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

Melissa Wilkinson - Life Coach for Catholic Women
  • 5.0 (20)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

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. 2d ago

    97| Start, Stop, Continue: A Simple Fall Reset for Your Life

    What if you didn’t need to completely reinvent your life this fall? In this episode of Anchored with Purpose, Melissa shares a simple exercise from her retail leadership days that she’s bringing into this new season: Start, Stop, Continue. It’s a simple way to step back and ask what you want more of, what you’re ready to release, and what is already working that you want to protect. Melissa shares her own Start, Stop, Continue list, from making more room for fun, paddleboarding, dancing, and working outside, to letting go of habits and streaks that once served her but eventually started feeling like obligations. She also talks about creating more space for family, giving her boys greater independence, protecting her morning time with God, and continuing to pursue the big dreams God has placed on her heart. ⛰️ READY TO UNPLUG? If this episode has you craving space to step away from the noise, reconnect with yourself, spend time with God, and get clear about what you want in your next season, Melissa is hosting Unplugged: An Anchored with Purpose Retreat at Hilltop in the Adirondacks. This intimate, off-grid retreat for women is a chance to disconnect from screens and everyday responsibilities and make space for your faith, your dreams, your goals, and the life you want to intentionally create. You’ll leave with practical tools to carry that clarity home with you. Space is extremely limited.  Register for Unplugged: https://anchored-with-purpose.kit.com/df5e0a6591 ⏱️ IN THIS EPISODE 00:01 – The Start, Stop, Continue exercise 02:00 – Why Melissa wants to bring more fun into her life 02:24 – Rediscovering her love of dancing 04:43 – Creating an outdoor office and making everyday life more enjoyable 07:06 – Giving her boys more independence 09:18 – Why Melissa finally broke her Duolingo streak 11:46 – When a good habit starts becoming an obligation 14:04 – Stepping away from the 5 AM gym routine 16:30 – The faith practices Melissa is continuing 18:54 – Creating the house where the kids want to be 21:19 – Continuing to pursue big goals and dreams 23:41 – Three questions to ask yourself this season You don’t need to wait until January to begin again. fall reset, Start Stop Continue, intentional living, life reset, personal growth, goal setting, life evaluation, faith and purpose, Christian women, healthy habits, goals and dreams, women’s retreat, Adirondack retreat, goal planning retreat, dream workshop Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: F2C6NYQVGBXR6DVU

  2. Sep 10

    96| I See You: Knowing Your Worth, Owning Your Gifts & Becoming More with Amy Kemp

    Have you ever been so good at something that you assumed it couldn’t possibly be valuable because it comes naturally to you? Or spent so much time giving to everyone else that you barely recognize what’s left for you? In this episode of Anchored with Purpose, Melissa sits down with author, coach, and former direct sales leader Amy Kemp for a powerful conversation about leadership, purpose, knowing your worth, and learning to recognize the gifts that may have been hiding in plain sight. Amy shares how her years in direct sales helped her discover that she was a leader, and why learning her own leadership style changed everything. She and Melissa talk about identifying your “natural genius,” the things that feel easy to you but astonish everyone else, and why women often struggle to charge appropriately for the very things they do best. They also dive into Amy’s book, I See You, including the beautiful story behind its title and the woman Amy wrote it for: the woman everyone sees, but few people truly see. This conversation explores what happens when women give until there is nothing left, why Amy has a problem with the message behind The Giving Tree, and how small choices can help you begin finding yourself again. Melissa and Amy also get vulnerable about money, knowing your value, outgrowing old identities, navigating criticism, pursuing new dreams, and the “border bullies” who often appear when you’re stepping into something new. If you’ve been questioning your value, feeling depleted from giving too much, or sensing that you’re being called into a new season, this conversation is for you. TIMESTAMPS 00:02 Meet Amy Kemp 03:50 What direct sales taught Amy about leadership 07:17 Discovering the kind of leader you are 10:26 How to recognize your natural genius 12:49 Why women undercharge for what comes easily 16:00 Why women make themselves smaller 18:03 The story behind I See You 22:00 Why real human connection matters 28:58 The problem with The Giving Tree 32:17 What to do when you’ve given too much of yourself 34:35 Making more without simply doing more 38:56 The losses that can come with growth 40:36 Melissa’s story of being criticized for charging for her work 44:32 Learning to value your own contribution 48:33 The “border bullies” that show up when you pursue a dream 50:35 Where to connect with Amy CONNECT WITH AMY Free Habit Finder assessment: Visit Amy’s website to learn more and take the assessment - amykemp.com Instagram: @amykempinc Book: I See You by Amy Kemp, available wherever books are sold and on Audible FREE Life Evaluation Tool  anchoredwithpurpose.com  Anchored with Purpose on the Bible App FREE Faith Journal Amy Kemp, I See You book, women’s leadership, women in business, natural genius, knowing your worth, purpose for women, women entrepreneurs, burnout in women, overgiving, self-worth, personal growth, direct sales leadership, women and money, finding your purpose, pursuing your dreams, meaningful connection, community for women, leadership development, Anchored with Purpose, Melissa Wilkinson

  3. Aug 27

    95| What Happens When You Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

    What if getting away from your everyday routine could help you discover that you're capable of more than you thought? In this episode of Anchored with Purpose, Melissa Wilkinson shares stories from a very special family vacation to Puerto Rico, where three generations of her Puerto Rican family traveled together. From introducing her boys to their Puerto Rican heritage and experiencing Spanish Mass to exploring Old San Juan, trying new foods, and making memories together, this trip was about so much more than a beautiful destination. Again and again, Melissa watched what happened when someone was willing to step outside of their comfort zone. Her young niece and nephew discovered they could swim without the floaties and goggles they had depended on. Her boys experienced snorkeling for the first time. Melissa challenged herself to speak Spanish even when she knew it wouldn't be perfect. And during an unforgettable adventure through the Puerto Rican rainforest, three generations of the family climbed rocks, slid down a natural waterfall, swam through a cave, and faced fears together. Through it all, Melissa discovered a powerful lesson about courage, confidence, limiting beliefs, and taking the next right step. Sometimes looking at the entire journey feels impossible. Instead of figuring out the next 20 steps, what if you simply asked, Where do I put my foot next? Whether you're pursuing a God-given dream, considering a career change, facing a fear, trying something new, or simply feeling stuck in what's comfortable, this episode will encourage you to stop letting the story of what you "can't" do keep you from discovering what might be possible. Ready to take your next right step? If this episode has you thinking about where you might be feeling stuck, too comfortable, or ready for something more, download my FREE Life Evaluation Tool. You'll reflect on 10 key areas of your life, identify where you're thriving and where God may be inviting you to grow, and begin getting clear on your next right step. https://anchored-with-purpose.kit.com/ec1b0df5ec Timestamps: 00:03 A family trip to Puerto Rico and sharing our heritage with the next generation 02:25 Watching kids build confidence outside their comfort zones 04:42 Why does vacation make us braver? 05:55 Exploring Old San Juan and Puerto Rican culture 07:08 Experiencing Spanish Mass with our kids 08:29 Letting go of perfection and speaking Spanish 10:52 Our rainforest adventure and doing hard things 13:19 Remembering the courage to take the next scary step 15:46 Borrowing courage across three generations 16:45 Small ways our kids stepped outside their comfort zones 18:10 Where do I put my foot next? 20:32 What could happen if you allowed yourself to try? getting outside your comfort zone, stepping outside your comfort zone, how to be more courageous, building confidence, overcoming fear, limiting beliefs, taking the next right step, trusting God with your next step, Christian encouragement for women, Catholic women podcast, faith and courage, God-given dreams, family travel, traveling with kids, Puerto Rico family vacation, Puerto Rican heritage, Puerto Rico travel, Old San Juan, El Yunque rainforest, Spanish Mass, family memories, raising confident kids, Anchored with Purpose podcast

  4. Aug 20

    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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

See All (98)

Trailer

5
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

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.

Information

You Might Also Like