Moving across the country right as the last child leaves the nest is a recipe for an identity crisis. In this episode, we explore the "weeds" of major life changes the confusion, the loneliness, and the existential dread and how to find small moments of wonder within them.

I share my personal experience of moving from New Jersey to Minnesota and the trap of trying to replicate my old life in a new place. I discuss a specific "tale of two gym classes"—a Yin Yoga class where I tried to force familiarity and failed, versus a Pilates class where I entered with zero expectations and found a new passion.

If you are struggling with an empty nest, a big move, or just feeling lost in a season of transition, this episode is about letting go of what was to make space for what is.

In this episode, we cover:

[01:00:25] The "Booktrovert" shirt and selling a new city to my son.

[01:02:25] The "Weeds": Moving cross-country with an empty nest.

[01:06:57] The identity crisis: Who am I without the daily job of mothering?.

[01:08:57] Are we allowed to focus on personal struggles when the world is in chaos?.

[01:13:26] Establishing new routines (and getting lost on the way home).

[01:19:18] The Yoga Story: The danger of trying to replicate the past.

[01:31:05] The Pilates Story: The power of low expectations.

[01:33:55] Summary: Recalibrating expectations to find the wonder.

Join the Online Community Our Women of Wonder community is a safe place to say the quiet stuff out loud, free from judgment. Women helping other women is a tried-and-true approach for empowerment and success, not to mention laughter and love. W.o.W. offers continuous support and resources, plus access to Dr. Cristie, for a low-cost membership.

➡️ Join Our community: https://wonder.myflodesk.com/womenofwonder

#EmptyNest #LifeTransitions #MentalHealth #WonderInTheWeeds #Moving #PersonalGrowth

Online Community

Our Women of Wonder community is a safe place to say the quiet stuff out loud, free from judgment.

Women helping other women is a tried-and-true approach for empowerment and success, not to mention laughter and love. W.o.W. offers continuous support and resources, plus access to Dr. Cristie, for a low-cost membership.

➡️Join Our community: https://wonder.myflodesk.com/womenofwonder

Letting go of your college-age kids is one of the hardest parenting transitions. In this episode of Wonder in the Weeds, I'm getting personal about visiting my youngest son during his freshman year at college.

I explore the "weeds" of this new phase: the discomfort of my changing role, the "mama heart" instinct to want to fix everything, and the challenge of not "rescuing" him. I also share my experience of parenting a child who grew up with generalized anxiety and how that history triggers my own reactions, even now that he is a capable adult.

Using my "gutter guard" metaphor, I talk about how I'm navigating this new relationship. I share the "wonder" of seeing my son thrive, build his own life , and grow into an impressive, emotionally intelligent person —and the reward of becoming friends with your adult kids.

This episode is for any parent navigating the empty nest, learning to trust their kids , and finding a new, beautiful relationship on the other side of letting go.

Welcome to "Wonder in the Weeds" with trauma therapist Cristie Ritz-King.

This is the show where we talk about how to live, love, and grow right alongside grief, change, and the "wild messiness of this human life".

Moving beyond the role of the "blank slate" therapist , Cristie combines her professional experience with her personal stories of challenge and reinvention. We're not about toxic positivity or influencer-style advice. Instead, this is a space for authentic connection, community , and understanding that we don't have to wait for life to be perfect to feel good.

Each week, we'll talk about:

Finding "wonder" even when you feel like you're "walking through the weeds".

Navigating personal change, from parenting to finding your authentic self.

The "Weeds of the Week," where we discuss everything from small daily annoyances to the big things that bother us.

Sharing stories to feel less alone in our experiences.

Join us to get through the weeds together.

Let's connect:

➡️ Website: https://thewonder.life/

Online Community

Our Women of Wonder community is a safe place to say the quiet stuff out loud, free from judgment.

Women helping other women is a tried-and-true approach for empowerment and success, not to mention laughter and love. W.o.W. offers continuous support and resources, plus access to Dr. Cristie, for a low-cost membership.

➡️Join Our community: https://wonder.myflodesk.com/womenofw...

Recently saw a post from someone I admire that made me feel judged for sharing "regular life" content while the world feels like it's on fire. It forced me to stop and check my own reaction.

In this episode, I'm exploring the critical difference between toxic positivity—which I'm so against —and the intentional search for wonder. I don't believe in using joy to mask or ignore reality. Instead, I believe finding delight is a necessary way to "fortify ourselves for the fight".

I'll share why I've made a conscious choice to post hope and humanity , not because my head is in the sand , but as a way to combat the "constant barrage of bad news". Join me as I discuss how to manage these feelings, understand that our social media is just a "snapshot", and stay engaged without burning out.

Join our Online Community: Our Women of Wonder community is a safe place to say the quiet stuff out loud, free from judgment. Women helping other women is a tried-and-true approach for empowerment and success, not to mention laughter and love. W.o.W. offers continuous support and resources, plus access to me, for a low-cost membership: https://wonder.myflodesk.com/womenofwonder

Online Community

Our Women of Wonder community is a safe place to say the quiet stuff out loud, free from judgment.

Women helping other women is a tried-and-true approach for empowerment and success, not to mention laughter and love. W.o.W. offers continuous support and resources, plus access to Dr. Cristie, for a low-cost membership.

➡️Join Our community: https://wonder.myflodesk.com/womenofwonder

Are you feeling unsettled or overwhelmed after a major life transition? In this episode, host Cristie Ritz-King shares her "weeds of the week" , getting personal about her recent chaotic cross-country move , navigating life as a "partly empty nester" , and the intense pressure to build "perfect" new routines.

If you're struggling with a "naggy inner voice" or feel your old habits no longer fit your new life, this episode is for you. Cristie explains her key strategy for finding calm: turning ordinary routines into intentional rituals. She introduces a simple, practical mindfulness tool—the "toothbrush meditation" —as a way to reconnect with your body and find a moment of grounding.

Discover how to find wonder in your everyday life by making small, rote moments special, helping you move from chaos to calm.

Let's connect:

➡️ Website: https://thewonder.life/

➡️Join Our community: https://wonder.myflodesk.com/womenofwonder

Online Community

Our Women of Wonder community is a safe place to say the quiet stuff out loud, free from judgment.

Women helping other women is a tried-and-true approach for empowerment and success, not to mention laughter and love. W.o.W. offers continuous support and resources, plus access to Dr. Cristie, for a low-cost membership.

➡️Join Our community: https://wonder.myflodesk.com/womenofwonder

Welcome to the very first episode of "Wonder in the Weeds". I’m your host, Cristie Ritz-King , and by day, I’m a trauma therapist. For years, I’ve struggled with the professional expectation that I'm supposed to be a "blank slate" for my clients. The truth is, I love writing, sharing stories, and building community —things I haven't felt I could fully do in my professional role.

This show is the result of my long journey to find an authentic way to share what I know and what I've been through. My online story started years ago when I moved to a new state, didn't know a soul, and started a blog to connect with people. I found an amazing community , but as the internet changed and influencer culture grew, it just didn't feel like me.

On this podcast, I'm not going to be a blank slate. I'm here to combine my professional experience with my personal stories of challenge and grief. I'm not here to offer toxic positivity or tell you what to do. My goal is to follow the principle of teaching from the "scar, not the wound" —sharing what I've learned to help us all feel less alone. I want to explore how we can live a good life right alongside the hard stuff , and I promise, there is always wonder to be found, even in the weeds.

Let's connect:

➡️ Website: https://thewonder.life/

➡️Join Our community: https://wonder.myflodesk.com/womenofwonder

Hey friends, I have an important update about I Wonder: Getting Curious. After five years of deep conversations about parenting, trauma, and self-care, I’m taking a short pause to rest, reflect, and realign. This isn’t goodbye—it’s just a chance for me to practice what I preach and ensure I come back stronger and more helpful than ever.

In the meantime, there are still plenty of ways to stay connected with me:

• 📩 Newsletter – Get my latest insights and reflections: https://wonder.myflodesk.com/sihkpipz8d
• 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 WOW (Women of Wonder) Community – Join our private, supportive space: https://wonder.myflodesk.com/b51pm2eyj9
• 🎥 YouTube Channel – I’ll be sharing more content there: https://www.youtube.com/@WonderWellDrCRK
• ❄️ Wintering Group – A space to navigate the quieter seasons of life together.

If you have any questions or ideas for future episodes, send me an email at [email protected].

I’ll be back soon, so don’t unsubscribe—go back and revisit past episodes, and I’ll see you again before you know it. Until then, stay curious!

Is it burnout, depression, or just the seasonal affective disorder? As the dark days of winter settle in, it can be hard to tell the difference. In this episode, we break down the symptoms of these challenges, explore their overlaps, and share practical strategies to find light in the dark season. From embracing slower mornings to winterizing your routine, learn how small changes can make a big difference.

Discover tips for coping with seasonal struggles, building resilience, and finding joy even in the coldest months. Whether it's cozy clothes, light therapy, or intentional outdoor moments, there's a way to make winter work for you.

🕯️ Stay curious, stay cozy—you’ve got this!

#Burnout #MentalHealth #WinterBlues #SeasonalAffectiveDisorder #SelfCare

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Ever wondered how to heal from past trauma, navigate parenting challenges, or manage life transitions? Dr. Cristie Ritz-King, a Doctor of Psychology and former Master’s Level Educator, dives deep into these questions and more. Gain valuable insights and practical strategies for healthy communication, navigating divorce, career changes, and raising emotionally sensitive children. Join Dr. Cristie on a journey of exploration and self-discovery.

Let's connect:

➡️Website https://wonderincwellness.com/

➡️Join the Women of Wonder Community: https://wonderincwellness.com/work-with-me/

➡️Let's conect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wonderincwellness/reels/

In this episode, I dive into the heart of New Year's resolutions and why so many of them fall flat. It's not about chasing perfection or meeting society's expectations—it's about tuning in to what truly makes you feel like you. I share personal stories from my health journey, lessons from my work with clients, and tips to craft resolutions that nurture rather than shame.

Discover how to quiet the outside noise, identify what brings you joy, and make small, meaningful changes that support your authentic self. By the end of this conversation, you’ll have the tools to create resolutions that align with who you are and where you want to go.

Let’s start the conversation! What’s one thing you’ll do this year to feel more like yourself? Comment below and share your thoughts.

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Ever wondered how to heal from past trauma, navigate parenting challenges, or manage life transitions? Dr. Cristie Ritz-King, a Doctor of Psychology and former Master’s Level Educator, dives deep into these questions and more. Gain valuable insights and practical strategies for healthy communication, navigating divorce, career changes, and raising emotionally sensitive children. Join Dr. Cristie on a journey of exploration and self-discovery.

Let's connect:

➡️Website https://wonderincwellness.com/

➡️Join the Women of Wonder Community: https://wonderincwellness.com/work-with-me/

➡️Let's conect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wonderincwellness/reels/

Rethinking Resolutions: A Self-Care Revolution

Why do we feel the need to "fix" ourselves every New Year? In this episode, we uncover the surprising history of New Year’s resolutions and their transformation into societal pressures for constant self-improvement. I’ll take you on a personal journey through my experiences with medical challenges, self-discovery, and the liberating power of radical self-care. Together, we’ll explore how shifting the focus from "fixing" to "nurturing" can lead to a deeper sense of joy and self-love.

💬 Let’s keep the conversation going! What does self-care mean to you? Share your thoughts in the comments—your voice matters!

self-care, radical self-care, New Year reflections, self-love journey, embracing yourself

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Ever wondered how to heal from past trauma, navigate parenting challenges, or manage life transitions? Dr. Cristie Ritz-King, a Doctor of Psychology and former Master’s Level Educator, dives deep into these questions and more. Gain valuable insights and practical strategies for healthy communication, navigating divorce, career changes, and raising emotionally sensitive children. Join Dr. Cristie on a journey of exploration and self-discovery.

Let's connect:

➡️Website https://wonderincwellness.com/

➡️Join the Women of Wonder Community: https://wonderincwellness.com/work-with-me/

➡️Let's conect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wonderincwellness/reels/

New Year’s resolutions often feel punitive and filled with shame, but what if we focused on rest instead of relentless self-improvement? In this video, I explore why rest can be a revolutionary act, especially for women juggling countless responsibilities. From the importance of sleep to practical tips for better rest, this is your guide to making rest a priority in 2025. 🌙

👉 Learn about:

• Why sleep is vital for physical and mental health.
• The hidden toll of sleeplessness on women’s lives.
• Simple ways to improve your sleep hygiene and prioritize rest.

Let’s start this year with a resolution that truly nourishes us. 💡✨

Ever wondered how to heal from past trauma, navigate parenting challenges, or manage life transitions? Dr. Cristie Ritz-King, a Doctor of Psychology and former Master’s Level Educator, dives deep into these questions and more. Gain valuable insights and practical strategies for healthy communication, navigating divorce, career changes, and raising emotionally sensitive children. Join Dr. Cristie on a journey of exploration and self-discovery.

Let's connect:

➡️Website https://wonderincwellness.com/

➡️Join the Women of Wonder Community: https://wonderincwellness.com/work-with-me/

➡️Let's conect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wonderincwellness/reels/

#RestAsRevolution #NewYearsResolution #MentalHealth #SelfCare