say yes to ALOT of things for the betterment of everything and everyone else around us. We do this to the point of exhaustion, without taking breaks or asking for help. We give until we are burnt out. It is engraved in us to see everything as a priority but ourselves. It is vital that you understand that you are the priority in your life, and I don’t mean that in a conceited type of way, but in a healthy sense of self way. Keep in the forefront of your mind, that you can only serve others to the depth that you have served yourself, you are worthy and deserving of the same time, energy, passion and love that you give. So, the next time you say yes to something, ask yourself what am I saying no to?
During the holidays and approaching a new year, why is the conversation surrounding mental health so important?
TaMia: Conversations around mental health are important because there is still a lot of stigmas in the black community regarding the causes of it, what it looks like and how it is treated.
What do you enjoy most about being a life coach?
TaMia: I enjoy seeing clients become brave enough to deconstruct who they thought they were and what they thought they wanted to transform and reinvent themselves.
Who could benefit from having a life coach?
TaMia: Those that are looking to transform the relationship they have with themselves, a guide to wellness, authenticity, and accountability partner.
Tell us about your book.
Mirrors provides expansive insight of self through a series of over 30 journal prompts and affirmations. The answers to these questions will improve your self-awareness and emotional intelligence which in turn, will help you understand how you show up in parent, platonic, romantic, and workplace relationships. Please note that this journey you are about to embark on takes intentionality, community, vulnerability, and persistence. Feel free to take breaks and revisit some of these questions in your own time; there is no destination but a continuous fulfilling journey. There may be moments where you are “undone” and enter an identity crisis as you deconstruct who you thought you were and what you thought you wanted. It’s time to reinvent yourself.
Explore TaMia’s transformative work at https://www.tamiaspeaks.com and join the journey to reinvent yourself in the new year.
