To Help You Heal

Episode 95: This Isn’t the Life I Planned—But I Love It

Welcome back to To Help You Heal. This is the final episode in our four-part series on Building a Life You Love, and today we’re talking about what it means to choose purpose daily.
Here’s the truth: loving your life doesn’t mean loving every moment of it. Some seasons are messy, painful, and nothing like we imagined. But we can still create something meaningful right where we are—through the small, intentional choices we make each day.
In this episode, I’m sharing how choosing purpose helped me find meaning after deep loss, how I stay consistent (even when I’m tired), and how you can take just one small step today to move toward the life you want to build.
We’ll talk about:
Why purpose is less about the “big picture” and more about daily intention
How to know if your choices are aligned with the life you want to create
Finding meaningful action, even in the most challenging seasons
Giving yourself grace to start small, stay steady, and become who you’re meant to be
No matter what your life looks like right now, you are not behind—you are becoming purposeful.
🎧 If you’ve missed any of the past three episodes on surrender, rewriting the narrative, or gratitude, I’d love for you to go back and listen. They build the foundation for what we’re wrapping up today.
I’m cheering you on as you continue to create a life you love—one intentional choice at a time.

Episode 94: The Healing Power of Gratitude

In this third episode of our four-part series on building a life you love—even in the hard seasons—we’re talking about the true, transformative power of gratitude. This isn’t about ignoring pain or slapping on toxic positivity. It’s about anchoring your heart to something real and good, even when life is far from perfect.
I'm also sharing how gratitude can shift not just your mindset, but your brain chemistry—boosting dopamine and serotonin, lowering stress, and helping you build emotional resilience. You'll learn simple, meaningful practices you can start today to help gratitude become a steady rhythm in your life, even in the midst of grief or struggle.
You’ll hear:
How gratitude impacts your brain and body
Why gratitude doesn’t mean pretending everything’s okay
What it looked like for me to choose gratitude after deep personal tragedy
Easy, daily ways to practice gratitude (that don’t feel overwhelming)
Key Takeaway:Gratitude won’t erase the hard stuff—but it will remind you that the hard stuff isn’t the whole story.
Mentioned in this episode:📝 My favorite gratitude journal 💬 Connect with me on Instagram @MarieMonville I'd love to hear how gratitude is changing (or challenging) you!

Episode 93: Rewriting the Story: Healing the Narratives We Tell Ourselves

Episode Summary:
Welcome back to To Help You Heal! This is the second episode in our 4-part series on building a life you love, even in hard seasons. Last week, we explored the power of surrender, and today, we’re talking about something that shapes us more than we realize—the stories we tell ourselves.
So often, we don’t even notice the inner narrative shaping our expectations, emotions, and outlook. Whether it’s tied to pain, fear, or societal pressures, these stories can keep us stuck. But the good news? You can shift your narrative—and it starts with awareness.
I'm sharing insights from my journey after the Amish schoolhouse shooting, offering practical wisdom on how to:
Recognize the internal stories that keep us stuck
Reframe painful chapters without erasing their importance
Change the tone of our inner voice from criticism to compassion
Let go of harmful labels and limiting beliefs
Invite God into the narrative to bring healing, truth, and grace
Healing doesn’t require forgetting the past—it means learning to view it through a lens of growth and possibility.
Mentioned in this episode:
The difference between facts and the stories we attach to them
A simple journaling exercise to start shifting your inner dialogue
Why your narrator’s tone matters—and how to speak with more kindness
An invitation to see your life through God’s perspective
✨ Small shifts in your narrative can lead to significant changes in your life. Let’s start rewriting the story—together.
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Listen to last week’s episode on Surrender, and don’t miss next week’s conversation about Finding the Good: Practicing Gratitude in Every Season.
📬 Subscribe, share with a friend, and follow me on Instagram @MarieMonville for daily encouragement.

Episode 92: The Power of Surrender — Releasing What You Can’t Control

Episode Summary:
In this week’s episode, I’m sharing my heart on what it means to surrender—because it’s often the first (and hardest) step when life doesn’t go as planned. I’m reflecting on my own journey through loss and grief and how I learned that surrender isn’t giving up… it’s releasing what was never mine to carry. I finally found freedom and a new way forward when I finally let go. I hope this episode encourages you to do the same.
What You’ll Hear:
💛 Why surrender creates space for healing
💛 The difference between giving up and letting go
💛 How shifting from “Why me?” to “What now?” changes everything
💛 A reminder that we can trust God with what’s too heavy for us to carry
Next Week:
Join me as we continue this four-part series with “Rewriting the Story You Tell Yourself.” You don’t want to miss it.
✨ Subscribe & Share: If this episode speaks to you, pass it along to someone else who needs this reminder today.

Episode 91: The Choice That Changed Everything

This week on To Help You Heal, we’re diving into one of the most common questions I hear: How did you keep going?
The answer? Intentional choices.
In the aftermath of the Amish schoolhouse shooting, I learned that while so much was out of my control, I still had power—power in the choices I made every single day. Whether we’re facing grief, loss, or the hard things life throws our way, we can change our lives through small daily decisions.
In this episode, I’m sharing:
✨ Why it’s easy to feel powerless—and the simple mindset shift that helps
✨ How small, consistent choices move us forward when emotions try to hold us back
✨ The one decision that became my lifeline—and why it still shapes my days
✨ Practical ways to anchor yourself in hope, reset your perspective, and find the good—even when it’s hard
Friend, you don’t have to love your circumstances to choose hope. The choice to find the good has the power to change everything.
Listen in—and let this be your reminder: You’re not stuck. You’re stronger than you think. And you have a choice, today and every day. 💗
Subscribe so you don’t miss next week’s episode!
Connect with me: Instagram | Facebook | mariemonville.com

Episode 90: The Power of Perspective

Last week, we talked about turning pain into purpose—finding meaning in the struggles we’ve walked through. But what happens when you’re still in the middle of the hard season? When the road ahead feels uncertain, and you don’t know what comes next? That’s where perspective comes in.
This week, we’re diving into the power of perspective—how the way we see our circumstances can either hold us back or move us forward. Because while we don’t always have control over what happens to us, we do have control over how we respond.
In this episode, we’ll talk about:
The “glasses” we wear—do we see obstacles or opportunities?
How our past experiences shape our default perspective (and how to shift it)
The connection between our thoughts, emotions, and outcomes
Practical ways to reframe negativity and cultivate a mindset of growth
Why surrendering control and trusting God shifts everything
Your perspective isn’t just about what’s happening around you—it’s about what’s happening within you. And when we choose to see things differently, we create space for hope, healing, and transformation.
Tune in now for encouragement and practical steps to shift your mindset and embrace a new way of seeing your life.
Don’t forget to follow along on Instagram @MarieMonville for more encouragement throughout the week!

Episode 89: Turning Pain into Purpose

Pain is something we all experience. Hardship can feel isolating, whether personal loss, unexpected struggles, or overwhelming seasons. But what if your pain could be a stepping stone to something greater?
In this episode of To Help You Heal, I'm talking about turning pain into purpose—not by ignoring the hurt, but by allowing it to shape us in ways that lead to impact. If you've ever wrestled with the "why" behind your hardships, I want to invite you into a new perspective: Instead of asking why this happened, what if you asked what now?
We'll talk about:
✨ Why pain is universal—and why that matters
✨ Shifting from "Why did this happen?" to "What can I do with this?"
✨ How pain stretches us, grows us, and reveals strengths we didn't know we had
✨ Using your story to encourage and inspire others (even in small, everyday ways)
✨ How to find the people who need your wisdom and experience right now
Your pain doesn't define you. But what you do with it can change everything—for you and for others.
Resources & Next Steps:
Want to turn your pain into purpose? I have a special opportunity coming up to help you share your story in a meaningful way. Reach out to me at marie@mariemonville.com or send me a message on social media for more details!
Let's connect! Find me on Instagram @MarieMonville, and tell me how today's episode spoke to you!
Never miss an episode! Subscribe to To Help You Heal so you always have a place to find encouragement and hope.

Episode 88: When Motivation Fades: How to Keep Moving

It's easy to feel inspired when you start something new—a goal, a routine, or a dream you're chasing. But what happens when the motivation fades?
This week on To Help You Heal, we're talking about what really keeps you moving forward when inspiration runs dry. Because here's the truth: motivation won't sustain you.
In this episode, we'll discuss:
Why motivation fades (and why that's completely normal).
The difference between motivation and discipline—and how to shift your mindset.
The top 3 reasons we lose momentum (overwhelm, perfectionism, and self-doubt).
How to break free from waiting until you "feel" ready.
Practical ways to stay consistent and take action—even when you don't feel like it.
If you've been struggling to stay on track with something that matters to you, this episode is your reminder that you don't need to feel motivated to make progress. Small, consistent steps add up.

Episode 87: Listening to Your Body: Why Rest isn't a Luxury

Do you ever feel like you should keep pushing, even when you're exhausted? Like rest is something you have to earnrather than a necessity? You're not alone.
In this episode of To Help You Heal, we're talking about why so many of us struggle to listen to our bodies—and how to shift the way we think about rest.
Why we ignore our need for restFrom cultural conditioning to our own self-imposed expectations, we often believe rest equals laziness. But what if rest was actually the key to showing up better in every area of life?
 Breaking the cycle of exhaustionIgnoring exhaustion doesn’t make it disappear—it just pushes us toward burnout. We'll talk about how to identify small habits (hello, micro-boundaries!) that help you replenish instead of running on empty.
Simple ways to start prioritizing restRest isn’t a reward—it’s a necessity. I’ll share small, practical shifts you can make today to listen to your body, honor your needs, and step into a healthier rhythm.
Take a deep breath, relax your shoulders, and ask yourself: What do I need today? And then—give yourself permission to receive it.

Episode 86: What to Do When the Chaos is Swirling

Life doesn’t always feel calm and steady. Sometimes, it’s a whirlwind—one thing after another, leaving us overwhelmed and exhausted. If you’re in a season where the chaos is swirling and you don’t know how to move forward, this episode is for you.
This week, we’re talking about:✨ How to stop trying to control what’s out of your hands✨ Why prioritizing rest and self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential✨ A simple exercise to sort through what’s truly urgent vs. what can wait✨ The power of surrender and trusting God, even when life feels out of control
If the weight of everything feels like too much, take a deep breath. Let’s walk through this together, one step at a time.
Listen now and take a moment to find your footing in the middle of the chaos.
Have a friend who could use this message? Share this episode with them!