Calm & Confident You
Lucretia is a licensed mental health counselor who guides people to confidently manage their mood and life's challenges in order to live the life they want. This podcast will educate and encourage in the realm of human nature.
“Why I’m Reducing My Hospital Hours (And Why That Scares Me)” Ep. #72
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Are you feeling stuck in a career that no longer fuels your passion—or worse, drains you emotionally and physically? Lucretia shares her deeply personal journey of shifting from a stable hospital job to building a life that aligns with her creativity and well-being—without risking her health insurance or financial security. If you're longing for more purpose, freedom, and a chance to finally grow your own potential, this episode will inspire your next move.In this heartfelt episode, Lucretia reveals how a seemingly small schedule change became a turning point—giving her the sp...
The Loner Who Learned the Power of Groups #71
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As a lifelong introvert and self-described loner, I spent many years avoiding groups after early experiences with rejection and pressure to conform. In this episode, I share how my relationship with groups has evolved—and how thoughtfully chosen, purpose-driven communities have unexpectedly enriched my life. From women’s business networking and meaningful collaborations to the powerful learning that happens in online course communities, this episode explores how connection doesn’t have to compromise independence. If you value growth but prefer going it alone, this conversation may gently challenge—and encourage—you.
Suppo...
The Best Money You'll Ever Spend! #70
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When you invest in yourself, you’re not just spending money—you’re opening doors to growth, confidence, and freedom.
FREE "Basic Calming Skills Mini Course" Access https://wrepvfyvb8x4hugo7ppd.app.clientclub.net/courses/offers/23ae235d-2038-4925-9839-053080261436
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Lucretia's Website Facebook Instagram
Resorces: growingemotionalstrength.com
FB Strategies for Managing Overwhelming Thoughts and Emotions
email: Lucretia@ldonreed.com 208-392-1777
Licensed in ID & WA
Dusting Off the Dremel #69
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After a year of nonstop business focus, I finally picked up a tool I bought ages ago—my Dremel—and rediscovered the joy of creating. In this episode, I share the journey of returning to my jewelry-making hobby, how unexpected downtime turned into a creative revival, and why I'm choosing to make this summer about pleasure, presence, and personal joy. If you've been buried in to-dos and missing what lights you up, this one's for you.
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Resorces: growingemotionalstrength.com
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From Drudgery to Delight: Rediscovering Joy #68
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How I went from all work and no play to finding joy again.
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Resorces: growingemotionalstrength.com
FB Strategies for Managing Overwhelming Thoughts and Emotions
email: Lucretia@ldonreed.com 208-392-1777
Licensed in ID & WA
Getting Revved Up for My Goals #67
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I talk about how following my own advice to use the Winter Solstice as a time to review and then look forward upped my motivation and led to detailing out plans that I want to pursue. I include my goal setting format.
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Lucretia's Website Facebook Instagram
Resorces: growingemotionalstrength.com
FB Strategies for Managing Overwhelming Thoughts and Emotions
email: Lucretia@ldonreed.com 208-392-1777
Licensed in ID & WA
Steering Through the Storm while Building the Ship Ep #66
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I describe my journey through a stressful time, including a chicken story, and how I managed through it all. This relates to how I see my role as a counselor to others.
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Lucretia's Website Facebook Instagram
Resorces: growingemotionalstrength.com
FB Strategies for Managing Overwhelming Thoughts and Emotions
email: Lucretia@ldonreed.com 208-392-1777
Licensed in ID & WA
Jealousy Sparked My Clean Car Journey #65
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I discuss how a twinge of jealousy got me moving on something I had neglected for a long time.
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Lucretia's Website Facebook Instagram
Resorces: growingemotionalstrength.com
FB Strategies for Managing Overwhelming Thoughts and Emotions
email: Lucretia@ldonreed.com 208-392-1777
Licensed in ID & WA
Transitioning Seasons: Make the Most of Summer’s End and Look Forward to Fall, Ep. 64
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As the last days of summer fade away, those of us in northern climates begin to feel the bittersweet pull of fall. As the days shorten and the air cools, the shift to fall brings both a sense of loss (of summer priorities) and an opportunity to reset. Join me as we explore the impact of seasonal change on our routines, hobbies, and homes, and find ways to embrace the new season with fresh goals and renewed focus.
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Resorces: growingemotionalstrength.com
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My Unforgettable Encounter on the Water, Ep #63
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Discover the bliss of reconnecting with nature as I take you through my kayaking adventure on Silver Creek. From the peaceful waters to the surprise encounter with a moose and her calf, this episode captures the magic of outdoor exploration.
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Lucretia's Website Facebook Instagram
Resorces: growingemotionalstrength.com
FB Strategies for Managing Overwhelming Thoughts and Emotions
email: Lucretia@ldonreed.com 208-392-1777
Licensed in ID & WA
#62 Unlocking the Upward Spiral: How Positive Emotions Fuel More Happiness
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Instead of a negative downward mood spiral, I talk about the less discussed positive upward mood spiral.
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Lucretia's Website Facebook Instagram
Resorces: growingemotionalstrength.com
FB Strategies for Managing Overwhelming Thoughts and Emotions
email: Lucretia@ldonreed.com 208-392-1777
Licensed in ID & WA
Cyndi Rai (Like a Ray of Sunshine) Interview: Whole Foods and Energy Work Ep. 61
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Cyndi's website: Happiness Hives – Changing the Way We Connect
Cyndi's YouTube channel: (352) Happiness Hives - YouTube
"Energy work is about tapping into the body's internal system and addressing its needs." - Cyndi Rai
In this conversation, Lucretia interviews Cindy Ray, a holistic therapist with 25 years of experience in natural living. Cindy shares her personal journey of becoming a holistic therapist and the challenges she faced in the traditional medical system. She discusses the importance of whole food diet, energy work, and releasing negative emotions. Cindy also talks about he...
#60 Shift Your Energy: Small Steps to Better Motivation
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I give examples of my own struggle to get motivated and to have energy for the things I wanted to do and how I managed to shift.
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Lucretia's Website Facebook Instagram
Resorces: growingemotionalstrength.com
FB Strategies for Managing Overwhelming Thoughts and Emotions
email: Lucretia@ldonreed.com 208-392-1777
Licensed in ID & WA
#59 Mastering the Art of Slowing Down
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Today, I talk about how to bring about that sense of getting off of the hectic treadmill of life and slowing down.
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Lucretia's Website Facebook Instagram
Resorces: growingemotionalstrength.com
FB Strategies for Managing Overwhelming Thoughts and Emotions
email: Lucretia@ldonreed.com 208-392-1777
Licensed in ID & WA
#58 Stepping into the Spotlight: Embracing Feedback with Grace
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I talk about how my course development journey has led me into growth experiences with presenting my ideas and receiving feedback.
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Lucretia's Website Facebook Instagram
Resorces: growingemotionalstrength.com
FB Strategies for Managing Overwhelming Thoughts and Emotions
email: Lucretia@ldonreed.com 208-392-1777
Licensed in ID & WA
#57 The Excitement of Spring!
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I describe my own excitement and endeavors related to this time of year and my never ending creative pursuits!
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Lucretia's Website Facebook Instagram
Resorces: growingemotionalstrength.com
FB Strategies for Managing Overwhelming Thoughts and Emotions
email: Lucretia@ldonreed.com 208-392-1777
Licensed in ID & WA
#56 Encouraging Help for Health: Interview with Debbie Blackwell
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I interview Debbie Blackwell who was a nurse for 30 years who, because of her own quest for health, discovered a program that worked for her. She was so excited that she became a health coach using the same program.
Debbie's Facebook Page: Facebook
Debbie's Health Inquiry Form: DEBBIE BLACKWELL HEALTH EVALUATION (jotform.com)
Recommended books:
The Miracle Morning
The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan
The Habits of Health by Dr Wayne Scott Anderson through Optavia
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#55 Unruly Rumination
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I explain what rumination is and suggest ways to get out of it when it first starts.
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Lucretia's Website Facebook Instagram
Resorces: growingemotionalstrength.com
FB Strategies for Managing Overwhelming Thoughts and Emotions
email: Lucretia@ldonreed.com 208-392-1777
Licensed in ID & WA
#54 Focus Control to Tame Your Thoughts
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Explanation of how to use breathwork and mindfulness skills to choose to place your focus where you want it and disrupt negative thought spirals.
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Lucretia's Website Facebook Instagram
Resorces: growingemotionalstrength.com
FB Strategies for Managing Overwhelming Thoughts and Emotions
email: Lucretia@ldonreed.com 208-392-1777
Licensed in ID & WA
#53 Simple Shifts for Relieving Holiday Sadness
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Financial strains, grief, losses, distance, and adulthood can put a damper on holiday cheer. Take simple actions and keep an open mind to help your spirit.
Click below on growingemotionalstrength.com for the discount which goes until Tuesday 11/28 at midnight.
Support the show
Lucretia's Website Facebook Instagram
Resorces: growingemotionalstrength.com
FB Strategies for Managing Overwhelming Thoughts and Emotions
email: Lucretia@ldonreed.com 208-392-1777
Licensed in ID & WA
#52 Mind, Body, Massage and More: Interview with Laura Moog, LMT
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For the first interview episode of this podcast, I interview the person with whom I share an office. We discover how each other's endeavors compliment the other.
Books referenced:
"The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk
and "Crash Course" by Diane Poole Heller PhD and Lawrence S Heller PhD
Websites and resources:
Home - Transformed Wellness Center
Abandon Your Aches Massage – a new way through life!! (ayamassagecda.com)
My Hands Hurt – Abandon Your Aches Massage (ayamassagecda.com)
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#51 Mind, Mood, and Meltdown: The ABCs of Stress
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I discuss what exactly is stress, its effects, and the structure in our bodies which makes it possible to do something about our stress experience.
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Lucretia's Website Facebook Instagram
Resorces: growingemotionalstrength.com
FB Strategies for Managing Overwhelming Thoughts and Emotions
email: Lucretia@ldonreed.com 208-392-1777
Licensed in ID & WA
Interview Test with Nolan
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This is my first attempt to record an interview using Riverside.fm and then figure out how to upload audio only to Buzz Sprout. I briefly interviewed my son, Nolan, about his IT training.
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Lucretia's Website Facebook Instagram
Resorces: growingemotionalstrength.com
FB Strategies for Managing Overwhelming Thoughts and Emotions
email: Lucretia@ldonreed.com 208-392-1777
Licensed in ID & WA
#50 Are You Able to Pivot and Change Course?
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I discuss what it means to pivot, when it is needed, and how it relates to emotional health.
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Lucretia's Website Facebook Instagram
Resorces: growingemotionalstrength.com
FB Strategies for Managing Overwhelming Thoughts and Emotions
email: Lucretia@ldonreed.com 208-392-1777
Licensed in ID & WA
#49 Stay Calm and Carry On: A Patience Playbook
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Using a several days frustrating experience as an example, five pointers for maintaining patience are presented.
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Lucretia's Website Facebook Instagram
Resorces: growingemotionalstrength.com
FB Strategies for Managing Overwhelming Thoughts and Emotions
email: Lucretia@ldonreed.com 208-392-1777
Licensed in ID & WA
#48 Emergency Anxiety: Finding Calm Amid the Chaos of Uncontrollable Events
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In this episode, I suggest ways to reduce anxiety that is in response to distressing world events that are outside of our control.
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Lucretia's Website Facebook Instagram
Resorces: growingemotionalstrength.com
FB Strategies for Managing Overwhelming Thoughts and Emotions
email: Lucretia@ldonreed.com 208-392-1777
Licensed in ID & WA
#47 Notice Your Breath without Drifting
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It is well known that slowing one's breath and focusing attention on breathing helps with calming and with stress management. But people struggle to keep their focus and start thinking of other things. There are some questions to ask which will help you to notice and to keep noticing your breathing.
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Lucretia's Website Facebook Instagram
Resorces: growingemotionalstrength.com
FB Strategies for Managing Overwhelming Thoughts and Emotions
email: Lucretia@ldonreed.com 208-392-1777
Licensed in ID & WA
#46 Pay Attention! Don't Turn Away
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In this episode, I discuss the importance of paying attention to discomfort, not always trying to distract away from it.
I mention the app: Mindfulness Bell
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Lucretia's Website Facebook Instagram
Resorces: growingemotionalstrength.com
FB Strategies for Managing Overwhelming Thoughts and Emotions
email: Lucretia@ldonreed.com 208-392-1777
Licensed in ID & WA
#45 Do You Think Negative Thinking Causes Depression?
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New research changes assumptions about the relationship of negative thinking to the depressed mood state.
The book, "Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy" by Aaron Beck is mentioned.
Research about depressed people's thinking states was presented by Richard Sears during the PESI workshop: Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy 2-Day Experiential Workshop.
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Lucretia's Website Facebook Instagram
Resorces: growingemotionalstrength.com
FB Strategies for Managing Overwhelming Thoughts and Emotions
email: Lucretia@ldonreed.com 208-392-1777
Licensed in ID & WA
#44 Simple Self-Care During the First Painful Weeks of Recovery
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This episode covers the topic of self-care during the initial, painful phase of physical recovery. Hear about strategies, personal experiences, and practical advice to help you navigate these challenging early days with gentle exercises to emotional well-being practices. Discover how to find comfort amidst discomfort, maintain your mental and emotional health, and adapt self-care routines that will truly make a difference.
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Lucretia's Website Facebook Instagram
Resorces: growingemotionalstrength.com
FB Strategies for Managing Overwhelming Thoughts and Emotions
email: Lucretia@ldonreed.com 208-392-1777
Licens...
#43 Tweaking Attitude Over Time and Situational Struggles
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- The author is recovering from rotator cuff surgery about a week and a half ago.
- They discuss the ups and downs of pain and outlook during their recovery.
- They talk about the importance of managing their attitude.
- On a recent good day, they visited artists' studios, had lunch, and felt good physically.
- The next day is challenging due to pain, difficulty sleeping, and a grumpy mood.
- The author emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and positive moments.
<...#42 Putting It to the Test
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In this episode, I demonstrate the use of directing one's mental focus in a way to manage mood and outlook as I am still experiencing pain following surgery.
I reference the book, "The Joy of Appreciative Living," by Jacqueline Kelm
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Lucretia's Website Facebook Instagram
Resorces: growingemotionalstrength.com
FB Strategies for Managing Overwhelming Thoughts and Emotions
email: Lucretia@ldonreed.com 208-392-1777
Licensed in ID & WA
#41 How Much Should You Stretch Your Comfort Zone?
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In this episode, we delve into the concept of stretching one's comfort zone for personal growth. The host reflects on her upbringing and the influence of her cautious mother. However, desiring new experiences, she started embracing opportunities for learning and growth.
The host shares their recent experience of taking a solo trip to a nearby town, planning to engage in activities like swimming and hiking. Before going hiking alone, she considered factors such as the presence of a mountain lion in the area and the trail's popularity. While initially hesitant, she...
#40 The Importance of a Pleasant Human Interaction, even with a Stranger!
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I talk about "affiliation" as a basic human need and give examples of some simple interactions which helped to lift my mood.
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Lucretia's Website Facebook Instagram
Resorces: growingemotionalstrength.com
FB Strategies for Managing Overwhelming Thoughts and Emotions
email: Lucretia@ldonreed.com 208-392-1777
Licensed in ID & WA
#39 My Source of Motivation Today
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In this podcast episode, I explore the complex nature of motivation, highlighting the role of rewards, punishment, benefits, and discomfort in driving behavior change and promoting healthy habits. I use myself as an example regarding how I can be motivated to engage in self-care.
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Lucretia's Website Facebook Instagram
Resorces: growingemotionalstrength.com
FB Strategies for Managing Overwhelming Thoughts and Emotions
email: Lucretia@ldonreed.com 208-392-1777
Licensed in ID & WA
#38 Take One Step at a Time and Don't Stop
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In this episode, I tell the story of how I struggled with my physical abilities and insecurity in my school years, which affected my self-esteem. I gradually built confidence by lifting weights and gradually increasing my physical effort. Eventually, I was capable of doing things which my teenage self wouldn't have believed possible.
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Lucretia's Website Facebook Instagram
Resorces: growingemotionalstrength.com
FB Strategies for Managing Overwhelming Thoughts and Emotions
email: Lucretia@ldonreed.com 208-392-1777
Licensed in ID & WA
#37 Shifting Anger to the Undeserving
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In this episode, I discuss the defense of Displaced Anger. I touch on a few of the reasons it occurs and what you can do about it.
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Lucretia's Website Facebook Instagram
Resorces: growingemotionalstrength.com
FB Strategies for Managing Overwhelming Thoughts and Emotions
email: Lucretia@ldonreed.com 208-392-1777
Licensed in ID & WA
#36 Higher Value Happiness
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In this episode, I talk about different types of happiness experiences. I give you examples and explain how you can increase your overall happiness in a way that lasts.
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Lucretia's Website Facebook Instagram
Resorces: growingemotionalstrength.com
FB Strategies for Managing Overwhelming Thoughts and Emotions
email: Lucretia@ldonreed.com 208-392-1777
Licensed in ID & WA
#35 "You are so mean! Never Mind What I Did."
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In this episode, I discuss the defense mechanism called "Victim Stance." I explain the various ways it presents, its purpose and effect, and suggest a way to manage it.
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Resorces: growingemotionalstrength.com
FB Strategies for Managing Overwhelming Thoughts and Emotions
email: Lucretia@ldonreed.com 208-392-1777
Licensed in ID & WA
#34 Consistent Mini Joyful Experiences
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In this episode, I discuss the importance of small but consistent joyful experiences to improve overall mood. I give a few examples of what worked for me when I was in a two-week-long funk.
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Lucretia's Website Facebook Instagram
Resorces: growingemotionalstrength.com
FB Strategies for Managing Overwhelming Thoughts and Emotions
email: Lucretia@ldonreed.com 208-392-1777
Licensed in ID & WA
