In Part 2 of his conversation with Melissa Carey, behavioral health therapist Jim Ellermeyer explores these questions and more on Fishing Without Bait.

Melissa begins by discussing her introduction to Reiki and other energy-based practices, tracing her interests back to her education in music therapy and the mentors who helped shape her path. She explains her approach to Reiki, the importance of personal intention, and why she does not promise specific outcomes from a session.

The conversation takes a deeply personal turn when Melissa discusses raising four children, including the additional demands that can come with special needs. She speaks openly about loving her children while struggling with the responsibilities and expectations of motherhood.

For Melissa, an important turning point came when she realized she was allowing parenting books, family members, teachers, and society to determine how she should raise her children. By deciding to trust her own choices, she began to experience motherhood differently.

Jim and Melissa also examine the expectations placed on women, the importance of self-concept and self-esteem, and the challenge of recognizing what we deserve in relationships.

Jim asks a powerful question: What are the requirements someone must meet to be with you?

Melissa adds an important perspective: How can someone recognize respect, autonomy, or healthy relationships if they've never experienced them?

This episode invites listeners to consider how mindfulness, honesty, self-trust, and personal responsibility can help us build a life that reflects our own values.

Connect with Melissa Carey

Explore Melissa's work at Into the Spirit Healing:
https://intothespirithealing.life

Support Fishing Without Bait

Subscribe to Fishing Without Bait on your favorite podcast player so you never miss an episode.

Enjoy ad-free episodes and support our ongoing conversations about mindfulness, recovery, and personal growth on Patreon:
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Continue your mindfulness journey with Jim's book, Learn to Fish Without Bait: A 365-Day Mindfulness Journal and Adult Coloring Book:
https://www.lulu.com/shop/james-ellermeyer-lpc-ma-ncc-lpc/learn-to-fish-without-bait/paperback/product-6n9rd8.html?page=1&pageSize=4

Learn more about the podcast:
https://www.fishingwithoutbait.com/

In Fishing Without Bait Episode 533, host Jim Ellermeyer welcomes Melissa Carey for Part 1 of a four-part conversation about mindfulness, anxiety, self-awareness, and reconnecting with ourselves.

Melissa begins with a powerful reflection on learning to love who she is today. From there, she and Jim explore her belief that we are already whole, even when layers of experience, relationships, expectations, and our own self-talk make that wholeness difficult to recognize.

Melissa discusses the anxiety and life transitions that often bring people looking for support and explains why listening is at the heart of her approach. Drawing from her background in music therapy and her work with sound, meditation, breathwork, and energy practices, she shares one deceptively simple starting point: notice your breath.

Jim and Melissa also discuss mindfulness during both difficult and positive moments, learning from obstacles, practicing coping tools before a crisis arrives, and why sometimes the most helpful next step is simply encouraging someone to seek an impartial ear through counseling or therapy.

This is Part 1 of our conversation with Melissa Carey.

Learn more about Melissa and her work with Into the Spirit Healing at:
intothespirithealing.life

Subscribe to Fishing Without Bait on your favorite podcast player.

Support Fishing Without Bait on Patreon and receive ad-free episodes:
https://www.patreon.com/c/fishingwithoutbait

Pick up “Learn to Fish Without Bait: A 365-Day Mindfulness Journal and Adult Coloring Book”:
https://www.lulu.com/shop/james-ellermeyer-lpc-ma-ncc-lpc/learn-to-fish-without-bait/paperback/product-6n9rd8.html?page=1&pageSize=4

Shane opens up about pivotal moments in his life, including losing his job, navigating divorce, physical injury, and rebuilding from the ground up. Through mindfulness, faith, and intentional living, he reframed setbacks as opportunities to grow and serve others. This episode explores the powerful connection between mind, body, and spirit, and how perspective and choice shape the quality of our lives.

Listeners are invited to examine their own blind spots, reclaim agency in difficult moments, and begin creating a life they don’t need a vacation from.

Subscribe to Fishing Without Bait on your favorite podcast platform.
Support the show and get ad-free episodes on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/c/fishingwithoutbait

Pick up our book:
Learn to Fish Without Bait: A 365-Day Mindfulness Journal and Adult Coloring Book
https://www.lulu.com/shop/james-ellermeyer-lpc-ma-ncc-lpc/learn-to-fish-without-bait/paperback/product-6n9rd8.html?page=1&pageSize=4

Together, they revisit the timeless teachings of Jesus, focusing on his central message of love, compassion, and self-discovery — a message that’s often been overshadowed by societal control, rigid traditions, and centuries of interpretation.

We’ll discuss:
• Why spirituality is about personal connection rather than institutional rules.
• The two greatest commandments Jesus taught and why they free us from fear.
• Insights from alternative gospels like Thomas and Mary Magdalene that emphasize the divine spark within.
• How to embrace mindfulness, self-validation, and inner freedom in your daily life.

Jim challenges us to see the divine within ourselves and others, and to choose kindness, forgiveness, and mindful living as a way of nurturing that spark.

🎧 Join us on a journey toward living without definitive expectations — where true freedom lies in love, compassion, and understanding.

Visit FishingWithoutBait.com to listen to more episodes, share your thoughts, and explore ways to live fully in the moment.