Belong. Become. Believe. – Part 1: The Power of Belonging

Today we begin a brand new series: Belong. Become. Believe. – The Journey to Thrive.

In this first episode, we explore something every human heart longs for but few truly experience: belonging.

Do you actually belong somewhere?
Or are you performing your way into acceptance?

Bethany B. Joy shares a personal story about losing vision and hearing, feeling called into coaching, and the unexpected moment on a Zoom call when someone simply called her by name — and everything shifted.

She also dives into the story of Peter and how Jesus did something radically different: He chose him first. No audition. No proving. Just belonging.

If you lead a group, run a business, serve in ministry, or are simply part of a family, this episode will challenge you to rethink how belonging works in your world.

Because real community doesn’t begin with becoming.
It begins with belonging.

• What belonging actually is
• Why belonging must come before becoming
• The story of Peter being called by Jesus (Matthew 4:18–20)
• Why names matter
• How to create belonging in your group, workplace, or home
• Why stipulations destroy connection

Kurt Thompson: “Everyone is born looking for someone who is looking for them.”

Matthew 4:18–20 – Jesus calls Peter and Andrew to follow Him.

There is a free level available.

👉 community.stepoutandthrive.com
👉 https://stepoutandthrive.com
👉 https://bethanyjoy.com

As always, dare to do more than just survive.
Step out and thrive.

It’s never too late to start over — and you don’t have to do it alone.

Welcome to Episode 6 (the final wrap-up) of Thriving Into Your Goals. In this episode, Bethany brings the series together and focuses on one simple question: What is your next step?

If you’ve felt stuck, overwhelmed, behind, or afraid of failing again, this conversation is for you. We revisit receiving goals with God, celebrating progress, navigating emotions, taming the inner critic, and finding support — and then we ask the deeper question: When do you want things to change?

In this episode, we explore:
• Why it’s never too late to reset your goals
• How to “start over” without shame
• Why community is often the missing piece
• A simple assessment to help you choose your next step

Micro-Moment of Courage:
Take one minute and honestly assess: “Where am I right now — and what is one next step I’m willing to take this week?”

Connect with Bethany B. Joy
Website: https://www.BethanyBJoy.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanyboring/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethanybjoy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethanybjoy
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bethanybjoy
Substack Blog: https://substack.com/@thrivewithbethanyjoy

Goals were never meant to be carried alone.

Welcome to Episode 5 of Thriving Into Your Goals. In this episode, Bethany explores how to find (and build) the support system that helps you thrive — not through pressure or performance, but through safety, encouragement, and shared strength.

Through real stories and practical steps, we look at how inviting people into your goals changes everything — including motivation, follow-through, and the ability to keep going when life gets heavy.

In this episode, we explore:
• Why doing goals alone is often a choice more than a circumstance
• How to invite people into your goals in a healthy way
• What makes someone a safe encourager vs. discouraging noise
• Why community creates sustainable progress

Micro-Moment of Courage:
Choose one goal you’ve been carrying alone and invite one safe person into it this week. Share your “why” and ask for one simple, practical form of support.

Connect with Bethany B. Joy
Website: https://www.BethanyBJoy.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanyboring/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethanybjoy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethanybjoy
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bethanybjoy
Substack Blog: https://substack.com/@thrivewithbethanyjoy

You can hold multiple emotions at once — and still move forward.

Welcome to Episode 4 of Thriving Into Your Goals. In this episode, Bethany explores how emotions — both heavy and light — impact our ability to move forward with goals.

This conversation invites you to stop judging your emotions and instead learn how to sit with them safely, let God meet you there, and stay connected to people who can be with you — not fix you.

In this episode, we explore:
• Why emotions can slow progress (even positive ones)
• The difference between heavy and light emotions
• Why stuffing emotions doesn’t help us move forward
• How community helps us process and thrive

Micro-Moment of Courage:
Pause this week and name what you’re feeling without judging it. Ask yourself, “What do I need right now to be with this emotion instead of pushing past it?”

Connect with Bethany B. Joy
Website: https://www.BethanyBJoy.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanyboring/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethanybjoy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethanybjoy
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bethanybjoy
Substack Blog: https://substack.com/@thrivewithbethanyjoy

Your inner critic can sound convincing — but it doesn’t get the final word.

Welcome to Episode 3 of Thriving Into Your Goals. In this episode, Bethany explores how to recognize the inner critic, why it often shows up when we’re trying to grow, and what actually helps loosen its grip.

This conversation focuses on awareness, community, and faith — not silencing emotions, but learning how to keep them from defining who you are.

In this episode, we explore:
• How to recognize inner critic language
• Why community helps expose destructive self-talk
• The difference between emotions and identity
• Why hearing God’s voice matters for growth

Micro-Moment of Courage:
Notice one phrase your inner critic uses this week. Instead of arguing with it, ask: “Is this truly me — or is this a story I’ve learned?”

Connect with Bethany B. Joy
Website: https://www.BethanyBJoy.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanyboring/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethanybjoy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethanybjoy
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bethanybjoy
Substack Blog: https://substack.com/@thrivewithbethanyjoy

Celebration isn’t the finish line — it’s part of the journey.

Welcome to Episode 2 of Thriving Into Your Goals. In this episode, Bethany explores why celebrating small steps is essential for motivation, connection, and sustainable growth.

Through real stories from the Step Out & Thrive community, we look at how celebration strengthens courage, builds relational safety, and helps us keep moving forward — even when goals feel unfinished.

In this episode, we explore:
• Why many people struggle to celebrate progress
• How small celebrations keep motivation alive
• The power of community in the goal journey
• Simple, pressure-free ways to celebrate wins

Micro-Moment of Courage:
Pause this week and name one small step you’ve taken — even if it feels incomplete. Then ask yourself (or someone you trust): “How do I want to celebrate this?”

Connect with Bethany B. Joy
Website: https://www.BethanyBJoy.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanyboring/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethanybjoy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethanybjoy
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bethanybjoy
Substack Blog: https://substack.com/@thrivewithbethanyjoy

Goals don’t have to feel heavy.

Welcome to Episode 1 of Thriving Into Your Goals. In this episode, Bethany invites you to approach goals differently — not with pressure or performance, but with presence, trust, and a posture of receiving.

Through personal story and faith-centered reflection, we explore what it looks like to receive goals instead of forcing them — and why that shift can change everything.

In this episode, we explore:
• Why the word “goals” can trigger pressure and shame
• What it means to receive goals instead of forcing them
• How slowing down can actually bring clarity
• A simple, faith-centered practice you can try this week

Micro-Moment of Courage:
Sit with God and write down your needs and wants without organizing, fixing, or judging them. No timelines. No pressure. Just receive.

Connect with Bethany B. Joy
Website: https://www.BethanyBJoy.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanyboring/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethanybjoy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethanybjoy
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bethanybjoy
Substack Blog: https://substack.com/@thrivewithbethanyjoy

Call/Text: 321-426-8710
Email: [email protected]

Welcome back to the Step Out & Thrive Podcast with me, Bethany B. Joy.

This final episode in the series The Stories We Tell Ourselves explores a big one:

“Desire leads to disappointment. It’s safer not to dream.”

Two listeners – both named Aubrey – asked me:

• “What are you looking forward to?”
• “What’s your favorite place you’ve traveled to?”

To answer, I share the story of my solo trip to Mexico a few months after my divorce. A friend gifted me time at her condo, and I went alone – scared, uncertain, and quietly convinced it was safer not to want anything too much.

One afternoon, after ziplining and four-wheeling, our group stopped at a beautiful cenote (a freshwater swimming hole). I watched kids climbing a rock and jumping into the water, laughing and fully alive. I wanted to do it so badly…and immediately shut myself down.

The reasons came fast: “You’re far from home. You can’t see well. You’ll have to take your hearing aids out. What if something goes wrong?”

But underneath all the fear was a quieter truth: I wanted to jump.

With help from the guide (“Bettany, you go to the edge and jump – easy, easy!”), I backed up, ran, and leapt. For a moment I felt like a child again – free, terrified, thrilled.

When I surfaced, my hand shot out of the water, not in a fist, but open. Palm up. Ready to receive. And I sensed God whisper:

“You can let go of what you’ve been carrying. You are seen. You are known. You get to dream again. Keep your hand open to what I’m doing.”

That trip didn’t fix everything, but it changed the story I was living.

In this episode we:

• Name the lie: “Desire leads to disappointment.”
• Reframe it as: “Desire isn’t dangerous, it’s directional.”
• Talk about how God plants longings as invitations, not distractions.
• Look at the dreams we’ve quietly set aside – and why He might be asking us to revisit them.

Reflection question:
What dream have you quietly set aside that God may be inviting you to revisit?

I even share one of mine: providing for my boys through speaking—stepping onto more stages to bring hope, courage, and permission to dream again.

Want a safe place to explore your longings with others?

• TIP Community Group – a 6-month, story-focused community where we practice being honest about what we really want with God and with one another.
• Check-In Thursday – a gentle, twice-a-month rhythm where you can show up as you are and be reminded you’re not alone.

You can learn more at JoinATIPGroup.com, CheckInThursday.com, or through my splash page at BethanyJoy.com.

If this episode encouraged you, follow the show, leave a rating, and share it with a friend who’s afraid to dream again.

Welcome back to the Step Out & Thrive Podcast with me, Bethany B. Joy.

This episode in our series The Stories We Tell Ourselves is all about the power of the small daily – the tiny yeses that quietly shape our future.

I’m answering two listener questions:

• Stephanie – “What is a simple thing you do regularly that makes a big difference?”
• Sandy – “What brings you joy?”

To get there, I share a vulnerable story from my hearing and vision loss journey, when I was on the worship team as a drummer. I was exhausted, overwhelmed, wrestling with whether I needed to step down—and one hard day, I grabbed the dog’s leash, walked out the door, and finally got quiet enough to let God talk.

On that walk, He brought back a childhood memory of me drumming on a flipped-over bath bucket, washcloth on top, tapping out rhythms as a little girl. And He reminded me: my “drum” isn’t limited to a church stage. He’s still giving me rhythm and places to play.

That moment exposed a lie I’d been living:

“Real change requires big moves and dramatic transformation.”

We reframe that lie together and talk about how God often meets us in the almost invisible choices—like taking a walk without headphones, pausing to listen, or saying one small yes that your future self will thank you for.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Why “real” transformation rarely starts with big, flashy moves
• How one short walk with my dog became a turning point
• What joy actually is (and why it grows in quiet soil)
• The simple daily practices that keep me grounded and present

Key reframes:

• “Meaningful transformation comes from small, consistent, almost invisible decisions.”
• “Joy grows in quiet soil—ordinary moments where we’re seen, soothed, safe, and secure.”

Timeline:

• 0:05 – Who this podcast is for & why this space exists
• 1:29 – The Stories We Tell Ourselves series & listener questions
• 2:53 – Stephanie’s question: a simple practice that makes a big difference
• 3:04 – Sandy’s question: what brings you joy?
• 3:45 – Story time: overwhelmed day, missed routines, and burnout
• 5:34 – Grabbing the dog leash and walking out the door
• 6:41 – God’s reminder: childhood bathtub drums & rhythm that never left
• 8:01 – Naming the lie: real change requires big moves
• 8:56 – Reframe #1: transformation in small, consistent choices
• 9:46 – Reframe #2: joy grows in quiet soil
• 11:00 – Interactive appreciation & simple daily listening to God
• 11:28 – Why TIP Community & Check-In Thursday exist
• 11:48 – Step Out & Thrive challenge: your “one small yes”

Reflection question:
What is one small yes you can say today that your future self will thank you for?

Want a safe place to live this out?

• TIP Community Group – a 6-month, story-focused community. The next round starts in January and I’m scheduling interest calls now.
• Check-In Thursday Group – a gentle, twice-a-month space to be seen, grounded, and connected.

Grab my free Interactive Appreciation Guide and my guide to building transformational groups at BethanyBJoy.com.

If this encouraged you, follow the show, leave a rating, and share it with a friend who needs a reminder that small daily yeses matter.

Welcome back to the Step Out & Thrive Podcast. I’m your host, Bethany B. Joy, and we’re in the middle of my series, The Stories We Tell Ourselves.

Today’s story is about feeling called without credentials.

For years, I believed this lie:

“I need someone else’s permission slip to call myself a writer, speaker, or leader.”

So I chased certifications. A lot of them. Abuse recovery coach, mental health coach, addiction recovery coach, groups coach, life coach, DISC consultant, and more. Training can be beautiful and helpful—but I was also trying to prove I was “safe enough,” “qualified enough,” and “legit enough” to do what God was already inviting me to do.

In this episode, I answer two questions from friends:

• Karen – Do you recommend Compel or writing courses?
• Aubrey – What is your writing advice, and what inspires you?

I share the story of submitting a vulnerable piece of writing to a conference I couldn’t afford, getting a full scholarship, and sitting across the table from publishers who told me that many writers quit right before their breakthrough—because they think they need just one more course, one more edit, one more credential.

That experience began to rewrite my story about calling and permission.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The difference between training from freedom vs. training to earn your value
• How chasing endless certifications can become a sneaky form of self-doubt
• Why your lived experience is one of your greatest credentials
• Practical writing advice if you feel stuck, scared, or “not enough”

Key reframes:

• “Callings aren’t confirmed by institutions; they’re revealed through obedience and fruit.”
• “My lived experience is my greatest credential.”

Short timeline:

• 0:05 – Welcome & who this podcast is for
• 0:45 – The Stories We Tell Ourselves: series overview
• 1:45 – Today’s theme: Called without credentials
• 3:18 – Listener questions from Karen and Aubrey
• 4:12 – My long list of certifications (and what was underneath it)
• 5:51 – The vulnerable writing piece and conference scholarship
• 7:40 – Publishers’ warning: why so many writers quit too soon
• 8:52 – The lie: I need someone else’s permission to call myself a writer/speaker/leader
• 10:25 – Reframe #1: Callings aren’t confirmed by institutions
• 11:56 – Reframe #2: My lived experience is my greatest credential
• 13:42 – My advice on Compel, Hope*writers, and choosing groups
• 14:55 – Writing advice: make space to write for fun
• 16:04 – This week’s reflection question & challenge

Question for you:
What if the only permission slip you’re waiting for is the one you need to write for yourself?

Next steps & community:

If you’re longing for a safe place to grow in your calling (without performing for approval):

• TIP Community Group – a 6-month, story-focused community. The next round starts in January and I’m scheduling interest calls now.
• Check-In Thursday Group – a lighter, twice-a-month rhythm to stay grounded and connected.

You can also grab my free Interactive Appreciation Guide and my guide to building transformational groups at BethanyBJoy.com.

If this episode encouraged you, please follow the show, tap a rating, and share it with a friend who needs a reminder: you don’t need one more credential to start walking out your calling.