Published on January 7, 2025 | Tynnetta Sells LLC Coaching & Development | Personal Growth, Wellness, Work-Life Balance, Self-Care Strategies

Life, much like a layered dessert, is composed of complexities that bring sweetness, crunch, and sometimes unexpected tartness. In my latest Delectable Perceptions podcast episode, titled Banana Pudding with Mixed Berries, I explored the metaphor of layers in life and how they reflect the joys, challenges, and lessons we encounter daily. Let’s dive deeper into how we can evaluate the layers in our lives and ensure they nurture rather than deplete us.

The Layers We Carry

Layers aren’t just part of our favorite desserts—they’re woven into the fabric of our lives. From personal relationships and work responsibilities to health and self-care, we juggle multiple layers daily. However, not all layers are created equal. Some serve to uplift us, while others weigh us down.

For me, the layers became overwhelming during my catering career. While running a thriving business and catering for hundreds, I ignored my body’s signals, letting the stress and physical demands take a toll. Chest pains, high blood pressure, and eventually a diagnosis of Graves’ disease were the wake-up calls I couldn’t ignore. I was layering stress upon stress without stopping to assess which layers truly served me.

The Power of Evaluation

One of the biggest lessons I learned during this challenging time was the importance of pausing to assess my layers. Ask yourself:

• Are my layers helping me grow, or are they depleting me?
• Am I holding onto responsibilities or habits that no longer serve my purpose?
• What layers can I add that bring joy, love, or balance into my life?

Not all layers are bad. Some, like the whipped cream cheese in my banana pudding recipe, add unexpected sweetness. But others, like the obligations we feel compelled to fulfill without question, may need to be swiped away.

Boundaries as a Lifesaver

Learning to say no became my saving grace. Setting boundaries isn’t selfish; it’s essential for survival. For years, I was the first to jump at opportunities, driven by the fear of letting others down or missing out. Now, I’ve learned to step back and reflect: Does this opportunity align with my goals and well-being? If not, I kindly decline.

Boundaries allow us to maintain control over our layers, ensuring we don’t carry burdens that aren’t ours to bear. They help preserve the energy needed to invest in what truly matters—our health, happiness, and the people we love.

The Joy in Sweet Layers

Like my banana pudding, life’s sweetest moments come when we balance all the layers. For me, that balance has come from:

• Seeking Help: A naturopathic doctor guided me toward healthier habits, reminding me that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
• Focusing on Joy: Whether it’s cooking while dancing to my favorite songs or spending uninterrupted time with my family, I’ve learned to prioritize what makes me happy.
• Letting Go: Not every layer is meant to stay. It’s okay to release what no longer serves you to make room for growth and joy.

Your Layered Life

As you read this, I encourage you to reflect on the layers in your life. If life is a layered dessert, what ingredients are you working with? Are they nourishing your soul and spirit, or are they weighing you down? Take time to evaluate, set boundaries, and embrace the joy that comes from living a balanced, intentional life.

Take the Next Step

If you’re ready to start peeling back the layers and building a life that uplifts and nurtures you, let’s connect. Visit tynnettasells.com for resources, articles, and my latest podcast episodes. Together, we can create layers that inspire growth and celebrate the beauty of your unique journey.

This article pairs perfectly with the latest episode of Delectable Perceptions. Tune in to “Banana Pudding with Mixed Berries” on Spotify, Audible, Pandora, and more, or watch the video version on YouTube @TynnettaSellsTraining. Let’s peel back those layers together!