Anchored with Purpose | Faith, Family, Purpose, Dreaming, Planning, Overcoming Anxiety, Overcoming Overwhelm

In this encouraging conversation, Melissa sits down with life and business coach Misty Lakes to talk about Godfidence, which is confidence rooted in Christ instead of hustle culture. Misty shares her journey from direct sales into coaching, how God faithfully led her step by step, and why putting Him at the center of our lives and businesses changes everything.
Together, they unpack why so many women feel burned out from wearing too many hats, how guilt sneaks in when our priorities are misaligned, and a simple but life changing visual tool that helps women realign their time, energy, and focus. This episode is full of encouragement for women who want peace, purpose, clarity, and a faith filled approach to life and business.
Resources mentioned in this episode: • Journey to Be Godfident Devotional: https://www.mistylakes.biz/store • 40 Day Social Media Fast by Wendy Speake: https://a.co/d/7OBkm7e • Misty Lakes Coaching & Collective: https://www.mistylakes.biz/coaching • Time That Aligns Course: https://www.mistylakes.biz/store 
✨ Key Takeaways
Godfidence means rooting your identity, confidence, and decisions in who God says you are — not in hustle, pressure, or people-pleasing.
God should be the CEO of your life and business, guiding decisions both big and small.
Burnout often comes from wearing too many “good” hats at the same time — not from doing one thing poorly.
The Target Exercise helps visually prioritize what matters most: God, personal wellbeing, family, and then everything else.
Your family is your first ministry, and your relationship with God deserves protected, intentional time.
Temple Time (mental, physical, emotional care) is not selfish — it’s stewardship.
Social media often consumes time without reflecting what we actually value.
Intentional boundaries create peace and reduce guilt.
Purpose brings peace; pressure brings burnout.
Faith and business were never meant to be separate — alignment brings flow and fruit.
⏱ Chapters
00:00 – Welcome & Meet Misty Lakes 02:30 – From Direct Sales to Coaching: Trusting God Step by Step 06:30 – How God Prepares Us Long Before We See the Plan 07:00 – What Is Godfidence? Confidence Rooted in Christ 10:00 – Letting God Be the CEO of Your Life 11:00 – Why Women Feel Burned Out and Overwhelmed 13:00 – The Target Exercise: A Visual Way to Prioritize What Matters 15:00 – Taking Hats Off Without Guilt 17:30 – Temple Time: Honoring God by Caring for Yourself 19:30 – Being Intentional With Time, Energy, and Boundaries 21:00 – Social Media, Scrolling, and Mental Clarity 23:45 – Why Faith and Business Shouldn’t Be Separate 27:30 – Obedience, Stewardship, and God’s Blessing 30:00 – Purpose Over Pressure: A Client Transformation Story 33:30 – How to Connect with Misty & Her Community 34:45 – Closing Encouragement
 
Christian women in business, faith based life coaching, Godfidence, Christian confidence, burnout recovery for women, faith and business alignment, Christian entrepreneur podcast, women wearing too many hats, intentional living Christian, faith based coaching for women, Christian leadership for women, purpose over pressure, time management for Christian women, Christ centered business, spiritual burnout, women and hustle culture, faith driven success, Christian personal growth podcast, women seeking peace and purpose, God at the center of life and business

In today’s episode, Melissa sits down with her new friend Mya Hull, a former top 1% leader in Mary Kay who felt God stirring something deeper, even in the middle of success. Mya shares her origin story, what that leadership season taught her about identity, and the “holy discontent” that led her to lay down what looked good on paper in order to follow what God was calling her into next.
You’ll hear the powerful meaning behind “41”—the idea that we all walk through “40 seasons” of wilderness, waiting, testing, and transition… but day 41 comes, and God is faithful. Mya walks us through how her Ignite Your Joy workshop became the foundation for a faith-led community for women entrepreneurs, and how the 41 Sisterhood is helping women grow with joy, clarity, confidence, and obedience.
If you’re in a season of waiting, this conversation will leave you with hope and practical encouragement to stay rooted in Christ while you walk toward your own “41 moment.”
Follow Mya on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themyahull?igsh=ZzRoYjU1cTZxYTg4&utm_source=qr 
Mya on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mya.hull 
41 Sisterhood / Stan Store: https://stan.store/theMyaHull 
Email Mya: themyahull@gmail.com
Free Purpose Bracket Resource: https://stan.store/theMyaHull/p/snag-your-free-purpose-bracket 
Key Takeaways
Success can be a slippery slope: even good things (recognition, achievement, leadership) can quietly become an identity or an idol if we’re not careful.
Conviction is different than shame: Mya describes moments where God didn’t condemn her, but lovingly redirected her heart posture.
God often uses transition to get our attention: new environments can create space to hear Him clearly again.
Your gifts exist outside of your title: Mya shares the shift of separating her strengths from her previous business and realizing God could use them in a new way.
You don’t need all the steps to obey: sometimes God gives the idea first and the logistics later.
The “41” message is hope: wilderness doesn’t last forever, and God always keeps His promises.
Fasting from noise brings clarity: Mya talks about getting quiet (not isolating, but choosing solitude with God).
Your test becomes your testimony: God can use the very season you wish you could skip.
Chapters
00:00 – Welcome + why this conversation felt God-ordained 00:58 – Mya’s origin story: pastor’s kid, entrepreneur at 20, motherhood + transition 04:07 – Top 1% leadership: what success taught her about discipline, ambition, and identity 06:37 – “It can become an idol”: the heart shift behind achievement 09:04 – Holy discontent: when God starts stirring something deeper 09:31 – Transition + deeper Bible study: learning to truly hear God again 12:23 – Obedience without answers: “I’m supposed to lay this down” 15:55 – Recognizing your gifts outside your business + “keep writing” moment 19:05 – People’s opinions vs the story we tell ourselves 23:08 – What’s next: Ignite Your Joy workshop + purpose bracket tool 29:09 – Why community matters for solopreneurs 29:37 – The story behind 41: wilderness seasons + day 41 breakthrough 35:33 – Launching the 41 Sisterhood: community, workshops, coaching, real transformation 41:12 – Hope for the woman in the wilderness: how to hold faith until day 41 46:51 – Fasting from noise + staying rooted in Jesus 49:05 – Where to find Mya + how to join the community
Call to Action
If you’re in a “40 season” right now—waiting, wrestling, transitioning, or feeling like God is asking you to lay something down—friend, you are not alone. Day 41 is coming. Share this episode with a friend who needs hope, and be sure to follow Mya and check out the 41 Sisterhood if you’re craving community and clarity in this season.
Christian women entrepreneurs, faith-driven business, obedience over approval, leaving direct sales, identity in Christ, Christian business coach, faith and entrepreneurship, choosing joy in the wilderness, Christian women community, purpose and calling, surrender season, waiting on God, day 41, wilderness season faith, clarity confidence joy, Christian coaching community, rooted in Christ, Christian mindset, spiritual growth and business, hope in hard seasons
 

Perimenopause is the topic so many women are whispering about over coffee, but rarely getting real answers. In this conversation, functional health practitioner Rita Johnson breaks down what’s actually happening in your body during perimenopause and why symptoms like weight gain, inflammation, sleep issues, digestive changes, and mood shifts are not “just aging.” Rita explains the powerful connection between gut health and hormone balance, why supplements can become expensive band-aids if you don’t address root causes, and the small daily habits that can make a big difference. You’ll also hear a balanced, faith-friendly discussion on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), including common misconceptions and what to look for if you’re considering it.
Links Mentioned
Rita’s Website: https://naturalfertilitycare.org/nutritional-therapy/ 
Rita’s Podcast (Health & Hormones): https://healthandhormones.org/ 
Divine Mercy Nutritional Care (Rita’s practice): [LINK]
Free Hormone Balancing Guide: https://birdsend.page/forms/9473/cDk9YT4KSn  
Perimenopause Toolkit Workshop (live + replay option): https://healthandhormones.org/perimenopause-workshop/ 
Key Takeaways
Perimenopause is a remodeling season, not a dead end. Your body is shifting from higher to lower hormone output, and multiple systems are adapting along the way.
Symptoms vary widely, but your intuition matters. If you’re 35+ and feel like your body is “different” or unfamiliar, it may be perimenopause-related.
Gut health impacts hormones in two big ways: your ability to make hormones (nutrients, fats, absorption) and your ability to clear hormones (detox pathways).
Healthy bowel movements matter more than most women realize. Regularity and quality can be a key sign of hormonal balance and detox support.
Probiotics aren’t the only answer. Food-based probiotics (like fermented foods) may be a simple starting point, and deeper digestive support may be needed depending on the root issue.
“We can’t out-supplement bad habits.” Slowing down, chewing, sitting to eat, and praying before meals can help your body shift into “rest and digest.”
Workout intensity may need adjusting in perimenopause. Too much HIIT/cardio can strain adrenals for some women, while strength training and walking often support hormone health best.
Collagen and protein can be helpful, but keep it simple. Prioritize whole foods when possible, and use supplements strategically.
Synthetic fabrics and “toxin panic” can lead to overwhelm. Focus on your body’s non-negotiables instead of trying to fix everything at once.
HRT isn’t the same as birth control, but it matters what you’re being prescribed. Rita emphasizes bioidentical hormones and addressing root causes alongside symptom relief.
Chapters
00:00 Welcome + why we’re talking perimenopause now 00:38 Rita’s story: cycle tracking, infertility, and functional hormone work 02:45 Overlooked perimenopause symptoms and the “cotton to silk” body shift 05:34 Melissa’s personal symptoms: stress, weight gain, inflammation, labs, and restrictive plans 09:20 Gut health + hormone balance: why detox and digestion matter 11:08 What “healthy digestion” actually looks like (and what’s not normal) 14:40 What to do next: probiotics, fermented foods, enzymes, and targeted support 18:35 The power of slowing down: chewing, sitting, and praying before meals 19:37 Listener Qs: collagen, supplements, and what’s worth the hype 22:20 Coffee + protein: stabilizing blood sugar and protecting cortisol 23:53 Adrenals + workouts: when HIIT/cardio may be too much in perimenopause 28:01 Synthetic fabrics + toxin overwhelm: focus on your “non-negotiables” 31:15 HRT explained: when it helps, when it becomes a band-aid 35:59 Misconceptions, the early 2000s study, and bioidentical vs synthetic hormones 38:49 Where to find Rita + free hormone balancing guide 40:27 Perimenopause Toolkit Workshop (HRT, charting, intimacy, and self-navigation)
 
perimenopause symptoms, perimenopause weight gain, hormone imbalance in women, functional medicine for hormones, gut health and hormones, estrogen dominance, progesterone and perimenopause, adrenal health and cortisol, perimenopause workout routine, strength training in perimenopause, inflammation and hormones, digestion and hormone detox, healthy bowel movements, fermented foods probiotics, digestive enzymes for women, collagen for women over 35, protein for women over 40, coffee and cortisol, hormone replacement therapy HRT, bioidentical hormones, Catholic hormone health, NAPRO doctor hormones, FEMM hormone support, faith and wellness for women, women’s hormone coaching
 

Vision boards. Visualization. Imagining your future.
For many Catholics, these words can feel uncomfortable or even off-limits. Is this New Age? Is it Christian? Is it something we should avoid altogether?
In this episode of the Anchored with Purpose Podcast, Melissa breaks down why vision is deeply biblical and deeply Catholic when done the right way — with God at the center. You’ll learn how visualization can actually become a powerful form of prayer, how Scripture invites us to imagine God’s future for our lives, and how vision boards can be used as a faith-filled tool for surrender, not control.
Melissa also weaves in wisdom from one of her favorite authors, Mark Batterson, and explains the clear difference between New Age manifestation and Catholic discernment.
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s okay to dream big with God — this episode is for you.
🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why vision is biblical, not trendy or New Age
How imagination is a gift from God
The difference between visualization as prayer vs. manifestation
Why surrender matters more than control when dreaming with God
How God provides provision where He gives vision
The Catholic mindset vs. the New Age mindset (side-by-side clarity)
How vision boards can become a visual prayer journal
The neuroscience behind focus, habits, and holy imagination
How vision connects to Melissa’s Life Anchors: faith, family, health, purpose, impact, relationships, and home
🎧 Episode Chapters
00:00 – Is Vision Biblical or New Age? 01:08 – Grounding Vision in Scripture 02:23 – Imagination as Prayer 04:32 – Dreaming with God, Not Apart from Him 06:48 – God Gives Vision and Provision 08:15 – Catholic Vision vs. New Age Thinking 09:18 – What a Catholic Vision Board Really Is 11:40 – The Neuroscience of Holy Focus 13:02 – Vision Through the Life Anchors 14:06 – Dream Big and Trust God’s Timing
🛠️ Practical Takeaway
This month, spend intentional time with Jesus and ask:
What do You want me to become this year?
What vision do You have for my life?
Where are You inviting me to trust You more deeply?
Then consider creating a simple, faith-filled vision board as a prayer tool.
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This is an “earbuds in” conversation, friend. Melissa sits down with Ellen Holloway, host of Charting Toward Intimacy (a leading Catholic intimacy podcast), for an honest, hope-filled conversation about sex, intimacy, and healing in marriage—in a way that’s fully aligned with the Catholic Church. Ellen shares her personal story (including the early struggles of marriage, learning Natural Family Planning, and healing from vaginismus), why so many Catholic women feel shame or confusion around sex, and practical steps to reconnect with your body, your spouse, and God. You’ll also hear powerful takeaways like a body scan prayer, the idea that sex can be prayer, and why scheduling sex isn’t unromantic—it’s often the most loving way to prioritize intimacy in real life.
Learn more at Ellen’s website: https://vinesinfullbloom.com/ 
Key Takeaways
You’re not “bad” for struggling with sex. Many emotions around intimacy are learned responses, not moral failures.
Shame thrives in silence. Intimacy is deeply vulnerable, so it’s often avoided—but it’s too important to ignore.
A powerful starting point: the Body Scan Prayer. Noticing your thoughts about each part of your body and asking God what He thinks can be deeply healing.
God calls your body “very good.” Parts of the body that carry the most shame are also parts that reflect God’s design for communion and relationship.
Healing takes time—and wins matter. Celebrate small progress instead of only focusing on the end goal.
Sex can be prayerful. Ellen encourages bringing God into your intimacy—praying about your sex life and (eventually) praying with your husband.
Spontaneity is not the standard. Scheduling sex is often a healthy way to prioritize connection (just like we schedule what matters most).
Libido can be rebuilt. Desire and pleasure aren’t “either you have it or you don’t”—there are practical steps forward.
There are safer ways to get support. Not every level of conversation is appropriate with close friends—sometimes a coach/community outside your circle is best.
Free next step: Ellen shares a free webinar on January 21 focused on rebuilding libido and learning key foundations for pleasure.
Chapter Titles + Timestamps
00:01 — Earbuds In Disclaimer + Episode Preview
00:37 — Ellen’s Story: Early Marriage Struggles, NFP, and Healing
05:05 — “Why Didn’t Anyone Teach Us This?” (Purity Culture + Pre-Cana Gaps)
07:06 — Why Intimacy Feels Misunderstood or Avoided
13:30 — Motherhood + Disconnection: What Feels “Off Limits” and Why
14:39 — The Body Scan Prayer (Asking God What He Thinks About Your Body)
20:20 — For the Woman Carrying Shame, Confusion, or Trauma
23:55 — God-Centered Intimacy: Sex as Prayer + Praying About Sex
30:24 — Free Webinar (Jan 21): Rebuilding Libido + Foundations for Pleasure
32:51 — Scheduling Sex: Debunking the “It Must Be Spontaneous” Myth
42:12 — Where to Find Ellen + Podcast + Webinar Sign-Up
43:22 — Closing Blessing + “Stay Anchored With Purpose”
Links Mentioned
Ellen’s website: https://vinesinfullbloom.com/ 
Ellen’s podcast: Charting Toward Intimacy (wherever you listen)
Free webinar sign-up (Jan 21): https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9Q4qrEa3T7q3AoXzYniGzQ
Books/resources mentioned:
Gregory Popcak, Holy Sex: https://a.co/d/663Dphl 
Edward Sri: https://a.co/d/eNMGodf 
Christopher West (Theology of the Body resources): https://a.co/d/74Yyby5 
The Power of a Praying Wife (Melissa mentions): https://a.co/d/7EtCjQL
Catholic marriage, Catholic intimacy, sex in marriage, Theology of the Body, natural family planning (NFP), fertility awareness, vaginismus, libido, orgasm, pleasure, shame, purity culture, healing, body scan prayer, praying with your husband, scheduling sex, spontaneous vs responsive desire, emotional intimacy, spiritual intimacy, Catholic women, marriage encouragement
 

January is loud. Everywhere you turn you hear, new year, new you, hustle harder, do more, become everything overnight. And if you do not get it all figured out in January, the year is basically over. In this episode, Melissa gently calls out the January Trap and shares why trying to carry a year’s worth of change into one month is the fastest way to burn out before February even hits.
Instead of hustling, this episode invites you to slow down, choose a Word of the Year, filter your goals through your Life Anchors, and create a simple, intentional plan using your Anchored with Purpose Planner so transformation happens one faithful step at a time.
✨ Key Takeaways
You are not behind if your goals or vision board are not done yet.
January is for setting the foundation, not becoming a completely new woman.
Your Word of the Year should guide what you focus on each month.
Planning is not procrastinating, it removes the mental load.
You do not need 10 goals, you need 3.
Big goals become achievable when they are broken into monthly action steps and scheduled into your real life.
Flexibility is not failure. You adjust and keep going.
⏱️ Episode Chapters
00:00 – Welcome + The January Hustle Culture Lie
01:11 – The January Trap and Why It Leads to Burnout
02:26 – Why Transformation Happens Slowly
04:50 – Using Your Word of the Year With the Life Anchors
07:14 – Choosing Only Three Goals for the Year
09:39 – Breaking Big Goals Into Monthly Action Steps
11:56 – Scheduling Your Goals Into Your Weekly Planner
14:21 – Flexibility, Grace, and God’s Provision
🛠️ Resources Mentioned
Anchored with Purpose Planner: https://anchored-with-purpose.kit.com/products/anchored-with-purpose-planner
Word of the Year Episodes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/64-one-word-can-change-everything-why-resolutions-fail/id1775076672?i=1000743213795  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/10-how-one-word-can-transform-your-year/id1775076672?i=1000680670747 
Life Anchors Introduction Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/36-anchored-in-every-area-10-life-anchors-that-hold/id1775076672?i=1000713214616 
Anchored with Purpose Faith Journal: https://a.co/d/aUrUAKz
Choose your Word of the Year.Write down how that word should influence each of your Life Anchors.Pick your top 3 goals for the year.Then decide what you need to focus on this month to set your year up for success and schedule those action steps into your planner.
Transformation does not happen in a week. It happens through quiet obedience and small faithful steps.
January goals, Word of the Year, transformation, Christian goal setting, planning with purpose, Life Anchors, Anchored with Purpose Planner, faith based planning, burnout prevention, intentional living, Catholic moms, Christian women podcast, Catholic, Catholic women
 

As the new year begins, most of the world rushes to make resolutions. However, research shows nearly 80% of them will be abandoned by mid-February. In this powerful episode, Melissa shares why she stopped setting resolutions and started choosing a Word of the Year instead - a simple, faith-filled practice that aligns your heart, habits, and purpose with God.
Melissa walks you through her Word of the Year journey from 2017 through 2025, explains how to choose your own word using her free guide, and reveals her 2026 word: Transformation -  a year focused on renewing her mind, strengthening her body, and living as a true “living sacrifice” for God.
🧭 Key Takeaways
Why 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail — and what works better
What a Word of the Year is and how it shapes who you’re becoming
How Melissa’s past words prepared her for each new season
A step-by-step framework for choosing your own Word of the Year
How to anchor your word with a definition, Scripture, and vision
Melissa’s 2025 word (Impact) and how God multiplied her influence
Her 2026 word (Transformation) and the physical, spiritual, and mental renewal God is inviting her into
⏱ Chapters
00:00 – Why New Year’s resolutions don’t work 01:30 – What is a Word of the Year? 02:00 – Melissa’s Word of the Year journey (2017–2025) 02:45 – Why a word works when resolutions don’t 03:30 – How to choose your Word of the Year 04:45 – Example: 2025 Word — Impact 06:30 – Introducing 2026 Word — Transformation 07:00 – Vision for Transformation in body, mind & spirit 08:30 – Invitation to download the Word of the Year Guide
🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned
📝 Free Word of the Year Guide — Download here: 👉 https://anchored-with-purpose.ck.page/b78367e68c
📖 YouVersion Bible App — Download here: 👉  https://www.bible.com/users/mjwilkinson41
🎧 Previous Episode on Word of the Year — Listen here: 👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/10-how-one-word-can-transform-your-year/id1775076672?i=1000680670747
 

In today’s episode, Melissa sits down with Lindsay Paulson, CEO of LP Consulting and host of the Mess to Mission podcast. Lindsay helps faith-filled, high-capacity women simplify their homes, systems, and businesses so they can operate with more peace and confidence. Lindsay shares her powerful mess to mission journey, including her pivot out of the hotel industry, what she learned scaling a construction company from a 3-person team to 22, and how deep personal loss shaped her mission-driven approach to business. Together, Melissa and Lindsay talk about where to start when God places a dream on your heart, why systems matter (especially early on), how to build rhythms that prevent burnout, and why asking for help is not weakness. You’ll walk away with practical, encouraging steps to simplify, start, and move forward with faith.
Key Takeaways
Start with what brings you joy and what lights you up. Your business can be built for your current season.
Your “mess to mission” story can become the very foundation of how you serve others.
Systems save you later. Lindsay’s ADE method helps you scale with sanity: Automate, Delegate, Elevate.
You can’t delegate what you haven’t outlined. Create simple processes and SOPs “like you’re explaining it to a kindergartener.”
You don’t need expensive tools to get started. Use free or low-cost resources first to avoid shiny object syndrome.
Build rhythms that support your family life: time blocking, admin days, and a strong “set your future self up for success” routine.
Play and rest are not optional. They’re how you refuel to avoid burnout and keep showing up with joy.
Comparison steals confidence. Don’t compare your day one to someone else’s day fifty.
Asking for help is a mindset shift. Delegation can bless you and support other small business owners too.
Don’t get stuck in perfection. People need your knowledge more than they need your “perfect” logo or the perfect shade of blue.
Chapter Titles & Timestamps
00:00 — Meet Lindsay Paulson (LP Consulting + Mess to Mission)
02:02 — Lindsay’s Mess to Mission Story and Her Big Pivot
09:50 — Mission-Driven Work: Nonprofits, St. Jude, and Redeeming Hope
10:59 — Where to Start When God Places a Dream on Your Heart
12:50 — Why Systems Matter and a Simple System You Can Start Today
15:32 — Shiny Object Syndrome and Choosing Tools That Fit Your Brain
18:19 — Faith and Business: Building Around Family, Not Burnout
22:51 — Rhythms for Family Life, Travel Seasons, and Preventing Burnout
29:08 — Why It’s Hard to Ask for Help and How to Shift Your Mindset
32:23 — Encouragement for the Woman Afraid to Take the Leap
34:37 — Where to Find Lindsay and Work With Her
Links Mentioned in the Episode
Lindsay’s Website: www.lindspaulson.com 
Instagram: @linds.paulson
Mess to Mission Podcast: Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
Automation Academy (Monthly Subscription): Available on Lindsay’s website (www.lindspaulson.com )
🎙 The Anchored with Purpose Planner is available NOW  — plus a FREE December download to try and use right away!
faith-based business, Christian women entrepreneurs, systems for small business, business systems and processes, project management for entrepreneurs, how to start a business as a mom, automate delegate elevate, time blocking for moms, business without burnout, simplify your business, operations consulting, business automation, women owned business, Mess to Mission podcast, faith and entrepreneurship, delegation for entrepreneurs, free business tools, Google Workspace for business, ClickUp free version, entrepreneurship for busy moms
 

Before you set a single goal for the new year, Melissa invites you to pause and complete a Year in Review / Life Evaluation—a simple, powerful reflection that brings clarity, context, and peace. She shares how she recently did this with her planner and prayer time, why reflection matters (with encouragement from Scripture and mentor Rick Warren), and how this process looks different when life feels more balanced than it once did. You’ll learn exactly how to review your year through highlights, goals met, lessons learned, struggles, places visited, and especially through the Anchored with Purpose Life Anchors—so you can see God’s faithfulness, measure your growth (including your Word of the Year: Impact), and step into the next season with intention. Plus, you can download the free Life Evaluation guide.
Key Takeaways
A Year in Review gives you clarity + context before you set goals for what’s next.
Scripture calls us to reflect and remember what God has done (Ecclesiastes 3:1; Psalm 77:11–12).
Reviewing your year through the Life Anchors helps you see where you were thriving—and where you want to grow.
Your “Word of the Year” becomes more meaningful when you evaluate real-life evidence of it (Melissa’s 2025 word: Impact).
Progress doesn’t always look like perfection - sometimes it looks like balance, growth, and grace.
Practical tools help: flipping through your planner, reviewing calendar/photos, and using a simple evaluation worksheet.
Your wins count - especially the quiet ones you might forget if you don’t write them down.
This reflection becomes fuel for choosing your next Word of the Year and setting goals rooted in your real life.
It’s okay if your review happens at your desk instead of a coffee shop - still do it (and yes, go grab the latte anyway).
The free Life Evaluation download is designed to make this process easy and doable.
Chapters
00:00 — Pause Before You Plan
01:16 — Why a Year in Review Matters (Clarity + Context)
02:19 — Last Year’s Perspective vs. This Year’s Balance
04:37 — Life Anchors Review: Faith Wins & Spiritual Growth
06:57 — Health & Family Wins (Gym, Intentional Time, Parenting Growth)
11:32 — Relationships & Community (Coffee Dates + Gym Friends)
13:54 — Money & Career Wins (Anchored with Purpose + Rebuilt + YouVersion)
20:45 — Personal Growth, Coaching, and Legacy Work
23:00 — Fun & Recreation (Wins You Forget Until You Flip the Planner)
27:46 — Home Wins (Kitchen Refresh + Creating Joy at Home)
30:05 — Highlights: Full Circle Mentor Moments + Big Events
34:45 — Goals Met + Biggest Accomplishments
36:59 — What Worked vs. What Didn’t
39:23 — Struggles, Grief, and Trusting God Through Uncertainty
40:42 — Lessons Learned + Rest (Because Your Body Keeps the Score)
42:10 — Places Visited + Why It Matters to Track Them
43:50 — Download the Free Life Evaluation + How to Use It
45:20 — Final Encouragement: You’ve Got This
Year in Review, Life Evaluation, Christian goal setting, faith-based planning, reflection prompts, end of year reset, Word of the Year, Wheel of Life, Life Anchors, Catholic personal growth, spiritual reflection, planner reflection, gratitude and growth, habits and systems, work-life balance, discipleship, making an impact, Scripture reflection, journaling prompts, goal setting with God, Anchored with Purpose planner
 

In this episode of the Anchored with Purpose podcast, Melissa sits down with professional organizer and author Melinda Grace, creator of the Reclaim Your Space with GRACE method. If your home feels overwhelming, your closets are overflowing, and your mind feels just as cluttered as your countertops, this conversation will feel like a deep breath.
Melinda shares how God led her from an acting career in New York and LA into professional organizing, and how she began to see that clutter isn’t just “stuff” — it’s deeply connected to our anxiety, faith life, and sense of purpose. She unpacks powerful stories of women whose lives changed as they cleared their homes: new jobs, big moves, finished books, and fresh courage to step into their callings.
You’ll also hear Melinda’s GRACE framework for decluttering (Gather, Release, Acquire, Cultivate, Enjoy), how to start where you’re most stuck, and why inviting God into the process can turn organizing from a dreaded chore into a soul-level reset. Whether you’re getting ready for the holidays, dreaming of a calmer new year, or just tired of feeling like you’re drowning in your own home, this episode will help you reclaim your space — and your peace — with grace.
Melinda’s Book: Reclaim Your Space with GRACE by Melinda Grace – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FR9J9QN8 
🎙 The Anchored with Purpose Planner is available NOW  — plus a FREE December download to try and use right away!
Key Takeaways
Clutter is not neutral – research shows it increases cortisol and can contribute to anxiety, fatigue, and stress, especially for women.
Your home is a sanctuary – our physical spaces can either support or sabotage our ability to hear God, rest, and live our purpose.
Start where you’re stuck – notice which room, corner, or routine makes you feel the most overwhelmed and begin there.
Clutter and calling are connected – when women clear space, they often gain clarity and courage for big decisions (moving, writing a book, changing careers, etc.).
We attach emotions to objects – sometimes we’re really holding onto memories, guilt, or identity, not just “stuff.”
It’s okay to ask for help – inviting a friend, organizer, or coach into your space can be the breakthrough you need.
The GRACE framework makes decluttering doable:
G – Gather: your goals, your supplies, your items, and even donation options
R – Release: let go of what no longer serves your current season
A – Acquire: only then bring in bins, baskets, and design touches
C – Cultivate: practice your new “dance” and rhythms in the space
E – Enjoy: pause to celebrate, rest, and thank God for the transformation
Faith belongs in the process – praying over what to keep, what to release, and where to donate can turn decluttering into a spiritual practice.
You’re doing better than you think – moms are carrying a huge mental load; organizing is meant to support you, not shame you.
Small changes matter – even tiny shifts like moving glasses closer to the water source or reworking a drawer can save time and mental energy daily.
Episode Chapters & Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome & Holiday Clutter Chat
02:00 – Meet Melinda: Faith, Family & Life by the Beach
05:00 – From Acting to Organizing: A Calling Rewritten
09:00 – When Decluttering Changes a Life
12:00 – Clutter, Cortisol & the Science of Stress
16:00 – Drowning at Home: Where Do I Even Start?
18:30 – “Start Where You’re Stuck”22:00 – Why Letting Go Is So Emotional
24:30 – Praying Over Donations & Finding the Right Home for Your Stuff28:00 – Faith, Purpose & Our Overloaded Homes33:00 – The GRACE Framework for Organizing41:00 – Melissa’s $400 Kitchen Refresh & “Dance” in the Home45:30 – How to Work with Melinda & Where to Find Her
Links & Resources Mentioned
Melinda’s Book: Reclaim Your Space with GRACE by Melinda Grace – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FR9J9QN8 
Connect with Melinda Grace:Website: www.melindagrace.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melindagraceorganizing/
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Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/melindagraceorganizing
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melinda-grace-0a3632329
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@melindagraceorganizing
Newsletter: https://melinda-grace-organizing.kit.com/7b63959d73
https://bit.ly/melindagraceorganizing
Grab Your Free Decluttering Checklist HERE -> https://melinda-grace-organizing.kit.com/80361b279fhttps://bit.ly/MGOdeclutteringlist
Refresh Your Kitchen with My Top 10 Organizing Hacks for Kitchens HERE -> https://melinda-grace-organizing.kit.com/7103328cf4https://bit.ly/MGOkitchenreset
 Easy, Printable Password Tracker HERE -> https://melinda-grace-organizing.kit.com/f3cb202522https://bit.ly/MGOPasswordTracker
Connect with Melissa & Anchored with Purpose:Links 
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