To Help You Heal

Episode 82: Clearing the Clutter: What You Need Less of in 2025

In this week’s episode of To Help You Heal, we’re continuing the conversation about starting the new year with intention. While it’s natural to focus on what we want more of, we often overlook an equally important question: What do I want less of?
Clearing out the clutter—whether it’s physical, mental, or emotional—creates space for growth, clarity, and peace. 
In This Episode, We’ll Explore:
The importance of focusing on what to let go of—not just what to add.
Practical ways to identify clutter in your life: physical, mental, emotional, or even in your schedule.
How negative self-talk and limiting beliefs can hold you back, and what to do about it.
Tips for starting small and replacing what you remove with something positive.
The benefits of removing what doesn’t serve you: greater mental clarity, improved relationships, and a sense of freedom.
Reflection Questions:
What’s taking up time, energy, or space that no longer aligns with the life you want?
What relationships, habits, or thoughts leave you feeling drained instead of energized?
Where can you replace clutter with something positive and life-giving?
Take Action This Week:
1️⃣ Start Small: Pick one area—physical clutter, a habit, or a thought pattern—and focus on letting it go.
2️⃣ Replace It: Identify a positive habit, action, or thought to put in its place.
3️⃣ Celebrate Progress: Reflect on the benefits of what you’re changing and where you see growth.
Want extra support? I’ve created a downloadable worksheet to guide you through this process. 

Episode 81: Rethinking Resolutions: Building a Life You Love

Welcome to the first episode of To Help You Heal in 2025! As we step into a new year, many of us are making resolutions and setting goals—but how often do those plans fall apart by February, leaving us feeling discouraged?
In this episode, I’m offering a new approach: What if we focused less on the outcomes we want and more on creating a life we love—day by day?
In This Episode:
Why traditional goal-setting often leads to frustration and burnout
How to set goals based on daily actions rather than unattainable outcomes
Questions to ask yourself: What do you want more of in your life? What do you want less of?
The importance of reducing stress and embracing consistency to support the version of yourself you want to be
How this mindset shift can help you end 2025 in a place of growth and joy
Key Takeaways:
Focus on actions, not outcomes. Instead of setting a goal like “lose 10 pounds,” focus on consistent habits like walking daily or eating intentionally.
Love your life in the day-to-day. Build routines and make choices that feel meaningful and sustainable for you.
What you feel matters. Goals that create unnecessary stress or pressure aren’t worth pursuing. Find ways to thrive without sacrificing your peace.
Be intentional about “more” and “less.” What do you want more of in 2025? What can you let go of to create space for the things that truly matter?
I'd love to hear your thoughts on the new year. Send me an email: marie@mariemonville or connect with me on Instagram.

Episode 80: Reflecting on 2024: Lessons, Challenges, and Moving Forward

As we close out 2024 and look ahead to 2025, this episode is all about reflection—an opportunity to pause, process, and learn from the year we’re leaving behind. Whether you’re eager to move into the new year or hesitant to let go of 2024, there’s value in taking a moment to look back.
In this episode, I share:
Three powerful reflection questions to help you process what worked, what didn’t, and how you grew this year.
The importance of asking “why” as you reflect to uncover meaningful patterns and themes.
How consistency in small, everyday decisions helps us move forward, even in challenging seasons.
Encouragement to approach the new year with intentionality, using what you’ve learned to shape what’s next.
Reflection doesn’t just help us see where we’ve been—it equips us to take what we’ve learned into the future with purpose and clarity.
Reflection Questions to Consider:
What worked for you this year? Why did it work?
What didn’t go as planned, and how did you persevere through it? Why did you keep going?
What small, everyday decisions helped you move forward? Why did they matter?
As we step into 2025, take these questions with you and allow them to guide your journey.

Episode 79: Understanding Grief (Part 4)- Moving Forward Into a New Year

Welcome to the final episode in our series on grieving with grace. Over the past four weeks, we’ve explored the depths of grief—what it is, common misconceptions, and how to walk the path of healing with intention. Today, we’re focusing on a pivotal moment: how to move forward, even when you feel like you’re not ready.
In This Episode:
Learn how to carry your memories, connections, and healing into the new year.
Discover ways to create a continued connection with your loved one, whether through traditions, journaling, or celebrating their legacy.
Embrace the opportunity to write your next chapter while holding space for your grief.
Explore practical tools like selecting a word or verse for the year, trying new hobbies, and creating intentional moments of joy.
Key Takeaways:
Moving forward doesn’t mean leaving someone behind. You can carry their memory and the lessons you’ve learned into the next chapter.
Continued connection is healing—sharing stories, creating a memorial space, or honoring their legacy through new traditions.
Intentional planning for your self-care—like scheduling time for reflection, connection, or rest—can make a big difference as you navigate a new year.
Small, consistent actions like journaling one memory per week or taking mindful walks can help cultivate healing and hope.
Reflection Questions:
What traditions or memories do you want to carry into 2025?
How can you create space in your life for healing and joy this year?
What’s one small, intentional step you can take this week to honor your journey?
Practical Suggestions for 2025:
Choose a word or verse to focus on for the year.
Start a grief journal or memory project—one small weekly entry adds to meaningful progress.
Schedule “grace space” in your calendar: time to rest, reflect, or recharge without guilt.
Consider trying a hobby you’ve set aside or exploring something new that sparks joy.
What’s Next:
Grief doesn’t have an end date, and healing is a process. As you enter the new year, remember that you can bring everything you’ve learned and loved. Next week, we’ll continue exploring how to cultivate a life you love, even when circumstances aren’t what you planned.
If this series has encouraged you, I’d love it if you shared it with someone who might need it. Together, we can find hope and healing.
For more resources or to connect with me directly, visit my website or email me at marie@mariemonville.com. Let’s walk into 2025 with hope and purpose.

Episode 78 Understanding Grief (Part 3)- Finding Beauty Amid Brokenness

Welcome to week three of our grief series. Over the past two weeks, we’ve explored grief, the misconceptions that can make it more complicated, and why we can’t simply push it away. This week, we’re shifting focus to the path to healing and how grief, while painful, can also be a journey of discovery.
In this episode, I invite you to:
See grief as more than a journey of loss—it’s also a journey of finding new meaning.
Reflect on what life can look like now: How do you want to honor their legacy? What traditions can you carry forward or create anew?
Embrace healing as an intentional choice. You might feel reluctant, but hope can coexist with that reluctance.
Shift your mindset: instead of focusing on what you’ve lost, ask, “What good can I find today?”
Key Takeaways:
Grief isn’t the end—it’s an opportunity to rediscover life and create a new normal.
Healing is a personal journey. While you can’t walk it for someone else, your healing positively impacts those around you.
Mindset changes everything: noticing beauty amid the brokenness helps reframe your experience and opens the door to hope.
Negative self-talk is common, but you can redirect it by building awareness, asking reflective questions, and practicing grace for yourself.
Reflection Prompts for This Week:
What legacy do you want to honor as you walk this path?
How can you carry forward traditions or create new ones that bring meaning to your life?
What good can you find today, even in small moments?
Simple Practices to Try:
Take a mindful walk and reflect on the beauty in your surroundings.
Create a simple ritual to honor your loved one or process your emotions.
Practice deep breathing exercises to regulate your body and calm your mind.
What’s Next:
Next week, we’ll wrap up this series by discussing how to move forward even when you’re not quite ready. Healing is a process, and taking small, imperfect steps toward wholeness is okay.
If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who needs it. Remember, you’re not walking this path alone.
For more resources or to connect with me directly, visit my website or email me at marie@mariemonville.com. Together, we can find hope and healing.

Episode 77: Understanding Grief (Part 2)- Misconceptions About Grief and How to Reframe Them

Welcome to week two of our four-part series on grief. Last week, we discussed grief, what it looks like, and why it feels so hard. This week, we’re tackling a different but equally important topic: misconceptions about grief—the things people say, or we tell ourselves that can make the grieving process even more challenging.
In this episode, we’ll explore:
Common misconceptions about grief, like “time heals all wounds” and “you just need to get over it.”
What makes these misconceptions untrue/unhelpful—and how to reframe them with grace and truth.
Practical strategies for processing unhelpful advice from others without letting it derail your healing.
The role of mindset in grief and how to cultivate self-talk that supports your healing journey.
How to recognize when unresolved grief is showing up in unexpected ways, like anger or strained relationships.
Key Takeaways:
Grief and mourning are not the same. Grief happens internally, while mourning is what others see outwardly.
There are no predictable timelines or “stages” of grief—you might revisit feelings like anger or denial at different points.
Grief doesn’t go away if ignored; unprocessed emotions can appear in other areas of life.
Support from others matters, but self-support—through mindfulness, creative outlets, or rest—is equally important.
Reflection Questions for This Week:
What misconceptions about grief have you encountered, and how have they made you feel?
How can you reframe these beliefs in a way that supports your healing?
What steps can you take to better care for yourself during this process?
What’s Next:
Next week, we’ll focus on the path to healing—embracing grief as part of the recovery process and creating space for intentional growth. Grief is complicated, but healing is possible, and I’ll share tools to help you move forward.
If you find this series helpful, please share it with someone who might need it. And if you’re walking alongside someone grieving, this episode is a great way to understand how to support them with kindness and compassion.
Let’s continue this journey together next week. You’re not alone, and healing is within reach.
For more resources or to connect with me directly, visit my website or email me at marie@mariemonville.com. I’m here to walk alongside you.

Episode 76: Understanding Grief (Part 1)- What It Is and How to Navigate It

In this week's episode of To Help You Heal, we're beginning a heartfelt four-week series on grief. December can be an especially challenging time for those of us navigating loss, whether it's your first holiday season without a loved one or another year of figuring out how to carry your grief. You don't have to do this alone.
In this episode, we're unpacking:
What grief is: how it impacts us physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Why "pushing it away" isn't the answer—and how to give yourself the time and space you need to heal.
The differences between grief and mourning—and why it's okay if you're still processing your loss months or even years later.
The concept of "grief bursts" and why unexpected waves of emotion are normal.
Physical effects of grief, from fatigue to reduced immune function, and how to care for yourself during this time.
Grief isn't convenient, and it's not linear. But understanding what to expect and how to navigate this season can help you move toward healing.
Key Points to Remember:
The most intense feelings of grief typically last six months, but the overall grieving process often takes 1–2 years.
Grief isn't limited to death—it can stem from divorce, loss of a job, a move, or any significant change in life.
It's okay to grieve not just the person but also the stability, dreams, and relationships tied to them.
Support matters—whether you're grieving or walking alongside someone who is, the connection makes all the difference.
What's Next:
Over the next three weeks, we'll explore:
Misconceptions about grief and how to respond to unhelpful advice.
Why your mindset matters and how to reframe painful thoughts.
Practical strategies to find grace and strength as you navigate the holidays.
If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who might need it, and invite them to listen along with you. Grief is complicated, but you don't have to face it alone.
Let's continue this conversation next week as we talk about grieving with grace.
If you'd like additional resources or support, visit my website or email me at marie@mariemonville.com. You don't have to do this alone—I'm here to walk alongside you.

Episode 75: Redefining Holiday Goals

Welcome to this week's episode of To Help You Heal! Thanksgiving is here, and it's the perfect time to pause and ask ourselves: What's my goal for the holiday season? Spoiler alert—it's not about creating a picture-perfect, Hallmark-style holiday. Real life isn't a neatly wrapped movie, and that's okay.
This week, I'm sharing a fresh perspective on letting go of unrealistic expectations and focusing on what truly matters. Together, we'll unpack:
Why "avoiding pain" isn't a productive goal and how shifting to positive, actionable goals makes all the difference.
How to approach tricky situations—like family dynamics or overindulgence—with clarity and grace.
The power of SMART goals for crafting a holiday season is rooted in gratitude, connection, and authenticity.
Instead of striving for perfection, we can aim to feel grateful, connected, and purposeful. I'll guide you through simple strategies for creating achievable goals that will carry you from Thanksgiving to the end of the year with joy and intentionality.
Topics Covered:
Reframing your holiday goals: moving from avoidance to action
Practical tips for navigating family drama and food temptations
Setting SMART goals for a meaningful holiday season
Why celebrating small wins helps build resilience
This episode is just the beginning. Over the next few weeks, we'll explore essential holiday themes like grief, unmet expectations, and how to enter 2025 feeling strong and supported.
 
Ready for more? Visit my website to connect, or email me directly at marie@mariemonville.com. I'm excited to share more about my new mastermind program, The Comeback Year, which launches in 2025. Let's walk this journey together.
Happy Thanksgiving!

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.