In this episode, I speak with Kristjana Hillberg (@kristjana_hillberg), founder of Your Freelance Friend and host of the Red Door Podcast, about growing up in a system of religion that did not resonate with her. Through heartfelt and inspiring anecdotes about her personal journey, Kris shares how she stayed connected to her intuition throughout many difficult life experiences, which led to an ultimate realization that spirituality doesn't have to involve organized religion. We talk about how important it is for your overall health and well-being to define spirituality on your own terms. We also emphasize how questioning your beliefs, doing inner work, setting boundaries, and sitting in discomfort is essential to this process; even though it can be exhausting at times, there is the promise of wholeness on the other side if you're willing to do this work. When there is dissonance between what feels true in your heart and what is communicated to you by others, it can lead to self-doubt, low self-worth, and pressure to follow the status quo. To this end, we also discuss how to cope with the pain and challenges commonly involved in breaking free from values and messages you've deeply internalized, especially when you're told that there's something wrong with you, or you face other negative repercussions, for not aligning with what you've been taught. Note: This episode does refer to an experience of sexual assault. Please listen at your own discretion. To learn more about or connect with Kris, follow her on instagram @kristjana_hillberg(https://www.instagram.com/kristjana_hillberg/), or check out her podcast - the Red Door Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-red-door/id1441883898) Additional Resources For more tips on connecting to intuition and defining your values and living in alignment with them, check out my free 4-part video series on building resilience: https://melissafoynes.com/free-series If you're interested in personalized support focused on enhancing intuition, defining spirituality and other life values, living life more on your terms rather than for other people, or other important lifestyle shifts, check out my 1:1 Coaching Program: https://melissafoynes.com/1-1-program Follow @drfoynes on Instagram. Please note that the information provided in this episode does not constitute professional advice or therapy, mental health services, or health care services, and is not intended to serve as a substitute for professional advice or services. If you are struggling with a mental health crisis or need immediate assistance, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.