If you're dreading Christmas – whether it’s because of loneliness, anxiety, or the thought of sitting across from family members who don't get you – this episode’s for you.

I know how tough this time of year can be, especially if you’re dealing with family estrangement or bigoted relatives.

I’m sharing 8 powerful, no-nonsense strategies to help you stay grounded, protect your mental health, and get through the holidays without losing yourself. These aren’t just for Christmas – they’re tools you can use daily to build confidence, communicate better, and stand stronger in who you are.

Plus, I’m answering a question from someone in the Braver Women community who's facing this exact struggle. If you're alone this year, you don’t have to let loneliness or feelings of inadequacy take over – let’s face this head-on. www.braverwomen.com

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In this Braver Women Show Podcast episode, host and therapist, Leanne C Jones introduces lesbian fiction author, Rain McAlister. Rain is a courageous gay woman from the West Coast of Ireland. Rain has bravely faced a lifetime of intense anxiety and the heavy burden of childhood trauma, which caused her to live in fear and avoid leaving her home for years.

Join us as Rain opens up about her incredible journey to rediscover her self-worth, build her confidence, and free herself from shame and fear after working directly with Leanne in Braver Women. She shares how she reached milestones she never thought possible and the powerful impact of overcoming societal pressures, discrimination, and self-doubt. At one point, Rain was told she couldn't be helped and had given up all hope, seeing Braver Women as her last chance.

For many of us in the queer community, navigating these challenges can feel overwhelming. Rain’s story shows the power of believing in ourselves and letting go of the lies we've been conditioned to think. By sharing our experiences in the LGBTQ+ community, we create connections, foster understanding, and inspire healing.

If you’ve ever felt different or struggled with anxiety, this episode will deeply resonate with you. Tune in to be inspired by Rain McAlister's remarkable transformation from fear to freedom.

www.braverwomen.com

1. You can access Rain's wonderful publications here

2. Connect with the Powerful Braver Women Facebook Community here

3. Grab your copy of the 'Braver Women Journal for LGBTQ+ Women - The 6-Step Journalling Method to Transform Your Confidence

4. To Request a Consultation with Leanne - Click here

5. Want a topic covered on the Braver Women Show? Click here

Braver Women Client, Carol went from dreaming of being a writer to seeing her lesbian fiction novel, 'Charlotte and Me', on the shelves of Waterstones and all good bookstores. But this success didn’t come easily.

For years, Carol struggled with low confidence, anxiety, and low self-worth, stuck in relationships where she couldn’t truly value herself. Fear and unresolved trauma affected every area of her life. After years of receiving mediocre ‘band-aid’ therapy with minimal results, Carol hit a breaking point after a painful breakup.

That’s when she discovered Braver Women. In this episode, Carol shares how working with Leanne within the bespokely designed Braver Women Breakthrough Program helped her break free from anxiety, fear of rejection, and self-doubt. The Braver Women approach isn’t about quick fixes; it’s about being taught step by step how to integrate sustainable, brave therapeutic changes that allow you to truly transform, from the inside out. She's going to share with you how she did it.

Carol’s story of overcoming fear, embracing her sexuality, and stepping into her full potential is a testament to the power of doing deep work. Her journey proves that no matter where you’re starting from, you can rewrite your narrative and create lasting change in your life and relationships.

Carol shares her experience to inspire YOU, showing that no matter how stuck you feel, you can learn to show up braver, break through limiting beliefs, and live a life of authenticity and courage.

www.braverwomen.com

Carol's Publication | Charlotte and Me available here:

https://www.waterstones.com/book/charlotte-and-me/carol-margaret-leyland//9781068560712

Connect with the Braver Women Community Here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/359069712192635/

Get your copy of the Braver Women Journal for LGBTQ+ Women here | Available worldwide: https://amzn.eu/d/3zQc2QZ

Have a suggestion for an episode you'd like to see covered? You're welcome to contact me here: info@braverwomen.com or connect with me on social media: