Heart Wide Open: Recent Episodes
Chrissy
Join Chrissy as we explore living with our hearts wide open through the ups and downs of this beautiful life experience.
In episode 15, I share on the podcast for the first time in many months. As the sun rises, I speak to these uncertain times and how we can stay connected to our own hearts. I speak to where I’m at in my journey of motherhood and how things have changed as Birdie is now one. I share of my own struggles with staying grounded and how I’m working to implement more of my self practices while still giving most of my energy to my daughter Birdie. It’s important to remember we are not alone in how we feel right now. Sharing my whole heart with you in this one.
In this episode I share raw and real from my heart while driving in my car. I reflect on finding time for self reflection during motherhood and how important it is as well as speak to supporting others through miscarriage and loss. I also talk about gratitude and how this somewhat buzz word is actually such a powerful practice and part of creating a beautiful life. If you or someone you know is going through a miscarriage, Pink Elephant Support group is a beautiful resource to turn to - www.pinkelephants.org.au.
In episode 13, I explore the topic of what it means to have purpose and how that changes as we move through life. I also discuss the powerful impact being a parent has on this idea of purpose and how we can feel when faced with giving so much of ourselves to our children. We also explore the idea that our purpose is so much more than what mainstream media has told us it is.
In episode 12, I share my recent struggles as a Mama. It has been a tough few weeks and I talk about our recent breastfeeding experience and Birdie being very underweight. I talk about the beauty of asking for help and what happened when I allowed myself to receive the help. The community of women that came together allowed Birdie to continue to be fed with breastmilk as I have hoped. I talk about the world of donor milk (something I never knew existed before becoming a Mum) and the amazing power of women supporting one another.
In this episode I speak with Miriam Drescher, Dr of Chinese Medicine, Acupuncturist and Yoga Teacher. Miriam is wise beyond her years and this episode is packed full of wisdom. We speak about acupuncture and the benefits and background of this healing modality. We also dive into Women’s Health and specifically speak about the ideas around our Cycle, that it’s not meant to be so painful & dreaded and how to enjoy this powerful time. Miriam also shares with us some simple diet and nutrition tips for better digestion and overall health. You can follow her on Instagram @nourished.temple or check out her website: https://www.nourishedtemple.com.
During Episode 10, I explore the topic of loneliness. There have been many pivotal times in my life in which I’ve experienced loneliness, most recently as a new Mum. I speak about the challenges of living far away from my family, especially during such an important time with the birth of my daughter Birdie Skye. I also dive into the time in which I felt alone while in a relationship and the realisation of loneliness as a powerful growth process. Join me for this intimate episode of sharing from my heart.
In Episode 9, Jenelle Leat and I pick up where we left off from our conversation in Episode 8. We speak about how a one night stand turned into her greatest love, becoming a Mum to her little girl Poppy and the decision to open her own Yoga Studio. She speaks about her choice to ‘Unschool’ Poppy and shares more about this philosophy of parenting & education. Jenelle owns New Standard Yoga and Fitness Centre in Caloundra where she lives with her husband Bradley and daughter Poppy. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @newstandardyogaandfitness.
This episode is Part 1 of a two part conversation with Jenelle Leat. Jenelle is very open in her sharing of being a part of the Bikram Yoga Community, her own sexual assault experience with Bikram and the power of speaking the truth. If the topic of sexual assault is triggering, I recommend skipping to the next part of our conversation. Both Jenelle and I share our experiences of transitioning away from the Bikram Community and the challenges that came along with that decision. Jenelle is a mother, wife and business owner. She owns New Standard Yoga and Fitness Centre and you can follow her on Instagram @newstandardyogaandfitness or can visit her website www.nsyfc.com.au.
In episode 7, I share the second part of my birth story in which Birdie Skye joins us Earthside. I talk about my experience of being induced at Sunshine Coast University Hospital, my labouring process and the power of trusting my own body. I was beautifully supported by my midwives and my partner Craig and was able to birth Birdie vaginally which was my ultimate desire. This was the most amazing and empowering experience of my life and I’m so happy to share it with you. If anyone on the Sunshine Coast is looking for amazing support during their pregnancy and postnatal care, I highly recommend Coastlife Midwifery. Www.coastlifemidwifery.com.au
This 6th episode of the podcast is a very special one as I share part one of my birth story. In this episode, I talk about the adventures, trials and surprises leading up to falling pregnant with Birdie Skye, specifically the loss of our first pregnancy. I talk about the difficulty of the miscarriage and dealing with pregnancy after loss. If you or someone you know has suffered from a miscarriage, Pink Elephants Support is a beautiful network to join. Visit their website : www.miscarriagesupport.org.au.
This episode is a vulnerable exploration of the topic of body image. I talk about my love/hate affair with my own body, my experiences with an Eating Disorder, accepting my new Postpartum body, raising my little girl to love herself, and how we can better love ourselves. After being pregnant and giving birth to Birdie, I have a whole new appreciation for the female body and I reflect on how we can collectively be healthier in our mind and bodies. If you or someone you know struggles with eating and body image issues, please go to www.butterfly.org.au for amazing resources and support.
In this episode, I have a raw and real conversation with a very special guest. Astrid and I discuss her journey through life and she speaks very candidly about her divorce, life as a single mum, dating and sex and the power of self forgiveness. There is so much beauty in Astrid’s ability to share her heart and soul and she is an inspiring woman and mother.
In this episode, I explore my own struggles and joys in this experience of breastfeeding Birdie. Birdie is 7 weeks old at the time of this episode so we are right in the thick of it all. I speak to the raw and real moments of breastfeeding, the ones that bring me to tears and the ones that have brought so much joy. This week is World Breastfeeding Week and I talk about how hopeful I am to continue breastfeeding Birdie and the support of donors who are making this happen. Also discussed, receiving donor milk from amazing Mums and women holding each other up during the toughest times. If any Mums are struggling with breastfeeding, you can call 1800 Mum2Mum if you live in Australia to receive the support you need.
In this episode, I find myself crying in my car and reflecting on a darker time in my life. I flashback to a time when I was going through my divorce and wanted to be numb from the heartache and pain. I explore sitting in the moments that feel the darkest and most painful and how tempting it can be to want to escape and be numb. Can we, instead, choose to stay awake during the storm?
In this first episode, I share a bit about who I am and what we’ll explore on this podcast. I speak about my journey into motherhood after 40 when I wasn’t sure I’d ever get to have this experience. I also talk about my miscarriage, meeting the love of my life (who is now my husband) and how living with an open heart is my passion.