spiritual health – Naty Matos

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!

In today’s fast-paced world, burnout is a silent epidemic affecting countless individuals. It’s more than just feeling tired; it’s a deep soul-level exhaustion that leaves us feeling empty and disconnected. In this episode of Thrive by the Rising Muse, Naty and Veda open up about the hidden struggles of burnout and share insights on how to recognize and heal from it.

Burnout isn’t just about being overworked. It’s the exhaustion that comes when you give more than you receive, when the balance between pouring out and being poured into disappears. It manifests as irritability, numbness, loss of motivation, and even spiritual silence. Recognizing these signs is the first step towards healing.

Rest is not laziness; it’s sacred. In faith circles, we’re often encouraged to push through, but sometimes strength looks like taking a step back. Naty emphasizes that rest is a holy practice, modeled by God Himself. It’s essential to release the guilt associated with rest and embrace it as a form of self-care and stewardship.

Burnout thrives where boundaries are missing. Saying ‘no’ is crucial for maintaining balance and preventing burnout. It’s important to prioritize your well-being and understand that you can’t pour from an empty cup. Setting boundaries allows you to serve others from a place of abundance rather than obligation.

In faith communities, burnout can be mistaken for a spiritual attack. However, it’s often a sign that you’re doing too much of the wrong thing for too long. Naty reminds us that God doesn’t call us to burn out; He calls us to balance. By reconnecting with ourselves and God, we can find the strength to overcome burnout.

Burnout doesn’t mean you’re broken; it means you’ve been carrying too much for too long without refills. Remember, you are still enough, still chosen, and still loved. Embrace rest as your right and take the necessary steps to heal. Subscribe now to continue this journey with us and discover more insights on thriving in life.

Subscribe now to our podcast for more episodes on mental health and spiritual well-being. Let’s walk this journey together and find balance in our lives.