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Pink Lemonade Podcast
Pink Lemonade Podcast
Author: Whitney L. Barkley, M.S.
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© Whitney L. Barkley, M.S.
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14 Episodes
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You ever feel like you just can’t give what you used to — even though your ambition hasn’t gone anywhere?That’s the part nobody warns you about. It’s absolutely confusing when your drive stays strong, but your capacity shifts.The word capacity comes from the Latin capācitās, meaning “the ability to hold much.” For most of my life, I thought that meant I needed to keep stretching — to hold more, to do more, to prove more.But lately, I’ve been wondering if real growth isn’t about stretching at all.Maybe it’s about learning what deserves space inside the life you already have.In business, capacity measures how much a system can handle before it breaks.But what about you? How much can you handle before you break?Because no matter how strong or disciplined you are, your capacity will shift — and learning to honor that shift is part of your journey.When Your Output Isn’t Your WorthFor most of my adult life, I’ve been that woman who could do it all without blinking an eye. I prided myself on being dependable, creative, and always producing. My worth was loudly tied to my output.Recently, I had a moment where I was absolutely frustrated with myself. I made a list of everything I needed to do, but every day things just weren’t getting done. Don’t get me wrong — the desire was there. I probably thought about what I needed to do more than I actually did it.But the more I focused on what I didn’t do, the less I celebrated what I had done. And the reality is, the things I did do were still moving the needle. I was just stuck in an old grind mode I had conditioned myself to practice years ago — the one that told me my value lived in how much I could produce with no guardrails instead of having gratitude for what I was able to give.The world is not going to end if I can’t do eight things that I think are important today but only get three things done — especially when those three things create space for what truly matters: spending time with loved ones, reading a new book, cooking a random meal from TikTok, etc.Before, it was all or nothing. Once I had a goal, I fixated until it was done. That mindset destroyed relationships, harmed my health, and left me constantly chasing the next thing just to prove I could.But here’s what I’ve learned — God never asked me to compete with myself. Nor did he intention for me or any other human being to operate like a machine. Our humanity lies in our ability to slow down and recognize where we are.Those unchecked boxes on my realistically unrealistically to-do list weren’t failures. They were lessons in timing, patience, and grace.Sometimes things get done when it get done — especially if it’s not stopping the progress of what really matters. You just have to give yourself the space to trust that and remember that your level of output is not the final determinant of your outcome.You’re Not That Person AnymoreI was asking myself, “Why can’t I handle the output of what I used to do five or ten years ago?”And the answer was simple, though it took time to accept.I’m not that person anymore.My priorities have shifted. The way I view life (and work) has shifted. And my definition of success has shifted too.Working harder — but not smarter in any area of my life — is no longer the agenda.That’s when I realized something important: your capacity doesn’t define your worth. It reflects your season.The Identity ShiftI’m in my quality era.I’m still building, but not for volume. I’m building for alignment. I’m building for peace. I’m building for a quality of life that feels good — not just looks good.And that required me to accept something that’s easy to say but hard to live.What got me here won’t keep me here.Even if the mission stays the same, the method is allowed to change.The TransformationThere was a time I equated slowing down with falling off. Now, I see it as recalibration.Instead of asking, “How much can I handle?” I’ve started asking, “What’s worth my energy right now?”That small shift changed everything — how I work, how I lead, and how I rest.The Reality Is…These days, I’m learning to accept that the pace that once served me might not fit this version of me. My capacity has changed, and that’s okay. It doesn’t mean I’ve lost drive or discipline; it means I’m honoring what this season actually requires of me to win.The real “aha moment” in all of this is realizing that slowing down isn’t a setback. It is a definite sign that your values have matured. What once felt urgent might not even belong to you anymore. And that’s not sliding backwards; that’s alignment.What’s NextI’ve been sitting with this one for a while. I didn’t write it from a place of having it all figured out — I wrote it from the middle of learning how to move differently.My life doesn’t look the same as it did a few years ago, and neither does my capacity. But my ambition? That’s still here — it just has a new rhythm.This moment is a reminder to myself that growth doesn’t always mean acceleration despite what the world may project or what we’ve conditioned ourselves to do. Sometimes growth looks like grace, redirection, and the courage to rebuild at a different speed.Adjusting my capacity to achieve my goals or change my quality of life doesn’t mean I’ve stopped moving — it means I finally know where I’m going.About Whitney B.I’m Whitney Barkley—writer, speaker, and creator of Built From the Inside™, a movement rooted in self-awareness, storytelling, and strategy.If you’re somewhere between who you were and who you’re becoming, you’re in the right place.Subscribe to Lemons to Lessons™ for honest reflections and practical prompts that remind you: sometimes doing less, positions you for so much more. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pinklemonadepodcast.substack.com
In this episode of the Pink Lemonade Podcast, host Whitney B explores the transformative power of presence in personal branding. Drawing from insights gained during her recent WYSO Community Voices training, Whitney delves into how being fully present can elevate your personal brand, making it more authentic and engaging.Key Takeaways:• The importance of presence in broadcasting and how it translates to personal branding.• Understanding the difference between your authentic voice and your convenient voice.• Practical tips on how to be more present in your interactions.• Reflective questions to help you assess and improve your personal branding strategy.Join Whitney B. as she uncovers how being present can create a more powerful and genuine connection with your audience, ensuring that your personal brand stands out.For a deeper dive into these concepts and how they can transform your personal brand, subscribe to the Lemons to Lessons newsletter on LinkedIn. Join Whitney B. as she explores the power of presence, authenticity, and effective communication in personal branding.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7084891615193956353/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pinklemonadepodcast.substack.com
Join Whitney B. as she sits down with trailblazing leader Shakinah Page on this episode of the Pink Lemonade Podcast. Shakinah is the founder of BLACC Social and Mom2Mom, providing supportive platforms to educate and empower professionals and mothers.With a background as a Psychiatric Pediatric Behavioral Health Nurse, Shakinah has worked tirelessly to break down stigmas and promote inclusivity in clinical settings. Despite navigating the challenges of single motherhood, she obtained her Bachelor's in Nursing and found her voice advocating for others facing similar obstacles.Currently pursuing her Doctorate at the University of Cincinnati, Shakinah's mission is to uplift communities through education as a future Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. As a motivational speaker, nurse consultant, and mental health champion, she inspires positive change wherever she goes.In this candid conversation, Shakinah shares insights on overcoming the "hush syndrome," finding your authentic voice, and navigating difficult situations with integrity. Get ready for an empowering discussion that will leave you reflecting on how to courageously speak your truth.Connect with Shakinah on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/niichole.pageBlacc Social: https://www.facebook.com/groups/245597406504165Listen to Her Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shakinah-page?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0MKHqjNqKB2v-w7j8xCHCQcyRIynoLs1XL3eaGSau6Q9fx5oIzINww20U_aem_AePLWefraG-YyWxvMSZ9rbxnG4PxjJ86Eb8wMGzjWUd0iJpR63vrD9i7BiNjLT6RjFzjszIEBDP3_BuUxtR33Eud This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pinklemonadepodcast.substack.com
In this thought-provoking episode of Pink Lemonade Podcast by Whitney B, titled "The True Definition of Humility," we challenge the conventional notions of humility and invite you to explore the profound question: Who are you truly called to be? Unpacking the very essence of humility, we unravel the misconception that being humble means shrinking oneself. Society often advocates for humility, yet we reveal how revealing your authentic self is not synonymous with arrogance, but rather, a vital step in establishing credibility and embracing your unique journey. Join us as we share empowering anecdotes that redefine humility based on a biblical verse. Discover how advocating for your true self is essential to humanizing your power and stepping into your destined role with confidence. Are you embodying the true essence of your calling, or simply conforming to societal expectations? Tune in to explore the transformative power of embracing your authenticity in this episode. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pinklemonadepodcast.substack.com
In this episode of Pink Lemonade Podcast, host Whitney B. explores the challenges of living in one's purpose and the importance of completing life's assignments. Feeling tired and uncertain about the future, Whitney finds clarity stemming from a powerful message from a pastor in Columbus, OH. She shares her personal struggles and emphasizes the significance of embracing each assignment, even in ambiguity, as a path to growth and understanding. Through introspection and learning to be present in the moment, Whitney inspires listeners to find their fight and unlock their true potential. Tune in to Pink Lemonade Podcast for a motivating and empowering discussion on finishing your assignment and embracing the journey of life. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pinklemonadepodcast.substack.com
In this episode of Pink Lemonade Podcast, we discover that self-discipline is a radical act of self-love, a priceless gift we can give ourselves. We often rely on motivation to get things done, but it's self-discipline that sustains us and keeps us going on our path to success.You'll walk through the process of discovering what you truly want and why you want it to set the foundation for building discipline and staying committed to your goals. We'll learn to embrace the internal battles and overcome obstacles, finding strength in our faith and higher purpose.Follow Pink Lemonade Podcast at www.pinklemonadepodcast.com or on IG and Facebook at Pink Lemonade Podcast. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pinklemonadepodcast.substack.com
Join host Whitney B in this thought-provoking podcast as she explores the transformative power of disappointment. Through personal stories and insightful reflections, Whitney shares how she learned to navigate life's letdowns and uncover the hidden blessings within them. Discover how to shift your perspective, celebrate your progress, and find resilience in the face of unmet expectations. If you've ever felt crushed by rejection or setbacks, this podcast offers a fresh perspective on embracing disappointment and finding the strength to keep moving forward. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pinklemonadepodcast.substack.com
In this thought-provoking episode, titled "Embrace Seasons of Growth," Whitney delves into the profound concept that life is a continuous journey of growth until it reaches its inevitable end. She shares her wisdom on understanding that our arrivals, those moments of triumph and success, are merely temporary moments of glory.Through captivating storytelling and personal anecdotes, Whitney takes us on a voyage of self-discovery, emphasizing that growth is about accessing new versions of ourselves and continuously unlocking more levels. She highlights the crucial factors that can lead to stagnancy, including settling for where we are, forgetting our why or purpose, avoiding necessary risks, and failing to recognize the season we are in.With passion and authenticity, Whitney guides us towards embracing growth and steering clear of the stagnancy trap. She offers practical strategies and actionable takeaways to nurture a growth mindset, set meaningful goals, and courageously step outside our comfort zones. By the end of the episode, listeners will be inspired to embark on their own journey of self-improvement, armed with the knowledge that growth is a constant process of arriving at the next version of themselves.If you're ready to sip on the refreshing Pink Lemonade of personal growth and empowerment, tune in to the Pink Lemonade Podcast®. Get ready to unlock your potential, embrace change, and embark on a lifelong journey of growth. Cheers to embracing the vibrant flavors of life! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pinklemonadepodcast.substack.com
When you are under attack, it consumes you. It’s hard to look forward or focus on anything else because you’re constantly under anxiety. "What’s going to happen next?" is a question that stays at the forefront of your mind and you may always feel defeated when you don’t know the answer. Regardless of the battle that you are fighting right now, you have to take a step back and understand if you are fighting your battles with the right tools. In this episode Whitney B. explains how we think, how we think about ourselves and our situation is the biggest bridge between uncertainty and victory. Episode References:Super Soul Sunday:https://open.spotify.com/episode/476g4w94SbABscxEGs9gwm?si=XmBoPLvzTVyePwtd25Ve7wFault Versus Responsibility:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ln21-WhJyecListen to "War":https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztZI2aLQ9Sw This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pinklemonadepodcast.substack.com
Accepting where you are isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of inner strength. In this episode of Pink Lemonade Podcast, Whitney B. shares how to let go of control to find peace. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pinklemonadepodcast.substack.com
Never allow your circumstances or choices, no matter how good or bad make you forget your value. In this episode, Whitney B. breaks down why we have to remember to always see the good in ourselves and choose our "favorite" self so we can show up in the world with confidence.Learn more at www.pinklemonadepodcast.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pinklemonadepodcast.substack.com
When you try to rush through your emotions, you miss an opportunity to learn and to grow from your experience. In this special, unscripted and raw segment from Whitney B., she explains why it is important to not allow expectations to stop you for seeing reality for what it is and being okay with it without having all of the answers. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pinklemonadepodcast.substack.com
Too much EXCESS of ACCESS can put a delay on your PROGRESS. In this episode, Whitney B. talks about the importance of understanding the difference between making space and making room for the things you are meant to receive in your life. #PinkLemonadePodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pinklemonadepodcast.substack.com
What do you have to break down in order to breakthrough?In this episode of Pink Lemonade Podcast, Whitney B. shares how therapy has helped her cope with understanding that our low points can be our greatest starting points to the life we are worthy of living. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pinklemonadepodcast.substack.com

















