"Life is movement."
You know how it goes. You want to move your body, and then some voice steps in and tells you it's not that important, that the emails can't wait, or that exercise is a luxury you haven't earned yet. If you've ever caught yourself standing at your desk arguing with your own permission to get up and go for a walk, crank this episode!
Chrissy sits down with Kasey Shuler, personal trainer and co-founder of the Joyful Health Collective, to talk about what happens when the thought of moving your body feels heavier than actually moving it. Kasey pulls from her own work history, her faith, and her kids' first steps to make a case for joyful movement that has nothing to do with punishment and everything to do with freedom.
Here's what we cover:
Why movement so often gets filed under "luxury" instead of "necessity," and how something as small as a lunch break policy at work can shape whether people feel permission to move at all
The connection between play and brain growth, and why kids and animals playing isn't so different from what adults need, too
A two-step practice for catching the inner critic before it takes over: notice the voice, then ask if it's really from Jesus
The rope-of-strands metaphor for how a repeated thought builds a pathway in your mind, and how questioning that thought lets a strand fall away
The window of tolerance from the book Try Softer, and why starting from what feels safe matters more than pushing straight into intensity
The practice of asking Jesus to go first before trying something you're scared will end in failure
Why one person's joyful movement is another person's nightmare, and permission to find what actually brings you life instead of copying what works for someone else
Kasey closes the episode with a prayer straight from Hebrews 12, about laying aside what weighs you down and running your own race with endurance. If this episode stirred something loose, that's the point. Movement was never meant to be something you earn.
"I am free from the need to perform. I am free from the need to please others. I'm free from all that because I'm free in Christ." – Kasey Shuler
Remember, you are created for freedom and joy because movement is a gift, not a burden. What’s one small, life-giving step you could take today toward joyful movement? How might Jesus be inviting you to redefine what movement looks like in this season?
We’d love to hear your thoughts, so please drop us an email at admin@findingbalance.com, send us a voice message via SpeakPipe, or you can also subscribe for more practical episodes coming your way.
More About Kasey Shuler
Kasey's an author, personal trainer, and co-founder of the Joyful Health Collective. Her mission is to help others find lasting health by starting with grace and finding their strength in the joy of the Lord. She lives in Athens, Georgia, with her husband and 2 daughters.
Mentioned References
Book Reference: "Try Softer" by Aundi Kolber
The Real Cost of Beauty Report by Dove
Mentioned Scriptures
John 15 and Hebrews 12
Connect with Kasey Shuler:
Kasey Instagram
Joyful Health Co Instagram
Free Resources to get started with Joyful Movement by Grace
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CHRIST-CENTERED RESOURCES TO HELP YOU FIND FREEDOM
The Daily Vitamin eDevo: A free devotional with bite-sized truth emailed 5 days a week
Community Groups: Find connection with prayer groups and our Hello, Freedom! community.
Christian Treatment Finder: Connecting you with Christian providers experienced in treating eating issues.
Lasting Freedom Online Course: A Christ-centered, non-diet course to work through false beliefs about food and weight so you can live free from disordered eating and body image issues.
CREDITS:
Intro music by “MokkaMusic” – Old Jeans (Funk)
Production & Editing by Marketing With Wisdom
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The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe a particular course of action. If you have, or suspect you may have, an eating disorder, please consult your healthcare provider. If you desire to receive faith-based care, visit ChristianTreatmentFinder.com to browse professionals with a Kingdom campaign against eating disorders.
More about the Old School Food Freedom Podcast
In today’s diet-culture society, food issues and body hatred have become the norm. But you were created to be FREE. Welcome to Old School Food Freedom, where we go back to the basics, God’s basics, for how we view food, our bodies, and our worth.
Hosted by FINDINGbalance Executive Director Chrissy Kirkman, this podcast features Biblically sound experts, thought leaders, artists, and everyday people who will inspire you to interrupt negative cultural soundtracks and rediscover God’s original design for your relationship with food and your body.
This show will deliver practical, faith-filled insights on how to break free from diet culture and body shame through the lens of Scripture. If you’re looking for guidance on how to heal your relationship with food while deepening your faith, you're in the right place.
We’ll answer questions like
What does the Bible say about food freedom?
How can I overcome an eating disorder or disordered eating with Jesus?
What is the biblical perspective on diet culture?
How can I find peace with food as a Christian?
What does it mean to treat your body as a temple in relation to eating?
How can I break free from diet culture with Jesus?
How can I align my eating habits with biblical teachings?
What are the first steps to finding food freedom in Christ?
This podcast is for anyone ready to walk away from diet culture and into the freedom that Christ offers. Whether you’re recovering from an eating disorder, disordered eating, wrestling with body image, or simply craving a more peaceful relationship with food, this space was made for you.
If you want to experience true food freedom with Jesus, this podcast will give you the encouragement, truth, and tools to do just that.
The unedited transcript for this episode of Old School Food Freedom
Chrissy Kirkman [00:00:42 - 00:00:52]: We're so glad you're here with us today. Let's get into today's episode. Hey, Casey, welcome to the show.
Kasey Shuler [00:00:53 - 00:00:55]: Hi, Hi, thanks so much for having me.
Guest Introduction and 90s Nostalgia
Chrissy Kirkman [00:00:56 - 00:01:34]: You're so welcome. I'm happy to have you today. Before we get into the fun stuff, real quick, I just want to let our listeners in on who you are. So this is Casey Shuler. She's an author, personal trainer, and co-founder of the Joyful Health Collective. Her mission is to help others find lasting health by starting with grace and finding their strength in the joy of the Lord. She lives with her husband and 2 daughters in Athens, Georgia, and would love to connect with you at joyfulhealth.co or on Instagram @kaseybshuler. It's K-A-S-E-Y-B-S-H-U-L-E-R.Chrissy Kirkman [00:01:35 - 00:01:35]: How about that?
Kasey Shuler [00:01:36 - 00:01:38]: Yes, thank you. Awesome.
Chrissy Kirkman [00:01:39 - 00:02:05]: Hey, we love— at the Old School Food Freedom Podcast, we like to kick it off with a question of what old school item do you miss from back in the day? Now, listeners, friends. Casey is our, to date, our youngest guest. I could have babysat her back in the day, we discovered. So her old school item is like my high school items. So do you miss anything from back in the day? Like, what are your thoughts?
Kasey Shuler [00:02:06 - 00:02:44]: Yeah, you know, a lot of '90s items are truly back. You know, we have the Bop It, we have the Tamagotchi, um, we have like all the little water games. But something that we don't have fashion-wise Are Clarks Wallabies. They are the comfiest shoes. I know that they have the cloud technology now in shoes, which is wonderful, but I would wear bootcut jeans and Clarks Wallabies every day of high school, and my jeans would even like kind of dye the shoes a little bit, but I didn't care because they were so comfortable. And so I haven't seen those around, but you know, they can make a comeback like most things.
Chrissy Kirkman [00:02:46 - 00:03:01]: That's awesome. They probably should. I mean, you were wearing Wallabies and I was wearing Doc Martens and Mary Jane shoes. So, and I know those are back, so maybe we could do a Google search and I'm sure we would find them out there. Mm-hmm. Maybe vintage, right? Little eBay action.
Kasey Shuler [00:03:02 - 00:03:02]: Right.
Barriers to Movement and Permission to Play
Chrissy Kirkman [00:03:03 - 00:03:20]: That's fabulous. Well, I love the topic that we're, we're discussing today because homegirl here, Chrissy, needs this help so much, and I know other people do as well, but it's talking about how to move with joy when the thought alone just feels daunting?Kasey Shuler [00:03:20 - 00:03:21]: Mm-hmm.
Chrissy Kirkman [00:03:21 - 00:03:52]: Um, how do we get our mindset right? How do we break through when the thought of movement just feels like it's too much? I know that I currently experience this sometimes. I wanna work and work and work, and I don't feel like I can give myself permission to get up and move for my own health. Like, I, I can read and know all the benefits of how, and I've even experienced the benefits of how it helps me in my life.
Kasey Shuler [00:03:52 - 00:03:52]: Mm-hmm.
Chrissy Kirkman [00:03:53 - 00:04:19]: Mentally, physically. But then there's this, this dialogue I have in my head of like, no, you can't move. Like, no, this work is more important than moving. How can, like, that seems like a luxury. That's what it is. It feels like a luxury item. Like, how can you, I actually think you should get up and dance right now cuz that's too fun. Go roller skating.
Chrissy Kirkman [00:04:20 - 00:04:28]: That's too much fun. Do Zumba, a Zumba class or whatever it is that brings you joy. Um, it's too much fun and you're supposed to be working.
Leadership, Workplace Culture, and Power of Play
Kasey Shuler [00:04:28 - 00:05:05]: Hmm. Ugh. Yes. Um, you know, I started out one of my first jobs, it was my dream job, was working for the Starbucks corporate in Seattle. So I worked at the Java Gym. So that was their gym there. And so I worked there half of the week and then the other half of the week I worked at another corporate wellness place and the cultures there were so different. And what I learned was that employees had the most permission to walk and to move during their day if it came from the leadership.Kasey Shuler [00:05:07 - 00:06:04]: Um, if it, if the leadership, so for example, sometimes the leadership would Um, you know, give— they, they had me there. They would hire me so that their employees could have free training. But then sometimes, you know, they, they would only give them 30-minute lunch breaks. And so there wasn't the actual realistic timeframe to move during the day. Um, or there were some different dynamics, like, you know, if your boss was in the gym at the same time as you, then It created like this power dynamic, you know, within the gym that can sometimes feel awkward. So, so are there sometimes some realistic, um, boundaries, like just time and space? Um, and there are also some relationship boundaries there. Um, and so, but really, like you, you said, I know how I feel when I move and my, I can think better. I, I feel better in my body.
Kasey Shuler [00:06:04 - 00:06:04]: I have more joy.
Chrissy Kirkman [00:06:04 - 00:06:05]: Yeah.
Kasey Shuler [00:06:05 - 00:06:51]: And so being able to stand on what you know, okay, I know movement makes me feel like this. I know that I can think more clearly. Okay, so if this is during the workday, then, and I actually had to do a lot of research for this, for sending my kids to school. And I knew that there's so much research on recess and play and how, um, you know, kids need that space to run, move their bodies, have that autonomy. And so do adults. Like we, we need that recess. Um, the power of play is very important in playing what you said. It sounds like exercise sounds like a luxury, like roller skating sounds like a luxury.
Kasey Shuler [00:06:52 - 00:08:03]: But so there's, you know, like animals, animal, like baby animals play, kids play. And the reason is because their brains are developing and growing at this rapid rate. And so as adults, especially in the workplace, if we want to grow and we want to adapt and we want to do well and glorify God in our callings and our vocations, then wouldn't it make sense for us to continue play because it grows our brains? It's being able to be curious and try new things in a safe and controlled environment. And it's you interacting with the world and that creates so many cool neuropathways and That, um, that crosses over with your job too. So, um, I think that we can often, or especially in the workplace too, movement can feel like a luxury. It can feel, um, like something that is expendable. But, you know, if people have manual labor jobs in factories, it's like you have a mandatory movement time at the beginning so your body can be limber. Um, to be safe, you know, but the same goes for desk jobs.
Kasey Shuler [00:08:03 - 00:08:53]: I mean, we have to move our bodies so that our brains can move too. Um, and so that can sometimes seem counterintuitive, but, um, you know, a lot of it goes down to like, if you feel like you have the permission from up top to, to move during your day, then it, then you feel like, oh, I'm supposed to do this. This is part of my workday instead of this is not part of my workday. Um, I feel like I'm just, I'm just out here taking my own break, um, and squandering the resources here. And so, but you know, ultimately, who is our highest authority? It's like we have an authority in our job. And when then we have, we are ultimately accountable to the Lord at the end of the day, at the end of our life. That is our ultimate authority. Who we are accountable to.
Kasey Shuler [00:08:54 - 00:09:08]: So keeping that in mind, you know, if, if, if we can enjoy God through movement in our bodies during the day and connect with him in that way, then isn't that being fruitful to him in our workdays as well?
Joyful Movement and Permission from God
Chrissy Kirkman [00:09:09 - 00:09:27]: I love, I love what you said. Full disclosure too, I think most people listening don't know this about me, but when I left my corporate job of 17 years, which is where a lot of this mentality that I struggle with, Of, you can't do that. Like, you're here to work. You, we are paying you to work.Kasey Shuler [00:09:27 - 00:09:27]: Mm-hmm.
Chrissy Kirkman [00:09:28 - 00:09:54]: Then I left that job of 17 years and for 2 years I was a recess supervisor and student mentor at an elementary school. It was the best. We were out in the, all the elements, as hot as it ever was on the blacktop, and then really cold wearing hunting clothes from head to toe to stay warm. It was so much fun watching from kindergarten up to 5th grade, the different ways they played.
Kasey Shuler [00:09:54 - 00:09:54]: Mm-hmm.
Chrissy Kirkman [00:09:55 - 00:10:04]: Screaming. We would sing loudly, like have fun. And it was just the best time. And I don't think I've ever felt joy to that level.
Kasey Shuler [00:10:04 - 00:10:05]: Hmm.
Chrissy Kirkman [00:10:06 - 00:10:29]: Any other time in my life. And it was kind of, and it was going from like a high-paying job, very financially stable, to like part-time job. No benefits, like, but the best, the most fun time ever. And, and really feeling like I was making a difference in children's lives. Mm-hmm. So it was very fulfilling. So I'm looking to get back to that. I'm looking to find balance.
Kasey Shuler [00:10:29 - 00:10:29]: Yes.
Chrissy Kirkman [00:10:29 - 00:11:12]: Back to having fun and bringing— I really want the Lord in this. Mm-hmm. Like what I love, Casey, is that you share these videos of you working out. It's always like a fiery, awesome song that, you know, I'm always gonna comment cuz You're like coming in hot. Like it's, it's always something really good that makes me just wanna move. And like you did one day, you did this like worshiping when you were talking about like opening your chest. Like you would have to, I don't know, you would have to like spell it out for our listeners. But like, and I mean, I really stood up and did like, you somehow motivated me multiple times to get up and like at least move to the song or do the thing that you were talking.
Kasey Shuler [00:11:12 - 00:11:12]: Yeah.
Chrissy Kirkman [00:11:12 - 00:11:18]: Like this breath prayer and. So you make a difference with those videos. Please don't stop. You're helping me and others.
Movement as Life and Redefining Exercise
Kasey Shuler [00:11:19 - 00:11:56]: Oh, yes. Thank you. I mean, and I think that's part of it is opening up our definition of movement. You know, exercise is one part of under the umbrella of movement. But when you break it down, our whole body is moving all the time. And you know, we only see the outside, but on the inside of our body, like there are messages, you know, shooting back and forth with our lymphatic system and our digestion and, and our nervous system. Things are, you know, life is movement.Chrissy Kirkman [00:11:56 - 00:11:56]: Yeah.
Kasey Shuler [00:11:56 - 00:12:53]: And so we're constantly moving on the inside. And so on the outside too, we think of like, oh, I can't work out today. The thought of this Makes me feel exhausted. Okay, well, let's, let's just redefine that because we are not accountable to, um, you know, the personal trainers or whoever defined exercise or working out for you. Um, you know, the first step is to kind of be aware of what— if movement makes me feel exhausted just thinking about it, then what is movement? Um, who defined that for me and how can I let the Lord redefine that because he's the one who made me. And if moving is life, then opening my eyes, you know, like he opens the eyes of the blind, he makes the lame walk. He opens the ears of the deaf. Like these, these are all movements, healing movements so that we can see our Maker.
A Biblical View of Movement and Grace
Kasey Shuler [00:12:54 - 00:13:38]: He made us to experience him throughout the space of our bodies. And so Being able to move. And he talks about, you know, movement indirectly. It's not like, hey, you know, he did the, do this workout. It's like, oh no, I've given you, I've equipped you with feet to bring the gospel of peace. And so movement is never just, I think it can't be separated from God, you know? And so be like breathing, like he, Breathe the breath of life into Adam, you know, into his nostrils. We inhale through our nostrils, and then we exhale. Jesus took his last breath on the cross.Kasey Shuler [00:13:39 - 00:14:17]: He said, it is finished. And that is really like our inhale of we start from, it is finished. Jesus finished this hard work. And now we get to celebrate. The work is not done because we're still here. He is making all things new. This is a process, but we get to walk with him in it, you know, God with us. And so, yeah, just like the freedom, the magnitude, the wonder that is the Lord's idea of movement is something that we will never, you know, plumb the depth of these riches.
Kasey Shuler [00:14:17 - 00:14:23]: And so, so like within scripture, in our own lives too. So I don't know if that was a question, but I just—
Combating the Inner Critic
Chrissy Kirkman [00:14:24 - 00:14:43]: Well, I know I loved it. This is— it's going where God wants it to go. Like you're speaking so many things I personally need to hear. And I know if I need to hear it, there's someone else out listen— out there listening, um, who this is connecting with. Um, so, so can you help us? I know a lot of us have this inner critic.Kasey Shuler [00:14:43 - 00:14:43]: Hmm.
Chrissy Kirkman [00:14:43 - 00:15:02]: We're condemning ourselves. It's, it's a voice of, um, condemnation, which we know is not from the Lord, yet we do it to ourselves. And then we feel even more shame and guilt because We're allowing it. And it's this whole, it's this pile-on effect.
Kasey Shuler [00:15:02 - 00:15:02]: Mm-hmm.
Chrissy Kirkman [00:15:03 - 00:15:18]: Pile on, it piles on. Mm-hmm. So not pile on. Um, how, how can you help us uncover, kind of unpack that? How, how do we get from that shame, that inner critic? Mm-hmm. Um, to the next step?
Disrupting Shame and Rewriting the Narrative
Kasey Shuler [00:15:19 - 00:15:50]: Yeah. And I think the first step is just awareness. Of being able to question that voice. And you're doing it already with that inner voice of, hey, I'm working and I feel like I have to keep working and I can't move. Okay, so, and you're noticing that, you're noticing that barrier there to movement, and you're saying this voice is telling me this. And so now you get to question that. You get to question, Did God really say that? You know?Chrissy Kirkman [00:15:50 - 00:15:50]: Yeah.
Kasey Shuler [00:15:50 - 00:16:57]: Um, just like God did with us. Like, who told you that? Um, now we get to question those voices. So like, think about whatever comes up for you whenever you think about movement or exercise that feels like dread or it feels exhausting. What is that inner thought? What is that saying? And then how can you How can you question that and make it not just a monologue, but a dialogue with the Lord of being able to take that thought captive and say, and bring it to the Lord, hey God, is this from you? And like you said, that condemnation, there is no longer condemnation for those who are in Christ. So if you're feeling condemned, then okay, this is not from God. Where is it from? Being able to kind of go back and discover where it was that you first heard that. And, you know, we believe these things because they help us at first. And they, they help us survive and live and, and through the seasons that we had to go through.
Letting Go of Old Patterns and Abiding in Christ
Kasey Shuler [00:16:57 - 00:17:35]: And, and now it's not serving us anymore. It's not of the Lord. And so we can let go of that. But That also takes time and patience. And we kind of talked about this before, but when you were talking, I just like envisioned like that, like a rope that's made of many strands. And every time you feed into that thought, it creates a new strand, just like these neural pathways that create these thoughts. But then every time you ignore it or question it, one of those strands kind of falls away. And then I was like, what is that vision from? Oh, it's really just You know, John 15 of abiding in the vine.Kasey Shuler [00:17:35 - 00:18:24]: And so like, apart from, like Jesus says, apart from me, you can do nothing. And so like, what are we holding onto for our life? And so that voice like usually speaks to, okay, I was holding onto this thing for life. I was holding onto my identity to be a good worker or to please this person at my job or something. Like I was holding onto this thing for hope and for life. And then you can be aware of that and say, is this actually providing hope in life? Is it from God? Then if not, then okay, we can continue, um, stepping away from that. Um, but also know that it's, that it's a process too of awareness each time. And then once you're aware of it, then you can continue becoming aware of it and then continue letting go each time until it no longer has a hold on you anymore.
Recovery as a Process and Moving Past Fears
Chrissy Kirkman [00:18:25 - 00:18:43]: And it's a process, friends. It is a process. I'm saying this for, for Chrissy and for everyone listening. It is a process. It's not gonna necessarily happen overnight. We just need to take that expectation off right away. Mm-hmm. Because we didn't learn everything that brought us here.Kasey Shuler [00:18:43 - 00:18:43]: Mm-hmm.
Chrissy Kirkman [00:18:43 - 00:19:02]: Overnight. Mm-hmm. We just didn't. And it's gonna take time to unlearn. Casey, what about the person who is scared that they— it's like, I'm break— trying to break free from diet culture. I am trying to break free from old habits. Or I had an eating disorder.
Kasey Shuler [00:19:02 - 00:19:02]: Mm-hmm.
Chrissy Kirkman [00:19:02 - 00:19:22]: In the past. It's not consuming me now, but I'm afraid. Or maybe I was a, a compulsive exerciser and I didn't have good limits. I'd like to move, but I don't know how to get past the all or nothing. Like, I, I don't wanna fall back into those old habits. And I don't wanna punish myself.
Kasey Shuler [00:19:22 - 00:19:23]: Mm-hmm.
Chrissy Kirkman [00:19:23 - 00:19:35]: With exercise. I don't wanna fear the, the fear of missing a day of exercise. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. What would you say to that person? How can they take one step, uh, on this path?
Safe Steps and Gentle Movement
Kasey Shuler [00:19:35 - 00:20:05]: Yeah. So what I'm hearing too is the emotion of fear. And so be able to like start from the safe space, start from where you are. You don't have to run a marathon if you've, if you want to go move again or, or, you know, if you need to really take it back a step, just start from what feels safe. And, um, this book Try Softer talks about your window of tolerance.Chrissy Kirkman [00:20:06 - 00:20:08]: Love this book. Yes. On Nicole.
Kasey Shuler [00:20:08 - 00:20:47]: Yes. Yes. So highly recommend she, and she talks about this window of tolerance where your brain is Fully integrated in that space within that window. And when you start to feel unsafe, uh, completely overwhelmed, like with the thought of exercise, for example, you take a step back and, okay, what does feel safe right now? Um, what, how can I take like a, a tiny step outside of my comfort zone, but that's still, that still feels safe? Um, And so like that whole all or nothing thing, and I think we are so wired to want to devote ourselves and that's worship.
Kasey Shuler [00:20:49 - 00:21:29]: And so, you know, we are called to give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord. And so I don't think we need to condemn the whole all or nothing mindset, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds and to, To shift our worship to the Lord in that. Um, and that starts with, okay, if I'm scared that I'm gonna fail again, or, or I'm going to gain weight, or whatever it is that your fear is, start, like, ask God to go first. And so, um, I, I've had to do this many times of like, I don't think I can do what you're asking me to do, God. So you're gonna have to go first.
Chrissy Kirkman [00:21:29 - 00:21:29]: Yeah.
Kasey Shuler [00:21:30 - 00:21:44]: So that way, If I succeed, then it's your success. I'm not gonna get puffed up with pride. If I fail, then, you know, like then I don't feel like a failure because obviously I just needed some redirecting.
Chrissy Kirkman [00:21:45 - 00:21:47]: Oh, that's beautiful. That's a win-win.
Kasey Shuler [00:21:48 - 00:22:36]: Mm-hmm. Yeah. So, um, and I, you know, it really depends on the specific circumstance for that person because Um, you know, it could just be like, okay, let me practice some breathing. Um, especially for someone who has been obsessed with exercise and really have to take, take a step back for their health. Um, gentle exercise is the way to go. Gentle movement really starts with your breath. Um, starts with stretching along with your breath of how am I feeling connected? Like when I inhale and then I exhale and I open up my body. How are those connections playing out here and now? So that you can start slow and intentional, and you can feel, um, that sense of autonomy.
Kasey Shuler [00:22:36 - 00:23:33]: You can feel, um, at home in your body. And then you can start making those motions a little bit bigger or challenging yourself by going lower or lifting a leg and, you know, just playing around with it and play being Um, feeling like being able to be curious in a safe environment. So if it no longer feels playful, if it feels like performance, if it feels like your identity depends on it, then take a step back, give it to the Lord. Okay, this is yours now, God. Okay, now let's just have fun. Let's just see how I move. And you talked about too, about being— You used to be a Zumba instructor and, and And those songs really light you up. And I have this whole story too of like when I was maybe 2 years old or something, I would like watch the show and my head would bob back and forth just unconsciously.
Kasey Shuler [00:23:34 - 00:23:45]: And then I think people would, like my parents or someone would point that out. And so I became self-conscious. And so I didn't hug. I didn't ever hug people growing up. I just like did like this stiff.
Chrissy Kirkman [00:23:46 - 00:23:46]: Arm.
Finding What Brings You Joy
Kasey Shuler [00:23:46 - 00:24:14]: Like, you can hug me. I'm not gonna reach out. Um, I didn't dance. I was just like terrified of being seen, I think. Um, still working through that, but, but now it's like, ah, fully embrace the joy of music. Like, that is absolutely what moves me. And, and so, you know, being able to notice like how, what moves me without me having to think about it. of like, oh, I just naturally go towards that thing because it brings me life.Kasey Shuler [00:24:15 - 00:24:36]: And so, Mm-hmm. for some of us it might be music. For some of us it might be being drawn to the outdoors. For some of us it might be being drawn to friends like, oh, my friends are doing this, let's go. Like, I'm gonna be whatever they're doing, I'm gonna go with them. Let's do it together. Um, so being able to find like what is drawing you out and movement's just, just a part, a natural part of that.
Chrissy Kirkman [00:24:37 - 00:25:09]: And that's true. Our team, 4 of us on our team had a discussion the other day about movement. And 2 of us were really drawn to dancing, music, that kind of movement. The other 2 were like, that is not my jam. I'm going to be out of it. Like, one person was like, I'd rather just do something on my own. And it's not going to be dancing because just the thought of the, you know, trying to figure out the choreography and moving and having people see that they're not moving right, all of those. So it's, it's not a one-size-fits-all.
Kasey Shuler [00:25:09 - 00:25:09]: Mm-hmm.
Chrissy Kirkman [00:25:10 - 00:25:13]: It's what brings you joy, what moves you.
Kasey Shuler [00:25:13 - 00:25:14]: Mm-hmm.
Changing the Inner Narrative
Chrissy Kirkman [00:25:14 - 00:25:31]: And makes you want to move. I also, as you were sharing a minute ago, I was thinking, you know, it's a lot of talking to yourself. Mm-hmm. This whole process is a lot of talking to yourself. And we've been talking to ourselves day after day, our whole lives.Kasey Shuler [00:25:31 - 00:25:31]: Mm-hmm.
Chrissy Kirkman [00:25:32 - 00:25:52]: And typically The things that we're saying to ourselves aren't good. Like me just sharing some of these shameful thoughts and feelings that I've had. Um, they're not good. They're, they're criticizing, they're putting myself down. They're, it's just so much shame.
Kasey Shuler [00:25:52 - 00:25:53]: Mm-hmm.
Chrissy Kirkman [00:25:53 - 00:26:18]: It's so, so critical. Um, and I wanna change how I'm speaking to myself. Let's, let's, Let's work on changing the things that we're saying. Mm-hmm. And, and what we're telling ourselves and just the checking in. I have, I will say being on the, um, having a Finding Balance board of directors, um, and the board members that we have, they're so loving, they're gracious, and they help me.
Kasey Shuler [00:26:18 - 00:26:18]: Mm-hmm.
Chrissy Kirkman [00:26:18 - 00:26:29]: They know that I, um, I, and I've gotten so much better, but like there was a, a time where I was feeling like it, everything was so overwhelming and learn just being in a new season, learning everything was new.
Kasey Shuler [00:26:29 - 00:26:30]: Mm-hmm.
Chrissy Kirkman [00:26:30 - 00:26:45]: Uh, and feeling like I could not take breaks. Mm-hmm. They weren't putting that on, but they have this, I have this little, this little check-in and they said the, the 3 things they wanted me to do every day was move, eat, and check in with myself.
Kasey Shuler [00:26:45 - 00:26:45]: Mm-hmm.
Chrissy Kirkman [00:26:45 - 00:26:55]: And stand up every now and then. I need to stand up. Sweet things. The board of directors, this is what they wanted. This is what they wanted me to do. They weren't saying work harder.
Kasey Shuler [00:26:55 - 00:26:55]: Mm-hmm.
Chrissy Kirkman [00:26:56 - 00:27:17]: Stay at your desk longer. Sweep the leg. Like none of this, none of that sweet, gentle, guiding, helpful. Mm-hmm. Because they understand, they know the benefits in those. Mm-hmm. So they've given me permission. Now I have to give myself grace.
Giving Yourself Permission and Taking Baby Steps
Chrissy Kirkman [00:27:17 - 00:27:56]: Mm-hmm. And learn how to give myself the permission. to take their advice, to be sweet and gentle to myself. And I'm saying this for, for you, listener, change your inner narrative. And, and Casey, what would you say for the person who's like, okay, that all, that all sounds good, but like, I don't even know how to take my foot up off the ground and move it forward half an inch to even take a step. Like what I, what I would consider a baby step. How do I take a baby step? What would you— What would you share that could help me? I mean, you've already shared some things that will help, but where would you go from there?Kasey Shuler [00:27:57 - 00:28:26]: Yeah. Okay. So I'm such a visual person. When you said baby step, it was like, okay, every one of my kids, my 2 kids, they all took their first baby step towards something, towards something they really wanted. So we don't just take a step, you know, out of no having no aim or purpose. We take a step towards something that will bring us life and joy and hope. For them, it was the remote control. Maybe that's symbolic of them wanting control in life, you know?
Chrissy Kirkman [00:28:28 - 00:28:29]: Hey, relatable.
Knowing Your Why and Moving Toward Truth
Kasey Shuler [00:28:30 - 00:29:39]: Yeah. I mean, you know, we all have to— God put us on this earth to partner with him. Um, so what, yeah, what are you stepping towards? And, and like you have that list of things that you know you should do, but you have the inner voice that's stronger than those words. So, I mean, without getting into like individual coaching sessions, it's like, pay attention to your words, um, that you say to yourself. And you need to be in the word so you can know if you're out of alignment with the words of God. Because we can't know if our— if the words that we're saying are condemning or not if we don't have Scripture to stand upon, um, and to be able to match it up with like, scripture is that, is that plumb line. And so if we're having this inner narrative of like, oh, I'm, I'm always gonna be the slow kid, or whatever narrative that you, um, whatever that story it is that you believe, you know, we see the story that we believe. Um, you can't allow God to change that until you know what you need to move towards.Chrissy Kirkman [00:29:39 - 00:29:39]: Yeah.
Kasey Shuler [00:29:40 - 00:30:07]: What the truth is about yourself. So like, I'm not, I'm not always gonna be the slow kid, um, because God made me, um, to love and enjoy him. And hey, what actually happened there? I was like slower than the rest of the kids. Some kid called me that. Okay, well that was their story. Okay. But I don't have to believe that to be my story, um, because God is the author. Of life.
Kasey Shuler [00:30:08 - 00:31:30]: And so he gets to write the story. So how can I let him do that? I have to know his word. And so I feel like that is half of allowing God to change it in your narrative is being in the word of God, memorizing it, storing it up in your heart so that the Holy Spirit can bring it to mind because he can't correct us if we don't, if we're not storing up that word. internally as well. So, and I, yeah, I think all those, like being able to, um, be renewed and, and that also comes with community of people. Like you are surrounded with a very supportive board of directors in your job. Um, and so if you can think of like who in your life already supports you, loves you just as you are, even if you didn't, um, even if you're not moving the way that you feel would be beneficial to you? Who in your life loves you, um, for who you are the way that God does? And so how can you, um, be able to expand and grow within that safe relationship and be able to believe that the words that they're telling you— and once again, it takes time to be able to unlearn these things, um, Mm-hmm. and to be able to like, I mean, a lot of times I'm very stubborn and it's like, well, I believe this thing and it's true.
Kasey Shuler [00:31:31 - 00:32:08]: And then, but what I've also had to start questioning myself is going a little bit step further and say, is it true? How do I know it's absolutely true? And then, Yeah. I really fall short every time of like, how do I know this thing is absolutely true? I can't prove it. What I can prove are God's promises that he has promised. Like those prove true every single time. Um, I don't know how they're gonna, prove true or, or when. Um, but they will. And I've seen that over time. And so that's something that I can trust and know and move towards and walk in whatever movement looks like.
Community, Support, and Joyful Health
Chrissy Kirkman [00:32:08 - 00:33:07]: And for the person who hears you say, you know, find people that can support you, and they're like, I literally, I don't have that in my life. I don't— there, I know that there are people out there that feel they don't have that, or if they're craving the Christ-centered friendship or community. So there's the Joyful Health Community group on Facebook. That's a way that they could connect with other people, kind of in a similar situation or different, different journeys, but, you know, wanting to have some joyful movement and, and, and have more joy in their lives. That's a way that they could connect. And even though it's people you don't know, when you find what you've got in common, it happens real fast. And when there's other believers involved, God just really does something, something big. So I know that that's an opportunity that our listeners could have to connect as well.Kasey Shuler [00:33:07 - 00:33:53]: Yeah, absolutely. And if you're listening to this podcast, you're most likely drawn to this message of The Lord being integrated with our health relationships, you know, him being the center of worship there. And so, yeah, we, we have these online communities. And so if you are looking for like-minded people, if you don't feel supported, if, if people in your life are constantly, you know, have, have diet talk or, or they're on this new, like, really intense workout program and you just feel less than, you fall short of within that community. There are, there are, God always provides believers for us to connect to. This is his body. And this is why too, as believers, we are called to reach out, to reach out.
Chrissy Kirkman [00:33:54 - 00:33:54]: Yeah.
Kasey Shuler [00:33:54 - 00:34:50]: To those who are struggling and to those who feel alone to say, you are not alone. If you're listening to this, you're not alone because you're listening to this now. We have these communities, plug in, connect. And really importantly, if you have somebody who just already loves you in person, there's just something about that personal in-person connection. Doesn't have to do anything with health, but even just to experience the love of someone else can be really healing and really set you free in a place where you feel safe. To where you feel safe to fail, you know, because we can't grow and we can't, um, step into joyful movement if, if we can't start from a steady space. So, you know, with people, with this online community too, um, we're here. Yeah.
The Power of Prayer and Letting People In
Chrissy Kirkman [00:34:50 - 00:34:59]: And, and prayer, prayer with other people, letting people in because this, this grow, this, um, this problem gets worse in isolation.Kasey Shuler [00:34:59 - 00:35:00]: Mm-hmm.
Chrissy Kirkman [00:35:00 - 00:35:15]: And so to let even one other person in is a big deal. I, I just read a freedom story from someone who came to Finding Balance and said, um, when she used our Christian treatment finder, she found a therapist and a nutritionist.
Kasey Shuler [00:35:16 - 00:35:16]: Mm-hmm.
Chrissy Kirkman [00:35:16 - 00:35:39]: Uh, or a dietitian, I'm not sure which one, um, that were Christ-centered. And it was the first time, like she had struggled for many years with an eating disorder in and out of treatment. Inpatient, outpatient treatment. And it was the first time she had ever experienced someone praying for her and with her about her eating disorder.
Kasey Shuler [00:35:39 - 00:35:39]: Mm-hmm.
Chrissy Kirkman [00:35:39 - 00:36:10]: And it was— it shifted everything. But she hadn't let anyone into that space. So there's something really powerful in that context of community. So if you need prayer, you can always email us your prayer request at prayer@findingbalance.com. We have prayer groups that happen. So, you know, look at our— on our website and see if you can get connected with a prayer group. But we want to pray for you and with you. But there's so much, so much power in prayer.
Kasey Shuler [00:36:10 - 00:36:11]: Yeah, that's beautiful.
Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Chrissy Kirkman [00:36:12 - 00:36:15]: Casey, any final thoughts and words for us?Kasey Shuler [00:36:16 - 00:36:23]: Final thoughts and words? Yeah. And I think the words has really been a central theme of this podcast.
Chrissy Kirkman [00:36:23 - 00:36:23]: Yeah.
Kasey Shuler [00:36:24 - 00:37:08]: And, you know, we, we kind of, we talk about, oh, okay, it would be nice to, to talk about this, but the Holy Spirit essentially leads and we have our hands open to him. And so I think as a listener, go ahead and open your hands. Um, I'm gonna do it now too. And just, uh, you know, allow, be open-handed, allow the Lord to transform Your definition of movement, um, to lead you in the way forward. Um, start listening to your own words, your own inner thoughts. Listen more so to the words of the Lord. Let him lead you with his words and then, and go forth. Move by grace for joy.
Chrissy Kirkman [00:37:10 - 00:37:24]: And then record yourself and send it to chrissy@findingbalance.com. No, I'm just kidding. No. Please, no, don't do that. Just move for joy. Let it please the Lord. Let it please you inside. I love this.
About the Joyful Health Show Podcast
Chrissy Kirkman [00:37:25 - 00:37:35]: Casey, thank you so much for being on the podcast today. I don't know that in your bio, did it even mention the Joyful Health Show podcast?Kasey Shuler [00:37:35 - 00:37:37]: No, didn't.
Chrissy Kirkman [00:37:37 - 00:37:49]: But you're the co-host of— oh my gosh. Well, y'all need to listen because it is good. I have found so much benefit out of listening to this show. Um, and I feel like you will too. It's Christ-centered good stuff.
Kasey Shuler [00:37:49 - 00:37:49]: Yeah.
True Freedom and Being Free in Christ
Chrissy Kirkman [00:37:50 - 00:37:57]: Um, so our final wrap-up, will you describe to us the last time you experienced true freedom?Kasey Shuler [00:37:57 - 00:38:54]: Hmm. And the, the, the freedom word, I thought, oh, when I go for a run, which is pretty infrequent, I'm a very fair-weather runner. Then I can just put music in and I feel like I'm flying. Um, the true freedom part is knowing that whether I am running or still or, um, injured, is that Christ has set me free. It is for freedom that he has set me free. And so knowing that whatever place whatever mode, whatever way I'm moving, that I am free from the need to perform. I am free from the need to please others with my, you know, how many miles I've gone or anything like that. I'm free from all that because I'm free in Christ.
Kasey Shuler [00:38:55 - 00:39:03]: So, but really movement helps me experience that. Fully mind, body, and spirit.
Chrissy Kirkman [00:39:04 - 00:39:10]: That's beautiful. What a way to end. That is perfect. The perfect way to end this episode.
Closing Prayer
Kasey Shuler [00:39:10 - 00:39:21]: Yeah. And like you said, prayer really, um, opens up the invitation for us to be with God and to experience freedom. So can I, can I pray for the listeners as well?Chrissy Kirkman [00:39:22 - 00:39:24]: Oh, they would love that. I would love that. Please.
Kasey Shuler [00:39:24 - 00:40:15]: Thank you. Okay, great. So wherever you are, just take a deep breath in. And fully exhale into the peace that God gives. If you have your hands open, go ahead and open those. Hebrews 12 says, therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking— To Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. So Jesus, I thank you for running your race. Um, I thank you that you have given us this life so that we can look to you.
Kasey Shuler [00:40:15 - 00:40:41]: You are the founder and perfecter of our faith, God, and movement is just, um, the journey that we get to walk with you on. So Keep our eyes not on ourselves, keep our eyes on you. And we trust you. We have faith that you will do it. You will complete the good work that you started in us. All good things, all good movement starts with you. Um, may we continue for the joy set before us. In Jesus' name.
Kasey Shuler [00:40:41 - 00:40:42]: Amen.
Chrissy Kirkman [00:40:43 - 00:40:45]: Amen and amen. Thank you, Casey.
Kasey Shuler [00:40:46 - 00:40:49]: Yeah, thank you.
