Catholics on Campus

In this episode, we are tackling the topic of limiting thoughts - those pervasive, negative thoughts that hinder our progress and relationships.

Virginia illustrates how thoughts can affect our emotions and faith journey. We'll dive into four types of limiting thoughts: catastrophizing, magnifying, minimizing, and polarizing, and how they connect to virtues like hope and faith.

With practical strategies, Virginia guides us on transforming these thoughts, inviting God into our reflections, and living a more fulfilling life.

Contact Virginia

• By Email
• Sign up for the Knots Untied Coaching eNewsletter
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Resources

• Definition of Catastrophize
• Anxiety's False Interpretations: Catastrophizing
• 10 Tips to Avoid Catastrophic Thinking in Our Lives

Let's unpack the search for purpose from a Catholic perspective. St. Catherine of Siena shows us the significance of understanding God's unique purpose for us.

Through the lens of the story of the bricklayers at St. Paul's Cathedral and the wisdom of saints like Francis of Assisi, Ignatius of Loyola, and Teresa of Avila, we see how true vocation extends beyond mere work.

Incorporating insights from Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search For Meaning" and biblical figures such as Moses and St. Paul, we urge you to discover and pursue your God-given mission.

This episode inspires you to align your life with God's calling and set the world on fire.

Contact Virginia

• By Email
• Sign up for the Knots Untied Coaching eNewsletter
• Visit my Website

Resources

• Six Ways to Find Purpose in Life

Have you thought about the impact that awe and wonder can have on our lives?

Inspired by an exercise to document awe experiences, I'm unpacking how recognizing God's presence and goodness through awe can enrich our mindset and spiritual journey.

With insights from researchers such as Dr. Ethan Kross and Dr. Dacher Keltner, I illustrate awe's benefits, including enhanced memory, creativity, and well-being.

Hear personal and biblical examples of awe, and leave with practical ways to embrace awe in your daily life. Discover how awe can deepen your faith and connection to the world around you.

Contact Virginia

• By Email
• Sign up for the Knots Untied Coaching eNewsletter
• Visit my Website

Resources

• Wonder and Awe Prayer
• Father Kelly’s Sunrise Stroll and Chat Youtube playlist
• Praise and worship song by The Belonging Co: Awe and Wonder
• Awe: The 'little earthquake' that could free your mind
• Harvard Business Review 2021 article on Wonder
• Dr. Shiota Let’s Talk about “Awe” video

Welcome to a new year with Catholics on Campus! Let's look at the symbolic act of crossing thresholds, inspired by my experience at the First Saturday Mass of 2025 at Orlando's St. James Cathedral.

In this episode, I explore the beauty of the holy doors and draw parallels to personal milestones we encounter.

Through self-coaching questions, I guide you in contemplating your own thresholds this year, encouraging you to invite the Holy Spirit into your journey.

Let's open the door to a hopeful and spiritually enriching new year.

Contact Virginia

• By Email
• Sign up for the Knots Untied Coaching eNewsletter
• Visit my Website

Merry Christmas! In today's episode, we're diving into the exciting announcement of the Catholic Church's upcoming jubilee year.

This holy Jubilee Year, themed "Pilgrims of Hope," kicks off as Pope Francis opens the holy door at Saint Peter's Basilica, marking a year devoted to faith, reflection, and community.

We'll explore the meaning of hope as a theological virtue, share inspiring stories of pilgrimages, and offer practical tips on how you can engage fully in this jubilee year.

Let's embark on this journey of renewal and grace together.

Contact Virginia

• By Email
• Sign up for the Knots Untied Coaching eNewsletter
• Visit my Website

Resources

• USCCB Jubilee website
• Vatican Jubilee website
• List of US Catholic Shrines
• The Jubilee Prayer
• The Christophers

Join us as we dive into the transformative power of redemptive suffering, exploring its roots in Catholic tradition and its ability to bring us closer to Christ.

Discover insights from Saints like Padre Pio, St. Therese of Lisieux, and St. John of the Cross, and learn practical steps to unite your struggles with Jesus’ passion.

From scripture to sacramental grace, this episode offers guidance for finding hope amidst trials.

Tune in for encouragement and hope, as we unpack how God’s love meets us even in our darkest moments.

Contact Virginia

• By Email
• Sign up for the Knots Untied Coaching eNewsletter
• Visit my Website

Resources

• Salvifici Doloris: On the Christian Meaning of Human Suffering by Pope John Paul II (1982)
• Society of the Little Flower
• Padre Pio Foundation of America
• Why Does God Allow Suffering? Video with Bishop Robert Barron
• The Meaning of Suffering Video with Father Mike Schmitz
• Restore the Glory podcast on Redemptive Suffering (Part 1) - Episode 115
• Restore the Glory podcast on Redemptive Suffering (Part 2) - Episode 116

As Thanksgiving draws near, we're focusing on the profound role of gratitude in our lives.

In this episode, we'll explore lessons from the Bible, highlighting Jesus as a model for thankfulness, and learn how gratitude can boost our mental and physical health.

Discover practical tips for cultivating gratitude, regardless of temperament. Tune in to discover the spiritual and emotional benefits of a grateful heart.

Thank you for listening - your presence is a cherished gift.

Contact Virginia

• By Email
• Sign up for the Knots Untied Coaching eNewsletter
• Visit my Website

Resources

• 5 Love Languages Quiz (English or Spanish)
• Harvard University article on Gratitude
• Benefits of Gratitude article
• Father Mike Giving Thanks is Necessary
• Father Mike How to Avoid Being Ungrateful

Let's examine how we can intentionally and joyfully enter the sacred season of Advent, which begins on December 1 and ends on December 24 this year.

With finals week overlapping Advent's start, it's easy to lose sight of this time of reflection and preparation.

We'll explore insights from the saints, key scripture themes, and seven practical tips to maintain peace during this season.

Contact Virginia

• By Email
• Sign up for the Knots Untied Coaching eNewsletter
• Visit my Website

Resources

• www.myadvent.net

Today, we're diving into a topic that's as complex as it is common: anger. We explore how to direct our anger appropriately — with the right person, degree, timing, purpose, and manner.

We'll uncover what anger truly is, its triggers, and different types, from vindicated to frustrated anger. But that's not all!

We'll delve into how societal influences and even family backgrounds shape our understanding of anger.

Guided by a Catholic perspective, we'll discuss practical ways to address and tame this volatile emotion, fostering a happier and holier life.

Contact Virginia

• By Email
• Sign up for the Knots Untied Coaching eNewsletter
• Visit my Website
• Get coached on your Working Genius!

Should we explore the intriguing topic of lies? Starting with the game "Two Truths and a Lie," we'll transition into understanding the lies of the enemy and how they contribute to spiritual warfare.

We discuss how the adversary challenges our faith and how Catholics on Campus can utilize spiritual strategies to combat these lies.

We draw inspiration from St. Augustine's journey to truth and faith. This episode will empower you to discern truth from lies and strengthen your relationship with God in your academic and personal life.

Contact Virginia

• By Email
• Sign up for the Knots Untied Coaching eNewsletter
• Visit my Website
• Get coached on your Working Genius!

Resources

• Episode 97: Your Undivided Attention Podcast