Welcome to the Rise to Freedom podcast! In this special episode, I’m kicking off a powerful 30-day Boldness Challenge—a journey designed to help you break through fear, self-doubt, and hesitation so you can walk boldly in your purpose.

Over the next month, we’re diving into faith, confidence, resilience, and action-taking strategies to help you stop playing small and start showing up for yourself. Whether it’s speaking up, making a bold move, or stepping out of your comfort zone, this challenge is for the woman ready to own her power.

Are you in? Let’s rise boldly together!

✨ Follow & Connect With Me:

🌍 Website: CMColumbusEnterprise.com

📩 Email: [email protected]

📲 Instagram: @RisewithCecilia

🎙️ Listen to the podcast: Rise to Freedom Podcast

#BoldnessChallenge #ConfidenceCoach #FaithOverFear #WomenEmpowerment #RiseToFreedom

Educators are more than lesson plans and test scores—they are leaders, mentors, and changemakers. But behind the scenes, many are navigating personal hardships while still showing up for their students. In this special episode of the Rise to Freedom podcast, host Cecilia Columbus shares why the Still Standing Anthology was created—to give educators a platform to share their untold stories of strength, resilience, and perseverance.

🎙 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

✔️ Why educators’ voices need to be heard beyond the classroom

✔️ The power of storytelling in healing and inspiring others

✔️ How you can become a contributing author in Still Standing

This isn’t just a book—it’s a movement. If you’re an educator who has faced personal challenges but still showed up, your story deserves to be told.

📩 Want to Learn More?

Comment “FREEDOM” or visit freedomencourages.com to join the next Still Standing interest call.

🔗 Stay Connected:

📍 Website: freedomencourages.com

📩 Email: [email protected]

📲 Follow on Instagram: @RiseWithCecilia

📢 Share this episode with an educator who needs to be reminded that their story matters!

Have you ever wanted something badly but found yourself holding back? Maybe you dream of stepping into a new role, launching your business, or sharing your story—but fear, doubt, or perfectionism keeps stopping you. That’s self-sabotage.

In today’s Rise to Freedom episode, I’m breaking down:

•What self-sabotage really is and how it shows up in our lives.

•My personal experience with self-sabotaging my own growth as a speaker.

•Practical steps to stop overthinking and start walking in your purpose.

✨ Your breakthrough is on the other side of fear!

🎧 Tune in now, and let’s talk about overcoming fear, breaking cycles of doubt, and finally moving forward.

📩 Need support? Let’s connect!

🔗 Resources & Coaching: freedomencourages.com

📲 Instagram: @RiseWithCecilia

📩 Email: [email protected]

Have you ever hesitated to share your story because you felt like you were profiting off your pain? In this episode of Rise to Freedom, we explore the power of storytelling and why sharing your journey isn’t about exploiting your struggles—it’s about inspiring and empowering others. I’ll share personal insights on how I once felt ashamed to tell my story, how I overcame that fear, and why your testimony has the power to change lives. Plus, I’ll break down practical steps to confidently share your experiences in a way that brings healing, impact, and even opportunities—without guilt.

If you’ve been holding back, this episode is for you. Tune in now and give yourself permission to own your story!

Connect with Me:

📩 Email: [email protected]

🌐 Website: freedomencourages.com

🎙 Podcast: Rise to Freedom – Available on all major platforms

📲 Instagram: @risewithcecilia

📘 Facebook: CM Columbus Enterprise

📌 Threads: @risewithcecilia

📖 Books & Resources: Available at freedomencourages.com

Self-doubt is the silent dream killer. It whispers that you’re not ready, not qualified, and not enough. But here’s the truth—you were created for more, and your purpose is too big to let fear hold you back.

In this episode of Rise to Freedom, I’m breaking down:

✅ How self-doubt disguises itself as “logic” but is really fear

✅ The dangerous cycle of inaction that keeps you stuck

✅ My personal struggle with self-doubt—and how I pushed past it

✅ Practical steps to silence the inner critic and step into your calling

🎧 Listen in and take the first step toward your purpose—despite fear.

🔗 Connect With Me:

📌 Website & Resources: FreedomEncourages.com

📌 Instagram: @RiseWithCecilia

📌 Email: [email protected]

🎙 Let’s rise together. Hit play and step into your purpose today.

Dealing with difficult coworkers, workplace drama, or leadership challenges? Workplace conflict is inevitable, but protecting your peace is a choice.

In this episode, I share a personal story of handling workplace tension, how I set boundaries, practiced forgiveness, and moved forward, and practical strategies to navigate conflict while staying focused on your goals.

If you’ve faced toxic colleagues, power struggles, or team conflicts, this episode is for you!

🎧 Listen now and take back control of your peace!

Ways to Connect:

✨ Apply to be a part of the Still Standing Anthology (for educators!): FreedomEncourages.com or email me at [email protected]

📲 Follow me on Instagram: @RiseWithCecilia

📩 For coaching or topic suggestions, email me at: [email protected]

How to Stay Inspired and Remember Your ‘Why’ Amid Educational Changes

Teaching is more than a career—it’s a calling. But when the education system keeps shifting, policies change, and expectations grow heavier, many educators find themselves questioning their purpose and wondering if they can keep going.

If you have ever felt burned out, discouraged, or disconnected from the reason you started teaching, this episode is for you.

Why Your ‘Why’ Matters

Your ‘why’ is the driving force behind everything you do as an educator. It is the reason you push through long days, advocate for your students, and continue showing up—even when it is hard. But in the midst of educational uncertainty, teacher burnout, and personal struggles, it is easy to lose sight of it.

In this episode, we will explore:

•How to reconnect with your original passion for teaching

•Practical strategies to stay inspired amid educational changes

•Why your story as an educator matters more than ever

•The power of storytelling and how it can reignite your purpose

Your Story Can Inspire Others

That is why I am inviting educators to be part of the Resilient Educator Anthology—a book that gives teachers a platform to share their stories of resilience, challenges, and triumphs.

If you have ever had to push through burnout, self-doubt, or systemic challenges while still showing up for your students, your voice belongs in this book.

Apply to join the Resilient Educator Anthology at FreedomEncourages.com.

Follow on Instagram for daily inspiration at @RiseWithCecilia.

For questions or collaboration, email [email protected].

Subscribe to the Rise to Freedom Podcast—because your voice, your journey, and your impact matter.

What do teachers wish they knew their first year? In this episode of Rise to Freedom, I break down the hard truths and lessons that every educator needs to hear. From setting boundaries and avoiding burnout to the mental and emotional toll of teaching, we’re getting real about what it takes to survive and thrive in education.

Whether you’re a new teacher, experienced educator, or passionate about education reform, this episode is for you. Plus, learn how you can share your own story in the Resilient Educator Anthology—a book by teachers, for teachers.

Want to join the Resilient Educator Anthology?

Email: [email protected]

For general inquiries, coaching, or collaboration:

Website: freedomencourages.com

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @risewithcecilia

Setbacks can feel like the end of the road—but what if they’re actually a setup for your next breakthrough? In this episode, I share how I turned a low performance evaluation into an opportunity for growth, went from “Needs Improvement” to “Highly Effective,” and learned the power of resilience in the process.

If you’ve ever faced challenges in your career and felt like giving up, this episode is for you. Plus, I’m introducing the Resilient Educator Project—a space for educators to share their stories and inspire others.

🎧 Listen now and learn how to turn your challenges into comebacks!

📩 Connect with me:

🔗 Digital resources: freedomencourages.com

🔗 Learn more: cmcolumbusenterprise.com

📩 Email: [email protected]

📱 Follow me on Instagram: @RisewithCecilia

📌 All the ways to reach me are in the description box!

🔥 Tag a friend who needs to hear this! #ResilientEducator #KeepGoing #TurnSetbacksIntoComebacks

In this episode of Rise to Freedom, we explore how to avoid burnout while managing the many roles life throws at us—wife, mom, educator, entrepreneur, and more. Host Cecilia Columbus shares her personal journey of balancing a full-time job, building an education consulting business, and navigating the challenges of family, health, and entrepreneurship.

Discover how to recognize the signs of burnout, prioritize what truly matters, and replenish your energy when life feels overwhelming. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep going without losing yourself, this episode will give you the tools to reclaim your balance and FREEDOM.

What You’ll Learn:

•How to identify the early signs of burnout before it takes over.

•Simple strategies to manage work, family, and entrepreneurship without overwhelm.

•Practical tips for prioritizing rest and finding joy in the chaos.

Connect with Cecilia:

🌟 Visit: FreedomEncourages.com

📧 Email: [email protected]

📱 Instagram: @RiseWithCecilia