Summary of "UNRULY WITH SHELAH MARIE" Episode 17: "The Ultimate Flex: Staying True to Yourself"
Podcast Information:
- Title: UNRULY WITH SHELAH MARIE
- Host: Shelah Marie
- Episode: 17
- Release Date: January 28, 2025
- Description: UNRULY is a weekly culture and wellness podcast that delves into transformative conversations around self-love, acceptance, and holistic wellness. Hosted by author and wellness influencer Shelah Marie, each episode offers deep dives into personal growth through candid discussions with experts and community members.
Introduction
In Episode 17, titled "The Ultimate Flex: Staying True to Yourself," Shelah Marie welcomes Simone Mariposa, a body liberation activist, content creator, and birth doula. Their conversation centers on embracing change, maintaining authenticity, and fostering self-love amidst personal and societal transformations.
Embracing Change and Personal Growth
Simone shares her significant life transition of moving to Atlanta in 2022, describing it as a "dramedy" filled with both joyous moments and emotional challenges. This move catalyzed her spiritual evolution and deepened her sense of community.
Notable Quote:
Simone Mariposa (04:25): "I would consider that a dramedy simply because I've had... I've made so many friends, I've built a community. There's been lots of laughter and fun, but I've also cried at least once a week or every two days since I moved. And it's also been like a spiritual journey. It's been an evolution, isn't it?"
Self-Awareness and Navigating Challenges
The discussion highlights the importance of self-awareness in overcoming challenges. Simone recounts a pivotal moment in her content creation journey when she realized the need to break free from conforming to societal expectations and instead embrace her authentic self.
Notable Quote:
Simone Mariposa (08:24): "When I recognized like, okay, is this me truly living in who I am? And when that wasn't in alignment, it was like, fuck it. We're gonna be outside and we're gonna be talking about wearing what we want, showing our skin, being free, not being afraid in certain arenas, to be authentic to who you know we are."
The Role of Intuition and Flexibility
Simone emphasizes the significance of intuition and flexibility in personal growth. She discusses differentiating between genuine intuition and self-limiting fears, advocating for a balance between being firm in one's actions when aligned with inner truth and remaining adaptable when necessary.
Notable Quote:
Simone Mariposa (12:21): "I think when it feels right in your spirit, I think that's when you're firm in your actions and your... your plans."
Fashion, Body Positivity, and Breaking Stereotypes
The conversation transitions to fashion and body positivity. Simone critiques trends that promote shapeless clothing, advocating instead for styles that accentuate and celebrate diverse body types. She underscores the importance of challenging societal norms to foster self-love through personal expression in fashion.
Notable Quote:
Simone Mariposa (06:53): "I like the silhouette and the symmetry and the way that clothes like cloak over our body types, regardless of what our body types are. But I'm here for accentuating the body, you know."
Addressing Fetishization and Respect for Body Diversity
A significant portion of the episode addresses the fetishization of plus-size women, where attraction is solely based on physical attributes without acknowledging their humanity. Simone clarifies the distinction between genuine preference and fetishization, advocating for respect and dignity regardless of body size.
Notable Quote:
Simone Mariposa (31:12): "If your attraction to a big body is only sexual and you have no interest in her humanity otherwise, baby, that is a fetish."
Maintaining Confidence and Self-Love Amid Uncertainty
With societal changes imminent, such as a new presidential inauguration coinciding with Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, Simone and Shelah discuss maintaining self-love and confidence in uncertain times. Simone advises focusing on inner dialogue, aligning with supportive communities, and creating "little pockets of safety" within oneself.
Notable Quote:
Simone Mariposa (22:35): "It's about having tunnel vision on what you are attempting to create in your life and then aligning with those who have those same goals and then you create community based on those goals."
Practical Tools and Affirmations
Towards the end, Simone shares practical tools for listeners, including affirmations like "I'm free from the limitations from others." She encourages breaking free from internalized societal constraints to embrace one's true potential.
Notable Quote:
Simone Mariposa (45:55): "An affirmation that I really love is one that says I'm free from the limitations from others. It's similar to what I'd said about us internalizing what has been said to us, what's been said about us, and it becomes our truth."
Conclusion
The episode concludes with Simone promoting her services as a birth doula and emphasizing the importance of self-respect in relationships. She advocates for maintaining boundaries and not compromising one's authenticity for love, highlighting that true love aligns individuals with their true selves rather than demanding self-sacrifice.
Notable Quote:
Simone Mariposa (42:30): "If you're doing crazy shit for love, I think that's self-sacrificing, not love."
Shelah encourages listeners to incorporate the discussed practices into their lives and to share the podcast to support the community's growth.
Final Thoughts
Episode 17 of UNRULY WITH SHELAH MARIE offers a rich exploration of personal authenticity, self-love, and empowerment. Through Simone Mariposa's insights and experiences, listeners are inspired to embrace change, honor their true selves, and foster supportive communities that elevate individual and collective well-being.
Connect with Simone Mariposa:
- Instagram & YouTube: Simone Mariposa
- Website: thesamonemariposa.com
- Services: Doula services available in Atlanta
Stay Connected with UNRULY:
- Submit Questions: speakpipe.com/unruly
- Follow & Subscribe: Ensure you never miss an episode by subscribing on your preferred podcast platform.