Real Positive Change - Faith • Creativity • Mindful Awareness

Real Positive Change - Faith • Creativity • Mindful Awareness

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Real Positive Change - Faith • Creativity • Mindful Awareness episodes

  • Episode 14 - Take a Moment to Renew

    We’re coming off a full month of gathering, celebrating, giving, making things, hosting things, being things for other people. And even when those moments were joyful, they were still demanding. So today, I want to offer something different.

     

    Not a push. Not a plan. But permission. Permission to renew.

     

    Recently, my friend Jeri shared something that stopped me in my tracks. She said that after a big event, she intentionally allows herself time to re-enter life. I loved that phrase. Because so often we expect ourselves to move from full speed straight into full productivity—with no transition at all. But renewal happens in the re-entry.

     

    One of the most important things I’ve learned—both personally and through research—is this: Much of our anxiety doesn’t come from the situation itself, but from how our mind translates the situation. Our nervous system doesn’t just react to events. It reacts to meaning. Dr. Caroline Leaf, a neuroscientist who studies the mind-brain connection, explains that our thoughts create physical responses in the body. The brain is constantly asking: Is this safe? Is this overwhelming? Is this too much? When we move too quickly, when we don’t give ourselves time to process, the nervous system stays in a state of alert.

     

    So when January shows up and life “marches on,” we may feel: behind pressured scattered anxious for no clear reason Not because we’re failing— but because we haven’t allowed ourselves to renew the mind between seasons.

    So the question becomes: How do we give ourselves permission to re-enter gently?

    14 min
  • Episode 13 - Focus on Feeling, Not Pressure for this Year's Goals

    Is there greater motivation of sticking with a goal when it is fed by the energy of a feeling, rather than by checking it off a to-do list? Many of the changes we long for most—peace, steadiness, creativity, emotional clarity—don’t respond well to pressure. They respond to our inner environment.

     

    So today, I want to shift the question just slightly.
Not: What should I do this year?
But: What kind of environment do I want to create inside of me?

     

    Website: https://realpositivechange.com

    12 min
  • Episode 12 - A New Year and New Motivation

     This Year instead of asking, "What do I want to change?"   Ask, "What do I want to nurture?"

     

    There’s usually a surge of energy around New Year’s resolutions—hope, excitement, determination.
“This is the year,” we tell ourselves.
“This time it will stick.” However, for many women, resolutions quietly fade—not because they failed or lacked discipline —but because resolutions are often built on emotion alone.

     

    So today, I want to invite a gentle shift.
What if, instead of New Year’s resolutions, we focused on New Year motivations?

     

    I talk about how emotions are like waves.
They rise.
They peak.
They pass. When we fight them, they feel bigger.
When we acknowledge them, they often soften. This is where changing the translation of a situation matters. Instead of saying:
“This feels hard, so I must be failing.” We begin to say:
“This feels hard because growth is happening.”

     

    I show you how to change your reactions as I take you through the STORY model.  You learn how to stop fighting, or burying these emotions and make what you can do to achieve your change.

     

    Visit my website:  https://realpositivechange.com

     

    16 min
  • Podcast 11 - Navigating Motherhood with Adult Children

    I am focusing today on how to walk alongside adult children in a season where your role is changing. I had this question come to my mind, "How do we discern when we are being God’s hands—helping, supporting, and standing beside our children—and when we are unknowingly getting in the way of His greater work by trying to rescue them from suffering?"

     

    I thought of Mary. She carried Jesus, nurtured Him, loved Him with a mother’s heart—and then she watched Him suffer for the sake of all mankind. Surely, if it were possible, every maternal instinct within her would have wanted to stop it. To intervene. To protect Him from pain. Yet Mary did not cling to her own will. She surrendered to God’s. She trusted that God’s purpose, though unimaginably painful, was greater than her instinct to rescue. Her obedience did not mean she loved her Son any less—it meant she trusted God more.

     

    In this episode, I visit the situation that happens when adult children expect us to step in—because we always have—and how restraint can feel like rejection. Taking on these new perceptions: 
I can love without fixing.
I can support without removing consequences.
I can stay connected without taking over. A question to ask ourselves when the urge to rescue rises, pause and ask:
“Am I being invited to act… or to trust?” And then:
“Will stepping in here strengthen my child’s dependence on God—or on me?”

     

    We cover this and more as we learn to take on a new role of motherhood.

    website: https://realpositivechange.com

    instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cathyfreemanart/

     

    22 min
  • Episode 10 - Kindness - It's better than Chocolate & A Gift Worth Giving

    How are you feeling?  I hope you have a happy, wiggle in your step....if not, I have an idea that may add a little spark.... it ranks right up there with chocolate! 

    I am talking about how to get our brain to release those feel-good chemicals  without the added calories that sweets will give us.   

    I’m talking dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin — the same kind of “ahhh” response we associate with chocolate 🍫 (but without the sugar crash).

     

    It's short and easy to listen to on your phone....click here.   Besides that it won't cost you a thing, so forward it to a girlfriend, or two.

     

    After conducting a deep dive into the study of kindness, I now consider it our Superpower. Research shows that acts of kindness trigger the release of dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin—chemicals in the brain that promote calm, connection, and well-being. At the same time, kindness helps lower cortisol—the stress hormone that keeps us tense, reactive, and emotionally exhausted. In other words, kindness doesn’t just help others…
it physically calms your own body. That’s why offering kindness often leaves you feeling lighter, steadier, and more at peace.  

     

    Kindness Creates Connection—and Connection Is Protective Studies consistently show that kindness strengthens social bonds and a sense of belonging. And here’s why that matters:
Human connection is one of the strongest buffers against stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm. When you practice kindness—whether it’s listening, encouraging, or helping—you’re reinforcing a message to your nervous system:
“I’m not alone. We’re connected.” That sense of connection is deeply stabilizing. Kindness Supports Physical Health.  

     

    Research also links consistent acts of kindness and volunteering to: Lower blood pressure Improved heart health Stronger immune response Greater longevity So kindness is not just emotional or spiritual—it’s physical. Your body was designed to thrive in generosity, not isolation.   Want more? Visit my website: https://realpositivechange.com

    Follow me on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/cathyfreemanart/

     

     

    20 min
  • Episode 9 - Perfectionism - When It Becomes Trouble

    Perfectionism is often driven by the fear of disappointing others more than the desire to do something well.   

    Let's talk today on....What perfectionism is, how it connects to not wanting to let people down or feeling judged, AND when striving for excellence turns into unhealthy perfectionism.

     

    Is There Anything Wrong With Wanting to Do Things Perfectly? No — wanting to do things well is a beautiful desire.
It reflects integrity, care, excellence, and often a deep desire to honor God with your best. But here’s the truth: most women aren’t taught. There’s a big difference between striving for excellence and striving for perfection. Excellence is healthy.
Perfection becomes harmful. Many of us grew up hearing: “Do your best.” “Don’t make mistakes.” “Make it perfect.” “If you’re going to do something, do it right.” Culturally and spiritually, perfection often gets confused with righteousness.
So we assume that doing things perfectly makes us “good,” “worthy,” or “responsible.” Perfection becomes harmful the moment it shifts from motivation to pressure. So today, we’re going to walk through: What perfectionism really is How the nervous system uses it to protect you When excellence turns into something unhealthy And how intention — not pressure — becomes the path back to freedom And of course, I’ll share two powerful Creative Reminders to help you reset your inner story.

    21 min
  • Episode 8 - This Habit Can Calm Your Entire Day

    Have you ever started your day with a great plan, only to have one curveball send you spiraling emotionally? Welcome back to the Real Positive Change podcast.
I’m Cathy, and I am so grateful you’re here. Today’s episode is a personal one — because I’ve been walking through a season of emotional transformation, and it has changed the way I move through my day… the way I show up for my family… and honestly, the way I feel about my life. My husband said to me three separate times this week: “I love this change you’ve made. I don’t know what you’re doing, but keep doing it.” And that was confirmation that the emotional and spiritual work I’ve been doing with God is creating real, visible, and peaceful change. Today we’re talking about the STORY Model —
a simple but powerful way to understand what’s happening inside you emotionally…
and how to stay grounded, centered, and connected to God even when your day takes an unexpected turn. If you're someone who likes life to flow smoothly — no glitches, no last-minute changes — then today’s episode is especially for you. Let’s dive in. ⭐ THE STORY MODEL — Understanding Your Emotional Experience S — Stimulus or Situation This is what happens externally.
An unexpected schedule change.
A frustrating moment.
A conversation that catches you off guard.
A tone of voice.
A decision.
Even silence. Your day begins to shift before you even know it. T — Thought (The First Meaning) Your mind instantly assigns meaning.
This meaning is quick, automatic, and usually shaped by the world around you. It’s the first interpretation before you take a breath. Something like:
“This is frustrating.”
“I didn’t expect that.”
“I don’t like this.”
“I wasn’t ready for this.” Not wrong — just fast. O — Original Emotion This is the natural emotional response. Irritation.
Disappointment.
Sadness.
Surprise.
Concern. It is honest, human, and absolutely valid. But then… R — Reflection (The Second Meaning) This is the deeper emotional layer —
the one that turns the moment into a mirror. Reflection is the meaning you attach to the situation about yourself. It sounds like: “Maybe I’m not important.”
“Maybe I did something wrong.”
“I should’ve been better.”
“I’m being replaced.”
“I’m not valued.”
“This always happens to me.” This is where the second emotion forms —
the heavier one. Reflection is where insecurity, fear, shame, or old wounds quietly slip in. And THIS is what actually intensifies our emotions —
not the situation…
but the meaning we attach to ourselves. 🕊️ A SHORT, GENTLE WORD ABOUT GRIEF (one small section, just supportive — not the whole episode) Something God has been showing me is that many of our emotional reactions are actually connected to grief. Not only the grief of loss,
but the grief of: – Changed plans
– Disrupted routines
– Lost expectations
– A vision for your life not unfolding the way you imagined
– Something familiar ending
– Life moving differently than you hoped These moments carry small but real grief. And when that grief isn’t comforted, it can lead to: Emotional heaviness.
Irritability.
Discouragement.
Hopelessness.
Feeling unseen or unsupported. Recognizing this is not weakness.
It’s wisdom. Because naming the grief keeps it from becoming your whole identity. And that brings us to the part of the model where your power returns… ⭐ Y — YOUR CHOICE This is the split in the road — the moment where you decide the direction your story goes. You have two paths: Path 1 — The Automatic Direction You follow the painful reflection.
You gather evidence to prove the insecurity is true.
Your reactions start confirming the story your emotions wrote. Or… Path 2 — The Intentional Direction You pause.
You breathe.
You invite God into the moment.
And you choose a different meaning… a different direction… a different ending. This is where spiritual growth happens.
This is where emotional freedom grows.
This is where peace gets built — choice by choice. And this is where I want to give you the two creative practices that helped ME shift from emotional spiraling into emotional strength. 🎨 CREATIVE REMINDERS (for the Y moment) Your journal is not just a notebook —
it’s a tool to retrain your nervous system
and anchor your spirit in God’s truth. When you write an affirmation…
and you add color or paint behind the words…
your nervous system receives it as truth —
not just intellectually, but physically. Here are the two I want you to write: Creative Reminder #1 — Identity & Purpose Write this in your journal: “I choose to follow the example of God and be a light to others.
What I do matters.
I MATTER!” Add bold color behind the words —
yellow, gold, or whatever feels like light. Let your mind absorb the truth:
You matter.
Your presence matters.
Your peace matters. Creative Reminder #2 — Comfort for Grief For moments when sadness, loss, or disappointment rise up: “In my sorrow, I choose to lean on God’s everlasting love.
He sees my pain, and I trust that He will heal my heart over time.
I will rest in His promises, knowing He is with me in every moment of grief.” Then add soft, gentle color.
Blues, purples, or whatever feels calming. And speak this scripture over yourself: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” — Psalm 147:3 Let the act of writing…
and the act of adding color…
be your way of choosing the intentional path —
the path toward peace. Friend, your emotions are not the problem.
Your story is simply asking to be understood. And as you begin to see your emotional process through the STORY Model,
you will start navigating your day with more grace,
more resilience,
and so much more peace. You are learning deeper trust.
You are learning to follow God’s will instead of forcing your own.
You are learning to see your story through His eyes. Thank you for spending this time with me today.
You are seen.
You are significant.
And God is walking with you every step of the way. Until next time,
this is Cathy —
reminding you that your story is still unfolding,
and God is not finished writing beauty into it.

    16 min
  • Episode 7 - Is an Emotional Echo running your show?

    Welcome back to the Real Positive Change Podcast. I’m Cathy Freeman, and today we’re stepping into a conversation every woman needs—but rarely gets. Have you ever had a moment where a small disappointment hits you way harder than it should? Or a simple request from someone suddenly feels overwhelming… and you don’t know why? You’re not alone. Today we’re talking about The Emotional Echo—why certain moments feel bigger, heavier, or more tender than the situation deserves. And more importantly, how old interpretations from your past may still be shaping how you feel today. We’re going to look at: the two layers of every emotion, Why does your body react first, how your mind often piles on meaning, and how simple creative reminders can help rewrite emotional pain and bring peace to your nervous system. This episode is gentle, eye-opening, and deeply empowering.
Let’s begin. MUSIC Welcome back to the Real Positive Change Podcast.
I’m Cathy Freeman, and today we’re talking about something that has brought so many women—myself absolutely included—relief, clarity, and compassion: A better understanding of the two layers in every emotional experience. This simple framework has changed the way I experience overwhelm, disappointment, frustration, and even those moments where I whisper to God… “I can’t take one more thing.” Today, I’m going to walk you through: Why emotions feel so intense The surprising second layer that makes them heavier than they need to be How Creative Reminders + art can lift emotional overload out of your nervous system And by the end, you will have language, compassion, and a clear path forward. SECTION 1 — The First Layer: Emotion Let’s begin with something most women have never been taught: 👉 Emotions come in waves… and the physical wave only lasts about 90 seconds. That insight comes from Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, a Harvard-trained neuroscientist.
She discovered that from the moment a feeling is triggered in the body, the chemical reaction runs its course in about a minute and a half. That’s it.
The first layer is simply: Tightness in the chest Tears rising Shoulders tensing Heat in the face That sinking feeling in your stomach All of that is the body's chemical response — not a character flaw, not a failure, not a weakness.
Just the human body doing what it was designed to do. SECTION 2 — Then comes The Second Layer: Your Interpretation Here is where everything gets heavier: 👉 Interpretation is the meaning your mind attaches to the emotion. This layer is optional — but it feels so real. And interpretation can sound like: “This is happening again. I can’t handle it.” “See… I’m not enough.” “Other women do this better. Why can’t I?” “This must mean something is wrong with me.” “If I were stronger, this wouldn’t bother me.” The emotion lasts 90 seconds.
The interpretation can last hours…days or even years. And when these old interpretations begin to repeat themselves, I call that: The Emotional Echo. It's when today’s feelings are amplified by yesterday’s meanings. SECTION 3 — Example 1: Disappointment Let’s say something small happens: You planned dinner.
You hoped everyone would appreciate the effort.
But instead… no one seems to notice. Emotion (first layer):
A little drop in the stomach.
A wave of discouragement.
Maybe sadness. Interpretation (second layer): “I’m invisible.” “Why do I even try?” “I’m not valued.” “No one appreciates me.” But here’s the truth:
The disappointment didn’t cause all that pain.
The interpretation did. This is where women get exhausted — carrying meanings that were never God’s truth. SECTION 4 — Example 2: Feeling Alone in Responsibility This one runs deep for so many women. Maybe it's caring for a child with special needs…
or managing a household…
or doing emotional labor for the whole family. Emotion (first layer):
Fatigue
Overwhelm
Tension
Tears behind the eyes Interpretation (second layer): “Why am I the only one carrying this?” “If I ask for help, I’m a burden.” “No one sees what I do.” “I should be stronger.” Again… the emotion was simply a wave. The interpretation is the heavy backpack we strap on afterward. SECTION 5 — Example 3: Grief or Loss This one is so important. Emotion (first layer):
A rush of sadness
Tight throat
Heavy chest
 The Interpretation (second layer): “This pain will never end.” “I’m falling apart.” “If I were trusting God more, I wouldn’t feel this deeply.” “Something is wrong with me for still hurting.” The emotion is human. The interpretation is the accusation. And God is nowhere in the accusation. SECTION 6 — The Emotional Echo: How the Brain Reinforces It So here’s what happens in the brain: Emotion → Interpretation → Reinforcement → New Emotion Reinforcement simply means:
Your brain looks around your life for evidence to prove the interpretation. If you think, “I’m invisible,”
your brain will notice every moment in your life that matches and supports that belief. If you think, “I’m failing,”
your brain will highlight every mistake. This is how the emotional echo grows louder — even when the original emotion has long passed. SECTION 7 — How Creative Reminders Rewrite the Emotional Echo This is the part I love, because it is powerful and accessible: 👉 Creative Reminders help replace old emotional meanings with truth. The more you focus on the creative reminder, you begin to build strong thought patterns that are looking for truth rather than old stories to stand as evidence And then, When you pair a Creative Reminder with art, something beautiful happens: The nervous system softens The emotional wave completes The interpretation shifts The “echo” loses its grip A new truth gets embedded through creativity Why art helps:
Art activates the right brain — the part responsible for calm, connection, imagination, and healing.
It opens the body so the new choice of thought can “stick.” Here are some Creative Reminders that rewrite emotional echoes: “The Savior goes before me and clears the way.” “I release what I can’t control and receive God’s peace.” “I am supported, guided, and strengthened today.” “I don’t carry this alone.” “God meets me in every emotion.” “I am allowed to pause, rest, and breathe.” And when you write one of these on a page,
add color,or paint behind it… Your nervous system receives it as truth. Not just intellectually — but physically WHY is that ? Because your brain does not interpret creativity as “just art.”
It interprets it as sensory experience — and sensory experience is what rewires emotional patterns. When you write a phrase, you activate: the language centers of your brain the prefrontal cortex (decision + meaning-making) your motor system (muscle movement signals safety) When you add color, or paint behind the phrase, you activate: the visual processing centers the emotional centers linked to color + memory the parasympathetic nervous system which slows stress responses Together, this becomes a multisensory message that your brain stores more deeply than spoken words alone. Your body says: “I’m seeing it, touching it, choosing it, and experiencing it —
so this must be safe… and this must be true.” That’s why women often feel calmer, clearer, or more grounded after creating something—even a simple color behind a statement.

    15 min
  • Episode 6 - A Changed Look at Overwhelm

     Please join me at Real Positive Change where you can find more at https://realpositivechange.com

     

    Today I want to talk about something every woman I know has felt — but few of us fully understand: overwhelm. It’s more than being busy. It’s more than being tired.
Overwhelm happens when our heart, our mind, and our nervous system get pushed past the point of what we can hold. I want to be very honest because many of you already know part of our story.
My husband and I live with our adult son who has a severe mental illness. He has episodes — sudden, loud, sometimes destructive — and every one of them is unpredictable. There have been nights when I’ve prayed instantly, and God calms him.
And there have been nights when I thought, “Lord, I don’t even want to pray. I’m tired. I want out of this.” That moment taught me something powerful about overwhelm — and it’s a lesson that can help women with all kinds of intense emotions, whether grief, anxiety, frustration, or anger. SECTION 1 — Feeling Overwhelmed vs. Being Overwhelmed Let’s start with a key distinction: Feeling overwhelm is the body’s signal. It’s a natural response to pressure, intensity, or emotional load. Being overwhelmed is what happens when we identify with the feeling and believe a story about it. Think of it like a kitchen smoke alarm: The beeping = the feeling of overwhelm (signal). The thought, “I’m a terrible cook because the alarm went off” = being overwhelmed (sentence, judgment, story). When you’re feeling overwhelmed, your body is telling you: “Something needs adjustment. I need breath, space, or rest.” When you are being overwhelmed, your mind says: “I can’t handle this. Something is wrong with me. I’m failing.” Feeling overwhelmed is neutral, informative, and actionable.
Being overwhelmed is judgmental, identity-based, and disempowering.

    16 min
  • Episode 5 - Your Story, Your Emotions, Your Power to Change It

    “Let Go of Bitterness: Be the Hero of Your Own Story”
(How to Process, Release, and Rewrite What’s Been Holding You Back) 
Have you ever noticed that when we stay angry for too long... it starts to change shape?
At first, anger feels sharp — like fire.
But if we hold onto it, it cools and hardens into something heavier.
Something we might call... bitterness. And here’s the tricky thing — when we hold onto that bitterness,
we think we’re punishing the other person…
but really, we’re punishing ourselves. Our mind keeps replaying the story — trying to make sense of it —
but every replay keeps us stuck in the same pain. The healing begins when we let go.
Not to excuse what happened… but to free ourselves from carrying it. Letting go doesn’t mean forgetting or pretending it was okay.
It means saying: “I will no longer give this story the power to control how I feel.” That’s when peace begins to return.
That’s when you become the hero of your story — instead of the victim replaying it. 
Let’s talk about that today. 🎶 [Insert your opening music here – 8–10 seconds] 
Welcome back, friends. Have you ever noticed how anger can linger — and then shift from heat to heaviness?
At first, it feels justified.
We’ve been hurt or betrayed, and it seems fair that the other person should feel our pain. But often… they’re not even thinking about it.
Meanwhile, we’re the ones replaying the moment — over and over again. Each time we revisit it, our brain and body respond as if it’s happening right now.
Our heart rate rises.
Our muscles tense.
Those painful feelings return. We stay locked in that moment emotionally, unable to move forward.
So while we may think holding onto bitterness “teaches them a lesson,”
it actually keeps us trapped in the pain. That’s what we mean when we say —
we end up punishing ourselves,
not because we deserve it,
but because our mind is still trying to resolve what happened. 
The healing begins when we let go.
When we stop giving the story power — and start reclaiming our peace. Today, we’ll explore how that happens —
how to release the emotion, reframe the story,
and step into your role as the hero of your own journey,
with the help of Christ and a few simple tools for peace. How Anger Turns into Bitterness 
Anger is a natural emotion.
It’s a signal that something feels unjust or painful. In its healthy form, anger moves us to act —
to speak up, set boundaries, or make a change. But when we don’t process it — maybe because we’re afraid of conflict, or we don’t feel heard —
it doesn’t just disappear.
It gets stored. Over time, the mind starts replaying the situation:
“They always do this.”
“It’s not fair.”
Those thoughts take root — and anger begins to harden into bitterness. (Pause)
Here’s what’s happening in the brain:
Every time we replay the story, we strengthen the same neural pathways —
the mental “roads” that carry those thoughts and emotions. It’s like walking the same trail over and over; it becomes well-worn and automatic.
So each time we revisit the hurt, the emotion floods back just as strongly as before. That’s why it can feel like we’re stuck.
Because in a way — neurologically — we are. But here’s the good news: our brains are changeable.
When we start practicing peace — choosing new thoughts, releasing emotions, and reframing the story — we literally create new pathways for calm, hope, and healing to flow. The Victim Loop and the Hero’s Journey When we’re hurt, our brain wants to make sense of it.
So it automatically builds a story — and usually, we cast ourselves as the victim,
and the other person as the villain. It’s our mind’s natural way of protecting us.
But when we stay in that victim role, we unknowingly give away our power. We wait for someone else to fix it, apologize, or make it right.
And while we’re waiting, we get stuck — in frustration, resentment, and blame. Every great story has a turning point —
the moment the victim decides to become the hero.
The same is true for us. We can’t always change what happened,
but we can change how we frame the story. That’s where the shift begins —
and that’s where the Savior steps in. When we choose to see ourselves as the hero — guided by Christ’s strength —
we invite His grace to help us rewrite the story with peace, purpose, and power. Emotional Stress Release Exercise Before we can rewrite our story, we have to let the emotion move through our body.
Because when we hold it in, it doesn’t vanish — it gets stored. That’s why, even years later, when we think back on a painful memory,
the emotion comes rushing back like it’s happening right now.
It’s not weakness — it’s simply your body reliving what it never released. Here’s a simple exercise to help release that stress safely: 🌬 Emotional Stress Release Practice: Move your eyes gently from side to side 3 to 5 times. Say to yourself, “Release ________” (name the emotion you’re feeling). Squeeze your eyes shut tightly 3 times. Take a deep breath — inhale slowly, exhale slowly. Repeat 3 times. Assess your emotion on a scale of 1–10. (1 = calm, 10 = intense.) Ask: “Does it feel as strong as when I started?” Continue until the emotion feels like a 1 or 2. This helps your body and brain let go of emotional tension — instead of recycling it.
Remember — we can’t think our way out of emotion; we have to let it move through the body. Using the STEAR Model to Reframe the Story Once the emotion has settled, that’s when we can think clearly.
The STEAR model is one of my favorite tools for seeing what’s really going on. S — Situation: The facts of what happened.
T — Thought: What I made it mean.
E — Emotion: What I felt because of that thought.
A — Action: What I did (or didn’t do) as a result.
R — Result: The outcome my thoughts and actions created. Here’s an example: Situation: A friend didn’t include me in an event. Thought: “She doesn’t value me.” Emotion: Hurt and anger. Action: I withdrew and replayed the story in my mind. Result: I felt more isolated — which confirmed my thought. Now, when I pause to release the emotion and shift my thought, I might say:
“Maybe it wasn’t about me. I can still choose to value our friendship.” That new thought creates peace instead of bitterness — and leads to a very different result. 
This is how we move from being stuck in the old story to writing a new one —
one led by faith, awareness, and grace. 
One last thought before we close. When we go back and relive past situations,
we invite those old emotions back in —
and our body reacts as though it’s happening right now. That’s why staying present is so powerful. Every time you notice your mind wandering back into an old story,
you can gently say: “That’s the old story — but I’m living a new one now.” You can feel peace in this moment.
You can choose freedom right here. You are not the victim of your story.
You are the hero — guided, strengthened, and supported by the One who redeems all things. When you release the emotion and reframe the story,
bitterness loses its power —
and peace begins to grow. Christ gives us the courage to face what hurt us,
and the grace to rewrite it. That’s how we move from anger to freedom…
from story to strength. Thanks for joining me today.
If this episode spoke to your heart, share it with someone who might need it too.
And don’t forget to visit My Art Sisters —
a creative space where peace and art meet faith and restoration. Until next time,
keep creating, keep growing, and keep becoming the hero of your own story.

    19 min

About Real Positive Change - Faith • Creativity • Mindful Awareness

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Where women of faith discover how creativity and mindful awareness work together to renew the mind and bring peace to the soul.