Affirmations for Black Girls | Episode 438

"We Are Not Trees, Girl MOVE! Stop Staying Put. It’s Time to Uproot and Find Freedom Beyond Your Comfort Zone"

Host: Tyra The Creative
Release Date: November 5, 2025

Episode Overview

This "Pep Talk Wednesday" episode zeroes in on a powerful truth: as Black women, we are not trees—staying rooted in the same place forever is a choice, not a requirement. Tyra The Creative shares personal stories, compelling affirmations, and actionable advice to encourage listeners to challenge comfort, embrace change, and pursue freedom beyond their self-imposed boundaries. The episode is a call to uproot from comfort zones, nurture curiosity, and intentionally seek out new opportunities for growth—physically, mentally, or spiritually.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Challenging the Stability Narrative (06:48)

• Tyra opens with a potent question:
  “If there were no rules, no stipulations, and money was not a factor, where do you think you would want to live?... Maybe you'd actually go to that out of state college that you have always dreamed of going to, or just anywhere to get a fresh start?” (06:48)
• Reflects on how fear, societal expectations, and a desire for stability often prevent people—especially Black women—from taking risks or pursuing change.
• Asserts that “staying put” is frequently about comfort and not always about calling or purpose.

2. Personal Journey: From Small Town to Big Dreams (08:40–14:10)

• Tyra shares her background:
  • Raised in St. Francisville, LA, a town of 1,500.
  • Felt pressured to stay near home for college, turning down Juilliard and AMDA despite scholarships.
  • Embraced a chance to study in New Jersey through the National Student Exchange—“Best decision I ever made in my life.”
    “I was very close minded. I didn't know anything outside of St. Francisville, Louisiana… An opportunity presented itself for me to leave and go somewhere bigger.” (13:50)
• Emphasizes that even perceived setbacks or reroutes can be "divine intervention" pushing us toward growth.

3. Understanding Cognitive Dissonance and Self-Protection (15:00)

• Discusses how people often convince themselves they don’t want more as a way to protect themselves from disappointment, discomfort, and the unknown. “Sometimes I think we come across people who have brainwashed themselves into believing that they don't want something… That brainwashing…is cognitive dissonance.” (15:28)
• Encourages listeners to recognize and challenge these self-protective stories to allow themselves to want and pursue more.

4. The Science of Change—Neuroplasticity and Novelty (19:18)

• Argues that our brains are wired for growth and can always be retrained for new experiences.
  “Our brains thrive on new challenges and new environments. And if we are constantly staying in our same environment…how are we growing?” (19:35)
• Notes that change isn’t purely emotional; physical changes like moving location or shifting routine help build new positive thought patterns—like exercising a muscle.
• Novelty boosts dopamine and motivation, combats burnout and stagnation, and especially benefits Black women navigating chronic stress.

5. Uprooting Isn’t Betrayal—It’s Self-Honor (31:55)

• Challenges the misconception that leaving home or a “safe place” means abandoning one’s roots. “When you decide to uproot and move to a new place, you are not abandoning who you are. You are giving yourself better conditions or new conditions to thrive in…You're not betraying your roots by wanting to grow…You're honoring them.” (31:55 and 53:27)
• Highlights growing social trends, like “Black women in luxury” or “soft life,” as examples of intentionally seeking joy and healthy environments.

6. The Power of Choice and Flexing Curiosity (41:42)

• Stresses that staying put is always a choice, not a requirement. “The goal is not to make a permanent change. It is to flex the muscle of curiosity, to remind yourself that staying put is a choice.” (41:42)
• Encourages not just physical moves—sometimes it’s about trying new routines, connecting with different people, or shifting mindsets.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the illusion of stability:
  “We are sold the idea that stability outweighs everything else in life—even if our true needs and desires are being sacrificed.” (16:15)

• On brain wiring:
  “You can build new thought patterns the same way that you would build a muscle—one intentional move at a time.” (19:58)

• On the myth of ‘expensive’ dreams:
  “Life is what you make it, so let's make it rock. You feel me? There's always a way.” (48:22)

• On facing the fear of missing out versus regret:
  “If you decided to stay wherever you are rooted at for the sake of other people, what is that going to do to you in the long run when those people go off and do their own thing ... Are you going to be like, ‘dang, I wish I would have taken that trip, I wish I would have done that thing’?” (44:36)

• Affirmation in summary:
  “So whether the move for you is a physical one, a mental one, or spiritual, go where your heart leads you. Give it a try, you guys. Breathe deep. Stretch your roots. And remember that you are not a tree, baby girl. You can move.” (54:20)

Actionable Challenge (41:42–49:05)

Challenge of the Week: Uproot Yourself—Just a Little Bit

• Try something new—even if it’s small, like:
  • Taking a weekend trip to a new city.
  • Signing up for an unfamiliar class or workshop.
  • Changing up your living space.
  • Trying a new coffee shop.
  • Reaching out for new friendships or mentorships.
• Journal about:
  • How it felt to try something new.
  • What it was like to challenge your comfort zone.
  • Which stories you’re telling yourself about “where you belong.”
• Bonus: Share your “small unrooting moment” on social and tag @affirmationsforblackgirls.

Inspirational Examples

• Evita Robinson: Founder of NOMADNESS Travel Tribe.
• Jessica Nabongo: First Black woman to visit every country—“Their stories prove that we can build home wherever we decide to bloom.” (53:10)

Final Takeaways

• You are not meant to stay in the same place or role forever.
• Moving—literally or figuratively—can be scary but is often the key to meaningful growth and self-discovery.
• You are always allowed to choose, explore, and create the life you want, no matter where your roots started.
• Embrace curiosity as a muscle to flex, not just an abstract idea.
• You’re not betraying your roots by growing. You’re honoring them.

Listen to the full episode for more empowering pep talks with Tyra The Creative!