Tag: Naty Matos

From Candy to Calling: What to Do Now That Easter is Over

On By Naty MatosIn Inspirational ThoughtsLeave a comment

The eggs have been hunted, the candy wrappers tossed, and the “He is Risen” banners packed away. Now what?

Too often, we treat Easter like the end of a spiritual season, when really—it should ignite the start of something new. At Thrive by The Rising Muse, we’re challenging ourselves (and you!) to let Easter be the spark that pushes us into action, healing, and deeper faith.

Here are 5 things you can do now that Easter is behind us:

  1. Reflect intentionally – Journal what moved you this season. What did God speak into your spirit?
  2. Reconnect with community – Whether it’s church, a podcast, or a small group, don’t isolate.
  3. Reignite your devotional life – Start a fresh plan or return to a forgotten one.
  4. Release guilt – If Easter came with tension, grief, or comparison, let it go. God’s grace is bigger.
  5. Renew your joy – It’s okay to celebrate. It’s okay to laugh. Jesus didn’t rise so we could live burdened.

Easter might be one day on the calendar, but resurrection life is every day we choose faith, grace, and love.

Keep rising, keep thriving, and keep showing up for your calling.

📲 Follow us @therisingmuse on IG, Threads, TikTok & Blue Sky
📡 Listen on wdjyfm.com (Thursdays 9AM), 99.1 FM ATL, 92.9 FM Denver, & Spiritual Channel 36 (Fairfax)

#ResurrectionEveryday #FaithOverFear #ChristianEncouragement #ThriveByTheRisingMuse #PurposeAfterEaster

🐣 Easter: Bunnies, Baskets & the Empty Tomb – What Does It All Mean?

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

Every spring, pastel colors take over store aisles, kids chase after brightly colored eggs, and marshmallow Peeps mysteriously multiply. But at the heart of it all, there’s a deeper story—one that begins at an empty tomb.

In this latest episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, your favorite co-hosts Naty and Veda get real about Easter. From resurrection truth to childhood traditions, from chocolate bunnies to cultural blending, this episode is both heartfelt and hilarious. We go from theological reflections to personal memories, and we don’t shy away from how our own beliefs evolved—from legalism to liberation, from speeches and sunrise services to the freedom of letting your kid hug the Easter Bunny without guilt.

✨ Is Easter really a Christian holiday?
✨ How did rabbits and eggs sneak into the resurrection story?
✨ And most importantly—can we honor our faith while still making space for joy and celebration?

This episode is for the curious, the conflicted, and the culturally curious. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance your faith with the festivities—or you just love a good mix of nostalgia and spiritual growth—this one’s for you.

🎧 Grab your headphones, your favorite candy, and maybe a tissue or two. This one’s filled with grace, laughter, truth, and just the right amount of jellybeans.

🎙️ Listen now on your favorite platform and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with someone you love!

🔗 Click here for the episode.

SEE, EXPOSE, LOVE, FREE: The Journey to Inner Freedom

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

What if the thing holding you back wasn’t the trauma itself—but what you’ve been taught to believe about yourself because of it?

In our latest Thrive by The Rising Muse episode, we sit down with coach, author, and trauma survivor Danielle Bernock, whose story and method might just shift how you see healing… and yourself.

Danielle shares the heart and soul behind her S.E.L.F. method—SEE, EXPOSE, LOVE, FREE—and how it helps people step out of inner chaos and into ownership of their lives. We talk about spiritual trauma, childhood emotional neglect, identity, self-worth, boundaries, and the power of choosing you.

This episode is honest, layered, and deeply personal—for us and probably for you, too.

🎧 Whether you’re just starting your healing journey or deep in the work, this conversation will meet you where you are. With compassion. With clarity. With hope.

Spoiler: There’s even a taco named Gary. (Yes, really.)

Don’t miss this one. Tap in. Share it. Save it. Heal with us.

Danielle Bernock—a trauma survivor, coach, speaker, and the founder of 4F Media.
Danielle has helped countless people reclaim their worth, heal deep wounds, and walk in emotional and spiritual freedom. She’s also the author of books like Emerging With Wings, Because You Matter, and Love’s Manifesto. Her coaching method is called S.E.L.F.—SEE, EXPOSE, LOVE, FREE. It’s a four-part process that helps people come out of “inner chaos” and into clarity, healing, and ownership of their lives. To schedule a Discovery session with Danielle, click here. For her website, click here.

“That lady on the internet who loves you.”

🎙️ Available now on all major platforms.

🎉 One Year In: The Episode You Didn’t Know You Needed 🎙️

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

We did it. One year. A full trip around the sun, filled with raw conversations, unexpected laughs, tough lessons, and everything in between. This episode is not just a celebration—it’s a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really taken to get here.

No filters. No fluff. Just the truth. We’re talking mistakes, mindset shifts, growth spurts, and real talk about what it means to stay committed when the hype wears off.

Whether you’ve been riding with us since day one or just jumping in, this episode brings it all full circle.

🔊 Hit play and hear the unfiltered reality of building something that matters.

🎧 Available now wherever you get your podcasts.

Faith, Family & Thought-Provoking Conversations

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

In this powerful episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, we dive into two intriguing incidents that have sparked deep conversations in the faith community. With thought-provoking insights, Naty and Veda break down some recent incidents regarding Paula White and Marvin Sapp, challenging perspectives and asking the tough questions many are thinking but few are saying.

How do faith, culture, and controversy intersect? What lessons can we take away from these moments? And most importantly, where do we go from here? If you’ve ever questioned the narratives shaping modern spirituality, this episode is for you.

Join us for a candid and unfiltered discussion that will leave you reflecting long after the episode ends.

🎧 Hit play and be part of the conversation now!

#Podcast #Faith #Family #MentalHealth #ThrivePodcast #Spirituality #CriticalThinking #ChristianCulture #DeepConversations

Finding Purpose Through the Storm

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

What if every trial, every storm, and every heartbreak in your life led you toward something greater? What if the pain you’ve endured wasn’t meant to break you but to prepare you for your purpose?

In our latest episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, we sit down with the incredible Bambi Makowski—a mother, grandmother, storyteller, and author whose journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From overcoming personal trauma to impacting lives one door at a time, Bambi’s testimony is a powerful reminder that faith can turn brokenness into beauty.

🚪 Knocking on Doors, Changing Lives
Bambi shares how her years working with Nielsen TV Ratings and the Census Bureau taught her the power of human connection. Each door she knocked on held a different story—some heartbreaking, some inspiring, but all life-changing. Through these encounters, she learned to see people beyond their circumstances and embrace the beauty in every journey.

💔 From Trauma to Triumph
Bambi opens up about the darkest moments of her life when she felt unseen and unheard. But she also reveals the incredible ways that God stepped in, time and time again, transforming her pain into purpose. Her story is raw, unfiltered, and filled with moments that will leave you speechless.

🙏 Faith, Healing, and the Power of Sharing Your Story
In this episode, we discuss why sharing our stories is essential for healing, how God never wastes our pain, and why embracing our scars can lead to true freedom. Bambi reminds us that our past does not define us—God does.

Bambi is a mother of six, grandmother to thirteen—and counting!—a passionate storyteller, and an author of two published books with more on the way. Her journey hasn’t been easy, but through every trial, she’s found purpose and hope. You can reach her on her website Healing Through Stories.

🔥 You Don’t Want to Miss This!
This conversation is one of the most powerful we’ve had on the podcast. It’s real. It’s vulnerable. It’s inspiring. If you’ve ever questioned your worth, struggled with trauma, or wondered if God has a purpose for your pain—this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

Let us know your thoughts! What part of Bambi’s story resonated with you the most? Drop a comment or send us a message—we’d love to hear from you!

The Silent Struggle of Caregiving

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

Have you ever felt like you’re giving everything you have—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—only to end the day completely drained? If you’ve been a caregiver for a parent, spouse, or loved one, you know the weight of that responsibility. It’s a journey of love, sacrifice, and deep exhaustion, but one that isn’t talked about nearly enough.

In our latest episode of Thrive By the Rising Muse, we’re breaking the silence on the realities of caregiving. Naty and Veda open up about their own experiences—navigating the emotional and mental toll, the unspoken guilt, and the faith struggles that arise when exhaustion meets devotion.

This episode is for:
✔️ Those currently in a caregiving role.
✔️ Anyone who has ever felt torn between their responsibilities and their well-being.
✔️ Those wondering, “Where is God in this?” when caregiving feels overwhelming.

We’ll talk about:
✨ The emotional burden of caregiving and how to protect your mental health.
✨ The guilt caregivers often feel—and why it’s time to release it.
✨ How to keep your faith strong when exhaustion makes praying hard.
✨ Practical ways to set boundaries, ask for help, and find moments of rest.

💡 If you’ve ever felt unseen in your role as a caregiver, this episode is for you. You are not alone, and you are doing more than enough.

🎧 Listen now

Join the Conversation!

Have you been a caregiver? How did you navigate the emotional toll? Comment below or DM us—we’d love to hear your story.

Finding God in Your Setbacks: Preparation for Growth

On By Naty MatosIn ArticlesLeave a comment

Life often presents us with setbacks—moments when our plans unravel, our dreams seem distant, and our hearts ache with disappointment. In these challenging times, finding solace in faith can offer profound comfort and guide us toward unexpected growth. It is in these setbacks that we often find God’s hand at work, preparing us for greater things.

Embracing Setbacks as Divine Preparation

Setbacks are not merely obstacles but opportunities for spiritual transformation. They test our resilience, deepen our trust in God, and refine our character. As the apostle James wrote:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1:2-3, NIV)

This perspective challenges us to see setbacks not as moments of despair but as chances to strengthen our faith and endurance. God uses these trials to prepare us for His purpose, shaping us into vessels capable of carrying His light in the darkest of times.

Trusting in God’s Sovereignty

Amid setbacks, it is natural to question God’s plan. Yet, Scripture reassures us of His sovereignty and unwavering love:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)

Even when our circumstances seem bleak, trusting in God’s promises allows us to find peace and hope. His plans for us transcend our understanding, guiding us toward growth and fulfillment beyond our present struggles.

Seeking Spiritual Growth Through Adversity

Every setback offers an invitation to deepen our relationship with God. It is through adversity that we discover His strength within us:

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV)

In moments of weakness, God’s grace sustains us, empowering us to overcome challenges and emerge stronger in faith. These experiences mold us into vessels of His grace, equipped to share His love with others who may be walking through similar trials.

Finding Purpose in Pain

While setbacks may seem senseless, God works all things for our good:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, NIV)

Even in our deepest pain, God is at work, crafting beauty from ashes and preparing us for His divine purpose. Our setbacks become part of a greater narrative of redemption and restoration, showcasing God’s faithfulness through every trial.

Conclusion

Finding God in your setbacks is not about denying pain or dismissing challenges. It is a journey of faith where we learn to trust in His timing, His wisdom, and His unfailing love. As we navigate life’s uncertainties, let us embrace setbacks as opportunities for spiritual growth, knowing that through them, God prepares us to shine His light and love in a world that desperately needs it.

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” (1 Peter 5:10, NIV)

In every setback, may you find the seeds of growth, the presence of God, and the promise of His enduring grace.

The Power of Hobbies: A Path to Mental Wellness

On By Naty MatosIn ArticlesLeave a comment

Life is full of stressors, and in today’s world, it can feel like we’re constantly being pulled in different directions. The weight of responsibilities, financial strain, and global uncertainties can take a toll on our mental well-being. It’s easy to put self-care on the back burner, but finding healthy ways to cope is essential. One simple and effective way to prioritize mental wellness is by engaging in a hobby.

How Hobbies Benefit Mental Health

Hobbies are more than just pastimes; they are powerful tools that can improve our mental health in significant ways:

  • Stress Reduction: Engaging in an enjoyable activity helps lower cortisol levels, the hormone responsible for stress.
  • Improved Mood: Activities that bring joy increase dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters linked to happiness.
  • Mindfulness and Relaxation: Focusing on a creative or physical task helps bring us into the present moment, reducing anxiety.
  • Sense of Accomplishment: Learning a new skill or finishing a project can boost confidence and self-esteem.
  • Social Connection: Some hobbies provide opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, reducing feelings of loneliness.

Affordable Hobbies for Mental Wellness

Self-care doesn’t have to be expensive. There are plenty of budget-friendly hobbies that offer the same mental health benefits without straining your finances:

Creative Outlets

  • Drawing or Coloring: A simple sketchbook and pencils can provide a relaxing way to express emotions.
  • Journaling or Creative Writing: Writing down thoughts can be therapeutic and help process emotions.
  • DIY Crafts: Repurposing old items or using inexpensive materials to create something new can be fulfilling.
  • Photography with a Smartphone: Capturing beautiful moments in nature or daily life can be a form of mindful appreciation.

Physical Activities

  • Walking or Hiking: A free and effective way to clear the mind while benefiting from fresh air and movement.
  • Yoga or Stretching: Plenty of free online videos offer guided practices for relaxation and flexibility.
  • Dancing at Home: Turning on some music and moving freely can boost endorphins and relieve stress.

Intellectual and Social Engagement

  • Reading: Libraries offer free access to books, audiobooks, and e-books.
  • Learning a New Language: Apps like Duolingo provide free lessons to stimulate the brain and expand knowledge.
  • Listening to Podcasts: Countless free podcasts cover various interests, from storytelling to self-improvement. Of course, you can check ours out (Thrive by The Rising Muse)
  • Joining Online Communities: Engaging in forums, social media groups, or free online classes can provide social support and learning opportunities.

Gardening and Nature-Based Hobbies

  • Growing Houseplants: Taking care of plants can be soothing and rewarding.
  • Foraging or Birdwatching: Exploring local parks to identify plants and birds is a fun and educational way to connect with nature.
  • Urban Gardening: Even if you don’t have a yard, growing herbs in small pots or window boxes can be a fulfilling activity.

Making Time for Yourself

Life can be overwhelming, but carving out time for a hobby—even for just a few minutes a day—can make a significant difference in how we feel. Whether it’s something artistic, active, or intellectually stimulating, hobbies offer a break from the chaos and an opportunity to recharge. Investing in your mental health doesn’t have to be costly; sometimes, the simplest activities bring the most peace.

If stress is weighing you down, consider exploring a new hobby. It may be just what you need to find balance and joy amid life’s challenges.

From Pain to Purpose: Healing Childhood Trauma Through Faith

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

Childhood trauma—a term that carries weight, emotion, and stories that are often left untold. In our latest episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, we delve into this deeply personal and transformative topic, exploring how the past can impact mental, emotional, and even physical health well into adulthood.

Joining us is Julie Rebboah, a Christian communicator and Room to Bloom podcast host. With her unique blend of personal experience, academic knowledge, and a faith-driven approach, Julie offers profound insights into how we can navigate the lasting effects of adverse childhood experiences. From toxic stress to generational cycles, this episode provides a roadmap to resilience and healing.

Discover how faith, practical steps, and community support can lead to renewal and purpose. Julie’s story of overcoming a childhood filled with chaos and her commitment to helping others is a testament to the transformative power of healing.

But this conversation is more than an exploration of pain—it’s about hope. It’s about taking that first step, partnering with God, and unlocking the abundant life He has for you. Whether you’re dealing with trauma, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking encouragement, this episode offers a wellspring of wisdom and comfort.

Julie is the survivor of childhood trauma that occured from a parent’s undiagnosed mental illness. Because Julie has lived experience, education in Mental Health and Wellness, and a strong Christian faith, she is uniquely positioned to help you overcome inner pain and reach your God-given potential. Her mission is to equip, inspire, and transform lives through faith-based mental health and wellness strategies. She does this through speaking engagements, her Room to Bloom podcast, and coaching programs.

Julie’s Linktree to social media and more. 

Julie’s gift for you: 3 Powerful Ways Faith Can Increase Your Well-being After Childhood Trauma

👉 Tune in now and hear Julie’s incredible journey, learn practical strategies for healing, and find the encouragement you need to thrive.

🌟 Don’t miss this transformative episode—stream it on your favorite platform or visit our website. Your journey to healing starts here.