Embrace. Live. Thrive.

Happy Holiday season friends!! Today, Britt Smith, founder of She Is Kindred, joins me on the podcast and we get real about what it means as mothers when hear the phrase "holiday season". To be honest that is a loaded phrase often associated with exhaustion and endless lists of things to accomplish. But why? Who sets those boundaries and expectations? The short answer is we do!!  So, what if we start to change that narrative? 

Britt and I talk though how to be intentional during this season and the importance of about quality interactions over quantity. Kids look back and remember moments. Setting boundaries with activities and events is key for your mental health during this season. Please remember your responsibility is to support your family and your health and maybe that makes the holiday season look a little different this year and that is ok! 

Please like and share this episode with all of your friends and let's start normalizing a slower pace around the holidays and simply encouraging each other to be present. I hope you find this episode empowering and I want to wish you a joyous season filled with laughter and time spent with the ones you love. 

 
Ways to find Britt:
Instagram: Brittany Smith (@brittnikelsmith) • Instagram photos and videos
Instagram: She is Kindred (@sheiskindredco) • Instagram photos and videos
Website: Home (sheiskindred.org)


Ways to Find Embrace. Live. Thrive.:
Website: Embrace, Live, Thrive! (embracelivethrive.com)
Instagram: Sarah Meyer (@embracelivethrive) • Instagram photos and videos
Facebook: Embrace, Live, Thrive | O'Fallon MO | Facebook

Britt Bio: Brittany Smith is the vision casting dreamer behind She is Kindred. She's a full-time creative, with a thriving photography + film business that she owns with her husband, Smitty. Britt is a lifelong writer + musician with a heart for storytelling through the arts, and She is Kindred is a project that she believes God has been forming in her for much of her adult life. She lives in the St. Louis area with her husband, Smitty, their four homeschooled kids, and their incredible au pair from Ecuador.

Today, Carla Powderly, owner of Carla Powderly Counseling, joins me on the podcast. We talk about what I consider to be pivotal topic for all healing journeys, the concept of gratitude. Manors dictate that we say thank you and appreciate what individuals have done for us, but the practice of gratitude has a deeper meaning and purpose. It is the ability to see and acknowledge the good that surrounds you no matter what circumstances you are walking through, and it is the driver of joy.

Carla does an excellent job of explaining to us the basics of gratitude and even helps us to understand what gratitude is not. We talk through many important concepts around the mental and physical benefits, but here is one of the most important things I want you to understand, it starts wherever you are. Not sure what I mean? Take a listen and let Carla validate whatever you are feeling and help you take another step on your healing journey.  Plus, she shares some super fun exercises to help get you started with the practice of gratitude.

Please listen, like, and share this episode and help us continue to spread awareness that it's ok to not be ok, but let's not stay there. 


Book Mentioned: Try Softer By Aundi Kolber

Ways  to Find Carla:
Website: Therapy for Individuals, Couples, & Families | St Charles, MO (carlapowderly.com)
FB: (10) Facebook

Ways to Find Embrace. Live. Thrive.:
Website: Embrace, Live, Thrive! (embracelivethrive.com)
FB: (1) Embrace, Live, Thrive | Facebook
Instagram: Sarah Meyer (@embrace.live.thrive) • Instagram photos and videos

Carla Bio:
I received my MA in Counseling from Covenant Theological Seminary and am a licensed counselor in Missouri.

My personal life experiences are vast and help me to understand and connect with clients from varied backgrounds. Years in the corporate and non-profit sectors give me a unique ability to relate to clients in any profession. Helping people discover the importance of their stories, and helping them navigate their unique process of healing and renewal, are some of my greatest delights.

I believe accessing our creativity, wandering about in nature and allowing quiet exploration in times of solitude and silence are integral components of the healing process. I offer walk-and-talk therapy as an alternative to traditional in-office therapy, when appropriate, and as weather permits.

I am a contracted preferred counselor for pastors and their families through Converge Mid America, and spent three years leading women’s cohort groups at Covenant Seminary in St. Louis. I am available to lead retreats, workshops and seminars, and enjoy partnering with area churches, businesses and community organizations.

Grief, sorrow and desperation are familiar companions, and I know shame and fear. Likewise, the joy of childlike belly laughing, goofy dancing around the kitchen, and celebrating life’s myriad minuscule triumphs buoy my soul. Let’s be human together.

Today, Christy Brimm, owner of Two Bridges Counseling joins me on the podcast. Chisty was my counselor, and her calm spirit and gentle guidance helped me get through some of the darkest moments of my life.  She joined us back on episode #3 and taught us all about imposter syndrome and is back today to educate us about mindset.

Mindset is a something you have likely heard about but may not completely understand. It is foundational to our healing journeys and an indicator of how we are moving forward. Christy does an incredible job of explaining the difference between fixed and growth mindset and gives us 5 tips on how to encourage growth mindset in our everyday life.

Please like and share this episode and help us continue to grow. Embrace. Live. Thrive. is on mission to destigmatize mental health issues in motherhood and educate on foundations of healthy living. Change can't start without awareness and knowledge of how to move forward. It's time to understand that it is ok to not be ok, but let's not stay there.

Books:
Mindset by Carol
Think Again by Adam Grant

Ways to Find Christy:
Website: Two Bridges Counseling | Therapy | O'Fallon, MO 63366
FB: (8) Facebook
Instagram: Two Bridges Counseling (@twobridgescounseling) • Instagram photos and videos

Ways to Find Embrace. Live. Thrive.:
Website: Embrace, Live, Thrive! (embracelivethrive.com)
FB: (1) Embrace, Live, Thrive | Facebook
Instagram: Sarah Meyer (@embrace.live.thrive) • Instagram photos and videos

Christy Bio:
Hi. I’m Christy Brimm. I’m so glad you found me at Two Bridges. I grew up in the St. Louis Metro area but on the Illinois side. When I married and moved to Missouri with my husband, the bridge between our states seemed like a great divide. I felt equal parts excitement about what my future might hold and grief about what I was leaving behind. When we moved to St. Charles, it was yet another bridge for me to get back home. I’ve done a lot of work to integrate who I have always been with what life has taught me—making me who I am today.

I know that I wouldn’t be complete without embracing my past, and I need that part of my life to launch me into my future. My way of doing therapy is to focus on your story. Your identity is not locked into where you came from; it is also who you are becoming. In that quest there is joy and sorrow. Pain and beauty. Hurt and healing. Maybe some of those hurts require “two bridges” to restore.

I would be honored to walk with you through your past—the triumph and the regret—to help you realize a peaceful present and anticipate a hopeful future.

I currently live in St. Charles, MO, with my husband of 24 years, 3 teenagers, and a sweet dog named Blu. I find my “happy place” in a good cup of coffee, walks in nature, and belly laughs with friends and family. I value my faith as part of my wellbeing and am open to exploring yours with you as well.

I’m looking forward to getting to know you and your story. You can reach me directly at [email protected] or 636-896-5693.

Today, Joselyn Miller, owner of Motherhood Strong joins me on the podcast cast and we have such a fun conversation. Becoming a mother is something that changes every priority without you even realizing it. It also changes the way you are able to do a lot of things, including your ability to exercise and be active. Especially when you are "in the trenches" those first 18 months to 2 years.

Joselyn started Motherhood Strong to build community and support women in ways that was helpful to the specific season they are in with prenatal and postnatal fitness. She knows that your body is different as you are preparing for having a baby and then again after you deliver. Maintaining your fitness or regaining your fitness has to look different and Joselyn knows just how to teach you how to listen to your body and still get the results that you want.   She teases that she actually put this community together so she could have friends.

Please check out her website and social media. Be sure to share this episode with all of your mom friends and let them know they are not alone if their exercise currently looks really weird. We know that the season of motherhood is one of the hardest we will experience so together let's be Motherhood Strong.

Ways to Find Motherhood Strong:
Website: Motherhood Strong
Facebook: Facebook
Instagram: Motherhood Strong (@motherhoodstrongstl) • Instagram photos and videos

Ways to Find Embrace. Live. Thrive.:
Website: Embrace, Live, Thrive! (embracelivethrive.com)
FB: (1) Embrace, Live, Thrive | Facebook
Instagram: Sarah Meyer (@embrace.live.thrive) • Instagram photos and videos

Joselyn Bio:
Joselyn, the founder of Motherhood Strong, is a mother of three and lover of movement. With a background in dance as well as CrossFit, guiding people to move efficiently and functionally has always been a passion. Since becoming a mother and realizing that there is very little guidance for training during the motherhood journey Joselyn has made it her mission to help other women have the best and most comfortable prenatal and postpartum experiences possible. Joselyn is a certified Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism (PPA) coach and Level 2 CrossFit Trainer.

Today, Sara Chandler, from The Grace Period joins me on the podcast. Sara is one of those people that you meet and can't help but smile. Her passion to support and encourage everyone she meets was clear from the first time we met. Sara's story of struggle is unique in that many of us have never heard the phrase "working homeless".  As a young adult, Sara moved out on her own and ran into difficulty as she navigated roommates, money management, and the appeal of addicting substances. Although she was still working, she got evicted from her apartment and had difficulty getting back on her feet. Sara and her story of redemption, healing, and inspiration to now help others who have similar struggles is incredible. 

The Grace Period is on mission to adults and families who can't yet afford stable housing into self-sufficiency by utilizing transitional housing, high accountability, education and goal setting led by a family-like, faith-based team of staff and volunteers. Please see website and social media for more details.

Episode #129 is another way to bring awareness, understanding, and empathy to all those around us. We know life is hard and we are all struggling with something.  If you are having a hard time and help finding direction. I have coaching spots available and would love to talk more about how to start your journey moving forward.  Remember, its ok to not be ok, but let's not stay there.  

Ways to Find The Grace Period:
Website: Non-Profit faith-based organization | The Grace Period
Facebook: (3) Facebook
Phone #: 636-542-2720
Homeless Helpline: 211

Ways to Find Embrace. Live. Thrive.:
Website: Embrace, Live, Thrive! (embracelivethrive.com)
FB: (1) Embrace, Live, Thrive | Facebook
Instagram: Sarah Meyer (@embrace.live.thrive) • Instagram photos and videos

Sara's Bio:
Sara drives the organization forward and fulfills the Treasurer function, managing and overseeing the financial affairs (including investments, annual budgets and annual reports).  “As a kid, I had two hard-working parents who struggled financially. We didn’t know how to access available resources. As I grew up, I realized that we weren't the only ones going through this. I was the girl who had the open house friends who were homeless or who didn't have food or electricity in their house. I started The Grace Period for parents like mine, for families - like my friends’ families - who just need a little help to get through a hard time. The Grace Period aids in creating self-sufficiency in a society that doesn’t always understand the impact of circumstances that are beyond one’s control. The Grace Period could have helped my parents get their family to a more stable place.”

Today, Michelle Wallweber, Owner of The Drip Factor joins me, and we have a fantastic conversation all about IV nutrition and the importance of supplementation. Michelle is knowledgeable and driven to help individuals start targeting the root cause of their struggles and not just symptom modification. Michelle explains that IV nutrition is a great way to get the vitamins and minerals that our bodies need in a completely bioavailable form. That means our bodies can use it as soon as it enters the body.

Please check out Michelle and The Drip Factor at her website, Facebook, and Instagram. Managing your health is making sure you are taking one step and then another and another. Remembering that it is importance to consider what you are putting in our bodies as that becomes the fuel for every process in our bodies.

After listening to this week's episode please be sure to hit that like button and share with your friends. Our mission to support mommas that are struggling continues and we know that nothing can change without awareness.  Healing will never be linear but will always require forward motion. 

Ways to Find Michelle:
Website: The Drip Factor | IV Therapy & Hydration In Lake St. Louis
Facebook: (8) Facebook
Instagram: The Drip Factor LLC (@thedripfactorx) • Instagram photos and videos

Ways to Find Embrace. Live. Thrive.:
Website: Embrace, Live, Thrive! (embracelivethrive.com)
FB: (1) Embrace, Live, Thrive | Facebook
Instagram: Sarah Meyer (@embrace.live.thrive) • Instagram photos and videos

Michelle Bio:
After 20 years as a Registered Nurse with 9 of those coordinating infusion centers and more than 2 years teaching IV Therapy in a nursing program, The Drip Factor gives me the opportunity to combine what I KNOW with what I LOVE! As I continue to work through another graduate program, this time in the Family Nurse Practitioner Track, my ultimate vision is for a Functional Medicine Practice which incorporates IV Therapy.

Today, Casey Merrell, Owner of Midwest Placenta Encapsulation & U Cord Keepsakes, joins me on the podcast. Casey is one of those individuals that you can't help but smile when you are around her as her joy and enthusiasm shines through in everything that she does. This homeschooling mom of 4 has a passion to not only teach her family but to support and love on women who are navigating their post-partum health journeys. After researching and struggling to find a good option for placenta encapsulation for her own post-partum journey, she determined to figure out for herself and as all good things it has grown and blossomed into a business that she could have never imagined.

This topic is unique and may not fit everyone's journey but is a fascinating option for those looking for natural ways to support their bodies and healing after having their baby.  Casey is knowledgeable and passionate about this topic and shares a lot of great information on the podcast, but has even more information about this topic on her website, which is linked below.

Please listen, like, and share to support the mission of Embrace. Live. Thrive. to destigmatize mental health issues in motherhood and educate women on healthy living.

Ways to Find Casey:
Website: Midwest Placenta Encapsulation – Encapsulating Since 2015. Certified Placenta Encapsulator. Local Services to St. Louis, St. Charles, Lincoln, & Warren Counties in Missouri. Nationwide Shipping Program.
FB: Facebook
Instagram: Midwest Placenta Encapsulation (@midwest_placenta_encapsulation) • Instagram photos and videos
Tik Tok:Midwest Placenta Encapsulation (@midwestplacenta) | TikTok

Ways to Find Embrace. Live. Thrive.:
Website: Embrace, Live, Thrive! (embracelivethrive.com)
FB: (1) Embrace, Live, Thrive | Facebook
Instagram: Sarah Meyer (@embrace.live.thrive) • Instagram photos and videos

Casey Bio: 
My name is Casey and I’m located in Wentzville, Missouri. I’ve been encapsulating placentas since 2015. A little back story… I started researching placenta encapsulation when I was first pregnant with my son in 2015, but it was hard to find someone in my area who did placenta encapsulation (at that time I lived in rural mid-missouri). Therefore, I researched how to do it myself, I checked out a few books, I read a million blogs (at least it feels like it), watched hours of video tutorials, etc. I bought all the needed supplies (empty capsules, pill/capsule press machine, nutrabullet, dehydrator, stainless steel pot, etc.) and once my son was born, I encapsulated his placenta right away and I was astounded by the effects. Throughout the next few weeks, I could literally tell a difference in my mood and energy level when I forgot to take the capsules. Then, I was hooked. I started telling every pregnant friend and family member about it! Since I was telling everyone about it… people started asking me to do it for them. So, I casually encapsulated placentas for a friends and family members over a few years, and then again for myself when my daughter was born in 2017. Since opening, I encapsulated over 400 placentas for so many lovely mamas from all walks of motherhood. Other than that, I’m a stay-at-home mom with four ‘littles’ and a super supportive husband. I truly love anything to do with pregnancy, labor, birth, cloth diapering, baby wearing, houseplants, and of course placenta encapsulation. I’ll be thrilled to work with you if you move forward with placenta encapsulation. 💕

Today, Victoria Nieveen,  shares so much important information about post-partum nutrition. This is an incredible conversation you are going to want to listen to multiple times and share with all of your new mom friends. She teaches us the how and the why of how to support your body post-partum and a big tip is . . . making sure you are eating enough!! We also finish our conversation with a great discussion on communication in marriage after baby. 

Please listen, like, and consider leaving a review and help me continue to spread awareness and education around caring for yourself mind, body, and soul. This platform grows one listener at a time as you hear a message you wished you had known sooner, and you like and share. Together, we can change the stigma around post-partum mood disorders and how to everyone find the support they need.   

Resources Mentioned:  Prenatal Recommendations
-Fullwell Prenatal: https://fullwellfertility.com  (discount code: VICTORIA10 for 10%)
-Prenatal thisisneeded.com codes: FLOFERTILITY for 20% off first orders or FLOFERTILITY100 for $100 total off first 3 mo of the Complete Plan ($33.33 off months 1,2,3) or FLOFERTILITYSAMPLE for $10 off sample packs
Mineral Mocktail recipe:
-1/8 - 1/4 tsp Celtic sea salt or Redmond's salt in a glass of coconut water or water with a splash of fresh orange juice, POM juice, or tart cherry juice. Add magnesium capsules (you can open them and stir them in OR just take them with the drink). There are also magnesium powders that can be added.
- Brands that sell mineral powders: Rayvi and LMNT to mix into water.

Ways to Find Victoria:
Website: vn-nutrition.com
FB: (8) Facebook
Instagram: Victoria | Fertility & Period Nutrition (@flo.fertilitynutrition) • Instagram photos and videos

Victoria Bio: I am an Integrative & Functional Nutrition dietitian who specializes in women’s health. Helping women with absent or irregular cycles nourish their bodies and balance their hormones, so that they can conceive naturally. Unlike conventional protocols, I use a whole-body approach with faith-based coaching to help my clients reconnect with their bodies, regulate their cycles, and optimize their fertility.

My story is what sparked my passion to help women with their cycles and their fertility. I help women with optimizing fertility whether they hope to conceive naturally or if using Assisted Reproductive Technology. This means finally trusting their own body again, cultivating a positive relationship with food, achieving their healthy hormone goals, and integrating all forms of wellness into their lives.

You are not broken. When you work with me, we will make sense of the pieces together. If anyone wants to join my waitlist for the fertility program or for 1:1 coaching, they can email me at [email protected]

Ways to Find Embrace. Live. Thrive.:
Website: Embrace, Live, Thrive! (embracelivethrive.com)
FB: (1) Embrace, Live, Thrive | Facebook
Instagram: Sarah Meyer (@embrace.live.thrive) • Instagram photos and videos 

Today, Mandy Thorne, owner of Wonderfully Made Body in Balance, joins me on the podcast and we have a fantastic conversation. She teaches us about one of the techniques she uses to support her clients, emotional acupressure. This technique combines energy work and the foundational understanding of how the brain processes emotions when it is supported in the right way. Mandy also teaches about life and how we are all still learning.

Please listen, like, and share to help this platform continue to grow. There is a lot of heavy surrounding us these days and let's join together and make a stand to say it's ok to not be ok, but let's not stay there. Asking for help is one of the hardest steps, but bravest steps you can make for you and your family.

Ways to Find Mandy:
Website: Emotional Accupressurist - Wonderfully Made Body In Balance (13914bodyinbalance.com)
Facebook: (2) Facebook
Phone #: 314-409-1372

Ways to Find Embrace. Live. Thrive.:
Website: Embrace, Live, Thrive! (embracelivethrive.com)
FB: (1) Embrace, Live, Thrive | Facebook
Instagram: Sarah Meyer (@embrace.live.thrive) • Instagram photos and videos

Mandy's Bio:
Hello, I’m Mandy. I’m the very proud mother of four children, three of which are on the autism spectrum. I’m also the very proud mother of 3 fabulous foster kiddos. So if you are counting with me that brings my kid load to 7! Needless to say I love kids, I love my family and I love serving others. During my children’s trying times of autism and the additional stress that children in the foster system bare and hold onto we found that the natural approach of reiki and healthy eating helped all of the children heal their bodies, hearts and minds. 

Our bodies are meant to heal, we are fearfully and wonderfully made. The typical American diet and daily stress of life itself can leave our bodies “gummed up” feeling literally sick and tired. Through proper diet and relaxation our bodies can let go of stress, worry and sickness and finally heal.

For the past 10 years I've had the privilege of helping parents win the battle over the dinner table. Having personally dealt with picky eating, living life with food allergies and childhood weight loss I understand first-hand how hard it can be to get children and adults of all abilities to eat healthy. I’ve also had the pleasure of helping children and adults heal simply by relaxing and letting their own bodies energy do the work to rebuild and repair the body and mind. At Wonderfully Made Body in Balance it is or mission to help families combine nutrition and relaxation to create a balanced body and mind.

Today, Erica Guittar, founder of Empowering LEOW, joins me on the podcast and we have a great conversation covering different topics from her perspective as a Law Enforcement Officer Wife. She began as a health coach after struggling with own health and knew she had to help other women find the same freedom she was living. Erica is brilliant, passionate, and focused on providing support to the community of LEOW's. Check out her awesome resources and her online Facebook community listed below.

Please listen. like, and share this podcast as we spread awareness about mental health struggles in motherhood and expose you to all of the awesome resources that are out there. It's ok to not be ok, but let's not stay there and let me walk with you to find the support and help that you need. Watch Embrace. Live. Thrive. social as there are always new posts and upcoming events.  

Resources Mentioned:
Marie Forleo - Everything is Figureoutable : https://amzn.to/3NJlPTK
James Clear - Atomic Habits : https://amzn.to/44cXcUH

Ways to Find Embrace. Live. Thrive.:
Website: Embrace, Live, Thrive! (embracelivethrive.com)
FB: (1) Embrace, Live, Thrive | Facebook
Instagram: Sarah Meyer (@embrace.live.thrive) • Instagram photos and videos

Ways to Find Erica:  
Website : empoweringleowcoaching.com
Instagram: Erica (@empoweringleow) • Instagram photos and videos
Facebook group : https://www.facebook.com/groups/1933689860296872

Erica Bio: 
As police wives, we put ourselves on the backburner and don’t self-advocate. Oftentimes, we negotiate that our husband’s job is so important that our needs can go unmet. We start sacrificing the small things (like a shower) and wake up one day, and don’t even recognize who we are anymore. I created Empowering Law Enforcement Wives as a catalyst for any woman who has lost herself in this life – because I too, was lost.

Welcome to my thoughts, encouragement and honest truths.

For some right now relief, check out all of the freebies I’ve created for you.

I’ve also been curating a super sweet monthly gift for you to receive right on your front porch – a box to make you feel empowered and beautiful. Whatever you choose, I hope to make some kind of difference in your life. After all, we are sisters in blue.