Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions on childhood trauma, abuse, and difficult family dynamics. Please take care when listening.In this heartfelt episode of This Is By Design, we’re peeling back the layers to talk about something many of us carry but rarely speak about: the wounds of our inner child. Join us for an honest, vulnerable conversation where we explore how childhood experiences—whether of neglect, unmet needs, or unspoken pressures—shape who we are today.Our guest Patience Asher shares deeply personal stories about growing up in Nigeria, the silent traumas that often go unrecognised, and the subtle ways we might still be carrying those burdens into adulthood. Together, we reflect on the struggles of breaking cycles, the myth of false strength, and the importance of acknowledging and healing our past.This isn’t just about trauma—it’s about hope. We discuss tools for healing, like the power of pause, safe spaces, therapy, and even the simple acts of self-care and play that help us reconnect with the parts of ourselves we’ve long ignored.If you’ve ever felt weighed down by expectations or caught in a cycle of pleasing others, this episode is a gentle reminder that healing is possible, and it starts with awareness and compassion.Tune in and take a step towards rediscovering and nurturing your inner child.This episode is sponsored by Dear KetanduFind out more about Patience's work here

In this episode of This is By Design, we're exploring the transformative power of gratitude. Host Coco and special guest Joche Angbazo, founder of Luxury Wellness Africa, open up about their personal journeys and how gratitude has shaped their lives in meaningful ways. From small daily rituals to seeing gratitude as a grounding practice for mental wellness, they share how focusing on what we appreciate can change our experience of life’s ups and downs. Together, they remind us that gratitude doesn’t have to be a grand gesture—it can be as simple as a quiet “thank you” or a moment of reflection on how far we’ve come. Keep up with Joche ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about Luxury Wellness Africa ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ Our highlights from this episode are ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠ This episode was produced by ⁠⁠Bigfootinyourface⁠⁠.

In today’s Mindful Moments episode, we’re taking a few quiet minutes to start the day right. Life in Nigeria is vibrant but can be overwhelming, so let’s pause before diving in. Together, we’ll breathe deeply, let go of any stress, and set a calm, positive tone for the day. We’ll choose a word to focus on—something you want more of today, like peace, joy, or strength—and spend a moment in gratitude for the little things that bring us comfort. Picture yourself moving through the day with grace, ready for whatever comes. Join me for this short meditation to feel grounded, centred, and ready to make today a mindful one.

In this episode of This Is By Design, I chat with Deola Adebiyi and Kosy Diamonda Okoye about the importance of mindful morning routines in setting a positive tone for the day. We share soothing yoga rituals, affirmations, and lo-fi music, and open up about early mornings dedicated to intentional silence and reflection. We also explore how grounding practices like movement and meditation help us stay centred through life’s ups and downs, and some tips on creating a morning routine that nurtures your mental, emotional, and physical well-being! Keep up with Deola ⁠here⁠ Hear more from Kosy ⁠here⁠ Our highlights from this episode are ⁠here This episode was produced by Bigfootinyourface.

For today's Mindful Moment, Coco guides you through a quick body scan to help release tension and reconnect with your body. We often overlook how much our bodies do for us daily, only paying attention when we’re stressed or in pain. This short, mindful practice helps you pause, breathe, and show your body the care it deserves. Whether you’re sitting, standing, or lying down, take a few minutes to relax, release stress, and appreciate your body from head to toe. Music: Touched by the Sky by GalaxyTones https://soundcloud.com/galaxytones

In this episode of This Is By Design, Coco chats with Rachel Nsefik-Eyo, founder of Ziva Wellness and mental health advocate, about the power of intentional living. Rachel opens up about how she incorporates intentionality into her daily life, from her morning routine to balancing faith and mental health. Learn more about Rachel and her work here. See highlights from the episode here.

In this episode of Mindful Moments, Coco, the founder of Hearts by Design, invites you to slow down and reconnect with yourself through a simple but powerful breathing exercise. Whether you're kicking off your day, taking a midday break, or winding down in the evening, this practice will help you find a moment of calm. With gentle guidance, you’ll breathe through any stress or tension, leaving you feeling grounded and centred. So take a few minutes to pause, breathe easy, and find a little peace. Music: Touched by the Sky by GalaxyTones https://soundcloud.com/galaxytones

In this very first episode of This Is By Design, Coco opens up about her journey from constantly being on the go to learning how to slow down and live with more intention. She reflects on the small, mindful changes that helped her find balance and reconnect with herself. We invite you to explore practical ways to bring more peace and clarity into your own life. Whether you're looking to feel more present or simply want to design a day-to-day routine that feels good, this episode offers gentle, real-world tips to help you get there—one thoughtful choice at a time. Read more about mindful mornings here: https://open.substack.com/pub/cocobydesign/p/mindful-mornings-and-navigating-the Music Credit: Breathe Easy by Snoozy Beats https://soundcloud.com/snoozybeatsCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/3X8Nv7WMusic promoted by Audio Library https://bit.ly/3AVcXGF

Get ready for an exciting ride with "This is By Design," the podcast that feels like chatting with your best friend. Hosted by Coco, this show dives into the nitty-gritty of real life – from unexpected situations to mindful living and the power of journaling. Laugh, reflect, and connect as we explore growth, relationships, and navigating life's twists. Subscribe now for relatable stories, interactive check-ins, and practical tips that make mindfulness a breeze. Get ready to laugh, learn, and design the life of your dreams.

There's so much going on in the world right now. 2020 has been quite a lot. Sometimes, I find that taking a step back, assessing the entire picture, and finding something to be grateful for renews strength and hope. So, that's what I'm doing today. | Music: Spot On by Bigfootinyourface