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Chrissy opens today’s episode with a chakra meditation, then shares the definition of the word LEGACY, and invites us to consider the question: what kind of legacy do you want to leave behind and why?
Merle Saferstein also joins the conversation to discuss the importance of journaling as an educator, author, and pioneer in legacy journaling. Together, Chrissy and Merle discuss how living your life becomes your legacy, tips to start journaling and the benefits of writing even if it’s not shared.
Then Chrissy shares this week’s book recommendation, The Story You Need to Tell: Writing to Heal from Trauma, Illness, or Loss by Sandra Marinella.And in the end, Chrissy encourages you to ask yourself:
What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind and why?What role models or inspirations have influenced the legacy you want to create?What lessons have you learned that you want to pass on to future generations?☀️ My memoir, Finding Sunlight, is here! Learn more & order your copy today
Support the show
If you have any thoughts on this episode, suggestions for the show, or want to be a future guest, contact her via her website at www.chrissyholm.com.
Until next time, stay curious, my friends. And if you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting the show.
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Chrissy opens today’s episode with a loving kindness meditation, then shares the definition of the word LIGHT, and invites us to consider the question: what does the concept of light mean to you?
What does the concept of light mean to you?Do you believe that light has healing properties? Why or why not?How does light impact your mood or emotions?
Liz Kinchen, author of Light in Bandaged Places: Healing in the Wake of Young Betrayal, also joins the conversation. Together, Chrissy and Liz discuss meditation, Buddhism, and the healing power of their writing practices.
Then Chrissy shares this week’s book recommendation, How the Light Gets In: Writing As A Spiritual Practice by Pat Schneider.
And in the end, Chrissy encourages you to ask yourself:☀️ My memoir, Finding Sunlight, is here! Learn more & order your copy today
Support the show
If you have any thoughts on this episode, suggestions for the show, or want to be a future guest, contact her via her website at www.chrissyholm.com.
Until next time, stay curious, my friends. And if you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting the show.
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Chrissy opens today’s episode with a mantra meditation, then shares the definition of the word ACCEPTANCE, and invites us to consider the question: What are some common barriers to acceptance in ourselves and others?
Chrissy is also joined by her husband Scott for a special conversation about her new book, Finding Sunlight! Together, Chrissy and Scott discuss the meaning of acceptance, how Chrissy wrote her book, and the role of self-love in accepting yourself and others.
Then Chrissy shares this week’s book recommendation, It Shouldn't Be This Way: Learning to Accept the Things You Just Can’t Change by Janina Scarlet.And in the end, Chrissy encourages you to ask yourself:
What are some common barriers to acceptance both in ourselves and others?How can you cultivate a greater sense of acceptance in your life?How has acceptance or lack thereof impacted your relationships with others? Have you ever struggled to accept someone else for who they are?☀️ My memoir, Finding Sunlight, is here! Learn more & order your copy today
Support the show
If you have any thoughts on this episode, suggestions for the show, or want to be a future guest, contact her via her website at www.chrissyholm.com.
Until next time, stay curious, my friends. And if you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting the show.
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Chrissy opens today’s episode with a body-scan meditation for feeling supported, then shares the definition of the word FAITHFUL, and invites us to consider the question: how do you stay faithful to yourself and your values in a world that pressures us to conform?
How do you stay faithful to yourself and your values in a world that pressures us to conform?How does being faithful to a particular religion or belief system impact your decisions and actions in life?How does faithfulness relate to your sense of purpose?
Podcaster Amber White also joins the conversation to share her journey as a formerly faithful, which she talks about on her podcast Now I See. Together, Chrissy and Amber discuss the power of commitment and how her enactment of being faithful has changed throughout her life.
Then Chrissy shares this week’s book recommendation, Belief Without Borders by Linda Mercadante.
And in the end, Chrissy encourages you to ask yourself:☀️ My memoir, Finding Sunlight, is here! Learn more & order your copy today
Support the show
If you have any thoughts on this episode, suggestions for the show, or want to be a future guest, contact her via her website at www.chrissyholm.com.
Until next time, stay curious, my friends. And if you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting the show.
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Chrissy opens today’s episode with a walking meditation on the power of telling your truth, then shares the definition of the word TELL, and invites us to consider the question: how does the way we tell a story impact its meaning?
Writer and journalist Fran Hawthorne also joins Chrissy to share her love of storytelling. Together, they discuss how stories can inspire change, the importance of sharing real-life experiences, and the impact of personal narratives.
Then Chrissy shares this week’s book recommendation, I’m Telling the Truth But I’m Lying by Bassey Ikpi.And in the end, Chrissy encourages you to ask yourself:
How does the way we tell a story impact its meaning?How can we use storytelling to inspire change and make a positive impact in the world?How can telling our stories help us connect to others on a deeper level?☀️ My memoir, Finding Sunlight, is here! Learn more & order your copy today
Support the show
If you have any thoughts on this episode, suggestions for the show, or want to be a future guest, contact her via her website at www.chrissyholm.com.
Until next time, stay curious, my friends. And if you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting the show.
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Chrissy opens today’s episode with a box breathing practice, then shares the definition of the word belonging, and invites us to consider the question: what role does acceptance play in creating a sense of belonging?
Stacey Chomiak also joins the conversation to discuss the challenges of feeling whole and accepted as a queer person of faith. Together, Chrissy and Stacey discuss finding a sense of belonging through art, Stacey’s queer-affirming children’s books, and creating space for understanding between religious and queer communities.
Then Chrissy shares this week’s book recommendation, Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone by Brené Brown.And in the end, Chrissy encourages you to ask yourself:
What role does acceptance play in creating a sense of belonging?How do your identities and background impact your sense of belonging in different environments?How can you be more welcoming and inclusive to others who feel like they don’t belong?☀️ My memoir, Finding Sunlight, is here! Learn more & order your copy today
Support the show
If you have any thoughts on this episode, suggestions for the show, or want to be a future guest, contact her via her website at www.chrissyholm.com.
Until next time, stay curious, my friends. And if you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting the show.
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Chrissy opens today’s episode with a nature visualization meditation, then shares the definition of the word purity, and invites us to consider the question: how have societal expectations or the idea of purity impacted your mental health?
Erica Smith also joins the conversation to discuss her work as an award-winning sexuality educator and consultant with over 20 years of experience. Together, Chrissy and Erica discuss purity culture, Erica’s approach to working with people coming out of it, and how people can incorporate sex education more positively and inclusively.
Then Chrissy shares this week’s book recommendation, Pure: Inside the Evangelical Movement That Shamed a Generation of Young Women and How I Broke Free by Linda Kay Klein.
How have societal expectations or the idea of purity impacted your mental health?Can purity be achieved or is it an unattainable ideal?How do you handle situations that challenge your sense of purity?
And in the end, Chrissy encourages you to ask yourself:☀️ My memoir, Finding Sunlight, is here! Learn more & order your copy today
Support the show
If you have any thoughts on this episode, suggestions for the show, or want to be a future guest, contact her via her website at www.chrissyholm.com.
Until next time, stay curious, my friends. And if you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting the show.
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Chrissy opens today’s episode with a meditation on being present in nature, then shares the definition of the word weather, and invites us to consider the question: how does the weather influence our emotions and behaviors?
Therapists and writers Gretta Keene and Bill Murray of Mind Your Weather also join the conversation. Together, they explore how we can attune to the outer weather and our inner weather with the support of therapy, creativity, and spirituality. We also talk about their book Your Way There (to Being Fully Alive): Concepts and Tools for Mindful Transformation. A must read!
How does the weather influence your emotions and behaviors?If you can’t change the weather, how can you change your response?What are some tools you can use to navigate through life’s storms?
Then Chrissy shares this week’s book recommendation, Grandma Gatewood's Walk by Ben Montgomery.
And in the end, Chrissy encourages you to ask yourself:☀️ My memoir, Finding Sunlight, is here! Learn more & order your copy today
Support the show
If you have any thoughts on this episode, suggestions for the show, or want to be a future guest, contact her via her website at www.chrissyholm.com.
Until next time, stay curious, my friends. And if you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting the show.
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Season two of Stirred By Words has come to a close, and I'm very excited to share that while we're on break, I'm launching my first book on Kickstarter!
Finding Sunlight is a memoir about love within the wreckage of purity culture. It's about my journey to unpack my sexuality, faith, and mental health to help me uncover my own truth and navigate love with pride.
We have until July 1st to get the Kickstarter fully funded, so I can release my book in the fall. If you're able to support, please click here to pledge today.
Thank you, and see you for season three soon!☀️ My memoir, Finding Sunlight, is here! Learn more & order your copy today
Support the show
If you have any thoughts on this episode, suggestions for the show, or want to be a future guest, contact her via her website at www.chrissyholm.com.
Until next time, stay curious, my friends. And if you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting the show.
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Chrissy opens today’s episode with a meditation on creating positive change, then shares the definition of the word IMPACT, and invites us to consider the question: how can we build effective collaborations to achieve impact?
Dara Beevas and Amy Quale of Wise Ink Creative Publishing also join the conversation to share the impact stories have had on their lives and communities. Together, they discuss where publishing meets activism, how books cultivate empathy, and what makes an effective collaboration.
Then Chrissy shares this week’s book recommendation, Impact: A Step-By-Step Plan to Create the World You Want to Live In by Christen Brandt and Tammy Tibbetts.And in the end, Chrissy encourages you to ask yourself:
How can we build effective collaborations to achieve impact?How do your beliefs and values impact your life decisions?What impact do you want to make in this world?☀️ My memoir, Finding Sunlight, is here! Learn more & order your copy today
Support the show
If you have any thoughts on this episode, suggestions for the show, or want to be a future guest, contact her via her website at www.chrissyholm.com.
Until next time, stay curious, my friends. And if you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting the show.
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Chrissy opens today’s episode with a meditation on rest and worthiness, then shares the definition of the word burnout, and invites us to consider the question: how can you learn to set boundaries to avoid taking on too much and contributing to burnout?
Stress and resiliency expert Anastasia Galka also joins the conversation to share her favorite definition of burnout, its early signs, and common root causes. Together, Anastasia and Chrissy discuss why burnout isn’t a mindset, how to find true fulfillment, and why we all need a little more support day-to-day.Then Chrissy shares this week’s book recommendation, Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Amelia Nagowski & Emily Nagowski.
And in the end, Chrissy encourages you to ask yourself:
How can you learn to set boundaries to avoid taking on too much and contributing to burnout?What is one thing you can do to prioritize your self-care this week?How do you determine and define success and fulfillment in your life? And how do you achieve that in a healthy and sustainable way?☀️ My memoir, Finding Sunlight, is here! Learn more & order your copy today
Support the show
If you have any thoughts on this episode, suggestions for the show, or want to be a future guest, contact her via her website at www.chrissyholm.com.
Until next time, stay curious, my friends. And if you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting the show.
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Chrissy opens today’s episode with a meditation on vulnerability, then shares the definition of the word vulnerable, and invites us to consider the question: how can we be more comfortable with vulnerability in our lives?
Britta and Lizzy, hosts of the Attention Spam podcast also join the conversation to discuss their thoughts on vulnerability in relationships. Together, they discuss how they’ve experienced vulnerability in friendships, marriage, and with each other.
Then Chrissy shares this week’s book recommendation, Daring Greatly by Brené Brown.And in the end, Chrissy encourages you to ask yourself:
How can we learn to be more comfortable with vulnerability in our lives?What role does vulnerability play in building trust in friendships and relationships?How does vulnerability intersect with issues of power and privilege in our society?☀️ My memoir, Finding Sunlight, is here! Learn more & order your copy today
Support the show
If you have any thoughts on this episode, suggestions for the show, or want to be a future guest, contact her via her website at www.chrissyholm.com.
Until next time, stay curious, my friends. And if you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting the show.
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Chrissy opens today’s episode with a meditation on challenges we’re facing and how to release them. Then she shares the definition of the word RECKONING and invites us to consider the question: how would our world be different if we took more time to consider the consequences of our decisions?
Adele Holmes, MD also joins the conversation to share a bit about her new book Winter’s Reckoning. Together, Adele and Chrissy discuss the various forms of reckoning (including reckoning with our historic past), the mind-changing and humanizing nature of travel, learning to tolerate our differences with others, and the importance of watching out for wolves in sheep’s clothing.
How do you think personal values and beliefs influence your reckoning process?How do you think our world would be different if we took more time to consider the consequences of our decisions?How can we use the process of reckoning to become better, more self-aware individuals?
Then Chrissy shares this week’s book recommendation, Think Again by Adam Grant.
And in the end, Chrissy encourages you to ask yourself:☀️ My memoir, Finding Sunlight, is here! Learn more & order your copy today
Support the show
If you have any thoughts on this episode, suggestions for the show, or want to be a future guest, contact her via her website at www.chrissyholm.com.
Until next time, stay curious, my friends. And if you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting the show.
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Chrissy opens today’s episode with a meditation on experiencing discomfort in our bodies, and then shares the definition of the word PAIN, and invites us to consider the question: how do you manage emotional pain in your life?
Katie Kaufmann also joins the conversation to share her experience of twenty years of chronic back pain and her work as a pain recovery coach. Together, Chrissy and Katie discuss the relationship between the brain and pain, the disappointments and rewards along the pain recovery journey, Katie’s model for the three spokes of pain, and her favorite breathing exercise.Then Chrissy shares this week’s book recommendation, The Way Out: A Revolutionary, Scientifically Proven Approach to Healing Chronic Pain by Alan Gordon and Alon Ziv.
What role does pain play in your life?How do you manage emotional pain?What are the societal implications of how we perceive and treat pain?
And in the end, Chrissy encourages you to ask yourself:☀️ My memoir, Finding Sunlight, is here! Learn more & order your copy today
Support the show
If you have any thoughts on this episode, suggestions for the show, or want to be a future guest, contact her via her website at www.chrissyholm.com.
Until next time, stay curious, my friends. And if you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting the show.
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Chrissy opens today’s episode with a meditation on secrecy, then shares the definition of the word SECRET, and invites us to consider the question: how can the power of secrecy shape our interactions with others?
Laura Hall also joins the conversation to discuss her book Affliction: Growing Up with a Closeted Gay Dad. Together, Chrissy and Laura discuss the difference between secrets and lies, how other peoples’ secrets can impact us, and the connecting power of telling the truth.
Then Chrissy shares this week’s book recommendation, The Secret Life of Secrets: How Our Inner Worlds Shape Well-Being, Relationships, and Who We Are by Michael Slepian.
And in the end, Chrissy encourages you to ask yourself:
How does the power of secrecy shape the way you interact with others?How do societal expectations influence your decision to keep or reveal secrets?How has your perception of someone or a situation changed because of a secret?☀️ My memoir, Finding Sunlight, is here! Learn more & order your copy today
Support the show
If you have any thoughts on this episode, suggestions for the show, or want to be a future guest, contact her via her website at www.chrissyholm.com.
Until next time, stay curious, my friends. And if you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting the show.
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Chrissy opens today’s episode with a meditation on abundance, then shares the definition of the word MONEY, and invites us to consider the question: how does money shape our perceptions of success and happiness?
Lauren Cañafranca also joins the conversation to discuss her joyful relationship with money as an Accredited Financial Counsellor® Canada and the owner of Elbie Cashflow Coaching. Together, Chrissy and Lauren discuss the ways money shapes our culture, what money can (and can’t) do for us, and how to improve our relationship with money.
Then Chrissy shares this week’s book recommendation, Get Good with Money: Ten Simple Steps to Becoming Financially Whole by Tiffany Aliche.And in the end, Chrissy encourages you to ask yourself:
How does money shape your perception of success and happiness?What is your top financial challenge, and how can you address it?How has money affected your behaviors, relationships, and choices?☀️ My memoir, Finding Sunlight, is here! Learn more & order your copy today
Support the show
If you have any thoughts on this episode, suggestions for the show, or want to be a future guest, contact her via her website at www.chrissyholm.com.
Until next time, stay curious, my friends. And if you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting the show.
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Chrissy opens today’s episode with a meditation on the past and present, then shares the definition of the word MEMORY and invites us to consider the question: how does memory shape our understanding of the world?
Barbara Rubin also joins the conversation to discuss her memoir More Than You Can See, a story of joy and sorrow mixed with humor and rage as both a mother and advocate for her injured daughter Jenn. Together, Chrissy and Barbara discuss the ways traumatic brain injuries impact memory and how joyous and painful memories intertwine in our lives.
How does memory shape our understanding of the world?Is it possible to erase memories?What ways can you improve your memories and recall?
Then Chrissy shares this week’s book recommendation, The Forgetting Machine: Memory, Perception, and the Jennifer Aniston Neuron by Rodrigo Quian Quiroga.
And in the end, Chrissy encourages you to ask yourself:☀️ My memoir, Finding Sunlight, is here! Learn more & order your copy today
Support the show
If you have any thoughts on this episode, suggestions for the show, or want to be a future guest, contact her via her website at www.chrissyholm.com.
Until next time, stay curious, my friends. And if you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting the show.
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Welcome back to Stirred By Words!
In this transition episode, Chrissy shares some exciting news about the show! Then she provides guided meditation to help ground the conversation. She defines the word CHANGE, and answers the questions: How can we create meaningful change in our lives, and how does that create a better world?
Chrissy then describes this week's book recommendation: Atomic Habits by James ClearIn the end, Chrissy encourages you to ask yourself some questions:
How can we create meaningful change in our lives?How does change create a better world?Why is change difficult but also important?☀️ My memoir, Finding Sunlight, is here! Learn more & order your copy today
Support the show
If you have any thoughts on this episode, suggestions for the show, or want to be a future guest, contact her via her website at www.chrissyholm.com.
Until next time, stay curious, my friends. And if you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting the show.
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In this finale episode of Season 1, Chrissy gives a mental health tip about self-care, defines the word PAUSING, and answers the question: What is your top tip for pausing and practicing self-care?
Previous listeners responded to this question, including Becca & Holly (Episode 001: Community), Martina (Episode 003: Health), Carolyn (Episode 005: Romantic), Lisa (Episode 006: Relationship), Julie (Episode 007: Tranquility), and Dr. Melanie (Episode 008: Balance).
Chrissy then describes this week's book recommendation: Pause: Harnessing the Life-Changing Power of Giving Yourself a Break by Rachael O'MearaIn the end, Chrissy encourages you to ask yourself some questions:
What is your top tip for pausing and practicing self-care?What will you do this summer to practice self-care?How will you make time for you?☀️ My memoir, Finding Sunlight, is here! Learn more & order your copy today
Support the show
If you have any thoughts on this episode, suggestions for the show, or want to be a future guest, contact her via her website at www.chrissyholm.com.
Until next time, stay curious, my friends. And if you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting the show.
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Chrissy starts the episode with a health tip about learning new things, defines the word CREDENTIAL, and ponders the question: How have credentials impacted your life? If they're important, why? If not, why not?
Lizzy Miller, MS, MPH, NBH-HWC, RDN, shares her thoughts on the question. You can find her on Instagram @lizzydmiller and on LinkedIn.
Chrissy then describes this week's book recommendation: Credentials: Understand the Problems. Identify the Opportunities. Create the Solutions. by Paul L. Gaston and Michelle Van NoyIn the end, Chrissy encourages you to ask yourself some questions:
How have credentials impacted your life? If they're important, why? If not, why not?What credentials and people surround your day-to-day life? How would your life be impacted if someone didn't have a credential?If you have any thoughts on this episode, suggestions for the show, or want to be a future guest, contact her via her website at www.chrissyholm.com.
Until next time, stay curious my friends.
https://www.patreon.com/chrissyholm☀️ My memoir, Finding Sunlight, is here! Learn more & order your copy today
Support the show
If you have any thoughts on this episode, suggestions for the show, or want to be a future guest, contact her via her website at www.chrissyholm.com.
Until next time, stay curious, my friends. And if you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting the show.
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