Since leaving organized religion I've found myself questioning the whole foundation of Christianity and what that really means to me. This time of year is causing me to really ponder the life of Christ and my new beliefs surrounding his life and purpose.
Navigating a faith transition can be extremely difficult. We've only begun this process about six months ago but have learned a great deal in the process. Sean and I will share some of the things we've experienced and what has helped us most as we transitioned out of our life long organized religion.
Six months ago I had a breakdown that led to my breakthrough, or in other words an AWAKENING! I didn't realize how closed minded and unwilling I was to learn anything new. I wanted to remain in my ignorance because it felt safe and comfortable. Come to find out, what I thought was "comfort" was actually causing me a great deal of suffering. I knew I wasn't answering the call of my soul, I was asleep, going about my life, suppressing my true mission and purpose.
Sunit Suchdev is a biz and mindset coach whose passion is to inspire moms to live their most high vibe life. She is a certified life coach and meditation teacher and host of “the High Vibe Life” podcast. She believes that women CAN have it all, with the proper mindset shifts, and she inspires moms to live a life where they are talking about all the amazing things they are doing..instead of everything they are not getting done. She is a proud wife, a mom to twin boys, and an essential oil and gre...
It's interesting to know that we can actually worry ourselves sick with the thoughts we choose to focus on. And it's exciting to know that our thoughts can also make us WELL.
First of all, I’m not quitting completely. Let me explain… For years Instagram has served me well, and at the same time has also been the source of much suffering. I’ve tried every trick in the book to “keep up with the Instagrammers” and it’s been a fun a thrilling ride. But it has also left me feeling depressed for many reasons. In my book, My Life As a Wannabe Balanced Mom (not yet released), I wrote a chapter about this and made it clear that I did not think the way to end all suffering arou...
"Belief is ESSENTIAL. Science is EMPOWERING." ~Hibiscus Moon Growing up with strong religious beliefs I always thought science was "of the devil", haha. I thought that it was a prideful way of saying, we know more than God and we don't need him. Recently I've come to a better understanding around science. Knowledge is power, not in the sense of having power over others, but power over the mind. Understanding the science behind life's mysteries can empower ones soul and ability to conquer the min...
Sean still hasn't cheated on me, and we haven't been struck by lightning. So far so good, lol. The one thing that has benefited me most from choosing to live without religion, is the freedom to choose. In religion we are taught that we have free agency, but I never felt like I did. Basically the only choice I felt I had was, heaven or hell and of course I would choose heaven. That meant I had to follow all the "rules" even if they didn't feel right to me. I no longer have to make choices out of ...
In this episode I had the opportunity to ask YouTuber and Crystal Expert, Hibiscus Moon, all about the science behind Crystals and how she uses them on a daily basis. Hibiscus Moon is a former science department head turned Crystal Healer and self-proclaimed Geo-Geek Extraordinaire. She's the founder of the Hibiscus Moon Crystal Academy and author of the book, Crystal Grids: How and Why They Work. You can download her free Create Sacred Spaces with Crystals eKit over at www.HibiscusMoonGift.com...
Sometimes it's hard to find joy in the journey when you feel like you've been consistently putting in the work and seeing little to no results. The key is seeing the beauty in the NOW. The journey is FUN! The process of creation is what gives us the most fulfillment, not just the end result. It's all the little pieces that create the beautiful masterpiece. Little by little, a little becomes a lot. This is a mantra I live by. It's a reminder that being consistent despite the set backs, over a lon...
About 5 years into our marriage, Sean and I began making some serious money. It was tempting to go crazy buying all the fancy cars and new homes, but we tried to be future focused and think strategically about how we wanted to spend our money. In this episode Sean and I talk about our different upbringings and views around money. It created some problems for us in the beginning of our marriage, but now we are happy to say we've evolved together in our beliefs around financial freedom. Listen to ...
Christopher Steele shares his story of growing up Mormon and discovering he was gay. How he overcame the trials of being shamed and judged by the ones he loved most, to happily married to the man of his dreams. He was also featured in the documentary called Latter Day Glory , where they share stories and raise awareness of the alarming suicide rates in Utah (Mormon capitol of the world). Suicide Statistics: * 141.3% increase in Utah youth suicide rate from 2011-2015. * Totalling 150 youth age 10...
In this episode I'm sharing some of the things I've been able to manifest into my life over the years. How I believe I did it, and what actions are essential in attracting incredible opportunities. Discover where you are at on the scale of emotions and learn how to climb the latter of emotions in order to operate at a higher frequency.
Sean and I talk a little about some regrets we have and how we've learned from our regrets, but at the same time don't allow them to hold any weight in our current reality.
It only took a smartphone, a Chewbacca mask, and four minutes of infectious laughter to make a Facebook Live video that reached nearly 200 million people. In my interview with Candace Payne we talk about her book Laugh It Up! She shares advice on how to overcome the need to compare and living a life of contentment while at the same time hoping for more.
I spent the weekend crying over all the harsh criticism I received after speaking publicly on such a sensitive topic. But today I'm rejoicing in my purpose and the people who continue to thank me for speaking out and allowing them to say, "me too".
Disclaimer: If you are at all wavering in your Mormon faith and intend on remaining active in the religion, then I advise you NOT to listen to this episode. Sean openly shares his thoughts and things he's struggled with over the years as a member of the LDS church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He addresses inequality of women in the church, condemnation against LGBT, children being asked sexually explicit questions in interviews with men of authority, and all the shame and gu...
I had such positive feedback from last weeks episode where I revealed my decision to no longer belong to any organized religion. But, of course there is always the negative that comes with any worthwhile endeavor, or anytime you choose to speak your truth. Overall, the feedback was great and I realized there are so many people experiencing the same thing I am. I believe my message is very much a positive message, not one that instills doubt. I simply want people to know they have a CHOICE. I bel...
Through many hours of study, prayer, and reflection I’ve come to the conclusion that God is purely LOVE. He sent us on this earth to experience it all. He gave us a spirit and a brain as tools to guide us in finding our own inner peace. In my spiritual journey I’ve come to a certain awareness, an awakening of some sorts. Suddenly I’ve opened the little box I’ve placed myself in for so long. My box was comfortable enough, but I could feel deep down that I was stagnant in my growth. There was some...
Sean and I have been in the weight loss and nutrition industry our entire marriage and we've coached thousands of people in their weight loss journeys. In this episode we would like to offer some of tips and advice and how to lose weight. If you have any questions or are interested in our 30 day Nutritional Cleansing program then email me: crystal@escoweb.net
I made a mistake and here's what I learned.
Just recently I experienced the most intense fear and it lasted for 3 days. I know that doesn’t seem like a long time when you compare it to someone who has been battling depression their whole life. But when you’re experiencing such intense emotion, and it stays for days, you begin to wonder if it will ever go away. Your fear of the fear intensifies because it’s hard to take control of your mind at that point. We all know that we create our own realities and what we think and believe is truly t...
You probably think this episode is about you, don’t you don’t you don’t you? In this “selfie” society, and somewhat narcissistic generation on the rise, we are seeing more and more anxiety and depression. Anxiety and depression are triggered by all consuming thoughts about ourselves. When we think the world revolves around us. One thing I’m really trying to get through my head is that everything is not about ME! As spiritual beings having a human experience we are constantly fighting against the...
I think jealousy and resentment go hand in hand because first we experience jealousy, and usually it’s followed by a bit of resentment toward the person we are jealous of. Or resentment towards the life we’ve been dealt. Sometimes we want to blame others or blame our circumstances for not having everything we desire to have. Junior high and high school is when I can remember experiencing the most jealousy. Over the years I’ve learned how to manage my thoughts enough to work my way out of the emo...
The reason our hearts become blocked is due to past experiences that caused us to feel pain, sadness, heartache, anger, ect. The heart becomes blocked as a result of fear. Fear is the root of it all. Instead of simply being an observer of our lives, we try to control it out of fear. Fear that we might suffer the same thing again. Our minds remember the pain and suffering, and the heart takes on the symptoms caused by fear.
One thing I think has helped us most in our marriage and we touched on this a little in one of our previous episodes is acceptance. If you’re familiar with what Jody Moore teaches, you’ve probably heard her talk about the “manual”. She describes the manual as a set of beliefs, rules and expectations we bring into our marriages. The manuals are developed as a result of our upbringing, and the examples of relationships we are exposed to growing up. It’s what we believe a spouse is “supposed” to be...
For as long as I can remember I’ve been obsessed with routines, schedules, notepads, day planners. The earliest I can remember creating my own schedule was when I was in 3rd grade. I remember writing out my daily routine and placing it on my neatly made bed. I was kind of a perfectionist. I liked things organized and tidy even as a 9 year old girl. Motherhood has taught me sooo much about time management. I quickly learned that my idea of a perfect routine and clean house was not going to be the...
There comes a time in our process of reaching goals or making life changes that we get particularly vulnerable to other peoples opinions, or lack of support. When we set out to change our lives or reach big goals. We start out extremely excited about what we are pursuing, only to find out it is much harder than we anticipated. We work like a dog, do everything we know how to do, and it doesn’t seem to be working. Not only do we become discouraged, but the people who we thought were supposed to b...
Today we wanted to share a little inside scoop of what life is like for us as members of the LDS church. We plan to get really honest and open about some of the things we’ve struggled with over the years and also what we’ve gained by being members of this church. I understand that not all of you are LDS but perhaps you’re just curious about what life REALLY looks as members of a church that once practiced polygamy. Warning, this episode might stir up a bit of controversy, which as members of thi...
Ever since I can remember, I was determined to make sure everyone liked me. Which caused me to feel so much shame if I ever did or said anything that people disagreed with. What I've learned is that not everyone is going to like you and that is absolutely okay. Also, other peoples opinions about you have nothing to do with you and has everything to do with them.
