What happens when you have been holding everything together for so long that you no longer know how to simply be still? In Episode 141 of the Start Your Comeback podcast, Toni sits down with author, entrepreneur, and meditation teacher Katherine Chestnut for an honest conversation about survival mode, divorce, mindfulness, and rebuilding a life filled with joy. After spending 30 years in corporate America, Katherine knew how to get things done. She appeared successful and capable on the outside—but behind the scenes, she was living in a deeply unhealthy marriage, becoming increasingly isolated, and slowly losing her confidence. When she finally walked away, she realized she had been crying every day for six years. Katherine began rebuilding her life through small but powerful practices: journaling, meditation, breathwork, walking, reading, and learning how to become a human being again instead of constantly operating as a “human doing.” In this episode, Toni and Katherine discuss: Why survival mode does not always look dramaticHow high achievement can disguise anxiety and exhaustionThe difference between being prepared and being constantly tenseSigns that you may be running on emptyWhy being tired but wired is a warning signHow journaling helps clear mental and emotional clutterWhy stillness can feel unsafe after prolonged stressThe power of pausing before respondingHow to respond thoughtfully instead of reacting emotionallyWhat “calm confidence” looks like in real lifeHow Katherine slowly rediscovered joy after divorceWhy a comeback is often an ongoing process rather than one dramatic momentKatherine describes calm confidence as regulated power. It does not mean pretending that nothing bothers you. It means trusting that you can handle what comes next without losing yourself in the process. One Thing You Can Do Today Take one slow, intentional breath. Breathe in deeply, pause, and allow your exhale to last longer than your inhale. This simple practice can help your body begin moving out of a stress response and into a calmer state. You do not have to rebuild your entire life today. You only need to take the next steady breath—and then the next step. Connect with Katherine Chestnut Visit Katherine’s website and take her mindfulness quiz to discover which practices may best support you. You can also find her meditations, breathwork sessions, and courses on: Insight TimerYouTubeSpotifyKatherine also hosts a free live breath work practice on Sunday mornings through Insight Timer. Here are the links to Katherine’s website, quiz, Start Your Comeback Are you walking through divorce, empty nesting, retirement, loss, or another unexpected life transition? Start Your Comeback: Tackling What’s Next with a Winning Game Plan will help you move through shock, navigate limbo, and prepare for reentry with courage and a practical plan. The book is available on Amazon, and the companion workbook is available at ToniThrash.com. Already read the book? Please take a moment to leave an honest review on Amazon. Your review helps other women who are searching for encouragement and a way forward find the book. And remember: listening is a great beginning, but your comeback starts when you put the work into action. Let's create your transition gameplan: Book your discovery call You can find me at: Book: Start Your Comeback Workbook: The Game Plan Website Instagram Facebook Shock Limbo Re-Entry ...
