Grit 'n' Grace: The Podcast for Highly Sensitive Christian Women

Why does getting what you want sometimes feel so wrong? You finally speak up, advocate for yourself, and even win—but instead of feeling victorious, you're hit with guilt, second-guessing, or a sudden urge to backtrack. What is up with that? Well, in this episode, I'm sharing a real-life situation that left me wondering ...

• why asking for what I want feels so uncomfortable
• why getting what I want can feel so much worse than just going with the flow, and
• how this is all tangled up with people-pleasing, perfectionism, and a deep DEEP desire for certainty.

So if you've ever struggled to stand your ground, let's talk about how to move forward with confidence—minus the emotional whiplash!

Links mentioned:

• The Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe: https://CheriGregory.com/Cafe/
• Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz: https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/

Episode Webpage: https://CheriGregory.com/episode288

Do you sometimes get caught up in the cycle of feeling 'not enough'? If so, you're not alone! In this episode, Amy Carroll returns as my guest co-host, and we get real about the questions of "enough-ness" that so many of us wrestle with, especially as Highly Sensitive Christian Women. In this deeply personal conversation, Amy opens her heart around the worry Am I enough? while I share my life-long struggles with wondering Am I DOING enough? Throughout this episode, you'll discover practical ways to identify and shift the beliefs that keep you stuck in overthinking, overworking, and self-doubt. You can embrace your identity as God's beloved … and you can learn to discern when enough is truly enough.

Links mentioned:

• The Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe: https://CheriGregory.com/Cafe/
• Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz: https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/

Episode Webpage: https://CheriGregory.com/episode287

Are you the person everyone turns to — because you're the peacemaker, the caregiver, the one who always says yes — but deep down you're running on empty? In this honest and hope-filled conversation, guest co-host Danielle Grosse explores "the Heart of a Helper" and helps us understand why those of us who love to serve often struggle to receive. She shares

• why it's so difficult to admit when we need help,
• how we can let others pour back into us, and
• what happens when we finally give ourselves permission to heal.

If helping others has ever felt like both your greatest joy and your heaviest burden, this episode is for you. Join us for a discussion full of grace, wisdom, and real-life encouragement and that offers a new perspective on what it truly means to serve well as HSPs—without sacrificing your own well-being.

Links mentioned:

• Danielle's website
  • Sign up for Danielle's newsletter ... which includes "Just Ask Dani"
  • Take Danielle's quiz "The Heart of a Helper: Uncover What You Need Right Now"
• Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz: https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/
• Enroll in "Overcome Procrastination & JUST WRITE: 7 Surprisingly Simple Strategies to Get Your Words Flowing" https://writebesideyou.com/join/

Episode Webpage: https://CheriGregory.com/episode286

Have you ever had someone tell you, "You're just imagining things," or "It can't be that loud" (or that bright or that itchy)? If you're a Highly Sensitive Person, you've been there. Other people's reactions to your heightened perceptions can feel isolating, even invalidating. But your experiences aren't wrong; they're uniquely yours. So in this episode, we're looking at how our DNA shapes the way we sense and respond to the world and what that means for those of us who are HSPs. We're also talking about why it's vital to listen to, learn from, and care for the HSP body that God has entrusted to you. Your differences aren't defects — your differences are divine!

Links mentioned:

• The Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe: https://CheriGregory.com/Cafe/
• Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz: https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/

Episode Webpage: https://CheriGregory.com/episode285

Have you ever felt crushed under the weight of a mistake, convinced it's too big to fix? Whether it's a literal mess or a relational misstep, we often respond by piling on guilt, shame, and endless self-blame. But what if there's another way? In this episode, I share the story of a literal spill that led to a deep reflection on responsibility, self-blame, and the gift of grace. We'll talk about how to figure out what's actually yours to own, how to stop beating yourself up for every little thing, and how to open your heart to God's grace—even in life's sticky situations. If you're ready to stop over-owning every mess and start letting grace lead the way, this episode is for you!

Links mentioned:

• The Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe: https://CheriGregory.com/Cafe/

• Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz: https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/

Episode Webpage: https://CheriGregory.com/episode284

Do you ever feel hesitant to speak up for yourself? Today we're taking a deep dive into the messy and rewarding realities of candid communication!

From navigating subtle hints to standing firm in your voice, guest co-host Amy Carroll and I share personal stories, practical insights, and a paradigm shift that caught me off-guard. You'll discover why "clarity is kind," learn how to balance honesty with grace, and gain tips for approaching even the toughest conversations with confidence. Listen in to this candid convo about candid convos filled with wisdom, wit, and the occasional buzzzzz of "aha moments"!

Links mentioned:

• The Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe: https://CheriGregory.com/Cafe/

• Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz: https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/

Episode Webpage: https://CheriGregory.com/episode283

Do you love dreaming, brainstorming, and making big plans … but then get completely stuck when it's time to actually #DoTheThing? As the year wraps up, it's easy to look back at 2024 and feel disappointed (and maybe even guilty) over all the things you meant to do but didn't quite get to. Friend, you are not alone! HSPs often stall out when the details become overwhelming or resistance starts creeping in. So in this episode, we're talking about why this happens, how procrastination might actually be protecting you, and—best of all—how you can move forward without guilt, shame, or forcing yourself to push through. Listen in to learn how small, gentle steps can help you build momentum in a way that honors your unique wiring.

Links mentioned:

• HSP Coaching with Cheri
• "Write Beside You" Short-Term Coaching with Cheri
• "Write Beside You" Unlimited Coaching Program with Cheri
• Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz
• The book I mentioned to Marisa: Stumbling on Happiness by Daniel Gilbert

Have you ever found yourself dreading holiday travel, parties, and programs — while everyone around you seems sooo excited? For many of us, all the seasonal festivities can quickly become an overwhelming avalanche of stress, overstimulation, and exhaustion. And then, we end up feeling guilty for not being able to "just roll with it" … or even ashamed that we can't focus on "the reason for the season." So today, we're exploring:

• why travel and big events can take such a huge toll on us

• how past choices have made things harder than necessary

• how-to tips for navigating holiday trips and group gatherings.

With intentional planning, you can honor your God-given HSP wiring and truly en-joy the most wonderful time of the year.

Links mentioned:

World's Softest Socks https://worldssoftest.com/

"How to Quickly Calm Your Overwhelmed Heart" eCourse https://CheriGregory.com/calm/

Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz: https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/

Have you ever felt like your big heart and deep emotions are both a gift and a challenge? If you've struggled with burnout — or wondered how to make a difference without losing yourself — this conversation is for you.

Today's guest co-host, Dorcas Cheng-Tozun, shares how to ...

• use your emotional intensity and empathy as strengths …

• care for yourself while caring for others … and

• serve others in ways that don't leave you utterly depleted.

Listen in for truly practical tips on setting boundaries, practicing self-compassion, and sustainably serving the people God has called you to serve.

Links mentioned:

• The Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe: https://CheriGregory.com/Cafe

• Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz: https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/

• Dorcas Cheng-Tozun: https://www.chengtozun.com/

During holidays, many of us feel the bittersweet tension between joy and grief … especially when there's an empty chair at the table. This week's guest co-host, Cheri Fletcher, is here to share a glimpse into her journey through the uncharted territory of grief after losing her beloved daughter Annie more than a year ago. She offers candid encouragement and practical tools to help us honor our loved ones, navigate heavy emotions, and hold space for mourning and meaningful connections. So whether you're grieving or supporting someone who is, you'll find comfort, understanding, and actionable insights to help you lean into both love and loss during this tender season. Links mentioned in episode:

• Cheri Fletcher's podcast episode: "Now What? When You Pray With Holy Expectations but the Unexpected Happens"
• Blog post I wrote years ago about Cheri Fletcher's reaction to learning that she's a Highly Sensitive Person: "The One Truth Every HSP Needs to Know"

• Get your sample set of Cheri Fletcher's conversation cards — Move Beyond "I Just Don't Know What to Say"
• Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Quiz
• Learn more about the "Growing Sensitive & Strong" program