During the holiday season, there can be SUPER high anxiety. If you dread the holidays, or can’t wait for them to be over, then this Say Yes to Holiness podcast episode is definitely for you.

Christina Semmens sits down for a deep conversation with Rachael Popcak Isaac, a Pastoral Counselor and Mental Performance Specialist of Success and Performance Coaching at CatholicCounselors.com.

Dr. Rachael (Popcak) Isaac, LCSW, CPT is the founder and director of the Success and Performance Coaching Program at CatholicCounselors.com. She holds a Psychology degree from Franciscan University of Steubenville and a Master’s in Clinical Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. With a focus on success and sports psychology, Rachael has coached individuals, teams, and organizations from high school to the professional level.

Together, Christina and Rachael explore the integration of faith with mental performance, the importance of understanding confidence and humility, and effective strategies for managing stress and anxiety. Rachael also shares her personal journey and insights on how a faith-based approach can enhance counseling and personal growth, emphasizing the significance of recognizing one’s worth and purpose in life.

Their discussion concludes with highlighting transformative practices and mindsets that can lead to a more fulfilling and peaceful existence.

Takeaways

• Rachel Isaac is a Pastoral Counselor and Mental Performance Specialist.
• She integrates faith with mental performance in her counseling.
• Confidence is about knowing who you are, not comparing yourself to others.
• Stress and anxiety management are common struggles for clients.
• Faith is integral to personal identity and counseling effectiveness.
• Understanding our worth is crucial for personal growth.
• Connecting with our passions and desires is essential.
• Practicing mindfulness and emotional regulation is important.
• Visualization techniques can enhance performance and reduce anxiety.
• Building a supportive community is key to emotional well-being.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Pastoral Counseling and Mental Performance

04:46 Integrating Faith and Mental Performance Counseling

09:54 Understanding Confidence and Humility

14:58 Managing Stress and Anxiety

20:09 The Importance of Faith in Counseling

24:53 Finding Peace and Purpose in Life

29:57 Transformative Practices and Mindsets

34:59 Conclusion and Resources

For more information on Dr Rachael and her work, go to: https://catholiccounselors.com/success-and-performance-coaching/

In this podcast, Christina Semmens reflects on the significance of the Advent season, emphasizing the importance of preparation, silence, and the role of Mary in guiding us towards Jesus.

She encourages listeners to embrace the waiting period of Advent, to be present in their lives, and to cultivate a deeper awareness of God’s presence. The discussion also highlights the need for silence in order to hear God’s voice and the importance of responding with kindness and love during the holiday season. Ultimately, Christina calls for a joyful and peaceful approach to Christmas, focusing on the true meaning of the season.

Takeaways

• Advent is a time of waiting and preparation for Christmas.

• Being present is essential to receiving God’s gifts.

• Silence allows us to hear God’s voice more clearly.

• Mary plays a crucial role in leading us to Jesus.

• We should focus on experiences rather than material gifts.

• Joy comes from a deep awareness of God’s presence.

• Responding with kindness can prevent misunderstandings.

• The rosary helps us connect with Jesus through Mary.

• We must open our hearts to receive the Lord.

• Christmas should be celebrated with peace and joy.

Sound Bites

• “We have to be present in order to receive.”

• “Take a beat before responding.”

• “Mary always points us to her Son.”

Chapters

00:00 Advent: A Time of Waiting and Preparation

02:32 The Importance of Presence and Silence

08:10 Joy in Advent: Embracing Silence and Awareness

12:36 The Power of Silence in Communication

17:39 Mary’s Role in Advent and Discipleship

In this episode of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast, Christina Semmens interviews Raquel Rose, founder of The Little Rose Shop. Raquel shares her transformative journey from a broken past to becoming a single mother and entrepreneur. She discusses the inspiration behind her faith-based products designed to help families integrate spirituality into everyday life. The conversation explores the challenges of running a growing business, the importance of community support, and the spiritual practices that guide Raquel in her work and personal life.

Takeaways

• Raquel’s journey illustrates how brokenness can lead to transformation.

• Faith can be integrated into daily life through creative expressions.

• The Little Rose Shop was born out of a desire to support her daughter and others.

• Community support is vital for personal and business growth.

• Creative outlets can help individuals connect with God.

• Raquel emphasizes the importance of visual reminders for prayer.

• The business aims to provide resources for families to celebrate their faith.

• Challenges in business often lead to personal growth and deeper faith.

• The Ignatian Examen is a powerful tool for spiritual reflection.

• Saying ‘yes’ to God can lead to unexpected and fulfilling paths.

Sound Bites

• “What would I need?”

• “Created to create.”

• “I can do this.”

Chapters

00:00 Raquel’s Journey of Transformation

09:04 The Birth of The Little Rose Shop

18:02 Creative Philosophy and Community Engagement

23:24 Vision for Impact and Growth

25:39 Challenges and Rewards on the Journey

30:00 Spiritual Practices and Daily Reflections