I've been on a podcast hiatus for a while. Two years, but who is counting! In this episode I'm finally sharing what I've been up to, and why I'm back. This one is personal, but I think it can be helpful for anyone who has ever needed to take time to figure out what is next. Sometimes we need to take a step back to take a step forward.

I am dedicating this episode and my return to Growing For It, in general, to my dear friend Carol Flores. Before she passed, she encouraged me to keep going with the podcast. So this one is for you, Carol.

In this episode:

• How I became a professional artist! No, I'm not kidding!
• Why I now believe creativity is the cure to that feeling of "something is missing"
• Where the Growing For It podcast is headed moving forward

If you've ever felt the pull to pause, reevaluate and figure out what is true for you now, I think this episode may feel like a breath of fresh air.

Today's episode is all about the inspirational story of my dear friend Carol Flores. Carol was diagnosed with stage 4 uterine cancer in September of 2021. She was told less than 10% of people with her cancer survive beyond 2 years. Carol decided she would be in the 10% and has used this experience for her soul's learning, growth and upliftment. Her remarkable story is one that needs to be heard. She has deepened her spirituality, learned to truly love herself, and her life has become better, richer, fuller, more beautiful. (And this is a woman who already had a fabulous life!) There is a ton of wisdom shared here. She is truly the embodiment of a spiritual warrior. The way she has tackled this - is what this podcast is all about. Today also happens to be her 60th birthday. A birthday she was told, she may not see... but here she is living her best life despite it all. I hope you will be as inspired by her, as I am. I love you, Carol. Happy 60th Birthday!

In this episode, Katie sits down with the lovely and talented Nicolay Jonsson to discuss the ever challenging topic of self-care for Mamas.

This conversation covers a wide range of motherhood topics: nutrition, developing or contintuing a spiritual practice, and tips for an easier kid bedtime! A fun and inspirational conversation packed with wisdom and helpful tips, dedicated to all of the Mamas out there!

Nicolay is a certified health coach and yoga teacher, who speciaizes in supporting women in their prenatal and postpartum journeys. She helps women feel good as their bodies grow and change throughout motherhood. A mother of 4! She discovered she had thyroid cancer during her second pregnancy. She shares about how she overcame that challenge, and used it to propel herself forward spiritually and professionally.

If you're a Mama or a mama-to-be, there's a lot of great info inside of this episode for you :)

Resources discussed in this episode include:

• Book: THE FIRST 40 DAYS
• Music: Katie's 432 hz Favorite Bedtime Tunes

Today's Guest:

• Nicolay Jonsson - Health Coach & Pre/Postnatal Yoga Teacher
• Connect with Nicolay on Instagram: @nicolayjonsson

Connect with Katie Shapiro:

• Follow Katie on Instagram: @katieshapirocoaching
• Visit Katie's website: www.katieshapirocoaching.com
• Follow the Growing For it Podcast on Instagram: @growingforitpodcast