Host Heather Creekmore tackles the deep-seated issue of truly feeling and knowing that God loves us. She begins by questioning whether listeners feel God’s love beyond just an intellectual understanding of it. Heather suggests that if more people genuinely felt secure in God’s love, concerns about body image would diminish significantly.

Heather explores the disconnect between head knowledge and heart knowledge regarding God's love. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and internalizing God's steadfast love. Heather explains that chasing idols—whether they be body image, health, or other people—hinders the ability to feel God’s unconditional love.

Heather advocates for confessing and repenting from idol worship to clear the ‘dust and dirt’ that clouds one’s perception of God's love. She urges listeners to visualize Jesus with them, embodying a loving and compassionate presence, free from disappointment or anger.

She delves deeper into the concept of acceptance and approval from God versus humans. Heather underlines that individuals often seek validation by altering their bodies to gain others' approval, a futile effort since true safety and acceptance come only from God.

Heather reminds listeners that God’s love is both spoken and demonstrated through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, highlighting the importance of embracing this truth above societal pressures regarding body image.

Learn more about how Compared to Who? can help you find body image freedom and healing by visiting: https://www.improvebodyimage.com

Learn more about Heather's 40-Day Body Image Workbook here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-Day-Body-Image-Workbook-Christian

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today Heather explains why Jonah 2:8, part of a prayer that Jonah prayed from the belly of the great fish that swallowed him, is her life verse for body image issues. Heather shares how the Holy Spirit convicted her of clinging to vain idols in her life and how she came to see through this verse that the more she clung to these idols, the further she became from feeling and recognizing God's love and mercies in her life. Here's the verse in the three translations Heather reads from today:

Jonah 2:8:

Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love. (ESV)

Those who worship false gods turn their backs on all God’s mercies. (NLT)

“Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them. (NIV)

Do you need coaching? Do you want us to pray for you? Reach out at: heather@comparedtowho.me

Go check out our brand new Etsy show to get cute podcast merch: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/shop

New to the show? Learn more about Heather Creekmore, Heather's books, and the ministry of Compared to Who? at: www.improvebodyimage.com

Ready for real body image change? The 40-Day Journey begins again in January. Learn more here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today Heather Creekmore continues the conversation with Dr. Tamara Rosier diving into the intricate relationship between the nervous system and body image issues.

Here are three key takeaways you won't want to miss:

• Holistic Approach to Body Image: Culture often misguides us into believing that weight loss alone can resolve body image issues. Dr. Tamara Rosier and Heather Creekmore discuss that true resolution involves both physical and spiritual components, highlighting the complexity of understanding what is going on in your brain and your nervous system in certain scenarios.

• Understanding Nervous System Dynamics: Your nervous system plays a pivotal role in how you perceive and manage stressors related to body image. The episode emphasizes the importance of being aware of your nervous system to stay within your "window of tolerance"—a balanced state where you can effectively manage stress and interact socially without distress.

• Effective Coping Strategies: Both Dr. Rosier and Heather share personal stories of hyperarousal and hypoarousal, offering practical advice like box breathing and EMDR therapy. These techniques can help regulate the nervous system, providing tools to cope with anxiety, stress, and social situations more effectively.

Dr. Tamara Rosier also introduces her new book, "You, Me, and Our ADHD Family," which offers valuable insights into family dynamics and emotional management, applicable to everyone, not just those with ADHD. (Amazon affiliate link)

Listen to Heather's interview with Dr. Rosier on ADHD and Body Image Issues: https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/could-your-body-image-issues-connect-to-adhd-featu

Connect with Dr. Tamara Rosier: https://www.tamararosier.com/ or at https://www.miadhd.com

Go check out our brand new Etsy show to get cute podcast merch: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/shop

New to the show? Learn more about Heather Creekmore, Heather's books, and the ministry of Compared to Who? at: www.improvebodyimage.com

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Host Heather Creekmore and Dr. Tamara Rosier offers invaluable insights into navigating relationships with narcissists and understanding the crucial role of boundaries. Here are three key takeaways:

🔹 Boundaries Are Essential: Boundaries are not about controlling others; they are about defining what actions you will take in response to those that affect you. Even Jesus set boundaries to take care of his needs, as reflected in the New Testament.

🔹 Understanding Narcissistic Behavior: Narcissists use others to feed their ego and keep them off balance. This is different from mere selfish behavior, which is more about convenience. Identifying and distinguishing these behaviors is vital to protect your well-being.

🔹 Levels of Problematic Behavior: Not all negative behavior is "toxic." Dr. Rosier introduces the concept of "peccadillos" (minor annoyances), "noxious behavior" (selfish actions), and truly "toxic behavior" (harmful and manipulative). Recognizing these levels helps in managing relationships more effectively.

Tune in to get more insights, personal anecdotes, and strategies for managing relationships and maintaining your mental health. 🎧

Listen to Heather's interview with Dr. Rosier on ADHD and Body Image Issues: https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/could-your-body-image-issues-connect-to-adhd-featu

Connect with Dr. Tamara Rosier: https://www.tamararosier.com/ or at https://www.miadhd.com

Check out Dr. Rosier's new book here: https://amzn.to/4ensduq

(Amazon affiliate link)

Learn more about coaching: https://www.improvebodyimage.com

Shop for cute podcast merch: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/shop

Mentioned in this episode:

Dr. Stephanie Sarkis research on narcissism.

Chuck DeGroat's book, "When Narcissism Comes to Church" (Amazon affiliate link)

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today Heather coaches her client Presli around her struggles with body image, the need for control, and the fear of judgment. Presli opens up about feeling frustrated by the perceived pressure to adhere to strict rules about her body, while others seemingly don't have similar expectations placed on them. She candidly shares her belief that smaller women have better experiences in life, attributing this to societal ideals perpetuated by the media and those around her. The discussion revolves around the deep desire to be seen and accepted, as well as the pressure to maintain a certain body image. Both Heather and Presli emphasize the need to find lasting contentment in an identity rooted in Christ, as opposed to seeking it from external sources.

They explore the theme of chronic disappointment and the struggle to trust in God's plan, with the notion that having control over every aspect of life does not lead to fulfillment. The episode provides a safe space for open dialogue, addressing the dissatisfaction of being loved or accepted for superficial reasons and the impact of appearance on relationships and self-perception.

Here's the episode Presli and Heather discussed about the goodness of God: https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/i-ruined-my-body-how-do-i-believe-my-body-is-good

Go check out our brand new Etsy show to get cute podcast merch: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/shop

New to the show? Learn more about Heather Creekmore, Heather's books, and the ministry of Compared to Who? at: www.improvebodyimage.com

Ready for real body image change? The 40-Day Journey began September 1. Learn more here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Heather Creekmore shares a recording coaching session with her client, Presli, who has been working through the Body Image Freedom Framework online course. They discuss Presli's journey, including her past struggles with body image and her recent experience at a restaurant where she felt derailed by the presence of butter in her meal. They also touch on Presli's feelings of anger, fear, and the pressures of diet culture. Throughout their conversation, they explore how these emotions and thought patterns have impacted Presli's relationship with food and her body.

The episode also delves into the concept of the "gluttony of delicacy" (coined by C.S. Lewis) and the psychological impact of feeling like one has a special "life sentence" when it comes to food.

The conversation ends on a hopeful note as Presli shares her journey of learning to enjoy food without fear and how she's working towards a healthier relationship with her body. The episode offers insight and encouragement for anyone struggling with body image issues and diet culture pressures.

Go check out our brand new Etsy show to get cute podcast merch: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/shop

New to the show? Learn more about Heather Creekmore, Heather's books, and the ministry of Compared to Who? at: www.improvebodyimage.com

Ready for real body image change? The 40-Day Journey begins soon. Learn more here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Heather Creekmore delves into the complex relationship between body image, dieting, and exercise. The discussion highlights the emotional and psychological effects of relying on physical changes to fix inner turmoil and encourages listeners to confront the root causes of body image discomfort. With insights into how embracing anxious feelings and fears can lead to spiritual and emotional well-being, this episode challenges the notion of using quick fixes. Heather talks about how we can approach our fears and be curious about them. She also emphasizes the importance of understanding one's identity in Christ. The episode sheds light on the ineffectiveness of believing diet and exercise are effective solutions to body image issues and offers a perspective as to how to find body image healing through deeper faith in Christ.

Go check out our brand new Etsy show to get cute podcast merch: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/shop

New to the show? Learn more about Heather Creekmore, Heather's books, and the ministry of Compared to Who? at: www.improvebodyimage.com

Ready for real body image change? The 40-Day Journey begins soon. Learn more here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of "Compared To Who?" Heather Creekmore challenges the common belief that changing our bodies is the solution to body image issues. She discusses the harmful impact of diets and exercise on individuals' well-being and tackles the cultural misconception that achieving a certain body size will lead to freedom from body image struggles. Heather emphasizes that people of all sizes experience body image issues and that placing hope in diet and exercise often leads to disappointment, psychological, emotional, spiritual, and physical detriment. She warns against diet culture's subtle influence, warping Scripture to manipulate individuals into believing that their worth is determined by their body size and equating weight loss with spiritual success.

Listen to the first episode on Gwen Shamblin and Diet Culture in the church here: https://omny.fm/shows/compared-to-who/starving-for-salvation-diet-culture-gwen-shamblin

Go check out our brand new Etsy show to get cute podcast merch: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/shop

New to the show? Learn more about Heather Creekmore, Heather's books, and the ministry of Compared to Who? at: www.improvebodyimage.com

Ready for real body image change? The 40-Day Journey begins soon. Learn more here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.