Category: Learn with Natalie

Is Teaching Boundaries Victim Blaming?

Is Teaching Boundaries Victim Blaming? [Episode 264]

Is teaching survivors how to have boundaries the equivalent of victim blaming? I’ve seen this topic come up again and again, and I thought it was time I stated what I believe about it. The bottom line is that I believe that boundaries is an essential tool in a survivor’s toolbox. I also believe abuse is never, ever the survivor’s fault. Those two beliefs can go hand in hand nicely, and I’m going to show you how.

Join me as I explain my stance, why it’s important, and what McDonald’s burgers and fries have to do with the whole sordid affair.

More
Now Available: All the Scary Little Gods

Now Available: All the Scary Little Gods [Episode 263]

In January of 2023, I pulled out over three decade’s worth of journals, photograph albums, planners, cards and letters, and scrapbooks, and I began to write a book about my spiritual journey with God from the time I was seven years old to the present.

I had a hunch there was a story to tell. What surprised me was who ended up telling it.

More
All the Scary Little Gods: More Insider Scoop on My New Book

All the Scary Little Gods: More Insider Scoop on My New Book [Episode 261]

We are gearing up for the release of my brand new book, All the Scary Little Gods, which will be available on Amazon in Kindle, paperback, and Audible formats on February 20th.

In this episode, you’ll get some more sneak peeks including the foreword by Dr. Tiffany Yecke Brooks and chapters about my first kiss in college plus a time when I thought “crying out to God” would bring back some mail-in-rebate money. (That’s right. You’ll have to listen to believe it.)

Laugh, cry, and roll your eyes with me in this sneak peek episode!

More
The Symbolism on the cover of All the Scary Little Gods

The Symbolism on the Cover of All the Scary Little Gods [Episode 259]

During the entire year of 2023, I wrote a book. It was not an easy book for me to write, emotionally, and I’m glad to be done and even more glad to release it into the world soon. In this episode, I discuss why I titled my new book, All the Scary Little Gods, and I explain the symbolism on the front cover.

More
When you are lonely and sad in your Christian marriage

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

“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.

More
Interrupting the Abuse Cycle

Interrupting the Abuse Cycle [Episode 255]

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.

More