Stay ConnectedSchool of Self-Image is the go-to podcast for women who desire to transform their self-image so that they can create mind-blowing results in their lives. Join Master Life Coach, Tonya Leigh, as she shares tips, ideas, and inspiring conversations around elevating your mindset, style, and surroundings to create an extraordinary self-image. Episodes are released each Wednesday.
Download the School of Self-Image Manifesto at schoolofselfimage.com/podcastmanifesto
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The Art of Becoming: Navigating Life's Transformations
Embracing the process of becoming involves shedding old identities, beliefs, and habits to align with one's true self. As discussed in the podcast episode, the journey of becoming is likened to a metamorphosis, much like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly. This transformation requires individuals to let go of who they have been to become who they truly are or aspire to be.
Host, Tonya Leigh, shares her personal experiences of going through various stages of becoming, including facing challenges, reevaluating her identity, and making intentional changes to align with her true nature. She emphasizes the importance of letting go of comfortable ways of being, confronting difficult truths about oneself, and being willing to evolve into a new version.
Join Tonya as she delves into the process of shedding old identities and embracing new versions of ourselves.
Talking Points:
02:32 The Art of Becoming
05:13 Letting Go of Identities and Beliefs
10:31 The Butterfly Metamorphosis Analogy
11:26 - Martha Beck's Change Cycle
16:17 Cocooning Yourself with Self-Care
19:30 Square One Mantra
23:34 Reimagining and Nourishing Your Soul
28:20 Embracing Failure and Obstacles
32:05 The Promised Land
36:45 Embracing Constant Change
Quotes:
"We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us."
"This is the part of the butterflies metamorphosis where it's literally dissolving into what she calls a person soup."
"Coming from the truest part of you, that takes a lot of courage and a lot of people will never do that."
"I don't know what the hell is going on and that's okay."
"I don't regret any of this, not a single part of it. I don't believe in regret."
"You need to give yourself permission to daydream. Let it run wild."
"That obstacle is there to grow me, not to back away from, not to run from, but to run towards."
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Connect with Self-Image Coach Tonya Leigh:
Website: https://schoolofselfimage.com
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Creating a Lasting Impression with Your Soul Style
Understanding your soul style involves aligning your values, personality, passions, and dreams with your outward appearance. Host Tonya Leigh stresses the importance of knowing and embracing your soul style, which transcends mere clothing choices. She breaks down the components of soul style into four key elements: values, personality, passions, and dreams.
By paying attention to how you feel in different outfits and embracing the evolution of your style, you can create a wardrobe that truly reflects your inner essence and makes you feel confident, comfortable, and authentic.
Join Tonya as she delves into the journey of self-discovery and the significance of expressing your inner self through your personal style.
Talking Points:
00:00:51 - Personal Update from Tonya
00:01:45 - Reflecting on Life and Belongings
00:03:00 - Understanding Soul Style
00:05:45 - Components of Soul Style
00:06:32 - Values and Their Impact on Style
00:10:05 - Personality and Style Expression
00:12:54 - Dreams and Future Self in Style
00:16:16 - Creating Your Style Cocktail
00:17:09 - Primary Style Archetypes
00:21:03 - Reflecting and Experimenting with Style
Quotes:
"It's more about shedding layers to reveal the truth of who you are, the truth of your essence, the truth of your soul."
"I love taking care of my beauty, and I have been ridiculed for that, and that's okay."
"What I want for you all is that you are showing up in a way that truly represents who you are at your deepest level, at your core."
"Your soul style should make you feel confident, comfortable, and like you. It should feel like freedom."
Useful Resources:
12-Week Private Podcast Series: https://schoolofselfimage.com/why/
FREE Training: https://schoolofselfimage.com/after/
FREE Download: https://schoolofselfimage.com/self-image-manifesto/
Sign up for the weekly Edit: https://schoolofselfimage.com/edit/ Connect with Self-Image Coach, Tonya Leigh:
Website: https://schoolofselfimage.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyaleigh
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TonyaLeighOfficial
From Overwhelmed to Empowered: Transforming Your Style with Five Key Habits
Celebrating 400 episodes! In this special episode, Tonya reflects on her podcast journey, starting from her first nervous recording to reaching this significant milestone. She shares the importance of pushing past self-doubt and critical voices to keep going. A heartfelt thank you to listeners and her team for the support.
Then, Tonya dives into 'The Five Style Habits That Transformed My Life'.
Intentional style habits play a crucial role in enhancing personal style, saving time, money, and energy, while boosting confidence and authenticity. In a podcast episode, Tonya Leigh discusses five key style habits that have elevated her life, highlighting their positive impact on overall well-being.
Intentional Shopping with a Style Vision: Developing a clear style vision helps individuals make intentional shopping decisions, reducing impulse purchases and ensuring every item aligns with their personal style.
Daily Outfit Photos: Taking daily outfit photos and analyzing them with curiosity rather than criticism helps individuals understand what works for them.
Quarterly Closet Edits: Regularly reviewing and organizing the closet allows individuals to assess their wardrobe, identify items that no longer serve them, and make room for new pieces that align with their style vision.
Keeping Everything in Sight: Organizing the closet for maximum visibility helps individuals see and appreciate all their clothing items, reducing the feeling of having nothing to wear.
Practicing Gratitude for the Wardrobe: Cultivating gratitude for the current wardrobe fosters a positive relationship with clothing, leading to contentment and authenticity.
Tune in for an inspiring episode filled with gratitude, motivation, and style inspiration.
Talking Points:
03:09 Style as form of self-care.
05:56 Relationship with clothing and style.
11:09 Style habits for elevated life.
13:15 Creating a style vision.
18:36 Elevating style with daily photos.
26:36 Quarterly Closet Edits
31:47 Creating a sense of abundance.
35:30 Gratitude in building a wardrobe.
42:17 Elevating personal style and confidence.
Quotes:
"I want to encourage you, I want to challenge you to think about style as a form of self-care."
"Style has this trickle effect. Because it's not even about the clothes, it's about you and how you feel."
"Clothing has helped me create the life that I'm living today."
"I love the mantra of I'm letting this go so that something else better can take its place."
"Gratitude can help us enjoy the process of evolving our style."
Useful Resources:
12-Week Private Podcast Series: https://schoolofselfimage.com/why/
FREE Training: https://schoolofselfimage.com/after/
FREE Download: https://schoolofselfimage.com/self-image-manifesto/
Sign up for the weekly Edit: https://schoolofselfimage.com/edit/
Connect with Self-Image Coach, Tonya Leigh:
Website: https://schoolofselfimage.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyaleigh
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TonyaLeighOfficial
Challenging the Status Quo: The Power of Asking Why
One of the key themes discussed in the podcast episode is the importance of challenging the status quo by asking why and questioning what we have accepted as normal. Tonya Leigh emphasizes the significance of questioning the beliefs and norms that have been ingrained in us without critical examination.
Tonya shares a personal anecdote from her childhood where she questioned the teachings in Sunday school, demonstrating her early inclination to challenge the status quo. She highlights how questioning the norms around her led her to develop a mindset of curiosity and critical thinking, which ultimately shaped her ability to challenge societal norms and expectations.
Join her at the School of Self-Image where personal development meets style, and learn how the audacity to ask can open unexpected doors in your life and career.
Talking Points:
01:00 - Gratitude Amidst Chaos
02:31 - Childhood Memories and Aspirations
04:17 - The Power of Asking: Transforming Lives
06:00 - Questioning Societal Rules and Norms
09:53 - Questioning Religious Teachings
10:12 - Fighting for Possibilities: How Can I?
12:27 - The Importance of Quality Questions
14:45 - Shifting Focus: From Limitations to Possibilities
16:08 - Overcoming Self-Sufficiency and Asking for Help
18:29 - The Role of Rejection in Asking
20:36 - Observing Others: The Power of Asking
23:02 - The ATM Machine Analogy
24:11 - Expansive Energy: The Audacity to Ask and Receive
25:09 - Invitation to Join the Private Podcast Series
Quotes:
"Learning to ask the right questions of yourself and others can open doors you never knew existed."
"If you have the audacity to ask, your life will begin to change in the most beautiful of ways."
"Energy is everything, my friends, everything. Where your attention goes is where your energy is flowing."
"I ask for help. I ask for what I want."
"The more willing you are to ask for what you want, are you also more willing to give without any kind of resentment?"
"I want you to see you as an ATM machine."
"A beautiful life requires you."
Useful Resources:
12-Week Private Podcast Series: https://schoolofselfimage.com/why/
FREE Training: https://schoolofselfimage.com/after/
FREE Download: https://schoolofselfimage.com/self-image-manifesto/
Sign up for the weekly Edit: https://schoolofselfimage.com/edit/
Connect with Self-Image Coach, Tonya Leigh:
Website: https://schoolofselfimage.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyaleigh
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TonyaLeighOfficial
Failing Forward: Lessons in Style and Business
Failure is often viewed negatively, but in this episode, Carmin and Sherry Black share with host Tonya Leigh their stories of failure and how they turned it into a stepping stone to success. Carmin explained how her business, Half United, faced a setback due to a manufacturing defect that resulted in a lawsuit. She realized that the failure was not solely due to external factors but also stemmed from her own decisions and priorities.
Similarly, Sherry Black shared her experiences of encountering obstacles and setbacks in her career as an interior and furniture designer. From relocating from Hawaii to Alaska to launching restaurants in Raleigh, Sherry faced various challenges along the way. However, she emphasized the importance of embracing failure and using it as a learning experience.
Both Carmen and Sherry's narratives illustrate the significance of embracing failure as a stepping stone toward success. By acknowledging their mistakes, learning from them, and making necessary adjustments, they were able to evolve, grow, and ultimately achieve their goals. Their stories serve as a reminder that failure is not the end but a valuable opportunity for growth and improvement in future endeavors.
Talking Points:
02:45 Stylish careers.
05:15 Childhood fascination with glamorous decor.
09:42 Fashion faux pas anecdote.
14:32 Individuality and self-expression.
18:34 Starting a business with $200.
24:05 Bullets turned into jewelry.
28:39 Overcoming failure and resilience.
30:40 Manufacturing challenges and growth decisions.
38:33 Embracing challenges for growth.
44:25 The impact of personal style.
52:13 Taking risks in business.
59:25 Experience stacking.
01:05: Entrepreneurial mindset and resiliency.
01:16: Signature style preferences.
01:22: Mr. Rogers obsession.
01:23: The value of simplicity.
01:27: Setting daily goals for success.
01:30:58 Imagine possibilities beyond limits.
Quotes:
"I have declared that this will be my summer of style."
"I do remember walking into that school and people just bursting out in laughter."
"Yeah. Yeah, Christian, my brother and I, when we started our first brand, we had no money. I am talking no money. Big money buying mugs from Salvation Army."
"Every product that you purchase is giving seven meals to a kid in need."
"I just always see failure as a stepping stone."
"It doesn't matter if it was you or if it was other people or things out of your control, the weather, whatever. It always can be used for your good. So just never, never give up."
"I should not have to go through the employment office to get a job. I was humbled on that."
"All those years later. That's really interesting, because I call that experience stacking, or you can call it skill stacking, where you don't understand it at the time, how it's all going to fit together."
"I believe that entrepreneurs make really horrible employees, like really, really bad."
"You can still look chic in your workout Clothes, you know a cute little ponytail and put on some lip gloss and you've changed the whole vibe."
"But I don't want to have the limited mentality that says, I could never have that. I can never imagine that."
"Style is timeless and it starts with you."
Useful Resources:
12-Week Private Podcast Series: https://schoolofselfimage.com/why
FREE Training: https://schoolofselfimage.com/after
FREE Download: https://schoolofselfimage.com/self-image-manifesto
Sign up for the weekly Edit: https://schoolofselfimage.com/edit
Connect with Self-Image Coach, Tonya Leigh:
Website: https://schoolofselfimage.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyaleigh
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TonyaLeighOfficial
Unleashing Your Inner Style: My Summer of Self-Expression
Style is not just about clothing and accessories; it is a powerful tool for self-expression that can transform how we experience the world. In the podcast episode, Tonya Leigh discusses how style goes beyond fashion choices and can impact various aspects of our lives. She emphasizes that style is a mindset that can influence how we express ourselves and interact with the world around us.
Tonya Leigh shares her personal journey of how embracing style has changed her life and helped her become more confident and intentional in her self-expression. By paying attention to the details of her style choices, she has been able to rewrite her story and create a more joyful and fulfilling life.
Join Tonya on this journey of self-discovery and learn how style can be a powerful tool for personal growth and transformation.
Talking Points:
00:52 - Designing Your Dream Summer 01:46 - How Style Changed My Life 03:01 - A Decade of Study and Exploration 03:23 - Diana Vreeland: Inspiration and Creativity 04:18 - Why Don't You: New Private Podcast Series 06:05 - Joyful Self-Expression 07:20 - Attracting Like-Minded People 08:18 - Dressing with Intention 12:45 - Telling Your Story Through Style 16:26 - Style Evolution and Growth 18:03 - Daily Attention to Details
Quotes:
"What if the secret to a more joyful, confident life was hidden in the details you've been overlooking?"
"I want to use style to help birth this next version of me."
"You have to be willing to repel people."
"Your style choices are telling a story about who you are and who you aspire to be. Style is your visual autobiography."
"I used to think happiness was a fairy tale forever, just out of reach. I felt stuck a lot of the times helpless and like I was constantly failing."
"Perhaps that last point is the most important because I've found that if we're not mindful, we can get so caught up in the big, the big goals."
Useful Resources:
12 Week Private Podcast Series: https://schoolofselfimage.com/why
FREE Training: https://schoolofselfimage.com/after
FREE Download: https://schoolofselfimage.com/self-image-manifesto
Sign up for the weekly Edit: https://schoolofselfimage.com/edit
Connect with Self-Image Coach, Tonya Leigh:
Website: https://schoolofselfimage.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyaleigh
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TonyaLeighOfficial
Emotional Residency: Packing Up Your Life for Joyful Reinvention
Assessing what parts of our lives we are ready to leave behind and what we want to bring along as we move forward is a crucial aspect of personal growth and transformation. In a podcast episode, Tonya Leigh discusses the process of packing up her belongings as she prepares to move to a new house. This physical act of packing serves as a metaphor for the emotional and mental process of evaluating what serves us and what no longer aligns with our current goals and values.
She emphasizes the importance of being intentional about what we choose to bring along on our journey. This includes not only physical items but also emotional baggage, old beliefs, and outdated thought patterns. By taking the time to assess these aspects of our lives, we can make conscious decisions about what to let go of and what to hold onto as we move forward.
Join Tanya as she shares her own emotional journey of packing up her current home and moving into a new chapter.
Talking Points:
00:30 - Introduction to Packing Up and Moving On
05:30 - Emotional Baggage and Letting Go
10:33 - Sunken Cost Fallacy and Letting Go
15:19 - Packing Up for the Future
18:41 - Moving into a New Chapter
22:47 - Joyful Reinvention through Packing Up and Moving On
Quotes:
"This has been about me deciding what parts of myself I'm ready to leave behind, what things I'm ready to let go of, and equally, what I'm ready to move towards."
"I had divorce papers, I had emails, I had things that when I read them, I was like, oh my goodness, like, who was I and who was my ex because we both had grown up."
"Does this spark joy? Does this belong in my future? Does this excite me? Does this align with my values? Does it represent who I am today?"
"Your brain doesn't know what it's like to walk through the world feeling like you are deserving."
"I believe that packing up and moving on, whether it's metaphorically or it's reality, is one of the most powerful tools for joyful reinvention."
"But then I discovered a simple shift. Or three, that changed everything."
Useful Resources:
FREE Training: https://schoolofselfimage.com/after
FREE Download: https://schoolofselfimage.com/self-image-manifesto
Sign up for the weekly Edit: http://schoolofselfimage.com/edit
Connect with Self-Image Coach, Tonya Leigh:
Website: https://schoolofselfimage.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyaleigh
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TonyaLeighOfficial
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thetonyaleigh
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TonyaLeighOfficial
Creating Magic in Everyday Moments: A Guide to Romanticizing Your Life
Romanticizing your life involves being mindful and appreciating the present moment. Host and Master Self-Image Coach Tonya Leigh emphasizes the importance of being present and mindful to romanticize your life in this weeks School of Self-Image podcast. She highlights the significance of slowing down, being with yourself, and appreciating the details of your life. By being fully present in the moment, you can tend to the details of your life and truly appreciate the joyous moments that may otherwise be overlooked.
Tonya also stresses the practice of slowing down and being present with oneself or those around you. By taking the time to truly be present with yourself and others, you can cultivate a deeper sense of appreciation for the blessings in your life. This involves not being distracted by worries about the future or regrets about the past, but rather focusing on the beauty and goodness that the present moment offers.
Tune in to discover how you can infuse your daily life with meaning and enjoy the present moment rather than rushing toward the future.
Talking Points:
01:00 - Introduction to Romanticizing Your Life
05:30 - Philosophical Perspectives on Romanticizing Your Life
08:32 - Benefits of Romanticizing Your Life
09:16 - Embracing Adventure in Everyday Situations
11:34 - Importance of Mindfulness in Romanticizing Your Life
17:06 - Morning Routine for Romanticizing Your Life
21:18 - Importance of Self-Appreciation in Romanticizing Your Life
25:38 - Balancing Idealism and Realism in Romanticizing Your Life
29:03 - Finding Joy in Work and Daily Activities
31:31 - Building Meaningful Connections and Appreciating Moments
32:45 - Slowing Down and Being Present in Your Life
Quotes:
"Romance is not something that you have to wait until one day to have. In fact, to create a romantic life, it requires that you start right now."
"I will tell you, learning to romanticize my life has been one of the biggest gifts that I've given myself."
"You can filter it in a way that makes you feel optimistic, that makes you feel full of gratitude, that makes you feel abundant."
"I chose to create this alternative universe that I could live in. That's full of adventure. That's full of opportunities. It's full of surprises."
"Looking for the blessing, looking for the joy, looking for the love, looking for the abundance. It's there if you're looking for it."
"Love on yourself more if you want to romanticize your life."
"Really, romanticizing your life is not that hard. It's about you being awake. It's about you appreciating. It's about you tending to the details of your life. And most importantly, it's about loving yourself."
"Appreciate all of the goodness that life offers."
Useful Resources:
FREE Training: https://schoolofselfimage.com/after
FREE Download: https://schoolofselfimage.com/self-image-manifesto
Sign up for the weekly Edit: http://schoolofselfimage.com/edit
Connect with Self-Image Coach, Tonya Leigh:
Website: https://schoolofselfimage.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyaleigh
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TonyaLeighOfficial
The Truth About Confidence: 5 Myths Exposed
Confidence is often misunderstood, and host Tonya Leigh debunks five prevalent myths surrounding it in this episode. I encourage listeners to build a confident relationship with themselves and to understand that doubt is a natural part of the journey. Confidence in your abilities will grow over time through repeated actions and experiences.
Tonya dives into the topic of confidence, debunking five common myths surrounding it. She shares personal stories about her journey to self-assurance and highlights that while confidence is desirable, it is not mandatory for living an incredible life. Tanya encourages listeners to pursue their dreams even in the face of self-doubt, emphasizing that confidence can be cultivated through thoughts and actions. Tune in to challenge your beliefs about confidence and discover the power of embracing the unknown in your journey towards self-assurance.
Talking Points:
00:40 - What is Confidence? 01:02 - Confidence is Overrated 01:13 - Action Before Confidence 01:58 - Myth 1: Confidence is Needed for Amazing Things 03:16 - Self-Assurance Over Confidence 04:08 - Personal Story: First Mastermind Retreat 05:54 - Building Confidence Through Repetition 07:01 - Myth 2: Confidence Comes from External Validation 09:02 - Building Self-Trust 10:32 - Myth 3: Confidence Requires Being the Smartest and Loudest 11:57 - True Confidence is Comfort with Oneself 12:29 - Myth 4: Confidence Equals Arrogance 13:56 - Confidence Has Nothing to Prove 15:02 - Myth 5: Confident People Never Doubt Themselves 16:36 - Doubt as a Companion to Confidence
Quotes:
"And honestly, I sort of think confidence is overrated, even though I want you all to feel it."
"There is a big difference. And a lot of you are trying to have confidence in something that you've never done before. And it is practically impossible."
"It becomes this thing that needs to be fed from the outside world."
"Confidence has nothing to prove."
"Doubt is not a reason to stop. It's a reason to keep going."
"Confidence comes from just believing and trusting in yourself."
Useful Resources:
FREE Training: https://schoolofselfimage.com/after
FREE Download: https://schoolofselfimage.com/self-image-manifesto
Sign up for the weekly Edit: http://schoolofselfimage.com/edit
Connect with Self-Image Coach, Tonya Leigh:
Website: https://schoolofselfimage.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyaleigh
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TonyaLeighOfficial
Soul Cravings: The Path to Joy and Fulfillment
Pay attention to your soul cravings and align with your core values, strengths, and passions for deep fulfillment. In the podcast episode, Tonya Leigh emphasizes the importance of listening to your soul's cravings, which originate from the deepest part of you and are in harmony with your core values, strengths, and passions. These cravings differ from societal cravings influenced by external expectations and norms. By paying attention to your soul cravings, you can experience a profound sense of purpose, joy, and alignment in your life.
Tonya shares her personal journey of discovering her soul cravings, such as a desire to learn about the world, feel at home in different cultures, and explore various cuisines. By following these cravings, she was able to align with her true self and move towards her North Star. She highlights the contrast between societal cravings, which may offer temporary approval or success but lack deep fulfillment, and soul cravings, which lead to a sense of purpose and joy.
She encourages listeners to pay attention to their own cravings and explore what their soul truly longs for in life.
Talking Points:
00:39 - Tanya's New York City Experience 01:55 - Identifying Your Cravings 02:36 - Personal Development Journey 03:08 - Essential Self vs. Social Self 04:12 - Excavating Your True Self 05:06 - Following Soul Cravings 06:08 - Discovering Worldly Cravings 07:00 - Societal vs. Soul Cravings 10:03 - Discomfort in Following Cravings 12:12 - Recognizing Soul Cravings 13:05 - Creating Space for Soul Cravings 14:10 - Developing Self-Trust 15:37 - Paying Attention to Intuition and Body 21:02 - Practical Exercise: Mood Boards 24:04 - Energy from Soul Cravings
Quotes:
"By listening to my soul's cravings, not my societal cravings, but my soul's cravings, has led me towards my North Star."
"I believe in honoring your soul cravings."
"You will know a soul craving because it will bring you joy. Even if it's hard, it'll bring you so much joy and satisfaction."
"You have to be the one that puts up a red velvet rope around your mind, around your soul, so that you can hear you again, so that you can listen and pay attention to what you're being nudged towards and what you're being nudged away from."
"That's not it. I just moved away from my sweet spot."
"What is that one thing that your soul is craving right now? Listen, it's trying to speak to you. Pay attention."
"Unleash your inner powerhouse."
Useful Resources:
FREE Training: https://schoolofselfimage.com/after
FREE Download: https://schoolofselfimage.com/self-image-manifesto
Sign up for the weekly Edit: http://schoolofselfimage.com/edit
Connect with Self-Image Coach, Tonya Leigh:
Website: https://schoolofselfimage.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyaleigh
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TonyaLeighOfficial
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