Behind the Strong Front | Tears and Triumphs | Big Girl Pants Day ❖ 209

“Please remember that your difficulties do not define you; they simply strengthen your ability to overcome. —Maya Angelou”

Living Spiritually BRAVE

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

• Wearing your big girl pants means taking on responsibility.
• It's okay to show vulnerability and ask for help
• Crying can be both empowering and a sign of strength.
• Surrendering to God allows for emotional release.​​

• Setting boundaries is essential for personal growth.
• Help can look different for everyone; define it for yourself.
• Emotional strength involves recognizing when to lean on others.
• Finding humor in tough situations can lighten the load.
• Self-care practices, like stretching, are important for emotional health.

    • Releasing burdens to God can lead to renewed strength.

The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” —Nelson Mandela

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Big Girl Pants Day: Let’s Talk About Strength, Surrender, and Self-Care
Hey there, friend! I’m so glad you’re here today. Can we just take a moment and savor this together? I’ve got my hot water with lemon and honey—what are you sipping on? After last week's impromptu Monday chat, I thought, "Why not pour another cup and dive right in again?" Because some days just call for it, don’t they? You know, those "Big Girl Pants" days. Ever had one of those? I bet you have.

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So, What Exactly Is a "Big Girl Pants Day"?
You’ve heard the phrase, right? "Put on your big girl pants." But what does that really mean? Is it just about facing the world with a brave face? Or is there more to it? To me, it’s about waking up, knowing you’ve got responsibilities to tackle, challenges to face, and emotions to juggle—all while trying to keep it together. Sound familiar?

But here’s my question for you: Have you ever felt like you’re wearing that strong front, but underneath, you’re holding back tears—or maybe even triumphs you’re too exhausted to celebrate? I have. And that’s exactly what I want to talk about with you today.

The Power Behind the Strong Front Last Monday, we talked about mercy triumphing over judgment. Do you remember that? It’s been on my mind a lot, especially because that very afternoon, my daughter-in-love was in a terrifying car accident. Hit by a drunk driver. Can you believe it? Looking at the photos of the wreck took my breath away. But—praise God—she’s okay. A little surgery ahead, but she’s here, safe. Isn’t that something to be thankful for?
And you know what struck me? Talking about mercy just hours before needing to lean on it with my whole heart. Isn’t life funny that way? Have you ever felt like the universe—or God—is preparing you for something without you even realizing it?

Are We Too Strong for Our Own Good?
Now, let me ask you this: Do you ever tell yourself to "suck it up" just to get through the day? I used to—"Suck it up, Kristen." That was my go-to pep talk. But here’s what hit me one day: if I’m always "sucking it up," when do I let God be my comforter? When do I allow myself to just… feel?

So, how do you process your tough days? Do you push through, or do you take a moment to breathe, cry, or even laugh at the absurdity of it all?

BINGE LISTEN

INTERVIEWING JESUS 

God I need help, a breach of TRUST

INTERVIEWING JESUS ​

Cowboy Up, Encouragement

INTERVIEWING JESUS ​

Getting Over the Little Stuff

What Does "Help" Look Like to You?
Let’s pause here. Say out loud three things that "help" looks like for you.
Go ahead—I’ll wait. Is it sleep? A comforting chat with a friend? A quiet moment alone? Isn’t it interesting how we all define help differently?
For me, it’s those intentional moments—like stretching before bed. I kneel, stretch out as far as I can, and just surrender. Sometimes I cry, and you know what? That’s okay. It’s healing. It’s human.
Can We Talk About Boundaries?Here’s a tough one: Are you the person everyone comes to for help? But when was the last time you asked for help? Think about that. Isn’t it funny how we can be so good at giving but struggle with receiving?
Setting boundaries isn’t about shutting people out—it’s about holding space for yourself. So, what boundaries do you need to set today? What weight are you carrying that you could release, even just a little?

Some days, you pull up those "Big Girl Pants" and laugh at the polka dots, talk to God and move on, amen. 

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This weeks question on our quest to answer 70 of the most asked questions by famous podcasters and interviewers: 
What is something you want to learn next year? How to plant and grow a vineyard! 
​Chime into last weeks questions!

Let’s Wrap This Up—But Not Without a Smile
So here we are, just two people having a chat over a warm cup of something soothing. I’m here to remind you that it’s okay to wear your "big girl pants," but don’t forget to take them off, metaphorically speaking, when you need to. Laugh at yourself, cry when you need to, stretch your body, and stretch your heart.

You’re strong. You’re capable. And you’re not alone.

Thanks for hanging out with me today. If this resonated with you, hit that subscribe in YouTube or follow button on your podcast player so we can keep having these heart-to-hearts. Until next time, take care of yourself, stretch, breathe, and remember—you’ve got this.