Exhale Podcast Episode 15 | GIVE HER FLOWERS
Exhale Podcast | Give Her Flowers: Honoring Growth, Gratitude & Giving
In a live taping of The Exhale Podcast, Karen Vaughn brought together an inspiring panel at the 10th Annual See It, Believe It, Achieve It Vision Board Party to celebrate the theme of the year: “Give Her Flowers.” The event was all about honoring journeys, expressing gratitude, and uplifting women—especially Black women—who often pour into others without receiving the recognition they deserve.
The Growth Journey: Pushing Through Life’s Challenges
Growth isn’t always pretty, and it doesn’t always go as planned. In the first segment, Karen led a heartfelt discussion on the challenges that shape us. Dr. Sigrid Elston shared a pivotal moment from her 20s—losing her father—and how it taught her to cherish loved ones. Therapist Lakeisha Johnson reflected on balancing college while caring for her grandmother with Alzheimer’s, a journey that shaped her resilience. Autumn Carter shared a deeply personal testimony of being diagnosed with stage four breast cancer and how faith and self-advocacy guided her healing.
Reflecting on Life’s Timeline & Advice to Younger Selves
As the conversation deepened, Karen asked the panelists what they thought they’d have figured out by now—but haven’t. Lakeisha spoke on the challenge of setting boundaries, while Autumn addressed societal pressures surrounding marriage and children. Sigrid shared her struggles with frequent relocations due to her husband’s career, emphasizing the importance of building community wherever she went.
When asked what advice they’d give their younger selves, the responses were powerful. Autumn encouraged never dimming your light, Sigrid reminded us that growth is constant, and Lakeisha stressed self-compassion. Karen, drawing from her own experiences, emphasized the importance of finding good people and staying true to your values.
Gratitude, Self-Love & Receiving Flowers
Pausing to reflect, Karen asked the panel what they are most grateful for. Sigrid appreciated her health, Lakeisha valued peace of mind, and Autumn cherished wisdom and stillness. The conversation shifted to self-gratitude and self-love, with Autumn sharing how she buys herself flowers as an act of self-care, Lakeisha highlighting the importance of mentorship, and Sigrid expressing joy in dancing and exercising for the sheer pleasure of it. Karen emphasized how meaningful it is to hear words of love and appreciation from those closest to us.
Love, Relationships & Final Words of Wisdom
Before wrapping up, Karen and the panel shared advice for single women on finding fulfilling relationships. Karen urged women not to settle, while Sigrid reflected on the balance of personality traits that made her marriage strong. The conversation concluded with final words of wisdom:
- Lakeisha: Be self-reflective with self-compassion.
- Autumn: Recognize your post-traumatic growth and embrace your evolution.
- Sigrid: Be at peace with who you are in all relationships.
- Karen: Love yourself, celebrate yourself, and give flowers to the women around you—every single day.
This episode was a beautiful reminder that growth is a journey, gratitude is the fuel, and giving is the gift. Keep exhaling, and don’t forget to give flowers—both to yourself and to the women who inspire you.
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