December 2025

November has been a month of new beginnings, growth, and gratitude — the kind that reminds me why I do what I do. One of the biggest milestones was the official launch of the Redeeming Stories podcast, now live on Apple and Spotify. Sitting down with thoughtful, courageous guests, Juanita Ellingson, Dustin Payne, and Heidi McBain, and sharing conversations filled with depth, faith, and humanity has already been an incredible gift. To Juanita, Dustin, and Heidi — thank you. Your stories are helping shape something meaningful. As we look into December, I am looking forward to new guests: Miranda Roos, Deborah Marlow, Denise Watkings, and Alli Villines. I hope you will tune in and listen to their redeeming story each Sunday. 

November also marked a personal homecoming as I settled back in California, a return that feels both grounding and expectant. And as the Redeem Thyself community continues to grow — now more than 8,000 strong — I am continually humbled. Thank you for listening, supporting, and walking with me. There is so much ahead, and I’m grateful to share the journey with you.

There are two more launches coming in the new year. First, Redeeming Qualities. I will be sharing short reels/videos a few times a week that are positive traits I see in myself. These qualities may have flaws or reflect mistakes, but I am taking the small steps needed to overcome them. They are the things that make someone worth understanding, appreciating, or giving a second chance.

For the second launch, keep reading. I am eager to share and find out what you need in this special space.

The Redeem Collective is a trauma-informed, faith-gentle digital sanctuary created by Julie M. Lane, Ed.D. — a space built for survivors of domestic abuse, sexual abuse, emotional neglect, complex trauma, and relational violence who are seeking truth, healing, and the restoration of identity. Through shared story, somatic grounding, faith awareness, and creative expression, The Redeem Collective becomes a home for people learning to transform pain into purpose.

This healing ecosystem connects across multiple platforms:
Website — juliemlane.com hosts the Healing Diary, research in belonging, personal narrative, and educational trauma resources.
Slack Collective — moderated peer-support rooms, journaling prompts, emotional weather check-ins, art & music channels, and regional support spaces.
@redeeem_thyself — healing reflections, grace, redemption, and inner restoration.
@7_pedals — harp-based sound healing for anxiety, grounding, and emotional regulation.
YouTube Channel — music, meditations, creative reflection sessions.
Redeeming Stories Podcast — Apple & Spotify — survivor-centered storytelling, gentle conversation, and voice reclamation.

For $10/month, subscribers gain access to hundreds of vetted trauma-informed resources, including:
• abuse recovery frameworks
• emotional regulation tools
• expressive arts therapy practices
• faith & identity restoration reflections
• therapist directories & hotline access
• downloadable educational guides

Grounded in evidence-based healing and expressive arts research, The Redeem Collective offers depth, community, clarity, and hope. 

More information to follow. In the meantime, please keep an eye out on our social media platforms for additional information. Or, feel free to email info@juliemlane.com.

Navigating the Holidays When You Carry Trauma

The holidays are often painted as a season of joy — bright lights, family gatherings, shared meals, and laughter. But for many of us with past trauma, that same season can stir up old hurts, unexpected pain, and overwhelming pressure. The sensory overload of decorations, crowded rooms, familiar smells or songs, and well-meaning but intrusive questions can revive memories we thought were safe. 

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone — and it doesn’t mean you’re not healing. It means the season asks more of you.

Here are compassionate, practical ways to protect your peace — drawn from experts and communities who understand:

1. Recognize and anticipate your triggers.
Know what kinds of situations — noise, certain conversations, big gatherings — tend to affect you. Planning ahead gives you a sense of control. 

2. Set boundaries (and stick to them).
You don’t have to attend every event or stay as long as others expect. It’s okay to say “no,” or quietly leave early.

3. Build holiday plans that honor you.
Create traditions that feel safe and grounding: a quiet walk, time in nature, reading a book, or just sitting with coffee in calm light. Prioritizing rest and small comforts helps regulate emotional overload. 

4. Know you’re not the only one who feels off.
Many people struggle with expectations of “holiday cheer.” Recognizing your feelings — whether grief, anxiety, or discomfort — is valid. You don’t need to “perform” happiness. 

5. Connect with support — if you can.
Reach out to trusted friends or family who understand, or consider professional support when needed. Talking about what you’re going through can make the difference between being alone in the struggle and needing support. 

If the season feels heavy, remember: healing isn’t a sprint. It’s a quiet walk through winter — sometimes slow, often painful, but moving forward nonetheless. It’s okay to honor your own pace and prioritize safety and peace. This holiday season, let compassion guide you — for others, and for yourself.

Below you will find my Redeem Thyself Blogs. My blogs are typically posted each Sunday on the Redeem Thyself webpage. I do hope you find encouragement, strength, and resilience in reading the blogs. We can learn from one another and know that it is possible to heal, recover, and move forward in a more healthy way of simply doing life day to day.

Website: j. m. lane

Instagram: @redeem_thyself

Instagram: @7_pedals

Facebook: Redeem Thyself

Email: info@juliemlane.com

775.560.5151

Note: JM Lane is NOT a mental health professional, nor does she carry a license to practice medicine. Posts, blogs, and content are based on JM Lane’s personal experiences, perceptions, and reflections. By no means does any material convey what others should or should not do.

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