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What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why prayer must come before planning—not after

How faith transforms uncertainty into peace

Biblical wisdom for decision-making and direction

The difference between striving in your own strength and surrendering to God

How to pause, listen, and discern God’s guidance for your next chapter

Scripture References

• Proverbs 16:3 – “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.”
• James 1:5 – Asking God for wisdom without doubt
• Psalm 37:5 – Trusting the Lord with your path
• Matthew 6:33 – Seeking God first

Reflection Questions

• Where have I been planning without praying first?
• What decision am I holding too tightly instead of surrendering to God?
• What would it look like to trust God fully with my next step?

Rachael D. Arnold, M.Ed., Certified Incite Life Coach
970.279.1818

https://ggtlife.com/

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Prayer Before Plans: Starting the New Year with God-Centered Conversations

As the new year begins, it’s easy to feel pressure to plan, decide, and change everything at once. In today’s episode, I am inviting you to slow down and take a different approach — beginning the year in prayer.

Through a personal reflection on values, communication, this episode offers a gentle reminder that prayer isn’t just for big decisions — it’s for everyday conversations too.

Before you speak, before you decide, before you move forward… pause and invite God to be a part of the conversation.

Scripture Referenced:
Proverbs 16:3
James 1:19

Reflection Questions:

• What value is God highlighting for you this year?
• Where do you need to slow down your words?
• Who in your life deserves prayer before conversation?

If you want goals that actually fit your real life…

If you are ready to move forward with an accountability partner, I am here for you ~ to take that next step with you. Please reach out to me through the website https://ggtlife.com/ or you can message me at 970.279.1818. Until next time, have a great week!

Rachael D. Arnold, M.Ed., Certified Incite Life Coach
970.279.1818

https://ggtlife.com/

Send us a text

“Making progress isn’t always moving forward. Sometimes, it’s about bouncing back. Progress is not only reflected in the peaks you reach — it’s also visible in the valleys you cross. Resilience is a form of growth.”
— Adam Grant, Hidden Potential

Hiden Potential ~ The Science of Achieving Greater Things

Author: Adam Grant https://amzn.to/49pUGQh

Hey y’all.
Welcome back to Grit, Grace & Transformation, soon to be Midlife Renewal, and if you’re listening on Christmas Day, I’m so grateful you chose to spend a few quiet moments here with me.

THE PROBLEM WITH GOALS ALONE

As we move toward a new year, goal-setting is everywhere.

Set the goal.
Write the goal.
Manifest the goal.
Crush the goal.

But here’s the truth most people don’t talk about:

👉 Goals without values are fragile.

When goals are based on pressure, comparison, or what we think we should want, they rarely last — especially when life gets hard… and life will get hard.

If you’ve ever:

• Started the year motivated but burned out by February
• Felt guilt instead of growth around your goals
• Or wondered, “Why can’t I seem to follow through?”

It’s not a discipline problem.
It’s usually a values alignment problem.

Here we are on CHRISTMAS DAY, and

If today doesn’t look like the picture you imagined…
If you’re grieving for someone you lost, and it could also be something that you lost.
If you’re exhausted…
If this year knocked the wind out of you…

Hear this clearly:

👉 Resilience counts.
👉 Rest counts.
👉 Reflection counts.

they all matter ~ Progress doesn’t disappear just because it’s quiet. Sometimes, the most values-aligned thing you can do is pause — not push.

A PERSONAL MOMENT
One of the reasons I care so deeply about this work is because I’ve lived the consequences of goals that weren’t aligned — and the healing that came when values led the way.

Faith.
Mindset.
Physical vitality
Rest.

These aren’t just words to me — they’re survival tools.

And someday, I would truly love to connect with Adam Grant — whether that’s a conversation on his podcast or welcoming him onto Midlife Renewal ~ that is coming very soon, because conversations about growth that include resilience are the ones that actually change lives.

As we close on this Christmas Day, I want to leave you with this:

You don’t need to rush into the new year.
You don’t need to fix everything.
You don’t need a perfect plan.

You just need a true north — and that starts with values.

From my heart to yours, Merry Christmas. May grace meet you exactly where you are, and may the coming year be built on what truly matters.

I’ll see you soon.

Rachael D. Arnold, M.Ed., Certified Incite Life Coach
970.279.1818

https://ggtlife.com/

Send us a text

Sunday Solace is a faith-centered reflection podcast within Grit, Grace & Transformaiton, soon to be Midlife Renewal, created for women navigating midlife transitions, personal growth, and spiritual renewal. In this episode, we explore values-based living, midlife reflection, and how choosing core values can bring clarity, peace, and purpose in the next season of life.

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
— Psalm 90:12

• Which qualities truly describe how I want to show up right now?
• What values have guided me this year—intentionally or not?
• Which ones do I want to strengthen as I enter the next season?

When you have specific goals or know what outcome you want that is aligned with values, you are much more likely to achieve your specific goals or outcome that you want.

Every day is a chance to realign, renew, and return to who you really are.

If you’ve been walking this path with me, thank you. If you’re just joining, welcome to a community built around reflection. If today’s episode blessed you in any way, please take a moment and share it. I am also asking that you please rate and review it on Apple podcasts. If you are ready to take the next step, and would like me to walk along side you, please reach out to me ~ you can send me a message t 970.279.1818 or contact me through the website, ggtlife.com. Until next time, wishing y’all a wonderful Christmas week.

Value List

ADVENTURE

Fulfillment Boldness Amusement Courage Confidence Enjoyment

BEAUTY

Grace Radiance Loveliness Elegance Excellence Magnificence

INSPIRATION

Motivation Intuition Awareness Insight Openness Encouragement

CONTRIBUTION

Giving Assistance Support Service Sharing Improvement

CREATIVITY

Vision Imagination Resourcefulness Originality Expansion Innovation

DISCOVERY

Learning Contemplation Insight Refinement Discernment Reflection

KNOWLEDGE

Cleverness Thoughtfulness Communication Insight Understanding Wisdom

LEADERSHIP

Authenticity Influence Encouragement Sincerity Candor Direction

MASTERY

Competency Excellence Understanding Clarity Effectiveness Proficiency

INTIMACY

Touch Communication Affection Gratitude Pleasure Warmth

CONNECTION

Family Community Cooperation Alignment Intimacy Relatedness

COMPASSION

Tenderness Presence Kindheartedness Connection Alignment Consideration

SPIRITUALITY

Awareness Consciousness Love Faithfulness Devotion Enlightenment

ACCEPTANCE

Receiving Appreciation Recognition Acknowledgment. Caring Welcoming

ACCOMPLISHMENT

Ability Achievement Completion Realization Success Efficiency

HARMONY

Serenity Order Peacefulness Predictability Tranquility Stability

INTEGRITY

Honesty Truthfulness Reliability Honor Authenticity Dependability

PLAY

Fun Pleasure Lightheartedness Delight Laughter Being Carefree

Rachael D. Arnold, M.Ed., Certified Incite Life Coach
970.279.1818

https://ggtlife.com/

Send us a text

Hey y’all, welcome to Sunday Solace here on Grit, Grace & Transformation and soon to be Midlife Renewal, a podcast for the woman navigating change, craving clarity, and longing to feel grounded in her mind, body, and soul. Men ~ you’re also welcome! I’m Rachael, your Host and Incite Transformation Life Coach. Go ahead and grab your coffee and your water.

This is Sunday Solace — let’s renew your mind today.

One of the most famous psychology experiments is the Harvard “Invisible Gorilla” study. Participants watch a video of people passing basketballs and are told to count how many times the ball is passed.

Because they’re so focused on the task, they completely miss a giant person in a gorilla suit walking right through the scene.

The lesson? The brain filters out anything that doesn’t match what we’re already focused on. Not because we’re unaware people — but because our attention narrows to fit our internal expectations.

And here’s the spiritual truth: If we’re focused on fear, lack, stress, and unworthiness… that’s all we’ll see. But if we focus on God’s goodness, hope, and truth our reality expands.

Scriptures:

Romans 12:2 — “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Isaiah 26:3 — “You keep her in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You.

Proverbs 23:7 — “As she thinks within herself, so she is.”

2 Corinthians 10:5 — “Take every thought captive.”

If this blessed you in any way, I would love for you to share it with a friend, and rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts.

And if you’re ready for deeper support, clarity, and transformation, you can visit me at https://ggtlife.com/ and send me a message directly through the website.

My coaching packages are 50% off this month for a holiday special — something I’ve never done before — because I want you to enter the new year grounded, strengthened, and renewed. Thank you all for listening today ~ wishing you a wonderful holiday season.

https://ggtlife.com/

Rachael D. Arnold, M.Ed., Certified Incite Life Coach
970.279.1818

https://ggtlife.com/

Send us a text

Good morning, y'all … welcome to another episode of Sunday Solace.
I’m your host, Rachael & It’s the Sunday after Thanksgiving ~ the world is already shifting.
Leftover goodies still in the fridge, and y’all will have to message me and let me know some of things that you made with the leftovers. I have heard of potato cakes the next morning from the leftover mashed potatoes, and many other goodies. By the way, of my favorite things on the dinner table were always my Grammy’s homemade noodles, and we would have that for the next couple of days after Thanksgiving. And now, Here we are, the last day of November ~ everything has become twinkling lights, the smells of pine and peppermint and the sounds of Christmas music.

Before we get swept up by lists, expectations that we place upon ourselves and others, and obligations… I want to invite you into a space of holy stillness.

This is Sunday Solace, and I am inviting you into a space to practice reflection, and the gentle return of wonder.

What if this season isn’t about performing ~ let us look at this from a different perspective. What if It’s about receiving. You’re probably thinking, “Rachael, its about giving!”

Let’s anchor ourselves in Isaiah 9:6:

“For unto us a Child is born… and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

And Luke 2:19:

“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

Mary paused. Mary reflected. Mary held space for what was to come. That is the invitation you and I are stepping into today.

“What do I want this season to FEEL like?”
Not what you want to do, but what you want to carry with you.

When you set values-based intentions, you have the opportunity to lead your Holiday season instead of letting the Holiday season lead you.

One of the most beautiful parts of Christmas is wonder.
Children feel it effortlessly. Adults often lose it. One of my favorite movies that I have to watch every Christmas season sometime during the month of December is The Polar Express. If you have not watched this movie, it’s one I recommend.

December represents much ~ the Birth of Christ for many, the ending of a year, and the beginning of a new one. Take this time now to think about what you want to be different next year, how do you want it to be better. What do you not want to carry with you into 2026, and what do you want to keep? Go back through the podcast, and pull up the episodes regarding Values-Based Choices vs. Habit-Based Decisions, and work through those exercises.

Let this December feel different ~ allow yourself to be guided by intention.
Let our homes be places of warmth and grace ~ the same way Mary treasured the miracle unfolding before her. Welcome this season with reverence and joy.

If today brought you comfort, clarity, or simply a moment to breathe deeply, I hope you'll share it with someone who matters to you.

As we step into December, if you're looking to set intentions grounded in values, I'd love to support you. You can reach me at 970.279.1818 or visit GGTLife.com for coaching and upcoming resources.

This Holiday season, I am doing something I have never done before, coaching packages are 50% off—a gift you can give yourself or someone you love. Please message me with Holiday50.

Welcome to the beginning of the Christmas season. I'm cheering you on every step of the way. Until next time.

Rachael D. Arnold, M.Ed., Certified Incite Life Coach
970.279.1818

https://ggtlife.com/

Send us a text

Good morning, y’all… and Happy Thanksgiving. I’m your host, Rachael & I know how busy today gets.
But right here, right now… let’s create a little sanctuary together.

Before the turkey goes in the oven…
Before the house wakes up…
Before the tablecloth is ironed and the mashed potatoes start flying… grab your coffee and your water with the baja gold mineral salt ~ Let’s begin.

I want to invite you into a moment of quiet sacredness.
A moment to breathe in God’s presence and remember what truly matters on this day of gratitude.

Let’s anchor the morning with Philippians 4:7:

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

And Colossians 3:14:

“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”

Let’s bring in some coaching for a moment.

There are reasons people cannot hear each other today and we discussed this on last Sunday’s episode:

• They want the other person to change their mind
• They’re afraid that listening looks like agreeing
• They’re too distracted by what they don’t want to feel

Values-based intentions ~ shifts everything.

• “My intention is to create peace, presence and compassion”
• “My intention is to be present without judging.” This one is sometimes extremely difficult, especially if you were raised in a home where there was only one right way to do something….

When your intention is rooted in your values — not your fears, not the past, not old patterns, you change the entire emotional dynamic in the room. You become the thermostat, not the thermometer.

If this episode blessed you, please share it with someone you love.
Rate and review it on Apple Podcasts ~ this blesses me big time, and it helps reach others.

And if you're ready to go deeper with values-based living —
with clarity, intention, and emotional peace —
I’d love to walk with you.
You can reach out to me directly at 970.279.1818
or send a message through GGTLife.com.

This Holiday season, I am doing something I have never done before, coaching packages are 50% off—a gift you can give yourself or someone you love. Please message me with Holiday50.

Happy Thanksgiving, my friends.
I’m sending you the sacred side dishes that never run out. Until next time.

Rachael D. Arnold, M.Ed., Certified Incite Life Coach
970.279.1818

https://ggtlife.com/

Send us a text

Good morning, friends, and welcome to another episode of Sunday Solace.
I’m your host, Rachael, and as we enter Thanksgiving week here in the United States — Oh My Stars — my heart is full. This is one of my favorite weeks of the year. There is something about the rhythm of slowing down, cooking with our hands, gathering around tables, and remembering what matters… that just pulls us back into alignment with God’s heart.

Today’s episode is called “The Sacred Side Dishes of Thanksgiving.”
And yes — we all know the table will be filled with casseroles and cranberry sauce and those rolls that make you say “I’ll just have one more.” But today, we’re talking about the other side dishes — the ones you bring in your spirit.

The ones that nourish the room more than any recipe ever could:
Peace. Love. Compassion. Gratitude. Presence. Trust. Connection.

These, my friend, are sacred.

Gratitude changes the brain, the body, and the soul.

1️⃣ Gratitude Improves Mental Health
Clinical Psychology Review

2️⃣ Gratitude Strengthens Relationships
Research in the journal Emotion (Algoe, S.B., 2012)

3️⃣ Gratitude Improves Physical Health
A study from Personality and Individual Differences (Hill, P.L., & Allemand, M., 2011)

4️⃣ Gratitude Activates the Parasympathetic Nervous System
(Kini, P., Wong, J., McInnis, S., Gabana, N., & Brown, J., 2016)

Scriptures:

• Colossians 3:15: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, and be thankful.”
• 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks in all circumstances…”
• Psalm 100:4: “Enter His gates with thanksgiving…”
• John 13:34: “Love one another as I have loved you.”
• Romans 12:18: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
• Proverbs 17:22: “A joyful heart is good medicine.”

Your Intention Statement for Thanksgiving

I want you to fill this in:

“My intention is to create ______________, ______________, and ______________ for everyone involved.”

1. What sacred side dishes do I want to bring to my Thanksgiving table?
2. Where do I need to shift from a limiting intention to a values-based intention?
3. Who might need extra compassion, connection, or grace this year?
4. How can I enter Thanksgiving week with a heart of gratitude toward God?

If today blessed you, please share this episode with a friend or family member who needs a little peace this week, and if you’re ready to walk deeper into thought discipline, emotional freedom, and faith-fueled living, I’d love to walk alongside you.

This Holiday season, I am doing something I have never done before, coaching packages are 50% off—a gift you can give yourself or someone you love. Please message me with Holiday50.

You can reach me directly at 970.279.1818, or visit GGTLife.com. You can also send a message through the website.

Stay tuned this week for another special Thanksgiving Day episode. Have a beautiful, warm, gratitude-filled Thanksgiving week, y’all.

Rachael D. Arnold, M.Ed., Certified Incite Life Coach
970.279.1818

https://ggtlife.com/