Grit 'n' Grace: The Podcast for Highly Sensitive Christian Women

So many of us have spent years trying to fix our relationship with food by focusing on what we do — or don’t — eat. But what if being “fully nourished” has less to do with getting food exactly right, and more to do with learning what your whole self actually needs? In this conversation with guest co-host Brandice Lardner, we talk about nourishment that goes far beyond calories, macros, and meal plans. We explore what it means to care for all aspects of your Highly Sensitive self — body, mind, soul, and spirit — with grace … especially as an HSP who is easily depleted by pressure, shame, and repeated attempts to fix everything all at once. If you’re curious what it might look like to nourish the parts of yourself that food was never meant to care for, you’ll find this episode full of freedom and hope. Links Mentioned: Order Brandice's new book Fully Nourished: A Grace-Filled Approach to Ditch Diets and Find Peace with Food and Your Body https://amzn.to/3Z3q5SL You can get her free 7-lesson "Faith > Food" email course right here https://gracefilledplate.com/faith-food-email-course/ Check out Brandice's Website: Grace Filled Plate https://GraceFilledPlate.com Take the “Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?” Self-Quiz https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/ Learn about the Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe https://sensitiveandstrongbook.com/sensitive-strong-community-cafe/ Chapters (00:00:00) - Grit and Grace: How to Nourish Your Highly Sens(00:01:42) - Fully Nourished with Brandice Lardner(00:03:27) - Intermittent Fasting(00:07:39) - How to Manage Your Body as You Age(00:13:24) - How to Deal With Regret (For What We Didn't Know(00:19:42) - How to Start Again with Food and Body(00:26:53) - How to Be Fully(00:31:13) - Brandice Brandes Fully Nourished(00:33:11) - Grit and Grace: The Sensitive and Strong Christian Women Podcast

So many of us have tried to white-knuckle our way through one food plan after another. But what if health isn’t about eating perfectly—but rather about building habits that actually bear good fruit in our lives? In this episode, guest co-host Brandice Lardner and I unpack why “perfect eating plans” so often fail, especially for Highly Sensitive Christian women. Brandice introduces the idea of fruitful habits: flexible, grace-filled practices you can evaluate by their outcomes, not whether you followed every rigid rule. We explore how reflection (not rumination) helps you learn from your choices why giving yourself permission actually reduces food obsessions what it looks like to “marry wants with wisdom” without shame or fear If you’re longing for a calmer, more sustainable approach to food—one rooted in grace, discernment, and real-life rhythms—this conversation offers a hopeful way forward.Links mentioned: Episode #303: "Why It's Hard to Trust Your Body — Especially Around Food" https://cherigregory.com/episode303/ Order Brandice's new book Fully Nourished: A Grace-Filled Approach to Ditch Diets and Find Peace with Food and Your Body https://amzn.to/3Z3q5SL You can get her free 7-lesson "Faith > Food" email course right here https://gracefilledplate.com/faith-food-email-course/ Check out Brandice's Website: Grace Filled Plate https://GraceFilledPlate.com Take the “Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?” Self-Quiz https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/ Learn about the "Write Beside You" Unlimited Coaching Program and the "Clarity in Your Calling" Mastermind https://sensitiveandstrongbook.com/wby-unlimited-coaching-program/ https://sensitiveandstrongbook.com/clarity-in-your-calling-mastermind Chapters (00:00:00) - Grit and Grace: When Perfect Eating Plans Fail(00:01:19) - How to Trust Your Own Body(00:04:10) - Virtuous HABITS(00:09:02) - Introspection and Self-Compassion(00:15:33) - Why Is It So Hard to Overcome a Sugar Cravings?(00:22:18) - Living on a Diet with the Spirit(00:25:01) - Highly Sensitive Christian Women(00:27:38) - Marathon Author: The MDP Team

Have you found that diets promise you control, clarity, and confidence—but all-too-often they deliver the exact opposite? For many Highly Sensitive Christian women, diets come with hidden costs: disconnection from our bodies exhaustion from trying to “do it right” confusion about who we can actually trust.  In today’s episode, guest co-host Brandice Lardner and I have an honest, grace-filled conversation about how food became a primary coping tool for so many of us at such a young age, why dieting typically backfires, and what it looks like to pursue health without pressure, fear, or shame. If you’re ready to reframe your relationship with food through the lens of grace instead of rules, this conversation is a great place to start! Links Mentioned: Pre-Order Brandice's new book Fully Nourished: A Grace-Filled Approach to Ditch Diets and Find Peace with Food and Your Body https://www.amazon.com/Fully-Nourished-Grace-Filled-Approach-Ditch/dp/0800747038/ You can get her free 7-lesson "Faith > Food" email course right here https://gracefilledplate.com/faith-food-email-course/ Check out Brandice's Website: Grace Filled Plate https://GraceFilledPlate.com Take the “Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?” Self-Quiz https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/ Learn about the "Write Beside You" Unlimited Coaching Program and the "Clarity in Your Calling" Mastermind https://sensitiveandstrongbook.com/wby-unlimited-coaching-program/ https://sensitiveandstrongbook.com/clarity-in-your-calling-mastermind Chapters (00:00:00) - Fooled by Dieting: For Christian Women(00:01:02) - Grit and Grace: For Highly Sensitive Christian Women(00:04:10) - Fully nourished: A Story of Recovery from Eating Disorders(00:08:07) - What Makes Your Book Different From Dieting?(00:10:33) - Self-Trust and Control(00:15:27) - How to Cope Without Food(00:18:45) - On Emotion Monitoring(00:20:27) - How to Get Out of the Diet Rotation(00:26:47) - Fully Nourished(00:28:38) - Grit & Grace(00:29:44) - Writing Coach Sheri Gregory

January can feel like everyone else hit the “GO” button while I'm still standing in my living room wondering if a bomb went off over the holidays. If you’re still putting decorations away, finding glitter in places glitter shouldn't be, and feeling like you’re already behind on a year you just started, I want to invite you to take a breath — you’re not doing anything wrong. Today I want to talk about the gift of a gentle start—especially for Highly Sensitive People. No rushing into the new year.  No reinventing yourself with "New Year, New You!" No pressure to hit the ground running. (In fact, you don't need to hit anything... ) I want to invite us to take a calmer, kinder approach to the new year.Links: Learn about The Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe https://sensitiveandstrongbook.com/sensitive-strong-community-cafe/ Take the “Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?” Self-Quiz https://cherigregory.com/hspquiz/ Chapters (00:00:00) - A Quiet Start to the New Year(00:00:58) - Grit and Grace(00:01:43) - February 1st Is No Longer A New Year's Day(00:04:25) - A Less Punishing New Year for Highly Sensitive People(00:10:10) - The Siren Song of New Planner:

Some adventures do more than stretch us — they transform us. And today, Pam Watts is back in the guest co-host seat to share with us what God revealed during and after the experience she was still preparing for the last time we talked. What began as doing something fun for something good became something sacred — reshaping her understanding of excellence, identity, rest, and God’s power at work through human weakness.In our conversation, we explore: A different definition of excellence The gift of doing hard things in community How offering our “widow’s mite” opens the door to experiencing God’s might If you’re in a season of saying your own faith-based YOUR — or in the reflective time that comes after—this conversation is rich with clarity, insight, and wisdom. Links & Resources mentioned: Check out Pam's website: Faith-First Family Activity Coaching https://pamwatts.com/ Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/ Learn about the "Write Beside You" Unlimited Coaching Program and “Clarity with Your Calling” Mastermind with Cheri https://sensitiveandstrongbook.com/wby-unlimited-coaching-program/ http://sensitiveandstrongbook.com/clarity-in-your-calling-mastermind Chapters (00:00:00) - Grit and Grace(00:01:04) - Grit and Grace: When Life Feels Too Comfortable(00:03:49) - The Cast of 'Hamilton'(00:05:48) - HSPs at the Halloween Parade(00:06:48) - Adam Levine on His Performance(00:08:50) - Pamela's All That Was Enough(00:12:08) - The Wig Incident(00:15:38) - How to Read Your Relationships(00:16:11) - The Community That Helped Me Perform(00:21:27) - The One-Step Less Alone(00:23:46) - Pamela on Rest and Recovery(00:30:02) - The Dance of No Expectation(00:33:05) - Give Your Widow's Might

When someone we love is grieving, most of us fear saying the wrong thing. So we stay quiet, hoping our silence is better than a misstep. But for the bereaved, silence can feel like abandonment. In this episode, guest co-host, Cheri Fletcher and I discuss why connection matters so much more than perfect words. You'll hear how simple acts like prayers, texts, and thoughtful questions can bring lasting comfort. And you'll discover the power of initiating conversation with empathy and intentionality. Links Referenced: Grit 'n' Grace Episode #279: Surviving the Holidays — Help for When Your Heart Feels Heavy with Cheri Fletcher https://cherigregory.com/episode279/ Order Cheri Fletcher's "Beyond 'I Don't Know What to Say' Grief Communication Cards" https://cherifletcher.com/product/grief-cards/ Sign-Up for Cheri Fletcher's "Comfort in the Silence — A 5-Day Reflection on Walking With Grief" https://cherifletcher.com/joincheri/ Learn more about The Write Beside You Unlimited Coaching Program https://sensitiveandstrongbook.com/wby-unlimited-coaching-program/ Chapters (00:00:00) - Why Connection Matters When Someone's Grieving(00:00:41) - Grit and Grace(00:01:48) - Grit and Grace: Sheri Fletcher(00:03:56) - How Far Back Can You Look in Your Life?(00:06:16) - The SILENCE of Grief(00:10:36) - Grief 2: Harder than Year 1(00:16:55) - How to Comfort a Grieving Mother's Soul(00:19:51) - I Don't Know What to Say(00:24:08) - Annie's Cards(00:26:48) - The Unboxing of A Book(00:27:52) - Grieving Mothers' Question Cards(00:32:14) - Celebrating Comfort in the Silence(00:34:19) - Sherry Gregory on Grit & Grace

Have you ever found yourself thinking, "If I'd known how to honor my sensitivity sooner, maybe life wouldn't have felt like such a fight to survive"? If so, you're not alone. And today's episode explores what it looks like—in real life—to thrive as a Highly Sensitive Person. My guest co-host is best-selling author Dr. Judith Orloff, and we're talking about her new children's book, The Highly Sensitive Rabbit. It's a sweet story that helps HSP kids (and tender-hearted grown-ups!) build everyday tools for boundary-setting, emotional balance, and self-trust. We discuss how to turn "crybaby" moments into connection, how to reframe empathy as courage, and how to nurture that inner child who still needs to be seen and soothed. This conversation offers fresh insight and gentle practices to help every sensitive soul—young or grown—thrive with confidence and self-compassion. Links mentioned: Dr. Judith Orloff's Website https://DrJudithOrloff.com Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/ Learn more about the Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe https://sensitiveandstrongbook.com/gng-cafe/

Do you ever wonder if you're a true Highly Sensitive Person because you love meaningful adventures or crave experiences that make you feel alive? It turns out that many HSPs are also High Sensation Seekers, which often feels like you're living with one foot on the gas and one foot on the brake. But this isn't about chasing adrenaline; it's about seeking depth, richness, and significance. In today's conversation, my guest co-host Pam Watts and I dive into what it means to say a faith-based "yes" to opportunities that feel bigger than us. Pam pulls back the curtain on her current adventure — preparing to dance on stage for a cause she deeply values — and shares the very real tensions of excitement, discomfort, and determination. This episode will encourage you to look for your own faith-based "yes"es — whatever size they may be, and wherever they may take you. Links & Resources mentioned: "Vote" for Pam in Dancing with the Waco Stars https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dancing-with-waco-stars-voting-2025-tickets-1548506768429 Check out Pam's website: Faith-First Family Activity Coaching https://pamwatts.com/ Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/ Learn about the "Write Beside You" Unlimited Coaching Program with Cheri https://sensitiveandstrongbook.com/wby-unlimited-coaching-program/

Do you ever wonder if your help actually matters? You show up, you do what you can, and later your Inner Critic whispers, You didn't make any real difference. But what if you don't have to be the expert, the fixer, or the hero who "saves the day"? In today's conversation, my guest co-host Marisa Terrell and I discuss why your presence, rather than your performance, is often the greatest gift you can give. You'll hear how ordinary presence can calm chaos, restore hope, and reflect God's heart. Consider this episode your permission slip to stop second-guessing and start trusting the quiet power of simply showing up. Links mentioned: Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/ "Write Beside You" Coaching with Cheri https://writebesideyou.com/writing-coach/ "Write Beside You" Unlimited Coaching Program with Cheri https://sensitiveandstrongbook.com/wby-unlimited-coaching-program/

Do you sometimes say "no" to hope … without even realizing it? Many of us protect ourselves from yet another disappointment by distancing ourselves from the very experiences God is inviting us into. In today's heartfelt conversation, guest co-host Danielle Grosse and I explore why biblical hope is never a demand to "cheer up" or "try harder," but always a gentle, persistent invitation to receive good things — at a pace that feels safe. You'll learn to notice God's quiet nudges, release unrealistic expectations, and rest in the hope that meets you right where you are, right now. Links Mentioned: Episode #293: Come Out of Hiding — Your Invitation to Step Into Healing https://cherigregory.com/episode293 Episode #294: Healing at a Gentle Pace — Why We Need Gentle Words & Ample Time https://cherigregory.com/episode294/ Episode #295: NOT a Bait and Switch—What Biblical Hope Looks Like in Real Life https://cherigregory.com/episode295/ Danielle's book The Boy, the Boxer, and the Yellow Rose: Because You're Not Lost. You're Healing.https://www.amazon.com/Boy-Boxer-Yellow-Rose-Healing/dp/1964251532/ Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz https://cherigregory.com/hspquiz/ Learn more about the Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe https://sensitiveandstrongbook.com/sensitive-strong-community-cafe/

Do you sometimes feel like hope is nothing more than a setup for heartbreak? If you're a Highly Sensitive Person, you've probably spent your life preparing for worst-case scenarios and bracing for impact — especially when it feels like life keeps pulling the rug right out from under you. In this episode, Danielle Grosse returns as my guest co-host as we explore how true hope meets us gently in the tension between fear and faith. You'll learn how to recognize false hope, notice God's presence in small but meaningful ways, and discover why biblical hope never rushes you, never shames you, and never disappoints you. Links Mentioned: Episode #294: Healing at a Gentle Pace — Why We Need Gentle Words & Ample Time https://cherigregory.com/episode294/ Episode #293: Come Out of Hiding — Your Invitation to Step Into Healing https://cherigregory.com/episode293 Danielle's book The Boy, the Boxer, and the Yellow Rose: Because You're Not Lost. You're Healing.https://www.amazon.com/Boy-Boxer-Yellow-Rose-Healing/dp/1964251532/ Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/ Learn more about the Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe https://sensitiveandstrongbook.com/sensitive-strong-community-cafe/

In a world obsessed with "quick fixes," Highly Sensitive Persons can feel perpetually stuck — as if growing slowly means something's gone terribly wrong. But deep healing does NOT happen by force or formula. So in this episode, we offer you a gentler invitation: to drop the timeline to honor the pace of your body and heart, and to trust that so-called "delayed" healing is still holy ground. Through Danielle Grosse's tender story of recovering while writing, we explore how gentle truths and soul-safe collaboration can help HSPs mend. Not by "powering through" but by finding refuge in the One who heals our deepest hurts. Links Mentioned: Episode #293: Come Out of Hiding — Your Invitation to Step Into Healing https://cherigregory.com/episode293 Danielle's book The Boy, the Boxer, and the Yellow Rose: Because You're Not Lost. You're Healing.https://www.amazon.com/Boy-Boxer-Yellow-Rose-Healing/dp/1964251532/ Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/ Learn more about the "Clarity in Your Calling" Mastermind https://sensitiveandstrongbook.com/clarity-in-your-calling-mastermind/

Have you ever felt boxed in — by life, grief, expectations, or old labels you just can't shake? Today, Danielle Grosse returns as my co-host, along with a group of our friends, as we explore what it means to step into healing … even when it feels risky or unfamiliar. You'll hear how one powerful story is helping women tend to the hurting parts of their hearts in unexpected ways — and how realizing "you don't live in a box now" can change everything. If your own HSP heart longs for gentle hope, safe connection, and the courage to believe healing has already begun, this episode is for you! Links mentioned: Danielle's book The Boy, the Boxer, and the Yellow Rose: Because You're Not Lost. You're Healing. Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz: https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/ Episode Webpage: https://CheriGregory.com/episode293

The decision is done — so why does your body still feel like it's bracing for impact? It's like your brain was on board but your body missed the memo. If you know that feeling, you are not alone. For those of us with Sensory Processing Sensitivity, dealing with the aftermath of so much sensory strain can be intense: second-guessing self-recrimination shame spirals In this episode, we'll explore the question, "How do you learn and grow from what just happened—especially when parts of the process were hard?" I'll share what I've been learning about post-decision recovery, reflection, and documentation of your hard-won wisdom. So if you're craving closure that's kind rather than self-critical, you'll gain the tools you need to find peace in the present and to Equip Your Future Self! Links mentioned: The Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe: https://CheriGregory.com/Cafe/ Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz: https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/ Episode Webpage: https://CheriGregory.com/episode292

Does decision-making leave you feeling pushed around — by others and even by your own brain? For so many Highly Sensitive Persons, high-stakes choices can feel like we're navigating a minefield while wearing a blindfold! In this episode, my analytically-minded son Jonathon reveals how external pressure can sway us during important decisions. And I'll share strategies to calm the inner turmoil so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. You'll walk away with practical tools to recognize unhealthy pressure, protect your peace, and stand your ground — with others and with yourself. Links mentioned: The Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe: https://CheriGregory.com/Cafe/ Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz: https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/ Episode Webpage: https://CheriGregory.com/episode291

When you feel like you're always second-guessing yourself, it's tempting to idealize being a "one-and-done" decision-maker! But what if changing your mind isn't a sign of weakness but actually a sign of wisdom? In this episode, we're tackling the myth that Highly Sensitive Persons are "wishy-washy." You'll learn how "trying on" different options can free you from the guilt of sunk costs, help you honor your real-time needs, and lead to better choices in the long-run. You'll also gain permission to update out-dated decisions, while embracing God's grace as you grow. Changing your mind does not make you flaky. So often, it simply means that you're paying attention! Links mentioned: The Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe: https://CheriGregory.com/Cafe/ Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz: https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/ Episode Webpage: https://CheriGregory.com/episode290

In a world that idealizes instant answers and snap decisions, Highly Sensitive Persons often get labeled hesitant ... indecisive ... over-thinking. But what if your HSP brain and body are not motivated by being told to "Hurry Up"? What if your soul responds to pressure by asking, "Can we please slow down?" What if you need a counter-cultural approach to decision-making? In this episode, I share a real-life story of navigating a big decision (with a looming deadline) as an HSP who is, by definition, a reflective thinker. You'll learn how scripture, curiosity, and community can lead to clarity and confidence. If you, too, struggle with decision-making, I hope you'll find encouragement to honor your God-given pace and—whenever possible—to Take. Your. Time. Links mentioned: The Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe: https://CheriGregory.com/Cafe/ Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz: https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/ Episode Webpage: https://CheriGregory.com/episode289

Why does getting what you want sometimes feel so wrong? You finally speak up, advocate for yourself, and even win—but instead of feeling victorious, you're hit with guilt, second-guessing, or a sudden urge to backtrack. What is up with that? Well, in this episode, I'm sharing a real-life situation that left me wondering ... why asking for what I want feels so uncomfortable why getting what I want can feel so much worse than just going with the flow, and how this is all tangled up with people-pleasing, perfectionism, and a deep DEEP desire for certainty. So if you've ever struggled to stand your ground, let's talk about how to move forward with confidence—minus the emotional whiplash! Links mentioned: The Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe: https://CheriGregory.com/Cafe/ Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz: https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/ Episode Webpage: https://CheriGregory.com/episode288

Do you sometimes get caught up in the cycle of feeling 'not enough'? If so, you're not alone! In this episode, Amy Carroll returns as my guest co-host, and we get real about the questions of "enough-ness" that so many of us wrestle with, especially as Highly Sensitive Christian Women. In this deeply personal conversation, Amy opens her heart around the worry Am I enough? while I share my life-long struggles with wondering Am I DOING enough? Throughout this episode, you'll discover practical ways to identify and shift the beliefs that keep you stuck in overthinking, overworking, and self-doubt. You can embrace your identity as God's beloved … and you can learn to discern when enough is truly enough. Links mentioned: The Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe: https://CheriGregory.com/Cafe/ Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz: https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/ Episode Webpage: https://CheriGregory.com/episode287

Are you the person everyone turns to — because you're the peacemaker, the caregiver, the one who always says yes — but deep down you're running on empty? In this honest and hope-filled conversation, guest co-host Danielle Grosse explores "the Heart of a Helper" and helps us understand why those of us who love to serve often struggle to receive. She shares why it's so difficult to admit when we need help, how we can let others pour back into us, and what happens when we finally give ourselves permission to heal. If helping others has ever felt like both your greatest joy and your heaviest burden, this episode is for you. Join us for a discussion full of grace, wisdom, and real-life encouragement and that offers a new perspective on what it truly means to serve well as HSPs—without sacrificing your own well-being. Links mentioned: Danielle's website Sign up for Danielle's newsletter ... which includes "Just Ask Dani" Take Danielle's quiz "The Heart of a Helper: Uncover What You Need Right Now" Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz: https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/ Enroll in "Overcome Procrastination & JUST WRITE: 7 Surprisingly Simple Strategies to Get Your Words Flowing" https://writebesideyou.com/join/ Episode Webpage: https://CheriGregory.com/episode286

Have you ever had someone tell you, "You're just imagining things," or "It can't be that loud" (or that bright or that itchy)? If you're a Highly Sensitive Person, you've been there. Other people's reactions to your heightened perceptions can feel isolating, even invalidating. But your experiences aren't wrong; they're uniquely yours. So in this episode, we're looking at how our DNA shapes the way we sense and respond to the world and what that means for those of us who are HSPs. We're also talking about why it's vital to listen to, learn from, and care for the HSP body that God has entrusted to you. Your differences aren't defects — your differences are divine! Links mentioned: The Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe: https://CheriGregory.com/Cafe/ Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz: https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/ Episode Webpage: https://CheriGregory.com/episode285

Have you ever felt crushed under the weight of a mistake, convinced it's too big to fix? Whether it's a literal mess or a relational misstep, we often respond by piling on guilt, shame, and endless self-blame. But what if there's another way? In this episode, I share the story of a literal spill that led to a deep reflection on responsibility, self-blame, and the gift of grace. We'll talk about how to figure out what's actually yours to own, how to stop beating yourself up for every little thing, and how to open your heart to God's grace—even in life's sticky situations. If you're ready to stop over-owning every mess and start letting grace lead the way, this episode is for you! Links mentioned: The Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe: https://CheriGregory.com/Cafe/ Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz: https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/ Episode Webpage: https://CheriGregory.com/episode284

Do you ever feel hesitant to speak up for yourself? Today we're taking a deep dive into the messy and rewarding realities of candid communication! From navigating subtle hints to standing firm in your voice, guest co-host Amy Carroll and I share personal stories, practical insights, and a paradigm shift that caught me off-guard. You'll discover why "clarity is kind," learn how to balance honesty with grace, and gain tips for approaching even the toughest conversations with confidence. Listen in to this candid convo about candid convos filled with wisdom, wit, and the occasional buzzzzz of "aha moments"! Links mentioned: The Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe: https://CheriGregory.com/Cafe/ Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz: https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/ Episode Webpage: https://CheriGregory.com/episode283

Do you love dreaming, brainstorming, and making big plans … but then get completely stuck when it's time to actually #DoTheThing? As the year wraps up, it's easy to look back at 2024 and feel disappointed (and maybe even guilty) over all the things you meant to do but didn't quite get to. Friend, you are not alone! HSPs often stall out when the details become overwhelming or resistance starts creeping in. So in this episode, we're talking about why this happens, how procrastination might actually be protecting you, and—best of all—how you can move forward without guilt, shame, or forcing yourself to push through. Listen in to learn how small, gentle steps can help you build momentum in a way that honors your unique wiring. Links mentioned: HSP Coaching with Cheri "Write Beside You" Short-Term Coaching with Cheri "Write Beside You" Unlimited Coaching Program with Cheri Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz The book I mentioned to Marisa: Stumbling on Happiness by Daniel Gilbert

Have you ever found yourself dreading holiday travel, parties, and programs — while everyone around you seems sooo excited? For many of us, all the seasonal festivities can quickly become an overwhelming avalanche of stress, overstimulation, and exhaustion. And then, we end up feeling guilty for not being able to "just roll with it" … or even ashamed that we can't focus on "the reason for the season." So today, we're exploring: why travel and big events can take such a huge toll on us how past choices have made things harder than necessary how-to tips for navigating holiday trips and group gatherings. With intentional planning, you can honor your God-given HSP wiring and truly en-joy the most wonderful time of the year. Links mentioned: World's Softest Socks https://worldssoftest.com/ "How to Quickly Calm Your Overwhelmed Heart" eCourse https://CheriGregory.com/calm/ Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz: https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/

Have you ever felt like your big heart and deep emotions are both a gift and a challenge? If you've struggled with burnout — or wondered how to make a difference without losing yourself — this conversation is for you. Today's guest co-host, Dorcas Cheng-Tozun, shares how to ... use your emotional intensity and empathy as strengths … care for yourself while caring for others … and serve others in ways that don't leave you utterly depleted. Listen in for truly practical tips on setting boundaries, practicing self-compassion, and sustainably serving the people God has called you to serve. Links mentioned: The Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe: https://CheriGregory.com/Cafe Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz: https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/ Dorcas Cheng-Tozun: https://www.chengtozun.com/

During holidays, many of us feel the bittersweet tension between joy and grief … especially when there's an empty chair at the table. This week's guest co-host, Cheri Fletcher, is here to share a glimpse into her journey through the uncharted territory of grief after losing her beloved daughter Annie more than a year ago. She offers candid encouragement and practical tools to help us honor our loved ones, navigate heavy emotions, and hold space for mourning and meaningful connections. So whether you're grieving or supporting someone who is, you'll find comfort, understanding, and actionable insights to help you lean into both love and loss during this tender season. Links mentioned in episode: Cheri Fletcher's podcast episode: "Now What? When You Pray With Holy Expectations but the Unexpected Happens" Blog post I wrote years ago about Cheri Fletcher's reaction to learning that she's a Highly Sensitive Person: "The One Truth Every HSP Needs to Know" Get your sample set of Cheri Fletcher's conversation cards — Move Beyond "I Just Don't Know What to Say" Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Quiz Learn more about the "Growing Sensitive & Strong" program

Have you ever felt like a failure at gratitude? Like no matter how many lists you make or journals you keep, this whole "giving thanks" thing (which seems to work for everyone else) just doesn't "work" for you? In this episode, Cheri Gregory and Lori Margo discuss why typical gratitude practices can fall flat, and introduce a fresh, faith-filled alternative: "Tracking God." This simple yet powerful approach helps you notice God's presence in deeply personal ways, even in the hardest moments. Tune in for an encouraging conversation about navigating life's challenges while growing closer to God. Links: Check out the episode web page at https://CheriGregory.com/episode278 Take Lori Margo's "What Does My Faith Really Need Right Now?" Quiz at https://LoriMargo.com/quiz Enroll in "Overcome Procrastination & JUST WRITE! 7 Surprisingly Simple Strategies to Get Your Words Flowing" at https://WriteBesideYou.com/join

Are you tired of tying yourself into a pretzel just to prove you're not "high maintenance"? In this episode of Grit 'n' Grace — The Podcast for Highly Sensitive Christian Women, Cheri Gregory shares three simple but life-changing habits to help you stop merely surviving and start truly thriving as a Highly Sensitive Person. Learn how to stop force-fitting yourself, discover what genuinely works for you, and find assurance in the custom-tailored care of Jesus. Let's move beyond the overwhelm and step into thriving together! https://CheriGregory.com/episode277

Have you spent your life hearing, "You're just TOO sensitive?" Are you tired of the overthinking, overwhelm, and exhaustion that come with being a highly sensitive person (HSP)? Ready to stop worrying that something's wrong with you and start understanding and nurturing yourself as an HSP? Welcome to Grit 'n' Grace—The Podcast for Highly Sensitive Christian woman. Your safe haven. I'm your host, Cheri Gregory. I'm an author, speaker, coach, and founder of the Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe. Every week, I'll guide you through building resilience, practicing self-compassion, setting healthy boundaries, unlocking your creativity, and learning to embrace—not fight—your God-given sensitivity. Each episode offers connection, honest conversations, and practical tools to help you navigate a world that often misunderstands HSPs. Together, we'll cultivate awareness, trust and confidence in how God wired you — at the DNA level — to be an HSP. You were made to thrive, and Grit 'n' Grace is here to help you do just that. Now, if you're brand new to the whole HSP concept, come take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" quiz at https://cherigregory.com/hspquiz/. And remember: God created you sensitive; in Christ, you are always strong.

What happens when you step away from what you thought defined you? In this heartfelt episode, Cheri and Amy reunite for their 2024 "Catch-Up Convo," sharing their personal journeys of transformation over the past 14 months. Amy opens up about leaving behind vocational ministry to dive into a completely new real estate adventure, while Cheri reflects on the power of self-compassion in difficult seasons. Together, they discuss finding joy in unexpected places, letting go of old identities, and embracing God's grace in every chapter of life. It's a conversation filled with laughter, honesty, and hope! Get full notes and a transcript at: gritngracegirls.com/episode276

Do you ever feel like "It's just too late" — to get un-stuck or to start something new? Cheri and Amy are here to remind you that fresh starts and new adventures are always possible—no matter where you are in life. In this episode, they explore the joys of letting go, lifelong learning, and making room for what truly brings you joy. You'll hear stories of stepping out of comfort zones, setting bold boundaries, and embracing the idea that it's never too late to begin again. Join them for a heartwarming chat about discovering new possibilities, pursuing passions, and living with intention at every age. Get full notes and a transcript at: gritngracegirls.com/episode275

Do you ever watch other women start living big new adventures and wonder, "How does she do that?" In this lively episode, Kathi Lipp shares her unexpected journey from city life to becoming an "accidental homesteader" on 33 acres of wilderness. Kathi opens up about how a series of "what if" moments led her to embrace adventure, grit, and a new way of life. Whether it's raising chickens or building a greenhouse, Kathi encourages listeners to step out in faith, take small risks, and see how God uses their curiosity to create unexpected opportunities. Tune in for laughs, wisdom, and inspiration to pursue your own "what if" moments! Get full notes and a transcript at: gritngracegirls.com/episode274

Christian women are often told that being "too emotional" is a weakness, but what if our emotions are actually a source of strength? In this episode, Cheri and Amy debunk that myth, diving into an honest conversation about buoying life's heaviest moments with the promises of God. Reflecting on their interview with Michele Cushatt, they explore how naming and sitting with our hard emotions Debunking the 'Too Emotional' Myth actually builds resilience and deepens faith. If you've ever felt like your emotions are "too much," this episode offers real talk, validation, and practical steps for approaching your feelings as tools for healing and growth. Get full notes and a transcript at: gritngracegirls.com/episode273

Feeling overwhelmed by grief or big emotions? In this second half of our interview, Michele Cushatt — author of A Faith that Will Not Fail: 10 Practices to Build Up Your Faith When Your World Is Falling Apart — discusses why it's so important to actually feel your feelings, especially during hard seasons. With humor and raw honesty, Michele offers practical, down-to-earth tips for dealing with those big emotions while trusting God's heart for healing and restoration. Get full notes and a transcript at: gritngracegirls.com/episode272

Feeling like your faith is hanging by a thread? Michele Cushatt returns to share the heart behind her book, A Faith That Will Not Fail. Michele dives deep into the power of lament, vulnerability, and how we can truly support each other without slipping into toxic positivity. If you're facing tough times, this episode is packed with encouragement and hope to help you hold on. Get full notes and a transcript at: gritngracegirls.com/episode271

Grit 'n' Grace is baaaaaaaack! After a year-long hiatus, Cheri and Amy return for a much-needed catch-up convo. In this episode, they dive into what they've missed most, how life has changed, and the big lessons God has been teaching them. Amy opens up about navigating major transitions, while Cheri reflects on finding breathing room after seasons of chaos. With laughter, vulnerability, and wisdom, they share how God is at work in the mess. Tune in for a heartfelt and encouraging reunion! Get full notes and a transcript at: gritngracegirls.com/episode270

The saying is true. All good things do come to an end. In this last planned episode of Grit 'n' Grace, Cheri and Amy talk about lessons they've learned about ending well and the biggest personal changes they've experienced through the Grit 'n' Grace years. There are some big lightbulb moments in this episode! Listen to the very end to learn how to keep in touch with Cheri and Amy. Grit 'n' Grace is wrapping up, but your connection with them doesn't have to end!

When we're going through uncertain times, just keeping ourselves afloat can feel like a challenge. It's counterintuitive to believe that uncertainty can be a pathway to our greatest influence. Yet, that's exactly what we see in the book of Esther. With co-authors of the Esther study, Amy Carroll and Lynn Cowell, Cheri discusses four biblical steps that can lead us to influence in our most difficult days.

Let's be honest: It's difficult to love, know, and serve an invisible God. It's especially hard in uncertain times when He's nowhere in sight ... when He seems to have vanished. In today's episode, Cheri is the sole interviewer, digging for solutions to this dilemma with Amy Carroll and Lynn Cowell, co-authors of the new study, Esther: Seeing Our Invisible God in an Uncertain World. We're not the only women who have faced this challenge, so listen in for some ancient and reliable truths!

It's uncomfortable to be in a strange season, one in which your reality looks very different than your peers'. It can happen early in life when everyone else is moving into dorms while you go to work. Or later, when you're raising grandchildren while your friends are having their passports stamped. No matter the stage of life, you can have hope and purpose in your strange season. Cheri and Amy discuss the difficulties and unexpected gifts we find when our lives take a turn we never expected.

When grandparents take on the job of parenting grandchildren, a mix of blessing and challenge ensues. From the rich resource of personal experience, Rick Johnson, author of When Grandparents Become Parents, shares a dose of hope for all involved in this tricky parenting model. If you're a grandparent that's parenting your grandchild or love someone who is, tune in today for words of encouragement that you can absorb and share.

Feeling alone in the chaos and stress of your life? We understand! Yet, everyone has seasons that it's hard to harness the happy that we're promised. In today's episode, Cheri and Amy dig deep into the obstacles to "heart happy" and ways to overcome them. You'll hear both practical tips and deep spiritual practices that will help you draw closer to God for the happy He has to give.

When you're at the end of your rope, is happiness possible? Tricia Goyer, author of Heart Happy: Staying Centered in God's Love Through Chaotic Circumstances, found a secret to happiness at one of her lowest points. In today's episode, she shares that her life, just like ours, has had some painful challenges, but happiness has intersected those seasons in beautifully unexpected ways. Tune in to tap into a truth that we can all benefit from!

It's coming. There will be a day when others misunderstand you. What then? Cheri and Amy discuss strategies to handle being misunderstood so that we aren't devastated when it happens. We can learn from being misunderstood and come out stronger on the other side!

Being misunderstood is the worst. The Worst. If you've been in that circumstance, you're in good company, and your story isn't over. Mary DeMuth, author of The Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible, unpacks the lessons she learned as she studied the scriptural stories of ten real-life women. This episode is full of mic-drop moments when Cheri and Amy were left with tears in their eyes and jaws on the floor.

Shadia Hrichi, author of Worthy of Love, knows what it's like to feel unworthy. An abortion early in her life left her believing that she was unqualified to serve God, but He didn't leave her in that untruth. Hear how Shadia, now a powerful Bible teacher, ended her silent suffering and experienced healing. Her saving grace can be yours too!

There's bad news and good news about your messy story. The bad news is that messy stories are straight-up painful. The good news is that you aren't alone. Shadia Hrichi, author of Tamar: Rediscovering the God Who Redeems Me, shares hope-filled truths about how God Himself cares for and transforms our painful places.

It's important to end well, but it's tricky. As women, we don't like to feel like we're quitters, so we often hold onto things too long. But what about jobs, roles, and circumstances that are just for a season? How do we end those well? In this touching episode, Cheri and Amy discuss markers of an ending season, hard decisions, and learning how to end with excellence and grace.

So many of us have an unhealthy relationship with food. The disfunction can range from hypervigilance to constant dieting to eating disorders. Kassandra Baker, Certified Health, Life, and Mental Health Coach, explains how perfectionism and people-pleasing can be part of our problem with food. Then, she leads us to a new understanding about the way we eat. Speaking from her own personal experience and recovery from two eating disorders, Kassandra leads us to freedom from diet culture.