Anchored with Purpose | Faith, Family, Purpose, Dreaming, Planning, Overcoming Anxiety, Overcoming Overwhelm

Melissa Wilkinson - Life Coach for Catholic Women
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The Anchored with Purpose Podcast focuses on Faith, Family, Purpose, & Dreaming Big. How do I fill the emptiness I feel in my life? What is missing from my life? The stresses of this world are causing me anxiety, how can I cope? I’m a mom, but I feel so drained and have lost a piece of me, how do I find me again? How do I dream again? How do I even achieve those dreams? And the biggest question of all, is it worth pursuing my purpose and dreams? Whether you’re a dreamer, a mom, connected in your faith or feeling a little (or a lot) lost, this is the show for you. The Anchored with Purpose Podcast is a live-workshop style podcast packed with actionable step-by-step tips to help you redefine what you want in your life in the areas of faith, family, purpose, & pursuing your dreams. You can train with the experts on how to dig in, reconnect with your faith & purpose, and tackle your biggest goals along the way.

  1. 3d ago

    94| Jesus, the Rich Young Man, and the Meaning of Life with Tom Corcoran

    Have you ever looked at your life and thought, Everything is good, so why do I still feel like something is missing? That longing for more doesn’t necessarily mean you’re ungrateful or doing something wrong. It may actually be an invitation from God to go deeper. In this episode of Anchored with Purpose, Melissa sits down with her mentor and Rebuilt Parish co-founder Tom Corcoran to talk about his new book with Fr. Michael White, Jesus, the Rich Young Man, and the Meaning of Life. Tom shares how one Gospel passage kept showing up in his life and eventually inspired an entire book about the encounter between Jesus and the rich young man. Together, Melissa and Tom explore why we can have a full, successful life and still long for something more, and why that longing can actually be a good thing. They talk about moving from the “shallow end” of faith into a deeper relationship with God, recognizing the things we’ve turned into idols, and trusting Jesus enough to let go of the comfort and control that can keep us from experiencing the life he has for us. Melissa also shares a story from her own life about leaving a successful career to stay home with her children and how God continued to provide when she took that leap of faith. Tom reminds us that following God doesn’t always lead to a dramatic story. Sometimes the most heroic acts of faith happen quietly in our homes, families, careers, and everyday lives. If you’ve been craving a deeper relationship with God but aren’t sure where to begin, this conversation will encourage you to pay attention to that longing, trust God with your next step, and create space to meet him in prayer. Read the first chapter FREE: rebuiltparish.com/book  Book resources, reflection questions, and additional content: rebuiltparish.com/richyoungman  Get your copy of the book: https://a.co/d/04KVszmi Timestamps00:02 Meet Tom Corcoran 03:30 The story behind Jesus, the Rich Young Man, and the Meaning of Life 06:51 Why do we still long for more when life is good? 10:34 Moving from the shallow end to a deeper faith 13:29 Recognizing the idols we hold onto 16:08 Why we choose comfort over what God is offering 18:37 Melissa’s story of trusting God to provide 20:12 The rich young man and taking a leap of faith 22:16 Becoming the hero in the story God is writing 24:49 Where to start when you want a deeper relationship with God 27:52 Creating a daily prayer practice that actually works 30:35 Where to find Tom’s new book and free resources Catholic faith, deeper relationship with God, Christian purpose, finding meaning in life, rich young man, Tom Corcoran, Rebuilt Parish, Catholic women, spiritual growth, daily prayer, trusting God, surrender to God, hearing God’s voice, Catholic books, faith and purpose, finding your purpose, Christian women, Catholic podcast how to deepen your relationship with God, Catholic women seeking purpose and meaning, what does the rich young man teach us, how to trust God when you are afraid, finding meaning and purpose through faith, how to know what God is asking you to do, moving deeper in your Catholic faith, how to surrender control to God, creating a daily prayer practice, why do I feel like something is missing in my life, Catholic podcast for women seeking purpose, how to recognize idols in your life, trusting God when leaving your comfort zone, Jesus rich young man meaning of life, Tom Corcoran Rebuilt Parish book

  2. Aug 4

    93| You Don't Have to Wait Until January: A Mid-Year Life Reset

    Maybe you started the year with big goals, a meaningful Word of the Year, and the best intentions, only to find yourself feeling like life has taken over. If that's you, this episode is your reminder that you don't have to wait until January for a fresh start. In this episode of Anchored with Purpose, Melissa Wilkinson shares the simple mid-year practice that has transformed her own life: the Life Evaluation. Drawing inspiration from the Ignatian Examen and years of personal reflection, she explains how intentionally pausing to evaluate every area of your life can help you stop drifting, celebrate God's faithfulness, and move forward with renewed purpose. Melissa also shares personal insights from her own mid-year Life Evaluation, including growth in her faith, family, health, and purpose, and introduces her new YouVersion Bible Plan, The Life Evaluation Reset, along with a free printable guide to help you prayerfully reflect on your own life. Whether you've forgotten your goals, lost momentum, or simply need a fresh perspective, this episode will encourage you to pause, invite God into the process, and remember that it's never too late to reset. Resources MentionedThe Life Evaluation Reset YouVersion Bible PlanFree Life Evaluation GuideEmail Melissa: melissa@anchoredwithpurpose.com Timestamps00:00 Welcome and why you don't have to wait until January 02:00 Why intentional reflection matters 04:45 The danger of perfectionism 07:05 How the Life Evaluation was created 10:00 Melissa's own mid-year Life Evaluation 14:05 Questions to prayerfully evaluate your life 16:25 Introducing The Life Evaluation Reset Bible Plan 18:00 Free Life Evaluation Guide and coaching invitation mid-year reset, life evaluation, Catholic podcast, Christian personal growth, intentional living, Word of the Year, faith and purpose, spiritual growth, Catholic women, life balance, Ignatian Examen, goal setting, self reflection, YouVersion Bible Plan, personal growth, Christian encouragement, purpose-driven life, living intentionally, Catholic coaching, Anchored with Purpose mid year life evaluation, how to reset your goals halfway through the year, Christian mid year reset, Catholic personal growth podcast, intentional living for Catholic women, how to stop drifting spiritually, life evaluation for Christians, how to reflect on your life with God, Ignatian Examen for beginners, Christian goal setting with God, faith based life evaluation, YouVersion Life Evaluation Reset Bible Plan, Word of the Year mid year check in, how to invite God into every area of your life, Catholic podcast about purpose and intentional living, how to live with purpose as a Christian woman, halfway through the year reset, spiritual self reflection for women, Christian coaching for purpose and clarity, Anchored with Purpose podcast

  3. Jul 23

    92| Always Rushing? What God Is Teaching Me About Slowing Down

    Have you ever felt like you're always rushing? Racing from one responsibility to the next, checking things off your to do list, and wondering why you still feel exhausted? In this episode, Melissa Wilkinson shares the lessons God has been teaching her through an unexpected slower season. After both she and her husband faced surgeries this summer, Melissa was forced to step away from her normal routine, including her early morning workouts. What initially felt frustrating became an invitation to slow down, spend more intentional time with her family, enjoy quiet mornings with God, and rethink what true rest really looks like. Drawing from The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer, Melissa reflects on why hurry has become so normal in our culture, what Scripture teaches about slowing down, and how Jesus modeled a life that was never rushed. She also shares practical ways she is embracing Sabbath, protecting time with her family, and carrying these lessons into a busy fall season. If you've been feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or like life is moving too fast, this episode is a gentle invitation to pause, breathe, and ask God where He may be calling you to slow down. Timestamps: 1:42 An unexpected invitation to slow down after surgery 4:20 Why hurry is the enemy of our spiritual lives 5:34 Martha, Mary, and what Jesus teaches about slowing down 8:14 The biggest lesson from Melissa's mid-year Life Evaluation 9:35 Learning to enjoy God's creation instead of rushing through it 10:08 What real rest looked like on vacation 11:08 Growing in the practice of Sabbath 13:56 Protecting these lessons as a busy fall season approaches 16:22 Two reflection questions to help you slow down 📚 Resources MentionedThe Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer (Amazon) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0525653090 The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry YouVersion Bible Plan The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry Bible Plan Connect with MelissaWebsite: anchoredwithpurpose.com Follow Anchored with Purpose for more encouragement to help you grow in faith, strengthen your family, and pursue the purpose God has placed on your life. how to slow down as a Christian woman, finding peace in a busy season, lessons from The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, Catholic podcast for busy women, how to practice Sabbath rest, overcoming hustle culture with faith, how to stop rushing through life, Christian encouragement for overwhelmed moms, learning to rest in God, Mary and Martha lesson for today, how Jesus modeled a slower life, intentional Christian living for women, balancing faith family and work, hearing God's voice in the middle of a busy life, practical ways to slow down spiritually Christian encouragement, Catholic podcast, Catholic women, slowing down, hurry, overwhelmed, burnout, Sabbath rest, spiritual growth, intentional living, Christian motherhood, faith and family, John Mark Comer, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, finding peace, hearing God's voice, busy moms, productivity, rest, work life balance

  4. Jul 16

    91| The Vacation That Finally Felt Like a Vacation | Raising Responsible Kids Through Life Skills

    Have you ever felt like family vacations aren't really vacations... they're just parenting in a different location? If you've ever packed for everyone, cooked every meal, cleaned up every mess, and wondered if you'll ever actually relax on vacation again, this episode is for you. In this solo episode of Anchored with Purpose, Melissa Wilkinson shares why this year's annual beach vacation felt completely different - and why the biggest difference wasn't the destination. It was watching years of intentionally teaching life skills finally pay off. From kids cooking meals and cleaning the house to managing their own spending money, solving problems, serving others, and growing in independence, Melissa reflects on how raising responsible kids doesn't just prepare them for adulthood - it transforms family life today. She also shares a personal story about overcoming driving anxiety through prayer, practical ways to teach financial responsibility using Greenlight cards, why limiting devices created more meaningful family memories, and how praying the Rosary together planted seeds of faith in her boys' hearts. If you're looking for encouragement in Catholic parenting, practical parenting tips, family vacation ideas, or ways to teach responsibility, independence, generosity, stewardship, and faith to your children, this episode will remind you that every small lesson matters. The seeds you're planting today may become tomorrow's greatest blessings. Timestamps:00:00 Why vacations with little kids often feel like "trips" 02:26 How years of teaching life skills changed this family vacation 02:50 Driving alone, overcoming fear, and trusting God through anxiety 05:12 Packing independently and preparing for vacation as a family 06:12 The one conversation that changed the entire week 08:07 Coming home to a spotless house after dinner 10:34 Teaching kids to cook and embrace responsibility 11:27 Why everyone helped with dishes, garbage, and cleanup 13:49 Giving kids more independence, freedom, and trust 15:22 Life lessons from setting up a tent and solving problems 17:30 Teaching kids financial responsibility with Greenlight cards 21:38 Why progress matters more than perfection 23:59 Limiting devices to create meaningful family memories 25:24 Praying the Rosary on vacation and planting seeds of faith 28:48 The parenting lesson that changed Melissa's perspective forever Mentioned in this Episode:Hallow AppThe Power of the Rosary by Gabriel CastilloGreenlight Debit Card & Financial Literacy App - get $50 for FREE!  If this episode encouraged you, please share it with another Catholic mom who could use the reminder that the little things she's teaching today really do matter. And if you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to follow the podcast so you never miss a new episode of Anchored with Purpose. Catholic parenting, Catholic motherhood, Catholic mom podcast, parenting podcast, family vacation with kids, parenting teenagers, teaching kids responsibility, life skills for kids, raising responsible children, intentional parenting, faith-filled parenting, teaching financial responsibility, Greenlight card, raising generous kids, praying the Rosary as a family, Catholic family life, motherhood encouragement, family traditions, summer parenting, raising independent kids

  5. Jul 9

    90| I Wanted a Slower Summer but Not a Lazy Summer | Raising Responsible Kids Through Everyday Life

    Summer doesn't have to be packed with camps and expensive activities to make a lasting impact. In this solo episode of Anchored with Purpose, Melissa Wilkinson shares a behind-the-scenes look at her family's summer and the unexpected lessons that have come from slowing down, embracing flexibility, and intentionally preparing her boys for adulthood. After an unexpected start to the summer - including her husband's major surgery, canceling a long-awaited family trip, and her own skin cancer surgery - Melissa realized that the most meaningful moments weren't happening on vacations or through perfectly planned activities. They were happening in the ordinary rhythms of home. From "Life Skills Camp" and teaching her boys how to do their own laundry to helping them prepare meals, unclog a drain, manage money with the Greenlight app, and take on their first jobs, Melissa shares practical ways to raise responsible, capable, and grateful kids. She also shares the answered prayer of watching her home become the neighborhood hangout—a place where kids know they're safe, welcome, and always have snacks waiting for them. If you've ever wondered how to create a slower summer without wasting it, or how to intentionally build character and family culture in the everyday moments, this episode is for you. Earn $50 when you sign up for Greenlight. With the money app and debit card for kids and teens, we can send our kids money instantly, assign chores, and teach them to earn, save, and invest. https://share.greenlight.com/146304981 In this episode you'll learn:Why Melissa wanted a slower summer—but not a lazy summerHow "Life Skills Camp" began by accident and why it transformed their homeWhy teaching kids chores builds gratitude, responsibility, and confidenceSimple life skills every child should learn before adulthoodHow the Greenlight app is helping teach budgeting, saving, investing, and generosityWhat Andrew's first summer job and Sean's neighborhood job are teaching them about responsibilityHow to create a home where your kids—and their friends—feel safe, welcomed, and lovedWhy some of the biggest parenting wins happen in ordinary, everyday momentsThis week's challenge:Choose one life skill to teach your child this month. It doesn't have to be something big. Maybe it's doing laundry, preparing a meal, unclogging a drain, using a calendar, or learning to manage a budget. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome & Why This Summer Looks Different 04:35 A Slower Summer, Not a Lazy Summer 06:20 How "Life Skills Camp" Began 08:45 Teaching Kids Laundry (and Growing Gratitude) 11:50 Meals, Chores & Raising Contributors 14:45 Why We Love the Greenlight App 18:10 Andrew's First Summer Job 20:20 Sean's Neighborhood Job & Using Technology as a Tool 22:30 Simple Life Skills Every Kid Should Learn 24:00 Becoming the House Where Everyone Wants to Be 28:15 The "Boatload of Snacks" & Creating a Welcoming Home 31:45 Praying for the Kids in Our Community 35:15 Embracing a Different Pace This Summer 37:30 One Challenge for Your Family This Month

  6. Jun 30

    89| When God Calls You to Go First

    What do you do when God places something on your heart that feels bigger than you? In this episode of Anchored with Purpose, Melissa Wilkinson sits down with Shawna DuBois, founder of Gabriel's Retreat Ministries, to talk about faith, obedience, and what happens when God calls you to step into something you never expected. Shawna shares her powerful faith journey—from being a teenager with one foot in and one foot out of the Church to experiencing a profound encounter with God that would eventually lead her to launch a ministry serving women facing unexpected pregnancies. What began as a simple prompting from the Holy Spirit quickly turned into a mission that has transformed countless lives. Together, Melissa and Shawna discuss the courage it takes to say "yes" when God calls, even when the path ahead isn't clear. Shawna shares how prayer, spiritual direction, and trusting God's timing helped her launch Gabriel's Retreat Ministries and build a community that surrounds women with practical, emotional, and spiritual support. They also dive into the importance of being truly pro-family, the unique challenges women face during pregnancy and postpartum, and why every mother needs a supportive community around her. Through retreat experiences, mentorship, meals, gifts, friendship, and ongoing support, Gabriel's Retreat Ministries helps women know they are seen, loved, and never alone. Whether you're discerning a calling, walking through a difficult season, or wondering if God can use your imperfect story for something beautiful, this conversation is a powerful reminder that He often works through ordinary people willing to take the next faithful step. Resources Mentioned:Gabriel's Retreat MinistriesConnect with Melissa:📖 Free Anchored with Purpose Faith Journal: https://anchored-with-purpose.kit.com/fb72f69cdf  🌐 Anchored with Purpose: https://anchoredwithpurpose.com 🎙️ Subscribe to the Anchored with Purpose Podcast and share this episode with a friend who needs encouragement today. 00:00 Welcome & Meeting Through Shared Connections 02:00 Shawna's Faith Journey 04:40 God Uses Our Crooked Paths 09:00 Following God's Call to Start a Ministry 12:45 What Is Gabriel's Retreat Ministries? 20:10 Supporting Women Beyond Pregnancy 21:30 The Heart Behind the Retreat Experience 24:00 Building Community for Mothers 27:59 Stories of Transformation 34:12 Walking with Women for the Long Haul 35:03 Final Thoughts & Encouragement how to know if God is calling you, how to trust God's plan, what does it mean to follow God's calling, Catholic support for pregnant women, Christian help for unexpected pregnancy, faith during an unexpected pregnancy, building a Catholic ministry, how God uses ordinary people, finding purpose through faith, Catholic encouragement for women, Christian podcast for women, how to discern God's will, supporting women through unexpected pregnancy, Catholic resources for pregnant mothers, saying yes to God's calling, listening to God's voice, trusting God's timing, Christian encouragement for moms, finding your purpose through faith, how to start a faith-based ministry

  7. Jun 23

    88| Finding Joy When Life Feels Overwhelming with Shemaiah Gonzalez

    What if joy wasn't something you had to wait for until life got easier? If you've been feeling overwhelmed, burned out, stuck, or like you've lost sight of the joy and purpose God has for your life, this conversation is for you. In this episode of Anchored with Purpose, Melissa Wilkinson sits down with Catholic author, speaker, and writing coach Shemaiah Gonzalez to talk about finding joy in difficult seasons, overcoming comparison, pursuing God-given dreams, and discovering God's presence in everyday life. Shemaiah shares her powerful faith journey from Protestant seminary to the Catholic Church and how choosing "joy" as her Word of the Year unexpectedly led her on a years-long journey of surrender, gratitude, and deeper trust in God. Together, Melissa and Shemaiah discuss motherhood, creativity, faith, purpose, and why you don't have to wait for the perfect time—or feel fully qualified—to take the next step God is calling you to take. Whether you're navigating a season of transition, struggling with self-doubt, feeling stretched thin by life's responsibilities, or simply longing for more peace in the midst of the chaos, you'll walk away encouraged to look for God's presence in the ordinary and embrace the unique calling He's placed on your life. In This Episode You'll Learn:• How Shemaiah's journey led her to the Catholic Church • Why surrender is often the key to peace and joy • The difference between happiness and lasting joy • Practical ways to find joy in difficult seasons • How gratitude changes your perspective • Why comparison steals your joy and how to overcome it • How to embrace your unique gifts and calling • Encouragement for women pursuing God-given dreams • Why five minutes a day can change everything • How God works through small, faithful steps Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Shemaiah Gonzalez 02:15 From Protestant Seminary to the Catholic Church 05:45 Finding Peace and Beauty in the Catholic Faith 08:20 Living as a Christian in Seattle 09:05 Why Joy Became Her Word of the Year 11:15 Joy vs. Happiness 12:50 Finding Joy When Life Feels Overwhelming 14:00 Gratitude and Worship as Daily Practices 15:10 How Looking for Joy Changes Everything 18:15 Comparison, Success, and Staying in Your Lane 24:45 Using Your Gifts to Serve Others 27:30 Encouragement for Women Pursuing Big Dreams 28:20 The Power of Five Minutes a Day 31:30 Learning from Great Writers and Mentors 34:00 Where to Find Shemaiah and Undaunted Joy 36:00 Final Encouragement and Closing Thoughts Resources Mentioned📖 Undaunted Joy: The Revolutionary Act of Cultivating Delight https://a.co/d/0b6rZeBq 🌐 Shemaiah's Website https://www.shemaiahgonzalez.com 📝 Undaunted Joy Substack https://shemaiahgonzalez.substack.com 📱 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shemaiahg 📖 Free Anchored with Purpose Faith Journal https://anchored-with-purpose.kit.com/fb72f69cdf 🌊 Learn More https://anchoredwithpurpose.com 🎙️ If this episode encouraged you, be sure to follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with a friend who could use a little more joy, peace, and encouragement today.

  8. Jun 16

    87| What If the Rosary Is More Powerful Than You Think?

    For years, Melissa struggled to understand the Rosary. It felt repetitive, intimidating, and honestly, she wasn't sure why Catholics were so devoted to it. In this episode, Melissa sits down with Deborah Viña, founder of MG Rosary, for an honest conversation about the Rosary, Marian devotion, and the sacramentals of the Catholic Church. Melissa shares how a recent 54-day novena completely changed her perspective, while Deborah offers practical encouragement for women who want to deepen their prayer life but aren't sure where to start. Together, they explore why the Rosary is so much more than a series of repeated prayers, how it helps us meditate on the life of Christ, and how sacramentals like the Miraculous Medal can keep our hearts focused on God throughout the day. If you've ever wondered what all the fuss is about when it comes to the Rosary, this conversation is for you. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome & Meeting at Walking with Purpose 01:23 The Story Behind MG Rosary 05:05 The Wrist Rosary Explained 10:29 Learning to Love the Rosary 18:13 Designing Rosaries with Purpose 26:24 The Miraculous Medal & St. Benedict Medal 31:36 Understanding Sacramentals 34:29 The Power of the Rosary 37:53 Where to Find MG Rosary 40:08 Final Encouragement 📖 Free Anchored with Purpose Faith Journal: https://anchored-with-purpose.kit.com/fb72f69cdf Resources & Links Mentioned: • MG Rosary: https://www.mg-rosary.com/ • The Secret of the Rosary by St. Louis de Montfort: https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Rosary-St-Louis-Monfort/dp/0895550563 • Champions of the Rosary by Fr. Donald Calloway: https://www.amazon.com/Champions-Rosary-Donald-H-Calloway/dp/1596143436 • The Power of the Rosary by Gabriel Castillo: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Power+of+the+Rosary+Gabriel+Castillo • The Miraculous Medal: Pendant of Power by Christine Watkins: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Miraculous+Medal+Pendant+of+Power+Christine+Watkins • Rosary in a Year Podcast: https://ascensionpress.com/pages/riy • Hallow App: https://hallow.com/ • Walking with Purpose: https://walkingwithpurpose.com/ If this episode encouraged you, be sure to follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with a friend who would enjoy the conversation. Catholic podcast, how to pray the Rosary, Rosary for beginners, Catholic women, Miraculous Medal, St. Benedict Medal, sacramentals, Catholic faith, Catholic prayer life, Marian devotion, Walking with Purpose, handmade rosaries, wrist rosary, Catholic gifts, Deborah Viña, MG Rosary, Catholic motherhood, growing in faith, Anchored with Purpose, Catholic spirituality

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The Anchored with Purpose Podcast focuses on Faith, Family, Purpose, & Dreaming Big. How do I fill the emptiness I feel in my life? What is missing from my life? The stresses of this world are causing me anxiety, how can I cope? I’m a mom, but I feel so drained and have lost a piece of me, how do I find me again? How do I dream again? How do I even achieve those dreams? And the biggest question of all, is it worth pursuing my purpose and dreams? Whether you’re a dreamer, a mom, connected in your faith or feeling a little (or a lot) lost, this is the show for you. The Anchored with Purpose Podcast is a live-workshop style podcast packed with actionable step-by-step tips to help you redefine what you want in your life in the areas of faith, family, purpose, & pursuing your dreams. You can train with the experts on how to dig in, reconnect with your faith & purpose, and tackle your biggest goals along the way.

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