Self-Regard

A fresh series featuring interviews from the archives. The conversations have been condensed and arranged to highlight especially notable themes such as creative writing, resilience, motherhood, environmentalism, and social justice. You will hear from Alex Elle, Arielle Estoria, and Leah Thomas – writers, artists, and advocates – who share their wisdom on a range of topics that explore the transformative power of storytelling for personal growth, community care, and social change. Through their inspiring stories and insights, Alex, Arielle, and Leah remind us of the importance of self-reflection, self-care, and self-expression. They invite us to be curious, compassionate, and creative in our own lives, and to use our voices to make a positive impact in the world. Join us for a journey of self-discovery and inspiration with these three remarkable individuals.

In the first episode of this series, I discussed the importance of solitude. This episode represents a key ingredient to getting the most out of time spent alone: creativity. And yet, as we pursue our creative passions–whether personally or professionally–it's important to avoid getting consumed by them and losing ourselves in the process. I share my personal journey of using storytelling to drive social change and how I found a home within myself through creativity. Despite doubts about the industry being saturated and lacking uniqueness, we all possess unique intricacies that can be expressed through art. Through self-regard and balancing our individuality with the well-being of others, we can use creativity to expand ourselves and our collective.

In this episode, I discuss my experiences with racial bias and colorism as a Black and biracial woman, as well as my feelings of not belonging and the paradoxes of my identity. The privilege of dancing cross-culturally requires a rare skill to adapt.

This episode explores the power and pitfalls of labels in defining our identity. While labels can help us understand ourselves and connect with others, they can also reinforce biases and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. It's important to use labels as a starting point for self-exploration and personal growth, recognizing that our identities are fluid and constantly evolving. Labels are a powerful tool for personal and societal growth, allowing us to find a sense of belonging while also challenging systemic injustices. By expanding our understanding of different labels and identities, we can create a more inclusive and empathetic society. But we must use labels thoughtfully, acknowledging their potential for both clarity and division, and not allowing them to limit or define us in overly simplistic ways.Follow @rileyblanksreed for more.

The complexities of body image and identity run deep. I have always had a pull towards body neutrality; focusing on celebrating and appreciating my body for what it can do, apart from its appearance. This is a tricky practice. It's hard not to care about the way my body looks. I'm not sure I ever won't. But the language I attach to thinking about my body has proven to be incredibly important. It starts with observation, acceptance, and compassion for every part of Self.Resources: Claire Siegel of Flourish, No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz and When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodron

Welcome to Part 2 of Reflections. In this episode, I expand on the definition of love as an active word; a verb that isn't solely about attraction or compatibility, but moreover: effort, intention, and understanding. While this episode is relevant to all relationships – friendships, familial ties, romantic flames, and platonic connections – I largely use my 13 year long relationship as my lens. One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that there has to be a balance between individualism and connection, an element of reciprocity and mutual appreciation, and giving and receiving graciously.A few key takeaways:Life's challenges don't always have to be fixed, and planned visions are not certain.Love is not determined by personalities, but by creating a fascinating harmony that keeps bonds in tact while fortifying your individual selves.Other people's behavior towards you is not a reflection of your own worth. Instead, it is a reflection of their relationship with themselves.Love requires a balance between separateness and togetherness. Commitments are voluntary agreements, while attachments are attempts at control.Communication is important, but comprehension is key. Ensure that the other person truly understands you.Cultivate fascination and curiosity in your relationships to keep them alive and interesting.Spend time alone to know yourself better and to therefore be more present in your relationships and your communities.Ask yourself: "does this person make me happy?"