Your Guide to a Supported and Connected 2025

Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen

The podcast opens with a warm welcome to listeners as we step into the new year of 2025. Heather Hester emphasizes the importance of taking a moment to breathe and reflect on the past year, inviting everyone to slow down and listen to the needs of their bodies and souls. This episode dives deep into themes of self-care and boundaries, acknowledging the emotional challenges many faced in 2024, including feelings of anger, disbelief, and isolation. Heather highlights the crucial role of setting boundaries, whether for the first time or as a seasoned practice, and how these boundaries can create space for rejuvenation and recalibration.

As the conversation progresses, Heather shifts focus to the future, encouraging listeners to contemplate their needs and concerns moving forward into 2025. Questions about support, resources, and community are posed, underscoring the podcast's commitment to providing valuable content and connection for listeners. The introduction of a new substack newsletter and a private podcast, along with a community Discord channel, is announced as a means to foster a safe space for vulnerability and connection among listeners, particularly those within the LGBTQ community.

The reflective nature of the podcast culminates in a personal sharing of grief and celebration. Heather shares their journey of holding space for both the loss of a loved one and the joy of personal achievements, such as the publication of their first book. This duality is framed as a vital aspect of the human experience, encouraging listeners to acknowledge their feelings—both good and bad—and navigate their own emotional landscapes with compassion and awareness. Ultimately, the episode is a call to action for self-care, connection, and hope as we move forward together into a new year.

Takeaways:

• This year has emphasized the importance of setting boundaries in our relationships.
• Reflecting on the past year allows us to celebrate our achievements amidst our losses.
• Creating a supportive space is crucial for LGBTQ individuals to feel heard and understood.
• January serves as a grace period for self-reflection and planning for the year ahead.
• Engaging with communities through platforms like Substack fosters connection and shared experiences.
• Acknowledging both joy and grief can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves.

Connect with Heather:

Give a copy of Heather's new book, Parenting with Pride.

Join Heather's *free* Substack weekly newsletter (private podcast and Discord channel are through the optional paid option inside!)

Access the course, Learning to Parent with Pride!

Work with Heather one-on-one or bring her into your organization to speak or run a workshop!

Please subscribe to, rate, and review Just Breathe. And, as always, please share with anyone who needs to know they are not alone!

YouTube

TikTok

Email: [e-mail]