Episodes

  • Welcome to this week's episode of To Help You Heal! Thanksgiving is here, and it's the perfect time to pause and ask ourselves: What's my goal for the holiday season? Spoiler alert—it's not about creating a picture-perfect, Hallmark-style holiday. Real life isn't a neatly wrapped movie, and that's okay.

    This week, I'm sharing a fresh perspective on letting go of unrealistic expectations and focusing on what truly matters. Together, we'll unpack:

    Why "avoiding pain" isn't a productive goal and how shifting to positive, actionable goals makes all the difference.How to approach tricky situations—like family dynamics or overindulgence—with clarity and grace.The power of SMART goals for crafting a holiday season is rooted in gratitude, connection, and authenticity.

    Instead of striving for perfection, we can aim to feel grateful, connected, and purposeful. I'll guide you through simple strategies for creating achievable goals that will carry you from Thanksgiving to the end of the year with joy and intentionality.

    Topics Covered:Reframing your holiday goals: moving from avoidance to actionPractical tips for navigating family drama and food temptationsSetting SMART goals for a meaningful holiday seasonWhy celebrating small wins helps build resilience

    This episode is just the beginning. Over the next few weeks, we'll explore essential holiday themes like grief, unmet expectations, and how to enter 2025 feeling strong and supported.

    Ready for more? Visit my website to connect, or email me directly at [email protected]. I'm excited to share more about my new mastermind program, The Comeback Year, which launches in 2025. Let's walk this journey together.

    Happy Thanksgiving!

  • Welcome back to To Help You Heal! This week, I'm exploring the idea of finding sweetness amid our struggles. Last week, we discussed gratitude and learning to see the good and the great in our lives—not just in November but all year round. Today, I want to discuss how we can hold on to that gratitude even in life's frustrating, challenging, and unexpected moments.

    Key Takeaways:

    Learning Gratitude in the Interruptions

    One way I’m working on this is during my morning walks with my dog, Bruno. Let’s just say…he doesn’t always cooperate! When he’s acting up, it can be so frustrating because that walk is my time to process and reflect. But I’mlearning that if I push through those interruptions, I often come out with a deeper sense of gratitude and understanding than if everything had gone perfectly.

    Finding Growth in Everyday Struggle

    I do not seek out challenges, but life brings those unavoidable struggles into our daily routines, which can throw us off track if we let them. This month, I'm focusing on consistency. I'm not aiming for perfection, but I'm trying to show up daily and ask myself, "What's good right now? What's great? And how can I be grateful, even in the hard stuff?"

    The Power of Choosing to Persevere

    We have a choice in every struggle: Do we move forward, step to the side, or give up altogether? I've learned that we always have the power to choose. When we say, "Okay, I'll just take one step," we keep moving, even if it's not in the expected direction. And when we ask God what He wants us to learn from our struggles, we often find that our path leads to a kind of growth we wouldn't have otherwise.

    Trusting God's Purpose in Hard Times

    Sometimes, our struggles come from choices others have made, things we never asked for. But even in those places, I believe God has something good for us. He doesn't control us like puppets, but He does redeem our challenges and use them for our growth. When we allow Him to lead us, we can trust He's working for our good—even in the middle of hardship.Reflective Questions:What are the "interruptions" in your life where you might find hidden sweetness?How can you embrace gratitude in the small, daily frustrations?Resources for Your Journey:My Book: To Help You Heal – Grab a copy of my book if you want to go deeper. Through my own stories, I hope you'll find healing, comfort, and a deeper connection with God.1:1 Support: I'm here if you need someone to walk with you on your journey. Reach out through this link, and let's take this journey together.
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  • Welcome back to To Help You Heal! I'm Marie Monville, and if you're listening in real-time, it's November—the month we often think about gratitude. Over the years, I've tried to make gratitude a lasting practice, something meaningful that goes beyond Thanksgiving, but I'll admit, it hasn't always clicked. I realized that the problem wasn't gratitude itself but how I approached it. So, this month, I'm challenging myself to experience gratitude in a more intentional way.

    Instead of just listing what I'm thankful for, I've decided to use a framework inspired by a prayer I remember from childhood: God is great and good. I start each morning by asking myself three questions:

    What is good? What is great? And how do these things inspire gratitude in me?

    I'm using my morning dog walk as my dedicated time, making space to reflect even when it feels challenging.

    Gratitude isn't about perfection or getting it right every day. It's about consistency, embracing growth, and finding meaning. I've discovered that even on days that feel messy when I keep coming back to what's good and what's great, I'm creating a life rooted in gratitude—and that's what I want to continue. I encourage you to join me in this journey, whether with this challenge or another method.

    Research backs up some ways gratitude can transform us: It reduces stress, improves sleep, strengthens our resilience, and even boosts our relationships with God and others. You might notice better connections, more positive self-talk, and a stronger ability to see God's hand in your life.

    If you'd like to try this, think about how you can incorporate gratitude into something you already do, set a reminder on your phone, write prompts on your mirror, or keep a small gratitude journal. Whatever you choose, aim for consistency over perfection.

    Next week, we'll focus on the sweetness that can grow from challenging seasons and how gratitude becomes even more meaningful when things aren't easy. So come back and join me as we continue this journey.

  • Episode Summary: Welcome back to To Help You Heal! This week, I'm exploring why so many of us feel "stuck" in different areas of life—whether it's in relationships, careers, or even our daily habits. With the end of the year fast approaching, I've been reflecting on how this time can bring a sense of urgency to go after the goals we set in January. In this episode, I'll unpack the psychological and emotional reasons that keep us rooted in situations that may not serve us, and I'll also share practical tips to help break free from these cycles.

    Key Topics Discussed:

    Understanding Why We Stay Stuck: I explore common reasons we don't move forward—fear of the unknown, comfort in routine, self-doubt, and even societal pressures. These factors often hold us in familiar, sometimes unfulfilling, cycles.Our Brain's Resistance to Change: I discuss why our brains resist change, sticking to familiar patterns that conserve energy. Understanding this resistance can help us make choices that support growth rather than staying in what feels "safe."The Real Cost of Staying Stuck: Stagnation isn't without cost, and I'm sharing some ways it can impact us—like stress, low self-esteem, missed opportunities, and even strained relationships. Because sometimes we have to see the cost of staying stuck.How to Start Moving Forward: I offer practical steps to embrace change, including journaling, visualizing success, taking consistent small actions, and seeking support through accountability. I also explain the importance of challenging self-limiting beliefs as a foundation for growth.

    Takeaway Reflection: Where in your life do you feel stuck? As you listen, I encourage you to think of one change you'd like to make before the year ends. Remember, it's about one small step at a time, and finding someone to help hold you accountable can make a real difference.

    Actionable Steps:

    Journal Your Thoughts: Reflect on why you might feel stuck, and identify any hidden fears or patterns.Visualize Success: Take time to imagine the change you want and the impact it will bring.Take One Small Step: Focus on one small, actionable step toward change.Challenge Negative Beliefs: Replace self-doubt with reminders of past achievements and growth.Find a Support Partner: Partner with someone who can support your progress and help you stay accountable.

    Quotes to Remember:

    "Perspective is everything. If we keep telling ourselves we're not good enough, we'll find the evidence to back that up.""What's the cost of staying stuck versus the benefit of change? Sometimes understanding the cost is the motivation we need."

    Tune In Next Week! Join me next week as we continue to pursue personal growth and healing. November is the perfect month to reflect, refocus, and commit to making the changes we've put off this year!

  • Episode Overview

    Welcome back to To Help You Heal. In this episode, I explore one of the most challenging and crucial topics in relationships: understanding what love is—and what it isn't. After talking with many women recently who feel unloved but are told otherwise by their partners, I thought it was time to address this head-on. If you're seeking clarity about your relationship or want to understand better what kind of love you truly deserve, this episode is for you.

    Key Topics DiscussedWhat Love Isn't:Love should never make you feel manipulated, controlled, or inadequate. I'm talking about the signs of an unhealthy relationship, such as constant criticism from your partner, isolation from your loved ones, or convincing yourself that jealousy and possessiveness are signs of passion (instead of causes for concern).Settling, hoping things will change, or clinging to the idea of what the relationship used to be. But if insecurities drive your relationship, it's not real love.What Love Is:Love is rooted in safety, trust, and mutual growth. It allows you to be vulnerable without fear of judgment, helps you become the best version of yourself, and stands by you even when aren't perfect.Love should be nurturing, reciprocal, and honest. It's about feeling accepted and cherished for who you are—right here, right now—without the pressure to change.How to Break Free:If you're in a relationship that feels hollow or one-sided, I encourage you to take the first step toward freedom by speaking your truth to someone you trust. You don't have to make all the changes at once; you just need to begin with a conversation.Write down what love means to you—what you truly want and deserve. Let this guide you when assessing whether your relationship aligns with those values.Actionable TakeawaysIf your relationship feels empty or driven by insecurity, recognize it's not real love. You deserve to be loved for who you are, as you are.Reflect on what you want in a relationship and write it down. Use this to help you identify where you're settling.Share this episode with someone who might need to hear it, or use it as a starting point for meaningful conversations with friends or loved ones.

    My Message to You

    If you're feeling unloved or trapped in your relationship, this episode is for you. You deserve true love, safety, and acceptance. If my words resonate with you, don't hesitate to reach out to me. You are not alone.

    Resources & ContactNeed Support? If you're unsure where to start or need help making a change, I'm here for you. Email [email protected].
  • Episode Overview:In this episode of To Help You Heal, I'm asking an important question: Are you having fun? I share personal stories and insights on why fun isn’t just an optional add-on but an integral part of creating a life we love.

    Episode Highlights:

    Why Fun Matters:When our schedules get more intense, it's easy to sideline "fun". I explore how making time for fun can improve your mood, reduce stress, and restore balance.

    Key Benefits of Fun:

    Stress Relief & Mood Boost: Fun releases endorphins and promotes relaxation, especially helpful during busy times.Enhanced Creativity & Stronger Relationships: Enjoyable activities can spark creativity and deepen connections with others.Improved Mental & Physical Health: Fun raises serotonin and dopamine levels, eases anxiety, and keeps us physically active.Increased Motivation & Productivity: Regular fun boosts motivation, making daily tasks easier to tackle and helps prevent burnout.

    How to Rediscover Fun:If you’re not sure where to start, try revisiting past activities you’ve enjoyed, taking the Love Languages Quiz for personalized ideas, or simply trying something new without pressure.

    Daily Fun as Self-Care:I encourage you to schedule at least 10-15 minutes of fun every day. It’s a simple but powerful step to enhance your overall well-being.

    Share Your Fun:What do you do for fun? I’d love to hear from you—share your ideas on the podcast’s social media!

    Join the conversation with me on Facebook or Instagram.

  • In this episode, we're diving into the idea of seasonal reflection and the importance of taking time to pause and assess where we are in life. As the leaves change and fall ushers in cooler temperatures, it's the perfect moment to reflect on the past few months—how they felt, what we've learned, and how we can move forward intentionally.

    Join me as we explore:

    The power of reflection in personal growthHow to identify key takeaways from the summer seasonPractical tips to carve out time for meaningful reflectionWhy taking just 15-20 minutes to plan can make a huge impact on your weekUnderstanding what God might be speaking to you in this season

    Whether you're feeling like the last few months have been intense or you're simply looking for ways to regain control of your schedule, this episode will guide you through the process of intentional reflection and action.

    Key Takeaways:

    Fall invites us to embrace change, both externally and internally.Reflecting on the past season helps us identify what worked, what didn’t, and how to move forward.Even small actions, like meal planning or scheduling reflection time, can lead to a more organized, less stressful week.Don’t wait—take 15 or 20 minutes today to start making positive changes.Trust that each season, whether busy or restful, carries valuable lessons.

    Action Step: Take 15 minutes today to reflect on your summer. Ask yourself: What worked? What didn’t? What’s one thing I can focus on this week to improve my day-to-day life?

    Tune in for a heartfelt conversation on self-reflection and preparing for what lies ahead.

  • In this episode, I’m sharing a personal reflection on life, growth, and the unexpected ways God speaks to us—like through a dream I had involving praying mantises. I talk about the powerful messages that can come through our dreams and why paying attention to these signs is so important for our faith journey. Using the story of Gideon as a backdrop, I explore how God guides us even when we feel unqualified or unsure. My hope is to inspire you to look for the themes in your own life and trust that God is leading you, every step of the way.

    Chapters

    00:00 Exploring Life Themes and Personal Reflections06:09 The Significance of Dreams and Spiritual Messages08:00 Understanding God's Guidance Through Biblical Stories
  • In this episode, I'm sharing my story and the journey I've been on since the Amish schoolhouse shooting. I talk about the pain and loss I faced but also the incredible ways that faith and a shift in perspective helped me move forward. I hope my experiences remind you that you can find beauty and strength even in life's darkest moments. No matter what challenges you're walking through, there is hope—and healing is possible. I'm here to encourage you to embrace your journey and discover the unexpected grace that shows up.

    Chapters

    00:00 Reflections on Life's Journey02:47 The Impact of Loss and Grief06:07 Finding Strength in Faith and Perspective08:58 Embracing Healing and Moving Forward
  • In this episode, we're talking about the power of belief. Believing that a comeback story is for you is the key to transformation. We'll talk about how our perspective shapes our reality and the importance of embracing our journey from the starting line without defining the outcome before we begin.

    From my own experiences, I know that healing and growth are possible—even when it feels like everything is against you. I encourage you to challenge your doubts and remind you that good things will happen, even in the middle of life's most challenging moments.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Comeback Stories03:13 Believing in Your Comeback06:00 Choosing Perspective and Power of Choice09:12 Living Your Own Comeback Story
  • In this episode, I'm sharing exactly how you can write your comeback story. We all hit roadblocks—whether it's a tough time in our personal lives, career challenges, or emotional setbacks. But here's the thing: you can turn it around no matter where you are right now. I'm breaking down a straightforward, no-fluff guide to help you get unstuck, reset your mindset, set meaningful goals, and take tangible steps toward living a life you love. Whether you're feeling stuck or ready for something new, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you regain control and begin your transformation today.

    Chapters

    00:00Creating Your Comeback Story02:56Acknowledging Setbacks and Mindset Shift05:48Setting Goals and Taking Action09:07Celebrating Small Wins and Accountability
  • In this episode, I share my journey of finding healing and purpose after facing some very challenging circumstances. Our circumstances don't have to define us, but they do shape us and change how we see ourselves and the world around us.

    I talk about the importance of choosing how we respond to hardship and why embracing vulnerability by sharing our stories can be so powerful. No matter where we come from or what we've been through, we all have the power to make choices—and one of the most important choices we can make is to believe in our own comeback story.

    For me, after my first husband committed a tragic schoolhouse shooting, I had to make the decision to believe in a victorious future, despite the pain and heartache. I know firsthand that it's possible to move forward and create a life of healing and transformation, and that's why I'm passionate about helping others do the same.

    I offer my support, encouragement, and guidance to anyone ready to write their comeback story. Your past does not define you—yes, it shapes you, but you hold the pen to write the next chapter.

    Chapters

    00:00Introduction: Passion for Finding Healing01:01The Impact of Circumstances01:57Choosing How We Respond to Hardships06:24Making a Choice and Believing in a Comeback Story09:49The Power of Choices and Beliefs12:04Encouragement to Write New Chapters
  • I share my healing journey this week because while my life feels normal, I sometimes forget that it's not normal.

    I've experienced tragedy in several areas of life, and I discuss how my lived experiences have profoundly shaped my perspective. It's why I'm passionate about encouraging others going through difficult seasons.

    From my childhood dreams of becoming a wife and mother to the heart-wrenching loss of my first daughter and the long, emotional journey to have another child, I invite you into the story of my life and what I've found along the way.

    Chapters

    00:00Introduction: Behind the Scenes of My Life

    03:22Embracing the Unexpected Twists of Life

    04:16A Promise Fulfilled: The Journey to Motherhood

    07:04Deepening Relationship with God

    09:24Moving Beyond Brokenness

    10:20Conclusion: Uncovering Healing Together

  • In this episode, I discuss the importance of giving and receiving positive feedback in all relationships. Following last week's reveal of Rooted, my guided journal for couples, I share how the practice of appreciation can reshape negative thought patterns and strengthen connections—not just in romantic partnerships but in every type of relationship. Learn practical ways to incorporate positive feedback into your daily interactions and discover the profound impact it can have on you and your loved ones.

    Ready for Rooted? Preorder your copy!

  • In this episode, I’m excited to take you behind the scenes of a project I’ve been working on—a guided journal crafted to help couples deepen their connection. I’ll share how the idea came to life, the creative journey, and what you can expect from the journal.

    It features 52 weekly prompts that encourage meaningful conversations, uncover deep insights, and foster emotional intimacy. I believe that through this simple weekly practice, couples can experience lasting growth and a stronger bond.

    Follow me on social media for the exact release date. Upon release, you'll find it on Amazon and my website.

  • When was the last time you set unrealistic expectations for yourself? In that moment, did you think, "When is good good enough?" I have the answer for you, and it's the focus of our episode this week. As someone who used to struggle with perfectionism, I've learned that embracing "good enough" brings many positive benefits, such as unlocking creativity, fostering growth, and leading to a more enjoyable life.

    It's time to take the unnecessary pressure off our shoulders! In this episode, I share my personal experiences with perfectionism and practical insights on how to set realistic expectations, celebrate small wins, and view mistakes as opportunities rather than failures.

    I hope you've enjoyed this episode! Have a suggestion for a future topic? I'd love to hear it. Send me an email at [email protected].

  • In this episode of To Help You Heal, I explore the concept of limiting beliefs and how they can prevent us from reaching our full potential. Limiting beliefs are negative statements we think or say to ourselves that restrict what we can achieve. We'll journey through the identification of our limiting beliefs and explore the stories behind them. We'll discuss the importance of taking responsibility for our thoughts and why replacing those limiting beliefs with a different thought process is essential. Stay tuned until the end for a sneak peek at our next topic: knowing when good is good enough.

    Chapters

    00:00Introduction: Miracles and Limiting Beliefs00:30Defining Limiting Beliefs03:55Understanding the Stories Behind Limiting Beliefs05:49Taking Responsibility for Our Thoughts and Actions07:41Replacing Limiting Beliefs with Empowering Beliefs09:03Preview: How to Know When Good is Good Enough Thank you for joining me on this episode of To Help You Heal. If you found this discussion on limiting beliefs helpful, please rate, follow, share, and review the podcast. Your support helps others discover the show and begin their own healing journeys. See you next week!
  • What does a miracle mean to you? A week ago, my definition would have been straight out of a textbook: an event that defies natural or scientific explanation, requiring divine intervention.

    Our brains generally gravitate toward stories of extraordinary outcomes, pinnacle moments, and inexplicable events. However, after last week's conversation on miracles, I began to rethink what "qualifies as a miracle."

    The truth is that miracles often arise from moments that don't seem extraordinary at all. They emerge from situations destined to fail or too ordinary to produce anything remarkable.

    But isn't that the essence of a miracle? Join me for 10 minutes as I explore this new perspective on miracles and invite you to reconsider your definition.

    And if you need some help rewriting your definition or finding your miracles, use this link to book your session: https://app.practice.do/me/marie-monville/book/discovery-session

  • Have you ever felt like the direction God (and your circumstances) were taking you couldn't be further from the miracle you needed?

    Maybe everything feels like it's getting harder and darker. The breakthrough you envisioned is nothing like the reality you're walking out.

    If so, this podcast is for you! This week, I'm talking about navigating life when it doesn't look like a miracle because, the truth is, miracles rarely look like they will happen until they do.

    As we read through the Bible, we know the stories work out. We know that Joseph is set free from prison (and becomes second in command). We know that God parted the Red Sea and made a way for the Israelites when there seemed to be no way.

    But we don't see that He's doing it in our stories because we're living them, not reading them. Just because we can't see it doesn't mean God's not working. If you need a miracle, you need this episode. Spend 10 minutes with me for a fresh infusion, of hope, faith, and belief!

  • When was the last time you walked a difficult road? Maybe it's happening right now? And while we can't always avoid them, we can be better prepared if we have a plan.

    So, let's create one together. This week, I'll walk you through my "emergency preparedness plan"—all of it—physical, spiritual, and emotional.

    Instead of overthinking and expecting the worst-case scenario, what if we could process (and reduce) our stress, maintain emotional control, lean into faith, and simplify self-care?

    You can. Let's do it together.

    If you want to listen to Father Mike's Bible in a Year (Episode 191), you can find it here: Bible In A Year: Episode 191

    As mentioned, you can follow me on Facebook and Instagram and sign up for my newsletter through these links.

    Have an idea for a future episode? Drop me an email: [email protected]