To Help You Heal

Have you ever found yourself feeling like you just need to try harder? Push more. Figure it out. Force clarity.  In this week’s episode of To Help You Heal, we're talking about the exhaustion that comes from living in constant “go mode” and the pressure many of us place on ourselves to keep everything together. When life feels uncertain, unresolved, or overwhelming, our instinct is often to push harder—but what if more pressure isn’t actually the answer? We'll discuss the difference between healthy effort and alignment, the illusion of control, and the ways fear and urgency keep us stuck in cycles of exhaustion.  This episode is a gentle reminder that not everything meaningful has to be forced—and that sometimes the breakthrough comes when we finally loosen our grip. In this episode: Why many of us default to pushing harder when life feels uncertain The emotional and physical cost of constant striving How fear and the need for control fuel the pressure to push harder The difference between effort and alignment How peace and clarity often emerge when we create space instead of pressure Reflection Questions: Where am I pushing from fear instead of peace? What am I trying to force right now? What would it look like to trust instead of striving? Where do I need to loosen my grip a little? If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you. You can connect with me on social media or through my website. And if you’re longing for deeper support as you navigate your own healing journey, you can book a free Clarity Call with me.  Thanks for joining me for this week’s episode of To Help You Heal. I hope it reminded you to breathe a little deeper, take some time to rest, and trust that you do not have to carry everything on your own.

In this week’s episode of To Help You Heal, I’m wrapping up this series by talking about something many of us need: a reset. Sometimes what we need most is not a dramatic life change or a total reinvention. We simply need space to pause, notice what feels off, and take one intentional step forward. Often the signs that we need a reset are subtle. We may feel disconnected, emotionally tired, mentally cluttered, or stuck on autopilot. It is not always chaos that signals change is needed—it is often misalignment. In this episode, I share common areas where a reset may be needed: Your pace – life feels rushed and there is no margin Your mind – too much input, overthinking, mental clutter Your space – physical clutter affecting clarity Your priorities – everything feels urgent, but nothing feels meaningful Your spirit – feeling disconnected from prayer, peace, or God’s presence I also walk through simple ways to reset without overwhelm: Pause and name what feels off Ask yourself: What do I need more of? What do I need less of? Choose one small shift Repeat the process regularly A reset is not failure. It is a sign that you are paying attention and responding to what your life needs right now. Reflection Questions What feels off right now? Where are you running on autopilot? What do you need more of? What do you need less of? What is one small reset you can make this week? You do not need to reinvent yourself. Sometimes healing begins with one honest pause and one small step forward.

In this week’s episode of To Help You Heal, I’m talking about why fun matters more than we often realize. So many of us treat fun like something we’ll get to later—after the to-do list is done, after everyone else is cared for, after life feels less busy. But fun isn’t frivolous or something we have to earn. It’s restorative, healing, and an important part of living well. When life feels heavy, fun is often the first thing to disappear. Stress, grief, burnout, responsibility, and survival mode can crowd it out before we even notice it’s gone. Sometimes we don’t realize it until someone asks, What do you do for fun?and we don’t know how to answer. In this episode, I share why joy and fun help regulate stress, reconnect us to creativity, build resilience, and remind us who we are outside of pressure and productivity. I also talk about how fun doesn’t have to be big or complicated. It can be simple moments like: Laughing with a friend Listening to music while cooking Taking a walk outside Baking something new Dancing in your living room Trying something just because it sounds interesting Sometimes finding fun again means redefining it for the season you’re in now. Reflection Questions What has crowded out joy in your life lately? What used to help you feel alive? What feels light or interesting right now? What small act of joy could you make space for this week? You do not have to wait for life to feel perfect before you enjoy it. Fun is not something you earn—it’s something you’re allowed to cultivate now. Come back next week as we wrap up this series and talk about hitting the reset button.

Last week we talked about the reality that life has been a lot lately. And I walked you through three simple things that help me navigate those heavy seasons. This week we're going deeper into the first one: seeing the good. I actually have those words on the wall behind my desk. See the good. I love that reminder every time I sit down to work because the truth is that our perspective is everything. Whatever we're focused on, that's exactly what we're going to find. If I'm looking for problems, I'll find them. If I'm looking for good, I'll find that too. It's the same reason why when you're shopping for a new car you suddenly start seeing that car everywhere. So I want to train myself to look for the good — especially when there's so much that doesn't feel good. But I want to be clear about something first. I am not asking you to deny that life is hard or pretend your feelings don't exist. Because gratitude becomes unhelpful when it's used to silence what hurts. When someone tells you to just be grateful or just focus on the positive, that can actually feel dismissive. It minimizes what you're going through as if there isn't room for the pain too. What I want to invite you into is something different. Holding both at the same time. You don't have to choose between acknowledging what's hard and noticing what's good. We can do both. We can say things like: this season is exhausting and there are still moments of beauty. I feel the grief and I'm grateful for the person walking with me. Things feel uncertain and I still see God's faithfulness. I'm struggling and I still laughed today. Healing often happens when we stop forcing one truth to cancel out the other. The pain doesn't get the final say. It's not the entirety of the story. Think about being on an airplane on a rainy day. The storm is real on the ground. But once you get above the clouds it's vibrant and sunny and beautiful. Seeing the good is knowing that the sun is still there even when you can't see it yet. Here are three simple habits that help: At the end of each day ask yourself one question: what was good today? Not amazing or spectacular. Just good. Then name three things that are also true right now. They can be as honest as: I'm tired, I'm loved, and I made it through. And then practice catching the small goodness around you. The sunlight coming through the window. A kind text. A moment of quiet. Laughter. Strength you didn't know you had. Those three things together can be genuinely life-changing because they teach us to hold both at the same time and catch what we would otherwise miss. And if you're in a really hard season and the good feels difficult to find, that's okay. Maybe your good today is that you got out of bed. That you asked someone for help. That you took it one breath at a time. Quiet good still counts. Reflection questions for the week: What has felt especially hard or draining for you lately? Even in that hard place, what good exists that's easy to overlook? Where have you felt pressure to just be positive instead of honest? What would it look like to hold both at the same time? You don't have to deny what's hard in order to notice what's good. Hard is not the only thing here. And pain is not the end of the story. Come back next week as we take the next step in this journey.

Maybe you've noticed it too. Life feels like a lot lately. It might be something specific like a health concern, a relationship that's hard, or a financial stress. Or maybe it's not one big thing at all. It's just the accumulation. Six or seven little things that stack up. The news cycle. The uncertainty. The mental load of trying to keep up with everything while also trying to show up well for the people around you. If that's where you are today, you're not alone in it. And you don't have to fix everything this week. When life feels heavy our first instinct is to think everything needs to change. We want a major overhaul, a big plan, a breakthrough moment where it all clicks into place. But that's actually the last thing that helps. What helps is usually something much smaller and a lot kinder than what we were initially thinking. Over the next four weeks I want to talk about three simple things that have made a real difference for me in those heavy seasons. Seeing the good, finding the fun, and hitting the reset button. Not as a checklist, but as gentle invitations back to yourself. See the Good When life gets heavy our brains naturally go to what's wrong, what's missing, what's uncertain. But whatever we're looking for, we're going to find more of it. So we have to gently train our eyes to notice what's still good too. Not to pretend the hard things aren't there, but to balance them with what's also real. Start here: at the end of your day ask yourself one simple question. What was good today? Look for the small, almost ordinary thing you would have missed. That question is more powerful than it sounds. Find the Fun When life gets heavy, fun is usually the first thing to go. But joy doesn't work on a delay. And fun isn't frivolous, it's actually healing. Laughter lowers cortisol, reduces stress, and helps regulate our nervous system. We can't afford to keep crowding it out. Ask yourself: what feels light right now? What would bring even a small amount of joy into your day? That thing matters more than you're giving it credit for. Hit the Reset A reset doesn't mean reinventing your life. It could be cleaning out one drawer, taking a walk at sunset, turning your phone off for an hour, or saying no to one thing that's been draining you. A reset is simply choosing not to keep running on autopilot. You don't need to fix your whole life this week. Maybe you just need to notice what's still good, make a little room for joy, and find one small reset. Because healing often looks less like a breakthrough and more like a fresh start. Questions to think about this week: What has felt heavy lately that you haven't named out loud yet? What was something good today, even something small? What feels fun or light right now, even just a little? What would one small reset look like for you this week? Join me next week as we go deeper into seeing the good, even when life feels heavy.

Have you ever come back from a vacation, a long weekend, or a meaningful season and felt the jarring reality of re-entry? One minute you're cruising down the highway — rested, inspired, full of perspective. And then out of nowhere — pothole. You weren't expecting it. You weren't prepared for it. And it is jarring. That's what the Monday after Easter can feel like. We plan for the big moments. The celebrations, the gatherings, the meaningful experiences. But we rarely plan for the day after. And yet Monday always comes — with the laundry, the inbox, the kids who suddenly remember a project due tomorrow that requires poster board. Nothing you have on hand. Real life has a way of rushing back in fast. And I think the disciples knew that feeling too. After the resurrection, they didn't stay on a mountaintop moment. They went back to fishing. Back to ordinary life. The days that followed Easter weren't dramatic or public — Jesus showed up on a beach, around a fire, over breakfast, on a walk to Emmaus. Quiet moments. Ordinary places. That's how resurrection tends to work on this side of it too. Maybe over these past few weeks something stirred in you. A realization. A shift. A sense that something needs to change or something new wants to begin. And now that you're back in the rhythm of regular life, that feeling seems far away — hard to hold onto when everything around you is loud and busy and demanding. But here's what I want you to know: that stirring doesn't have to fade. It's actually an invitation. God doesn't stir something in us just to let it disappear into a Monday morning. That nudge you felt — that thing you don't want to lose — is often the very place where he's asking you to take one small step forward. You don't need a full plan. You don't need certainty. You just need one small step. Maybe that looks like taking a walk once a week with the sole purpose of continuing that conversation with God. Maybe it's planning your day after — setting yourself up so that re-entry doesn't derail everything you came back with. I've started doing this after vacations — keeping my first morning back a little lighter, having a meal in the freezer, doing a quick grocery pickup. Small things that protect the space I came home with. Or maybe your one small step is simply this: write it down. Name the thing that stirred. Name what you want to be different. Give it enough space that it doesn't just get swallowed up by the chaos of a regular Tuesday. Because we get to choose. We can embrace the peace that Christ offers — or we can push it away and embrace the chaos. That's always our choice, even when real life feels like a pothole at 65 mph. Three questions to think about this week: What stirred in you over this Easter season that you don't want to lose? What would it look like to plan for your Monday — to set yourself up so re-entry doesn't derail what you came back with? Where is God inviting you to take one small step forward with him this week? If you want to talk through what's stirring, I'd love to hear from you. Reach me at [email protected]. Come back next week as we continue to heal and walk out this road together.

Thank you for journeying through this series with me. The messages and feedback you've shared have meant so much — knowing it's landed in a meaningful way has been such a gift. And we're ending with what might be the truth I love most: resurrection is a pattern. Not just a moment. Not just something that happened on one Sunday morning two thousand years ago. But something God does — over and over again — in each of our lives. Here's what I've noticed though. Sometimes new life doesn't look like we expect it to. The pattern goes like this: Friday. Saturday. Sunday. Friday is the place of loss, pain, and endings. Saturday is the waiting — the silence, the uncertainty, the in-between. And Sunday is resurrection. New life. The thing you didn't see coming. We want to skip straight to Sunday. But just because you're in the middle doesn't mean something is wrong. It means you're in the pattern. Resurrection doesn't always look like restoration. Sometimes it looks like a new perspective, a deeper faith, healing in a place that once felt broken, or the courage to move forward on a different path. Even the disciples didn't recognize Jesus at first — new life doesn't always look like what we lost. That's why resurrection can feel so subtle. We expect something dramatic and instead it shows up quietly — in the way we respond differently than we used to, or feel peace where we once knew anxiety, or finally take a step we couldn't take before. Resurrection is often quiet before it becomes visible. Three questions to sit with this week: Is there a place in your life that feels like Friday? Where are you in a Saturday season — waiting, unsure, in the in-between? Where might God already be bringing new life that you just haven't recognized yet? In this series we've explored: your circumstance isn't the whole story, surrender is not the same as defeat, silence does not mean absence, love stays — and resurrection is still happening. God is still bringing new life out of places that felt finished. Come back next week — I can't wait to spend another ten minutes with you.

Pain changes us. But it doesn't have to change our hearts. That's the truth I want to sit with today — because I think a lot of us have experienced a moment where something hurt us deeply and without even realizing it, we started to shut down. The walls went up. We became more guarded. Less open. And we told ourselves it was necessary. And maybe it was, for a season. But here's what I've learned: when we put up a wall to keep the pain out, it keeps everything out. It keeps people out. It keeps love out. And it keeps God out too. I know that because I've lived it. This week I want us to step into the Easter story differently. Not from the end — not with the resurrection already in view — but scene by scene, moment by moment. Because when we read Jesus's story knowing how it ends, we can unintentionally bypass the very real pain he felt as a human being. He was betrayed by someone close to him. Denied by one of his closest friends. Abandoned by the very people who said they would stay. Publicly mocked and crucified. From a human perspective, those are exactly the moments where we would expect anger. Bitterness. A desire for retaliation. Instead he said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." He didn't deny what was happening. He didn't pretend it didn't hurt. But he didn't let the pain turn into hardness either. Love stayed. And I think that's the invitation for us too. Now — I want to be clear about something, because this comes up every time I talk about forgiveness. Forgiveness and boundaries are two very different things and we have to walk two very different paths with them. If you've experienced abuse or you're in a relationship that is consistently harmful, I am not asking you to keep your heart open to that person. That's not what this is about. This is about what happens inside of us. The internal choice. Choosing not to become bitter. Releasing the offense we're holding onto. Allowing God to heal what has hurt us and keeping our hearts open to Him — even when it's His own people who caused the pain. Because here's the truth: if love doesn't stay, the pain stays. And pain turns into bitterness. And bitterness quietly shapes who we become — until we're more defined by what hurt us than by the healing God offered us. You can have strong boundaries and still have a soft heart. I've walked some very painful roads. The aftermath of the Amish schoolhouse shooting. Feeling misjudged and misunderstood. Having the whole world looking on. Maybe you can find yourself somewhere in Jesus's story too — betrayed, denied, abandoned, or publicly criticized. He knows what that feels like. He sees your pain. And because he walked through pain far greater than anything I'll ever know, he has the ability to meet us right there in ours. He came as a healer. And that's what he wants to do in those places where we know pain — bring healing so that love can stay and flow through us. We don't have to let the things that hurt us harden us. The cross shows us that. Love doesn't disappear in the midst of suffering. It can stay. And that is the very place where healing begins. Questions to sit with this week: Are there places you've shut down in order to protect yourself? Has pain made you more guarded than you want to be? What would it look like to invite God into those spaces instead? Join me next week for the final episode in our Easter series — we're going to talk about the truth that resurrection is a pattern. Not just a one-time event, but something we can see over and over again in our own lives.

  Have you ever noticed that fear gets louder at night? During the day we stay busy — moving from one task to the next, staying distracted. But at night, when the house gets quiet and the distractions fade, our thoughts get louder. The what ifs start to surface. What if something goes wrong? What if this never changes? What if I can't handle what's ahead? I think the disciples knew that feeling too. After Jesus died on the cross, everything went silent. There were no miracles. No signs of hope. Just that heavy, uncertain space between what had happened and whatever was coming next. And unlike us, they couldn't see ahead to Sunday. They were just living in the rawness of it. That's the space I want to talk about today — because most of us have been there. And I believe there's a truth we can pull from the Easter story that changes everything: Silence is not the same as absence. God was working in that space for the disciples, and he's working in that space in our lives too. But fear thrives in uncertainty. When we don't have answers, our minds are really good at filling in the gaps — and if you're anything like me, your brain goes straight to worst case scenarios. Here's what I've found to be true though: when we turn toward God, the situation may not change immediately, but something inside us does. There are things we can reach for in those quiet, fearful spaces that make all the difference: Prayer — just talking to God honestly about what we're afraid of Scripture — reminding our hearts of what is true Worship — letting someone else's words become our own The silence might still be there. But we're no longer alone in it. One of my favorite places to turn is the Psalms. David doesn't hold anything back — whatever he's feeling, he brings it to God. In Psalm 4, written during one of the most desperate seasons of his life, he closes with this: "In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for you alone, God, make me dwell in safety." That's not the words of someone who has all the answers. That's someone who has learned to trust God in the silence. So if fear tends to show up for you at night — or really any time the uncertainty gets loud — I want to encourage you to pause, take a breath, and speak honestly to God. Maybe open up to Psalm 4. Read the context. Build a practice that helps you turn toward him instead of spiraling inward. The disciples thought the silence meant everything was over. But resurrection was already on the way. If you're in a quiet season where God feels distant, I hope you'll hold onto this: Silence doesn't mean absence. God is still present, even in the dark. Questions to sit with this week: When does fear tend to show up most for you? What thoughts fill that silent space in your mind? What could change if you invited God into those moments? Join me next week as we continue our Easter series and explore one more truth from the story that changes everything.

In this week’s episode of To Help You Heal, we continue our Easter series by exploring a powerful truth: surrender is not the same thing as defeat.   Last week we talked about the reminder that our circumstances do not tell the whole story. Just as the story of Easter looked very different on Friday than it did on Sunday, our lives can hold chapters that feel final but are not the end of the story.   This week we turn our attention to one of the most honest and human moments in Jesus’ journey—the Garden of Gethsemane. Knowing what was coming, Jesus prayed with deep honesty: “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup be taken from me.” In that moment we see that honesty with God is not a lack of faith. Jesus did not pretend the suffering wasn’t real, and he didn’t hide his fear. He brought the truth of what he was feeling directly to God.   But his prayer didn’t end there.   Jesus continued, “Yet not as I will, but as you will.”   This moment shows us what surrender truly looks like. Surrender is not giving up, denying pain, or pretending that something doesn’t hurt. Instead, surrender is trusting God with the outcome when we cannot control what happens next.   In our own lives, we often find ourselves praying similar prayers—asking God to change a diagnosis, repair a relationship, shift a circumstance, or answer a prayer in the way we hope. Yet sometimes the answer doesn’t come the way we expected. In those moments, we face a choice: will we continue trying to control the outcome, or will we surrender it to God?   Culturally, surrender often feels like losing. But the story of Gethsemane reveals something very different. Jesus surrendered not because he stopped caring and not because the pain disappeared, but because he trusted God beyond what he could see in that moment.   Surrender is not defeat. It is alignment with God and trust that He is still working—even in situations that look difficult or confusing to us.   Practically, surrender can look like:   Releasing the need to control every outcome Continuing to move forward even when we lack clarity Allowing God to shape the story instead of forcing our own ending     Surrender does not mean we stop praying or hoping. It simply means we recognize that we are not carrying the weight of the situation alone.   As you reflect on this episode, consider these questions:   Where in your life might you be resisting surrender? What outcome are you trying to control? What might it look like to trust God with it instead?     If you find yourself in that tension between wanting something different and learning to surrender, you’re not alone. Jesus stood in that same place in the garden. He understands the weight of that moment, and he meets us there.   Next week in our Easter series, we’ll explore another powerful truth from the story: silence does not mean absence.

This week on To Help You Heal, we begin a new series leading up to Easter by exploring one powerful truth: your circumstance isn’t the whole story.   Easter reminds us that what looks final often isn’t. Good Friday was real. The cross was brutal. It was public, humiliating, devastating. From every human perspective, it appeared finished. If the story had ended there, it would have looked like defeat.   But it didn’t.   At the same time, we don’t rush past Friday to get to Sunday. We don’t minimize the suffering. We don’t pretend the pain didn’t happen. The cross mattered. The grief was real. The silence between Friday and Sunday was heavy.   And that space — that silence — is where many of us live.   Maybe you’re in a season that feels final. A diagnosis. A betrayal. A broken relationship. Burnout. A loss you didn’t see coming.   It’s easy in those moments to let a circumstance become your identity. To assume this chapter is the entire book. To quietly believe, “This is just how it is now.”   But resurrection teaches us something deeper: just because we can’t see movement doesn’t mean nothing is happening. Between Friday and Sunday, God was still at work — even when no one could see it.   The hope of Easter isn’t instant change. It’s the assurance that God is still writing the story.   There may not be overnight transformation. There’s no two-day shipping on redemption. But what feels permanent may not be. What looks like loss may still carry the possibility of restoration.   This week’s invitation is gentle but powerful:   Where have you labeled something as over? What circumstance have you allowed to define you? What would shift if you believed this isn’t the final word? Where might God still be working, even in the silence?     We won’t skip the hard parts. We won’t deny the reality of Friday. But we also won’t stop the story too soon.   If you’re in a Friday season, the silence does not mean it’s finished.   Your circumstance is real. But it is not the whole story.   Join us next week as we continue this Easter series and talk about why surrender is not the same thing as defeat.

In this final episode of our series on fun, we explore what happens when joy becomes intentional—not occasional. The goal was never just to add something light to your schedule. It was to help you remember something about yourself.   Fun isn’t extra. It’s fuel.   When joy is present consistently, you become less reactive. You recover from stress faster. You build emotional flexibility and resilience. It doesn’t deny that life is hard—it strengthens you for the hard things. When fun is part of your life, difficult moments don’t feel permanent. You remember there’s something on the other side.   This week invites an identity shift: what if fun isn’t a place you visit, but something you’re allowed to be? Many of us default to being serious, responsible, or driven. But you don’t have to lose your focus or determination to be light. Joy can live alongside your strength.   We also talk about the trap of turning fun into another self-improvement project—scheduling it so tightly that it feels like pressure. Instead, think small and sustainable. Micro-joy. Ten to twenty minutes if you can. Even ten to twenty seconds counts.   Fun doesn’t have to be impressive, productive, or shared online. It can be simple, imperfect, even a little ridiculous. What matters is consistency. Small moments of joy create a ripple effect in how you show up—as a parent, partner, friend, or leader.   You don’t have to wait for life to calm down. You don’t have to earn joy. Creating space for fun isn’t escaping your life—it’s living more fully inside it.

In this week’s episode of To Help You Heal, we continue our series on fun by moving beyond the question of why fun faded and into something more personal: What actually feels fun to you now?   Because here’s the truth—fun can’t be forced.   We can schedule time on the calendar. We can tell ourselves we’re going to “have fun.” But we can’t pressure ourselves into joy. And sometimes, before we can add fun back into our lives, we have to rediscover what it even looks like in this season.   What was fun at 16 or 22 or even five years ago, might not feel the same anymore. Identity shifts. Seasons change. Responsibilities evolve. And so does fun.   This episode explores:   Why trying to “go back” to old versions of fun can create frustration How identity shifts (motherhood, marriage, career, loss, trauma) reshape what feels enjoyable Why curiosity—not pressure—is the starting point How fun begins with noticing, not performing The difference between scheduling joy and forcing it     Instead of asking, What should I do for fun? This episode invites you to ask: What am I curious about?   Marie shares practical ways to rediscover fun through three simple categories:   1. Quiet Fun Reading, walking without headphones, rearranging a room, baking just because you feel like it.   2. Expressive Fun Painting, writing, dancing in your kitchen, trying a new recipe, creating something without an outcome attached.   3. Relational Fun Coffee with a friend, a game night, sending a voice memo, playing pickleball with your kids—laughing without keeping score.   If fun feels awkward right now, that’s okay. It’s not immaturity. It’s relearning. You’re rebuilding a muscle.     ✨ The 20-Minute Experiment This week’s invitation is simple: Choose one thing you’re curious about. Do it for 20 minutes. No productivity. No posting. No outcome required. Afterward, ask yourself: Did I feel lighter? Did time move differently? Would I do that again? If yes—add it to your fun list. If not—try something else.   This isn’t about becoming someone new. It’s about remembering there’s already fun inside of you—beneath the responsibilities. Next week, we’ll wrap up this series by exploring how fun actually changes your brain, builds resilience, and becomes sustainable—not seasonal.   Thanks for spending these 10 minutes here. Come back next Tuesday for another episode of To Help You Heal.

In this week’s episode of To Help You Heal, we continue our series on fun by asking an important and often overlooked question: Why did fun disappear in the first place?   Most of us don’t intentionally decide to stop having fun. It doesn’t leave suddenly or dramatically. Instead, it gets crowded out—by responsibility, grief, caregiving, stress, survival seasons, or the quiet pressure to be serious and “hold it all together.”   In this episode, we explore the barriers that slowly push fun to the margins of our lives and why understanding those barriers matters if we want to bring fun back in a sustainable way.   We talk about:   Why fun often feels optional, irresponsible, or out of reach How survival mode makes joy feel unnecessary or frustrating The guilt many of us feel about enjoying ourselves when others are struggling The myth that maturity requires seriousness How disappointment or loss can make fun feel risky or unsafe Why these patterns aren’t failures—but adaptations that once protected us     Fun doesn’t disappear because something is wrong with you. It fades because your nervous system learned how to survive. And while those adaptations were necessary at one time, they can quietly begin to limit us later on.   This episode also explores how laughter and smiling are powerful tools for healing—helping reduce stress, calm the nervous system, boost resilience, and reconnect us with ourselves. Fun isn’t frivolous. It’s restorative.   Rather than forcing joy or adding another thing to your to-do list, this episode invites you into awareness—a gentle noticing of when and why fun became complicated.   Reflection questions for this week:   When did fun start to feel complicated for you? What season of life taught you that you had to be serious to survive? Is there a part of you that feels it’s risky to enjoy things now?     You don’t need to fix anything. You don’t need to force joy. This week is simply about noticing—with curiosity and compassion.   Next week, we’ll go deeper and begin rediscovering what actually feels fun to you now—not who you used to be, but who you are today.   Thanks for spending these ten minutes with me. Come back next Tuesday for another episode of To Help You Heal.

We’re kicking off a brand-new series, and for the next four weeks, we’re talking about something that often gets pushed to the bottom of the list as adults: fun.   In this episode, we start with an important question—why does fun matter so much, especially when life feels full, heavy, or serious? Many of us treat fun like a reward we earn after everything else is done. But healing isn’t only about working through hard things. It’s also about reconnecting with what makes us feel alive.   Fun isn’t irresponsible. It isn’t frivolous. And it isn’t something you have to earn.   Fun plays a powerful role in healing because it helps regulate our nervous system, restore creativity, build emotional resilience, and reconnect us to ourselves and others. Laughter lowers stress. Play creates space to breathe. Enjoyment reminds us who we are beneath all the responsibility.   In this episode, we talk about:   Why fun often fades during seasons of stress, grief, caregiving, or survival How adapting to hard seasons can quietly become our new normal The emotional and physical cost of living without joy or play Why fun is a form of regulation—not indulgence How fun doesn’t have to be loud, social, expensive, or productive We also explore the quiet signals that fun might be missing—like feeling disconnected from yourself, moving through life on obligation, or thinking, “I just don’t feel like myself anymore.” Fun can show up in simple ways: creativity, movement, curiosity, playfulness, rest, or moments that help you lose track of time and feel more like yourself again. This episode isn’t about forcing joy or adding more to your plate. It’s about awareness—gently noticing what’s missing and making room for what brings life back in.   Reflection questions to sit with this week: When was the last time something felt light or genuinely enjoyable? What did you used to enjoy before life felt heavy? Where might fun be quietly asking to come back into your life? Approach these questions with curiosity, not pressure.   Come back next week as we continue this conversation and explore how to make space for fun without adding more to your life—just more alive. Ten minutes. Every Tuesday. To Help You Heal.

In this final episode of our series on starting the new year more gently, we bring everything together—not to create more plans or pressure, but to talk about how we live differently because of what we’ve already noticed.   Over the past few weeks, we’ve slowed down. We’ve paid attention to what doesn’t fit anymore. We’ve listened to the questions and ideas that keep coming back. And now the invitation is simple—but powerful:   What would it look like to carry this posture forward into the year ahead?   This episode isn’t about goal-setting or taking action. It’s about integration—allowing awareness to shape how we live, how we choose, and how we care for ourselves moving forward.   I share honestly from my own experience—what it looks like to resist the pressure to have everything figured out, to give myself permission to stay in discovery, and to make small, quiet changes that actually create consistency and vitality over time.   We talk about:   Why awareness changes us, even before we act How small, gentle shifts lead to longevity Letting unresolved things stay unresolved without rushing clarity Creating space without immediately filling it again Choosing how we want to feel and letting that guide our decisions     This episode is a reminder that you don’t owe anyone an explanation for what’s changed inside you. You can let what you’ve noticed quietly influence where you say yes, where you pause, and where you protect your energy.   Reflection questions to carry with you: ✨ What do you know now that you didn’t know before? ✨ Where do you feel quieter, clearer, or more honest with yourself? ✨ What would it look like to live from that place—without rushing it?   You don’t need everything resolved. You just need to stay connected to what you’ve already discovered.   Thank you for walking through this series with me. I hope it’s given you something meaningful to carry into the year ahead—something gentle, sustainable, and life-giving.   Come back next Tuesday for our next conversation.

In week three of our New Year series on To Help You Heal, we’re talking about the thoughts, questions, and nudges that keep resurfacing—and why they matter more than we often realize.   Last week, we explored letting go of what no longer fits. This week builds on that by turning our attention to what remains: the ideas you keep circling back to, the questions that won’t quite leave you alone, the thoughts you’re quick to dismiss as impractical, unrealistic, poorly timed, or even selfish.   In this episode, I invite you to see those recurring thoughts differently. Repetition isn’t random—and it doesn’t mean you’re stuck. It’s often a sign of growth.   We talk about:   Why recurring thoughts and questions deserve curiosity, not pressure How our brains try to protect us from change by talking us out of new ideas Why January’s quieter pace can bring these nudges back to the surface How to explore what keeps coming up without needing to act on it     I share a personal story about listening to a persistent nudge that once felt impractical and ill-timed—and how giving myself space to explore it changed everything.   This week is not about making decisions. It’s about noticing.   You’ll hear practical ways to engage these questions gently, including:   Why low-level activities (like walking, showering, or folding laundry) can help clarity emerge How curiosity opens doors that pressure shuts down Simple breathing techniques to calm anxiety when exploration feels uncomfortable     Reflection questions for the week: ✨ What keeps resurfacing for you lately? ✨ When does it tend to show up? ✨ What might it be trying to tell you? ✨ What happens if you stop arguing with it and simply listen?   Recurring thoughts don’t demand immediate action. They ask for honesty and attention.   Join me next week as we wrap up this series by talking about orientation before movement—learning where you’re headed before deciding how to get there.

In week two of our New Year series on To Help You Heal, we’re talking about what you may have outgrown—and why recognizing that is an important (and healthy) part of moving forward.   As we begin a new year, it’s easy to focus on what we want to add: new goals, new habits, new plans. But just as important is asking a quieter question: Is there anything I need to set down before I move ahead?   In this episode, we explore how January’s slower pace often brings clarity. When the noise of the holidays fades, the things that no longer fit can rise to the surface—not in dramatic dissatisfaction, but in subtle discomfort. And that discomfort isn’t failure or ingratitude. It’s often a sign of growth.   We talk about:   How outgrowing something doesn’t mean it was wrong or wasted Why some responsibilities, roles, routines, or goals feel heavier than they used to The difference between honoring a season and forcing it to continue Why letting go creates space before we know what comes next     Using real-life examples—from closets to goals to roles we take on out of obligation—we look at how staying in something too long can drain energy and clarity, even when it once felt meaningful.   This episode isn’t about making changes immediately. It’s about awareness.   You’re invited to notice:   What feels heavier than it used to Where you’re showing up out of habit rather than purpose What you may be forcing to fit in a season where it no longer belongs     You don’t need to replace what you set aside right away. In fact, leaving that space open is often where clarity begins.   Reflection questions for the week: ✨ What feels like it no longer fits this season of my life? ✨ Where am I continuing simply because I always have? ✨ What might I need to set down before I know what’s next?   Letting go doesn’t mean rejecting the past—it means honoring what it gave you and recognizing who you are now.   Join me next week as we continue this series by talking about the questions that keep coming back—and how they can guide what comes next.

This week on To Help You Heal, we’re stepping into 2026—and talking about what to do when January feels… quiet, weird, or unsettling.   If you’ve ever started a new year with big resolutions—only to feel discouraged a few weeks later—this episode is for you. I share why I’m not a fan of forcing clarity on January 1, and why so many of us set goals based on cultural pressure instead of asking a more important question first:   How do I want to feel this year?   January can feel like an emotional shift—holiday décor comes down, schedules slow, the world gets quieter (and for many of us, the gray winter days don’t help). That quiet can make us feel behind or “off,” but it might actually be something better:   Awareness.   In this episode, we explore:   Why feeling unsettled in January doesn’t mean something’s wrong How pressure to choose a “word” or set goals can backfire Why clarity doesn’t respond well to force How noticing patterns can bring direction without burnout     Instead of rushing into plans, I invite you to slow down and listen—because sometimes what feels like “stuck” is really just a sign that something no longer fits or the next season hasn’t fully taken shape yet.   Reflection prompts for the week: ✨ What has been on repeat in your thoughts lately? ✨ What feels louder now that everything else is quiet? ✨ Where are you feeling low-level restlessness?   No pressure. No panic. January is allowed to unfold slowly. You’re not behind—this is where clarity begins.   Come back next week as we continue this conversation and start mapping out January in a gentler, more intentional way—so you can move forward with clarity that comes from awareness.

In this final week of our Advent series The Light Has Come, we’re talking about what happens after we receive the light — how we carry it forward into real, ordinary life.   Throughout this series, we’ve explored waiting for the light, trusting God in the dark, and noticing light in ordinary places. This week, the invitation shifts: The light isn’t just something we look for — it’s something we live from and share.   Light brings comfort, clarity, and relief. And once we’ve experienced it, we’re invited to become carriers of it for others — not because we have it all together, but simply because we’re willing to show up with what we already have.   In this episode, we reflect on:   What it means to carry light beyond Christmas Why God doesn’t wait for us to feel fully ready How our past seasons of waiting and healing can become a gift to others Why sharing light often looks small, ordinary, and deeply human     We sit with the words from Isaiah 60 — “Arise and shine, for your light has come” — and consider how God’s light rests on us even when there is darkness all around.   I invite you to consider one simple question as you move into January: Where can I carry light today?   Not in big, overwhelming ways — but in small, faithful ones. Through kindness. Presence. Openness. Hope. Staying connected to God and allowing that connection to shape how we show up for others.   Reflection for your week: ✨ Where has God met you this past year? ✨ How has He shaped you through waiting or growth? ✨ What feels like a natural way to carry that light forward?   Advent doesn’t end at Christmas. We get to carry its practices — trust, presence, hope, and light — into the days ahead.   Join me next week as we talk about moving into January without the pressure of resolutions, and instead choosing a gentler, more healing way forward.

This week on To Help You Heal, we’re continuing our Advent series The Light Has Come with episode three, where we talk about finding God in the small, quiet, ordinary moments of everyday life.   When we think about God showing up, we often imagine dramatic, unmistakable signs — angels in the sky, stars leading the way. But most of the time, God doesn’t shout. He whispers. And if we’re not paying attention, it’s easy to miss Him.   In this episode, we explore how busyness, distraction, and constant motion can dull our awareness — not because we lack faith, but because life is full. And we ask a different question: What if God is already here, and I’m just overlooking Him?   We talk about:   Why God often works quietly and unexpectedly How Jesus entered the world in ordinary, unnoticed ways What it means to cultivate awareness instead of striving How obedience in small moments helps us recognize God in bigger ones     I invite you to reflect on where God might already be meeting you — in your morning coffee, a walk, a drive, or even while doing the dishes. These moments may seem ordinary, but they can be deeply holy when we slow down enough to notice.   Reflection for the week: ✨ Where might God already be meeting you in small ways? ✨ What ordinary moment in your day could become a holy one? ✨ What changes if you believe the little moments truly matter?   You don’t have to chase God’s light — you only need to notice it.   Join me next week as we wrap up our Advent series with episode four, where we’ll talk about carrying the light forward and what changes when we live from that place.

This week on To Help You Heal, we continue our Advent series The Light Has Come by talking about something many of us feel deeply this time of year: weariness. December often looks peaceful from the outside, but inside it can feel loud, full, or heavy. If you’re feeling emotionally, mentally, or spiritually tired, this episode is a reminder that weariness is not failure — it’s a signal that you’ve been carrying a lot.   In this episode, we explore: Why feeling weary doesn’t mean you’re weak or doing something wrong How Jesus understands exhaustion and human limits The difference between temporary relief and true restoration Why God’s grace meets us most powerfully in our weakness   We reflect on the truth that God doesn’t always remove the load — He strengthens us to carry it differently, and often carries it with us. I also share simple, practical tools to help you reset from weariness: A 60-second pause to release tension and breathe A daily boundary question to help you let go of what isn’t yours to carry A reminder that peace isn’t passive — it’s a posture we can practice, even with a full calendar   Reflection for your week: ✨ Where do you feel the most weary right now — emotionally, mentally, or spiritually? ✨ What are you carrying that was never meant to be yours? ✨ What would it look like to receive peace instead of pushing through? God’s light meets us exactly where we are — especially when we’re tired.   Join me next week as we continue this Advent series by talking about finding light in ordinary moments, where God shows up quietly, consistently, and close.

This week on To Help You Heal, we’re beginning our Advent series, The Light Has Come, by talking about something many of us feel but don’t always say out loud: What do we do when it feels like we’re still waiting for the light to break through? Advent is a season of hope and anticipation — but it can also press on places in us that feel tender. Maybe you’re waiting for healing, clarity, reconciliation, or simply the feeling of being “yourself” again. Maybe you’re stepping into this season feeling behind, overlooked, or unsure how to hold both expectation and heaviness at the same time. If that’s you, here’s what I want you to hear: You’re not off track. You’re not late. And you’re not doing it wrong. God meets us in the middle of waiting long before we ever see the outcome. In this episode, we talk about: • why waiting is a normal part of every faith story • how God works beneath the surface long before anything looks different • why His timing can feel quiet, but never careless • how waiting teaches us trust, slows our pace, and invites us to surrender • and why “not yet” can actually be a hopeful way to name the season you’re in I also walk you through a simple grounding practice — a short breath prayer you can return to anytime you feel unsettled, overwhelmed, or caught in the in-between. It’s a way to name your “not yet,” invite God into it, and ask for just one small glimmer of light. Reflection for your week: ✨ Where do you feel like you’re still waiting for light? ✨ What fear or expectation are you being invited to surrender? ✨ How has God met you in past waiting seasons — and what does that remind you of now?   You are not forgotten. God’s presence always arrives before the breakthrough. Join me next week as we continue our Advent journey and talk about light for the weary, and the peace God brings.

This week on To Help You Heal, we’re wrapping up our Living in the After series by talking about something we all face on the other side of obedience and waiting: What do we do when our confidence starts to wobble?   Even when we’re following what God asked us to do, our confidence can rise and fall. Sometimes it’s circumstances, sometimes it’s emotional fatigue, and sometimes it’s simply the silence of the “middle” that makes us question everything. But a dip in confidence doesn’t mean we missed God — it’s part of walking with Him in real time.   In this episode, we explore: Why confidence gets shaky How comparison, overthinking, and fear disguise themselves as “wisdom” Why silence isn’t failure How God strengthens us in the quiet     And I share tools to help you regain your footing: ✨ Return to the last thing God said ✨ Identify the fear underneath the uncertainty ✨ Remember how He’s been faithful before ✨ Speak truth out loud ✨ Take one small step instead of waiting for a big leap   Reflection for your week: Where has your confidence felt shaky — and what small step can you take to stay in motion?   Next week, we begin our December series, The Light Has Come, as we head toward Christmas and focus on the light Jesus brings into every part of our lives.

This week on To Help You Heal, we’re continuing our series Living in the After — and today we’re talking about something that sounds simple, but is one of the hardest things for many of us to do: Resting when it feels like nothing is happening. If you’ve ever said yes to God, stepped into obedience, and then suddenly found yourself in a quiet, still, confusing space — this episode is for you. I share openly about how rest has not always been instinctual for me, especially as a type A, always-moving, always-producing person. And I talk about how easy it is to confuse rest with laziness or passivity — when in reality, rest is something very different: Rest is trust. Rest is releasing control. Rest is loosening our grip on the outcome. In this episode, we explore: 💜 Why God so often invites us into rest after obedience 💜 What makes rest feel uncomfortable or “wrong” 💜 The fear, anxiety, and past disappointments that make waiting difficult 💜 How our brains interpret “new” as “danger” — and what to do with that 💜 What God is developing beneath the surface while everything looks still I use one of my favorite analogies — the bulbs planted beneath cold, hard winter soil. Nothing looks like it’s happening… and yet everything is happening. Growth begins long before it reaches the surface. That’s what God is doing in you too. I walk through how rest actually: ✨ Strengthens us ✨ Creates space for healing ✨ Allows clarity to emerge ✨ Builds trust ✨ Prepares us for what’s coming next And because rest is both an invitation and a challenge, I offer some practical ways to begin practicing it right now: A simple daily rhythm of quieting your body Breathing practices (including relaxing your shoulders — our favorite stress-storage zone) Short prayers of trust A few minutes of silence or a walk without input Releasing the timeline and returning to obedience over outcomes Noticing the small confirmations, peace, and whispers of God’s presence   As always, I close with reflection questions for your week: ✨ Where am I trying to rush what only God can grow? ✨ What outcome am I attempting to control? ✨ How would choosing rest change the way I walk this out? This episode is a gentle reminder: You are not behind. God is not late. You are living in the middle — and He is working in ways you cannot yet see. I pray this encourages you to exhale, soften your shoulders, breathe deeply, and settle into the rest God is inviting you toward. Join me next week as we wrap up the series with what to do when your confidence gets shaky — and then get ready… because December holds something really special I can’t wait to share with you. 💜

In this week’s episode of To Help You Heal, I’m stepping into a space we don’t talk about nearly enough — the middle. You know… that quiet, stretching, uncomfortable space between the moment you say yes to something God is stirring in you and the moment you finally see the outcome unfold. We love the beginning — the excitement, the vision, the clarity. We love the end — the celebration, the testimony, the “look what God has done.” But the middle? Whew. That’s where the questions show up. The doubt. The silence. The wondering if you missed something or if you’re even on the right path at all. In today’s episode, I’m sharing: ✨ Why the middle feels so hard ✨ How obedience often leads us into seasons of waiting ✨ What God may be forming in us before the breakthrough ✨ Why waiting is not punishment — but preparation ✨ How to stay faithful (even when you feel unsure) ✨ The small signs worth celebrating along the way ✨ How to stay connected to your original “yes” when motivation fades I also talk about the chapter in To Help You Heal that I wrote on “The Middle” — literally while I was living through my own. (If you’ve ever cleaned out a closet and hit that moment mid-project where you want to cry and walk away… yep, it’s exactly like that.) Toward the end, I share a few journaling prompts to help you reflect on your own in-between space: Where in your life are you walking between obedience and outcome? What might God be shaping, healing, or revealing in this season? How can you keep showing up — with trust — right where you are?   And next week? We’re talking about how to rest when you’re not seeing results yet.  If you want to go deeper into this topic, you can grab my book To Help You Heal on my website. I personally sign every copy before I send it out. You’ll also find my couples journal, Rooted, in the store as well. → Visit the shop here: (www.mariemonville.com/shop) Your obedience isn’t wasted. Your yes is creating ripples you can’t see yet. And God is still writing the part of the story you haven’t read. I hope this episode encourages you right in your middle.  

This week wraps up our Going For It series — and if you’ve made it this far with me, I hope it’s helped you see what’s been holding you back and how to move forward in faith anyway. We’ve talked about why we hesitate, how to build courage and trust, and even how to get out of our own way. Now? It’s time to put it all together. Because here’s the truth: you don’t have to feel ready to say yes. Most of the time — honestly, about 90% of the time — we won’t feel ready. But readiness isn’t a prerequisite for obedience. It’s the result of it. In this episode of To Help You Heal, I’m sharing how to stop waiting for the “perfect moment” and start saying yes to God — even when it feels uncomfortable, unclear, or just plain scary. You’ll hear me talk about: 💜 Why waiting to feel ready keeps us stuck 💜 How fear can disguise itself as wisdom 💜 The difference between waiting on God and hesitating out of uncertainty 💜 Why obedience always builds momentum I share personal stories from my own journey — times when I didn’t feel ready for what God was asking, but said yes anyway. And I talk about what changed in me when I realized that feeling unready wasn’t a stop sign… it was just part of the process. We’ll look at examples in Scripture — like Abraham and Esther — who didn’t have the full picture, but took their next step anyway. Because readiness isn’t a feeling. It’s a decision. “Readiness isn’t something you find — it’s something that grows as you say yes.” When you stop waiting for clarity, confidence, or perfect timing, and just move with God, that’s when courage takes root. And that’s when you discover that obedience itself births momentum. As always, I end with a few reflection questions for your week: ✨ Where have you been waiting to start something because you don’t feel ready to finish it? ✨ What’s one small step of obedience you can take this week? ✨ How might your yes encourage someone else to say yes too? You don’t need the full plan. You don’t need to feel qualified. You just need to start. Readiness grows as you move. Thank you for joining me on this series — I can’t wait for what’s next. Next week, we’re stepping into the after space — what happens between obedience and outcome, and how to trust God in the waiting. Until then, remember: your yes is powerful. Don’t wait until you feel ready — just go for it.

This week on To Help You Heal, I’m continuing our Going For It series by talking about something we’ve all experienced: that moment when the excitement wears off, things get hard, and we want to quit. You know the one… “What was I thinking?” “I’m not cut out for this.” “Maybe I heard God wrong…”   I’ve been there. Many times. But what if resistance isn’t a red flag — what if it’s actually confirmation that you’re right where you’re supposed to be? In this episode, I’m sharing: ✨ Why growth feels awkward before it feels natural ✨ How to push through resistance (not ignore it, not shame it — but work with it) ✨ The difference between being tired vs. needing to quit ✨ What comparison and doubt try to steal from us in the middle of the journey ✨ And how to reframe discomfort as a marker of transformation   We’ll also talk about practical ways to move through discouragement — including how to: Rest without quitting Speak truth into the hard spots Celebrate small wins (because progress compounds when you notice it) And invite people in to walk with you, so you don’t have to go it alone With you in the middle, Marie 💜

This week on To Help You Heal, we’re pulling back the curtain on a sneaky little word that keeps so many of us stuck: “ready.” You’ve probably said it (or thought it) a hundred times: ✨ “I’m not ready yet.” ✨ “I just need a little more time.” ✨ “When I feel ready, I’ll go for it.” But what if readiness isn’t the thing you need? What if being willing — to take one small, imperfect step — is the real way forward? In this episode, we're talking about: Why “feeling ready” is often just fear in disguise  How the middle of the journey is where the real growth (and magic) happens A powerful mindset shift to help you move forward even when you feel uncertain What biblical figures like Joseph, Esther, and Noah can teach us about willingness The surprising truth about control vs. faith  Plus, you’ll walk away with a simple but powerful question to ask yourself anytime you feel stuck. ❝ Instead of asking ‘Am I ready?’ start asking… ‘Am I willing?’ ❞  

This week on To Help You Heal, I’m kicking off a new series all about what it actually looks like to “go for it.” If you’ve ever felt stuck between a sense that God is calling you to something more and the fear that maybe you’re not ready — this episode is for you. I’m diving into that space between hesitation and action — the place where fear often sneaks in and pretends to be wisdom or practicality. I’ve been there. I know how real that inner resistance can feel. But the truth is, fear isn’t from God — and it doesn’t get to be the one driving the narrative anymore. In this episode, I share some of my own stories of fear, disappointment, and learning how to trust again — even when it hurt. We’ll explore why it’s okay to feel afraid, what that fear is really saying, and how to take one small, faith-filled step forward even when you don’t feel “ready.”   In This Episode, I Talk About: Why hesitation is normal — but fear pretending to be wisdom? Not so much. The ways past disappointment can make us build walls and call it “protection” What 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds me (and my kids!) when fear creeps in at night How to recognize fear as a storyteller — and rewrite that story with God What I do when I feel stuck or unsure about moving forward A simple prayer I come back to when I need to rebuild trust A Reflection for Your Quiet Time: What comes up for you when you think about moving forward? Fear? Disappointment? The urge to protect yourself from getting hurt again? Bring that to God this week — and ask Him to show you one place where you can choose trust.

This week, I’m closing out the Stories That Shaped Me series with one of the most transformative chapters of my life — the story of writing and publishing my second book, To Help You Heal.   But this isn’t just about writing a book. It’s about what happens when we stop waiting for permission and finally say yes to what’s on our heart — even when it doesn’t unfold the way we thought it would. In this episode, I share how what started as a reluctant walk and a quiet complaint to God became a bold, five-week sprint toward obedience, healing, and freedom. I talk about what it taught me about courage, momentum, and how one decision can shift everything.   This week’s reflection: Good things don’t come to those who wait — they come to those who go after them. So what dream or desire have you been waiting for permission to pursue? And what’s one small step you could take toward it this week? I can't wait to hear what's stirring! Send me an email ([email protected]) or DM me on Instagram.

Some moments never really leave us. In this week’s episode, I’m talking about grief, healing, and what it looks like to walk through those tender anniversary dates — the ones that still carry weight, even years later. I’m sharing my own experience of what this season has looked like for me, the unexpected emotions that surfaced, and how I’m learning (again) to let go of control and invite God into the ache. Because the truth is… grief doesn’t have an expiration date. It shows up in waves — sometimes quietly, sometimes not — and that’s okay. My hope is that this episode reminds you that it’s possible to hold both joy and sorrow at the same time, and that even when the ache revisits us, God meets us there. 💜 You’re not walking through it alone.

This week on To Help You Heal, I’m sharing one of the most significant stories of my life—the forgiveness I experienced from the Amish community in the aftermath of the schoolhouse shooting. On the very day of the tragedy, members of the Amish community walked to my parents’ home. I’ll never forget watching them arrive, unsure of what they might say. Instead of judgment, they came with compassion. They wanted me to know they had forgiven Charlie and were extending grace to my family. That moment—and the many that followed, including at Charlie’s funeral when they literally shielded us from the media—forever changed how I understand forgiveness. It’s not just a private decision we make inside. True forgiveness carries grace. It releases us from the weight we can’t hold and often moves us to action. In this episode, I also clear up a common misconception: while the movie Amish Grace introduced many people to the idea of Amish forgiveness, it is not an accurate portrayal of my story or the depth of grace I actually experienced. What I lived was far more profound than any script could capture. Forgiveness doesn’t excuse wrongdoing or erase pain—but it brings freedom. The Amish showed me that even in the darkest places, God’s grace can create light. And if He helped us forgive Charlie, He can help you forgive in your own story too.   As you listen, I invite you to reflect: Where might you need the freedom forgiveness brings? What step could you take to begin releasing the weight you’ve been carrying? I pray this story shapes you as much as it shaped me.

This week on To Help You Heal, we continue the Stories That Shaped Me series with a vulnerable reflection on disappointment, grief, and the ruts our minds can fall into. After my dad passed away, I stopped dreaming with God. Every morning, I told Him: “Don’t ask me to dream, because dreams only lead to disappointment.” It felt safer not to hope. But while I thought I was protecting myself, God revealed a different way to see dreaming with Him—and helped me uncover what was really at the root of my disappointment. In this episode, I share: How grief led me to shut down hope and faith in certain seasons Why our brains are wired to return to “worst case scenario” thinking The importance of creating new mental and spiritual pathways How God invites us to trust Him with the journey, not just the ending   If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in discouragement, waiting for the next bad thing, or afraid to dream with God again—you are not alone. And you don’t have to stay there. I’d love to help you walk this path more intentionally. You can always book a free clarity call with me, or step into a deeper one-on-one coaching journey. I have a few spaces open this month, and it would be an honor to walk alongside you. I hope this episode encourages you to see your own story differently—and to believe that God is still writing good things in your life.

This week on To Help You Heal, we’re continuing the Stories That Shaped Me series with a story that has deeply influenced how I live today. When my first husband and I got married, my greatest dream was to be a wife and a mom. In our first year, we found out we were expecting a baby girl, Elise. But at just 26 weeks, she was born premature and lived only 20 minutes in our arms. The loss was devastating—not only in that moment, but in the way it carried forward into every part of life. In that season of grief, I began to find God as a healer. I discovered I could be completely honest with Him about how I felt, and I started to believe He really did want to speak to me. In time, I sensed Him giving me a promise: that I would one day have a daughter, and her name would be Abigail. Holding on to that promise brought me to a daily choice—was I going to lean into fear, or lean into faith? That choice didn’t erase the pain, but it gave me a way forward. And it’s a lesson I’ve carried into so many other seasons since then. In this episode, I share how God met me in loss, what it looked like to trust His promise, and how choosing faith over fear can change the way we live our everyday lives. Maybe you’re in a place right now where fear feels louder than faith. If so, I’d love to walk with you through that. My book To Help You Heal was written for moments just like these. You can find it here: https://mariemonville.com/product/to-help-you-heal/   Reflection prompts for your week: Where are you leaning into fear? What would it mean to lean into faith instead? How is God inviting you to trust Him today? Come back next week for another story that shaped me!  

This week on To Help You Heal, we’re starting a brand-new series: Stories That Shaped Me. Over the next four weeks, I’ll be sharing stories from my own life — not just to look back, but to help you find hope, perspective, and healing in your own story too. As we move toward the 19th anniversary of the Amish schoolhouse shooting, a tragedy that forever changed my life, I find myself reflecting more deeply than usual. Anniversaries have a way of doing that, don’t they? They invite us to look back, to remember, and sometimes to see our lives in terms of “before” and “after.” This week, I’m sharing a story that surprised even me as I chose to begin here: the power of other people’s words — and the freedom that comes when we decide not to let them define us. In the aftermath of October 2, 2006, there were so many voices, so many judgments, so many opinions about me and my life. But I learned something that has carried me through every season since: I get to choose which voices I let in. And so do you. We all know what it feels like to be misunderstood, judged, or talked about unfairly. But their words don’t get to be the loudest in your mind or your heart. You get to choose. In this episode, I’ll share: How I began letting go of what people said about me. The lesson I learned about where real truth comes from. An invitation for you to consider what story you might need to replace in your own life.   ✨ Reflection questions for you: Where have you let someone else’s words shape the way you see yourself? What story have you been carrying that doesn’t belong to you? What new truth could you choose instead? Friend, you don’t have to live under someone else’s judgment. You get to choose the voice you believe. I hope this week’s story encourages you — and I’d love to hear your reflections. Send me a message, or share this episode with a friend who may need the reminder that their story isn’t over, and their voice matters.

This week, we’re wrapping up our four-part series with the final step: creating. Over the past few weeks, we’ve practiced stacking small but powerful rhythms: Week 1: Relax — giving ourselves permission to breathe and let go of tension. Week 2: Listen — making space to hear our own hearts and God’s voice. Week 3: Clarity — beginning to make sense of what we’ve heard. Now, it’s time to create. Creating isn’t about perfection or a big gesture. It’s simply the expression of what’s stirring in you — a way to turn clarity into something tangible. Just like a child painting without worrying about the outcome, creation is about joy, exploration, and the willingness to begin. In this episode, I share: Why creation is the natural next step after clarity. Why it doesn’t have to be "art" — creation can be a habit, a boundary, a new rhythm, or even a conversation. How to take one small step toward what you noticed in clarity. The common barriers to creating (perfectionism, overwhelm, waiting for the “right” time) and how to move past them. A gentle reminder that imperfect action is better than perfectly planned inaction. Reflection questions for you this week: What is one thing you feel invited to create in this season? What small step could you take this week to bring it into being? How will you stay open and flexible as the process unfolds? Your life is the canvas where healing shows up — not necessarily in a grand masterpiece, but in small, intentional moments of creating with God. And as we close this series, I want to thank you for walking with me through all four weeks. I hope you’ll continue using these steps together — relax, listen, clarity, create — as a tool you can return to again and again. Next week, we’ll begin a new series called Stories That Shaped Me. I’ll be sharing some of the personal stories from my life, especially as we near the 19th anniversary of the Amish schoolhouse shooting. These episodes will be personal, yes, but also invitational — offering you encouragement and reflection for your own journey of healing.

We’ve reached week three of our four-part series on creating space for healing and growth. In week one, we focused on relaxation—building small moments of rest into our everyday lives. Last week, we talked about listening—to ourselves, to God, and to what rises up when we give space for quiet. This week is all about clarity. Clarity is simply making sense of what we’ve heard. It’s not about perfection or having a ten-year plan—it’s about identifying our next right step. Without clarity, we can get stuck in confusion, overthinking, and indecision. But when we pause to notice patterns, ask gentle questions, and trust what God is highlighting, we begin to see the path forward more clearly. In this episode, I share: Why clarity matters and what it really looks like. Common barriers to clarity: overthinking, negativity, fear, and outside noise. How to use your listening practice to notice themes and nudges. Simple reflection questions to help you recognize what feels heavy, what feels life-giving, and where God may be leading. Why clarity is layered and often comes one step at a time. Reflection prompts for this week: What repeated themes or nudges have you noticed as you’ve practiced listening? What feels heavy right now—something you might need less of? What feels life-giving—something God may be inviting you into more deeply? Clarity doesn’t come from striving—it comes from slowing down, listening, and trusting God to highlight what’s next. Practice noticing, stay gentle with yourself, and remember that clarity is a compass, not a detailed map. Next week, we’ll wrap up the series by talking about how to create—taking the clarity we’ve gained and shaping it into something meaningful in our lives. If this episode encouraged you, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Connect with me on Instagram @MarieMonville, or email me at [email protected].

This week on To Help You Heal, I’m continuing our four-part series by focusing on something so simple yet often so difficult: listening. Last week, we laid the foundation by talking about relaxation—how creating moments of calm prepares our hearts and minds for what’s next. This week, we’re building on that by exploring how to listen—to yourself, to God, and to the quiet nudges that often get drowned out by the noise of daily life. In this episode, I share: Why listening isn’t passive—it’s an intentional, active practice. How relaxation creates the space needed to truly hear. Practical ways to carve out 5–10 minutes a day of quiet, without distraction. Discovery-based questions you can ask yourself and God to gain new insight. How to recognize when negativity, fear, or doubt tries to crowd out truth. The importance of staying open—without rushing to fix, solve, or control. Listening is an ongoing process. It’s about creating space, asking honest questions, and being open to what arises—whether it’s peace, tension, or God’s still small voice. You don’t need to figure it all out this week. For now, the goal is simply to listen.   💭 Reflection prompts to take with you: Where in your life do you need to create more space to listen? What question do you want to ask yourself or God this week? What might shift if you stayed open to listening instead of rushing to answer? I hope this episode encourages you to slow down, breathe, and give yourself the gift of listening. Next week, we’ll continue the journey by talking about clarity—what to do with the things you’ve heard and how to discern the next steps forward.

This week, we’re starting a brand new four-week series where each step builds on the one before: Relax → Listen → Clarity → Create. Today, we’re beginning with the foundation — relaxation. And I don’t just mean vacations or naps (though those are wonderful too). I’m talking about weaving moments of rest into your everyday life so you can breathe, reset, and make space for what matters. We’ll talk about why relaxation is more than a luxury — it’s preparation. It helps us shift from a constant state of reacting into a place where we can hear both our own thoughts and God’s leading. I’ll share simple, practical ways you can release tension physically, mentally, and spiritually, even in the middle of your busy schedule. You’ll also get a few reflection questions to help you notice where you’re carrying stress and how to invite peace back into your day. Because when we make space to relax, we make space for God.   Reflection Questions for This Week: Where do I feel the most tension in my body right now? What’s one small way I can give myself more space to relax this week? How might God meet me if I slowed down enough to notice Him?  

If you’ve been with me over the past few weeks, you know we’ve been walking through a series about emotional healing — starting with the idea of the “emotional closet” we all tend to stuff full of things we’d rather not deal with. We talked about what happens when the door pops open, how to create space for peace, and how to build rhythms that support our healing. This week, I’m closing the series by talking about what comes next — how to live from a healed, open-hearted place. Because once we’ve made some space, once we’ve felt the release of letting go, the real challenge is staying open. In this episode, I’m sharing: What it means to live open-hearted, even after disappointment or hurt Why shutting down feels “safe” but often leads to loneliness How to identify whether you’re still guarding certain parts of yourself The role of community and connection in your continued healing And why joy, vulnerability, and even emotional messiness are all part of a full life We also talk about what it looks like to process emotions in real time — not stuffing them away, not letting them explode, but letting yourself feel without fear and respond with grace. Living with your heart open doesn’t mean everything is fixed. It means you’re choosing to walk through life with honesty, connection, and space for healing — day by day.   Reflection Questions: Where in my life do I still feel guarded? What would it look like to be just a little more open this week? Who or what is God inviting me to connect with more deeply right now? If you’ve felt challenged or encouraged through this series, I’d love to hear from you. Reach out on social media or email me directly. And if you want to keep walking this out with support, you can book a free clarity session with me at MarieMonville.com. Friend, the healing has started — and your story, your heart, and your peace are worth protecting and living from. Not someday. Today.

If you joined me last week, you’ll remember we talked about that closet — the one where we tend to stuff things we don’t want to deal with. Not just the physical clutter, but the emotional kind too. You know, the conversations we’ve avoided, the frustration we’ve ignored, the pain we’ve shoved down and hoped would just stay tucked away. But what happens after the door opens and things start spilling out? This week, I want to talk about what comes next — how we begin to create emotional space and experience peace without overwhelming ourselves or trying to fix it all at once. We’ll talk about: Why emotional peace doesn’t mean feeling nothing — it means having space to feel without being overwhelmed What it looks like to stop re-stuffing the closet after we’ve started the healing process Three gentle rhythms to help you create more breathing room in your daily life How to bring your emotions into prayer — and why that simple step can shift everything A realistic view of peace that works even in our everyday, imperfect lives This episode isn’t about pressure or perfection. It’s about walking at your pace, with God beside you, and learning to build a life where there’s space to feel, process, and heal.   Reflection Questions: What does emotional peace look like for me — realistically, not perfectly? What’s one emotion or situation I’ve been trying to avoid this week? What’s one small rhythm or boundary I could start to help me create space for peace?   If you’re finding it hard to do this alone, I’d love to walk with you. You can book a free clarity session on my website, MarieMonville.com, or send me a message on social media. You don’t have to figure this out by yourself.  

This week, I’m inviting you into a conversation about emotional healing — not in a clinical sense, but in a real-life, heart-level kind of way. I start by asking a question we can probably all relate to: Do you have that one closet where you shove everything in and just hope the door will close? You lean against it, you hear the latch click shut, and you breathe a little sigh of relief — until one day, the door pops open and everything comes flying out. And sometimes, it lands on the people we love. That’s what emotional clutter looks like. In this episode, I share how emotional work is a lot like cleaning out that catch-all closet — and how healing doesn’t mean pulling out the heaviest thing in the back right away. Instead, it’s about starting with what’s right in front of us: the frustrations, the patterns, the quiet stories we’ve been carrying and stuffing away. We talk about: Why emotions spill out unexpectedly How to notice what’s been building under the surface Why starting small is not only okay — it’s wise Creating a system so we stop stuffing new things inside What it looks like to give ourselves space, grace, and time This is about making room in your emotional life — so you’re not constantly bracing for the next moment the door flies open. And it’s about reminding you that healing doesn’t come from hiding. It comes from gently choosing to begin. Reflection Questions: What’s been sitting at the front of your emotional closet, waiting to be noticed? Where in your life does it feel like the door won’t stay shut anymore? What would it look like to create more space to process, rather than stuff things away? If you’re feeling stuck and want someone to walk through this with you, I’d love to help. You can book a free clarity session with me at www.mariemonville.com or reach out on social media. You don’t need to empty the whole closet today. Just pick one thing, and start there.

Thanks for being here with me on To Help You Heal as we wrap up our four-week series on miracles and the belief that God is still moving in our lives today. This week, I’m talking about something that’s incredibly close to my heart — the power of sharing your story. It’s one thing to see God show up in your life, but it’s another thing entirely to tell someone about it. And I believe we need both. Because your story might be the reminder someone else needs that God is still working. We often think our stories need to be dramatic or "worthy" in some big, front-page-news kind of way — but the truth is, any moment where God showed up for you is worth sharing. Those everyday miracles? Those quiet breakthroughs? They matter. And they have power. In this episode, I talk about: Why hearing stories from people we know can stir faith in a deeper way How fear and vulnerability can hold us back from sharing — and why it’s still worth it The importance of looking for God's fingerprints in our lives A reminder from Revelation 12:11 — “They overcame by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony” A personal reflection on how I know I’m living a miracle, even when it doesn’t always feel like one I truly believe the world needs more good news — not just the headlines, but the stories we carry inside us. And someone in your life might be waiting for a word of hope that only your story can offer. This Week’s Reflection: As we close out this series, I want to leave you with a few simple questions: Where has God answered your prayers? What’s a moment in your life that you know was a miracle? Who’s the one person you can share that story with this week? It doesn’t have to be big. It doesn’t have to be public. It just has to be real. Ask God to show you — “Who needs this story?” — and then take that step to share it. Because your story carries light. If this series has meant something to you, I’d love to hear about it. You can email me at [email protected] or message me on social. And if there's something you’d love to hear more about, send me a topic suggestion! I can’t wait to continue walking with you on this healing journey. Let’s keep looking for the places where God is still moving — in us, around us, and through us.

Thanks for joining me on this week's episode of To Help You Heal. We're continuing our series on miracles — and today, I want to ask a simple but powerful question: Do you still believe in miracles? Maybe you're not sure. I get it — it can feel risky to believe again, especially after disappointment. In this episode, I discuss what it means to hold onto hope when the outcome doesn't align with our expectations and how we can shift our focus from controlling the result to trusting in God's presence along the way. I also share one of my favorite stories from Scripture — the father in Mark 9 who brings his son to Jesus and says, "I believe, but help my unbelief." That line has stayed with me for years because it's so honest. It reminds me that God meets us right in the middle of our fragile faith. We'll explore: Why it's often easier to believe for someone else than for ourselves How disappointment can quietly dull our faith The difference between expecting an outcome vs. expectancy in God showing up Why childlike wonder still matters in our spiritual life The quiet, subtle ways God may already be working in your life I encourage you to bring your questions, your unbelief, and your tired hope to God — and ask Him to revive your faith. He's still moving. He's still performing miracles. And sometimes, He's just waiting for us to believe again. Reflect & Respond: Here are a few questions I'd love for you to sit with this week: Do I still believe that God is a God of miracles? Has hope quietly slipped away for me in any area of my life? What have I stopped praying for because I'm afraid to hope again? Can I, like the father in Mark 9, say: "I believe — help my unbelief"? If any of these resonate, I encourage you to bring them to God with a simple, honest prayer:  "Awaken my faith. Show me Your wonder. I believe again, and I am open to Your miracles." Next week, we'll wrap up this series by talking about the healing power of your story — and how testifying to what God has done invites healing for you and for others.

Thanks for joining me for another episode in our summer series on miracles. Today, we’re talking about something that can quietly shift everything: our perspective. So often, we move through life looking through a lens shaped by past experiences, old beliefs, or doubts—and we don’t even realize it. I share a personal reflection and how a small shift reminded me of what happens when we begin to see through God’s eyes instead of our own. In this episode, we’ll talk about: 💭 False stories that shape how you see yourself 💭 The mindset shift that opens your eyes to where God is already working 💭 A practical way to pause and realign your vision with God’s truth This week’s gentle prayer: “God, help me see myself and my life through Your eyes.” If last week’s episode on trusting God in the silence resonated with you, this one will meet you right where you are. And if someone you love is struggling to believe that hope is still possible—send this their way. Next week, we’ll be talking about what it means to believe again… even when it’s hard.

In this week’s episode, we begin a brand-new series centered on rediscovering the truth that God is actively present, He hears our prayers, and He still moves in our lives today. Have you ever gone through a season where you couldn’t feel God’s presence? Where His silence made you wonder if you’d done something wrong or if He had left you altogether? We'll talk about the question — what do we do when we don’t feel Him? Because God’s silence doesn’t mean absence, and that often, it’s our mindset, distraction, or expectation that needs to shift in order to see Him more clearly. This episode helps you anchor your faith in the unchanging truth that God is always near. In This Episode, You’ll Hear: Why feeling disconnected from God doesn’t mean you’ve failed spiritually How to shift from self-blame to confident trust in God’s nearness Practical ideas for reconnecting with God through Scripture, worship, silence, and presence A personal reflection on seeing God during a season of profound suffering and healing The power of creating space in your life — and in your mind — to hear Him again Scripture Highlight: The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18 (NIV) Reflection Questions: When was the last time you felt God was silent? How did you respond? Is there an expectation, distraction, or belief that might be making it harder to sense God's presence right now? What would change in your relationship with God if you believed He was always near — even in the quiet? A Gentle Practice to Try: Take 2 quiet minutes today. Close your eyes. Breathe deeply. Ask: “God, where have You been that I may not have seen You?” Let stillness be your teacher and your healing. Stay Connected: Share this episode with someone who needs the reminder that they’re not alone — and that God hasn’t left them. Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for more inspiration and healing content.

Episode Summary: Welcome back to To Help You Heal. Today marks the final episode in our four-part series on the power of sharing your story. In this episode, we’re unpacking what it really takes to speak your story with confidence—not perfection. Confidence isn’t something you magically have—it’s something you build by showing up, one small step at a time. Whether you’re thinking about speaking from a stage, sharing your heart on social media, or simply opening up to a friend over coffee, this conversation is for you. In this episode, I’ll walk with you through: How confidence is formed (and what it’s not) What to do when fear or “what will they think?” holds you back The truth about how your brain responds to new challenges A practical reframe: it’s not about spotlight—it’s about service Encouragement for embracing imperfect, honest storytelling Reflection Questions: Where do I feel called to step out? What’s holding me back? Am I willing to take one small, brave step? Confidence grows with action—and your story is meant to be heard. Want to go further? If you’re ready to speak with clarity and confidence, I’d love to invite you into my Speaker VIP Day—a one-on-one experience to help you shape your message and share it with purpose. DM me “VIP” or reach out at [email protected] for details.

Speak Your Story Series – Part 3 Not every part of your story needs to be told to be meaningful—but every part can help shape what you share. In this week’s episode, we’re talking about how to find the message inside your story—the theme that ties your experiences together and creates meaningful connection with your audience. Whether you're writing, speaking, or simply learning how to talk about what you’ve walked through, this episode will help you: ✨ Identify the “red thread” that connects your story ✨ Understand the difference between healing and sharing ✨ Learn how to filter your story through a single, powerful message ✨ Recognize how transformation creates hope for others ✨ Practice selective vulnerability without shrinking your truth I’m also sharing how I navigated my own boundaries around what to share (and what not to) after my dad passed away, and why clarity matters more than completeness when you speak from your heart. Reflection Prompt: What’s the heart of what I want someone to walk away with? Take a walk, journal your thoughts, or just sit with that question today. One powerful message can leave a lasting impact. Ready to go deeper? If you’re starting to see purpose and patterns in your story—and want to turn it into something that inspires, equips, and brings healing—my Speaker VIP Experience was designed for you. Let’s build your message together. Send me a message to find out more ([email protected])

Welcome back to To Help You Heal. This week, we’re continuing the conversation we began in Episode 1 about the healing power of our stories—but now, we’re going a little deeper. One of the most common questions I hear is: “How do I know if I’m ready to share my story?” Maybe you’ve asked that too. And the truth is, readiness doesn’t always feel confident. Sometimes it feels brave. Sometimes shaky. But that doesn’t mean you’re not ready. In this episode, I’ll walk with you through: The difference between healing and sharing Why healing starts quietly, but sharing invites others in How to recognize emotional readiness (and why it matters) What it really means to share with purpose, not just pain The simple, powerful question: What do I wish someone had told me? Friend, your story doesn’t have to be finished to be meaningful. And you don’t need a platform—just a heart that wants someone else to know they’re not alone. Your lived experience is sacred. And when you share with honesty, it builds trust and brings light into dark places. 💛 Reflection for the week: What have you learned that someone else might need to hear? Take a walk, journal it, or simply let your heart sit with that question. I’ll meet you back here next week as we talk about how to uncover the message inside your story. In the meantime, if this episode encouraged you, I’d love to hear from you! You can email me anytime at [email protected].