In this episode, Kara welcomes Dr. Karen Hyden, a board-certified nurse practitioner, Christian counselor, and integrative wellness coach, to discuss the power of exploring her story for healing. Karen has just released her memoir, Back to Hope. From finding her way though eating disorder, body dysmorphia and self-doubt as a teen to navigating the challenges of marriage and chronic illness to finding her true calling helping others, Karen's story offers inspiration and encouragement for anyone seeking to understand their past and create a brighter future. Karen offers encouragement and hope for listeners navigating their own journeys. If you need hope and inspiration, this episode will lift you up.

Highlights:

• Karen's book, "Back to Hope," is incredibly honest and relatable, especially for young women.

• Learn how Karen used writing to process emotions and gain insights into her life story.

• Karen shares her approach to exploring her life chronologically, identifying key events and their lasting impact.

• A candid conversation about the challenges and triumphs of marriage, including navigating difficult seasons and finding unity.

• Karen discusses the theme of feeling "not enough" and the journey to self-acceptance and self-love.

• Karen shares insights on improving communication and understanding in partnerships.

Quotes:

• "I feel like in order for me to move forward, I did need to explore my story and everything that happened in my story to really understand lies that I was believing."

• "Mamas and dads, do your work, do your healing work. Because what you do in your life to heal your life impacts your kids more than anything else."

• "Your love story is not your whole story."

• "The goal is to get back to unity. Division is the destruction of marriage."

• "Learning to be in one (marriage) for a lifelong adventure is a lot of work, and it's a lot of growth."

• "If you're out there and you're married and you need some encouragement, pick up Karen's book."

Connect with Karen:

• Website: www.karenhyden.com

• Book: Back to Hope: A Memoir About Finding Meaning and Healing Through Surrender

Dr. Karen Hyden, PhD, MSN/Ed, APN-BC, ACHPN, is a double board-certified nurse practitioner and founder of an integrative wellness practice for women. She blends functional medicine, emotional healing, and Christian counseling to help women heal body, spirit, and soul.

A national healthcare leader and the author of Back to Hope: A Memoir About Finding Meaning and Healing Through Surrender, Dr. Hyden draws from both personal experience and decades of clinical expertise. Through her signature framework and faith-based approach, she helps women discover purpose, identity, and wholeness rooted in Scripture.

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