Finding Joy Beyond the Pressure to Make the Holidays Perfect | Full Life Podcast Are you feeling overwhelmed trying to create the “perfect” holiday? In this episode, host Zach Imboden and licensed counselor Ashleigh Purinton dive into why the holidays often bring stress, anxiety, comparison, and unrealistic expectations—and how you can rediscover real joy this season.We talk about perfectionism, family pressure, emotional overwhelm, parenting during the holidays, and practical ways to experience peace, presence, and purpose during Christmas.If you want a calmer, more meaningful holiday season, this episode is for you.Ashleigh Purinton - Psychology Today:https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/th...Oasis Kids Counseling – Serving Roseville and Surrounding Communitieshttps://oasiskids.care/✨ What You’ll Learn

• Why the holidays feel so stressful
• How comparison and family expectations fuel pressure
• Signs your emotional stress is becoming too heavy
• Practical shifts to reduce overwhelm
• How to set healthy boundaries
• Helping kids navigate holiday overstimulation
• How to choose presence over perfection

The Forgotten Caregiver of Mental Crisis
with special guest Amber J. Parker

When someone you love is battling trauma, PTSD, or suicidal thinking, the world often rushes to support them—but rarely asks, “How is the caregiver doing?”

In this powerful episode, Zach sits down with Amber J. Parker—Physician Assistant, military wife, speaker, and author of The Forgotten Caregiver of Mental Crisis. Drawing from her own journey through her husband’s suicide attempts and PTSD, Amber gives voice to the unseen emotional, spiritual, and physical toll carried by caregivers in mental crisis.

Together, we explore:
• What makes caregivers feel invisible and overwhelmed
• The daily reality of living with a “ticking time bomb”
• How trauma and suicidality affect both the individual and the caregiver
• The guilt, fear, and exhaustion caregivers rarely admit
• Practical strategies for responding in crisis without losing yourself
• The importance of giving yourself permission to rest and heal
• Where God meets us in the dark places
• How to build resilience and hope in the middle of chaos

Whether you are a caregiver yourself or love someone who is, this conversation offers validation, clarity, and a deep sense of you are not alone.

Amber’s new book, The Forgotten Caregiver of Mental Crisis, is a lifeline for anyone carrying the weight of someone else’s pain—and longing for hope.

Listen in and be encouraged. You weren’t made just to survive. You were created to experience a full life.

Caregiver Check-In Quiz Link: https://choosejoyinthemidst.myflodesk.com/caregivercheckinquiz

Connect with Amber J. Parker:

Website: Amberjparker.com

Her Book On Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FZRTDB9K

Her Book On Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-forgotten-caregiver-of-mental-crisis-amber-j-parker/1148683842?ean=9798891853119

Connect on Instagram: www.instagram.com/amberjparker_ @amberjparker_

Connect on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@amberjparker @amberjparker

Zach at FullLifeForYou.com

In this episode of the Full Life Podcast, host Zach Imboden guides you through a powerful yet simple practice of gratitude that can transform your perspective and reconnect you with God’s presence—even in the middle of a busy, challenging season.

When life feels overwhelming or rushed, gratitude is a spiritual rhythm that can ground you in truth and lift your heart toward hope. Through a brief guided reflection, scripture meditation, and intentional prayer, you’ll be invited to pause and notice God’s goodness in your past month.

Whether you're struggling to slow down or longing to grow spiritually, this episode will help you recenter, refocus, and find joy in the small but sacred moments of life.

You’ll reflect on questions like:

• What am I most grateful for this month?
• How have I experienced God’s love?
• How has God worked through me?

Take 10 minutes to breathe, reflect, and give thanks. Gratitude might not change your circumstances, but it will change you.

💛 Download more resources or learn about coaching and spiritual direction at FullLifeForYou.com