Therapist Sakina Issa on the Power of Affirmations, Boundaries and Unlocking a Positive Mindset Artwork

Thrive Spice

Thrive Spice is a podcast centered on the Asian American mental health experience while navigating career, family, identity and social empowerment. Join host Vanessa Tsang Shiliwala as she invites diverse business and political leaders, entrepreneurs, activists, and creators to share their real stories and practical advice on how they found their "Thrive Spice" - the joy that comes from finally owning our identity, power, and worth. Our mission is to promote a more inclusive world that centers intersectional communities, including women of color, AAPI, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ communities. Join us as we unpack some feelings and spill the tea: from sharing what real self-care and boundaries look like for us as we create social, political, and economic change; how we're healing from hate crimes, intergenerational trauma, and racism; and what we're doing to break glass ceilings, reclaim our stories and redefine what true happiness and success look like - for ourselves, and for the next generation.

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Thrive Spice

Therapist Sakina Issa on the Power of Affirmations, Boundaries and Unlocking a Positive Mindset

May 19, 2021 • Vanessa Tsang Shiliwala • Season 1 • Episode 3

Sakina talks about finding balance between both Indian and American cultures, and how it ultimately shaped her personal and career journey as a mother (who just gave birth to her 3rd child 2 days ago - Congrats Sakina!), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Co-Founder of the E.L.O. Deck, a children's affirmation card deck and parent resource.

Sakina tells us about escaping an arranged marriage proposal at the age of 18, growing up feeling "different" as an Indian kid, and why it's important to tell our children that they can make mistakes. We discuss cultivating a positive mindset: why hearing affirmations from a young age is so critical, how we can celebrate the beauty of Indian and Eastern cultural values of family and respect, while still questioning the stigmas and irrational beliefs that Asian communities have about marriage, therapy, divorce, and the value and purpose of women.

BONUS: My 3-year-old and I test out the E.L.O. Deck. Get ready for some heartwarming giggles.

About E.L.O. Deck:

E.L.O. Deck is a children’s affirmation deck of flashcards that promote a positive growth mindset and self-regulation in kids developmentally aged 4-7. It’s also a resource for parents to physically and emotionally connect with their children. Founded by mothers and a licensed family therapist, all from minority communities, with the common goal of encouraging a positive mindset, actively impacting the next generation's mental well-being, and bringing back human connection.

We’re offering a special 10% discount to Thrive Spice listeners here:

https://elodeck.com/discount/spice10

Each deck of 32 cards includes:

29 carefully selected well-rounded affirmations, as well as a bedtime meditation and affirmation, coloring card, insights into the ELO method, sticker sheet, and magnetic closure box to house the cards. The cards are made of high quality suede-like soft touch for a sensory and luxe feel, and have eco-friendly and non-toxic packaging with acid-free tissue paper, plastic-free and recyclable materials.

Affiliate Link Disclosure: We may receive a small commission through affiliate links, at no added cost to you. At Thrive Spice, our mission is to normalize the conversation about mental health within the AAPI community, and amplify the voices of Asian American leaders and entrepreneurs. This includes promoting AAPI-owned, Minority-Owned and/or Women-Owned businesses in efforts to share, grow and uplift our community. Your purchase helps support the podcast as well as the community.

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Vanessa Tsang Shiliwala

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