How to Live the Life of your Dreams with Dr. Denise Nicholson - Episode 15

I’ll be honest: none of us would pick the tough chapters life throws at us—being separated from family, losing loved ones way too soon, wrestling with depression, or, in Denise’s case, becoming a single mom at sixteen. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Denise Nicholson—nurse, author, publisher, and someone who knows first-hand how to turn pain into purpose. We don’t sugarcoat things in this conversation. Denise is real about what it felt like to be left behind, how she carried silent pain into everyday life, and why getting honest about your struggles can be the bravest thing you do. She shares how therapy, her community, and her faith helped her find her footing again—reminding us that healing is possible, even if it doesn’t come quickly or look perfect from the outside. This is more than just an inspiring story. Denise really walks us through the small but powerful choices that moved her from just getting by to truly dreaming again. She talks about making a plan for her future—even when she didn’t have it all figured out—and why she believes genuine growth starts with simple, everyday courage. Plus, she shares how she’s now empowering other women to share their stories and reclaim their voices through writing. If you’re feeling stuck in a difficult season, or just trying to figure out where to go next, I hope Denise’s story leaves you with this: your past is part of you, but it doesn’t have to hold you back.  There is a purpose waiting to grow right in the places you least expect.   Timestamps: 00:00 Purpose Finder Podcast 09:24 Time Doesn't Heal All Wounds 10:38 Regretful Parenting and Emotional Healing 17:58 Small Changes Transform Over Time 24:03 Recognizing Signs of Depression 28:02 Uncashed Checks, Realized Dreams 38:21 Empowering Journey to Purpose 42:07 Realizing Self-Worth Through Growth 48:04 Healing from Parental Resentment 50:13 Cycle of Fatherhood Repeating 58:19 Living Purposefully and Boldly 01:03:30 Join the Purpose Finder Community #CharisaMunroe #PurposeFinderPodcast #LiveWithPurpose #FromDepressionToPurpose #MentalHealthMatters #WomenEmpoweringWomen #HealingJourney #DiscoverYourWhy #TransformationStory #Resilience #BoldLiving #TherapyTalk #Storytelling #FindingFulfillment #PurposeDrivenLife #InspiringWomen About the Guest Dr. Denise Nicholson is the co-founder of Knitted Together, a women’s empowerment organisation.  Knitted Together specializes in healing from past traumas through therapeutic storytelling and custom tailored programs. Denise is also the founder of an organization, Seeds of Opportunity. A non-for-profit organization that provides services to children in need and gives them a chance to reach new heights, by providing basic living needs and focusing on enhancing their education.   Denise is an inspirational and insightful speaker with the gift of storytelling. She is a native of Jamaica, West Indies and migrated to Mount Vernon, New York as a teenager. She became a teenage mother who then overcame many obstacles to become a graduate of Pace University. Denise is a Licensed Nurse Practitioner, Author and Entrepreneur.   Learn more about Denise at denisenicholson.com   Follow Charisa on Social Media @charisamunroe1  Check our website www.charisamunroe.com Join our Purpose Finder Facebook Community Subscribe to Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CharisaMunroe1   What’s next…? Set sail on a journey of purpose and leadership—Pave the Path Women’s Retreat 2025 is calling! 🚀 Spots are limited, and the EARLY BIRD SPECIAL is on now! Don’t miss your chance to lock it in. SIGN UP HERE Discover your calling! Download the Purpose Finder Formula and take the first step today: YOUR PURPOSE IS WAITING!   Help Us Grow the Purpose Finder Community If today’s episode inspired you, share it with someone who needs to hear these powerful purpose stories! Spread the word by sending this episode to a friend, colleague, or family member who could use some motivation and direction. Let’s build a community of purpose-driven individuals together, supporting each other with life-changing insights and inspiring conversations! Love what you’re hearing? We’d appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave a review! Your thoughts help others discover the Purpose Finder Podcast, and your support helps us continue bringing impactful stories to our community.