We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shunta Graham a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Shunta, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
I developed my confidence and self-esteem by using affirmations and therapy. Personally, I have found that using affirmations have helped me to look on the inside to see that I am capable to do whatever I put my mind too. For instance, whenever I feel insecure or doubtful, I remind myself of my strengths by affirming that I am enough, capable and worthy of a better life. Affirmations have helped me to develop a positive self-image and improved my confidence in myself along with therapy.
When using affirmations, it’s vital to identify the areas in your live that needs a boost in confidence. For instance, when I started my healing journey, I created affirmations that align with healing and repeat these affirmations aloud or silently, as often as possible. I also posted them on my mirror so that I can see them every time I look into the mirror. Being consistent and using repetition are crucial when practicing affirmations. It’s also important to note that affirmations alone may not be the only solution to boosting self-esteem and confidence. When you use affirmations along with healthy habits, such as self-care, exercising, dancing, crafting, journaling and/or therapy, they can help create an overall healthy mindset. Once you reprogram your mind, the confidence and high self-esteem will begin to show up.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am Shunta( Shunnie Marie) Graham. I was born and raised in Pine Bluff, Arkansas and current reside in Little Rock, Arkansas with my husband of 19 years. I am a published co-author of the Blessed Not Broken Volume 3: The Power of Transformation anthology. I am also a podcaster, a singer, a dancer, a speaker and the Healing Through the Arts Activator. I was given the name “Shunnie Marie the Affirmation Queen” by a dear sister in Christ, due to affirming myself and others using affirmations.
I am also a podcaster and the host of the internationally streamed podcast called, “Show Up Manifest and Grind”. As a podcaster I use this platform to share my wisdom and insights with the world. My prayer is that my listeners eagerly tune in every week to hear my latest episode on the show. Keeping this in mind, I want to give them thought-provoking discussions, insightful interviews, and inspiring messages. And with my podcast being nominated for two awards, my listeners have even more reason to be excited and proud of the work that God is doing through me by using my podcasting platform.
Finally, as a praise dancer, I have a unique gift for expressing my spirituality through movement. My ministry is a testament to the power of dance as a form of worship and celebration. My prayer is that people can feel the joy and passion radiating from my movements, and that they are inspired and moved by my ministry.That why I take it all so seriously.
God has anointed me for inspiring others through affirmations, words of encouragement, podcasting, singing and give Him worship through dance. So therefore I will continue to focus on all my artistic abilities because they are what keep me sane. That is why I am the Healing Through the Arts Activator!
I want the readers to know that using the arts, such as dancing, writing, singing, and painting, and speaking can be a powerful way to connect with others and express yourself. By tapping into your creative side, you can find new ways to communicate your ideas, emotions, and experiences. And with dedication and practice, you can develop your skills and share your talents with the world.
Whether you are an affirmation queen, a podcaster, a praise dancer, a singer or simply someone who enjoys exploring the arts, you have the power to inspire and uplift others. Your talents and passions are gifts that deserve to be celebrated and shared, and the world is a better place for having you in it.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I believe that expressing myself, believing in myself, and being teachable were the qualities that were and still are most impactful on my journey. I am a witness that these traits go hand in hand and are essential in achieving personal and professional goals. Expressing yourself involves being able to speak your ideas, thoughts, and feelings in a clear and precise manner. It means being confident enough to speak up, share opinions, and communicate effectively with others.
Believing in yourself is another vital trait that can lead to success. It involves having a positive attitude, self-confidence, and a sense of self-worth. When you believe in yourself, you are more likely to take risks, face challenges, and pursue your dreams. You are less likely to be discouraged by setbacks or failures and are more motivated to learn from them and try again.
Being teachable is the third critical quality that can have a significant impact on your journey to success. It involves having an open mind, being receptive to feedback, and being willing to learn from others. When you are teachable, you are more likely to seek out new ideas, perspectives, and insights. You are less likely to be set in your ways and more adaptable to change.
For those who are early in their journey to success, there are several pieces of advice on how to develop and improve these traits. First, it is essential to be confident and comfortable with expressing yourself. You can achieve this by practicing speaking up( which is a big one for me), sharing your opinions, and communicating your ideas with friends, family, or in safe environments. Seek feedback, listen to others, and incorporate their suggestions to improve communication skills. Secondly, cultivating self-belief requires focusing on strengths, finding role models, and setting achievable goals. Celebrate small achievements along the way to boost confidence and maintain motivation. Lastly, being teachable involves being humble, curious, and committed to learning. Again seek out mentors, counselors, or coaches who can share their knowledge and insights with you. Be open to criticism and feedback and incorporate their advice in your personal or professional growth.
To wrap it all up, possessing the qualities of expressing yourself, believing in yourself, and being teachable are instrumental in achieving success. By taking the time to develop and nurture these qualities, you can unlock new potentials and achieve greater heights in life.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it can be helpful to take a break and step away from the task at hand. Try taking a brief walk, doing some deep breathing exercises, or practicing meditation to clear your mind. Another strategy is to break down your tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces so that you can tackle them one by one. It’s important to prioritize and focus on what’s most important and urgent. It can also be helpful to talk to someone you trust like a friend, family member or counselor to get support and guidance. Remember, self-care is critical when managing the feelings of being overwhelm and taking care of your physical, mental, spiritual and emotional well-being.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/shunniemarie
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/shunniemarie?igshid=ZGUzMzM3NWJiOQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shunta.graham?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Image Credits
Vincent Jackson, Jaybird Media Gregory Courtney, GCourtney Photography
