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 ofThrive 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.
Are you ready to embark on a journey of healing and transformation? In our latest episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, we are joined by the inspiring Dr. Toni Cooper, a renowned psychologist, author, and public speaker. With decades of experience in the fields of anxiety, depression, and dysfunctional family dynamics, Dr. Cooper shares her profound insights on coping strategies and how to deepen our connection to God.
Embrace Faith, Family, and Mental Health
In this episode, our hosts, Naty and Veda, delve into meaningful conversations that matter. They explore the intersection of faith, family, and mental health, offering wisdom and guidance to help you live a life fully alive. Dr. Cooper’s expertise and compassionate approach make this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking to overcome emotional and mental hurdles.
Key Topics Discussed:
The Inspiration Behind Dr. Cooper’s Work: Discover what inspired Dr. Cooper to focus on anxiety, depression, and adult survivors of dysfunctional families in her book and podcast.
Understanding Learned Helplessness: Learn about the concept of learned helplessness and how recognizing it can benefit you.
Practical Coping Strategies: Get practical tips for managing emotions, especially during challenging times.
Dealing with Toxic Guilt: Understand the origins of toxic guilt and how to release it while embracing forgiveness.
The Role of Faith: Explore how one’s view of God impacts their ability to draw on their faith, particularly in times of crisis.
Overcoming Mental Health Stigma: Gain insights on how to overcome the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage those in need to seek help.
Why You Should Listen
Dr. Cooper’s work is truly inspirational. She combines her professional expertise with a deep understanding of faith to offer strategies that are both practical and spiritually enriching. Whether you are personally struggling with mental health issues or looking to support a loved one, this episode provides valuable tools and encouragement.
Listen Now
Tune in toThrive by The Rising Muse to hear this enlightening conversation. Subscribe to our podcast, share it with your friends and family, and leave us a review. Your support helps us reach more people who can benefit from these conversations.
Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. Embrace your faith, cherish your family, and take care of your mental health. Together, we can thrive.
If you’re in a crisis, please call 988. If someone you love is in a crisis, call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency room. Don’t forget to check out Dr. Cooper’s resources. Stay strong, and until next time, don’t forget to thrive!
About Toni Cooper
Dr. Toni Cooper is a psychologist, author, and public speaker. Since 1986, she has been teaching adults the strategies to grow emotionally, build healthy relationships, heal from trauma, and experience God at a deeper level. Toni’s mission is to help people find the courage, confidence, and comfort they need through a deeper bond with Jesus Christ. She has served as a college instructor, retreat and conference speaker, and teacher of continuing education for mental health professionals. For many years, Toni helped train medical students as an adjunct assistant professor at the Northeast Ohio Universities College of Medicine. She is a frequent guest on local radio discussing topics related to coping with life’s challenges. In 2019, Toni felt led to “go digital” with her message to help people become Fully Alive in Christ. At that time, she started a YouTube channel to help people develop practical coping strategies from a Biblical perspective. In 2021, the Lord prompted Dr. Cooper to start a podcast, “Life Without Baggage”. The purpose of the podcast is to help people understand how to deepen their connection to the Lord and break through emotional baggage to walk out their destiny.
The Lord has given Dr. Cooper 7 books that help people hear the voice of the Lord, correct distortions in their thinking, build confidence in how to study the Bible, and break into the blessings of God. Dr. Cooper is in private practice at WellSpring Counseling Center in Uniontown, Ohio. In her free time Toni enjoys pickle ball, hiking, and ballroom dancing.
We live in a world that’s constantly moving, and yet, ironically, many of us find ourselves stuck in sedentary routines. But what if you could break free from that chair, that screen, and those sluggish feelings in just 30 minutes a day? Welcome to the “15-day Physical Activity Challenge” — your ticket to a more vibrant, healthier, and spiritually enriched you!
Imagine starting your day with a burst of energy. It could be as simple as a brisk morning walk, a refreshing jog, or even a rejuvenating home workout. Whatever it is, commit to those precious 30 minutes. Trust us; your body will be singing praises!
Physical activity isn’t just about burning calories. It’s a holistic approach to life. By moving and grooving:
🌟 Boost Your Mood & Energy: Say goodbye to those midday slumps and hello to a more vibrant you!
💪 Stay Fit & Healthy: Ward off chronic diseases, maintain a healthy weight, and strengthen your immune system.
🧘 Find Inner Peace: Enhance your spiritual growth and deepen your connection with yourself and the divine.
Your 15-Day Roadmap to Wellness
Embarking on this challenge means embracing a daily routine that aligns with your well-being. Here’s a sneak peek into what awaits you:
Find Your Rhythm: Choose an activity you love, be it walking, cycling, or a home workout.
Time is of the Essence: Dedicate a refreshing 30 minutes daily, either as dawn breaks or as twilight sets.
Warm-Up & Cool Down: Prioritize stretching to prepare your body and rejuvenate post-exercise.
Track & Celebrate: Whether it’s with a heart rate monitor or a simple pedometer, monitor your progress and pat yourself on the back for milestones achieved.
Nourish & Hydrate: Fuel your body with wholesome foods and hydrate like it’s your mission.
Celebrate & Reflect: Acknowledge your achievements and dive deep into moments of gratitude and introspection.
Seek Strength: Lean into prayer, seeking divine guidance to overcome challenges and stay resilient.
A Journey of Transformation Awaits
By embracing this challenge, you’re not just committing to physical fitness. You’re embarking on a journey of self-discovery, spiritual growth, and holistic well-being. Remember, your body is a temple, a vessel of the divine. Let’s honor it, nurture it, and use it to serve others and glorify the higher power.
Ready to Embrace the Challenge?
The path to a stronger, more vibrant you starts with a single step. So, are you ready to take that step? Dive deep, commit wholeheartedly, and watch as 15 days transform not just your body but your entire outlook on life.
Naty Matos 