What If You're Not The Problem?

In Episode 8 of Rethinking Weight, I sit down for a beautiful one-on-one conversation with Stephanie Gaston as she shares her journey through career, family, transition, retirement, empty nesting, menopause, and the emotional changes that come when life enters a brand-new season.

We talked about what happens when the life you knew starts shifting - when your children grow up, your career changes, your body changes, your hormones seem to take over, and suddenly you find yourself asking, “Who am I now?”

This conversation is honest, funny, emotional, and deeply relatable. Stephanie opens up about the care...

Day 30 of 30 is here... and I made it!

This is Intentional Tuesday and I used my Breathing Coach as my workout, and I celebrated with going out to dinner.... oh yes I did. But the final day of posting every single day for my 30-day Rethinking Weight challenge isn't over... it just diminishes a little, and honestly? This was about so much more than working out or posting everyday.

It was about showing up when I was tired.

Showing up when I was sore.

Showing...

Today is Day 29 of 30, and it’s Weigh-In Monday.

Yes, I ate pizza. Vegan pizza, but still pizza. But even though I gained a pound, I’m not making this about guilt, shame, or punishment.

This is what Rethinking Weight is all about.

Sometimes the scale moves up because your body is changing. Sometimes you’re building muscle. Sometimes you’re gaining strength, endurance, discipline, and consistency - even when the number does not reflect it yet.

The scale is one piece of information. It is not the whole story.

So tod...

It’s Day 28 of 30, it’s Mother’s Day, and I’m starting a brand-new painting piece.

I was so excited because I just got these AI smart glasses, and I thought you were finally going to be able to see the painting process from my point of view. Well… surprise, surprise… I painted the first layer and the whole time thinking I was recording, and not one bit of the painting got recorded. LOL.

So yes, there is definitely a learning curve with these glasses. What I started is now drying, and next time I’m going to...

Day 27 of my 30-day Rethinking Weight journey is Show Up Saturday, and today’s workout adventure started with a thigh exerciser that was definitely not made for me. 😂

So what did I do? I found an original-style Suzanne Somers Thigh Master on Facebook Marketplace, drove 25 miles to get it, used it for 10 minutes — and then got on the treadmill for another 25 minutes.

No, you will not see me doing the thigh exercise. Nope. Not happening. LOL!

But the point is this: I showed up anyway. Mother’s Day is tomorrow, Monday weigh-in is coming, a...

This is Day 26 - the final piece of Fixing What Was Broken.

My artwork, After The Tide, had fallen, cracked, and needed to be repaired. I glued it, filled the gaps with sand, and today I had to paint it for it to be finished.

And that reminded me of something powerful: God doesn’t just fix us and leave us unfinished. When He restores, He makes us whole, finished, polished, and sparkling.

What was broken didn’t stay broken.

What was cracked became covered.

What looked damaged became beau...

Today is Day 25 of 30, and we are stepping into Thunderous Thursday with a simple but powerful MoveLite™ workout.

This episode is all about Steppin’ Time - stepping up and down like walking stairs, but staying in one place. You can use an aerobic step platform, one stair, a short sturdy stool, or simply march in place. I’m using my vibration plate as my stepper today, and yes… the sweat showed up!

In this session, we talk about the benefits of stepping, including lower body strength, balance, coordination, endurance, core engagement, and heart health. We also tal...

Today is Day 24 of 30 - of this intentional journey, and it’s Wonderful Wednesday with The Barefoot Violinist.

In this episode, I’m sharing a classical piece and allowing the music to create a moment of peace, reflection, and reset. Sometimes movement is not about pushing harder. Sometimes movement is letting your mind breathe, your heart settle, and your spirit be reminded that beauty still has a sound.

This is part of Rethinking Weight - where we are learning to release the weight physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

Be-Mighty.

BMMT: Body, Mind...

Today is Day 23 of my Rethinking Weight journey, and whew… this one is real. I did not feel like working out today. My body was tired, everything was hurting, and I had every reason to sit this one out - but I pressed start anyway.

This Intentional Tuesday treadmill workout is not about perfection. It is about showing up, taking one step at a time, and reminding myself that progress is still progress, even when it feels slow.

Walking on the treadmill is more than just movement. It helps strengthen the heart, supports endurance, burns ca...

Day 22 of 30 - Happppy Scale? Well… today the scale had jokes. 😂

I gained 1.8 pounds, but here’s the truth: I’m not just chasing a lower number anymore. I’m building muscle, building strength, and building a body that can carry me better.

And muscle? Muscle can make the scale go up before it goes down. But that does not mean I’m going backwards. Muscle helps burn fat, supports my body, and changes the way I feel, move, and show up.

So yes, the scale sai...

In Day 21 of 30, Part 2 of Finding My Peace, I continue restoring my artwork, "After The Tide", after it fell from the wall and cracked into pieces.

[ Artwork Now For Sale - https://TheBarefootViolinist.com]

Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/Y4yz-y1VG48

What started as a broken art piece became a powerful reminder that sometimes healing takes time, patience, and the willingness to fill the gaps we can see - and even the little creases and crevices we didn’t notice at first.

Using sand fr...

Today is Day 20 of 30 of my Rethinking Weight journey, and it’s Show Up Saturday!

For today’s movement, I’m using a Rotator Machine Arm Workout Equipment, also known as an arm rotator machine, forearm trainer, shoulder strength trainer, or spinning arm trainer.

This small but mighty workout tool helps target the forearms, wrists, grip, arms, shoulders, upper-body endurance, coordination, and control. It may look simple, but when you use it with intention, it can bring a real burn.

This workout is not about...

Today is Day 19 of 30 - Find Your Peace Friday, and I’m finding my peace through painting.

But today’s painting moment came with a message. One of my art pieces fell and broke, and instead of throwing it away, I decided to mend it back together. And as I worked with the broken pieces, I started thinking about how God does the same with us.

Sometimes life breaks us. Sometimes we fall. Sometimes we crack in places nobody can see. And even when we are mended, we may not look exactly the same as befo...

Day 18 of 30 - was truly a night to remember.

Today was all about showing up, being present, and supporting young musicians. I attended a beautiful senior recital at The Chicago Academy of the Arts, featuring percussionist Mireya Ross - and what made it even more special is that the entire evening was completely produced by Mireya herself.

From the music selections to the musicians she chose to accompany her, the night was filled with creativity, excellence, and heart. There is something powerful about watching young artists step into their gift with confidence...

🎥 Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/C9zl_8wdkus

Day 17 of 30 - Today was one of those gloomy days where the sky felt heavy, the mood felt quiet, and I knew I needed to shift the atmosphere.

So I decided to be intentional.

I picked up my violin, turned on some house music, and said, “Let’s bring a little sunshine in here.”

And would you believe it? While I was playing, the sun came out. Then when I stopped p...

Day 16 of 30 - Today was one of those full, full days.

Walmart not once, but twice.

Laundry day at the laundromat.

SUV checked.

Errands, movement, responsibility, life happening all at once.

And then, an amazing concert on top of it all.

By the time I realized I hadn’t posted yet, the day was almost gone. But here’s the thing — I’m still here. I’m still showing up. I’m still being intentional.

That’s...

This wasn’t about perfection.

This wasn’t about doing everything “right.”

This was about showing up… every single day.

Today is Day 15 of 30 - Weigh-In Monday

and I released 2 pounds this week… 5 pounds total.

But this right here…

this is Be-Mighty.

👉 BMMT - Body. Mind. Movement. Truth.

It’s the simple framework I’m building my journey on:

Body - nourishing, not punishing

Mind...

Day 14 of 30 - In this episode, we sit down with Mom & Pop Business Funding (ToTheRescueFunding.com) to talk about how business owners are securing the funding they need in as little as 1–2 days, even after being turned down by traditional lenders.

This conversation breaks down:

• Why many businesses get denied by banks

• What options are available right now

• How funding decisions are really being made

• What business owners can do to position themselves for fast approval

If you’re looking t...

What if it really was this simple?

Day 13 of 30 - the Rethinking Weight journey is all about one thing… walking.

No extremes. No pressure. Just one mile of intentional movement that helps you release the weight - physically, emotionally, and mentally.

In this 10-minute walking workout, we’re not just moving our bodies… we’re activating the Be-Mighty Framework (BMMT):

Body - Check in and reconnect

Mind - Slow down and become present

Movement - Take con...

Day 12 of 30: Sometimes the hardest part of what we do…

is explaining it in a way people can actually remember.

Not because it’s complicated,

but because we haven’t simplified it yet.

In this video, I’m talking about something that helped me bring clarity to everything I teach…

a framework.

Nothing heavy. Nothing complicated.

Just a simple, repeatable way to organize what you already know.

For me, it became:

<...

Day 11 of 30 is here… and we’re not quitting.

This is your Thunderous Thursday ride - a simple, steady, 10-minute workout on a recumbent bike that meets you right where you are.

And let me be real with you…

I is tired.

I hurt everywhere.

But this is not the time to quit.

This is the time to push — gently, consistently, and with intention.

In this session, we’re not chasing pe...

Day 10 of 30 - This Is What I Do To Find My Peace 🎻

Today I will be playing my violin to bring you peace.

There are moments when life gets loud… when your thoughts won’t slow down… when everything feels heavy.

This is what I do to come back to peace.

Playing my violin isn’t just music… it’s healing.

It calms my mind, settles my spirit, and helps me release the weight I’ve been carrying.

So in this moment, I invite...

Day 9 of 30 - Today wasn’t about going hard…

It was about being intentional.

Showing up…

moving your body…

and choosing yourself on purpose.

Because this journey isn’t about perfection…

it’s about consistency.

And every time you show up - no matter how small it feels

you are moving forward.

✨ In today’s session:

• Gentle movement (rebounding / light workout)

• Staying present in your body

• Letting g...

Day 8 of the 30-Day Rethinking Weight journey… and today is Weigh-In Monday.

This isn’t about pressure.

This isn’t about perfection.

This is about awareness.

Where are you today - physically, mentally, emotionally?

Because the number on the scale is just information…

it doesn’t define you.

We’re learning to stop fighting our bodies…

and start working with them.

One step. One choice. On...

Day 7 of 30: Rethinking Weight | The Mahogany Table Podcast | The Women Empowerment Zone

🎻 The Barefoot Violinist interviewed on The Mahogany Table Podcast

This conversation centers on one powerful idea: protecting your peace without guilt.

We talk about the healing power of music, rethinking weight beyond the physical, and how emotional and spiritual weight impacts our lives. It also dives into caregiving, the challenges of supporting others while not losing yourself, and the importance of setting boundaries for true self-care.

✨ Key Takeaways:

• Protect...

Day 6 of 30 | Today is all about being intentional.

I’m getting my movement in - walking outside, breathing, and just being present… then heading out to grab spices for some vegan dishes I’m making. Simple, real-life moments… done on purpose.

Because this journey isn’t about perfection.

It’s about choosing on purpose, what you’re doing, how you’re moving, and how you’re showing up.

So let me ask you…

✨ What are you being intentional about toda...

Day 5 of the 30-Day Rethinking Weight journey is here… and today is all about sweetness 💙

Welcome to Fun Food Friday - where we learn how to enjoy the foods we love… differently.

Today’s feature is a signature dessert: ✨ Blueberry Blast ✨

Creamy, naturally sweet, and satisfying - without working against your goals.

Because this isn’t about restriction…

It’s about awareness.

It’s about shifting how you think about food.

👉 You don’t have to give up dessert...

In Day 4 of the 30-Day Rethinking Weight challenge, we’re focusing on movement—without pressure, without extremes.

This 10-minute Thrive Thursday session introduces a different way to move using low-impact activation with the LifePro vibration plate. Whether you’re recovering from injury, just getting started, or simply looking for a sustainable approach, this is about meeting your body where it is.

MoveLite™ is built on simple, intentional movement that fits your life - because around here, we don’t do hard… we do what works.

If you’re...

Day 3 of 30 - Most people don’t realize how much oil they’re actually consuming… and it may be the hidden reason nothing is changing.

In today’s episode of the 30-Day Rethinking Weight series, we’re breaking down one of the most overlooked pieces of the puzzle: oil.

From “healthy oils” to fried foods, calories add up fast—without ever making you feel full. And while the world debates seed oils vs. olive oil… we’re asking a different question:

👉 How much are you actually consuming?

This isn’t about fear.

Day 2 of my 30 Day Challenge… and today we slow it all the way down.

This is Intentional Tuesday - and we’re starting with something simple… but powerful: breathing.

Most of us don’t even realize it… but we’ve been living in shallow, rushed breathing - and it keeps our bodies in a constant state of stress. Today, we pause. We reconnect. We reset.

This isn’t about perfection… it’s about awareness.

Take a moment with me… breathe… and ask yourself:

What a...

What is your 30-day challenge? Is it releasing weight - physically, mentally, and emotionally? Is it starting a business, or finally cleaning and organizing your home? Whatever it is… let’s start today.

🎻 Music by The Barefoot Violinist | https://TheBarefootViolinist.com

🌐 Visit: https://RethinkingWeight.com

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📚 Get your eCookBooks / Workout Equipment - under SHOP

🎁 Grab your FREE Gift on the homepage

🎥 Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ci4DHi9fEv8

In this episode, we sit down with Mom & Pop Business Funding (ToTheRescueFunding.com) to talk about how business owners are securing the funding they need in as little as 1–2 days—even after being turned down by traditional lenders.

This conversation breaks down:

• Why many businesses get denied by banks

• What options are available right now

• How funding decisions are really being made

• What business owners can do to position themselves for fast approval

If you’re looking to grow, expand, or simply stay ahead, this episode offers real insight i...

After raising five kids and pouring into her family for years, what happens when the house gets quiet?

In this honest conversation, I sit down with my friend, I call her my twin - she's a wife, mother of five, and woman of faith, as she shares the unseen weight she carried, the shift into empty nest life, and what it looks like to finally choose herself.

We talk about getting healthy, letting go of guilt and clutter, and trusting God’s next move in this new season.

If you’re navigating change, redi...

Mental Health Awareness with Alexandra Shloss

Anxiety. Depression. The habits we build to survive.

In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Mental Health Therapist Alexandra Shloss to talk honestly about what’s happening beneath the surface. Why do we stay stuck in certain patterns? How do anxiety and depression quietly shape our decisions, our bodies, and our relationships?

This episode isn’t about judgment. It’s about understanding.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, exhausted by your own thoughts, or unsure where to start — this conversation is for you.

You are...

What happens when you leave a high-energy life… but keep eating the same?

At just 23 years old, she stepped away from a high-energy dance career — but her eating habits didn’t shift with her lifestyle.

In this episode of The Journey Is Real, we unpack food relationships, organic myths, fasting resets, and the mindset behind losing 75 pounds.

If you think transformation only comes later in life… think again.

This is real life. Real awareness. Real change.

What happened to you in childhood… and how is it still shaping you today?

In this episode of The Journey Is Real, Bonnie Karr-Schuerhoff shares a powerful story about emotional scars, the patterns formed in our earliest years, and the hard work of breaking free from the chains that quietly follow us into adulthood.

We talk about the decades of change in a woman’s body, from young adulthood to menopause, and how hormonal shifts impact our emotions, weight, identity, and sense of control. And we don’t stop there.

We also explore what h...

My Story

It’s raw. It’s real. It’s the truth behind the transformation.

In this episode, I share the journey no one saw - the emotional weight, the silent struggles, the faith, the setbacks, and the small victories that changed everything. This isn’t just about losing pounds. It’s about losing shame, fear, and the belief that I wasn’t enough.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your body, your habits, or your own thoughts… this one is for you.

What if the struggle with weight was never about discipline?

What if you were never the problem?

In this debut episode of the Rethinking Weight Podcast, we open the door to a new kind of conversation, one rooted in compassion, truth, and lasting transformation.

This isn’t about shame, perfection, or another quick fix. It’s about learning to release the weight, physically, emotionally, and mentally, and stepping into a healthier, more peaceful relationship with your body.

If you’re tired of starting over or carrying the weight alone… this space was crea...