Learn with Natalie Archives

When You Are Lonely and Sad in Your Christian Marriage [Episode 257]

January 9, 2024

“I’m really struggling with feeling extremely lonely. How did you deal with this in a healthy way?

“How do you cope with loneliness? A shattered, broken heart?”

“We don’t speak to each other at all most of the time, so I just get really lonely for human fellowship and interaction.”

“I’m feeling really isolated. I just feel sad and alone.”

“I need help dealing with how lonely I feel all the time.”

Do these expressions of loneliness feel familiar to you? Then today’s episode is for you.

Interrupting the Abuse Cycle [Episode 255]

December 26, 2023

Have you ever gone around in circles during a conversation with someone with no hope of ever reaching any kind of resolution? The abuse cycle is just like that — a never-ending loop of tension, an explosion, and then most confusing of all, a really “good” part of the cycle where the abuser is seemingly kind.

But how do we get off of this chaotic merry-go-round? How do we interrupt the cycle? I’m glad you asked. As a former card-carrying member of the merry-go-round, I have a few ideas for you as you work towards interrupting the cycle.

Ten Steps Out of an Emotionally Abusive “Christian” Marriage [Episode 254]

December 19, 2023

Getting out of an emotionally abusive marriage is one of the hardest things you could ever do. But the life and healing it can bring after you have finally left the grip of abuse makes this difficult journey worth it.

In today’s episode, I want to outline a ten-step pathway if you or someone you love is considering getting out of an emotionally and spiritually abusive relationship. Come with me as we climb the ladder out of hell.

How Can I Be a Good Mom in an Emotionally Abusive Marriage? [Episode 252]

December 5, 2023

If you’ve ever flown on a plane, you know that in case of emergency, the flight attendants always tell you to put on your own oxygen mask first before you help your kids put on theirs. Healing is the same way. We can’t help our kids heal until we heal ourselves. If we stay stuck, our kids are going to suffer right along with us.

You get the opportunity to be your kids’ biggest hero, support, and safe space. But you have to be YOUR biggest hero, support, and safe space first. Let’s learn how—together.

How to Tell Your Kids You’re Getting Divorced [Episode 247]

October 31, 2023

“How in the world am I going to tell my kids that we’re getting divorced?” Kids + divorce = a tricky topic, but I want to help calm your fears. I want to show you some questions you can ask yourself as you contemplate this big conversation with your children, and let’s give you some practical ideas as you introduce this new change in all of your lives.

Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn: Religion and Trauma Responses [Episode 245]

October 17, 2023

Today I want to explore the four common responses people have when they have experienced or are experiencing something that is threatening or traumatic. In particular, I want to focus on the fawning response and how that relates to our view of and our relationship with God. Let’s break down our responses of fight, flight, fawn, and freeze, and then destroy the false, abusive version of the God that we may have in our minds.

Category: Learn with Natalie