As we traverse the winding paths of our lives, our needs evolve, our desires shift. It's vital to pause and reflect: What are you truly in need of at this moment? Are you in need of a compassionate listener, who will hold space for your doubts and questions without judgment?…
As we journey alongside spiritual directors or therapists, the evolution of our relationships can sometimes blur boundaries. It's essential to recognize when a shift occurs, ensuring we honor the sanctity of the professional relationship. In therapy, the line between professional and personal is firmly drawn. However, in spiritual direction, nuances…
In this video, I introduce and share reflections from “The Critical Journey: Stages in the Life of Faith,' by Janet O. Hagberg and Robert A. Guelich. This remarkable resource opened my eyes to the stages of faith development, reinforcing the crucial role of experiential learning and integrating emotional healing with…
As we journey through life, our paths intertwine with those who guide us spiritually or therapeutically. These individuals bring skills, training, and unique gifts to aid our growth. Yet, they, like us, are limited beings. Your current guide may perfectly align with your needs now, fostering growth in this season…
We often find ourselves grasping tightly, trying to hold it all together. It's ingrained in us, perhaps part of our coping mechanisms. But what if, just for a moment, we let that veil be lifted? In those moments of contemplation, the world expands. Suddenly, we realize we are not meant…
In this video, I share my personal journey from having a disembodied faith, which was largely intellectual and disconnected from my emotional and physical experiences, to developing an embodied faith that integrates my beliefs with all aspects of my life. I delve into what disembodied faith means, why many of…
In the midst of life's chaos and challenges, there are these fleeting moments, imperceptible yet profound. It's as if a veil is lifted, revealing a reality beyond our suffering. In that space, nothing has changed, yet everything feels different. These are the moments of contemplation, where we're held in the…
What does discernment mean to you? It's often about seeking God's will and being open to hearing His voice, right? But why do we sometimes freeze? Why do we feel paralyzed in our decision-making? In this episode, I dive into a personal example of discernment in my personal journey and…
In this episode, I share my deeply personal reflections on what it means to lay down my life in alignment with Christ, but without feeling lesser for it. Growing up in an enmeshed family system with rigid expectations of selflessness, ingrained through my Catholic upbringing, I faced challenges in understanding…
In this video I discuss four distinct and deepening layers of knowing ourselves - Intellectual, Experiential, Affective and Unitive. As interior pilgrims we need to understand why self-knowledge needs to go beyond knowing about ourselves to learning how to attune to our inner selves and knowing how to lead ourselves…
Ever felt paralyzed when trying to make a decision? You're not alone. In this episode of the Becoming Me Podcase, we explore the fear of acknowledging our emotions and how it impacts our ability to discern God's will. Our emotions are the raw data for discernment. But what if acknowledging…
Laws and commands, when rooted in love, resonate from within. When we receive them with open hearts, we realize they are not impositions from external forces but echoes of our own inner wisdom. Do we feel the gentle nudging of love within, guiding us towards forgiveness and compassion? Or do…
The path to integration isn't paved with predetermined outcomes or picture-perfect endings. It's a journey of growth, a process of becoming, guided by our faith and commitment. We may find ourselves captivated by the allure of heroic virtues or the fantasy of perfect love and forgiveness. But let's pause and…
Personalism teaches us that each of us is precious, deserving of love, respect, and honor. It reminds us that our interactions should be guided by love and compassion, just as St. John Paul II emphasized. On the flipside, with Individualism, could our struggles with excessive individualism stem from a deeper…
There's a common belief that self-care falls into two categories: "healthy" and "unhealthy." The former involves discipline and long-term commitment, while the latter is seen as frivolous and indulgent. But here's the thing: making rigid distinctions between these forms of self-care isn't as helpful as we might think. From an…
It's crucial not to downplay the reality of harmful relationships. We're called to love our enemies, yes, but that doesn't mean ignoring the toxicity. Recognize that love in such relationships looks vastly different from healthy ones. When interacting with toxic family members, be aware that you're stepping into a potentially…
Recognizing toxicity and abuse within our families isn't always easy, especially when it's deeply ingrained in our culture. It's often simpler to spot these issues in others' families than in our own. But it's crucial to develop the eyes to see the harm, even if it's normalized. As disciples of…
All the theories in the world fall short if they can't weave into the fabric of our relationships, both with ourselves and others. It's disheartening to witness relationships being caught in various conflicts, where all parties are seemingly unable to see beyond the surface issues. Many times, it's not about…
Many of us have the shared experience of feeling frustration at finding ourselves in familiar quarrels, wondering why it feels like déjà vu. We're aware of our actions and their impact, but still, the patterns persist. Do you often ask yourself, "Why am I in this same quarrel again?" It…
Have you ever considered that our eagerness to help might unintentionally become obstacles in others' journeys towards God? It's a realization that hit hard - thinking I was bringing others closer to God, only to see damaged relationships, anger, resentment, and hurt. Often, our sincere attempts to help, rooted in…
In this episode of the Becoming Me Podcast, I share about my struggle with the Messiah Complex. We all view "laying down our life" through our unique lenses, influenced by upbringing and personal perspectives. Even those guiding us in faith may bring their own interpretations. Layers of distortions exist, both…
n this video I share with you the process I use to discern how to respond to the Clarity applications I receive. By sharing this 'behind-the-scenes' process with you I hope to assure you that your best interests are being looked after and give you a deeper insight into how…
When we lay down our lives and seek to please God from a place of abundance, knowing He delights in us just as we are, a profound transformation occurs. No matter how flawed we may be, God's love is unwavering. In the depth of our existence, He continues to love…
In our journey with God, entering the relationship from an insecure base may hinder us from presenting our true selves before Him. It's crucial to grow in love for God beyond seeking what He can do for us. We must recognize the danger of not being aware of where we…