On this episode of Embracing Life Again, Catherine Kaufer is joined by Sarah McKenzie, a Registered Behavioral Therapist and PATH Certified Equine Instructor in training. Together, they dive deep into the remarkable benefits of equine therapy. Sarah reveals how working with horses builds confidence, critical thinking skills, and emotional regulation. Catherine shares touching stories of patients with dementia, showing how her miniature horse, Zebe, brings joy and calm to senior home residents. The episode also touches on the intuitive nature of horses, how they can sense heartbeats from 1.5 meters away, and their profound impact on individuals recovering from trauma. Sarah and Catherine discuss easing people into therapy with horses, helping them overcome fears, and the power of emotional regulation through animal companionship. As Sarah reflects on her own growth in equine therapy, the conversation becomes a heartwarming exploration of how horses truly change lives. #EmbracingLifeAgain #EquineTherapy #AnimalAssistedTherapy #HealingWithHorses #TraumaRecovery #AutismSupport #DementiaCare #MentalHealth #EquineAssistedTherapy#PATHCertified #SarahMcKenzie #CatherineKaufer #AnimalTherapy #ConfidenceBuilding#Podcast #TVShow

Welcome back to Embracing Life Again! On this transformative episode, your host Catherine Kaufer sits down with Xuan-Thu, a passionate Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist and Registered Dental Hygienist, to dive into the deeply personal and often challenging journey of self-love. As the owner of Breathe Wellness Boutique, Xuan-Thu brings her expertise in holistic wellness and shares her own story of starting her self-love journey at the age of 51. Xuan-Thu opens up about the layers of vulnerability she’s uncovered in the process and how embracing self-compassion has changed her outlook on life. Catherine chimes in with her own experiences, sharing the struggles of overcoming self-doubt and people-pleasing behaviors. Together, they explore the importance of setting boundaries—both with others and within our inner dialogue—to build a life rooted in authenticity and love. Xuan-Thu also reminds us to check in with our hearts daily, asking powerful questions like, “What does my heart feel today?” and “What is the condition of my heart?” Her morning routine is a testament to how small, intentional practices can transform our relationship with ourselves. She emphasizes the importance of filling your own cup first and making self-love a priority before giving to others. Catherine and Xuan-Thu dive deep into the nuances of guilt and shame, and how these emotions impact our ability to live freely. Xuan-Thu explains that guilt is self-imposed, whereas shame comes from external sources. By recognizing these differences, we can learn to forgive ourselves and others, freeing ourselves from emotional baggage. Ultimately, this episode is about reclaiming the beautiful, abundant lives we are meant to lead by honoring our intuition and giving ourselves permission to be vulnerable. If you’re looking for actionable advice on breaking free from negative self-talk and stepping into your power, this conversation will inspire and uplift. #SelfLove #WellnessJourney #EmotionalHealing #WomenSupportingWomen #GratitudePractice #HealingThroughBoundaries #EmpoweredLiving #VulnerabilityIsStrength#HeartWork #PersonalGrowth

Welcome to another heartfelt episode of Embracing Life Again! Host Catherine Kaufer is joined once again by the inspiring Xuan-Thu T. Failing—an orofacial myofunctional therapist,registered dental hygienist, and owner of Breathe Wellness Boutique. With her passion for wellness, Xuan-Thu dives deep into the nuances of self-love, emphasizing that it’s more than just a buzzword—it’s a lifelong journey of nurturing your mind, body, and soul. In this candid conversation, Catherine and Xuan-Thu discuss the small yet impactful habits that contribute to genuine self-care. Xuan-Thu shares the significance of drinking half your body weight in water, fueling your body with nutritious foods, and being intentional about the information you consume. The duo also addresses the often-overlooked mental component of self-love, such as the power of affirmations, mindfulness, and the courage to face your true emotions. Vulnerability becomes a focal point as Xuan-Thu opens up about her personal battle with breast cancer and how it shaped her understanding of strength and authenticity. Catherine echoes the sentiment, reflecting on the courage it takes to accept compliments and confront negative self-talk. Together, they highlight the importance of asking yourself the tough questions, listening to your body, and embracing the power of breathwork, movement, and even simple acts like smiling. Whether you’re looking for practical self-care tips or need a reminder of your innate worth and value, this episode is filled with relatable insights and heartfelt wisdom. Grab a cup of tea, take a deep breath, and join us as we dive into the beautiful complexity of embracing life again—one loving step at a time. #SelfLove #WellnessJourney #MindfulnessMatters #EmbracingLife #PositiveAffirmations #MentalHealth #EmotionalHealing #WellnessTips #VulnerabilityIsStrength #BodyPositivity #PodcastCommunity #HealingThroughMovement #NourishYourSoul #Empowerment #MindBodyConnection

On this deeply personal episode of Embracing Life Again, Catherine opens her heart about managing grief, loss, and the complex emotions that come with losing two spouses—one to divorce and the other to death. A realtor by trade, Catherine reveals the challenges she faced when her clients didn’t return her calls after her husband's passing, unsure of what to say. Some competitors in her industry took advantage of her vulnerability, leveraging her pain forpersonal gain. With grace and wisdom, Catherine reminds us that life is too short to hold grudges and encourages us to teach others how to approach those in mourning. She shares her struggle with asking for help, acknowledging how grief can leave people in a fog, making it hard to express what they need. Letting go of old relationships, while building new ones, was key to her healing journey. In this episode, Catherine reflects on finding herself again after loss, discovering new joys like walks and connecting with new friends in church. She talks about the importance of self-care, music, and dancing as she reclaims her sense of self. Navigating milestones without a spouse, like the first Christmas, Catherine found comfort in creating new traditions with her daughters, such as decorating a tree in memory of her late husband. Catherine’s story is a powerful reminder of resilience, love, and the strength it takes to heal. She emphasizes the importance of learning how to receive love and support, not just offer it. In future episodes, Catherine plans to invite her daughter to share their journey of grieving, offering even more insights on healing through loss. #GriefJourney #EmbracingLifeAgain #WidowSupport #HealingAfterLoss #NewBeginnings #ManagingGrief #FindingYourself #SelfCare #LettingGo #SupportInGrief #GriefAndLoss #FamilyHealing #CopingWithLoss

In this deeply moving episode of Embracing Life Again, Catherine welcomes best-selling author Christa Rose, who shares her powerful journey through grief and healing. Christa, who lost her first husband in her arms and battles a chronic illness, reveals how life’s challenges have shaped her understanding of grief, identity, and the process of moving forward. Christa opens up about the emotional weight of her parents’ early divorce and the lasting impact of hearing she was a "mistake." Her story takes another turn after a life-threatening car wreck, and she reflects on how these experiences affected her sense of self. On the anniversary of her husband's death, Christa discusses the struggle of reliving the pain as if it were yesterday, but she also shares her decision to continue living and not remain stuck in her widowhood. Catherine emphasizes the importance of holding loved ones in your heart while finding the courage to move on. Christa, once a perfectionist, talks candidly about the fluctuating emotions of grief and how society’s expected order of grieving didn’t fit her experience. Christa touches on the often-overlooked aspects of grieving, such as the loss of identity and how friendships can fade after losing a spouse. She offers an empowering message to those going through grief: don’t avoid talking about the person who passed. She also highlights the importance of checking your thoughts and staying in the moment with the acronym WAIT —"What Am I Thinking?" In addition, Christa opens up about her husband's permission to move on and her battle with imposter syndrome. She shares practical tools for stepping out of your comfort zone, finding your voice, and helping others. Christa’s acronym for HOPE—"Heck Over Pleasing Everyone"—is a reminder to prioritize your own healing and personal growth. With wisdom and vulnerability, Christa encourages listeners to practice gratitude and remember that their life is someone else’s dream. Tune in for an episode filled with actionable insights, hope, and inspiration for anyone navigating the grief journey. #GriefJourney #HealingThroughLoss #EmbracingLifeAgain #Widowhood #MovingForward#IdentityAfterLoss #OvercomingGrief #ChristaRose #SelfGrowth #MentalHealthAwareness#Gratitude #LivingFully #HOPE #Mindfulness #ImposterSyndrome #EmotionalHealing

In this special episode of Embracing Life Again, Catherine Kaufer invites her daughter, Janelle Kaufer, a passionate high school Spanish teacher, to share a raw and intimate conversation about the journey of losing a loved one and how life continues after such a profound loss. Together, they reflect on the nine years since the passing of Janelle’s father, exploring the emotional and spiritual impact it has had on their lives. Janelle vividly recalls the day her father passed—Cinco de Mayo—a day she will never forget. As they recount those painful moments, from Catherine delivering the heartbreaking news to Janelle’s feeling of numbness, they explore how grief reshaped their identities. For Janelle, her father was the "glue" of their family, and after his passing, she grappled with the question: "Who am I without him?" Catherine, having been with her husband since they were 15 years old, shares how she had to rebuild her identity from the ground up, relying heavily on prayer and faith to guide her through the darkest times. The episode also touches on the emotional journey of moving forward. Catherine recounts having visions of her late husband and the comfort they brought her, reminding her that he was still with her in spirit. Both mother and daughter share how certain activities, like bike riding, became painful reminders of the past, but they also found new ways to embrace life again. A powerful moment comes when they discuss the pressures of societal expectations to "move on" from loss. Janelle reflects on what it truly means to find joy again, while Catherine speaks candidly about overcoming codependency and how unaddressed issues in one relationship can carry over into the next. In an inspiring conclusion, Janelle recounts a special pilgrimage she made through Spain to honor her father—a 35-day walk that became a symbol of her journey toward healing. Theo, their therapy dog, also makes a special appearance in the episode, having entered their lives during their time of grief and offering comfort ever since. Join Catherine and Janelle for a deeply touching discussion on grief, faith, and the slow but steady path toward finding joy and purpose after loss. #GriefJourney #HealingAfterLoss #EmbracingLifeAgain #MotherDaughterBond #FaithAndHealing #RediscoveringJoy #NavigatingGrief #TherapyDogs #FindingIdentity #SpiritualHealing #FamilyAndLoss #PurposeAfterGrief #GriefSupport #CopingWithLoss #MentalHealth #GriefRecovery

Join Embracing Life Again host Catherine Kaufer as she welcomes Barbara Karin Sommer, DD,MA, MS, a clinical psychologist intern and former acupuncturist and yoga teacher, who’s on a mission to help people understand and conquer anxiety. With a diverse background in mind-body practices, Barbara reveals how her journey from personal training to psychology ignited her passion for holistic healing, especially in treating anxiety and trauma. Barbara shares compelling stories from her career, including a transformative experience with a young client struggling with trauma and self-image, which inspired her to dive deeper into psychology. She breaks down how anxiety affects the body and mind, describing symptoms that many of us know well, like shallow breathing, digestive issues, and racing thoughts. Barbara guides Catherine through box breathing and other calming practices, offering listeners effective tools to use right at home. Barbara also reveals the root of common anxious thoughts and limiting beliefs, teaching us how to reframe and reclaim power over our minds. She reminds us of the profound impact of self-compassion and urges anyone struggling to seek support—because every day is a new chance to live with purpose. Tune in to learn how anxiety and resilience are deeply interconnected, and discover practical, empowering strategies for finding calm within. Listeners can connect with Barbara at barbarakarin17@outlook.com. #EmbracingLifeAgain #CatherineKaufer #BarbaraKarinSommers #AnxietyRelief #MindBodyConnection #BoxBreathing #MentalHealthAwareness #HealingJourney #HolisticHealth #OvercomingTrauma #MentalWellness #MindfulnessPractice #SelfCompassion#YogaForAnxiety #GrowthMindset #HolisticPsychology #InnerPeace #Resilience#AnxietySupport #TherapyTools

In a heartfelt episode of Embracing Life Again, host Catherine welcomes Kate Mollison, certified grief coach and founder of On Tuesdays We Wear Black LLC, a company dedicated to educating others on the intersections of grief and bereavement. Drawing from her own experiences as a widow, Kate speaks openly about the journey of losing her husband Craig due to medical malpractice, her path to healing, and the creation of her consulting company that aims to shift how we understand and support grief. As the holidays approach, Kate discusses the challenges of navigating traditions without loved ones and shares personal stories of honoring Craig’s memory with compassion and creativity—like keeping his stocking up or celebrating his birthday with a cake on Thanksgiving. She and Catherine discuss how healing often involves both letting go and holding on, making room for new rituals while honoring the old. Kate also shares the reality of “real grief self-care,” which, as she explains, is about taking back control, setting boundaries, and allowing laughter and reflection to coexist with sorrow. The conversation is full of insights on managing emotional waves, tackling societal misconceptions, and helping others cope with the overwhelming sense of loss, particularly during sensitive times. If you’ve ever struggled with grief or want to understand it better, this episode offers valuable guidance on navigating life after loss, and finding light in the shadows. Listeners can connect with Kate and learn about her work: https://www.otwwb.com/ #EmbracingLifeAgain #GriefAndLoss #KateMollison #HealingJourney #HolidayGrief #NewTraditions #GriefSupport #GriefCoaching #MentalHealthAwareness #NavigatingLoss#OnTuesdaysWeWearBlack #SelfCare

This week on Embracing Life Again with Catherine Kaufer, we’re stepping into the holiday season with style and confidence! Catherine takes you along on an exciting trip to Sephora, where she meets with Hair & Makeup Artist and Photographer Anni Collins to explore the latest holiday makeup trends for women. In this fun and informative episode, Anni shares practical tips and tricks for creating simple yet elegant makeup looks that don’t require hours of effort. Whether you’re heading to a holiday party or just want to refresh your look, Anni’s advice will leave you feeling empowered and radiant. The highlight? Anni treats Catherine to a live makeup demonstration, showcasing techniques perfect for women of all ages. She walks viewers through every step, from choosing the right brushes and blushes to applying makeup in a way that enhances natural beauty without overdoing it. Anni also encourages women experiencing grief to use makeup as a tool for self-care and confidence. Join us for a festive and uplifting episode that will leave you inspired to embrace your beauty, your confidence, and the season’s joyful spirit! Connect with Anni: https://annicollins.com/ #HolidayMakeupTips #MakeupForConfidence #BeautyAfterLoss #EmbracingLifeAgain #SimpleElegantMakeup#MakeupForAllAges#GriefAndHealin#WomenSupportingWomen

In this episode of Embracing Life Again, Catherine takes viewers on a deeply personal journey to confront her fear of big horses, shaped by a traumatic experience that left her with stitches and a concussion. As she steps into the training barn with her coach Amanda, Catherine opens up about the challenges she’s faced, including the heartbreak of parting ways with her dream horse. Amanda, a seasoned trainer, introduces Catherine to Fiona—a calm and steady horse perfect for rebuilding trust. Together, they explore foundational techniques like the Yo-Yo method and emphasize the importance of safety, understanding horse behavior, and creating mutual respect. Amanda’s insights, from reading Fiona’s subtle cues to positioning techniques, offer powerful lessons for anyone working to overcome fear and embrace personal growth. Through courage, determination, and Amanda’s compassionate guidance, Catherine takes the reins of her healing journey—proving that facing fears head-on can open doors to profound transformation. #HealingThroughHorses #OvercomingFear #PTSDRecovery #HorseTherapy #PersonalGrowthJourney #EmbracingLifeAgain #TrustAndConnection #FearToFreedom #BuildingConfidence #AnimalHealingPower

This week on Embracing Life Again, Catherine welcomes Emma White, USA Today’s 2024 Woman of the Year and a passionate mental health advocate. Emma shares her deeply personal story of overcoming depression, bullying, and a life-threatening battle with suicidal thoughts as a teenager. As the Youth Suicide Prevention Coordinator for Nevada’s Department of Education, Emma draws from her professional expertise and lived experience. She offers parents key behavioral signs to watch for, explains how certain types of humor can signal distress, and underscores the importance of asking direct, sometimes uncomfortable questions. Emma and Catherine also discuss suicide prevention tools, including the "Bark" app for monitoring kids’ online activity. Emma’s message is clear: You are never alone, and seeking help is a courageous first step. Tune in for this life-changing conversation about resilience, advocacy, and creating a world where Life Is Worth It. Connect with Emma White: emmawhite.org #EmbracingLifeAgain #MentalHealthMatters #SuicidePrevention #LifeIsWorthIt #ParentingTips #MentalHealthAwareness #YouthAdvocacy #Resilience #HopeAndHealing #BreakTheStigma