My podcast guest, Amanda JP Brown, was a high school drop-out and drug user who struggled with shame and low self-worth. Through deep inner work, she discovered her value and went on to earn a college degree and two master’s degrees. Her journey led her to write, You’re Brave Enough: 8 Daily Practices to Be Your Own HERO. Today, she guides women through their shame so they can stand confidently in their power.

In this episode of The Woman of Value Podcast:

How to be your own hero
How to be more confident
How to know your worth
How to stop people-pleasing
How to step into your power

How to Be Your Own Hero

Audio

Video

Show Notes for S2 EP 14: Amanda JP Brown – Be Your Own Hero

What is a woman of value to you?

Being able to honor and own my own value without needing to hear it from others. Others can’t tarnish or diminish who you are.

What was your pivotal moment of claiming your value?

I loved life, and I was carefree. When I was nine, we moved from the country to the city. Things started to spiral. My parents started to have problems. As I came of age at 13-years-old, I had a rupture with my father. It spun me out of control. I was no longer daddy’s little girl. I started using drugs. I was lost, seeking other people’s approval. I was looking for someone to tell me I was lovable. I was no longer feeling good about myself and felt unworthy. I didn’t want to live like that anymore.

Eventually, I met a guy who helped me see the value in myself. I stopped using, and I went back to school. I found my value in school as it was structured and safe. But, because I hadn’t done my inner work, that relationship ended, and I married someone who was toxic to me. I compromised myself to make the relationship work. I had given up so much of myself, I didn’t recognize myself anymore. That rock bottom was the catalyst to begin to do my work, and I became healthier physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

What was your process to stop the people-pleasing and be your own hero?

When stressed or overwhelmed, it’s easy for me to fall back into that pattern.
I have to stop moving, be silent and still to connect to my feelings.
I don’t judge my feelings.
Journaling helps me connect to myself. I ask myself tough questions.
Asking for help was hard for me, but now I find a safe place with a safe person to process my feelings.
Allowing myself to receive that was also big for me.
I collage when there are no words.
I learned to be honest about how I was feeling.
I stop trying to be perfect!

Why did you write your book?

I wrote about bravery and how to be your own hero. I was scared to talk about my drug use because of my shame. I’d been working with a coach for a while, and she asked what my superpower was.

My superpower is the HERO Practice I share in my book. They are what helped me move from shame to self confidence. HERO stands for: Honesty, Honoring, Empathy, Exploration, Risk, Realness, Open-hearted, Ownership.

Amanda’s best advice for a woman who wants to be more empowered: Begin the work wherever you are. Eating healthier, whatever works. Keep moving through the journey. Know you have the answers. Don’t give up. Know you’re loved even more than you imagine.