Dr. Merry

Join us next week (January 11 to 15) on 700 Club Canada’s Week of Hope, as we offer messages of encouragement and wisdom on very important issues of mental health. This has certainly been an unprecedented time of stress and uncertainty. The impact this pandemic has had on our mental health has yet to be fully measured, but we know that mental health struggles have skyrocketed. Be sure to tune in all of next week and share each episode to help spread the word.

046 - Shame Resilience (https://anchor.fm/the-fully//046---Shame-Resiliency-en12og) This week’s episode on The Fully Lived Life Podcast is an important one. Too many times, too many of us are taken down by shame. ... Shame...the master emotion that we all experience. It can literally stop us in our tracks. Shut our voice. Prevent us from doing the wonderful things we’re called to do. But it doesn’t have to be this way! Listen in if you want to learn how to build your resiliency against shame! Follow us on @thefullylivedlife #thefullylivedlife #shameresilience #psychology #faith #tametheshame

For those who missed Village Church’s Women’s Conference on Joy, here’s the link to the video I contributed, where I speak about the Science of Joy!

Come join me on Saturday, Nov 21, 2020, 7 pm ET and 7 pm PT for this fabulous and FREE online women’s conference!!! The theme is JOY...a much needed boost during this unprecedented and difficult season. Join in on your own or host a watch party! Click on this link to register: https://thisisvillagechurch.com/conference/

Come join me online for Village Church’s Women’s Conference on Saturday, Nov 21, 2020, 7 pm ET and PT! This event is free!! Register for yourself or host a watch party and watch with your friends! This year’s theme is on JOY: Humans are on the search for contentment. We want to grow up and get a job, maybe go to school, fall in love, get that new pair of shoes, the new car, the new house, land that dream job we are in hot pursuit to find joy, yet end up feeling anxious, st...ressed out and wondering if things will ever get better. But what if What if joy was the remedy, the antidote to our restlessness, shame, bitterness, and anger? What if the wrestle to choose joy is simply part of being human? What if the true source of joy wasn’t found in things but was found in a relationship with Jesus and all you needed to do is accept the gift of joy found in Him. https://thisisvillagechurch.com/conference/

Are you an over-functioner?? Come on, don’t leave us alone here!! Like this post if this is you! . Gotta admit, this is a big ouchie for @drmerrylin and @lifecoachgillian .. argh.. . We chat in this week’s podcast episode (#042) about how over-functioning has held us back...as well as those in our lives we do too much for ... . Part of #livefree means facing the truth that our sense of responsibility and concern can sometimes lead to trouble, or even dysfunctional relationships at work or home. . But oh, how freeing! . Will you join us in breaking free? There is such huge relief when we let go of burdens we weren’t meant to carry. . https://anchor.fm//042---How-Over-Functioning-is-Holding-Y . #thefullylivedlife #livefree #overfunctioning #overresponsibility See more

WHY ARE PEOPLE SO LONELY? Psychologist, Author & Podcaster Dr. Merry answers this question, and she also discusses the dangers and risks of loneliness with our Host Melinda Estabrooks this week. Watch part of her interview here!

Episode 041 is up!! . . And it’s a good one! We talk about the importance of self-compassion on this episode of our podcast...The self-care that allows us to take our unique place in our community! .... . Today, we decided to practice what we preach. For us, there’s nothing better than a motorcycle ride with our hubbies amidst the beautiful fall colours, and stopping for a honking serving of scrumptious fish and chips at @rhinos_roadhouse . . So what about you? How can you extend goodness to yourself? . . https://anchor.fm//041--Claim-Your-Unique-Presence-in-Your . . #thefullylivedlife #tooclosetothecamera #megatime #selfcompassion #selfcare

The Enneagram has become one of the most popular tools for personal growth and development. I have to admit, as a psychologist who’s been trained in assessment methodology and interpretive rigour, I was pretty skeptical at first. But oh my, has the Enneagram been pivotal in my personal growth! The depth and insight that I continue to gain has been remarkable. I cannot express how valuable it has been for me in my psychological, spiritual and relational journey. ... I’ve now had the privilege to coach others in their personal growth, using the Enneagram, and I’m zinging with purpose and joy as I get to see people develop! But did you know that it’s also a powerful tool for leadership and team development? I have been blown away by the insights that it brings to leaders and teams. From executive coaching, to developing emerging leaders, to improving team health and corporate culture...the applications are endless! The Enneagram can support individuals, couples, families, teams and organizations in understanding their deepest levels of intrinsic motivation, conflicts, fears, and self-limiting beliefs. Unlike other assessment tools that focus only on external behaviours and competencies, this tool brings deep insight to people’s hidden, internal drives that can lead to actions and decisions that are self-limiting and even sabotage their goals. And conversely, it can remove barriers and open up their human potential to pursue change that will free them to be their true self, living out of health and authenticity. Sound intriguing?? If this is of interest to you personally or corporately, check out what we’ve been up to at Dr. Lin & Associates (https://www.drlinandassociates.com/services). Or private message me for more information. Do this!! It’s so worth it! YOU are worth it!

Episode 038 - Why Do We Struggle to Do What We Want? . . This month is #giveyourselfpermission month!! .... . What is it you’ve been wanting to do but have been afraid? Felt it was too selfish? What would you do if you could write yourself a permission slip? . . Dr. Merry and Life Coach Gillian review the Enneagram to discuss the blocks that might hold the 9 types back from doing what they want. . . Listen in for tips on how you can begin to break free to do what you want!! . . https://anchor.fm//038---Why-Do-We-Struggle-to-Pursue-What . . #thefullylivedlife #ownyourfllspace #growthmindset #livefree #bebrave #psychology #lifecoach See more

The Enneagram has become one of the most popular tools for personal growth and development. I have to admit, as a psychologist who’s been trained in assessment methodology and interpretive rigour, I was pretty skeptical at first. But oh my, has the Enneagram been pivotal in my personal growth! The depth and insight that I continue to gain has been remarkable. I cannot express how valuable it has been for me in my psychological, spiritual and relational journey. ... I’ve now had the privilege to coach others in their personal growth, using the Enneagram, and I’m zinging with purpose and joy as I get to see people develop! But did you know that it’s also a powerful tool for leadership and team development? I have been blown away by the insights that it brings to leaders and teams. From executive coaching, to developing emerging leaders, to improving team health and corporate culture...the applications are endless! The Enneagram can support individuals, couples, families, teams and organizations in understanding their deepest levels of intrinsic motivation, conflicts, fears, and self-limiting beliefs. Unlike other assessment tools that focus only on external behaviours and competencies, this tool brings deep insight to people’s hidden, internal drives that can lead to actions and decisions that are self-limiting and even sabotage their goals. And conversely, it can remove barriers and open up their human potential to pursue change that will free them to be their true self, living out of health and authenticity. Sound intriguing?? If this is of interest to you personally or corporately, check out what we’ve been up to at Dr. Lin & Associates (https://www.drlinandassociates.com/services). Or private message me for more information. Do this!! It’s so worth it! YOU are worth it!

Episode 038 - Why Do We Struggle to Do What We Want? . . This month is #giveyourselfpermission month!! .... . What is it you’ve been wanting to do but have been afraid? Felt it was too selfish? What would you do if you could write yourself a permission slip? . . Dr. Merry and Life Coach Gillian review the Enneagram to discuss the blocks that might hold the 9 types back from doing what they want. . . Listen in for tips on how you can begin to break free to do what you want!! . . https://anchor.fm//038---Why-Do-We-Struggle-to-Pursue-What . . #thefullylivedlife #ownyourfllspace #growthmindset #livefree #bebrave #psychology #lifecoach See more

Hey, it’s Dr. Merry! This is by no means a flattering picture of me - no makeup, camera angle far too close showing my crooked teeth and spots on my face, eyes squinting almost closed. But I decided to post this for our #ownyourFLLspace challenge. . .... This is me: goofy, laughing big, making lemons out of lemonade and making fun of myself for others enjoyment! . . I was wearing a mask at a restaurant patio but the wind was blowing so hard that my hair was getting in the way of my food. That’s a big NO. Nothing gets in the way of MY FOOD (anyone with me??). So I pushed my mask on top of my head to keep the hair away and voila! I discovered a new look!!! . . And of course, I immediately had to put it to a vote. It was a super close one, with doctor hat taking an early lead to finally being overtaken by the winner...diaper head!!! . . (Thanks to everyone who voted!) . . Will you join in our #ownyourfllspace challenge?? Post a picture or video that shows you being your true self and tag our page @thefullylivedlife . . We continue our season with episode 037 - Finding our Voice (https://anchor.fm//episodes/037---Finding-Your-Voice-ek4q3j). Yep it’s another good one as Coach Gillian and I move towards freedom with our listeners! . . #thefullylivedlife #livefree #trueme #ownyouFLLspace See more

#2020 has been a year of stretching...it has been painful and it has upended so much of our lives. . . And yet #livefree was my word for #2020. I had no idea what was in store for this year when I chose that word. But whoa, did that freedom come in unexpected ways! There has been so much growth through the challenges of this year, many of the changes internal...in my psyche and in my soul. .... . I realized that while God does let tough stuff happen in our lives, it isn’t just to grow our character and our faith. It is for our freedom. He loves us soooo much that he wants us to live full out in freedom. He wants us to live as our true selves. . . And so he allows the hard stuff of our lives to chip away the masks, the defences, the blind spots, the shame, the insecurities and the fears holding us back. . . For me, he’s freeing me from my fear of what others think, my sense of duty and my over-responsibility. My catering to the expectations of others. My pride in thinking it’s all up to me. My denial of what really makes my soul sing. My reluctance to step outside of my comfort zone. Only on the other side of freedom have I realized how crippling it has been. How much I’ve been holding back. . . And so we start Season 2 of our podcast. Season 2 is a celebration of freedom. It outlines a pathway to #thefullylivedlife that @lifecoachgillian and I are trying to live out in our own lives. Will you join us? . . This season, we get even more transparent and honest in sharing from our own journeys...all in the hopes that our words will be an encouragement to our listeners and an inspiration to keep pushing through the hard stuff to grow and to #livefree . . So come join us every Friday over a coffee or tea and be prepared to be inspired! And to laugh, of course . . Available on all major podcast platforms. Link to the first episode of Season 2: bit.ly/FLL035. And follow us on Instagram on @thefullylivedlife . . #thefullylivedlife #growthmindset #faith #psychology #lifecoaching #transformation #freedom See more

Season 2 is now live!!! . . We have an awesome season lined up that we can’t wait to share with you! This is a season where we go deep. We move intentionally forward to a finale that culminates in tangible outcomes for our listeners...if you’re willing to work the program along with us. .... . This season, @lifecoachgillian and @drmerrylin get even more transparent and honest in sharing from their own journey...all in the hopes that their words will be an encouragement to their listeners. . . So come join us every Friday over a coffee or tea and be prepared to be inspired! And to laugh, of course . . Available on all major podcast platforms. Link to the first episode of Season 2: bit.ly/FLL035 . . #thefullylivedlife #growthmindset #faith #psychology #lifecoaching #transformation

Yes, that’s Life Coach Gillian and Dr Merry on a motorcycle adventure (no, we aren’t actually in Brazil but I can’t seem to remove the location tag, haha!), accumulating funny stories to share on our podcast!! It’s research time that’s part of our prep . . We probably haven’t laughed as much as we did on this motorcycle trip!! Let’s just say it involved personalized Italian names for each of us (one of our husbands opted for Alonso Goggles Paisano after the famous racing ...character in Flinstones ), matching giant hoop earrings and espadrilles (can you say twinsies?), and maybe a little bit of strutting our seasoned bodies for a make-do fashion show (sorry no pictures, just trust us, ain’t no one gonna pay us to walk the runway ) . . We’re just a few days away from hitting the recording studio to start taping Season 2 episodes Boy, do we have a line up planned for you!! We’re super excited! . . Season 2 episodes will start on the first Friday of September 2020 and weekly from then. So stay tuned and make sure to mark the date and tell all your friends!! Can’t wait! . . Your friends, Lucia Chianti di Rossi Julianna Frescobaldi See more

Final episode of season 1 is up!! And it’s a GOOD one you don’t want to miss! https://anchor.fm//034---Season-1-Finale-Take-Up-Your-Spac . . Yes that’s @lifecoachgillian and I social distance floating with our beloved W. Taking a break from recording...you may not realize it from the picture but we are having seriously deep conversations (aren’t those the best?? Floating and talking, yes!!) .... . We’ve been inspired by @jenhatmaker to take up our space fully!! Her book, Fierce, Free and Full of Fire is stirring us up big time!! Oh yeah, we’re uncomfortable and squirming and all that painful stuff when we face the lies and shame and false expectations that hold us back but oooooh...it’s so great to march towards freedom!!!! . . Join us once again on Sept 4, 2020, when we continue the conversation on our podcast!!! . . #thefullylivedlife #fiercefreeandfulloffire #personalgrowth #psychology #faith #drmerry #lifecoachgillian See more

It’s my fault. I’m powerless. I’m not safe. These are the core beliefs of people who are traumatized. When we work with people who have experienced trauma, some of the most important work they do in their recovery is to overcome these misbeliefs. ... Until they do, they remain caught in the turmoil of their trauma, unable to break free. Their limbic system stays in high gear, alert to all the dangers around. Hyper-vigilant, over-reactive, quick to panic, flight or fight - this is their constant state. Often, they cope by white knuckling their way through life, trying to control their limbic system responses, and they are exhausted, with much less capacity to cope. Healing and freedom comes with a sense of personal power and safety - when they are able to accept that they’re no longer in danger; an acknowledgment that their trauma is not their fault but solely the responsibility of their perpetrator(s); that they have a voice and their story matters. And they know that they have become more resilient as a result. Scarred but stronger. But what if those beliefs remain? What if this is their reality that they cannot escape? The reality that they aren’t safe and they are powerless? And they keep hearing the message that somehow it’s their fault? We’ve seen traumatized nations, with generations upon generations reaping the devastation of unresolved trauma. The effects become so embedded into their psyche and belief system that it’s hard to break free. What we’ve been witnessing is the devastation experienced by a traumatized race. AN ENTIRE RACE. It’s been going on for generation after generation, so entrenched in their trauma experiences that it has become their norm. And I fear that we have become inured to it. We’ve started to blame the victim. My heart is breaking for my black brothers and sisters. Can we see beyond their anger to see their pain? Can we understand that it is trauma that fuels their bellows? Can we see that they feel blamed, unsafe and powerless? We have all been called to be a part of the solution to bring healing and hope into this broken world. That is what we’re called to do as followers of Jesus Christ. Yes, I often feel powerless in the face of such pain. I can’t even begin to fathom the depths of what people have endured. But I choose to walk with people in their pain, I choose to hold onto hope for them. And I choose to engage in love - one person at a time. Love is what will overcome hate. #lovewins #blacklivesmatter

Lorie Hartshorn, one of the hosts of 700 Club Canada, and I chat about how to use this season of change for a healthy reset - whether in our mental health, spiritual well-being, marriage, or family health. This is a time when the stress may reveal cracks in our lives. Instead of denial - which only keeps us stuck and can exacerbate our suffering - perhaps this is a time to evaluate where we are at and make conscious decisions for healthy change. Remember, while pain is inev...itable as part of our humanity, God never intends us to suffer as a result of believing lies. Jesus came to set us free so that we can live a full life! For me, this has been a time of deep soul searching as cracks and unresolved issues have surfaced in the stress of today’s challenges. But it has been good, as God has surfaced areas in my life that he wants to heal and bring freedom. Don’t waste your pain! Choose to mine it for growth. Choose to reset your life to pursue spiritual, emotional and relational health.

If you know what your Enneagram number is, check out the pictures below to see if this sounds like you . . The Enneagram is one of our most requested topics. So... we’ve finally decided to do a two part series on how each type responds to stress. .... . 027- Enneagram Types and Stress, Part 1: Types 1 - 4 (https://anchor.fm//027---Enneagram-Types-and-Stress-Part-1) . . If you’re interested in digging deeper, @lifecoachgillian and I are certified iEQ9 Enneagram coaches and we looooove coaching people around the Enneagram. It’s a highly effective, nuanced, compassionate, and convicting tool we use for personal growth and development. For more information, visit our website at https://drlinandassociates.com . . Oh, and thanks to @livefromsnacktime for the real life quotes from kids!! . . #thethingskidssay #thefullylivedlife #enneagram #iEQ9Enneagram #enneagramandstress #personalgrowth See more

Will you join me and many other fabulous women at the True Online Conference hosted by @gatherwomen? Friday and Saturday, May 22 to 23, 2020. Powerhouse lineup of incredible speakers and meaningful times of praying and sharing. The opportunity to experience the event in real time, with live hosting, live chats and interaction, and prayer rooms is powerful! You can also purchase tickets that allow you full access to all content for a year!! Tickets are available until Saturd...ay morning. Be sure to use the 15% off coupon: true15off. #trueconference2020

During this time of isolation, we can experience stressors on our family and relationship health. Tune in as Lorie Hartshorn and I chat on 700 Club Canada about strategies to help build family resilience.