Are you clinging to the belief that peace and joy can only be on the far side of a dream realized or a goal achieved? Nicole Zasowski shares how real freedom begins with empty hands; the journey from lost to found. Nicole Zasowski is a wife of ten years and mother to two young boys. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist, writer, speaker, and author. Nicole has the heart to help others find enduring peace and joy outside of circumstances.   "It gave me the message that I was only as good as my last performance.” ~ Nicole Zasowski   CONNECT with Nicole Zasowski BOOK: From Lost to Found Enjoy the multitude of topics discussed including performance, perfectionism, restoration therapy, miscarriages, and empty hands, plus so much more. Invitation to slow down Family Pacific Northwest Girl Blessed Childhood Performing & Achievement Proving Significance California comfort The Move Hearing God Perfectionism Restoration Therapy Control Process your own story Miscarriage Hope Where do you see God? Infertility & hope Shame Judgment & pride Name the lies Empty hands Motherhood Grace   CONNECT with Nicole Zasowski BOOK: From Lost to Found   "Every step of the way with this book has been an opportunity to practice the words that I wrote." ~ Nicole Zasowski   #MyStrengthIsMyStory #CreateYourNow #NicoleZasowski Quotes and statements within the interview: "I used to think joy came on the far side of a dream realized or a goal achieved. But what God taught me through that story is that the greatest joy is actually found when we're drained of misplaced hope and shallow identities." "I had a really blessed childhood." "Over time, I got this message that I was a little bit more special or a little bit more safe and secure if I was performing well." "But in retrospect, I realized that one of the ways he's [the Enemy] worked in my life, and I think is common in American culture is He allowed me to be comfortable without Christ." "But I also knew because it wasn't anything I would have wanted." "And I don't think God is the author of our suffering, but in His graciousness to us, He's not going to waste it either." "The four main ways that people tend to react to their pain are blame, shame, control, and escape." "I am not giving myself permission to be who I am and to connect with other people in a raw and vulnerable way." "I think if you gave me the pen, I'm still not sure I'd be brave enough to write that story."  "It is a thing that has kept me tethered to the hope of Christ." "I'm still not thankful for it. But goodness, am I thankful to be a woman who knows hope and knows our ultimate hope in Christ in a way I'm not sure I would have otherwise."  "And I learned that (you know) I can invite God into the feelings I have instead of trying to have the perfect feelings for God." "Christ is in the mud with you." "We don't pray and ask because it leads us to a certain answer. We pray and ask because it always leads us to the person and presence of Jesus." "The ground is even at the foot of the cross." "We have to get really hnest about the messages we're carrying around about our identity and sense of safety that again we might have good reasons for feelings and those feelings might be real, but there's a difference between feelings real and feelings being true." "Only empty hands are open."   What has your story gifted you? A totally different understanding of God's character. A totally different relationship with Him. "On the far side of pain we don't prefer, we will find transformation we wouldn't trade."   Resources mentioned in the episode: CONNECT with Nicole Zasowski BOOK: From Lost to Found Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolezasowski/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicolezasowskiwriter   "One step at a time leads to miles of greatness!" Ready to see if coaching and mentorship are for you? It's time you TAKE A.I.M. ~ Action Ignites Motivation. This is FREE for you. Stop trying to do it by yourself. Invest in YOU! You are worth the time!!! ANNOUNCEMENT: Ready to shine your light and tell your story. Please click on MY STRENGTH IS MY STORY. Here you can submit yourself to appear on the podcast or make recommendations as to who you would like to hear. This is going to be a beautiful series!   Subscribe to Create Your Now TV on YouTube. Wanting help with goals, setting your schedule, or need someone to talk to (even if you don't know what you need)? 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The Create Your Now Archives are LIVE!! You can subscribe and listen to all the previous episodes here.  http://bit.ly/CYNarchive1 and http://bit.ly/CYNarchive2 and http://bit.ly/CYNarchive3 and http://bit.ly/CYNarchive4 and http://bit.ly/CYNarchive5 and http://bit.ly/CYNarchive6 Contact me at YourBestSelfie@CreateYourNow.com THE NO FUSS MEAL PLAN Instagram @CreateYourNow @Kristianne Wargo Twitter @KristianneWargo @CreateYourNow Facebook www.facebook.com/TheKISSCoach www.facebook.com/CreateYourNow   PERISCOPE USERS!!! 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This is a free 30-45 minute call for those serious about coaching with me. 12. Newsletter and Library: If you desire to get weekly emails, be sure to sign up here so you can stay connected. http://createyournow.com/library   Cover Art by Jenny Hamson   Music by Mandisa - Overcomer http://www.mandisaofficial.com Song ID: 68209 Song Title: Overcomer Writer(s): Ben Glover, Chris Stevens, David Garcia Copyright © 2013 Meaux Mercy (BMI) Moody Producer Music (BMI) 9t One Songs (ASCAP) Ariose Music (ASCAP) Universal Music -  Brentwood Benson Publ. (ASCAP) D Soul Music (ASCAP) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) All rights reserved. Used by permission.