This week’s episode of Marriage, Motherhood & PTSD was a special one. I sat down with my longtime friend, mentor, and powerhouse of healing wisdom—Dr. Joshua P. Smith—to talk about something we don’t always give enough attention to: Soul Care.
In this season of bouncing back and building resilience, I wanted to shine a light on what’s going on underneath the surface. Because here’s the truth: you can’t walk in wholeness if your soul is worn out.
What Is Soul Care?
We often hear about self-care—bubble baths, quiet time, journaling. And don’t get me wrong, those things are great! But soul care goes deeper.
As Dr. Joshua shared in the episode, soul care is about tending to the emotional, mental, and spiritual parts of you—the parts people don’t always see, but that impact everything you do.
You can’t pour into others if your own well is dry. And for many of us, especially women who carry the weight of family, work, and faith responsibilities—we’ve been running on empty and calling it strength.
Grief Is a Process
One of the most powerful moments in this episode was when Dr. Joshua said, “Grief doesn’t go away. It evolves. It has to be processed, not avoided.”
Whew. That hit.
Grief isn’t just about death—it can come from loss of identity, dreams, routines, or even your sense of self after trauma. Soul care means making space to breathe, to feel, and to heal without shame or pressure.
You’re not crazy for still feeling pain. You’re human.
Guarding Your Heart & Healing Your Mind
We talked about how trauma reshapes the way we see the world—and how important it is to guard our hearts. Proverbs 4:23 tells us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
When your soul is bruised, it affects your relationships, your mindset, your faith, and your ability to move forward.
So, how do you start healing?
Dr. Joshua shared a few powerful practices:
- Stillness & Silence: Let your soul breathe
- Prayer & Reflection: Let God meet you in your realness
- Scripture: Let the Word reframe your pain
- Therapy & Support: Healing is not weakness—it’s wisdom
You Need Community
This part is huge. Dr. Joshua reminded us that healing doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens in safe spaces with safe people.
That’s why I created The Locker Room—a place for women like you to continue the conversation, share your story, and walk this healing journey together. Don’t do life alone. Join us at www.iamcoachleah.com/thelockerroom.
Your Next Step: The Stress Less Workbook
If you’re ready to start evaluating your emotional and spiritual well-being on a deeper level, I want you to grab my Stress Less Workbook. It’s a personal life budget designed to help you manage your time, energy, and emotions so that your life supports your peace, not your pressure.
Download it here → https://marvelous-artist-7723.kit.com/210f48e163
💬 Final Thoughts
Soul care isn’t optional. It’s essential.
You were never meant to carry it all alone. You deserve space to heal, to grow, and to thrive. And I pray this episode gave you permission to do just that.
Don’t forget to watch the full episode with Dr. Joshua P. Smith on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast platform. Then come join us in The Locker Room—because the healing continues after the show.
Be Encouraged. Be Empowered. And Be Blessed.
— Coach Leah 💛