Grit 'n' Grace: The Podcast for Highly Sensitive Christian Women

When clutter piles up in our homes, it’s not just “stuff” for many of us who are Highly Sensitive Persons. We can experience it as visual noise, decision fatigue, emotional stories, sensory input, and shame. So much shame. In this episode, my dear friend and co-author Kathi Lipp and I explore why everyday home management can feel uniquely overwhelming for HSPs … and how we can learn to respond with practical compassion instead of all-or-nothing thinking. You’ll learn why tidying up a space can help your nervous system exhale, why systems often collapse when life happens, and how to create a simple “stabilizing day” rather than trying to catch up on everything at once Kathi also shares three small re-entry steps for those moments when home feels overwhelming. This episode is a gentle invitation to stop asking, “Why can’t I keep up?” and start asking, “What might help my HSP nervous system take the next small step?” Links to Resources Mentioned: Kathi Lipp's Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/clutterfreeacademy Order Kathi's book Clutter Free: Quick and Easy Steps for Simplifying Your Space https://www.amazon.com/Clutter-Free-Quick-Steps-Simplifying/dp/0736959130/ Check out Kathi's Website: https://kathilipp.com/ https://kathilipp.com/ Take the “Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?” Self-Quiz https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/ Learn about the Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe https://sensitiveandstrongbook.com/sensitive-strong-community-cafe/

So many of us have tried to white-knuckle our way through one food plan after another. But what if health isn’t about eating perfectly—but rather about building habits that actually bear good fruit in our lives? In this episode, guest co-host Brandice Lardner and I unpack why “perfect eating plans” so often fail, especially for Highly Sensitive Christian women. Brandice introduces the idea of fruitful habits: flexible, grace-filled practices you can evaluate by their outcomes, not whether you followed every rigid rule. We explore how reflection (not rumination) helps you learn from your choices why giving yourself permission actually reduces food obsessions what it looks like to “marry wants with wisdom” without shame or fear If you’re longing for a calmer, more sustainable approach to food—one rooted in grace, discernment, and real-life rhythms—this conversation offers a hopeful way forward.Links mentioned: Episode #303: "Why It's Hard to Trust Your Body — Especially Around Food" https://cherigregory.com/episode303/ Order Brandice's new book Fully Nourished: A Grace-Filled Approach to Ditch Diets and Find Peace with Food and Your Body https://amzn.to/3Z3q5SL You can get her free 7-lesson "Faith > Food" email course right here https://gracefilledplate.com/faith-food-email-course/ Check out Brandice's Website: Grace Filled Plate https://GraceFilledPlate.com Take the “Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?” Self-Quiz https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/ Learn about the "Write Beside You" Unlimited Coaching Program and the "Clarity in Your Calling" Mastermind https://sensitiveandstrongbook.com/wby-unlimited-coaching-program/ https://sensitiveandstrongbook.com/clarity-in-your-calling-mastermind

January can feel like everyone else hit the “GO” button while I'm still standing in my living room wondering if a bomb went off over the holidays. If you’re still putting decorations away, finding glitter in places glitter shouldn't be, and feeling like you’re already behind on a year you just started, I want to invite you to take a breath — you’re not doing anything wrong. Today I want to talk about the gift of a gentle start—especially for Highly Sensitive People. No rushing into the new year. No reinventing yourself with "New Year, New You!" No pressure to hit the ground running. (In fact, you don't need to hit anything... ) I want to invite us to take a calmer, kinder approach to the new year.Links: Learn about The Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe https://sensitiveandstrongbook.com/sensitive-strong-community-cafe/ Take the “Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?” Self-Quiz https://cherigregory.com/hspquiz/

When someone we love is grieving, most of us fear saying the wrong thing. So we stay quiet, hoping our silence is better than a misstep. But for the bereaved, silence can feel like abandonment. In this episode, guest co-host, Cheri Fletcher and I discuss why connection matters so much more than perfect words. You'll hear how simple acts like prayers, texts, and thoughtful questions can bring lasting comfort. And you'll discover the power of initiating conversation with empathy and intentionality. Links Referenced: Grit 'n' Grace Episode #279: Surviving the Holidays — Help for When Your Heart Feels Heavy with Cheri Fletcher https://cherigregory.com/episode279/ Order Cheri Fletcher's "Beyond 'I Don't Know What to Say' Grief Communication Cards" https://cherifletcher.com/product/grief-cards/ Sign-Up for Cheri Fletcher's "Comfort in the Silence — A 5-Day Reflection on Walking With Grief" https://cherifletcher.com/joincheri/ Learn more about The Write Beside You Unlimited Coaching Program https://sensitiveandstrongbook.com/wby-unlimited-coaching-program/

Do you ever wonder if you're a true Highly Sensitive Person because you love meaningful adventures or crave experiences that make you feel alive? It turns out that many HSPs are also High Sensation Seekers, which often feels like you're living with one foot on the gas and one foot on the brake. But this isn't about chasing adrenaline; it's about seeking depth, richness, and significance. In today's conversation, my guest co-host Pam Watts and I dive into what it means to say a faith-based "yes" to opportunities that feel bigger than us. Pam pulls back the curtain on her current adventure — preparing to dance on stage for a cause she deeply values — and shares the very real tensions of excitement, discomfort, and determination. This episode will encourage you to look for your own faith-based "yes"es — whatever size they may be, and wherever they may take you. Links & Resources mentioned: "Vote" for Pam in Dancing with the Waco Stars https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dancing-with-waco-stars-voting-2025-tickets-1548506768429 Check out Pam's website: Faith-First Family Activity Coaching https://pamwatts.com/ Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/ Learn about the "Write Beside You" Unlimited Coaching Program with Cheri https://sensitiveandstrongbook.com/wby-unlimited-coaching-program/

Do you sometimes say "no" to hope … without even realizing it? Many of us protect ourselves from yet another disappointment by distancing ourselves from the very experiences God is inviting us into. In today's heartfelt conversation, guest co-host Danielle Grosse and I explore why biblical hope is never a demand to "cheer up" or "try harder," but always a gentle, persistent invitation to receive good things — at a pace that feels safe. You'll learn to notice God's quiet nudges, release unrealistic expectations, and rest in the hope that meets you right where you are, right now. Links Mentioned: Episode #293: Come Out of Hiding — Your Invitation to Step Into Healing https://cherigregory.com/episode293 Episode #294: Healing at a Gentle Pace — Why We Need Gentle Words & Ample Time https://cherigregory.com/episode294/ Episode #295: NOT a Bait and Switch—What Biblical Hope Looks Like in Real Life https://cherigregory.com/episode295/ Danielle's book The Boy, the Boxer, and the Yellow Rose: Because You're Not Lost. You're Healing.https://www.amazon.com/Boy-Boxer-Yellow-Rose-Healing/dp/1964251532/ Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz https://cherigregory.com/hspquiz/ Learn more about the Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe https://sensitiveandstrongbook.com/sensitive-strong-community-cafe/

In a world obsessed with "quick fixes," Highly Sensitive Persons can feel perpetually stuck — as if growing slowly means something's gone terribly wrong. But deep healing does NOT happen by force or formula. So in this episode, we offer you a gentler invitation: to drop the timeline to honor the pace of your body and heart, and to trust that so-called "delayed" healing is still holy ground. Through Danielle Grosse's tender story of recovering while writing, we explore how gentle truths and soul-safe collaboration can help HSPs mend. Not by "powering through" but by finding refuge in the One who heals our deepest hurts. Links Mentioned: Episode #293: Come Out of Hiding — Your Invitation to Step Into Healing https://cherigregory.com/episode293 Danielle's book The Boy, the Boxer, and the Yellow Rose: Because You're Not Lost. You're Healing.https://www.amazon.com/Boy-Boxer-Yellow-Rose-Healing/dp/1964251532/ Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/ Learn more about the "Clarity in Your Calling" Mastermind https://sensitiveandstrongbook.com/clarity-in-your-calling-mastermind/

The decision is done — so why does your body still feel like it's bracing for impact? It's like your brain was on board but your body missed the memo. If you know that feeling, you are not alone. For those of us with Sensory Processing Sensitivity, dealing with the aftermath of so much sensory strain can be intense: second-guessing self-recrimination shame spirals In this episode, we'll explore the question, "How do you learn and grow from what just happened—especially when parts of the process were hard?" I'll share what I've been learning about post-decision recovery, reflection, and documentation of your hard-won wisdom. So if you're craving closure that's kind rather than self-critical, you'll gain the tools you need to find peace in the present and to Equip Your Future Self! Links mentioned: The Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe: https://CheriGregory.com/Cafe/ Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz: https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/ Episode Webpage: https://CheriGregory.com/episode292

When you feel like you're always second-guessing yourself, it's tempting to idealize being a "one-and-done" decision-maker! But what if changing your mind isn't a sign of weakness but actually a sign of wisdom? In this episode, we're tackling the myth that Highly Sensitive Persons are "wishy-washy." You'll learn how "trying on" different options can free you from the guilt of sunk costs, help you honor your real-time needs, and lead to better choices in the long-run. You'll also gain permission to update out-dated decisions, while embracing God's grace as you grow. Changing your mind does not make you flaky. So often, it simply means that you're paying attention! Links mentioned: The Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe: https://CheriGregory.com/Cafe/ Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz: https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/ Episode Webpage: https://CheriGregory.com/episode290

Why does getting what you want sometimes feel so wrong? You finally speak up, advocate for yourself, and even win—but instead of feeling victorious, you're hit with guilt, second-guessing, or a sudden urge to backtrack. What is up with that? Well, in this episode, I'm sharing a real-life situation that left me wondering ... why asking for what I want feels so uncomfortable why getting what I want can feel so much worse than just going with the flow, and how this is all tangled up with people-pleasing, perfectionism, and a deep DEEP desire for certainty. So if you've ever struggled to stand your ground, let's talk about how to move forward with confidence—minus the emotional whiplash! Links mentioned: The Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe: https://CheriGregory.com/Cafe/ Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz: https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/ Episode Webpage: https://CheriGregory.com/episode288

Are you the person everyone turns to — because you're the peacemaker, the caregiver, the one who always says yes — but deep down you're running on empty? In this honest and hope-filled conversation, guest co-host Danielle Grosse explores "the Heart of a Helper" and helps us understand why those of us who love to serve often struggle to receive. She shares why it's so difficult to admit when we need help, how we can let others pour back into us, and what happens when we finally give ourselves permission to heal. If helping others has ever felt like both your greatest joy and your heaviest burden, this episode is for you. Join us for a discussion full of grace, wisdom, and real-life encouragement and that offers a new perspective on what it truly means to serve well as HSPs—without sacrificing your own well-being. Links mentioned: Danielle's website Sign up for Danielle's newsletter ... which includes "Just Ask Dani" Take Danielle's quiz "The Heart of a Helper: Uncover What You Need Right Now" Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz: https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/ Enroll in "Overcome Procrastination & JUST WRITE: 7 Surprisingly Simple Strategies to Get Your Words Flowing" https://writebesideyou.com/join/ Episode Webpage: https://CheriGregory.com/episode286

Have you ever felt crushed under the weight of a mistake, convinced it's too big to fix? Whether it's a literal mess or a relational misstep, we often respond by piling on guilt, shame, and endless self-blame. But what if there's another way? In this episode, I share the story of a literal spill that led to a deep reflection on responsibility, self-blame, and the gift of grace. We'll talk about how to figure out what's actually yours to own, how to stop beating yourself up for every little thing, and how to open your heart to God's grace—even in life's sticky situations. If you're ready to stop over-owning every mess and start letting grace lead the way, this episode is for you! Links mentioned: The Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe: https://CheriGregory.com/Cafe/ Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz: https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/ Episode Webpage: https://CheriGregory.com/episode284