Show notes – 

Today we discuss 1 of the 8 Dimensions of Wellness – Physical Wellness – with our special guest – Dr. JoVeezy – JoVantreis Tolliver-Russell. 

Instagram: @drjoveezy Website: ohomomtv.com Music Link: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dr-joveezy/1480071828

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I am Shannon Mitchell, a black millennial business owner, the founder of ShealoGlo, an all-natural handmade shea butter company. I am a champion for your self-care, business care & intentional wellness

and

I am Christine Gautreaux, a white social justice advocate, an international speaker, coach & published author who helps you upgrade your self & community care.

Together we are Women Connected in Wisdom a Podcast grounded in the 8 dimensions of wellness 

Join us and special guests for weekly intentional conversations about how to be wise in business, relationships & wellness.  

www.shealoglo.com

www.christinegautreaux.com

Connect with us on FB, Instagram & YouTube for our live shows on Wednesdays at 5 pm ET & head over to Mighty Networks and join our community at https://women-connected-in-wisdom.mn.co/

Show Transcript – 

NOTE: While it’s not perfect, we offer this transcription by Otter.ai for those who are hearing impaired or who don’t find listening to a podcast enjoyable or possible.

Christine Gautreaux 0:08
Let’s do this.

Shannon M. 0:08
Okay ladies, welcome to our podcast. I am Shannon Mitchell, a black female, millennial entrepreneur, the founder of shallow glow, a handmade shea butter company. I am a champion for your self care, business care and intentional wellness.

Christine Gautreaux 0:25
And I am Christine Gautreaux, a white social justice advocate, an international speaker, coach and published author who helps you upgrade yourself in community care.

Shannon M. 0:35
Yes. And together we are women connected in wisdom, a podcast grounded in the eight dimensions of wellness. Welcome, welcome to our show. I love coming and dancing with you. Every week, it’s so unexpected, but I love it. I love it.

Christine Gautreaux 0:51
I’m so excited to be here with you, my friend,

Shannon M. 0:53
this is gonna be a good show. Right?

Christine Gautreaux 0:57
Because in the green room, we have somebody very exciting that we’re excited to introduce y’all to because every week we’re gonna have special guests for intentional conversations around this work, and how to be wise in business and relationships and wellness. Right? Yes. So first, let’s check it in. Like let’s, you know, before we even say, Well, do we want to ground ourselves first, Shannon? Or do you want to say how you are first

Shannon M. 1:27
ground ourselves?

Christine Gautreaux 1:30
All right, everybody. It’s still Electra five o’clock here on the East Coast. News just came in that the President United States was impeached for a second time. While we were getting loaded, a lot going on in the world. lot going on. So let’s take a moment, just a second to take a deep breath. Wherever you are. If you can put your feet firmly on the ground, whether you’re sitting or standing. If you’re still at your computer after a long day, give a little shoulder shrugs. Take another really deep breath and feel it from the top of your head all the way down to your toes.

Consciously letting out stress that you might have accumulated over today. You can even shake a little hand, shake your hand. You know, indigenous wisdom teaches us that taking is one of the best ways to get rid of stress whether that’s in dancing or drumming or Oh, I bet our guest knows a little bit about that. That Yes. So my friend, how are you?

Shannon M. 2:46
I’m great. I’m great. You know, it’s so interesting. I know we talk about how much I plan stuff right in our conversations. And I think that people who don’t plan things that the planners are flexible and strong because they have a plan, but it’s not the plan. It’s knowing that the plan is not going to go to plan. And that being okay really gives you the peace of mind. And that is how today has been. But it’s been great. Today’s Great. How are you?

Christine Gautreaux 3:21
I’m a little tired. tell you. The last two days I’ve woken up at 4:30am. I don’t think it’s anxiety. I think it’s more excitement about some really cool stuff that I have going on. Yeah. Morning. I talked to the ladies at the pen and ink Atlanta Atlanta group. It’s a group of creative writers and artists. Oh, yeah. So I woke up at 430 this morning, just excited to talk to them, right. And then I’m having that conversation with myself like, you really need to be rested for you got so today, right? I had that. I had that talk. And then I did with my other collaborator named Shannon, we did a house a good name, right. It’s a good I love collaborating with folks named Shannon. I think I’ve three of them in my life right now. And so she and an IV and I from the what she said project, we did a free class on how to not make online training stuff. It was awesome. Like it was so much fun. And that’s part of community care, right? Because we’re so online and virtual right now. Now, we’re wrapping up the day with the podcast. So it’s been

Shannon M. 4:31
a good one. Great podcast.

Christine Gautreaux 4:34
We’re talking today about physical wellness. Yes, one of the eight dimensions of wellness. You want to give us that definition and get us all on the same page.

Shannon M. 4:44
Yes. So physical wellness. And I know a lot of times we think about exercise, right? But what the actual definition is to make sure that is completely filled out, I guess for lack of a better word. is the ability to maintain a quality of life that allows you to get the most out of your daily activities without undue fatigue, and physical stress. physical wellness, recognizes that our daily habits and behaviors have an impact on our overall health, well being and quality of life. So when I think about that, it’s interesting, because I never really thought about it on that educative level, you know, to think about the daily habits that you have, what do you do to bring physical wellness into your life? Christine?

Christine Gautreaux 5:36
Well, I do a couple of things. And I love that how complete this definition is, is is where it says daily habits and behaviors because to me, wellness is self care. So I have, I have a whole bucket of things I choose from, but when I am having my best days, I always joke and then say it’s for me and Ronnie, I have a I have eight minutes, or Well, I think it’s 10 to 15 depending on if I do the whole thing. But it’s an am yoga routine. So I start my day with a little bit of yoga, and meditation. And then I do a daily walk. So I get out. So for me, it’s not just it’s not like, I’ll do it if I have to go on the treadmill. But it’s not about that. For me, it’s about getting outside, putting my feet on the earth, looking around me, you know, connecting with the animals that are showing up. And, and so for me, it’s about being present with the natural world outside of screens. So that for me is physical wellness, and drinking my water. You know, today’s been a jam packed day. So right beside me right now I have my water. And I have I just pounded down as to Joe organic Uber greens, because, you know, I’m that I’m like,

Shannon M. 6:56
good job.

Christine Gautreaux 6:58
Like, I’m slacking. And I’m like, Oh, give me some yummy ketchup. What about for you? What does it mean to you?

Shannon M. 7:06
Oh, my goodness. So it’s interesting. All of those things that you said. But if I’m honest, because this is what this podcast is about, right? I think that my definition comes more from a fearful place more from if you know the story, right? If you’ve been to the about page of my website for a little while, you know that both of my parents have had cancer. So cancer is something that unfortunately, I don’t know if you know, you might not know somebody’s name, but you could guess that cancers touch their family, you know, and that’s crazy to me, because cancer is developed. And so it’s not like you can catch it in the air, right? You can’t use a towel and pick it up, you develop it with the daily habits that happen in your life. And so that’s what I think about and why I run four times a week. Right? What I love about what you said is that I think even when I don’t run, I should add in a while. So to make sure that I get that outside time. Right, especially with Corona and as being inside. What else

Christine Gautreaux 8:08
I just have to tell you, I know you’re going to add to it. But I have to tell you, I haven’t told you yet I started walk running because I used to be a distance runner. And then I got a shape and did that thing. You know talking about honesty and full transparency. You know, I do triathlons injury, and it set me back. And I just haven’t made it back to where I was. So to tell you I am starting to run again. Because you inspire me when I post something and Okay. It turns out what you do?

Shannon M. 8:39
Yes, yes. And you can absolutely do that. And you know out sure you want every step of the way. But what else I do is not only activity, right, because it’s also what you eat. And so January is a time a lot of people start new year’s resolution. And I used to work at the gym on campus at Kennesaw State. That’s where I have my bachelor’s in psychology from and we knew at the beginning of the year, it would be busy and wait a few days, it’ll be back to normal. You know. And so a few years ago, when I started on this journey of eating healthier and being more mindful of what I put in and on my body, I lost so much weight during the day, no fast in January. And so the one of the kitchen managers that I worked with that pappadeaux we decided this was my accountability partner, right? And we decided to do vegan for the first 100 days of the years. So after the fast in January, then we did vegan and I lost all this weight, which is why I’m so small now. Right? And it really showed me those interesting that I was not disciplined in the rest of my life. And that’s why the eight dimensions is so important to me. You know, I know it’s overwhelming. You eight dimensions. Let’s focus on one. You know, it’s but I want to live a whole life. So

Christine Gautreaux 9:59
right even saying that Shannon about like incremental steps, right? There’s I don’t have to like when I had that injury and was down and out and my yoga for a year because I crashed on my bike, because the bike is the favorite part of my triathlon. But you know, it can be dangerous. And so I crashed and had a wrist injury that then I couldn’t do my yoga with. I’ll tell you all that little 10 minutes a yoga, I think it’s an incremental step for me. And one of the reasons I always laugh and tell my friends, one of the reasons is because you know, you have to bend over your stomach. And it kind of gives you your instinct gauge of how you do it. Yeah, I didn’t do that for a year, realize, oh, what nodes are great in that category, right. And so I think the incremental steps, like if you can only just walk down to your mailbox and bag or Walker block, or, you know, that’s how I’ve been doing the running, I’ve started. I’ve been walking for years now. And this year, I’m like, I’m ready to get back in running. So I’ll see your mailbox. And I’ll just run to the mailbox. And then I’ll huff and puff for a while and be like, what, what did you get, remember, and just, you know, incremental steps and being really gentle with ourselves, especially, you know, what we teach in interplay is you get into trouble in incremental steps, and you get out of trouble in incremental steps. Because whether that or overweight or out of shape, it doesn’t really happen overnight. It’s habits that we have gotten into or because of injury or illness haven’t been able to maintain.

Shannon M. 11:39
So, yeah, yes. So again, daily habits, and then I would love to hear what our what our guest has to say about her daily habits and with that, right. But I want to make sure that I give a full scope, because sometimes we get bogged down with what if I don’t do yoga? Or what if I don’t run, you know, other things, I make sure that I drink water, right, I showed my water when Christine was talking about her, thinking about what I eat, being mindful of my snacks every day, you know, those things really helped me stay focused, and intentional with my physical wellness.

Christine Gautreaux 12:13
Right? Yeah, I think we could talk about this all day. But I’m so excited to get this easy out of the green room and bring on screen with us. So I want to introduce our friend Joe. I’m gonna read her official bio in a moment, but she is the reason that you and I know each other because she and I were doing manifesting Monday mastermind and she invited you and I we met right. So I met I met Joe through Gwinnett 101, which is a civics program where you get involved in your community, and we were the best cohort cohorts

were we six or were we nine Joe’s or she’s given me this will when we bring her in here? Well, I think we were good, but so I am so delighted to introduce Shaw. So Joe vantrease is a naturally engaging passionate speaker, musician and life coach who leads with love. We know that to be true, who lead with love, while offering her talents and gifts in service to others. As a young servant leader in the community engagement sector and creative arts industry, Joe has shown great courage to push past the status quo to drive meaningful change through innovation. Using creativity and transparency as the two main ingredients, she is able to connect with groups within the community like the youth and empower them to seek their highest potential while making impactful changes in their communities. She currently spends a great deal of of her time with her newborn baby girl, baby Ezra, Who’s the youngest member of our manifesting group, and her husband, Austin, coaching and mentoring youth writing, recording music, facilitating workshops, and cultivating and maintaining community partnerships. One of the things that’s not on this bio is she is also currently serving on the board of reforming arts with me and I am so delighted to welcome our friend and colleague, Dr. Joe vz to the to the stage

JoVantreis Russell “Dr. JoVeezy” 14:31
Well, are you in the words of Shannon WISA Wasel. Here, it is so exciting. Yes,

Christine Gautreaux 14:49
we are so excited that you joined us for this conference conversation. So tell us you being in the green room like tell us what what you Think about physical wellness, and we know you’re a new mom and do all kinds of amazing this in your life, give us give us your

JoVantreis Russell “Dr. JoVeezy” 15:11
Okay, well, you know, nobody tells you, you know, beforehand, you’re going to come out being a totally different person that you have. And I think, well, maybe people did tell me that maybe it didn’t register. Until it actually, you know, having a nice experience. One thing I didn’t know, Shannon, I didn’t know that fast is kind of what you know, introduced you to the, you know, healthy lifestyle of eating because I had a similar story. One thing where it totally changed my life, you know, I’m like, wow, my body sculpt in my mind is sculpted, I got a higher spiritual sensitivity to things. And I think that’s, you know, by design, because, of course, everything, everything is created to bring life into live, like, it’s meant to, you know, exist in its natural form. So I think, design so, man, where should I begin as far as physicalist of wellness for me? After having ever? Well, let me start before before I had ever, I was pretty disappointing kind of hardcore to guns, maybe you’re a little bit too hardcore, like, you know, I definitely ran a lot, I exercise a lot. I was pretty much my first daughter, I was more like, six, six days a week, on Sunday, because I had a goal. But then I started to kind of shut down a little bit to fit more things into my, into my own day to day activities and whatnot. But having ever taught me to have a little bit of fundraising myself, and not to go deep, but you know, sorry, not sorry, you know, diving into motherhood, you know, it brings about a different microscope if you like, if that makes sense. It exposes areas that you haven’t been graceful with yourself, and expose, it also exposes areas that need more love, because you have just birthed this awesome human being that requires your love and attention in a way, like a super high rate. So in order to love her, you know, I had to learn how to love her. So she has taught me this, three month, three and a half month girl is teaching me how to love myself, you know, and I’m, you know, in my early 30s, and I’m like, wow, how is this possible? But I think again, it’s by design, I think, countered new chapters in our life. And it teaches us how to love our sales even more. And that’s what I was learning like, just for life, physical wellness, it honestly starts with the idea of loving yourself. And however, looks throughout your life in different chapters. is totally, I guess, I would say proportional to the lesson that you’re learning in how much more love yourself. Yeah, is pretty big.

Shannon M. 18:20
Taking notes on to the lesson. Got it. Okay. Yes, yes, Doctor, I hear what you say.

JoVantreis Russell “Dr. JoVeezy” 18:33
I feel like you listen, like God is the positive. You know, I mean, like, if this all it is, I think 2020 brought about a wider vision for all of us. And we all had a chance to see ourselves first and foremost is the first person you wake up to a morning, we all have to see ourselves in the vision that we have.

Shannon M. 19:00
I love that. So Joe, when you think about yourself wellness, right? I know, we talked about let’s see things people tell you that might not have registered right? And bringing out the microscopic light and ways that you could be more graceful and patient with yourself in terms of self wellness, for the new moms in a pandemic and the crazy situations that we’ve been dealing with. Right? As somebody who was disciplined before being a mom, what are things that help you be intentional about your self wellness right now as you have more grace with yourself?

JoVantreis Russell “Dr. JoVeezy” 19:36
Um, I definitely will say breathing. And I know I know my girl Christine. Definitely agree who say that all the time and I love you for it because you remind me to breathe and taking deep breaths because I think breathing is one of those gifts that we take for granted. But when you really like pay pay close to ACC breathing, you realize how much of a risk it is, it’s like most importantly, first of all, because you’re trying to, you know, not have the opportunity to even breathe, but, um, I think breathing all of that, that’s why I think breathing is so important. Because it’s the one is the one thing you have control over. And when you first wake up in the morning, that is the first thing you have control over breathing, taking a deep breath. And so I think that’s helped me. The other reason is because when I was in labored breathing saved my life, like, like, when I tell you breathing was the only thing on my mind When labor would ever go in. I mean, I had everybody listed rhythm everybody nursing, right? Like, you get real intense, like breathing from the Living factory that will tell you like, and, and it’s a rhythm, you know what I mean? Like, I’m, I love using, I’m using analogies about rhythm. Because we are all created by the rhythm of the Spirit, you know what I’m saying? Like, we all like the fact that we walk, and there’s a beep, and there’s a rhythm. When we walk, we have a heartbeat that’s consistent. And it’s like a metronome, if we take them off post, the other are just like, maybe five hours ago when I was when I was out with my sister, because I’m doing this Ancestry DNA thing. And they actually, you know, extra survey of questions. And you have to literally check your heart rate, you know, as they start to now, I guess, analyze your DNA, but yeah, like, breathing rhythm. This stuff is all this stuff is all like, you know. Together they work hand in hand.

Christine Gautreaux 22:01
Joe, our audience members don’t know how completely awesome and amazing you are. That’s why we’re introducing you to them. But with the whole rhythm, will you tell us about? I love your story about being a drummer, and some of the new things that you’re doing. I know we’ll get back to physical wellness. Shannon, I just want to You said them. So speak to her drumming because I guess

Shannon M. 22:29
you’re sorry, Nick. So my name is periodontal. Don’t forget your nickname. Okay, you see that sign behind you.

JoVantreis Russell “Dr. JoVeezy” 22:43
It’s funny because that’s my favorite route. That’s like one of my favorite man. So I’m excited because like with motherhood and transitioning and everything this this time like prompted transition, I have realized that like my passion for DJing has not included a very important aspect of my life was drumming. And so I’ve been a drummer ever since, like seventh grade. And the plane we use is my first instrument. I learned how to play with clarinet, I learned how to read music on clarinet played for three years. The story behind it was that vandoorne kind of tripping. He wasn’t really doing girls being on drumline, but you know, guys plan for you know, his, his can’t destroy it. So even though I couldn’t playing drums at the first instrument, like that lesson taught me that he listened it whatever you meant to do was going to happen because I use my skill everyday music for clarinet. And I was very, it became very easy to read for drums. Right? Very easy transition. So high school. If this same band director they might be playing. I told him when I was in ninth grade, I had built up courage. I had new skills I had been practicing even though I played clarinet, I still practice taught myself how to play. And when I got there, I said I’m not taking no for an answer. You don’t let me play drums. I’m not going to be in the band at all. And so he said, I have a proposition for you. Either. You make it. Either you make it with a session leader and he was a senior. I’m in ninth grade. He’s a talker. He says go back there. He spoke with him. I let him play. So one of the vapor room is at play that I had to Echo was a parody

beautiful, favorite room and at that time, so I’m like, Man, I’m about to let

you know. I was like I’m not taking no for an answer because I had to I had all those years in my company. But it seems like I’m not taking no for answers. And he saw me he was stopping me by going online and go. So years later, I was stationed leader of the Evette line in high school and um, yeah. He was part of my life confidence builder show your weakness. Yeah.

Christine Gautreaux 25:38
Yeah, you can now just a bit

Shannon M. 25:41
better. Is it better? Yes.

JoVantreis Russell “Dr. JoVeezy” 25:45
Yeah, well, you drunk, let me get my shake my confidence. If it was not for drums, I don’t think I would have had the confidence or thing to go after other things that I want to go out in the portal or good service. It was like I’m very, with, with people, and especially. And if you’ve been leaders there, because I’m a very like, I’m very big on leadership development, and organizational development. So I believe that drumming can be your full not only for therapy, but it can also be a tool for developing and cultivate the skills that it takes to become owner through the art in front of so.

Christine Gautreaux 26:32
Yes, no, I think you may have cut out at this point. But you’re starting to offer like personal drum lessons online for folks for leadership development and building confidence and especially with girls, right? Oh,

JoVantreis Russell “Dr. JoVeezy” 26:49
yeah. Thank you, thank you. Especially. Because, you know, after sharing my story, they could have honestly, they could have handicapped me, they could have injured me a lot like getting the knock. So many times, like, you know, even even today, even though it’s a little bit better today, like girls are getting their flowers more. But I won’t say that there’s still a gap. You know what I’m saying. And I think that by me like showing that as a female I can push through, and I can do it with the guys are better than the guys in some room. I think that will motivate girls who wants to not only just go after drums, but go after other ventures that are male driven, male dominated, and not only go after them, for the field, just as value sitting at the table will and not have to spend their energy focusing on ways that they feel that they think they can focus, they’re even going to be adults.

Christine Gautreaux 27:56
Right? Oh, I love that you’re doing that. I love you know, I’ve had the privilege of listening to you play before. And so anybody if you are looking for a teacher for yourself or for your daughter, for sure, we will have a job increases info in our show notes. And you reach out and schedule because oh my gosh, I I don’t know if you know this about me, Joe, I think I’ve told you this before, but I always wanted to be a drummer. And I think I had one in my life but it was not encouraged in my household to play the drums.

Shannon M. 28:39
Joe and Christine how to play drums. I want to get that picture.

Christine Gautreaux 28:43
Right. Well, I have hand drums and I have Jim Bay and I have but traditional drums. I think I took one lesson on and yeah, I have a little bit of rhythm. I have to practice a lot. But

Shannon M. 28:58
yeah, and you know, it’s so interesting that you talk about drums and bass. That’s how I feel about the flute, you know, and it’s funny because the flute Yes, the flute, do you have something to say, you know, but bad shit worship, you know what I mean? But band leadership the you having to be instead of memorizing your notes, knowing where to breathe, and and also thinking about the large group, right, what is the picture look like on the field? We’re not just walking? No, that’s why it’s called marching band for the record. Let’s record it on a podcast band is a sport. And we are not walking on the marching band field. No. Okay. I love the field more than the football players. I know how many steps is in between each line. Okay, for the record? physical wellness, right?

Christine Gautreaux 29:51
Well, I mean, it’s a good podcast to talk about it, right? Yeah. I was raised in Texas, and I was more on the side of the sports than I was on the base. And I was in the choir at that time and but I remember my band friends doing two days in Texas summers and mount of physical wellness they had to have. I mean, even here in Georgia where we’re all at right now, you know, August, August and sometimes they go back in July now like yes, you have to be physically fit to do that. It’s not it’s not easy peasy.

Shannon M. 30:29
No, no, no, I love it.

JoVantreis Russell “Dr. JoVeezy” 30:33
I’m in beta camp like in college, when I once I got Sanjay State University Sonnambula South drumline War Thunder say that Jackson State University, I’m a born and raised and educated more than drumline was a shout out that that environment shaped me, we would have to wake up at 4am in the morning, during Bandcamp. And sometimes we wouldn’t finish until like 12, one 2am. So guess, hours to get back together to risk and reset. And you’re back out there doing PT at 4am. And what that taught me was that, you know, when you really want something, you can push yourself to the limit. And if you think you can’t do it, all you have to do is try and go for it. Because there’s a divine energy that you tap into when you do things like that, you know, it’s the same as with anybody, all the people that we admire, like Michael Jordan, Serena, Venus, tiger, like all these different people that we admire that do what we think is on thinkable or unreachable. When you truly desire something, you can push yourself to that limit, and right there in that category alone.

Shannon M. 32:02
So I love that. And I specifically love that so much Joe, because and this is why this is how we met. So let’s talk about how Joe and I met. Right. So we’re at Victory world church, and we’re at Fusion on Tuesdays and fusion is for the young adults. And fusion is lit. Okay. It’s literally like a concert every week, in the best sense of that word. You know, and we have a good time, every now and then we would break into small groups and have discussions like this right. And Joe and I were in the group, of course people are saying y’all must have came together. You know, and I have been working on be more concise with the way that I say things. But one thing I learned from band, one of the biggest things that Dr. Davis taught me rest is so right is this, he said we can be done in two hours if y’all would finish. You know what I mean? So why take longer, when you don’t need that much time, do it right the first time. And if a if you need to keep going if you need to practice it again. Of course, that’s why we’re here. That’s real life continue to get better, because I expect you guys to win. And we did you know. But it also didn’t take all day and all night to get there, we could still rest and drink water, and study and graduate with honors and have time for other other things and life be fuller, when we use the time that we have to be focused. And that’s really Joe. That’s what I was going to say it wasn’t that I started being healthy at the Daniel’s fares. I’ve actually again I was in band. So not only was I in marching band, I had weight training. So thankfully, I was really trained on how to squat how to hold equipment, which a lot of women are not let’s talk about that, too. A lot of women aren’t taught how to power clean. I don’t like power cleans, I don’t like lunches, you know, but thankfully, I know how to do them so that I can incorporate a lighter version of it. You know, Christine talked about her in her risk and her bike accident. Do you do you sit down for a year? Or do you adjust? What if your injury takes longer than that? So he Oh Lord, what does that look like? Really, you know, but we have to have some type of place to, to know where to operate from to know how we can then adjust based on the situation. And that’s why we’re doing this podcast, you know, to give ourselves better things, and tools and resources and modes of doing things, but also for everybody out so we can say this is what it looks like you know, so Joe, some people might look at your story and say, Oh, well you have time now. Right? Is COVID We’re at home but we still have a lot of stuff going on. So how do you balance everything that you have going on and self care right now?

JoVantreis Russell “Dr. JoVeezy” 34:55
Well, first of all that being and taking it one day at a time. So I think one of my kryptonite, or you know, aka weaknesses, I feel is overthinking. And overthinking takes up energy, space and time. And so I have I have learned to kind of simplify the way that I look at knocking things out, so to speak, or getting things done. I think about it day by day, I think about what do I have to get done today. And I don’t think about the next day until it’s time to plan for the next day. And not perfect at it, honestly, because I’m so you know, Ezra, like, I felt like I was setting myself in overdrive is one of those things that she taught me like, actually, mommy, like you were not doing this for yourself, like you weren’t, it was kind of, it was kind of self abuse to do this, like, you know, and so I’ve learned to balance and really take it one step at a time. Like waking up in the morning drinking water, I’m nursing. And so a lot of times my first I have to have my bed so that it’s, you know, I get thirsty. I don’t have to call anybody and did it, or I don’t have to wait until I’m completely done nursing the nursing, front back, you can burn 500 or more calories just breastfeed. And I’ve done at one time, I actually will a couple of times, I have tried to nurse and like not, I’m not properly versed. And I will get so like close to pass the mouse, but then how much? Just how many calories? Burn. So that’s one big part of my life that had to ship I couldn’t wait so long to eat. Why can’t wait so long to eat. I can’t wait so long to hydrate myself, I have to do it in a consistent, consistent rate and more intentional by and that’s a water to take a drink here. No, I have to have that cup sitting right next to the bed so that I don’t forget to hydrate myself. So there’s just kind of like, like taking it one day at a time. But since you know, every screen you have, I’m still figuring it out. You know? Right? We’re all in house together like Austin, my husband. He works from home, he’s a teachers and educators. We both are, but he just from home. And like my sister is here, like she’s so dope, she’s a makeup artist. And she’s also in the finance field can be located here to be with us and to kind of support as many Septime like we have a newborn, and it’s a pandemic. And I feel like she’s just been such a blessing to all of us. But maneuvering, you know, making sure that all of us are, you know, taking care of ourselves taking one day at a time. So we’re learning how to work in our space. And just like the room for the sound of money, like Jeff was, was not having as much trash in the home. Like, you know, versus when we were working when we had to commute to work, like everything, we’re doing all our meals here, you know, I mean, we’re cooking, like way more than before. And we’re wondering, like, why do we have to take up an office every day now? Like?

Like, no joke, but like, it seems like you know, here in the house, but um, you know, it’s, it’s just one of those things to to adapt to. But, man, I just, I’m grateful to first of all, Peter, but, you know, to have people in my home and my family to be able to clean. So during this time. Yes.

Christine Gautreaux 39:14
Thank you, Joe. I know, we are about out of time. But I am so grateful for this conversation and for our friendship and collaborations. And yes, I am. I am just so honored to know you, my friend and the work you do in the world. And we didn’t really get into that. So we’re gonna have to have you come back later on another show and dive into work and community because Joe vantrease does amazing work in this world with youth and different marginalized populations. And I’ve just yeah, I’m grateful we could talk all day to you and all the golf suddenness, that’s the truth.

JoVantreis Russell “Dr. JoVeezy” 40:03
The whole lifetime. Yes, it’s a pleasure knowing you both I’m, I’m honored to even be sitting here and to be the first guest on this podcast that’s going to be amazing going to touch so many lives. I’m just speaking, because I know it is. And now’s the time more than ever, for us to really do things that’s authentic to creating and cultivating healthy life. Like more. I think the pandemic taught people that mortality is, is everybody’s reality. So while we, like, while we’re here on this earth, we really have to do things that feed the soul. And that really helps to create a better a better world while we’re here. And so, I’m just honored to know you to the women. And I just pray that like, our friendship grows deeper and that we’re able to experience and celebrate each other even more together in person. Yes.

Christine Gautreaux 41:09
This demon to be over cuz I need to squeeze baby Ezra, I just have to say, I am so excited about this young, amazing woman that has come into this world. And y’all I know we joke about her being our youngest manifesting Mondays mastermind member. That’s what it is. Literally, he is and she will her voice like she already is finding her voice because she’s surrounded by a group of women who love her and support her and want her to grow into all her fullness. And yeah, I need this pandemic to be over so I can I can give her some squishes. So yeah. Well, thank you, Joe, so much for being with us today. We are so grateful. And we look forward to more conversations and more. And we love you and your family. And thank you for taking time with us today. Because we know it’s it’s very valuable. So

JoVantreis Russell “Dr. JoVeezy” 42:18
absolutely love y’all so much. Thank you for having

Christine Gautreaux 42:22
the time we’re gonna pop you. Here we go. Hmm.

Shannon M. 42:29
Oh, good.

Christine Gautreaux 42:30
Oh my gosh, so good. I love that woman so much.

Shannon M. 42:35
Amazing. I know. My literally my whole life has changed knowing her meeting, new meeting me but like everybody that she’s brought into my life makeup like everything right now?

Christine Gautreaux 42:47
No, there are people in our lives that do that. Right. There are people that are changemakers. And Joe vantrease wrestle is one of those. She’s a change. Absolutely. So I know, we went a little long, we knew we were going to because we love job entry so much. But I do want to take a moment before we close to talk about like, what, what how does that conversation like bubbled up for you? Like, what about right, right there, we’re

Shannon M. 43:21
gonna do my notes. So I’ll say three. Okay, so girls getting their flower girls are getting their flowers more, but there’s still a gap. And I think that’s very true. You know, and since we’re on this podcast, and again, this is what it’s for, I’ll be honest, I think that we’re going to see more black women in marketing, right with everything that we have going on, which is great. And I love it, I’m for it, I’m for them making money, get it every single time, you know, well, when it’s appropriate, or whatever actually give them whatever you want to do, right? But I support the rolls is what I’m saying. But I want it to be genuine, you know, I want us to be really whole and new in a healthy way. And that just because it makes sense. And it’s making other companies money, you know. So I love that girls are getting their flowers more, but there’s still a get and that we get to help so that I love. What else there’s so much.

Christine Gautreaux 44:25
You know, the one that pops out for me and I’m going to put it back up as is that physical wellness starts with the idea of loving yourself.

Shannon M. 44:33
I love that too. Right? Right. It was good. And I love and I won’t say three but I’ll put this one in there. I said mortalities, everybody’s reality. And she said that right? And I love that because again, I’ve been working on making things concise, and that is really especially with my parents being sick, you know, with life and the way things happen. I’ve tried to keep that in front of mine, not in a negative or a depressing type of way, you know, but really, I’ve realized, you’re going to lose people until people lose you. And it’s crazy that that’s really what it is. But that is what it is. And you cannot control that. So make sure that you live life every day enjoy life. Look at the look at the flowers, really, what was the last time you looked at the birds? And remember that they’re taking care of so you are to?

Christine Gautreaux 45:30
Well, I think absolutely, like, I, I want to repeat what you just said, You’re gonna lose people until people lose you. Because the reality is if we’re in connection and community and relationship, right? Which the opposite isn’t a life worth living, right? So it is let’s have those connections and those people. And that, that idea of loving ourselves as a part of physical wellness. We have not talked about our sponsor of our podcast yet today, we have a we have it. This is a great place to put that in here. Because I want you to tell folks about your business. And because to me, I know for me personally, it’s a part of loving myself. So using your products, so tell us about it. And I’m searching around for my for my product.

Shannon M. 46:26
Yes. And it’s funny because I do have it right here. I was shooting this live the other day. And this is the logo right and I love it if you can see it, let’s see, because it’s literally the birds in the trees. If I could figure out how the camera goes and it’s a reminder that the birds are taking care of nature’s taking care. And and so are you right it’s again a Shayla Shayla glow a shea butter company, right now this is actually the cream and sugar scrub and is completely empty, because I love myself. And it’s, it’s funny, because again, it’s not just about products and natural products, I could talk to you about the amazing ingredients, the simple organic ingredients that I put in there with these hands over. But it’s really about the commitment. I told you guys that when I started fasting, and I went on the, you know the Daniels first and then I did vegan for the first 100 days of that year, I realized how one discipline I was yes, and other places. And being consistent to myself, when I’m upset with other people about not being consistent with me was is very important. And that’s what I try to do every day, stay committed to yourself, don’t be mad when he cheats on you, when you cheat on yourself is what I tell my friend, commit to yourself to be intentional about what you put on your skin. And so because I started doing that, what I put on my skin and in my body, it’s really changed my life. And it’s made all of the different facets and aspects and situations. So much better to where I can really be well.

Christine Gautreaux 48:02
I love that. And just a total side note, but it is a part of it. It comes in this beautiful gold packaging. So when it shows up in my mailbox, it’s a gift to myself. It is like yes, I love your packaging, and it makes me smile. Like it’s like,

Shannon M. 48:21
oh, this what is for?

Christine Gautreaux 48:24
Right? And I gave it to my friends and family for Christmas. And the same thing happened with them because they love like, it’s just I don’t know, y’all. I mean, I’m biased because

Shannon M. 48:36
I read that sign that we talked about.

Christine Gautreaux 48:39
Yes, we’ll talk about that a whole nother show. I do know because I use this product. And I love this product. And and I don’t say that lightly. So thank you for being a sponsor of our podcast and the show. And thank you for that amazing wellness product out into the world. So I am sorry about that. Well, it is about time for us to wrap up. So we got a few things about for wrap up. So tell us what folks should do for social media. What do you want goodness?

Shannon M. 49:07
So we just talked about arching, right. I do not do well at following these instructions. But one thing from this show, okay, what was your favorite thing that you liked? What did you take away that you are actually going to do this week? Okay, so what I will say is, I’m going to walk even on the days when I’m not running so I still get time outside and hashtag wisdom in action. Okay, because we are women connected in wisdom. This is our podcast, you are a part of our podcast, and we want to know how you’re being wise with the things that we talk about.

Christine Gautreaux 49:45
I love it. I love it. I love it. Alright, so the one so I’m going to get on social media. And I’m going to say the one thing I’m doing this week for physical wellness. I am going to go outside and walk outside every day and I will hashtag that wisdom and action and wisdom connect women connected in wisdom podcast. It’s a long hashtag, but once you do it once itself populates, right?

Shannon M. 50:09
Thankfully, yes, but it’s worth it is worth it every time.

Christine Gautreaux 50:14
I am so delighted to have this time in conversation with you, my friend. And next week, I’m excited to introduce you to another friend whose name is Cher Teesha. And she serves on the board with Joe vantrease. And I so I can’t, you know, the the women, the people on the board of the Performing Arts Board where y’all are probably going to all of them because I’m so not all of them excited. And Sir Teesha is also she works with women engaged, which is about community activism, and was really they are a nonpartisan organization that really got out the vote and did voter protection here in Georgia. And I wanted to bring her on sooner than later because it’s so timely with what’s going on. And so y’all will be learning more about her. Our next show is going to be Wednesday at 5pm. And we’ll be talking more in depth about social wellness next week. So thank you so much and don’t forget, be well be wise and the whole

Unknown Speaker 51:30
thanks for listening. This has been the women connected and wisdom podcast on-air live on Wednesdays at 5 pm. Eastern via Facebook and YouTube. Be sure to like share and subscribe be part of the conversation and get connected at women connected in wisdom.com.