This week's Mental Health Check-In unpacks the common tendency to compare yourself to others. In this short episode, we will look at it from a different perspective. With a lens of compassion and curiosity, we will explore the hidden "why" under the tendency to compare. Maybe you will find your "why," in this episode, or maybe it will prompt you to discover your own not listed here. Either way, this episode is an opportunity to unpack and get a little more clarity on this common tendency. And clarity, as well as self-awareness, are some of the best places to start with any hope of change.

For more Still Becoming find Monica at ⁠monicadicristina.com⁠, and on Instagram: ⁠@monicadicristina⁠.

Sign up for the ⁠newsletter⁠ too!

I am so honored to have Dr. Terence Lester and Zion Lester on the Still Becoming podcast. They recently co-wrote a beautiful and powerful children's book: 𝘡𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘚𝘦𝘦.⁣
⁣
In this wonderful, moving and fun, conversation between co-authors, and also father and daughter, we talk about how 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦'𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘶𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘎𝘰𝘥. We talk about combating apathy and the power of moving with compassion and kindness to everyone. ⁣
⁣
Zion and Dr. Lester describe the fun of writing this book together, and also the message. And as a parent, child, reader, and listener you will be compelled to continue seeing other people, growing in your own compassion and action for other people, and learning to live a lifestyle of service. As a bonus, you will also walk away inspired as a parent by spending time with Dr. Lester and Zion, and getting a small glimpse into their relationship, and the importance of vulnerability, connection, and service. And Zion gives some of the most powerful parenting advice I have ever heard. ⁣
⁣
Dr. Terence Lester is a storyteller, public scholar, speaker, community activist, and author who is the Founder and Executive Director of Love Beyond Walls, a nonprofit organization focused on raising poverty and homelessness awareness and community mobilization.⁣
⁣
Zion Lester has loved books all of her life. As early back as she can remember, she has loved to read and loved to write.The 16-year-old Atlanta, GA native is co-author of a forthcoming children’s book. Written alongside her father, a multi-hyphenate preacher, author, and social activist, this children’s book is the story of a young girl who learns the value of helping others. Committed to the cause of helping others, she hatches a plan to recruit others to do the same.⁣ It is a personal story mirroring her life as the daughter of two community activists.

https://lovebeyondwalls.org/

https://twitter.com/imTerenceLester/

https://terencelester.org/

https://www.instagram.com/imterencelester/?hl=en

https://zionjoylester.com/

https://www.instagram.com/zionjoylester/

To sign up for Monica's newsletter - go to this link: https://monicadicristina.substack.com

For more Still Becoming, follow Monica on Instagram @monicadicristina.

Or check out monicadicristina.com for resources, articles, and more.

These short guided meditations are ones I wish existed. They are topical, easy to follow, and made to feel therapeutic. They are short and combined with very calming music.

In a world that is loud, busy, chaotic, and hurting, it can feel difficult to create a moment of space to breathe. In your own world there may be a lot of noise, pressure, obligations, and worry too. This short meditation is a moment for all of us to create space and be present. Just for this moment: Nothing else is required of you.

To sign up for Monica's newsletter - go to this link: https://monicadicristina.substack.com

For more Still Becoming, follow Monica on Instagram @monicadicristina.

Or check out monicadicristina.com for resources, articles, and more.

I am so excited to have author Sarah Bragg back on the Still Becoming podcast. Sarah is as kind as she is wise. She's as easy to talk to as she is insightful. I loved this conversation with Sarah, and I think you will too. If you feel stuck, weary, or wonder if everyone else is happier than you - than this is a conversation to spend time with. Sarah points us towards the grounding truths of curiosity and taking note of our lives, the combination can create a shift.

Sarah Bragg is a well-loved communicator and author; you can find her hosting the popular podcast Surviving Sarah. Her latest book is Is Everyone Happier Than Me?: An Honest Guide to the Questions that Keep You Up at Night. She is also the author of A Mother’s Guide to Raising Herself: What Parenting Taught Me About Life, Faith and Myself. She is a wife, mother of girls, and a creative entrepreneur. Sarah is a master at brewing coffee and helping others survive well right where they are. Sarah and her family reside in Tennessee.

Social Media: Website: sarahbragg.com

Facebook: @survivingsarahpodcast

Instagram: @sarahwbragg

Twitter: @sarahwbragg

YouTube: @sarahbragg8503

These short guided meditations are ones I wish existed. They are topical, easy to follow, and made to feel therapeutic. They are short and combined with very calming music.

This meditation makes space for us to create a moment of emotional safety. It is a moment away from the world to exhale, learn a little about emotional safety, and most importantly practice it in order to lay the groundwork of having a safe space within ourselves to return to.

To sign up for Monica's newsletter - go to this link: https://monicadicristina.substack.com

For more Still Becoming, follow Monica on Instagram @monicadicristina.

Or check out monicadicristina.com for resources, articles, and more.

I am re-releasing this episode because it feels timely:

This is a short meditation for the overwhelmed. If you are feeling overwhelmed right now by everything happening in the world, and in your world, this is for you. This short meditation is meant to be a pause in your day to breathe and move through the overwhelm. There is great benefit in taking a few moments to breathe. There are four parts to this meditation, and you will walk through each part as you hopefully experience an exhale and a moment to rest.

We're back with a new Mental Health Check-In Episode! This one is vulnerable, and not without purpose, I am talking all about the inside story of turning in my book manuscript. I have benefited so much from hearing the true awkward and detailed stories of people pursuing things that mattered to them - and as I just turned in my book manuscript this week (yay!), I wanted to share some of the truth of this journey in hopes that it can encourage you today on whatever journey you are on, in whatever you might be pursuing.

In this short episode, in addition to the details of my story, we talk about the idea of "staying on the bike, even in the wrong gear." Sometimes the gear you are in is the only one possible, and if you are pedaling at all you are still moving forward. We talk about how courage feels different than it looks (credit to Cha Barefield), and how remembering your "WHY" is essential.

I hope this vulnerable share is encouraging to you. Though the specifics may be different, I hope you find encouragement for whatever matters to you - and keep going no matter the pace.

For more Still Becoming find Monica at monicadicristina.com, and on Instagram: @monicadicristina.

Sign up for the newsletter too!