To Help You Heal

Episode 74: Embracing the Sweetness on the Other Side of Struggle

Welcome back to To Help You Heal! This week, I'm exploring the idea of finding sweetness amid our struggles. Last week, we discussed gratitude and learning to see the good and the great in our lives—not just in November but all year round. Today, I want to discuss how we can hold on to that gratitude even in life's frustrating, challenging, and unexpected moments.
Key Takeaways:
Learning Gratitude in the Interruptions
One way I’m working on this is during my morning walks with my dog, Bruno. Let’s just say…he doesn’t always cooperate! When he’s acting up, it can be so frustrating because that walk is my time to process and reflect. But I’mlearning that if I push through those interruptions, I often come out with a deeper sense of gratitude and understanding than if everything had gone perfectly.
Finding Growth in Everyday Struggle
I do not seek out challenges, but life brings those unavoidable struggles into our daily routines, which can throw us off track if we let them. This month, I'm focusing on consistency. I'm not aiming for perfection, but I'm trying to show up daily and ask myself, "What's good right now? What's great? And how can I be grateful, even in the hard stuff?"
The Power of Choosing to Persevere
We have a choice in every struggle: Do we move forward, step to the side, or give up altogether? I've learned that we always have the power to choose. When we say, "Okay, I'll just take one step," we keep moving, even if it's not in the expected direction. And when we ask God what He wants us to learn from our struggles, we often find that our path leads to a kind of growth we wouldn't have otherwise.
Trusting God's Purpose in Hard Times
Sometimes, our struggles come from choices others have made, things we never asked for. But even in those places, I believe God has something good for us. He doesn't control us like puppets, but He does redeem our challenges and use them for our growth. When we allow Him to lead us, we can trust He's working for our good—even in the middle of hardship.
Reflective Questions:
What are the "interruptions" in your life where you might find hidden sweetness?
How can you embrace gratitude in the small, daily frustrations?
Resources for Your Journey:
My Book: To Help You Heal – Grab a copy of my book if you want to go deeper. Through my own stories, I hope you'll find healing, comfort, and a deeper connection with God.
1:1 Support: I'm here if you need someone to walk with you on your journey. Reach out through this link, and let's take this journey together.

Episode 73: Good, Great, and Gratitude

Welcome back to To Help You Heal! I'm Marie Monville, and if you're listening in real-time, it's November—the month we often think about gratitude. Over the years, I've tried to make gratitude a lasting practice, something meaningful that goes beyond Thanksgiving, but I'll admit, it hasn't always clicked. I realized that the problem wasn't gratitude itself but how I approached it. So, this month, I'm challenging myself to experience gratitude in a more intentional way.
Instead of just listing what I'm thankful for, I've decided to use a framework inspired by a prayer I remember from childhood: God is great and good. I start each morning by asking myself three questions: 
What is good?
What is great?
And how do these things inspire gratitude in me? 
I'm using my morning dog walk as my dedicated time, making space to reflect even when it feels challenging.
Gratitude isn't about perfection or getting it right every day. It's about consistency, embracing growth, and finding meaning. I've discovered that even on days that feel messy when I keep coming back to what's good and what's great, I'm creating a life rooted in gratitude—and that's what I want to continue. I encourage you to join me in this journey, whether with this challenge or another method.
Research backs up some ways gratitude can transform us: It reduces stress, improves sleep, strengthens our resilience, and even boosts our relationships with God and others. You might notice better connections, more positive self-talk, and a stronger ability to see God's hand in your life.
If you'd like to try this, think about how you can incorporate gratitude into something you already do, set a reminder on your phone, write prompts on your mirror, or keep a small gratitude journal. Whatever you choose, aim for consistency over perfection.
Next week, we'll focus on the sweetness that can grow from challenging seasons and how gratitude becomes even more meaningful when things aren't easy. So come back and join me as we continue this journey.

Episode 72: Why We Choose To Stay Stuck

Episode Summary: Welcome back to To Help You Heal! This week, I'm exploring why so many of us feel "stuck" in different areas of life—whether it's in relationships, careers, or even our daily habits. With the end of the year fast approaching, I've been reflecting on how this time can bring a sense of urgency to go after the goals we set in January. In this episode, I'll unpack the psychological and emotional reasons that keep us rooted in situations that may not serve us, and I'll also share practical tips to help break free from these cycles.
Key Topics Discussed:
Understanding Why We Stay Stuck: I explore common reasons we don't move forward—fear of the unknown, comfort in routine, self-doubt, and even societal pressures. These factors often hold us in familiar, sometimes unfulfilling, cycles.
Our Brain's Resistance to Change: I discuss why our brains resist change, sticking to familiar patterns that conserve energy. Understanding this resistance can help us make choices that support growth rather than staying in what feels "safe."
The Real Cost of Staying Stuck: Stagnation isn't without cost, and I'm sharing some ways it can impact us—like stress, low self-esteem, missed opportunities, and even strained relationships. Because sometimes we have to see the cost of staying stuck.
How to Start Moving Forward: I offer practical steps to embrace change, including journaling, visualizing success, taking consistent small actions, and seeking support through accountability. I also explain the importance of challenging self-limiting beliefs as a foundation for growth.
Takeaway Reflection: Where in your life do you feel stuck? As you listen, I encourage you to think of one change you'd like to make before the year ends. Remember, it's about one small step at a time, and finding someone to help hold you accountable can make a real difference.
Actionable Steps:
Journal Your Thoughts: Reflect on why you might feel stuck, and identify any hidden fears or patterns.
Visualize Success: Take time to imagine the change you want and the impact it will bring.
Take One Small Step: Focus on one small, actionable step toward change.
Challenge Negative Beliefs: Replace self-doubt with reminders of past achievements and growth.
Find a Support Partner: Partner with someone who can support your progress and help you stay accountable.
Quotes to Remember:
"Perspective is everything. If we keep telling ourselves we're not good enough, we'll find the evidence to back that up."
"What's the cost of staying stuck versus the benefit of change? Sometimes understanding the cost is the motivation we need."
Tune In Next Week! Join me next week as we continue to pursue personal growth and healing. November is the perfect month to reflect, refocus, and commit to making the changes we've put off this year!

Episode 71: What Love Is & What It Isn't

Episode Overview
Welcome back to To Help You Heal. In this episode, I explore one of the most challenging and crucial topics in relationships: understanding what love is—and what it isn't. After talking with many women recently who feel unloved but are told otherwise by their partners, I thought it was time to address this head-on. If you're seeking clarity about your relationship or want to understand better what kind of love you truly deserve, this episode is for you.
Key Topics Discussed
What Love Isn't:
Love should never make you feel manipulated, controlled, or inadequate. I'm talking about the signs of an unhealthy relationship, such as constant criticism from your partner, isolation from your loved ones, or convincing yourself that jealousy and possessiveness are signs of passion (instead of causes for concern).
Settling, hoping things will change, or clinging to the idea of what the relationship used to be. But if insecurities drive your relationship, it's not real love.
What Love Is:
Love is rooted in safety, trust, and mutual growth. It allows you to be vulnerable without fear of judgment, helps you become the best version of yourself, and stands by you even when aren't perfect.
Love should be nurturing, reciprocal, and honest. It's about feeling accepted and cherished for who you are—right here, right now—without the pressure to change.
How to Break Free:
If you're in a relationship that feels hollow or one-sided, I encourage you to take the first step toward freedom by speaking your truth to someone you trust. You don't have to make all the changes at once; you just need to begin with a conversation.
Write down what love means to you—what you truly want and deserve. Let this guide you when assessing whether your relationship aligns with those values.
Actionable Takeaways
If your relationship feels empty or driven by insecurity, recognize it's not real love. You deserve to be loved for who you are, as you are.
Reflect on what you want in a relationship and write it down. Use this to help you identify where you're settling.
Share this episode with someone who might need to hear it, or use it as a starting point for meaningful conversations with friends or loved ones.
My Message to You
If you're feeling unloved or trapped in your relationship, this episode is for you. You deserve true love, safety, and acceptance. If my words resonate with you, don't hesitate to reach out to me. You are not alone.
Resources & Contact
Need Support? If you're unsure where to start or need help making a change, I'm here for you. Email marie@mariemonville.com.

Episode 70: Finding Fun In Daily Life

Episode Overview:In this episode of To Help You Heal, I'm asking an important  question: Are you having fun? I share personal stories and insights on why fun isn’t just an optional add-on but an integral part of creating a life we love.
Episode Highlights:
Why Fun Matters:When our schedules get more intense, it's easy to sideline "fun". I explore how making time for fun can improve your mood, reduce stress, and restore balance.
Key Benefits of Fun:
Stress Relief & Mood Boost: Fun releases endorphins and promotes relaxation, especially helpful during busy times.
Enhanced Creativity & Stronger Relationships: Enjoyable activities can spark creativity and deepen connections with others.
Improved Mental & Physical Health: Fun raises serotonin and dopamine levels, eases anxiety, and keeps us physically active.
Increased Motivation & Productivity: Regular fun boosts motivation, making daily tasks easier to tackle and helps prevent burnout.
How to Rediscover Fun:If you’re not sure where to start, try revisiting past activities you’ve enjoyed, taking the Love Languages Quiz for personalized ideas, or simply trying something new without pressure.
Daily Fun as Self-Care:I encourage you to schedule at least 10-15 minutes of fun every day. It’s a simple but powerful step to enhance your overall well-being.
Share Your Fun:What do you do for fun? I’d love to hear from you—share your ideas on the podcast’s social media!
Join the conversation with me on Facebook  or Instagram.

Episode 69: Embracing Change- Reflecting on Seasons of Life

In this episode, we're diving into the idea of seasonal reflection and the importance of taking time to pause and assess where we are in life. As the leaves change and fall ushers in cooler temperatures, it's the perfect moment to reflect on the past few months—how they felt, what we've learned, and how we can move forward intentionally.
Join me as we explore:
The power of reflection in personal growth
How to identify key takeaways from the summer season
Practical tips to carve out time for meaningful reflection
Why taking just 15-20 minutes to plan can make a huge impact on your week
Understanding what God might be speaking to you in this season
Whether you're feeling like the last few months have been intense or you're simply looking for ways to regain control of your schedule, this episode will guide you through the process of intentional reflection and action.
Key Takeaways:
Fall invites us to embrace change, both externally and internally.
Reflecting on the past season helps us identify what worked, what didn’t, and how to move forward.
Even small actions, like meal planning or scheduling reflection time, can lead to a more organized, less stressful week.
Don’t wait—take 15 or 20 minutes today to start making positive changes.
Trust that each season, whether busy or restful, carries valuable lessons.
Action Step: Take 15 minutes today to reflect on your summer. Ask yourself: What worked? What didn’t? What’s one thing I can focus on this week to improve my day-to-day life?
Tune in for a heartfelt conversation on self-reflection and preparing for what lies ahead.

Episode 68: Baby Praying Mantises & the Theme for My Life Right Now

In this episode, I’m sharing a personal reflection on life, growth, and the unexpected ways God speaks to us—like through a dream I had involving praying mantises. I talk about the powerful messages that can come through our dreams and why paying attention to these signs is so important for our faith journey. Using the story of Gideon as a backdrop, I explore how God guides us even when we feel unqualified or unsure. My hope is to inspire you to look for the themes in your own life and trust that God is leading you, every step of the way.
Chapters
00:00 Exploring Life Themes and Personal Reflections
06:09 The Significance of Dreams and Spiritual Messages
08:00 Understanding God's Guidance Through Biblical Stories
 

Episode 67: Finding Hope and Healing in the Hardest Moments

In this episode, I'm sharing my story and the journey I've been on since the Amish schoolhouse shooting. I talk about the pain and loss I faced but also the incredible ways that faith and a shift in perspective helped me move forward. I hope my experiences remind you that you can find beauty and strength even in life's darkest moments. No matter what challenges you're walking through, there is hope—and healing is possible. I'm here to encourage you to embrace your journey and discover the unexpected grace that shows up.
Chapters
00:00 Reflections on Life's Journey
02:47 The Impact of Loss and Grief
06:07 Finding Strength in Faith and Perspective
08:58 Embracing Healing and Moving Forward

Episode 66: The Power of Belief: Why Your Comeback Story Starts with You

In this episode, we're talking about the power of belief. Believing that a comeback story is for you is the key to transformation. We'll talk about how our perspective shapes our reality and the importance of embracing our journey from the starting line without defining the outcome before we begin.
From my own experiences, I know that healing and growth are possible—even when it feels like everything is against you. I encourage you to challenge your doubts and remind you that good things will happen, even in the middle of life's most challenging moments.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Comeback Stories
03:13 Believing in Your Comeback
06:00 Choosing Perspective and Power of Choice
09:12 Living Your Own Comeback Story

Episode 65: Your Comeback Story

In this episode, I'm sharing exactly how you can write your comeback story. We all hit roadblocks—whether it's a tough time in our personal lives, career challenges, or emotional setbacks. But here's the thing: you can turn it around no matter where you are right now. I'm breaking down a straightforward, no-fluff guide to help you get unstuck, reset your mindset, set meaningful goals, and take tangible steps toward living a life you love. Whether you're feeling stuck or ready for something new, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you regain control and begin your transformation today.
Chapters
00:00Creating Your Comeback Story
02:56Acknowledging Setbacks and Mindset Shift
05:48Setting Goals and Taking Action
09:07Celebrating Small Wins and Accountability