Tag: Religion and Spirituality

Are You Strong in Public, but Unraveling in Private?

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

Have you ever found yourself knowing all the right Scriptures, showing up for everyone else, and looking completely put-together on the outside—yet in private, you’re secretly struggling with overthinking, anxiety, or emotional triggers?

If so, you are far from alone.

In our latest podcast episode, we sat down with Pastor Kristina Gibbons—ordained pastor, certified pastoral counselor, and author of the Mind Dump Journal—for a deep dive into the intersection of faith, brain science, and emotional transformation.

Why Surface-Level Fixes Don’t Work

Most of us spend years trying to manage our symptoms instead of untangling the root cause. But what if the key to lasting change isn’t just “trying harder,” but actually rewiring your brain?

In this conversation, Pastor Kristina breaks down:

  • The “Mind Dump” Method: How getting chaotic thoughts out of your head and onto paper physically transforms your perspective.
  • Neuroplasticity Meets Scripture: What actually happens in your neural pathways when you practice Romans 12:2 and “renew your mind.”
  • Taking Thoughts Captive: A step-by-step approach to intercepting toxic thought loops before they control your behavior.
  • Generational Healing: How her new children’s book, Asher Shines Bright, is helping parents teach kids to take their big worries to God early in life.

Whether you’re feeling stuck in a mental spiral or simply want practical, faith-based tools to master your internal monologue, this masterclass is built for you.

🎬 Watch the Full Episode Now!

Stop settling for surface-level quick fixes and start building neural pathways rooted in peace and spiritual authority.

🔗 Connect & Explore Pastor Kristina’s Resources:

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Sow a seed into this ministry to help us spread His light and transform lives—click here to join our mission today!

⚡ Unlocking the Power of Anger: Reclaim Your Boundaries & Authenticity

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

Are you constantly told that being angry is “unladylike,” “dramatic,” or dangerous?

If you’ve been suppressing your feelings just to keep the peace, you aren’t alone. Many women have been conditioned to turn their anger inward—leading to chronic anxiety, exhaustion, physical flare-ups, and a deep loss of self.

But what if anger isn’t the problem? What if it’s actually your greatest superpower?

The Hidden Truth About Women & Anger

Anger is not a character flaw. Neurologically and spiritually, it is a vital boundary signal designed to protect your peace, uphold your worth, and point you back toward your authentic self. When we swap the toxic “good girl” myth for gentle assertiveness, everything changes.

In this powerful episode, we’re unpacking:

  • Why We Internalize: How cultural conditioning teaches women to choose silent compliance over safety.
  • The Body Cues: How to recognize somatic warning signs (jaw clenching, tight chest) before you explode or shut down.
  • Assertiveness vs. Aggression: How to set rock-solid boundaries clearly, calmly, and without guilt.
  • Righteous Anger: A fresh, liberating look at how spiritual strength and emotional honesty walk hand-in-hand.

“Your anger was never the enemy — silence was.”

Ready to rewrite the story and reclaim your power?

Stop swallowing your truth to make others comfortable. Tune in to the latest episode now to learn practical, trauma-informed steps to transform your anger into your strongest asset.

🎧 Watch the Full Show Here

Loved this week’s episode insight? Help us unlock our next level of community care by subscribing to our YouTube channel today!

Sow a seed into this ministry to help us spread His light and transform lives—click here to join our mission today!

🎧 Ever Feel Exhausted… Even When You’re Doing Everything Right?

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

If you’re constantly running on empty, it’s not because you’re weak. It’s because you’re carrying a heavy, invisible load that society rarely calculates.

From managing everyone else’s emotional needs to the pressure of perfectionism, modern women are conditioned to mistake self-erasure for strength. But beneath high achievement often lies high-functioning anxiety, hypervigilance, and deep-seated burnout.

In the full episode, we uncover:

  • The Invisible Load: Why the hidden mental spreadsheet running in your mind is draining your brain’s energy.
  • Childhood Conditioning: How early roles (like being the “strong, dependable one”) wired your nervous system to make rest feel unsafe.
  • The High-Functioning Anxiety Trap: The toxic link between perfectionism, elevated cortisol, and chronic fatigue.
  • 4 Actionable Steps to Heal: How to set micro-boundaries, categorize your emotional load, and shift from relentless striving to true rest.

Your exhaustion isn’t a failure—it’s data. It’s time to stop over-functioning and discover what it actually takes to reclaim your peace.

▶️ Ready to trade guilt for true rest?

Watch the Full Episode Here

When Therapy Works — Even When It Feels Heavy: Understanding the True Path to Healing

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

Ever leave a therapy session feeling completely exhausted, emotionally exposed, or wondering, “Is this even working?” 🛋️💔

You entered this journey looking for an immediate exhale, but instead, it feels like the volume on your emotions just got turned up.

Here is the truth: Feeling worse does not mean you are failing. It means the deep work is beginning.

True healing doesn’t unfold at the speed of light—it unfolds at the speed of safety. It is a layered, non-linear journey of cleaning out old wounds so they can finally heal cleanly from the inside out. In this powerful episode, we peel back the curtain on the invisible signs of emotional growth and dismantle the biggest myths about mental health, faith, and progress.

What We’re Breaking Down in This Episode:

  • The “Feeling Worse” Paradox: Why hitting emotional resistance and uncovering hidden patterns (like using distractions to escape feelings of inadequacy) is actually a sign of profound momentum.
  • Faith & Therapy: How to navigate the spiritual tension of vulnerability and embrace the truth that seeking support doesn’t mean your faith is weak—it clarifies it.
  • The Myth of the Finish Line: Why healing isn’t a race to a perfect destination, but a sustainable practice of becoming more honest and compassionate with yourself.
  • Between-Session Care: Practical grounding exercises to soothe your nervous system when the emotional heavy-lifting follows you home.

Progress isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s just a quiet pause before you react, a boundary you finally set, or the grace you give yourself to rest.

Are you ready to stop rushing your process and trust your pace?

✨ [Watch the Full Episode Here] to discover the unseen signs that you are growing—even when it feels slow.

Brought to you by The Rising Muse, LLC. Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel and join our community growth challenge as we hit our next milestone! 🎧🌱

Why Communication Breaks Down During Conflict?

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

(And How Faith, Awareness, and Compassion Can Help)

Have you ever walked away from a conversation with someone you love, feeling completely misunderstood, disconnected, or more alone than before?

When tension rises, intimacy and understanding seem to vanish in an instant. But what if the breakdown isn’t because you’re bad at expressing yourself? What if it’s rooted in something much deeper—your nervous system’s natural response to threat and trauma?

In this video, we are breaking down the complex biology of why communication falters during conflict, and how you can use your faith and emotional awareness to stay connected when conversations get hard.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • The Body First: How your nervous system triggers fight, flight, freeze, or fawn modes before a conflict even starts in your mouth.
  • The Power of a Holy Pause: Practical ways to live out James 1:19 (“quick to listen, slow to speak”) when your physical nerves are completely frayed.
  • Recognizing What Lies Beneath: How hidden wounds, unmet needs, and shame hijack dinner-time disagreements and turn minor issues into major fights.
  • The Grace-Filled Script: A simple, 10-minute boundary trick to use when you’re too overwhelmed to think straight, ensuring you protect your relationship instead of pushing each other away.

Key Takeaway: The most mature person still experiences moments of immaturity when emotions activate their survival response. The key isn’t being perfect—it’s learning how to regulate.

Stop Choosing Disconnection. Watch Now!

Conflict is inevitable, but disconnection is a choice. You don’t have to navigate these hard conversations alone. Watch the video to learn how to transform your conflicts into opportunities for deeper connection, grounded presence, and courageous love.

Turning Pain into Purpose: Could your deepest suffering be your hidden superpower?

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

Have you ever wondered if the very pain that seems to break you could actually be the catalyst for your greatest purpose? This question can feel impossibly heavy if you’re drowning in chronic illness, emotional turmoil, or a seemingly endless string of life-altering setbacks.

On our recent episode of The Rising Muse, we’re sharing a story that will shift everything you think you know about healing.

Meet Ashley Ondrick, the vibrant integrative nutrition health coach known online as the Mostly Healthy Chef. To look at her, you’d see joy and strength. But underneath her smile lies a reality many never guess: 20 years of relentless physical pain, 11 major surgeries (eight on her spine), and an unimaginable stroke triggered simply by her skull shifting off her spine.

What choice do you make when your body—and your world—completely breaks?

In this unforgettable interview, Ashley takes us into the dark, raw moments of loneliness, depression, and unworthiness that many chronic illness warriors recognize only too well. But this isn’t just a story about surviving trauma. It is a story about utilizing it.

Ashley doesn’t just tell us she found purpose. She shows us exactly how she did it.

Watch the full episode now to hear directly from Ashley on:

  • The ” Filipinx Typhoon” Moment: Why a devastating disaster (and some bold volunteer work) became the exact pressure cooker she needed to unlock her resilience.
  • Wrestling With God: A raw look at turning “timid prayer” into bold, messy declarations of trust, shifting her perspective from asking for relief to trusting in divine timing.
  • The “Mostly Healthy” Revelation: Her groundbreaking strategy for healing that doesn’t require perfection—including her recent personal 30-pound weight loss transformation using simple, manageable food swaps.
  • Practical Steps to Turn Pain into a Platform: Ashley provides actionable, small, consistent steps anyone can start taking today to move towards a healthier, more fulfilled life, regardless of where they are starting.

This is more than an interview; it’s a heartfelt guide reminding us that healing is a process, not a destination. Ashley’s approach is about sustainability, grace, and meeting yourself exactly where you are.

To reach Ashley:

www.mostlyhealthychef.com

www.amostlyhealthyblog.com

Your pain is not the end of your story—it is an invitation to rewrite it.

If you are ready to reframe your difficulties and find a clear path to healing and deep purpose, you cannot afford to miss this conversation.

Sow a seed into this ministry to help us spread His light and transform lives—click here to join our mission today!

Stuck in Your Old Identity? The Shocking Truth About Why Your Brain Resists Change 🧠✨

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

Are you holding onto parts of your past that no longer serve you? Do you feel stuck because you’re still dragging around an outdated identity?

If we are being completely honest, shedding old versions of ourselves is one of the hardest things we will ever do. Whether it’s emotional, mental, or spiritual, stepping into the next season of life always requires leaving an old part of yourself behind.

But why does it feel like an uphill battle? Why do we constantly slide back into old patterns even when we know they are hurting us?

In our latest episode, we dive deep into the raw, unspoken reality of personal transformation. We aren’t just giving you a checklist of “good habits”—we are breaking down the exact neuroscience and spiritual warfare behind why you feel so stuck.

Here is a sneak peek of what we unpack in the full conversation (and why you cannot afford to miss this episode):

1. The Grief of the “Old Self” (It’s Not What You Think)

When you start setting boundaries, healing from trauma, or saying “no” to things that drain you, you expect to feel liberated. Instead, you might feel a strange sense of sadness.

In the episode, we reveal a truth most people ignore: Releasing your old identity brings a literal grieving process. Even if your past was dysfunctional, it was familiar. It kept you safe. We discuss how to navigate this grief with grace instead of guilt.

2. “Neural Entrenchment” – Your Brain is Wired to Keep You Stuck

Ever wonder why you still react with anger, low self-worth, or critical self-talk in stressful moments? It’s not a lack of willpower; it’s biology.

We dive into the science of the basal ganglia—the part of the brain where habits are automatically stored. Your brain actually prefers a predictable, unhealthy pattern over an unpredictable, healthy one. In the video, we explain how to break this “neural entrenchment” and physically rewire your mind.

3. The Timeline of Transformation

You’ve probably heard that it takes 21 days to form a habit. That is a myth.

Neuroscience shows it actually takes anywhere from 18 to 254 days to solidify a new behavior. In the full episode, we share practical, daily strategies—including visual cues and accountability hacks—to help you survive the “emotional dips” of this timeline without giving up.

4. The Spiritual Breakthrough

God calls us to be new creations ($2 \text{ Corinthians } 5:17$), yet our flesh desperately fights to stay in survival mode.

We discuss the powerful intersection of psychology and scripture (like $Isaiah 43:18-19$), showing you how to partner with the Holy Spirit to transform from the inside out. Your growth isn’t a betrayal of your past; it’s a holy act of obedience.

🚨 Stop hiding, stop shrinking, and stop apologizing for your growth.

If you are ready to stop fighting your own brain, heal from the past, and boldly step into the person God designed you to be, this conversation was built for you.

Watch the full episode now to unlock the tools you need for lasting breakthrough!

[ ➡️ CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE FULL EPISODE ⬅️ ]

What did you think of the sneak peek?

  • Drop a comment below: What is one old habit, mindset, or identity you are currently trying to let go of? Let’s talk about it!

Partner with our mission to bring hope and transformation to the community—click here to fuel the vision today!

Why Your “Rough Edges” Are Your Greatest Strength

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

As the host of the Rough Edges podcast, Sarah doesn’t just talk about mental health—she challenges us to look at it through a completely different lens. In this episode, we dive into one of the most powerful perspectives we’ve ever hosted: Viewing Bipolar Disorder as a love letter, not a stigma.

Why you can’t miss this episode:

  • Faith Meets Psychology: We tackle the man-made stigma that says you have to choose between a prayer closet and a therapist’s office.
  • Beyond the Label: Sarah shares how she transformed a Bipolar 1 diagnosis into a source of power and advocacy.
  • Real Talk on “Justice-Involved” Healing: With her background in Forensic Psychology, Sarah provides an unfiltered look at systemic struggles and the path to genuine restoration.

Sarah’s joy is infectious, and her message is clear: doing the healing work is messy, raw, and absolutely worth it.

Whether you’re navigating your own mental health journey or supporting someone else, this conversation will give you the tools to stop filtering your truth and start thriving in your “rough edges.”

Resources: Connect with Sarah and her podcast at roughedgespodcast.com and follow her on social media @RoughEdgesWithSarah for inspiration and community.

👉 [Watch the full episode here]

🌿 Breaking the Mold in Faith, Leadership, and Voice

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

A Conversation with Sarah J.R. Smith

What if your voice was never meant to fit the mold?

In this powerful episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, we sit down with Sarah J.R. Smith—author, pastor, mother, and model-breaker (also known as Precarious Yates)—to unpack what it really means to walk boldly in your calling, even when it challenges tradition.

🔥 Why You Need to Listen

For many women in faith spaces, the message has been clear: stay quiet, stay small, stay within the lines.

But what happens when God calls you outside of that?

Sarah shares her journey of stepping into leadership despite resistance, unlearning limiting beliefs, and embracing a faith rooted in truth—not fear. From her global missionary experiences to her work addressing real-world issues like human trafficking and spiritual warfare, her story is both raw and empowering.

✨ What We Cover

  • Finding your voice in spaces that expect silence
  • Breaking barriers as a woman in ministry
  • Unlearning harmful traditions and rebuilding faith
  • Navigating leadership, family, and the mental load
  • Standing firm in your calling—even when it’s uncomfortable

Sara JR Smith—also known by her pen name, Precarious Yates. She’s an author, a pastor, a wife, a mom—and honestly, a model-breaker in every sense of the word.
From missionary work across Ireland, India, and the Philippines… to writing bold, unfiltered stories that dive into real-world darkness and spiritual warfare. You can hear more from her on  Facebook, X (Former Twitter), and Instagram

Author of the Revelation Special Ops series

Author of The Heart of the Caveat Whale trilogy

Book 1 of Revelation Special Ops
How far will teen spy Hadassah Michelman go to
free kids from modern slavery? Will she stake out all
night in a West African Jungle?
Swim through a polluted river in the Philippines?
Climb through abandoned sewers in Rome?
At least the organization she wants to work for,
RSO supplies handy espionage gadgets. She hopes
they’re enough to get her out of a thousand
impossible situations.
She never imagined anyone from her team would
encounter dinosaurs. Terrorists with biochemical
weapons. Earthquakes in every corner of the globe.
Will she still rescue kids from traffickers when
disasters surround?
Will she have the strength to be the elite of the weak?
And if not, where will she find it?
https://a.co/d/aFhEuuH

🌱 The Takeaway

You don’t need permission to be who God called you to be. Your voice matters.
Your calling is valid. And you were never meant to shrink to belong.

Ready to be challenged, encouraged, and inspired?

👉 Tune in to this episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse and step boldly into your calling.

📌 Follow us on social media @therisingmuse for more conversations that uplift and empower.

✨ Are you ready to break the mold?

The Power of Second Chances: Lessons from Easter on Growth, Faith, and Redemption

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

Have you ever felt like your story was over because of mistakes or hardships? Perhaps you’ve wondered if there’s any hope for a fresh start after experiencing failure. If so, you’re not alone. Many of us have faced moments of despair, but the message of Easter offers a powerful reminder: no matter your past, a new beginning is always possible. In this post, we explore how faith, resilience, and God’s grace open the door to second chances, transforming brokenness into growth and hope.

Embracing the Truth: Your Story Isn’t Over

Easter is often seen as a celebration of resurrection—a miracle that signifies hope and renewal. But beyond the historical event of Jesus rising from the dead, Easter also symbolizes that our personal stories are still being written. As one speaker beautifully put it, “Your story isn’t over,” and this truth can be a lifeline when we feel stuck or overwhelmed by our mistakes. Think about Mary, the mother of Jesus. She carried her child through pregnancy, raised him, and watched him undergo unimaginable suffering. Despite her pain, she witnessed the ultimate victory—her son’s resurrection. Her story didn’t end in grief; it was a testament to perseverance and hope. If Mary’s story can continue beyond heartbreak, so can yours.

Key takeaways
  • No matter what you’ve been through, your narrative can still include chapters of redemption and growth. God’s grace enables us to rewrite our stories, no matter how dark the past.
  • When you’re struggling, pray the honest prayer, “God, help my unbelief.” Trusting in God’s presence and purpose, despite your doubts, is a form of real faith.
  • Faith isn’t the absence of doubt but a decision to trust God even when life feels uncertain or painful.
  • Embrace the discomfort because it signifies progress. Growth is a process that requires grace, patience, and persistence.
  • Speak to yourself with kindness. Treat yourself as you would a dear friend who’s healing and growing.
  • Giving yourself grace is essential for healing and embracing the second chances God provides.
  • God’s grace isn’t just for salvation but for everyday renewal. It’s accessible, abundant, and available whenever you’re ready to accept it.
Living the Second Chance: Practical Steps

To apply this powerful truth to your life, consider these steps:

  1. Be honest with yourself about where you are. No judgment, just acknowledgment.
  2. Lean into your faith—even if it’s just small prayers like “God, I trust You.”
  3. Practice grace—for yourself and others. Remember, healing takes time.
  4. Embrace the second chance by letting go of past mistakes. You are not your past; you are who you are becoming.

Reflect on your testimony: where you were, what you’ve overcome, and where you’re headed. Choose to leave behind guilt and shame—give them over to God—and step into the newness He offers.

Remember

: God’s love is greater than your failures, and His grace is always enough for a new beginning.

Final Reflection: Your Reset Button Is Always Within Reach

This Easter, remember that the resurrection isn’t just a historical event—it’s a daily invitation for renewal. No matter how broken you feel or how many times you’ve stumbled, God’s grace is waiting for you to accept it. You are worthy of healing, growth, and a fresh start. So, take hold of your second chances. Trust the process, lean into faith during the hard times, and extend grace to yourself as you move forward. Your story isn’t over; it’s just beginning again.

FAQs

Can I truly start over after making big mistakes? Absolutely. God’s grace makes every new beginning possible. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us, “The old has gone, the new is here.”

How do I keep faith when I feel like giving up? Focus on small prayers and trust that God is working beneath the surface. Remember, perseverance produces character and hope.

Why does growth often feel painful? Growth involves breaking down old beliefs and habits, which can be uncomfortable or chaotic before new strength emerges.

Is grace only for others or also for myself? Grace is for everyone, including you. You deserve forgiveness and second chances just as much as anyone else.

How do I accept God’s gift of a second chance? Start by honest reflection, prayer, and releasing guilt. Accept His love and step into the new chapter He’s offering.

In Closing

This Easter, let the message of resurrection inspire you to embrace second chances, trust God’s timing, and walk boldly into your future. Remember, your story is still being written—and with God’s grace, it’s a story of hope, growth, and renewal.

Discover how Easter reminds us that second chances are possible through faith, grace, and ongoing growth, empowering you to rewrite your story regardless of past mistakes.