Summary

In this episode, Cassie and her cousin Melody, a licensed professional counselor, explore the critical distinction between self-care and survival mode. They discuss how many individuals confuse basic functioning with self-care and the importance of recognizing the need for true self-care practices. The conversation emphasizes the significance of setting boundaries, listening to one's body, and the necessity of mental health support. Melody shares practical steps for self-care and encourages listeners to shift their mindset from survival to intentional living, highlighting that everyone deserves to prioritize their well-being.

Takeaways

Survival mode is about just getting through the day.

True self-care involves intentional actions for overall well-being.

Many people confuse basic functioning with self-care.

Setting boundaries is essential for self-respect.

Listening to your body is crucial for self-care.

Self-care can be simple and doesn't always require money.

It's important to identify areas in life that need self-care.

Guilt often prevents people from setting boundaries.

You can have both faith and mental health support.

Everyone deserves to prioritize their well-being.

Titles

Self-Care vs. Survival: A Deep Dive

Understanding the Importance of Self-Care

Sound bites

"Are you really pouring into yourself?"

"You can have Jesus and a therapist too."

"You are worth pouring into yourself."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Self-Care vs. Survival

03:05 Understanding Survival Mode

06:28 The Misconception of Self-Care

09:26 Patterns of Survival Mode

13:56 Shifting from Survival to Self-Care

15:10 Pouring into Yourself Without Faith

18:00 The Importance of Connection

21:12 Practical Steps for Self-Care

24:23 Listening to Your Body

27:47 The Consequences of Ignoring Self-Care

29:42 Navigating Personal Challenges and Boundaries

33:24 The Importance of Setting Boundaries

40:39 Encouragement for Self-Care

46:27 Living Beyond Survival Mode

52:50 Embracing Self-Care and Personal Growth

56:11 Youtube intro (1).mp4

For questions or topics, please email embracenevolve25@gmail.com.

Resources

My Heart Forgot to Tell You Grief Journal available on Amazon

Jump by Author Melody Mosley- Available on Amazon

The Healing Pages available on https://cassified.shop

Music Credit: Creator Mix/Lofi

Keywords

self-care, survival mode, mental health, boundaries, personal growth, emotional well-being, counseling, self-awareness, healing, intentional living

Grief doesn’t just change us—it changes our relationships. Some people step in closer, surprising us with their love and consistency. Others fade away, leaving us with questions, confusion, and sometimes an ache that feels just as heavy as the loss itself.

In this episode of Embrace and Evolve with Cassie, we explore what happens when grief shifts friendships and family connections. Cassie shares the sting of unmet expectations, the grief of emotional abandonment, and the surprising blessings of unexpected support.

Today’s Reflection Prompt:

“Who showed up for me in a way that mattered—and who didn’t? What boundary or grace do I need to give myself in response?”

Today’s Affirmation:

“I release what no longer serves my healing. I welcome support that nourishes my soul.”

Resources by Cassie

• My Heart Forgot to Tell You – A Grief Journal-Amazon
• The Healing Pages – Grief Workbook- https://cassified.shop

Contact Cassie

Email: embraceandevolve25@gmail.com

Music Credit: House Trap Lofi

Have you ever been fine one minute… and then a smell, a song, a place, or a date pulls you right back to a moment of loss? That sudden wave of emotion is real, it’s called a grief trigger or emotional flashback.

In this episode of Embrace and Evolve with Cassie, I’m breaking down:

• What grief triggers and emotional flashbacks are
• Why they happen
• How they can affect you physically and emotionally
• Practical tools to ground yourself when they hit

We’ll talk through breathing techniques, grounding exercises, and simple mantras you can use in the moment so you can feel the emotion without being consumed by it.

Journal Prompt: “What grief trigger or memory still catches me off guard and what do I need in those moments?”

Affirmation: “I honor my memories. I welcome healing. I allow my emotions to rise and pass like waves.”

Whether your grief is fresh or years old, this conversation will remind you: triggers are not weakness, they’re proof of love.

Email: embracenevolve25@gmail.com

Shop my grief journals + self-care products: cassified.shop

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and Amazon Music.

Season 2, Episode 6: Boundaries While Healing – Protecting Your Peace

Featuring Special Guest: Nicole, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA)

In this powerful episode, we’re diving deep into the importance of setting boundaries during seasons of healing, whether you’re grieving, recovering from trauma, or experiencing emotional burnout.

My special guest, Nicole (LPCA from Dallas, TX), brings her professional insight and heart centered wisdom to the conversation. She shares why boundaries are essential for protecting your peace, how to overcome the guilt that often comes with saying “no,” and practical steps you can take today to honor your emotional and mental well-being.

This episode is for anyone navigating healing while trying to hold it all together. Get ready for a real, empowering, and grace-filled conversation.

It’s time to reclaim your peace, your voice, and your space.

Tune in now and don’t forget to share with someone who needs this.

Email your thoughts or questions to: embraceandevolve25@gmail.com

Grab your grief journal + workbook: The Healing Pages

Visit: cassified.shop

Nicole Lytle (LPCA in Texas): For more information or schedule an appointment through telehealth, please visit website. Kenyatta Black Counseling -00:00Introduction to Healing and Boundaries

04:50Understanding Boundaries in Healing

09:59Communicating Boundaries Effectively

14:53Dealing with Guilt in Boundary Setting

20:01Recognizing Signs for Stronger Boundaries

24:51Starting Small with Boundaries

24:51Setting Boundaries for Self-Care

27:03Responding to Boundary Pushback

30:02Navigating Single Parenthood and Boundaries

36:38The Role of Boundaries in Emotional and Spiritual Growth

This one is for the believer who’s grieving…

The one who still prays but doesn’t hear anything back.

The one who loves God… but feels hurt, confused, or abandoned.

In this episode of Embrace and Evolve with Cassie, we talk about spiritual grief — what it feels like when faith and pain collide.

How grief can shake your connection with God

How to pray when you don’t have the words

How to trust God even when you’re broken

Includes a journal prompt + daily affirmation

Need more support on your grief journey?

Grab my guided grief journal: My Heart Forgot to Tell You

Or dive deeper with my workbook: The Healing Pages: Navigating Your Grief Journey

Listen now on Spotify & YouTube

Have questions, feedback, or need prayer?

Email me at embraceandevolve25@gmail.com

You’re not alone. God is nearby. Even in the silence.

Shop journals & workbooks at cassified.shop or DM me to order.

Season 2, Episode 4: Grieving While Living: How to Function Through the Fog

Life doesn’t stop for grief and that’s the hardest part.

In this episode of Embrace and Evolve with Cassie, we’re talking about what it means to keep going when you’re grieving. From showing up at work to trying to be present for your family, the weight of grief can make even the smallest tasks feel overwhelming.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re just moving through the motions while your heart is breaking, you’re not alone. This episode dives into the “fog” of grief, how it shows up in your daily life, and simple ways to navigate it without guilt or pressure.

What we cover:

• The emotional “fog” that comes with grief
• Functioning at work and in relationships while grieving
• Permission to rest, reset, and be honest about where you are
• Gentle strategies to move through the day—one moment at a time
• Journal prompt + affirmation to support your healing

Journal Prompt: What part of my life feels the heaviest right now—and what do I need to lighten it?

Affirmation: Even in the fog, I am finding my way. I am allowed to grieve and still grow.

You don’t have to have it all together. You just have to keep showing up at your own pace.

Email: embracenevolve25@gmail.com

Grab your grief journal and workbook at cassified.shop

Listen now and share with someone who might need this reminder: You are grieving—and still growing.

Season 2, Episode 3: The Weight of Stress – When Life Feels Too Heavy

Welcome back to Embrace and Evolve with Cassie — I’m your host, Cassie, Empowerment and Grief Coach.

In today’s episode, we’re talking about the kind of stress that creeps in slowly but weighs you down completely.

You’ll learn:

What chronic stress really looks like (hint: it’s not just panic attacks),

• How it affects your brain, body, and emotions,
• And most importantly, how to begin releasing the weight you were never meant to carry alone.

Stress shows up in different ways: fatigue, emotional numbness, snapping at loved ones, or just feeling disconnected from yourself. It’s not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign you’re overwhelmed.

Let’s talk boundaries, rest without guilt, breathwork, journaling, and prayer.

Journal Prompt:

“What is one thing I’ve been carrying that I need to release?”

Affirmation:

“I am allowed to rest. I am allowed to breathe. I release what I was never meant to carry.”

You’re not lazy or dramatic—you’re likely just stressed beyond capacity. Let’s talk about it.

Questions or a topic you want me to cover? Email: embracenevolve25@gmail.com

Resources for Your Healing Journey:

My Heart Forgot to Tell You grief journal — available now on Amazon: https://a.co/d/hXcd0Nt

The Healing Pages: Navigating Your Grief Journey workbook — available at cassified.shop

Give yourself grace. You are evolving. And you’re doing better than you think.

With love,

Cassie

EPISODE 2: Silent Battles – What Depression Looks Like Behind the Smile

Not all pain is loud.

In this episode of Embrace and Evolve with Cassie, we talk about the quiet struggle of high-functioning depression—the kind that hides behind a smile, a busy schedule, and the words “I’m fine.”

We explore:

Hidden signs of silent depression

Why functioning doesn’t mean you’re okay

How to recognize and respond to your own emotional burnout

Ways to offer support without shame

If you’re tired of pretending to be okay… this one’s for you.

Email your thoughts or topic requests to: embracenevolve25@gmail.com

Need support tools?

My Heart Forgot to Tell You (grief journal) – available on Amazon

The Healing Pages (grief workbook) – available at cassified.shop

You don’t have to carry it all. You are not alone.