Episode 47: No More Shackles: Break Free From Your Past and Thrive in Your Present

Freedom doesn’t just happen, it’s a choice to release what no longer serves you and make space for what God is trying to do next.

As Your nEXt Chapter celebrates its first birthday, I’ve been reflecting on the lessons this year has taught me about freedom, healing, and the courage it takes to start again. This episode is an invitation to release the weight of the past and reclaim your rhythm.

Through the language of music, I’m sharing five powerful steps that have guided me on my own journey, from tuning your instrument and surrendering the mix, to cleaning the record, singing a new song, and finding your harmony. Each one is a reminder that healing isn’t about perfection; it’s about learning to flow with God’s grace and truth.

If you’ve ever felt stuck replaying old stories or settling for what feels safe, this conversation will remind you that you can choose freedom. You can sing something new.

Song of the week: Shackles by Mary Mary

Topics Covered:

00:00:00 – Episode snippet

00:02:11 – Celebrating one year of Your nEXt Chapter

00:05:32 – What freedom really looks like in your healing journey

00:06:33 – Step 1: Tune Your Instrument 

00:09:27 – Stop settling for less

00:12:12 – Step 2: Surrender the Mix 

00:17:02 – Step 3: Clean the Record 

00:19:04 – How replaying past only prolonged the pain

00:23:57 – Step 4: Sing a new song 

00:26:29 – Stop boxing yourself in

00:27:12 – Step 5: Find Your Harmony

00:32:02 – Freedom looks good on you

00:33:47 – Recap: The Five Steps to Freedom

Key Takeaways:

"Your freedom begins with your truth."

"Surrendering is acknowledging that there is a higher power who knows better, who does better, and who's working it all out for your good."

"As a God girl, my form of surrender largely has to do with letting go and giving it over to God. Nobody can fix it like God can fix it."

"You were made to shine, you were made to thrive, you were not made to just settle. So when you're doing anything other than that, you are settling. You can't be free when you're settling."

"You cannot trust everybody, not everybody can be and should be trusted with your heart. But there are so many amazing people out here who can."

About Your Host

Dr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!

Connect with Dr. Nicole:

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Your nEXt Chapter podcast explores the challenges and triumphs women face as they reclaim joy, reimagine the future, and redefine their identity after divorce and other unexpected life transitions. Join Dr. Nicole as she shares insights from her journey as a high-achieving professional woman navigating divorce while walking in her Christian faith.