Spoken Word by Anamika

Grace is the founder of ALGstudiostore and ALGelysianflamesco., creating luxurious wellness gifts and eco-friendly candles. She is passionate about self-care and sustainable living.

Connect with Grace on Instagram

Share your story [email protected]

Transcript:

Dearest Grace,

I'm writing to you today with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit of shared understanding. You know, perhaps better than most, the shadow that postpartum depression can cast. During my first pregnancy, it descended, a heavy, isolating fog that stole the joy from those precious newborn days. But with my second pregnancy, something shifted. I found a way to navigate those vulnerable months, and I believe, with all my heart, that I prevented the darkness from returning.

And you, Grace, you were a silent, steady companion in that journey.

It wasn't a single magic bullet, but rather a constellation of small, deliberate acts of self-care. I learned to prioritize my mental health, to treat it with the same reverence I gave to my physical well-being, and in that process, I discovered the power of simple rituals.

Remember those wellness teas I started drinking? The calming blends of chamomile and lavender, brewed slowly in the quiet of the morning? They became a moment of stillness, a gentle reminder that I deserved a pause. And those candles, Grace, the soft, flickering light, the subtle scents of sandalwood and vanilla, transforming my bedroom into a sanctuary.

I carved out time for at-home spa days, even if it was just a warm bath with Epsom salts and a face mask. It was a tangible act of self-love, a way to soothe the anxieties and physical aches that came with pregnancy, and I paid close attention to what I put into my body, focusing on nutrient-dense foods that nourished both my baby and my mind. The vibrant colors of fruits and vegetables, the grounding richness of whole grains, became a source of strength.

These seemingly small things, Grace, they accumulated. They created a foundation of resilience, a buffer against the hormonal shifts and emotional rollercoasters of pregnancy. They reminded me that I was worthy of care, that my mental health mattered.

I know you understand the weight of postpartum depression, the way it can steal the joy from those precious early days. I wanted to share my story, not as a prescription, but as a testament to the power of self-care, a gentle nudge to anyone who might be navigating a similar path.

Grace, thank you for being a silent witness to my journey. Thank you for embodying the strength and resilience that we all possess within us. And thank you for reminding me, through your own experiences, that prioritizing mental health is not a luxury, but a necessity.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Grace

Founder & CEO, Empowered Minds Mental Health Counseling, PLLC

Randi Corrigan, MA, LMHC is a licensed psychotherapist, CEO, and founder of Empowered Minds Mental Health Counseling, PLLC. With over a decade of clinical experience, Randi specializes in helping women heal from relational trauma, codependency, and low self-worth. As a codependent in recovery herself, she brings both personal insight and professional expertise into her mission: guiding women back to their inner power.

Through her signature course, The Empowered Woman: Healing Codependency and Embracing Your Worth, Randi blends clinical strategies with compassionate coaching to help clients break free from self-abandonment, set boundaries without guilt, and cultivate self-worth from the inside out.

Her work is deeply rooted in the belief that healing is possible, empowerment is earned through self-trust, and every woman deserves to feel safe, seen, and whole.

Connect with Randi

Website

Book a Consultation

Schedule a Call with Randi

Instagram

LinkedIn

Want to share your story? Email [email protected]

Angeline Stacia is an international English teacher and a film scriptwriter from Indonesia. As a child, she faced hardship financially and mentally. In 2017, her mother flew her to New York for college, in hopes that she could also escape her childhood traumas. Moving here and there, she believed New York was her new beginning, only to find out later that she was in the hands of a predator, a man that her family trusted. Her life shattered once more as the man sexually assaulted her. From this podcast, she hopes to reach a bigger audience and to let others know that if you are struggling, you are not alone. Everyone has their own struggle, but with a positive and supportive community, she believes and hopes to walk together with the people who want to seek healing and grow.

Connect with Angeline on Instagram

Want to share your journey? Email [email protected]

Hi, my name is Cae Cordell.  I am a veteran minister 61 years.  I became disabled and retired as a College Instructor in an Oregon Medium Security prison. I was certified to teach Idaho and Washington Vocational Education, Natural Science, Drama, Speech, Communication and Secondary Education, grades 6-12.  I am a graduate of Arkansas Tech university, Russellville, Arkansas and Boise State University, Boise, Idaho.  Mother of 3 Children, grandmother of 7.  Outside of teaching, I engaged as a farmer, logger, avid gardener, preserve my own food, livestock owner, foster mom and remodeling/building houses since 1971 and am a licensed Arkansas Residential Building Contractor. I enjoy the outdoors, walking my dog, Hank, caring for my chicken flock and rabbits, reading, writing and author of 17 books.

Connect with Cae

Email to share your story [email protected]

Patty Johnson is a health psychologist who creates art around spirituality, culture, justice and other bizarre and beautiful intricacies of life. She has written Where the Tiger Dwells, a memoir about her very Indian Christian parents who are giddily in the process of arranging her marriage while she becomes faint at the thought of telling them she’s having her secret American boyfriend’s baby. She has written Essays of Night and Daylight, stories on the intersection of race, immigration and womanhood. She is published in the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Teaching Hard History journal and Thrive Global, among others. Patty gave a TEDx talk on changing the narrative of inequity and also integrates visual and written work through screenwriting.

Connect with Dr. Patty Johnson

Connect with the host [email protected]

Angela is the founder and owner of the Expat Parenting Collective.  She moved abroad in 2010, been an expat parent since 2018 and has lived in 4 countries on 3 different continents and traveled to almost 40 different countries.  She's passionate about experiential learning, leadership development, deep dives into understanding more about who we are as humans and intercultural communication.  She's an alumna of INSEAD Business School, a member of the European Mentoring & Coaching Council and an affiliate with the Institute of Coaching: McLean Harvard School of Medicine. 

Expat Parenting Collective

Connect with Angela on Instagram

Personal Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

Connect with the host [email protected]

Malika Williams is the founder of a nonprofit organization called The L.I.V.E Outreach. L.I.V.E provides resources and tools to young children/teens transitioning from foster care to independence also serving families in underserved communities. Malika’s key demographic is the next generation of people; her mission is to provide support, and encouragement while innovating effective and efficient solutions to underserved families in the communities.

The L.I.V.E Outreach has had opportunities to be featured in the local Detroit Free Press, Fox 2 news and BLAC Detroit magazine providing the local community insight on what services are offered and how they can assist.

Malika is a self-published author of an autobiography titled “I’m just trying to L.I.V.E” the book provides insight into her life growing up in the foster care system and how she managed to turn her bad circumstances into a learning one. This experience is what turned her passion into her purpose.

In May 2014 Malika received an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Macomb Community College she decided to further her education and in May 2020 Malika received her Bachelor’s Degree from Ferris State University in Integrative Studies.

Malika sits on the Board of Directors for an org called Literary Legacies located in Chicago, IL and also she’s a Trustee for the library board for the city of Harper Woods. Malika is excited for the experience and to add her expertise to such a creative and unique team.

Malika was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan where she currently resides. She has four children who she loves dearly.

Community advocacy is a huge part of Malika’s life. She enjoys assisting with community clean ups, feeding the homeless and so much more. Malika believes you must be the difference you want to see.

Connect with Malika Williams

I'm just trying to L.I.V.E 

Instagram Facebook

Connect with the host [email protected]

Darla is a certified somatic trauma-informed coach, relationship expert, speaker and podcaster with lived experience in overcoming narcissistic abuse. Her own healing journey from trauma and toxic relationships has fueled her passion for helping women reclaim their power and find fulfillment in their lives and relationships. By focusing on the nervous system, Darla guides clients to process past trauma, rebuild self-worth, and embrace their personal strength.

Email: [email protected]

Website

Connect with Darla

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

Pinterest

LinkedIn

Connect with the host [email protected]

Carrie Clark is an Energy Leadership Coach, Speaker, Corporate Trainer, and Amazon Best Selling Author dedicated to helping individuals unlock their leadership potential and create positive impacts within their organizations and lives. With over 25 years of corporate experience, Carrie partners with leaders to boost employee performance and success.

Carrie has delivered engaging presentations at major corporations and associations, including The Freeman Company and GBTA. Known for her open, direct, and light-hearted style, she specializes in leadership, self-mastery, work-life balance, communication success, and stress management. Her approach inspires individuals to elevate their potential, fostering a culture of growth and excellence within their organizations.

Connect with Carrie: [email protected]

Share your story on Spoken Word by Anamika, Email [email protected]

Michael Swerdloff has been a Counselor, Coach, Social Worker, Community Organizer, Educator, Writer, DJ, and Reiki Master for over twenty-five years. He laughs often, hugs deeply, and practices meditation, Reiki, yoga, and dance daily. His memoir, Raised by Wolves, Possibly Monsters: From Mobster to Reiki Master, was launched in October 2024!

Connect with Michael Swerdloff

YouTube

Facebook

Instagram

TikTok

Want to share your story on this Podcast? Email [email protected]