S2 Ep. 11 The Unexpected: Losing it All to Find What Matters (with Kara Elkins)

Sometimes collapse isn't sudden.  It's slow, disguised as "we're managing" or "it'll get better next month."  Until one day you realize you're standing in a life that no longer adds up emotionally or financially.  The bills are the same, the income isn't, and the silence between you carries more weight than the numbers ever could. In this episode of Who Are You Now?, Chrissie Morgan sits down with guest Kara Elkins to share a powerful story of financial loss, faith, and rebuilding from the inside out. After a year of unemployment, mounting debt, bankruptcy, and selling their family home, Kara and her family were stripped down to what was real—and found a new definition of abundance rooted in truth, unity, and gratitude.  This conversation explores the hidden shame around money, the emotional toll of being "the provider," and the unexpected peace that comes when you stop pretending and start rebuilding from truth. You'll Learn: Why financial loss exposes what's already fragile How to talk with teens about money without passing on fear The difference between generosity and self-abandonment How faith and boundaries rebuild stability and peace What abundance really means when everything falls away Timestamps: 00:00 - The slow collapse and why truth matters 00:56 - Meet Kara Elkins 02:14 - Life before the layoff 04:44 - Early warning signs and false safety 07:02 - Severance, shock, and "acting like it's fine" 10:40 - Illusion vs. reality in the family budget 13:00 - Shame, identity, and the meaning of "provider" 15:02 - Lessons for teens:  scarcity, gratitude, resilience 20:14 - Boundaries with extended family 30:23 - Bankruptcy, downsizing, and relief 38:39 - Finding peace and spiritual freedom 41:29 - Starting over: Kara's business and purpose 46:35 - Generosity without losing yourself 55:46 - Self-care, regulation, and healing in the body 1:01:00 - If you're in the storm: hold onto this truth 1:09:28 - Final reflections and gratitude   Subscribe for exclusive reflections and early access: https://whoareyounow.substack.com Instagram: @whoareyounowpodcast Behind the scenes: @chrissiecorner Follow on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhoAreYouNowPodcast Podcast Hub: https://whoareyounowpodcast.com Hosted by Chrissie Morgan – Physical Therapist, Master Life Coach, and creator of the Body Awareness Method, a framework for reconnecting with your four bodies: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual.