Rise to Freedom

Dealing with difficult coworkers, workplace drama, or leadership challenges? Workplace conflict is inevitable, but protecting your peace is a choice. In this episode, I share a personal story of handling workplace tension, how I set boundaries, practiced forgiveness, and moved forward, and practical strategies to navigate conflict while staying focused on your goals. If you’ve faced toxic colleagu...

How to Stay Inspired and Remember Your ‘Why’ Amid Educational Changes Teaching is more than a career—it’s a calling. But when the education system keeps shifting, policies change, and expectations grow heavier, many educators find themselves questioning their purpose and wondering if they can keep going. If you have ever felt burned out, discouraged, or disconnected from the reason you started tea...

What do teachers wish they knew their first year? In this episode of Rise to Freedom, I break down the hard truths and lessons that every educator needs to hear. From setting boundaries and avoiding burnout to the mental and emotional toll of teaching, we’re getting real about what it takes to survive and thrive in education. Whether you’re a new teacher, experienced educator, or passionate about...

Setbacks can feel like the end of the road—but what if they’re actually a setup for your next breakthrough? In this episode, I share how I turned a low performance evaluation into an opportunity for growth, went from “Needs Improvement” to “Highly Effective,” and learned the power of resilience in the process. If you’ve ever faced challenges in your career and felt like giving up, this episode is...

In this episode of Rise to Freedom, we explore how to avoid burnout while managing the many roles life throws at us—wife, mom, educator, entrepreneur, and more. Host Cecilia Columbus shares her personal journey of balancing a full-time job, building an education consulting business, and navigating the challenges of family, health, and entrepreneurship. Discover how to recognize the signs of burnou...

Sometimes, purpose isn’t something we choose—it chooses us. In this episode of Rise to Freedom, I’m sharing my unexpected journey into education. I never planned to become a teacher—I wanted to be a pediatrician. But life had other plans. From struggling with precalculus and biology to earning a psychology degree and later becoming a special education teacher, my path took many turns. But through...

Last week, I was hit hard with the flu, and it reminded me of an important lesson: pushing through is important, but so is rest. In this episode of the Rise to Freedom podcast, I’m sharing my experience with illness, the power of listening to your body, and why rest is not a weakness—it’s necessary. 💡 Matthew 11:28 – “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” 👉 Ta...

Depression can feel like an overwhelming weight, but there is hope. In the Rising Through Depression series, Freedom Empowerment Coach Cecilia Columbus shares faith-filled insights, practical strategies, and personal reflections to help you navigate through the darkness. Explore how leaning on God, embracing self-compassion, and taking small steps can lead to lasting healing and freedom. Whether y...

Feeling stuck in loneliness and isolation? You’re not alone. In this episode of the Rise to Freedom podcast, host Cecilia Columbus shares heartfelt ways to break free from the isolating effects of depression. Discover simple yet impactful steps to reconnect with others, rediscover your inner strength, and find healing through faith and community. Depression doesn’t have to keep you stuck—healing i...

​In this insightful episode of Rise to Freedom, we continue the conversation on overcoming depression with special guest Pamela Turner. Together, we explore the complexities of depression, how it impacts individuals and families, and the importance of showing support to those who are navigating this difficult journey. Pamela shares practical ways to identify the signs of depression and actionable...

In this episode of the Rise to Freedom podcast, host Cecilia Columbus shares her personal journey of navigating depression and the holiday blues, offering practical tips and faith-based insights to help you rise above feelings of sadness and overwhelm. Depression doesn’t have to define you—healing is possible, one small step at a time. Cecilia discusses how depression impacts motivation, success,...

In this episode of Rise to Freedom, we dive into the transformative concept of One Word That Will Change Your Life and explore how choosing a single word can help you live intentionally in 2025. Host Cecilia Columbus shares her personal journey of rediscovering the power of intentional living and how her chosen word, intentionality, is shaping her year. Discover how to align your actions with your...

Welcome to the Rise to Freedom podcast, the go-to resource for healing, empowerment, and personal growth. In this episode, discover how to rise in 2025 by letting go of past hurts, releasing guilt and shame, and stepping boldly into the best version of yourself. Gain actionable tips for building confidence, practicing self-compassion, and creating a clear vision for your future. Whether you’re see...

Email me at freedomencourages@gmail.com for a 1-on-1 Empowerment Hour Session, learn more about my products at FreedomEncourages.com, and follow @risewithcecilia on Instagram. Join us on Facebook Rise to Freedom Group! Check out www.cmcolumbusenterprise.com to join the Freedom through Forgiveness Anthology today!

Email me at freedomencourages@gmail.com for a 1-on-1 Empowerment Hour Session, learn more about my products at FreedomEncourages.com, and follow @risewithcecilia on Instagram. Join us on Facebook Rise to Freedom Group! Check out www.cmcolumbusenterprise.com to join the Freedom through Forgiveness Anthology today!

Email me at freedomencourages@gmail.com for a 1-on-1 Empowerment Hour Session, learn more about my products at FreedomEncourages.com, and follow @risewithcecilia on Instagram. Join us on Facebook Rise to Freedom Group! To join the anthology email me at https://www.cmcolumbusenterprise.com/join-the-anthology-today or ceciliamcolumbus@gmail.com

Email me at freedomencourages@gmail.com for a 1-on-1 Empowerment Hour Session, learn more about my products at FreedomEncourages.com, and follow @risewithcecilia on Instagram. Join us on Facebook Rise to Freedom Group!

Email me at freedomencourages@gmail.com for a 1-on-1 Empowerment Hour Session, learn more about my products at FreedomEncourages.com, and follow @risewithcecilia on Instagram. Join us on Facebook Rise to Freedom Group!

Email me at freedomencourages@gmail.com for a 1-on-1 Empowerment Hour Session, learn more about my products at FreedomEncourages.com, and follow @risewithcecilia on Instagram. Join us on Facebook Rise to Freedom Group!

Email me at freedomencourages@gmail.com for a 1-on-1 Empowerment Hour Session, learn more about my products at FreedomEncourages.com, and follow @risewithcecilia on Instagram. Join us on Facebook Rise to Freedom Group!

Email me at freedomencourages@gmail.com for a 1-on-1 Empowerment Hour Session, learn more about my products at FreedomEncourages.com, and follow @risewithcecilia on Instagram. Join us on Facebook Rise to Freedom Group!

Email me at freedomencourages@gmail.com for a 1-on-1 Empowerment Hour Session, learn more about my products at FreedomEncourages.com, and follow @risewithcecilia on Instagram. Join us on Facebook Rise to Freedom Group!

Email me at freedomencourages@gmail.com for a 1-on-1 Empowerment Hour Session, learn more about my products at FreedomEncourages.com, and follow @risewithcecilia on Instagram. Join us on Facebook Rise to Freedom Group!

Email me at freedomencourages@gmail.com for a 1-on-1 Empowerment Hour Session, learn more about my products at FreedomEncourages.com, and follow @risewithcecilia on Instagram. Join us on Facebook Rise to Freedom Group!

Email me at freedomencourages@gmail.com for a 1-on-1 Empowerment Hour Session, learn more about my products at FreedomEncourages.com, and follow @risewithcecilia on Instagram. Join us on Facebook Rise to Freedom Group!