From Perimenopause to Purpose: How Gratitude and Forgiveness Can Shape Healing (with Lindsay Spivey)

Perimenopause can feel like a loss of identity—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. But what if this season isn't about losing who you are but about who you are becoming? Inviting Christ into this transition can bring an unlooked for level of peace and healing.In this episode of The Christian Clinician, Dr. Tanya Paynter speaks with nutritionist and health coach Lindsay Spivey about her journey through chronic illness, perimenopause, depression, and anxiety, and how her conversion to Christianity eased her healing and gave her life a greater meaning and purpose. Together, they explore how suffering, forgiveness, humility, and gratitude can reshape not only our spiritual lives, but our nervous systems and emotional resilience.Lindsay shares how decades of chronic health struggles led her through secular healing practices, only to discover that true peace and restoration came through Christ. This conversation addresses anxiety, trauma, hormonal transition, purpose, and the role of community in healing. It also highlights how gratitude and forgiveness reduce stress reactivity and help women move from depletion toward renewed clarity and strength.This episode is especially for women navigating perimenopause, identity shifts, emotional exhaustion, or questions about purpose in seasons of suffering.In this episode, you’ll explore:Symptoms of perimenopause such as anxiety, identity loss, and emotional overwhelmWhy forgiveness can be a missing piece in long-term healingWhy suffering does not eliminate purposeHow gratitude anchors women during hormonal transitionYou’ll also hear about:Navigating chronic illness and autoimmune conditionsLindsay's story of converting to Christianity after years in "secular spirituality"Reframing menopause as identity transition, not identity lossBuilding resilience through faith-centered practicesEpisode Timestamps00:00 – Weakness, community, and interdependence02:16 – Chronic illness, autoimmune disease, and nervous system healing05:01 – From secular spirituality to Christian conversion10:47 – Forgiveness, trauma, and true healing15:03 – Suffering, justice, and trusting God18:12 – Gratitude, joy, and rediscovering purpose23:55 – Humility, strengths, weaknesses, and community28:59 – Resources for women in perimenopauseResources MentionedMenopause with Lindsay: menopausewithlindsay.comPodcast: Reclaim the PauseFree physical, mental, and spiritual resource at link belowSeason 3 resources available at:https://www.psalmmedical.com/ccseason3-signupAbout the HostDr. Tanya Paynter is the host of The Christian Clinician, a podcast exploring the intersection of Christian faith, physiology, and whole-person health. As a licensed naturopathic physician, she focuses on how spiritual practices such as gratitude, forgiveness, and trust shape emotional regulation, stress response, and long-term healing. Through thoughtful conversations and clinical insight, Tanya helps listeners move toward a more integrated and grounded faith.Where to Find Dr. Tanya PaynterLearn more at www.psalmmedical.comVisit the podcast webpage at https://www.psalmmedical.com/cc-podcastFollow The Christian Clinician on Social MediaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thechristianclinicianFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheChristianClinicianInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/christianclinician/