Naty Matos's Blog, page 2

Losing Sight of Grace: The Danger of Selective Compassion

In the last few days, a lot of terrible things have happened. I’ve learned that before putting my thoughts and emotions out there, I need to sit back, reflect, and process. But there are two thoughts that I can’t seem to shake. This may be long, but I believe it’s important—so I hope you’ll stay with me.

A Heart for All Humanity

As followers of Christ, we should have a heart for all humanity—not just some. All lives matter. I don’t say that as a political statement but as a believer in the truth that we are all created by the same God.

I consider myself pro-life, but not only in the sense of being “pre-birth” pro-life. I believe in valuing and protecting life from conception until death. And today, I want to talk about death.

Naturally, some deaths affect us more deeply than others, often depending on proximity or connection. But when we discount certain lives and elevate others, we fall into hypocrisy. In recent days, I’ve seen passions flare over who “deserves” to be mourned. I’ve also seen those passions ignite harsh words and even violent rhetoric—tragically, this from fellow believers.

But here’s the truth: when someone is murdered, it doesn’t matter who they were. In the heart of Christ, every life lost is a tragedy. Every soul violently taken is one less person fulfilling the purpose God created them for. Whether it’s a child in a classroom, a baby killed in war, a politician in their home, or a public figure—each loss is a wound to the body of Christ.

Yes, our minds can only process so much grief, so we compartmentalize. But we cannot allow ourselves to become numb to some pain while being outraged at others.

The Trap of Bias

I once had a professor who told us, “Just because it’s my wine doesn’t mean it’s the best wine.” She was teaching about bias in journalism, but the principle applies to life as well. We all have biases, but in today’s culture, we often let them dictate how we treat—and love—others.

When we label an entire group of people as “evil” simply because we disagree with them, we fall right into the enemy’s trap of division. When we believe our culture, background, or community is somehow superior, we’ve missed the very heart of Jesus’ message.

You can’t pray with compassion for one criminal simply because they share your background, beliefs, or community, and then condemn another criminal because they don’t. God’s grace isn’t limited by our biases.

I’ll never forget reading that Jeffrey Dahmer professed faith in Christ before his death. If even Jeffrey Dahmer can be redeemed, then no one is beyond salvation. That truth forces me to ask myself: where do I stand? Am I the one spewing hatred—or the one pointing people to the hope of Christ?

Our Testimony Online

We sometimes forget that the internet is also a mission field. If you present yourself online as a follower of Christ—posting Bible verses and church photos—but then turn around and spew hate when tragedy strikes, you damage your testimony. You lose credibility. And the next time you try to witness to someone, online or in person, your words may carry less weight.

My mother used to tell me, “If you don’t have anything good to say, just stay quiet.” That’s not just motherly wisdom—it’s biblical truth. Proverbs 17:27-28 reminds us:

“The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.”

Life Is Fleeting

The second thought I keep returning to is how fragile life really is.

The people who died last week—and those who perished on 9/11, 24 years ago—woke up that morning with no idea they would not return home. Some may have had moments to call out to God in their final seconds, but others were gone before they even realized what was happening.

Too many of us think we have time—time to reconcile, to forgive, to repent, to turn back to God. But we don’t.

Scripture warns us that none of us knows the day or the hour. And though many focus on the signs of the Second Coming, the reality is that each of us lives on our own clock—one that could stop at any moment, whether by the free will of another, divine intervention, or natural causes.

Not everyone dies peacefully in bed surrounded by loved ones, like in the movies. Reality includes crime, disasters, and disease that interrupt our vision of a long life.

James 4:13-14 says:

“Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit’—yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.”

And Luke 12:20 adds:

“But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’”

The message is clear: tomorrow is not promised. The time to live fully surrendered to Christ is now.

Building a Business from Rest and Spiritual Alignment

In a world that glorifies hustle and constant activity, the idea of building a business from a place of rest and spiritual alignment might seem counterintuitive. Yet, this approach can lead to profound success and fulfillment. Imagine starting your day with a sense of peace, knowing that your business decisions are aligned with your core values and spiritual beliefs. In the latest episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, we talk to Lynette Williams from Laptop Mommas about how to navigate this balance.

The first step in this journey is to find your center. This involves understanding your spiritual beliefs and how they align with your business goals. As entrepreneur Lynette says, “When I aligned my business with my spiritual values, everything fell into place.”

Rest is not just about taking breaks; it’s about creating a sustainable rhythm in your work life. By prioritizing rest, you allow creativity and innovation to flourish. As Lynette Williams puts it, “Rest is where my best ideas are born.”

Every business decision should reflect your spiritual alignment. This means being intentional about the partnerships you form, the products you create, and the impact you have on the world. “When your actions align with your values, success follows naturally,” says Williams.

Building a business from rest and spiritual alignment is not just a strategy; it’s a lifestyle. It requires courage to step away from the hustle and trust in a deeper process. But the rewards—both personal and professional—are worth it. Embrace this journey, and watch your business thrive in ways you never imagined.

Stay updated with more insights on building a business that aligns with your spiritual values. Subscribe now for more inspiring content.

Empowerment Through Swimming: A Journey of Transformation

Imagine standing at the edge of a pool, heart racing, and mind flashing back to every challenging water experience. For many adults, swimming isn’t just about learning strokes; it’s about facing a fear that’s been lurking for decades. This journey of overcoming fear and building confidence is a powerful testament to personal growth and empowerment.

“Swimming is 80% mental and 20% physical,” says Cori, a seasoned swim instructor. Her approach transforms more than just your relationship with water; it changes your relationship with yourself. By focusing on mindfulness and somatic awareness, Cori helps her students stay present and avoid panic, teaching them to trust their bodies and minds.

On this week’s episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, Cori shares stories of students who, after conquering their fear of water, found the courage to make significant life changes. “I took my swim lesson and then I quit my job,” one student said. This empowerment extends beyond the pool, encouraging individuals to face life’s challenges with newfound confidence.

The journey begins with small steps, like learning to float or putting your face in the water. Cori emphasizes the importance of creating a safe environment where students can explore their fears and build confidence at their own pace. This approach not only teaches swimming but also instills a sense of self-assurance that ripples into other areas of life.

Empowerment through swimming lessons is about more than just mastering a skill; it’s about transforming fear into freedom and building a confident, resilient self. Whether you’re learning to swim or facing other life challenges, the lessons of mindfulness, presence, and self-trust can guide you towards a more empowered life.

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Understanding ADHD in Children: Myths, Realities, and Support

Imagine a world where your child is constantly in motion, struggling to focus, and behaving impulsively. This is the reality for many parents of children with ADHD. Despite common misconceptions, with the right support, these children can thrive.

Dr. Tamar Shtrambrand, a clinical psychologist and mother of three children with ADHD, shares that ADHD often manifests as difficulty in following multi-step directions, trouble making friends, and challenges in regulating emotions. These children are often misunderstood as being defiant or overly sensitive.

A prevalent myth is that children with ADHD are not intelligent or capable. Dr. Shtrambrand emphasizes that these children are often creative and intelligent but require different approaches to learning and interaction.

Parents can support their children by understanding their unique needs. Dr. Shtrambrand suggests focusing on a balanced diet, ensuring adequate sleep, and incorporating physical activity. She also highlights the importance of structure and routine in helping children manage their symptoms.

Dr. Tamar Shtrambrand is not only a brilliant clinical psychologist but also a mom of three teens—each with ADHD, and one on the high-functioning autism spectrum. She has over 20 years of experience as an occupational therapist working with children with special needs, and later in life, she became a clinical psychologist, earning her PhD online while raising her family and leaning into her faith.

She homeschooled her children, is deeply rooted in her Jewish spiritual journey, and brings a wealth of both personal and professional insight into today’s topic: Childhood ADHD—what it looks like, what families can do, and how to navigate this journey with compassion, patience, and empowerment.

Understanding ADHD is crucial for providing the right support. By debunking myths and focusing on tailored strategies, parents can help their children thrive. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Subscribe now for more insights and support.

Discovering Self Through the Journey: The Transformative Power of Travel

In a world where the hustle and bustle often drown out the whispers of our inner selves, travel emerges as a beacon of self-discovery and healing. In this episode of “Thrive by the Rising Muse,” Naty and Veda sit down with Theresa Charles, founder of Nomadic Noni, to explore how travel can be a profound act of self-care and empowerment.

“Travel in and of itself can be self-care,” Theresa shares, emphasizing the importance of focusing on oneself during these journeys. Whether it’s solo travel or group trips, the act of stepping outside one’s comfort zone can lead to significant personal growth and healing.

Theresa has spent over two decades connecting people with their roots through travel. Her work with Nomadic Noni is not just about visiting new places but about creating immersive experiences that foster cultural understanding and personal transformation. From Afrocentric bridal showers in Chicago to youth heritage trips in Ghana, Theresa’s initiatives highlight the importance of cultural connections.

One of the most poignant moments Theresa recalls is her visit to the slave dungeons at Cape Coast Castle in Ghana. “When you are in that space, something changes within you,” she reflects. These experiences are designed to be more than just vacations; they are journeys that change perspectives and lives.

As they discuss, travel is not just about seeing new sights but about engaging deeply with the world and oneself. For those feeling disconnected or burnt out, perhaps the journey toward healing begins with a passport and an open heart.

Subscribe Now: Join us on this journey of self-discovery and cultural exploration. Subscribe to “Thrive by the Rising Muse” for more inspiring stories and insights.

Holistic Healing and Faith: A Journey Toward Wholeness

In today’s fast-paced world, our minds, bodies, and spirits are often treated as separate parts of who we are. But what if true healing comes from seeing ourselves as whole beings? This is where holistic healing and faith integration meet—creating a path that brings balance, peace, and restoration.

On this week’s episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, hosts Naty and Veda sit down with Melissa Armstrong, a former nurse turned holistic health coach, to explore how faith and wellness complement each other. Melissa opens up about her personal journey from traditional nursing into holistic health, sharing the ways trauma, emotional wounds, and nutrition all impact our well-being.

Together, they dive deep into the role of faith as a bridge that connects the inner world with the divine—allowing healing to flow naturally. Through practices like meditation, mindful living, and spiritual grounding, Melissa reminds us that healing isn’t just about fixing symptoms, but about restoring joy, balance, and connection.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

Trauma affects both the mind and the body—and healing requires tending to both.Faith provides purpose, strength, and hope throughout the wellness journey.Holistic practices like meditation, nutrition, and mindful living create harmony when integrated with spiritual beliefs.Healing is a journey, not a destination, and every person is worthy of wholeness.

If you’ve ever wondered how faith and wellness can work together, this conversation will inspire and encourage you. Whether you’re seeking healing from trauma, looking for balance in your daily life, or simply curious about holistic health, this episode will leave you with powerful insights and practical steps forward.

To connect with Melissa, www.holistichealthbymelissa.com

Listen now and discover how faith and holistic healing can transform the way you see wellness and wholeness.

Don’t forget to subscribe to Thrive by The Rising Muse for more stories and conversations that inspire growth, healing, and resilience.

Off Topic: Riverside FM’s New Co-Creator — A Game Changer for My Workflow

I’ll be honest — I’m not the most tech-savvy person out there. I love creating content, hosting conversations, and sharing stories, but when it comes to editing and organizing, I’ve always found myself wishing for a magic button that could make it all easier.

Well… Riverside FM may have just given me that button.

Their new Co-Creator feature has completely transformed the way I manage my podcast episodes and content. Editing, which used to be the most time-consuming part of my process, is now faster, simpler, and way less stressful. The interface is intuitive, and I no longer feel like I’m battling with software just to make my episodes sound and look the way I want.

One of the things I love most is that since my content is already in the system, the Co-Creator can pull directly from it to help me:

Come up with accurate and relevant title ideasCreate blog posts (like this one!)Draft newsletters to keep my audience updatedGenerate specific clips for social media that perfectly capture the best moments of my episodes

Recently, I had a long recording that I knew would turn into two separate episodes. In the past, managing that would have been a headache — organizing the content, creating separate promotional materials, and ensuring everything aligned with each episode’s focus. With Co-Creator, I was able to easily create parallel content for each episode without the usual back-and-forth, and it felt almost effortless.

I can’t emphasize this enough: I love it. If you’re a creator seeking a recording platform that surpasses simply capturing audio and video, you should seriously consider Riverside FM. This new Co-Creator feature isn’t just a cool add-on — it’s a productivity powerhouse that makes content creation smoother, smarter, and a whole lot more enjoyable.

Sometimes technology really does make life easier. And for me, Riverside’s Co-Creator has been a total game-changer.

ContentCreationTips #PodcastingLife #RiversideFM #PodcastTools #ContentCreator #EditingMadeEasy #CreatorLife #ProductivityTools #TechForCreators #PodcastGrowth #SocialMediaTips #WorkflowHack

Breaking Homeschool Myths with Tam – The Truth They Don’t Tell You (Part 2)

When you think about homeschooling, what comes to mind? Socially awkward kids? Limited opportunities? Confusing college admissions?

In this lively, eye-opening Part 2 of our homeschooling conversation on Thrive by The Rising Muse, we’re back with Tam — a homeschooling veteran with over a decade of experience — to pull back the curtain on what it’s really like to educate your kids at home.

Picking up where we left off in Part 1, Tam dives even deeper into busting myths, sharing laugh-out-loud stories, and revealing surprising truths that will change how you see homeschooling forever.

We talk about:

Why “socialization” isn’t the issue you think it is.How homeschoolers get into college (yes, there’s a system, and it works).The flexibility that makes real-world preparation possible.Creative, affordable curriculum options most parents don’t know about.The courage it takes to do things differently — and why it’s worth it.

Whether you’re a seasoned homeschool parent, just curious, or someone who’s been told “your child needs to be bullied to build character” (spoiler: we have thoughts on that), this episode will make you laugh, think, and maybe even reimagine what school can look like.

Listen to Part 2 now — and if you missed it, go back to catch Part 1 for the full conversation. You’ll walk away informed, inspired, and maybe even ready to start your own homeschooling journey.

How Heartbreak Can Help You Shine Bright!

In a world where pain often feels insurmountable, the story of Shawna Foster offers a beacon of hope. Her journey from heartbreak to healing is a testament to the power of resilience and faith. As she shares, “What if the very fire that meant to destroy you became the light that guides you home?”

Shawna’s story is one of raw pain transformed into radical healing. She opens up about the heartbreaking experience of losing two children to parental alienation, a grief that reshapes the soul. Yet, through vulnerability, she finds strength. “Our stories are different,” she says, “and that’s fine. God knows the truth, and I’m just going to rest in that.”

Despite the challenges, Shawna emphasizes the importance of finding joy. A trip with her family became a turning point, allowing her to embrace the present and find happiness. “Just be happy with where you’re at and who’s here,” her son reminds her, highlighting the importance of gratitude.

Throughout her journey, Shawna’s faith remains a cornerstone. She speaks of the importance of prayer and trusting in a higher power. “The pain and suffering isn’t what He wants for us,” she shares. “He wants us to find grace and joy and peace and rest in Him.”

Shawna Foster is an inspiring author, speaker, and advocate for healing and transformation. Her powerful journey from trauma to hope is captured in her book, Faith in the Flames, where she shares her experiences of overcoming personal challenges, including the loss of her children to parental alienation. Shawna’s story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the transformative power of vulnerability. Through her work, she encourages others to embrace their own healing journeys and find joy amid adversity. She also writes for Christianity.com. She also hosts a podcast titled Faith in the Flames Podcast.

Shawna’s story is a powerful reminder that healing is possible, even in the darkest times. By embracing vulnerability, finding joy, and leaning on faith, we can transform trauma into a journey of healing and hope. As Shawna beautifully puts it, “Healing isn’t about erasing the pain; it’s about rising through it.”

Subscribe now to follow more inspiring stories and insights on healing and transformation, and click below to listen to the full episode.

Back-to-School Blues: Navigating the Mental Health Challenges for Kids and Parents

The end of summer often brings a mix of emotions—excitement, nervousness, anticipation, and stress. As backpacks are packed, lunchboxes lined up, and school calendars pinned on the fridge, both kids and parents can find themselves overwhelmed by the transition. While back-to-school season marks a new chapter of growth and learning, it can also trigger anxiety, burnout, and emotional strain for the entire family.

Let’s talk honestly about the mental health challenges that come with this season and explore realistic strategies to support your family’s well-being.

The Emotional Toll on Kids

Children, especially those starting a new school, grade level, or even changing schools altogether, can experience:

Separation anxiety (especially in younger kids)Academic pressure or performance anxietySocial stress: fears of bullying, fitting in, or navigating friendshipsSensory overload from long days, crowded classrooms, and routine changes

These emotional strains can show up as:

Trouble sleeping or waking upStomachaches or headaches with no clear causeEmotional outbursts or mood swingsWithdrawal or silence about school experiencesThe Silent Stress of Parents

While trying to be the steady hand for their children, parents often carry:

Financial pressure from school supplies, clothing, or extracurricularsWork-life balance strain—especially for working parents juggling drop-offs, pick-ups, and homeworkEmotional burnout from worrying about their child’s well-being, performance, and happiness

Parents may not notice their own stress until it shows up as:

Irritability or emotional exhaustionSleeplessness or feeling “on edge”Feelings of guilt or inadequacyHow to Ease the Mental Load: Strategies That Help

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator, here are some grounded strategies to help ease the back-to-school transition:

1. Normalize the Emotions

Let your child know that it’s okay to feel nervous, overwhelmed, or even sad about the return to school. Validate their feelings before jumping into solutions. Model the same honesty for yourself: “I’m feeling a little stressed too, and that’s okay.”

2. Create Consistent Routines

Structure helps reduce anxiety. Start transitioning to school-year routines a week or two early—especially sleep and meal times. A predictable rhythm brings security and calm for both kids and parents.

3. Schedule Mental Health Check-Ins

Make it a habit to check in emotionally with your child, even just 5–10 minutes after school, to ask open-ended questions:

“What was the best part of your day?”“Was there anything today that felt tough?”

Do the same for yourself. Journal, pray, or talk with a trusted friend about your own emotional state.

4. Practice Calming Techniques Together

Incorporate deep breathing, morning affirmations, or quiet time into your routine. These small practices build resilience and teach emotional regulation.

5. Set Realistic Expectations

Back-to-school doesn’t have to be perfect. Focus on progress, not perfection. Celebrate small wins—like getting out the door on time, finishing a hard assignment, or trying something new.

6. Build in Joy

Plan small family traditions to look forward to—Friday night movie night, Saturday pancake breakfast, or mid-week dance breaks. These joyful moments help balance out the mental load.

7. Know When to Get Support

If stress, anxiety, or sadness lingers beyond the adjustment period, it’s okay to seek professional support. Therapy or counseling can offer tools for both children and parents to manage emotional wellness.

Remember: Transitions Take Time

The beginning of the school year is not just a logistical change—it’s an emotional one. Be gentle with your kids. Be gentle with yourself. Your mental well-being is just as important as getting to school on time.

Let’s prioritize emotional safety this school year as much as academic success. When our hearts are healthy, our minds learn best.

Let’s Thrive Together.

If this season has you feeling anxious or overwhelmed, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to carry it alone. Thrive by The Rising Muse is here to walk with you through real life, real emotions, and real growth.