In this episode, I sit down with Anniston Riekstins to explore what it truly looks like to live in alignment with your body instead of constantly pushing against it. One of the most powerful themes from our conversation is the idea that life isn’t about perfection—it’s about perception. When we shift how we see ourselves and our experiences, everything begins to change.

Anniston shares how understanding the inner workings of her body became a turning point in her life. Rather than suppressing or overriding her emotions, she learned to feel them, process them, and listen to what her body was communicating. This awareness allowed her to regulate her nervous system, gain clarity, and make aligned decisions without falling into patterns of burnout, overwhelm, or self-abandonment.

A key part of her journey has been cycle tracking—honoring the natural rhythms of the menstrual cycle and recognizing that each phase brings a different strength. From the intuitive nature of the menstrual phase, to the creativity of the follicular phase, the magnetism of ovulation, and the reflection of the luteal phase, she shares how embracing these shifts can transform the way we live, work, and show up in our lives.

This conversation is a reminder that not every week is meant to look the same, and that true confidence is built through action—while also allowing space for rest and surrender. Anniston highlights that some of the deepest healing comes from simply sitting still, listening, and allowing yourself to feel.

If you’ve ever struggled with burnout, disconnection, or feeling out of sync with your body, this episode offers a powerful perspective on how to reconnect, realign, and create a life that feels both sustainable and fulfilling.
Connect with us! Cynthia instagram @thehealingfood Anniston: @annistonblairriekstins

In this episode, you’ll hear a powerful conversation about how the way we think shapes the way we experience our lives—especially in the middle of trials. I’m joined by my beautiful guest, Melissa Ashton, who shares her wisdom and personal experiences around navigating challenges with intention and perspective. Together, we explore the idea that even in difficult seasons, there is purpose, growth, and even joy available to us when we learn how to shift the voices we listen to and the beliefs we hold.

Melissa opens up about the reality of self-doubt, fear, and imposter syndrome, and how these feelings show up for every woman who is trying to do something meaningful. She reminds us that those negative thoughts aren’t the truth—and that learning to recognize and replace them is a key part of leading yourself first. Through her insight, you’ll see how feeling your emotions, rather than suppressing them, allows you to step back into your power and realize you are capable of more than you think.

What makes this episode so grounding is the reminder that life is already extraordinary—you just have to slow down and notice it. Melissa shares simple but impactful ways to become more present, from observing the beauty around you to connecting more intentionally with others. This conversation will leave you feeling empowered, supported, and inspired to embrace your life as it is right now, while stepping forward with more confidence, purpose, and peace.

Connect with us! 
Cynthia on Insta: @thehealingfood 
Melissa @melissalynneashton

Have you ever wondered why you sometimes “lose it”? With tears or with temper. 

While we are always responsible for our actions, it’s just as important to understand what’s happening beneath the surface—why you feel the way you feel, and what drives your reactions in those intense moments. Showing up for yourself means getting curious, not just critical.

Therapist Ashly Leavitt describes this experience as “The Spin”—and in her words, "a cycle of negative thought patterns that begins with a single thought and quickly builds in intensity. Like a whirlpool, it pulls you in, making it increasingly difficult to step back or break free."

In this episode, we’re unpacking what’s actually happening in your mind (and hormones) during these moments—and more importantly, what you can do to interrupt the cycle and regain control.

I read a post today from @lawofattractionlive that said someone told them that whenever they feel nervous and their heart starts beating really fast, they call it their Inner Applause because their body is cheering them on.  That reached me on a deep level. I believe it is so true that our body is cheering us on. And when we have symptoms show up in midlife like hair falling out, waking up in the middle of the night and crazy moods its our body speaking to us and although it may feel on the contrary, it really is our body cheering us on.

I believe it's never too late, we're never too old and we're never too far gone. In fact, it's perfect timing. Join my FREE Master Class to learn all the things you need to know to Thrive Through Menopause and Rock Your Best Self- Naturally https://www.cynthiasumner.info/rock-your-best-self or get started right now https://www.cynthiasumner.info/order-form

I recently held an event to uplift and nurture women. I had several beautiful women speak on the power of nutrition, confidence, femininity, hormones and nature. Aubrey Taylor, a returning guest on my podcast, spoke on the power of nature and was truly inspiring! The women were in awe of the healing capacity and influence right in their own fingers tips and right out their own front door. Mother nature is powerful and wise and so incredibly healing. 

Aubrey shares insight and wisdom on the healing power of sunlight, moonlight, plants, soil, and fresh air. Nature supports and benefits our hormones, gut, brain, emotions, and femininity. Grab a blanket, cup of tea and head outside to listen to a podcast sure to inspire and nourish you. 

There is a heightened awareness on two topics right now,  insulin resistance and protein. I get a lot of questions from ladies in perimenopause so I will be covering these hot topics in this podcast.

 Understanding the Cortisol cycle, insulin cycle and need for protein is essential to thriving through menopause. Weight gain, mood swings, high blood sugar and low energy are a few symptoms many are experiencing and in this podcast I reveal a remedy that everyone has access to that stops the Cortisol cycle. 

I also cover details about protein and how to support your body in the best way with this powerful support. If you are ready to Thrive Through Menopause and want support that shows you exactly what to do in a way that fits your unique body, message me. 

I will share with you all my secrets for feeling better now by support you at the root level. I got you! Email me at wholehealingorders.com or message me on instagram @thehealingfood and let me know that you want all the secrets to Thrive Through Menopause! 

Melissa Taylor is a Reiki Master, yoga instructor, sound therapist, astrologer, and 2-time survivor of breast cancer. She excels at helping others find natural solutions for their health issues. Melissa brings awareness and balance within each individual to a higher level as she offers priceless tools for self healing the mind, body, and spirit. Working with ordinary people of all ages and walks of life, her client list also includes professional musicians, and professional athletes who have sought her expertise to help them bring balance and healing in their careers and personal lives. She believes the impossible is possible!

In this episode you will learn what Astrology is and what it is not. Why the planets affect us, how they support us and that they do NOT tell the future for us. I love that Melissa believes and teaches that we always have a choice no matter what, that we are the author of our lives (I love this because I also believe it!). While they don't tell the future, they are a guiding light that brings much  perspective and personal power. Astrology is one tool of countless ways we are supported here on earth, and it is a powerful one. 

Connect with Melissa Taylor here

instagram: @healwithmelissa
website: www.healwithmelissa.com
email: [email protected]

Understandably women (and men) often have a negative perspective on periods, cycles, menopause and hormones but what if we changed our perspective? In this podcast I share a new way to think about the menstruation cycle. Why we have fluctuating emotions, cramps, bloating, weight gain and sleep issues. Join me in switching to a healing and supportive perspective. One that includes, compassion, understanding and respect. In this way we facilitate healthy relationships, healing, success and a happier life. We do this by honoring the miraculous body. 

Did you know that in 1822 the average American consumed 45 grams of sugar. In 2012 the average American consumed 765 grams of processed sugar. YIKES! That is 130 pounds a year, 3 pound a week and 3,550 pounds in the average life-time. 

This equals 1,767,900 skittles which equals a dumpster size container. This is deeply harmful because processed sugar has zero vitamins, zero minerals, zero enzymes and zero fiber. It provides nothing constructive but does cause damage. Sugar leaches nutrients from the cells and bones. This directly affects our emotions and body contributing to depression, anxiety, joint pain, weight gain, inflammation and diseases. 

But natural sugar is full of vitamins and minerals. Also the good news is that there are so many options to enjoy food that tastes delicious and is full of nutrients. Decide on one goal to start today that will support your mental and physical health including your hormones. 

Grab my recipe book, packed with recipes that are full of nutrition and tastes delicious. https://cynthiasumner.net/product/recipe-book/
And visit me on instagram for free tips and recipes @thehealingfood

We can't see our feelings so often times the power they have go unnoticed. Epigentics proves that what we think and feel directly affects our body, including our hormones. Because our hormones affect every function of our body, our thoughts are a powerful tool when directed.  In this podcast I will share powerful knowledge and tools so you can use this superpower within your own self to support not only your hormones but your peace and whole health.