Join Authentically Us, a community and support space for late blooming lesbians! Find us at https://www.annemariezanzal.com

Lotus Community Coaching is a 6-month program for women who are reevaluating their sexual identity, coming out as LGBTQIA+, and transitioning from a straight, married life to an independent life. If you're struggling and need help during this challenging time, learn what Lotus Community Coaching can offer you: https://annemariezanzal.com/lotus-community-coaching/

TW: Religious trauma

Mike Maeshiro (he/him) is the founder of Numa, and organization that supports people recovering from religious toxicity. Mike is gay, and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, and a queer theology enthusiast. He is an ex-pastor who now works with gay men recovering from evangelicalism. Mike's story reflects his journey from being a deeply involved evangelical pastor to embracing his identity as a gay man. In this conversation, Mike reflects on his spiritual experiences that affirmed his identity, the cultural conditioning that led to his initial homophobia, and the eventual decision to live authentically. He emphasizes the importance of finding community and support, exploring inclusive theology, and the challenges of coming out publicly. Mike shares his journey of coming out as a gay man and the subsequent challenges he faced, including public backlash, mental health struggles, and family dynamics. He discusses the importance of self-acceptance and the process of deconstructing his evangelical faith, highlighting key issues that many face in similar situations. Mike also reflects on his professional shift towards supporting the queer community and the impact of media on societal perceptions. Ultimately, he emphasizes the significance of finding safety and authenticity in one's life.

❓ What to Expect in This Episode:

🏳️‍🌈A story of facing fear of losing community and identity when coming out.

🤗Emphasis for the need for compassion in discussions about sexuality.

💞Acknowledgment that self-acceptance is a journey that takes time.

💬Discussion about key issues in evangelicalism that include views on hell and the Bible.

✨ Why This Matters:

Cultural conditioning is a strong contributor toward internalized homophobia. This is a must-listen episode for any person who is recovering from evangelical faith traditions. Reaching a place of self-acceptance and authenticity is a vital aspect of personal identity.

Authentically Us is a support community for later-in-life LGBTQ women at all stages of the coming out and beyond process. Coming out later in life is often accompanied by suffering. Whether you're looking to deconstruct messages from a conservative faith tradition, experience divorce-related guilt, or struggle with feelings of shame around your coming out or sexual identity, Authentically Us has the right kind of support for you. Monthly subscription to Authentically Us on Mighty Networks is $35/month, but you can try your first week for free. Find Authentically Us at https://bit.ly/Authentically-Us

💬 Join the Conversation:

Are you someone who has been negatively impacted by conservative faith traditions? Let's talk about it in the comments!

Connect with Mike....

https://www.mikemaeshiro.com/

Mike's Substack: https://mikemaeshiro.substack.com/

Mike's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH5vGo6yRl6Gay-wbJ7F6og/featured

Mike on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikemaeshiro/

Mike on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikemaeshiro

Books Mike recommends is Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23129659-adult-children-of-emotionally-immature-parents

and The Bible Tells Me So: Why Defending Scripture Has Made Us unable to Read It by Peter Enns: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20262405-the-bible-tells-me-so?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qi...

Mike regards Taylor Swift's story as instrumental to his coming out process. Find the Taylor Swift documentary, Miss Americana, on Netflix.

🔗 Visit our website:

Anne-Marie's : [ annemariezanzal.com]

🔗 Follow us on social media:

💠 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amzanzal

💠 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/annemariezanzalcoaching/

💠 Twitter: twitter.com/annemariezanzal

💠LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemariezanzalpurposefulempowerment/

Join Authentically Us, a community and support space for late blooming lesbians! Find us at https://www.annemariezanzal.com

Lotus Community Coaching is a 6-month program for women who are reevaluating their sexual identity, coming out as LGBTQIA+, and transitioning from a straight, married life to an independent life. If you're struggling and need help during this challenging time, learn what Lotus Community Coaching can offer you: https://annemariezanzal.com/lotus-community-coaching/

People new to the LGBTQIA+ community: ever feel like you don't belong? Worried that, after a 'straight' life, others (straight or gay) won't accept you as being queer? Imposter syndrome (yes, we know it's not a real syndrome, but you know what we mean!) can do a number on our heads, and Anne-Marie and Barb are here to talk about it! This week on the podcast, your two trusty later-in-life coaches talk about the importance of self-identification, the societal pressures surrounding visibility and authenticity, and the impact of internalized homophobia. Anne-Marie and Barb also touch on the significance of media representation and the importance of leaning into community when you're trying to figure out how 'queer' for you manifests as you walk through the world.

❓ What to Expect in This Episode:

🏳️‍🌈Explanations of why being LGBTQIA+ is about so much more than just sex.

💬Discussion on why there is a greater need for open conversation and greater understanding about the later in life experience.

🔍Examination of societal pressures to appear 'gay.'

💞An emphasis on doing what is right for you when you are ready.

✨ Why This Matters:

Self-identification is a journey that needs affirmation and acceptance. We want you to know that if you're struggling with what queer looks like for you, that you're not alone, and that you are not 'less-than' just because you've come out later than some.

Authentically Us is a support community for later-in-life LGBTQ women at all stages of the coming out and beyond process. Coming out later in life is often accompanied by suffering. Whether you're looking to deconstruct messages from a conservative faith tradition, experience divorce-related guilt, or struggle with feelings of shame around your coming out or sexual identity, Authentically Us has the right kind of support for you. Monthly subscription to Authentically Us on Mighty Networks is $35/month, but you can try your first week for free. Find Authentically Us at https://bit.ly/Authentically-Us

💬 Join the Conversation:

What does being gay/queer/lesbian/bisexual look like for you? How have you evolved your outer self to align with your inner self? And how to you handle correcting assumptions about your sexuality? Let's talk about it in the comments!

🔗 Visit our website:

Anne-Marie's : [ annemariezanzal.com]

🔗 Follow us on social media:

💠 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amzanzal

💠 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/annemariezanzalcoaching/

💠 Twitter: twitter.com/annemariezanzal

💠LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemariezanzalpurposefulempowerment/

Join Authentically Us, a community and support space for late blooming lesbians! Find us at https://www.annemariezanzal.com

Lotus Community Coaching is a 6-month program for women who are reevaluating their sexual identity, coming out as LGBTQIA+, and transitioning from a straight, married life to an independent life. If you're struggling and need help during this challenging time, learn what Lotus Community Coaching can offer you: https://annemariezanzal.com/lotus-community-coaching/

This week on the podcast, Anne-Marie Zanzal and Barbara Rowlandson talk about one of the biggest concerns women have when coming out later in life: telling their kids that they aren't straight. We know this topic carries a lot of emotional weight and worry, and we encourage listeners to ground themselves and listen through to the end, as Anne-Marie and Barb cover a wide range of nuanced topics related to coming out to kids. You'll hear their personal experiences of coming out to their own children and conversation about the complexities of navigating queerness and family dynamics.

❓ What to Expect in This Episode:

👶🏼Advice on coming out to kids of all ages, from youngsters to grown adults.

⚠️Reflections on pressures women face to disclose their sexuality to kids before they're ready.

🗮How to cope with angry or estrangement after coming out.

💞Vital considerations for helping your child process the news.

✨ Why This Matters:

For moms, this piece of the coming out process can be the most fraught, especially if their children are teens or adults. Anne-Marie and Barb in their years of working with women who come out later in life have observed this process in their clients' experiences and have informed reflections on what helps this process go smoothly, pitfalls to avoid, and what women need to meet this challenge in their coming out journey.

Authentically Us is a support community for later-in-life LGBTQ women at all stages of the coming out and beyond process. Coming out later in life is often accompanied by suffering. Whether you're looking to deconstruct messages from a conservative faith tradition, experience divorce-related guilt, or struggle with feelings of shame around your coming out or sexual identity, Authentically Us has the right kind of support for you. Monthly subscription to Authentically Us on Mighty Networks is $35/month, but you can try your first week for free. Find Authentically Us at https://bit.ly/Authentically-Us

💬 Join the Conversation:

If you haven't come out to your kids yet, we invite you to share your thoughts and concerns here. If you've already come out to your kids and have advice for others, share in the comments!

🔗 Visit our website:

Anne-Marie's : [ annemariezanzal.com]

🔗 Follow us on social media:

💠 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amzanzal

💠 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/annemariezanzalcoaching/

💠 Twitter: twitter.com/annemariezanzal

💠LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemariezanzalpurposefulempowerment/

👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more inspiring stories and advice on navigating life, love, and everything in between!

Join Authentically Us, a community and support space for late blooming lesbians! Find us at https://www.annemariezanzal.com

Lotus Community Coaching is a 6-month program for women who are reevaluating their sexual identity, coming out as LGBTQIA+, and transitioning from a straight, married life to an independent life. If you're struggling and need help during this challenging time, learn what Lotus Community Coaching can offer you: https://annemariezanzal.com/lotus-community-coaching/

This week on the podcast host Anne-Marie Zanzal chats with Sue Willoughby, a "No BS" life coach and Equus coach, who shares her journey of self-discovery, coming out, and the transformative power of equine-assisted coaching. Sue discusses her unique approach to helping women reconnect with themselves through the wisdom of horses, while also reflecting on her own experiences with family dynamics, relationships, and identity. Anne-Marie and Sue delve into the therapeutic benefits of horses and how they can facilitate personal growth and healing. Sue shares how horses can serve as mirrors to our emotions and personal challenges

❓ What to Expect in This Episode:

🐎Sue shares her coming out story and formative experiences as a young, queer person.

🐎Exploration of how working with horses in a coaching setting can reveal our 'blind spots.'

🐎Emphasis on the importance of mindfulness and being in the here and now.

🐎Explanation of how the horse can become a metaphor for our personal issues.

✨ Why This Matters:

For anyone who is feeling stuck, mindfulness work and somatic experiences can lead to emotional release. This episode builds awareness on how Equus coaching can help us become more attuned with ourselves, and how the horse serves as both a mirror and a model for behavior.

You can find out more about Willoughby Coaching online at https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/

Sue is also the host of the A Life Worth Being podcast. You can tune in right here, on YouTube! ⁨@SueWilloughby⁩ 

One of Sue's coming out songs is I'm Coming Out by Diana Ross: https://youtu.be/3pmt-wWzC1E?si=CHq_f9TBqgDSl9aH

A book that influenced Sue is Rubyfruit Jungle by Rita Mae Brown: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/165395.Rubyfruit_Jungle

The lesbian movie that Anne-Marie and Sue talked about is Desert Hearts: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089015/

Authentically Us is a support community for later-in-life LGBTQ women at all stages of the coming out and beyond process. Coming out later in life is often accompanied by suffering. Whether you're looking to deconstruct messages from a conservative faith tradition, experience divorce-related guilt, or struggle with feelings of shame around your coming out or sexual identity, Authentically Us has the right kind of support for you. Monthly subscription to Authentically Us on Mighty Networks is $35/month, but you can try your first week for free. Find Authentically Us at https://bit.ly/Authentically-Us

💬 Join the Conversation:

Have you participated in coaching or therapeutic work with horses? What was it like? How did it help you? Share in the comments your experiences!

🔗 Visit our website:

Anne-Marie's : [ annemariezanzal.com]

🔗 Follow us on social media:

💠 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amzanzal

💠 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/annemariezanzalcoaching/

💠 Twitter: twitter.com/annemariezanzal

💠LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemariezanzalpurposefulempowerment/

👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more inspiring stories and advice on navigating life, love, and everything in between!

Join Authentically Us, a community and support space for late blooming lesbians! Find us at https://www.annemariezanzal.com

Download '3 Questions to Ask Yourself When Coming Out Later in Life' Guide: https://annemariezanzal.com/3-questions-ask-coming-out/

Download "Embracing the In-Between: Messy Middle Guide and Checklist" https://annemariezanzal.com/free-guide-messy-middle-embracing-the-in-between/

Download "5 Places to Start When Coming Out Later in Life" Guide" https://annemariezanzal.com/free-guide-where-to-start-your-coming-out-journey/

Lotus Community Coaching is a 6-month program for women who are reevaluating their sexual identity, coming out as LGBTQIA+, and transitioning from a straight, married life to an independent life. If you're struggling and need help during this challenging time, learn what Lotus Community Coaching can offer you: https://annemariezanzal.com/lotus-community-coaching/

Exploring sexuality – what does that even mean? And how do you do it, especially after having been in a long term relationship? In this episode, Anne-Marie Zanzal and Barbara Rowlandson discuss the complexities of exploring one's sexuality, particularly for those who may be coming out later in life or questioning their identity. Anne-Marie and Barbara emphasize the importance of curiosity, courage, and self-reflection in this journey, while also addressing societal expectations and the concept of compulsory heterosexuality.

❓ What to Expect in This Episode:

🔍How compulsory heteronormativity affects many people's perceptions of their identity.

🪞Why self-reflection is crucial in understanding one's sexual orientation.

🗺️How personal experiences can serve as catalysts for exploration.

👥 Understanding one's feelings and sensations is key to exploration.

✨ Why This Matters:

It's important when exploring your sexuality to investigate the impact of patriarchal norms on women's identities and relationships, the importance of exploring one's sexuality, and the role of media in shaping perceptions of queerness. This episode underscores the need for self-discovery, curiosity, and community support in navigating the complexities of sexual identity, particularly for those coming out later in life.

Authentically Us is a support community for later-in-life LGBTQ women at all stages of the coming out and beyond process. Coming out later in life is often accompanied by suffering. Whether you're looking to deconstruct messages from a conservative faith tradition, experience divorce-related guilt, or struggle with feelings of shame around your coming out or sexual identity, Authentically Us has the right kind of support for you. Monthly subscription to Authentically Us on Mighty Networks is $35/month, but you can try your first week for free. Find Authentically Us at https://bit.ly/Authentically-Us

💬 Join the Conversation:

Can we have a conversation about exploring sexuality? If you've done this already, how did you go about it? What came up for you? What did you have to unlearn?

🔗 Visit our website:

Anne-Marie's : [ annemariezanzal.com]

🔗 Follow us on social media:

💠 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amzanzal

💠 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/annemariezanzalcoaching/

💠 Twitter: twitter.com/annemariezanzal

💠LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemariezanzalpurposefulempowerment/

👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more inspiring stories and advice on navigating life, love, and everything in between!

Oh, and if you want to check out that lovely woman who chops wood, her handle is @NicoleCoenen - you're welcome! ;)

Join Authentically Us, a community and support space for late blooming lesbians! Find us at https://www.annemariezanzal.com

Lotus Community Coaching is a 6-month program for women who are reevaluating their sexual identity, coming out as LGBTQIA+, and transitioning from a straight, married life to an independent life. If you're struggling and need help during this challenging time, learn what Lotus Community Coaching can offer you: https://annemariezanzal.com/lotus-community-coaching/

This week on the podcast, host Anne-Marie Zanzal speaks with feminist, transformational coach, and publisher of positivenewsus.org, Ilu Wloch. Ilu shares her story of growing up in communist Poland in a deeply Catholic culture, and discusses the impacts it had on her path of self-discovery. Tune in for an in-depth conversation about cultural gender expectations, Ilu's path to embracing her authentic sexuality, understanding the powerful pull towards the divine feminine, and her work as a healer.

❓ What to Expect in This Episode:

🗣️Conversation about cultural contexts of communism and Catholicism and their impacts on queer individuals.

🕯️An in-depth exploration of the divine feminine in religion.

♀️Understanding feminism and its misconceptions

👥The gifts of cultivating positivity and community.

✨ Why This Matters:

Understanding the role of the patriarchy and the counterbalance of feminist resistance helps us all to understand the true significance - and fear of - female power. Challenging conventional gender roles, leaning into community of women, understanding the past and acknowledging our power to shape the future is both empowering and healing.

Authentically Us is a support community for later-in-life LGBTQ women at all stages of the coming out and beyond process. Coming out later in life is often accompanied by suffering. Whether you're looking to deconstruct messages from a conservative faith tradition, experience divorce-related guilt, or struggle with feelings of shame around your coming out or sexual identity, Authentically Us has the right kind of support for you. Monthly subscription to Authentically Us on Mighty Networks is $35/month, but you can try your first week for free. Find Authentically Us at https://bit.ly/Authentically-Us

You can learn more about Ilu's coaching practice at https://www.readmylips.fm/

Ilu is also a founder of https://www.positivenewsus.org/ a site dedicated to lifting the best of humanity to the surface for all to see.

💬 Join the Conversation:

What does feminism mean to you? Let's talk about it in the comments!

🔗 Visit our website:

Anne-Marie's : [ annemariezanzal.com]

🔗 Follow us on social media:

💠 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amzanzal

💠 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/annemariezanzalcoaching/

💠 Twitter: twitter.com/annemariezanzal

💠LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemariezanzalpurposefulempowerment/

👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more inspiring stories and advice on navigating life, love, and everything in between!

Join Authentically Us, a community and support space for late blooming lesbians! Find us at https://www.annemariezanzal.com

Lotus Community Coaching is a 6-month program for women who are reevaluating their sexual identity, coming out as LGBTQIA+, and transitioning from a straight, married life to an independent life. If you're struggling and need help during this challenging time, learn what Lotus Community Coaching can offer you: https://annemariezanzal.com/lotus-community-coaching/

Questioning is a fundamental aspect of Jewish tradition and learning. In this spirituality-focused episode, host Anne-Marie Zanzal and LGBTQIA+ activist, Rebecca Stapel-Wax, explore the intersections of queer, family, and faith identities in the context of Jewish community. Rebecca is the director of the Southern Jewish Resource Network for Gender and Sexual Diversity (SOJOURN) in Atlanta. Rebecca shares her personal experiences of coming out and her journey to find a welcoming Jewish community. Historical awareness is a running theme in this episode as Anne-Marie and Rebecca delve into Jewish history, particularly focusing on Ashkenazi traditions, and the importance of questioning within the faith. They discuss the evolution of LGBTQIA+ representation in Jewish communities and the significance of understanding diverse identities in contemporary society. There is an emphasis on the need for open conversations about faith, history, and identity, highlighting the role of community in supporting individuals navigating their spiritual and personal journeys.

❓ What to Expect in This Episode:

🎓An emphasis on the importance of inclusive education for youth and families.

✡️Reconstructing Judaism, offering a more inclusive approach to faith.

🏳️‍🌈Examining historical narratives that overlook significant figures and events, especially in LGBTQIA+ history.

👥An emphasis on community support, vital for navigating life's challenges.

Real Stories, Real Advice: Anne-Marie and Barbara share personal stories about times when negativity impacted their lives, the stories they told themselves that perpetuated their negative thought cycles, and how they put an end to negative thinking.

✨ Why This Matters:

It is important to recognize diverse identities within religious communities. And, community support is crucial for individuals exploring their identities within Judaism. Understanding the evolution of LGBTQIA+ rights is essential for intergenerational dialogue. Inclusivity in religious spaces can enhance community bonds and support.

Authentically Us is a support community for later-in-life LGBTQ women at all stages of the coming out and beyond process. Coming out later in life is often accompanied by suffering. Whether you're looking to deconstruct messages from a conservative faith tradition, experience divorce-related guilt, or struggle with feelings of shame around your coming out or sexual identity, Authentically Us has the right kind of support for you. Monthly subscription to Authentically Us on Mighty Networks is $35/month, but you can try your first week for free. Find Authentically Us at https://bit.ly/Authentically-Us

Learn more about Rebecca's work and SOJOURN at https://sojourngsd.org/

💬 Join the Conversation:

Have you had to reconcile your faith with your sexuality? Let's talk about it! Comment and let us know your thoughts.

🔗 Visit our website:

Anne-Marie's : [ annemariezanzal.com]

🔗 Follow us on social media:

💠 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amzanzal

💠 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/annemariezanzalcoaching/

💠 Twitter: twitter.com/annemariezanzal

💠LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemariezanzalpurposefulempowerment/

Join Authentically Us, a community and support space for late blooming lesbians! Find us at https://www.annemariezanzal.com

Lotus Community Coaching is a 6-month program for women who are reevaluating their sexual identity, coming out as LGBTQIA+, and transitioning from a straight, married life to an independent life. If you're struggling and need help during this challenging time, learn what Lotus Community Coaching can offer you: https://annemariezanzal.com/lotus-community-coaching/

Ever get stuck in a cycle of negative thinking? It happens to all of us! During periods of challenge, grief, or adversity, our normal coping skills may be stretched and we can easily find ourselves spiraling into a cyclone of negative thoughts. So, what can we do about it?

In this candid episode, Anne-Marie Zanzal and Barbara Rowlandson share personal insights on overcoming negativity's grip – from its impact on how we see ourselves to navigating difficult relationship dynamics. Explore the power of community, the peace found in mindfulness, and the clarity gained through rituals and journaling. If you're seeking strategies to reframe negative thinking and embrace self-love, this conversation offers valuable perspectives and highlights affirmations as key tools for personal growth and acceptance.

❓ What to Expect in This Episode:

⛓️Anne-Marie and Barbara talk about how negativity impacts our personal growth and relationships.

🦉Discussion on how reframing thoughts can improve your mental health.

🧘Making distinctions between what is true and negative self talk that stems from core beliefs about self.

👥Exploration of rituals that dispel negativity

Real Stories, Real Advice: Anne-Marie and Barbara share personal stories about times when negativity impacted their lives, the stories they told themselves that perpetuated their negative thought cycles, and how they put an end to negative thinking.

✨ Why This Matters:

Negative thinking arises from feelings of shame and guilt, emotions experienced by many women who come out later in life. The shame and guilt is often rooted in deeply ingrained, gendered expectations for women. As we step away from heteronormativity and into our authentic selves and sexual identity, it is the perfect time to end negative internal narratives about what it means to be a good woman and change our inner-script to be more affirming.

Authentically Us is a support community for later-in-life LGBTQ women at all stages of the coming out and beyond process. Coming out later in life is often accompanied by suffering. Whether you're looking to deconstruct messages from a conservative faith tradition, experience divorce-related guilt, or struggle with feelings of shame around your coming out or sexual identity, Authentically Us has the right kind of support for you. Monthly subscription to Authentically Us on Mighty Networks is $35/month, but you can try your first week for free. Find Authentically Us at https://bit.ly/Authentically-Us

💬 Join the Conversation:

Do you struggle with negative thinking and rumination? How did it impact you during your coming out process? Is it something you still deal with? Let's talk about it in the comments!

🔗 Visit our website:

Anne-Marie's : [ annemariezanzal.com]

🔗 Follow us on social media:

💠 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amzanzal

💠 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/annemariezanzalcoaching/

💠 Twitter: twitter.com/annemariezanzal

💠LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemariezanzalpurposefulempowerment/

Authentically Us: A space for women who are coming out later in life. Join us for support groups, education, and community for just $34.99/month - your first week is free! https://bit.ly/Authentically-Us

Need a deeper level of support for coming out and getting through "The Messy Middle?" Lotus Community Coaching is a 6-month program for women coming out later in life. Learn more at https://comingoutsupport.net/coaching-program

This week, please enjoy this revisited episode from season five, featuring Dr. Tina Schermer-Sellers. Dr. Tina Schermer-Sellers is a therapist, sex educator with a Ph.D. in clinical sexology, author, and Medical Director for the Northwest Institute on Intimacy. Tune in as host Anne-Marie Zanzal has a wide-ranging conversation with Dr. Schermer-Sellers about sexuality, gender identity, the harmful repercussions of purity culture on sexuality and relationships, and society's shift towards acceptance of diverse identities.

This episode is of particular interest to anyone who has endured purity culture. Purity culture in America (and other countries) has truly made sex and sexuality points of angst and shame for so many people, straight and gay. If you've been impacted by the vice of purity culture, we encourage you to listen to this episode as a step towards healing.

Connect with Dr. Tina Schermer-Sellers at www.tinaschermersellers.com

🔗 Visit our website: Anne-Marie's : [ annemariezanzal.com]

🔗 Follow us on social media:

💠 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amzanzal

💠 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/annemariezanzalcoaching/

💠 Twitter: twitter.com/annemariezanzal

💠LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemariezanzalpurposefulempowerment/

Want to check out the April 2025 events highlighted at the start of this episode? Visit Authentically Us at https://bit.ly/Authentically-Us

🌈 In this episode, host Anne-Marie Zanzal and coming out coach Barbara Rowlandson explore the complexities of estrangement, grief, and the societal narratives surrounding suffering. They discuss personal experiences with estrangement from children, the impact of diet culture on self-worth, and the cultural messages that equate suffering with love and worthiness, particularly for women. Their dialogue emphasizes the importance of choosing joy over suffering, recognizing the dual realities of grief and happiness, and challenging the comfort found in familiar suffering. Anne-Marie and Barb encourage listeners to rethink their relationship with suffering and embrace a more compassionate view of themselves and their experiences. Themes explored in this episode include struggle, ease, and the inherent worthiness of joy, the importance of self-acceptance, the practice of allowing joy to be a default state, and the necessity of releasing unnecessary suffering. Listeners are encouraged to embrace their worthiness and the joy that comes with it, challenging the narrative that happiness must be earned through hardship.

❓ What to Expect in This Episode:

⛓️Anne-Marie and Barbara talk about harmful messages about self-worth and joy that are directed at women.

🦉Discussion on how opposing feelings like grief and joy can coexist and are not mutually exclusive.

🧘The roles of mindfulness and self-compassion in overcoming suffering.

👥How community support can help individuals thrive, cultivate self-kindness, and embrace their true selves.

Real Stories, Real Advice: Anne-Marie and Barb discuss their personal relationships to suffering and how and when they learned in early life that suffering is a virtue. They share anecdotes about family estrangement, diet culture, religion, and divorce to highlight their relationship to suffering, and then discuss how they deconstructed the belief that suffering is virtuous, learning to live without shame and suffering as a prerequisite to joy.

✨ Why This Matters:

Women are raised with strong messages about what it means to be a good girl or woman, and those lessons become deeply ingrained, lasting well into adulthood. Suffering and self-sacrifice are seen as womanly burdens, and women are groomed to expect that suffering is normal and noble. When women come out later in life and leave their heteronormative lives, there is an opportunity to step away from societal expectations and embrace self-love and joy without conditions that include suffering.

Authentically Us is a support community for later-in-life LGBTQ women at all stages of the coming out and beyond process. Coming out later in life is often accompanied by suffering. Whether you're looking to deconstruct messages from a conservative faith tradition, experience divorce-related guilt, or struggle with feelings of shame around your coming out or sexual identity, Authentically Us has the right kind of support for you. Monthly subscription to Authentically Us on Mighty Networks is $35/month, but you can try your first week for free. Find Authentically Us at https://bit.ly/Authentically-Us

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Has this episode made you think about your own relationship to suffering? Drop a comment and let's talk about it!

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