June 24, 2025 • 33 mins
Feeling lost or unsure of your purpose in this new stage of life?
I get it. After years of pouring your heart into being a mom, it can feel uncomfortable—even a little guilty—to choose yourself. In this powerful episode of The Rise 2 Shine Podcast, I sit down with the incredibly brave Heather Olson, a speaker, soon-to-be author, and woman with a heart to serve. Heather openly shares her deeply personal mental health healing journey after experiencing postpartum depression, revealing a pivotal moment that led her to seek true transformation. This isn't an overnight fix; it's a testament to the slow, steady work of finding joy after motherhood and rediscovering yourself. Heather's story is a raw, real conversation about emotional healing for women and the profound impact of daring to share your truth.
✔️ Discover the pivotal realization that compelled Heather to begin her 14-year journey of healing and transformation.
✔️ Understand why storytelling healing is so vital and how vulnerability for growth can open doors to deeper connections.
✔️ Learn about Heather's courageous step into writing and speaking, offering hope and clarity for midlife women solutions on their own paths.
This conversation is like listening to two girlfriends share wisdom, inspiration, and the power of perseverance. If you're looking for guidance on reclaiming your confidence or overcoming self-doubt in your next chapter, this episode is for you. Subscribe now to The Rise 2 Shine Podcast and listen to this transformative episode to unlock your own path to feeling fulfilled, confident, and excited about life again.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Don’t forget to subscribe, drop a comment and leave a review!
More About Heather:
Heather is a speaker, author, friend, child of God, and has a heart to serve others. She possesses firsthand experience with mental health struggles and is dedicated to helping others in discovering their own paths to overcome these struggles. She believes that there is healing power in sharing your story. Not only for yourself but for others. She encourages everyone to find someone they trust to share their story with. The first time is the hardest but also the most healing. The titles that she cherishes the most are bride to her husband Brian and mother to her sons Easton and Elijah. She is always ready to embark on their next adventure together.
Be sure to stay tuned for the big book launch coming up late summer!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Welcome to the Rise to Shine podcast with Noel Custis where
we ignite the spark to discover your favorite self.
It is time to get real, ladies. Hello, hello, welcome to the
Rise to Shine podcast. I'm your host, Noel Custis, and
(00:21):
today's guest is someone who embodies resilience, heart and
the power of sharing our stories.
Heather Olsen is a speaker. She is a soon to be author, an
entrepreneur and someone with a heart to serve.
She has first hand experience with mental health challenges
(00:42):
and is really passionate about helping others find their own
path to healing. So I knew the moment that I met
Heather, we actually met at a business in Bubbly Mastermind
that we were meant to be friends.
And I couldn't be more thrilled to share her with you today.
We are also, and we'll talk about this today, we are also
(01:04):
collaborating on an upcoming book together.
And I just know that her story is going to deeply impact those
who need it most. So this conversation is going to
be real. It's going to be raw.
It's like 2 girlfriends hanging out together and just full of a
lot of wisdom. So make sure that you, you know,
(01:24):
this is one of those cozy conversations that I say grab
your cup of coffee, find a cozy spot.
Of course, if you're driving, you're a busy mom.
I get that too. But you're going to want to
definitely hone in on this conversation because it is going
to be beautiful. So let's dive into this journey
with Heather Olsen. Hi, Heather.
(01:44):
Welcome. Welcome.
So excited you're here. I am great.
And just getting through a rainyday over here where I'm at.
So it's nice. It feels like just very nice and
cozy today. Yeah.
It's actually raining here as well today.
Yeah, You know, and we don't getthat very often where I'm at.
(02:08):
So we love this. I'm sure you probably get it a
little bit more often. And, you know, it does.
It makes for a cozy. It makes for a cozy experience
and so I am so excited that we finally got to do this together.
And I just love that you are coming on here because I feel
(02:30):
like your story is so incredibleand just really is important.
And so that's that's a reason why I really wanted you on here.
And then of course, we have these collaborations happening
that I'm super excited to talk about.
So let's get started with just introducing you to our audience
and tell us a little bit about yourself and also kind of, you
(02:54):
know, what led you to become so passionate about mental health
and healing. Well, hi, I'm Heather Olson and
Noel, I'm so excited to be here.I thank you so much for having
me on your podcast. Absolutely I have.
(03:15):
I have been a I've been a stay at home mom for 12 years and I'm
sorry I'm having technical issues here.
No, it's OK. We can just we can pause.
If you want to pull up whatever you need to pull up, we can do
(03:37):
that. And you can.
Did I even hit? Did I hit record?
OK, Yes, we did hit record. It looks like I don't even know
if I hit record. There we go.
Sorry. OK, no.
Perfect. You know what I'll do?
Let's just start. We'll start from the beginning
and well, not from the very beginning, but I'll start with
the first question. So we'll just do that again.
(03:59):
So that way it feels like a goodflow for you.
So, all right, so well, I am so excited to have you here and I
would love for you to just introduce yourself to our
audience and really let you tellyour story about what led you to
become so passionate about mental health and healing.
(04:21):
Well, thank you so much, Noelle.I'm so excited to be here on
your podcast. Like Noelle said, my name is
Heather Olson and I am a wife, amom of two teenage boys.
I was privileged to be able to stay at home with them for 12
years and I have been a caretaker for my mother-in-law
(04:48):
and a friend's mom for the past five years.
And journeying through their dementia has been challenging
for sure. But I am excited to share my
(05:10):
story with all of you, and I thank you so much, Noelle, for
being here. Oh, absolutely.
Well, I know that you have been open about your personal, you
know, health challenges. What was what was a pivotal
(05:31):
moment in your journey that helped you to move towards your
healing? What?
What was it? You know, however far deep you
want to get into that, Tell us. Tell us about yourself in that
respect. I think the most pivotal point
in my healing journey was I was 35 and my husband said to me,
(05:57):
you're just so angry all the time.
And in that moment, I, I had this realization that if I
didn't do something to change that, that I was going to be
stuck in that space for the restof my life.
(06:20):
And so it led me on this journeyto start to heal from the mental
health challenges that I've beenthrough.
Some of you may know my story. I struggled with postpartum
depression after the birth of mysecond son, and it led me to a
(06:47):
point where I almost took my ownlife.
And that very day that I had planned to do that through what
I believe is divine intervention, God.
God saved my life by having me break my leg in four places that
day and has he's taken me on this journey of healing since
(07:18):
since then. I would say it's been a slow
process over the past 14 years, but I'm definitely on the up, up
side of that healing journey and, and just so excited for the
(07:41):
things that God is doing in my life and that is leading me into
in this next chapter of my life.Yeah, I love that, Heather,
that. Well, first of all, I just want
to say thank you for being braveenough to Share your story.
I know that it is not always easy when we are, you know,
(08:07):
being very vulnerable and sharing something that is, you
know, scary to say out loud sometimes.
And what I appreciate is I love that you also shared that this
wasn't just an overnight thing where you made a decision and
poof, you are better. This has been a 14 year journey.
(08:30):
This has been something that youhave been taking steps towards
this healing, getting, you know,doing the work, putting yourself
out there. And that's what I appreciate
because I think it's so important and especially when
we're talking about mental health, that this is not
something that just goes away. This isn't something that we
(08:54):
just, you know, go, all right, we've got the tools for you.
I mean, I hear so many coaches out there and just, you know,
just so many stories where it's like, you know, we can cure you.
We've got this, you know, and I wish, I wish it was that easy.
I wish it was that easy, but I do, you know, So again, I
appreciate that you are being vulnerable today.
(09:16):
I love that you're being brave enough and the fact that you
took, you know, you took the steps to continue to work.
And as we know it is a work in progress.
It's, you know, it's still ongoing.
And I also found what's fascinating about your story is
the fact that there was some divine intervention there.
(09:39):
And for me, I immediately when Iheard this story, I was like,
yeah, you have a purpose. You have a purpose to be here on
this earth and sharing your story.
And I know that that has been something that has come to
fruition for you as well. Now you, you know, for me, I
(10:03):
know that storytelling has kind of become a bigger part of your
work. So why?
Why do you think sharing our stories is so powerful?
And how has it helped you in your own journey?
There's so much healing in our stories.
(10:23):
I remember the first, very firsttime that I told my story.
My friend had convinced me to that she could teach me how to
snowboard, and we went up the mountain here in Idaho and she
tried to teach me how to snowboard.
It was rough, to say the least, but I think I fell down the
(10:45):
mountain more than snowboarded down the mountain that day.
But it was actually on the ride home, for the very first time, I
felt led to share my story with someone other than my husband.
(11:06):
My husband is known since, has known my struggle all along, but
I never let anyone else into that place, into that.
I call it the dark part of my soul that I just had never shone
(11:27):
any light on that part of my life.
And once I did, not only did it burst out into tears and snot
and everything running down my face like it was this moment of
realization that a piece of my soul healed that day.
(11:51):
A piece of my like deep part of my heart soul was healed that
day and it just gave me this realization that there's so much
healing in sharing the strugglesthat we've gone through.
And the other thing that I've noticed on the other side of
(12:14):
that, when you're vulnerable, itallows others to open up and be
vulnerable with you. So true.
Yeah, so true. And, you know, it leads me to
this because I feel like, you know, that darker place, that
(12:35):
darker place in our soul. I think that for most women,
there is a darker space. And, you know, and maybe it's
super, you know, maybe it's a bigger space, maybe it's a
smaller space, but there's, you know, again, it's like when we
are on social media or, you know, even just being amongst
(12:56):
our girlfriends, like we're not always willing to open up and to
share what's really going on behind the scenes and even our
own feelings. Because I feel like, you know,
shame comes with that judgement.We have a fear of judgement,
(13:17):
people wanting to try to fix us and tell us how we're supposed
to be, you know, there. The list goes on and on.
And I know that, you know, in working with so many women now
that and that was part of why I chose to do what I do now
because as a former teacher, I loved working with kids and it
(13:37):
was wonderful for 25 years. But in this space now, because I
think of the self growth that I've had and the work that I
have chose to do, I noticed thatwomen struggle with opening up
about their challenges. So what would you say to someone
who feels like their story isn'tworthy of being shared, or
(13:59):
they're scared to share that? I would say that small steps.
Just find one person that you trust to share that with.
Yeah. In an intimate setting, just you
(14:20):
and that person and just allow yourself that vulnerability and
then it becomes easier after that first time.
Yeah, so true. And great advice because I do,
you know, you don't have to shout from the rooftops, right?
(14:41):
I mean, it's taken you 14 years to get onto a podcast and talk
about it. You know, it's not something
that you shared your story. And then we're like, I'm going
to tell everybody about this. You know, it takes some time.
And you know, so I love that. I love that advice that you can
find that person, you can find that safe space and take those
(15:07):
baby steps. And, you know, again, I, I know
that you would agree with this that we had talked about, you
know, just because we have been on this journey together with
speaking and writing and, you know, knowing that everybody
does have a story and stories are so important because it
really is how we start to break the barriers of living in shame
(15:32):
and living in this isolation. I feel like, you know, we again,
as women, we, we isolate ourselves and sometimes it's not
even intentional, but it happens.
And so I think really being ableto step out into the world and
even if you're not ready to Share your story, when you hear
the stories of others, it startsto like chip away at some of the
(15:57):
things that we're going through.And I know for you, you're
starting to step into this worldof speaking and writing in a
much bigger way. So what you know, what inspired
you to not just talk about it? And you know, cuz you did say
there's healing that came from it and I started to talk about
it. But what inspired you to really
pursue the path of, you know, speaking and writing?
(16:20):
Because not everybody chooses todo that.
So I think it's extraordinary. And I would love to hear, you
know, how that came to be for you.
Well, I had a dream. I had a vision of being on stage
and telling my story and that scared me more than anything
(16:42):
because public speaking has never been a thought in my mind.
But the Lord just whispered to me and said, how are you going
to Share your story and help others if you're not speaking in
public? So you got called, girl, and
(17:06):
you're like, wait a minute, likewere you, you know, because I
hear this, you know, this happens and I have that as part
of my own story that there were some callings throughout my
life. And you know, when you get that
calling, how does it sit at first?
Are you like, no way I'm not doing this?
Or did you jump right in? What was your path to that?
(17:28):
I there was definitely some moments of Jonah and the well,
like wanting to run from this, right, because it was so far
beyond anything that I thought Icould do.
Yeah. Well, and as they say, public
speaking is the number one fear,even out doing a lot of times
(17:52):
the fear of death, which I go, Oh my gosh, because when you
mention public speaking to a lotof people, they're like, no way,
not gonna do it. So I know that it is.
It's a big step. And when, when did you start
your speaking journey? So how did that come about?
(18:16):
So last year, last June, Charityopened up her speaking training
class. And it was a competition so
between me and two other women to have a spot to speak at the
mastermind there in California with you.
(18:40):
And I won. And to my surprise.
Well, and that's how we met. Charity is the founder of
Business and Bubbling, which I'ma director for.
And she had, yeah, she had had aspeaking course that it ended up
(19:01):
becoming this competition that whoever won in the end of it was
going to be able to speak at a mastermind that we were having
here in California. And you won and you and the
other speakers did attend. I loved meeting all of you, but
you got to Share your story at that event.
And it was extremely powerful. We were literally like you could
(19:24):
hit a hear a pin drop. We definitely, I think there was
just even if you haven't been ina place where you have
considered taking your life and you know, gone down that same
path, there is something that resonates with every woman.
(19:45):
I believe that has to do with mental health, whether it be you
personally knowing someone, a family member, a friend,
whatever that is. And then I also think that as
women, I don't know. I just, I believe that we are
wired with this empathy and justagain, it's important to know
(20:08):
and it was important for you to share that story.
And since then we have, you know, that was not even quite a
year ago and we. Jumped on the train to continue
because I then I was right therewith you going, well, I want to
get on stages. I feel like, you know, the
(20:29):
again, it's all about storytelling and I love doing it
on the podcast. I love, you know, talking about
my story now because I've done so much healing.
Again, you know, I wouldn't havebeen able to do this ten years
ago when I was still going through the thick of it.
But now that I'm on the other side of it, even though there's
(20:50):
still things that I have to workon, we jumped on this train of
continuing this journey of getting on stages and speaking.
And then we decided, well, why stop there?
Let's collaborate on a book. So I am super excited about this
and you know, it has been such apersonal experience to do this.
(21:14):
So what has this journey taught you about yourself stepping into
writing a chapter in a book? Oh man, It has opened up a whole
other set of limiting beliefs that I've had about being seen
in a much bigger way. And I you can't even describe
(21:41):
the growth that I've had that weekend that we met for that
writing retreat. Just breaking free from that
limiting belief of not thinking that I was worthy of being here
in this space has been huge moving forward.
(22:04):
Yeah. And believe it or not, I, I am
right there with you, you know, right there with you.
And I feel like all of us that are contributing to this book
are feeling that in some capacity, you know, just going,
OK, it's one thing to Share yourstory to your friends and then
to go to the next level of getting on a stage and sharing
(22:26):
your story. But then you start to talk about
a book, and I don't know about you, but for me there's this
idea of the book doesn't ever goaway.
Like once it's out there and it's published, it's in writing
and it is there like forever. And that's scary.
(22:49):
That is really scary. And I've had to do that same
type of reflection of going, Oh my gosh, am I ready to show up
in a bigger way? Because when you're done with
your speaking gig and you know, you spoke on stages like you're
done and then you move on with life, right?
But a book, it's like anybody can get their hands on that to
(23:12):
hear it and to read it. So it does come with all of
these things that we have to self check with, you know, in
your in your particular chapter,because it is a collaborative
book. So we're each going to be
writing a chapter that is going to share part of the story that
we want to share. And So what could readers expect
(23:35):
from your chapter, and why was it important for you to share
that part of it? I do go deeper into my story and
the day that I broke my leg and since then I would go on to
describe some of the things thathave have helped me on my
(23:57):
healing journey with, with getting to a place where I can
actually show up on stages, tellmy story in a much bigger way.
Yeah, I love that. And yeah, you, I I love that we
get to go a little bit deeper. So that way it's not just, you
(24:18):
know, the surface part of it, but we can really, you know,
talk about what it was that happened and be able to.
And I love that you said, you know, you're also helping other
women throughout this chapter aswell.
So I am really, really, really excited for people to get to
(24:38):
know you in that space. And you are absolutely worthy of
that space. Again, I, I just know beyond a
shadow of a doubt that God has you here for a reason.
And unfortunately, it was, you know, breaking your leg in four
places, which isn't lovely. I'm sure that was not a fun
(24:59):
experience, but thank goodness. Thank goodness.
And I, I am just so, so grateful.
And I'm so grateful to know you.And I'd love to ask you this
question because this is one that I get asked sometimes and I
just love different perspectiveson this.
But how do you prepare mentally and emotionally before getting
(25:23):
on stage to speak about such personal topics?
I have been doing some meditative, meditative work
through our speaker training. That's what I used when I came
down to speak on stage. I was still, I still had a lot
(25:47):
of nerves because it was my first time.
I think this next time it'll be a little bit easier.
And then the anchoring has been,I don't, I don't remember
catching that the first time around, but the second time I've
(26:09):
gone through the speaker training, I caught the anchoring
and that has that has helped me a lot.
Yeah. Now tell, tell us a little bit
more about what anchoring is. So you have a motion.
Mine is this like I kind of scratch at my finger.
(26:33):
And so you'll probably see me onstage doing that, but it brings
me into this state of being ableto show up in a bigger way in
this bigger, higher vibration state so that I can be seen in a
(26:58):
bigger way and feel comfortable with being seen in a bigger way.
Yeah, so good. And, and that's what it takes
really, you know, I mean, I knowwe've learned together that it
takes a lot of reps You got to practice.
You know, it's again, it's not, it's not something that just
happens overnight. You know, it is a journey, it is
(27:19):
a process. And there are tools and there
are strategies. So what advice would you give to
someone who feels called to stepinto something big?
It could be speaking or writing,but they don't know where to
start. What would you say to them?
I would say to find a training, find a mentor that can help you
(27:44):
through that journey. That has been the probably the
biggest part of my journey is having charity to teach me how
to be seen in a bigger way, how to show up in a bigger way.
Yeah. And she's a great and amazing
(28:04):
mentor. Yeah, because it definitely it's
a skill, right? So like, we know that yes,
there's a skill to speaking, there's a skill to becoming a
writer. Anyone can do it, whether you
believe it or not, you can do it.
But like you mentioned, it's always great to have a mentor or
(28:25):
somebody that is coaching you through it or a community,
something that can anchor you into that space because there
are going to be challenges that come up for you, you know, and
not just within the skill, but like emotionally, mentally, like
really being able to. I, I think you've said it, you
(28:48):
know, a few times being seen in a much bigger way.
And that's hard because again, Iknow you and I both like we live
in this humility place. And so it's scary to be too big,
you know, but we go. But yet we know that God is
calling us for bigger. And so there's kind of this
(29:09):
teetering in that and learning how we move forward in that
place. And you're right, Charity has
been amazing. She's been an amazing mentor to
help us all get through that. And then I have to say being in
a community is also beautiful because you can bounce off each
other when you're going through a tough time, time you can
(29:30):
bounce off somebody else. And you know, there's just all
of that camaraderie there, whichis, you know, such a beautiful
experience as well. So I'd love to know.
I mean, I know that we I'm so excited we get to speak at the
next National Conference for Business in Bubbly and we are
going to be introducing our upcoming book.
(29:53):
But tell us what is next for youwith that as well.
You know, are you working on anyprojects or goals or you know,
what are your dreams now, now that all of this is coming to
fruition? Yes.
So the thing that I've been doing recently is putting, I
(30:15):
just put a prayer and gratitude journal out there.
And also I have AI have a big dream on my heart that God is
working out. I will say that I don't feel
like I am equipped for the big dream that he's placed on my
(30:37):
heart, but he, he, he is so. There's a reason for that,
right? And we know that you know, I
know with your faith that, you know, he puts a dream on our
heart for a reason. And we may not understand it at
(30:58):
the time and we may not feel equipped, but as we know, there
will be confirmation, there willbe things that will happen that
God will put right in the forefront for you.
We just have to be aware and open to it.
And so I am so excited for you. I am excited for this journal,
(31:20):
this gratitude and prayer journal that is amazing.
Such a beautiful like thing to, you know, go right along with
your chapter and what you're speaking on your message.
And it's just going to be a beautiful thing.
And there's definitely bigger things ahead.
And I, I feel like I feel very privileged that I get to be a
(31:42):
part of this as a friend with you and to continue working
through this with you. Because again, we know that this
is a journey. It's always a journey.
But Heather, this has just been such an incredible conversation.
Your story and your heart for others.
And again, just your willingnessto be vulnerable are truly
(32:03):
inspiring. And I know that so many people
today, women in particular, willfeel seen and heard because of
what you've shared. So if you're listening right now
and Heather's story resonated with you, make sure to follow
her, connect with her. We'll have all the notes in the
show notes. And keep an eye out for our
(32:24):
upcoming book collaboration because trust me, you're going
to want to read what she has to say.
And as always, if this episode spoke to you, share it with a
friend, tag us on social media and let us know what resonated
most. And then thank you for tuning
in. And remember, your story, your
voice, and your journey matter more than you know.
(32:45):
And until next time, keep rising, keep shining, and know
that the very best day is waiting for you right here and
now. Thanks again Heather and bye
friends. Thank you.
Thanks for joining me here today.
Your presence means the world tome.
If you enjoyed what you heard, please consider leaving a rating
and review and don't forget to follow or subscribe so you never
(33:07):
miss an episode. Head to the show notes and let's
connect. Rise to Shine Co is ready to
support you in coaching, collaboration, light tips, or
even a coffee chat. Until next time, keep shining my
friends.
Welcome to the Rise to Shine podcast with Noel Custis where
we ignite the spark to discover your favorite self.
It is time to get real, ladies. Hello, hello, welcome to the
Rise to Shine podcast. I'm your host, Noel Custis, and
(00:21):
today's guest is someone who embodies resilience, heart and
the power of sharing our stories.
Heather Olsen is a speaker. She is a soon to be author, an
entrepreneur and someone with a heart to serve.
She has first hand experience with mental health challenges
(00:42):
and is really passionate about helping others find their own
path to healing. So I knew the moment that I met
Heather, we actually met at a business in Bubbly Mastermind
that we were meant to be friends.
And I couldn't be more thrilled to share her with you today.
We are also, and we'll talk about this today, we are also
(01:04):
collaborating on an upcoming book together.
And I just know that her story is going to deeply impact those
who need it most. So this conversation is going to
be real. It's going to be raw.
It's like 2 girlfriends hanging out together and just full of a
lot of wisdom. So make sure that you, you know,
(01:24):
this is one of those cozy conversations that I say grab
your cup of coffee, find a cozy spot.
Of course, if you're driving, you're a busy mom.
I get that too. But you're going to want to
definitely hone in on this conversation because it is going
to be beautiful. So let's dive into this journey
with Heather Olsen. Hi, Heather.
(01:44):
Welcome. Welcome.
So excited you're here. I am great.
And just getting through a rainyday over here where I'm at.
So it's nice. It feels like just very nice and
cozy today. Yeah.
It's actually raining here as well today.
Yeah, You know, and we don't getthat very often where I'm at.
(02:08):
So we love this. I'm sure you probably get it a
little bit more often. And, you know, it does.
It makes for a cozy. It makes for a cozy experience
and so I am so excited that we finally got to do this together.
And I just love that you are coming on here because I feel
(02:30):
like your story is so incredibleand just really is important.
And so that's that's a reason why I really wanted you on here.
And then of course, we have these collaborations happening
that I'm super excited to talk about.
So let's get started with just introducing you to our audience
and tell us a little bit about yourself and also kind of, you
(02:54):
know, what led you to become so passionate about mental health
and healing. Well, hi, I'm Heather Olson and
Noel, I'm so excited to be here.I thank you so much for having
me on your podcast. Absolutely I have.
(03:15):
I have been a I've been a stay at home mom for 12 years and I'm
sorry I'm having technical issues here.
No, it's OK. We can just we can pause.
If you want to pull up whatever you need to pull up, we can do
(03:37):
that. And you can.
Did I even hit? Did I hit record?
OK, Yes, we did hit record. It looks like I don't even know
if I hit record. There we go.
Sorry. OK, no.
Perfect. You know what I'll do?
Let's just start. We'll start from the beginning
and well, not from the very beginning, but I'll start with
the first question. So we'll just do that again.
(03:59):
So that way it feels like a goodflow for you.
So, all right, so well, I am so excited to have you here and I
would love for you to just introduce yourself to our
audience and really let you tellyour story about what led you to
become so passionate about mental health and healing.
(04:21):
Well, thank you so much, Noelle.I'm so excited to be here on
your podcast. Like Noelle said, my name is
Heather Olson and I am a wife, amom of two teenage boys.
I was privileged to be able to stay at home with them for 12
years and I have been a caretaker for my mother-in-law
(04:48):
and a friend's mom for the past five years.
And journeying through their dementia has been challenging
for sure. But I am excited to share my
(05:10):
story with all of you, and I thank you so much, Noelle, for
being here. Oh, absolutely.
Well, I know that you have been open about your personal, you
know, health challenges. What was what was a pivotal
(05:31):
moment in your journey that helped you to move towards your
healing? What?
What was it? You know, however far deep you
want to get into that, Tell us. Tell us about yourself in that
respect. I think the most pivotal point
in my healing journey was I was 35 and my husband said to me,
(05:57):
you're just so angry all the time.
And in that moment, I, I had this realization that if I
didn't do something to change that, that I was going to be
stuck in that space for the restof my life.
(06:20):
And so it led me on this journeyto start to heal from the mental
health challenges that I've beenthrough.
Some of you may know my story. I struggled with postpartum
depression after the birth of mysecond son, and it led me to a
(06:47):
point where I almost took my ownlife.
And that very day that I had planned to do that through what
I believe is divine intervention, God.
God saved my life by having me break my leg in four places that
day and has he's taken me on this journey of healing since
(07:18):
since then. I would say it's been a slow
process over the past 14 years, but I'm definitely on the up, up
side of that healing journey and, and just so excited for the
(07:41):
things that God is doing in my life and that is leading me into
in this next chapter of my life.Yeah, I love that, Heather,
that. Well, first of all, I just want
to say thank you for being braveenough to Share your story.
I know that it is not always easy when we are, you know,
(08:07):
being very vulnerable and sharing something that is, you
know, scary to say out loud sometimes.
And what I appreciate is I love that you also shared that this
wasn't just an overnight thing where you made a decision and
poof, you are better. This has been a 14 year journey.
(08:30):
This has been something that youhave been taking steps towards
this healing, getting, you know,doing the work, putting yourself
out there. And that's what I appreciate
because I think it's so important and especially when
we're talking about mental health, that this is not
something that just goes away. This isn't something that we
(08:54):
just, you know, go, all right, we've got the tools for you.
I mean, I hear so many coaches out there and just, you know,
just so many stories where it's like, you know, we can cure you.
We've got this, you know, and I wish, I wish it was that easy.
I wish it was that easy, but I do, you know, So again, I
appreciate that you are being vulnerable today.
(09:16):
I love that you're being brave enough and the fact that you
took, you know, you took the steps to continue to work.
And as we know it is a work in progress.
It's, you know, it's still ongoing.
And I also found what's fascinating about your story is
the fact that there was some divine intervention there.
(09:39):
And for me, I immediately when Iheard this story, I was like,
yeah, you have a purpose. You have a purpose to be here on
this earth and sharing your story.
And I know that that has been something that has come to
fruition for you as well. Now you, you know, for me, I
(10:03):
know that storytelling has kind of become a bigger part of your
work. So why?
Why do you think sharing our stories is so powerful?
And how has it helped you in your own journey?
There's so much healing in our stories.
(10:23):
I remember the first, very firsttime that I told my story.
My friend had convinced me to that she could teach me how to
snowboard, and we went up the mountain here in Idaho and she
tried to teach me how to snowboard.
It was rough, to say the least, but I think I fell down the
(10:45):
mountain more than snowboarded down the mountain that day.
But it was actually on the ride home, for the very first time, I
felt led to share my story with someone other than my husband.
(11:06):
My husband is known since, has known my struggle all along, but
I never let anyone else into that place, into that.
I call it the dark part of my soul that I just had never shone
(11:27):
any light on that part of my life.
And once I did, not only did it burst out into tears and snot
and everything running down my face like it was this moment of
realization that a piece of my soul healed that day.
(11:51):
A piece of my like deep part of my heart soul was healed that
day and it just gave me this realization that there's so much
healing in sharing the strugglesthat we've gone through.
And the other thing that I've noticed on the other side of
(12:14):
that, when you're vulnerable, itallows others to open up and be
vulnerable with you. So true.
Yeah, so true. And, you know, it leads me to
this because I feel like, you know, that darker place, that
(12:35):
darker place in our soul. I think that for most women,
there is a darker space. And, you know, and maybe it's
super, you know, maybe it's a bigger space, maybe it's a
smaller space, but there's, you know, again, it's like when we
are on social media or, you know, even just being amongst
(12:56):
our girlfriends, like we're not always willing to open up and to
share what's really going on behind the scenes and even our
own feelings. Because I feel like, you know,
shame comes with that judgement.We have a fear of judgement,
(13:17):
people wanting to try to fix us and tell us how we're supposed
to be, you know, there. The list goes on and on.
And I know that, you know, in working with so many women now
that and that was part of why I chose to do what I do now
because as a former teacher, I loved working with kids and it
(13:37):
was wonderful for 25 years. But in this space now, because I
think of the self growth that I've had and the work that I
have chose to do, I noticed thatwomen struggle with opening up
about their challenges. So what would you say to someone
who feels like their story isn'tworthy of being shared, or
(13:59):
they're scared to share that? I would say that small steps.
Just find one person that you trust to share that with.
Yeah. In an intimate setting, just you
(14:20):
and that person and just allow yourself that vulnerability and
then it becomes easier after that first time.
Yeah, so true. And great advice because I do,
you know, you don't have to shout from the rooftops, right?
(14:41):
I mean, it's taken you 14 years to get onto a podcast and talk
about it. You know, it's not something
that you shared your story. And then we're like, I'm going
to tell everybody about this. You know, it takes some time.
And you know, so I love that. I love that advice that you can
find that person, you can find that safe space and take those
(15:07):
baby steps. And, you know, again, I, I know
that you would agree with this that we had talked about, you
know, just because we have been on this journey together with
speaking and writing and, you know, knowing that everybody
does have a story and stories are so important because it
really is how we start to break the barriers of living in shame
(15:32):
and living in this isolation. I feel like, you know, we again,
as women, we, we isolate ourselves and sometimes it's not
even intentional, but it happens.
And so I think really being ableto step out into the world and
even if you're not ready to Share your story, when you hear
the stories of others, it startsto like chip away at some of the
(15:57):
things that we're going through.And I know for you, you're
starting to step into this worldof speaking and writing in a
much bigger way. So what you know, what inspired
you to not just talk about it? And you know, cuz you did say
there's healing that came from it and I started to talk about
it. But what inspired you to really
pursue the path of, you know, speaking and writing?
(16:20):
Because not everybody chooses todo that.
So I think it's extraordinary. And I would love to hear, you
know, how that came to be for you.
Well, I had a dream. I had a vision of being on stage
and telling my story and that scared me more than anything
(16:42):
because public speaking has never been a thought in my mind.
But the Lord just whispered to me and said, how are you going
to Share your story and help others if you're not speaking in
public? So you got called, girl, and
(17:06):
you're like, wait a minute, likewere you, you know, because I
hear this, you know, this happens and I have that as part
of my own story that there were some callings throughout my
life. And you know, when you get that
calling, how does it sit at first?
Are you like, no way I'm not doing this?
Or did you jump right in? What was your path to that?
(17:28):
I there was definitely some moments of Jonah and the well,
like wanting to run from this, right, because it was so far
beyond anything that I thought Icould do.
Yeah. Well, and as they say, public
speaking is the number one fear,even out doing a lot of times
(17:52):
the fear of death, which I go, Oh my gosh, because when you
mention public speaking to a lotof people, they're like, no way,
not gonna do it. So I know that it is.
It's a big step. And when, when did you start
your speaking journey? So how did that come about?
(18:16):
So last year, last June, Charityopened up her speaking training
class. And it was a competition so
between me and two other women to have a spot to speak at the
mastermind there in California with you.
(18:40):
And I won. And to my surprise.
Well, and that's how we met. Charity is the founder of
Business and Bubbling, which I'ma director for.
And she had, yeah, she had had aspeaking course that it ended up
(19:01):
becoming this competition that whoever won in the end of it was
going to be able to speak at a mastermind that we were having
here in California. And you won and you and the
other speakers did attend. I loved meeting all of you, but
you got to Share your story at that event.
And it was extremely powerful. We were literally like you could
(19:24):
hit a hear a pin drop. We definitely, I think there was
just even if you haven't been ina place where you have
considered taking your life and you know, gone down that same
path, there is something that resonates with every woman.
(19:45):
I believe that has to do with mental health, whether it be you
personally knowing someone, a family member, a friend,
whatever that is. And then I also think that as
women, I don't know. I just, I believe that we are
wired with this empathy and justagain, it's important to know
(20:08):
and it was important for you to share that story.
And since then we have, you know, that was not even quite a
year ago and we. Jumped on the train to continue
because I then I was right therewith you going, well, I want to
get on stages. I feel like, you know, the
(20:29):
again, it's all about storytelling and I love doing it
on the podcast. I love, you know, talking about
my story now because I've done so much healing.
Again, you know, I wouldn't havebeen able to do this ten years
ago when I was still going through the thick of it.
But now that I'm on the other side of it, even though there's
(20:50):
still things that I have to workon, we jumped on this train of
continuing this journey of getting on stages and speaking.
And then we decided, well, why stop there?
Let's collaborate on a book. So I am super excited about this
and you know, it has been such apersonal experience to do this.
(21:14):
So what has this journey taught you about yourself stepping into
writing a chapter in a book? Oh man, It has opened up a whole
other set of limiting beliefs that I've had about being seen
in a much bigger way. And I you can't even describe
(21:41):
the growth that I've had that weekend that we met for that
writing retreat. Just breaking free from that
limiting belief of not thinking that I was worthy of being here
in this space has been huge moving forward.
(22:04):
Yeah. And believe it or not, I, I am
right there with you, you know, right there with you.
And I feel like all of us that are contributing to this book
are feeling that in some capacity, you know, just going,
OK, it's one thing to Share yourstory to your friends and then
to go to the next level of getting on a stage and sharing
(22:26):
your story. But then you start to talk about
a book, and I don't know about you, but for me there's this
idea of the book doesn't ever goaway.
Like once it's out there and it's published, it's in writing
and it is there like forever. And that's scary.
(22:49):
That is really scary. And I've had to do that same
type of reflection of going, Oh my gosh, am I ready to show up
in a bigger way? Because when you're done with
your speaking gig and you know, you spoke on stages like you're
done and then you move on with life, right?
But a book, it's like anybody can get their hands on that to
(23:12):
hear it and to read it. So it does come with all of
these things that we have to self check with, you know, in
your in your particular chapter,because it is a collaborative
book. So we're each going to be
writing a chapter that is going to share part of the story that
we want to share. And So what could readers expect
(23:35):
from your chapter, and why was it important for you to share
that part of it? I do go deeper into my story and
the day that I broke my leg and since then I would go on to
describe some of the things thathave have helped me on my
(23:57):
healing journey with, with getting to a place where I can
actually show up on stages, tellmy story in a much bigger way.
Yeah, I love that. And yeah, you, I I love that we
get to go a little bit deeper. So that way it's not just, you
(24:18):
know, the surface part of it, but we can really, you know,
talk about what it was that happened and be able to.
And I love that you said, you know, you're also helping other
women throughout this chapter aswell.
So I am really, really, really excited for people to get to
(24:38):
know you in that space. And you are absolutely worthy of
that space. Again, I, I just know beyond a
shadow of a doubt that God has you here for a reason.
And unfortunately, it was, you know, breaking your leg in four
places, which isn't lovely. I'm sure that was not a fun
(24:59):
experience, but thank goodness. Thank goodness.
And I, I am just so, so grateful.
And I'm so grateful to know you.And I'd love to ask you this
question because this is one that I get asked sometimes and I
just love different perspectiveson this.
But how do you prepare mentally and emotionally before getting
(25:23):
on stage to speak about such personal topics?
I have been doing some meditative, meditative work
through our speaker training. That's what I used when I came
down to speak on stage. I was still, I still had a lot
(25:47):
of nerves because it was my first time.
I think this next time it'll be a little bit easier.
And then the anchoring has been,I don't, I don't remember
catching that the first time around, but the second time I've
(26:09):
gone through the speaker training, I caught the anchoring
and that has that has helped me a lot.
Yeah. Now tell, tell us a little bit
more about what anchoring is. So you have a motion.
Mine is this like I kind of scratch at my finger.
(26:33):
And so you'll probably see me onstage doing that, but it brings
me into this state of being ableto show up in a bigger way in
this bigger, higher vibration state so that I can be seen in a
(26:58):
bigger way and feel comfortable with being seen in a bigger way.
Yeah, so good. And, and that's what it takes
really, you know, I mean, I knowwe've learned together that it
takes a lot of reps You got to practice.
You know, it's again, it's not, it's not something that just
happens overnight. You know, it is a journey, it is
(27:19):
a process. And there are tools and there
are strategies. So what advice would you give to
someone who feels called to stepinto something big?
It could be speaking or writing,but they don't know where to
start. What would you say to them?
I would say to find a training, find a mentor that can help you
(27:44):
through that journey. That has been the probably the
biggest part of my journey is having charity to teach me how
to be seen in a bigger way, how to show up in a bigger way.
Yeah. And she's a great and amazing
(28:04):
mentor. Yeah, because it definitely it's
a skill, right? So like, we know that yes,
there's a skill to speaking, there's a skill to becoming a
writer. Anyone can do it, whether you
believe it or not, you can do it.
But like you mentioned, it's always great to have a mentor or
(28:25):
somebody that is coaching you through it or a community,
something that can anchor you into that space because there
are going to be challenges that come up for you, you know, and
not just within the skill, but like emotionally, mentally, like
really being able to. I, I think you've said it, you
(28:48):
know, a few times being seen in a much bigger way.
And that's hard because again, Iknow you and I both like we live
in this humility place. And so it's scary to be too big,
you know, but we go. But yet we know that God is
calling us for bigger. And so there's kind of this
(29:09):
teetering in that and learning how we move forward in that
place. And you're right, Charity has
been amazing. She's been an amazing mentor to
help us all get through that. And then I have to say being in
a community is also beautiful because you can bounce off each
other when you're going through a tough time, time you can
(29:30):
bounce off somebody else. And you know, there's just all
of that camaraderie there, whichis, you know, such a beautiful
experience as well. So I'd love to know.
I mean, I know that we I'm so excited we get to speak at the
next National Conference for Business in Bubbly and we are
going to be introducing our upcoming book.
(29:53):
But tell us what is next for youwith that as well.
You know, are you working on anyprojects or goals or you know,
what are your dreams now, now that all of this is coming to
fruition? Yes.
So the thing that I've been doing recently is putting, I
(30:15):
just put a prayer and gratitude journal out there.
And also I have AI have a big dream on my heart that God is
working out. I will say that I don't feel
like I am equipped for the big dream that he's placed on my
(30:37):
heart, but he, he, he is so. There's a reason for that,
right? And we know that you know, I
know with your faith that, you know, he puts a dream on our
heart for a reason. And we may not understand it at
(30:58):
the time and we may not feel equipped, but as we know, there
will be confirmation, there willbe things that will happen that
God will put right in the forefront for you.
We just have to be aware and open to it.
And so I am so excited for you. I am excited for this journal,
(31:20):
this gratitude and prayer journal that is amazing.
Such a beautiful like thing to, you know, go right along with
your chapter and what you're speaking on your message.
And it's just going to be a beautiful thing.
And there's definitely bigger things ahead.
And I, I feel like I feel very privileged that I get to be a
(31:42):
part of this as a friend with you and to continue working
through this with you. Because again, we know that this
is a journey. It's always a journey.
But Heather, this has just been such an incredible conversation.
Your story and your heart for others.
And again, just your willingnessto be vulnerable are truly
(32:03):
inspiring. And I know that so many people
today, women in particular, willfeel seen and heard because of
what you've shared. So if you're listening right now
and Heather's story resonated with you, make sure to follow
her, connect with her. We'll have all the notes in the
show notes. And keep an eye out for our
(32:24):
upcoming book collaboration because trust me, you're going
to want to read what she has to say.
And as always, if this episode spoke to you, share it with a
friend, tag us on social media and let us know what resonated
most. And then thank you for tuning
in. And remember, your story, your
voice, and your journey matter more than you know.
(32:45):
And until next time, keep rising, keep shining, and know
that the very best day is waiting for you right here and
now. Thanks again Heather and bye
friends. Thank you.
Thanks for joining me here today.
Your presence means the world tome.
If you enjoyed what you heard, please consider leaving a rating
and review and don't forget to follow or subscribe so you never
(33:07):
miss an episode. Head to the show notes and let's
connect. Rise to Shine Co is ready to
support you in coaching, collaboration, light tips, or
even a coffee chat. Until next time, keep shining my
friends.
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