The world is loud, messy, and chaotic—and if we’re honest, it’s only getting more intense. But here’s the truth: I can’t fix the chaos around me, and neither can you. The only person I can truly steward, take ownership of, and change is the one I see in the mirror.

In this episode, I’m slowing us down. I’m inviting you to step off the hamster wheel of stress, fear, and survival mode and take a few moments for yourself—to breathe, to quiet your soul, and to get grounded again. Call it meditation, devotion, self-care, or quiet time—it doesn’t matter what you name it. What matters is that you make space to pause and reset.

I’ll walk you through what I’m calling The Ripple Effect—a reminder that every word we speak, every choice we make, and every attitude we carry creates ripples that reach our families, our friends, our communities, and the world around us. You don’t have to live a reactive and exhausted life. You get to choose your ripples.

This episode is your permission to slow down, breathe deep, and remember: the greatest transformation starts with the person in the mirror.

Are you stuck staring at an old version of yourself—whether it’s a painful past or even a “best season” you’ve been trying to get back to? In this episode of the Set Her Free Podcast, Dana Lyons shares how freedom begins when you release the old version of you and step into the life God has for you today.

Through her own story of chasing health goals, facing setbacks, and discovering new strength, Dana reminds us that you don’t have to “go back” to thrive. Your best days aren’t behind you—they’re still ahead.

This is a hope-filled conversation for every woman who’s ready to stop looking backward, embrace who she is now, and boldly live free.

After a long pause, I’m back—and in this episode, I open up about what the last year has held: the highs and lows of recovery after cancer, writing new books, family milestones, and the deeper lessons I’ve been learning about freedom and growth.

But at the heart of this conversation is one simple question: Are you stuck? Too often, we continue to stare at an old version of ourselves—the wounded child, the person who failed, the one who believed the lie—and we let her define who we are today.

In this episode, I’ll share how to recognize the patterns that keep you circling the same mountain, the power of taking full ownership of your life—spirit, soul, and body, and how to finally shift your focus from the old you to the woman you are becoming.

If you’ve been hitting invisible barriers, stuck in cycles, or just tired of living small, this episode will encourage you to break free, choose accountability, and step into the freedom that’s already yours.

Key Takeaways from Are You Stuck?

• Freedom starts with ownership. Lasting change begins when you take full responsibility for your spirit, soul, and body.
• Check the mirror. Ask yourself: Am I staring at an old version of me? Too often, we live in the past instead of embracing the present truth.
• Change comes in layers. Growth isn’t a one-time fix; it’s a journey of peeling back layers and breaking through barriers step by step.
• Excuses keep us stuck. Owning your choices, failures, and patterns is the first step to moving forward.
• Your freedom impacts others. Getting unstuck isn’t just about you—it transforms your marriage, family, and future generations.

For more episodes like this and to connect with Dana, go to:

https://www.gritandgraceenterprises.com/set-her-free-podcast/

Hello, everyone! Welcome back to the Set Her Free podcast. I'm your host, Dana Lyons. Today, I want to shift our focus a bit but remain on a topic that's close to my heart. I want to discuss those moments in life when we face crises—moments when life throws unexpected challenges our way, requiring all our attention and energy.

It's normal to experience these crises; we all encounter them. However, when these stressful periods extend beyond two or three weeks, we can find ourselves entering what I like to call "survival mode." During these times, we are often expending more energy than we have to spare, leading us to wake up feeling increasingly depleted. I hear it from many people: overwhelmed, cranky, exhausted, unfocused, and negative. These chronic issues affect us both mentally and physically.

This leads me to share a story that I believe illustrates a valuable lesson. As someone who isn’t adept with cars, I’ve always relied on others—my family—who are skilled in that area. I know the basics, like getting an oil change, but I often avoid the details due to fear and insecurity.

For instance, my son Justin faced a crisis while driving—his car was overheating. He wasn’t checking his dashboard regularly, which was a critical learning moment. It made me realize that just like cars, we need to check in with ourselves regularly.

Frequent car maintenance can be analogous to self-care. I've noticed that when one car breaks down, others quickly follow, making it a stressful experience. My family isn’t one for trading in old cars; we typically drive them until they can’t go anymore, leading to scheduling nightmares with mechanics.

One particular incident highlighted the importance of this analogy for me: my daughter took my car to the mechanic, who revealed some alarming news. I was over 20,000 miles overdue for an oil change! I reassured my daughter that this couldn't be possible, though we explored the possibility that my car—the one often used as a backup—may have been neglected in the process of caring for everyone else's vehicles.

This scenario brought a significant revelation to light: as caregivers, we often prioritize everyone else’s needs over our own. How often do we forget to refuel ourselves, to engage in self-care? Think about it—when was the last time you took a moment for yourself, visited your doctor, or simply allowed yourself some downtime?

Just as your car needs its oil changed to keep running smoothly, we need to recharge and refuel ourselves. Neglecting our own well-being not only affects us but also those around us. It's essential to recognize when we are running low and make adjustments before we face a breakdown.

We all have moments when we feel overwhelmed and unfocused, and it’s important to take action before these issues accumulate. Create a habit of checking in on your "dashboard"—are you feeling balanced? Are your emotional and physical needs being met?

So, as we wrap up today, I encourage each of you to reflect on your self-care practices. Just as we diligently maintain our cars, we must also prioritize our well-being. Take steps to ensure you are not running on empty. It’s time to find your balance and give yourself permission to refuel!

Thank you for joining me today. I hope this story resonates with you and inspires you to prioritize your self-care. Until next time, take care! **Caring for Yourself: The Importance of Intentional Health Maintenance**

It’s interesting how we often prioritize the health of our cars over our own well-being. Recently, I discovered that my car had over 20,000 miles since its last oil change, and the dipstick was completely dry. This shocked me; I had been neglecting to track my car’s maintenance while ensuring my family’s health. Just as we monitor o

Welcome to the Set Her Free podcast! I'm Dana Lyons, your host. You may have noticed the podcast has a new name—formerly "Get Well, Live Well, and Thrive." While the title has changed, the essence remains the same. The core belief driving this podcast is freedom, a theme rooted in the idea that Christ set us free for an abundant life, which I equate with thriving.

This podcast aims to explore the interconnectedness of our spirit, soul, and body. I'm passionate about holistic health, focusing on all aspects of our being because when one area suffers, it affects the others. My goal is to nurture a sense of community among women. Sharing our journeys and supporting one another is essential, and I believe we’re stronger together.

Often, I engage in discussions with women about self-care, a topic that feels increasingly relevant as many face overwhelming life challenges. To those going through tough times—divorce, illness of a loved one, financial stress—this message is for you. If you find yourself in a long-term survival mode, where unrelenting difficulties leave you feeling depleted, it’s essential to prioritize your well-being. While we may feel compelled to serve others during tough times, neglecting our own health can lead to burnout and resentment.

This episode serves as a reminder about healthy self-care. Many of us have been conditioned to prioritize others’ needs; we are often socialized to be caregivers or martyrs. While our capacity to support others is a gift, it can also become a burden if we take on more than we should. Healthy self-care is about stewardship—managing our spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical health to thrive rather than just survive.

When navigating self-care discussions, I often encounter concerns, particularly among women of faith. Some might feel guilty prioritizing self-care, convinced that doing so is selfish or goes against the teachings of putting others first. I acknowledge this tension, but I urge you to reconsider. Self-care is not about selfishness; it’s about ensuring we are in a healthy state to support others effectively.

There's a critical balance to strike. While it’s important to manage our responsibilities, we must also be aware of our limits and the consequences of neglecting our own needs. If your own health declines, you become less able to care for others.

I'd like to highlight two common perspectives among women of faith regarding self-care. Some may be overly legalistic, equating self-care with selfishness, while others might swing to the opposite end, disregarding their own needs entirely. It’s vital to find a middle ground—understanding that caring for oneself is not a rejection of faith or service to others, but rather a foundational piece that enables us to live out our calling more fully.

As you reflect on your life, ask yourself, “How am I taking care of myself?” Healthy self-care practices can significantly vary from person to person, but they should encompass nurturing your spirit, soul, and body. This may mean engaging in prayer, seeking community, resting, or pursuing activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.

Life can feel overwhelming and demanding. There will be seasons that challenge us deeply. It’s crucial to acknowledge these challenges but also to seek ways to sustain ourselves through them. When we ignore our needs, we risk spiraling into a cycle of exhaustion and disappointment.

In conclusion, I encourage you not to neglect your well-being. Healthy self-care is vital for thriving in your life and supporting those you love. Let’s challenge the narrative that self-care is selfish and embrace it as an essential part of living freely and abundantly. Thank you for joining me today on the Set Her Free podcast. Remember, whatever you're going through, you don't have to do it alone—we're in thi

Good morning and welcome to the Set Her Free podcast. I'm Dana Lyons, your host. This podcast is about freedom and becoming unhindered—a mission that inspired me to change the name from "Get Well, Live Well and Thrive" to "Set Her Free." Thriving, to me, is synonymous with freedom.

Today, I want to encourage you in your faith. We often know God is leading us to do something new or go somewhere new, yet we face challenges along the way. Life can feel like a classroom filled with obstacles, so if you know someone who is struggling or just needs a reminder, I encourage you to share this episode. My goal is to inspire and challenge you, as I face my battles in living free.

I acknowledge that I can be my own biggest obstacle to freedom. The more I explore faith, the more I'm confronted with areas where I still need growth and healing. Life isn't about reaching perfection—it's about continuous growth and learning. We all have blind spots, and we may not see them until God reveals them to us. Recently, God challenged me to consider whether I truly loved myself enough to set me free.

My focus is on helping women navigate these challenges because I believe we are stronger together. The enemy often tempts us to compare or compete with one another, but there's enough room for everyone to shine in their capacity. It's important to step into your spotlight and embrace the gifts and talents you've been given.

I encourage you to take the time to share this message with someone who might need it. You never know how it could help them. If this episode resonates with you, I would appreciate your support through a review on your podcast platform. Reviews help more people find this content, which is my ultimate goal—helping others.

Now, let's dive into today's discussion, based on Mark 4:35-41, where Jesus calms the storm. The story illustrates that we often find ourselves excited about where God is leading us, yet we can become paralyzed by the challenges that arise on our journey. We are often stuck in the "in-between"—the space between our current situation and where we want to go.

Our minds tend to seek safety and comfort. In moments of uncertainty, we may create excuses or distractions rather than take steps toward our calling. Just as Thomas doubted, asking for proof, many of us find ourselves needing assurance during times of doubt. God isn’t intimidated by our doubts; they're an opportunity for deeper intimacy with Him and can lead to stronger faith and action.

The narrative of Jesus calming the storm resonates with many of us. Whether you're facing a significant crisis or merely feeling overwhelmed by everyday challenges, every experience has a beginning, middle, and end. The "middle" can feel paralyzing, but it's important to remember there is hope and purpose in every season.

As believers, we're all going to encounter storms in life. The important thing is not to freeze at the shoreline, afraid to step into the boat. Control freaks, in particular, must acknowledge that their own tendencies to be the biggest hindrance to their progress.

Jesus told His disciples to get in the boat and cross the sea. It was nighttime, a time filled with uncertainty. Yet, He knew where they were headed. When a storm arose, the disciples were terrified, failing to remember the promise of their destination. Jesus, calm amid the chaos, asked them why they were afraid; their faith was tested.

We often become anxious when challenges arise. Sometimes, we focus so much on the unpredictability of the journey that we forget the One who is guiding us. Jesus assures us he has the power to calm our storms, but we must trust Him.

Believing in God means accepting that storms are a part of our journey. We can find grace and strength as we navigate through life's uncertain w

Spring is a season of renewal, making it the perfect time to shift our mindset and embrace a fresh perspective. In this episode of Set Her Free, we’re diving into the power of becoming our own best friend—learning to silence our inner critic, celebrate our unique journey, and uplift both ourselves and others.

I share personal reflections on breaking free from negative self-talk, overcoming the habit of comparison, and choosing to compliment rather than criticize. Through daily affirmations, intentional self-care, and a focus on gratitude, we can step into a season of growth and confidence.

Join me in this heartfelt conversation about embracing joy, recognizing the beauty in yourself and others, and cultivating a life filled with celebration instead of judgment. Let’s step into spring with renewed purpose, leaving behind what no longer serves us and making space for transformation.

Tune in now, and let’s start this journey of self-renewal together! Share it with those best friends that are growing with you and alongside you.

Let's grow together.

#SetHerFreePodcast #SelfCare #SpringRenewal #SelfFriendship #PositiveSelfTalk #EmpowerWomen #CelebrateUniqueness #SelfLove #Mindfulness #Affirmations #GrowthJourney #ComparisonIsTheThiefOfJoy #EmbraceChange #SoulRevival #NurtureRelationships #CommunitySupport #WomenSupportingWomen #Positivity #JoyfulLiving #PersonalGrowth #Gratitude #MindBodySoul #HealthyHabits #LifeCelebrations #SupportiveCommun

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Welcome to the newly rebranded podcast! My name is Dana Lyons, and I'm thrilled to share this journey with you as we evolve together. While the podcast's name has changed, our core mission remains the same: fostering growth, transformation, and freedom, particularly for women aged 50 and over.

Since my last podcast episode in October, I have taken some time to reflect and refresh. It was a pivotal year filled with personal changes and realizations about my life, work, and passions. Sometimes, pressing pause is essential for maintaining energy and focus, and that’s exactly what I did.

Today, I find myself particularly inspired by women in their 50s to 60s—a time I believe is truly a gift.

Initially, I approached aging with a negative mindset, thinking “growing old sucks.” However, I had a revelation that this narrative didn’t have to define my experience. There’s beauty and joy to be found in this life stage, and I want to help others find it too.

Women in their 50s often become the most confident versions of themselves. Many are navigating transitions as children become independent, careers change, or personal goals shift. This can lead to a crisis of identity for some, but I believe it’s an exciting opportunity for renewal. It’s about embracing all parts of our lives, no longer defined solely by roles such as "mother" or "professional."

As I work with women, I witness how often we hinder our own self-expression and growth, often remaining in the shadows. My heart is to help you step into your own spotlight and live authentically. Our discussions will center on themes of self-acceptance, personal freedom, and overcoming limiting beliefs. Engaging in self-growth isn’t a series of checkboxes; it’s a continuous journey.

I’m excited to announce the creation of a private Facebook group to facilitate these discussions in a safe space. Here, we can share humbling moments and support each other while maintaining privacy. The Facebook group name is Set Her Free: No More Living Small. Also, we’re now active on Instagram, so don’t forget to connect with us there.

Join me as we explore the beauty of living authentically and embracing our best days ahead. Together, we can challenge ourselves, share our highs and lows, and encourage one another to thrive in this vibrant stage of life. Our best years are not behind us; they are right in front of us. Welcome to this journey of joy and transformation! This is a space for connection and celebration, where we can support each other rather than compare ourselves. Living shoulder to shoulder is more fulfilling, and that's what we're created for.

From this point forward, expect to hear from me regularly as I discuss a range of topics—everything, nothing, and everything in between. I have one request: please join our social platforms.

We all know women who struggle with insecurity and need affirmation and encouragement. Many have never learned to embrace their own beauty or to give themselves permission to thrive. Just as we extend love and support to others, we must practice that for ourselves too. Loving yourself doesn’t mean becoming self-absorbed; it means giving yourself the same attention we often reserve for others.

Thank you for being part of this journey. If this is your first time, I'm excited to share this experience with you! I’ll see you in our social groups, and until next time, take care!

Transcript Notes:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/14JwVRdFr7Xx2baGwfsmpGkw_XALZi7wV_rinf5f8Kgk/edit?tab=t.0

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