In this episode of the Wonderfully Made podcast, Allie Marie Smith and Chrissy Kirkman discuss the profound impact of social media on mental health, body image, and personal relationships. Chrissy shares her personal journey of taking a social media break, the challenges she faced, and the transformative effects it had on her life. They explore the importance of reconnecting with God and living a flourishing life beyond the confines of social media. The conversation encourages listeners to consider their own relationship with social media and the potential benefits of a reset.

Takeaways

• Social media can significantly impact mental health and body image.

• Taking a break from social media can lead to personal growth and freedom.

• It's important to recognize the signs of social media addiction.

• Finding Balance offers resources for those struggling with food and body image issues.

• Chrissy's experience highlights the importance of community support in recovery.

• Disconnecting from social media can enhance real-life relationships.

• Mindful movement and reconnecting with nature can improve mental well-being.

• The decision to unplug can be a spiritual journey.

• Encouragement to seek God's guidance in making lifestyle changes.

• Life is fleeting, and it's essential to prioritize meaningful connections.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Purpose

01:05 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

10:23 Chrissy's Personal Journey with Social Media

20:09 The Decision to Take a Social Media Break

26:46 Life After the Social Media Reset

33:15 Encouragement for Others Considering a Break

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Have you ever experienced grief or an unbearable season of loss? Whether it's the loss of someone you love, a relationship, or an unfulfilled dream, God wants to bring you peace and comfort and walk through this season with you. In this episode, Julie Davies, Licensed Counselor, and your co-host, Christie Myers, talk about finding God's comfort amidst grief and loss. They share personal stories of grief, the stages of grief, and the importance of community and connection in healing. This episode highlights how important faith is in coping with loss, finding joy in difficult seasons, and the promises of God that provide hope during difficult times. Psalm 34:18 says, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

Takeaways

Finding comfort in God is essential during grief.

It's okay to feel sad about loss and brokenness.

Jesus wept, showing us it's normal to grieve.

God wants to bring us peace and comfort.

Grief can manifest in various stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

It's important to let yourself experience grief fully.

Depression can be a normal response to grief, but it should be monitored.

Community support is crucial during times of loss.

Joy can coexist with suffering and can be found in small moments.

God's promises provide hope and strength in difficult times.

Chapters

00:00 Finding Comfort in Grief and Loss

02:51 Personal Stories of Grief and Healing

06:10 Understanding the Stages of Grief

08:49 Coping Mechanisms for Grief

12:08 The Role of Community in Healing

14:58 Joy Amidst Suffering

17:47 God's Promises in Times of Grief

20:47 The Gospel and Finding Hope

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Elizabeth Woodson is a Bible teacher and the author of Embrace Your Life: How to Find Joy When the Life You Have Is Not the Life You Hoped For. Elizabeth knows what it like to have unfulfilled longings and unmet dreams. In this conversation, she helps us walk through our own areas of loss or disappointment, reminding us that it’s okay to grieve the life we hoped for and shares how the spiritual practice of lament can help us find healing. Elizabeth shares six stages that can help us make peace with our stories and move forward even when the future is uncertain. Friend, whatever you story is — be encouraged that God has not forgotten you. Have faith that you can find purpose and joy as you embrace the beautiful and unique life God has given you to live. Get the show notes and noteworthy links at wonderfullymade.org.

Have you or someone you know experienced sexual trauma and abuse? Author and Counselor Tabitha Westbrook joins Allie Marie Smith to discuss the profound impact of sexual trauma and abuse on girls and women's lives. Tabitha shares her personal journey of healing from childhood sexual abuse and an abusive marriage, emphasizing the importance of faith, community, and professional support in the recovery process. They delve into the concepts of sexual shattering, shame, and the often-overlooked issue of spiritual abuse, offering hope and encouragement to those who have experienced similar traumas. This conversation offers a message of hope, healing, and the desire for wholeness. Be encouraged — you can heal and live in freedom! 

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Do you struggle with the fear of failure or trusting God through the difficult seasons of your life? Dr. Heather Thompson Day joins us to talk about the importance of trusting God through life's seasons, navigating fear and failure, and understanding the true meaning of passion. She shares her personal journey of identity and purpose, the role of suffering in discovering passion, and the dangers of emotional numbness. Heather and Christie talk about how to trust God in every season of our lives and how winter seasons can shape us into the woman God created us to be. 

Conversation Topics:

-Life is a journey with highs and lows.

-Trusting God is essential in every season.

-Passion is defined as suffering for what you love.

-Identity can be tied too closely to our roles.

-Surrendering means letting in new possibilities.

-Numbness is a choice we make over time.

-We can unlearn fears and embrace life.

-Highs and lows are part of the human experience.

-Wintering seasons can lead to self-discovery.

-God's presence is constant, even when we don't feel it.

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In this episode, Allie Marie Smith interviews Nicole Zasowski a licensed marriage and family therapist, about the coexistence of joy and pain in life. They discuss Nicole's personal journey through loss and the importance of embracing both emotions. The conversation delves into the neuroscience behind joy and pain, practical ways to practice Thanksgiving, and the significance of agency in personal transformation. Nicole also shares insights from her new Bible study, 'Daring Joy,' which explores the power of celebration amidst life's challenges.

Topics discussed:

Nicole's Personal Journey with Joy and Suffering

The Neuroscience of Joy and Pain

Practicing Thanksgiving in Daily Life

Understanding Emotional Pain

The Power of Agency in Transformation

Daring Joy: A New Bible Study

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Do you struggle with an eating disorder or chaotic eating? Are you always dieting, restricting, or do you ever binge or purge? In this episode, Allie Marie Smith and guest Brittany Braswell discuss the complexities of eating disorders, their impact on us, and the journey towards recovery. Brittany shares her professional insights, emphasizing the importance of understanding different types of eating disorders, recognizing when help is needed, and the three keys to recovery: science, body wisdom, and faith. They talk about the importance of inviting God into the healing process and offer practical tips to help you heal and find freedom. Keep showing up, fight for recovery and bring God into the center of this struggle. Healing and freedom is possible for you! 

Key Points

Understanding Eating Disorders and Their Impact

Brittany's Journey and Professional Insights

Types of Eating Disorders Explained

Recognizing Eating Disorders and Seeking Help

Three Keys to Recovery: Science, Body Wisdom, and Faith

The Role of Faith in Recovery

Practical Tips for Overcoming Eating Disorders

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In this episode, Allie Marie Smith has a heartfelt conversation with Aundi Kolber, a licensed professional counselor and bestselling author. They talk about Aundi's personal journey through trauma and how it shaped her work in counseling and writing. They discuss the importance of self-compassion, the challenges of having an inner critic, and the need for kindness towards oneself. Aundi shares insights from her new book, 'Take What You Need: Soft Words for Hard Days,' offering encouragement for those having difficult times. Let this conversation remind you of the profound love and care God has for you and that you don’t have to hustle your way through life!

Takeaways

Self-compassion is crucial in trauma recovery.

Recognizing our inner critic is the first step to healing.

We often internalize narratives that are not true.

Honoring our pain is essential for growth.

It's okay to take things one breath at a time.

We are deserving of care and compassion.

Faith can coexist with our human fragility.

Practicing mindfulness helps us become aware of our feelings.

We can learn to be kind to ourselves.

Healing is a journey that requires patience and grace.

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Are you lonely or feel like no one gets you? Are you having a hard time finding positive friends who love you just as you are and bring out the best in you?  Be encouraged that it is possible to create long-lasting and healthy friendships, starting now. Bailey T. Hurley, author of “Together Is A Beautiful Place,” is everyone’s favorite community cheerleader. A Bailey is the "friendship expert" and helps us identify what makes a true friendship, tackles lies and false expectations about creating lasting friendships, and offers wisdom and practical tips for healthy friendship rhythms. We hope this conversation inspires you to cultivate positive and life-giving friendships in your own life. 

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Don’t miss this conversation about choosing joy in the face of suffering and unthinkable challenges. Allie’s new friend, Abigail Wells joins us to share her inspiring journey of facing aggressive bone cancer at the age of fourteen, which led to the amputation of her leg. Abigail’s joy is inspiring and contagious and will give you or someone you love hope in the face of hardship. With vulnerability, Abigail shares about her painful journey and how she trusted in God throughout it and it used it to glorify Him. Abigail is now a college student and is cancer free! She is an accomplished athlete and her experience led her to start a non-profit to bring adaptive sports equipment and opportunities to amputees and people with disabilities to her home state of Arkansa. Her story is a testament that we can overcome anything with joy as we hope in God. 

Visit our website.

Get Allie’s book “Social Media Reset” Get Allie’s book “Wonderfully Made”

Join our Love Her A’Latte campaign — make our podcast possible.  

Get the show notes