Katrina Hunt is a wife, mother of two, children’s author and a professional school counselor. She is also skilled in Social Emotional Learning.
As a Professional School Counselor, Mrs. Hunt has worked with various student groups, parents, teachers and administrators to help teach awareness about good character traits, positive social skills, and academic, career and social/emotional awareness.
Counselor Hunt enjoys reading, journaling, listening to jazz music, and spending quality time with her family and friends.
.....
Connect with Katrina
Unique Treasure Resources
@PenelopeEmbraces
@Huntkaj : Twitter
uniquetreasure83@gmail.com
Katrina Hunt is a wife, mother of two, children’s author and a professional school counselor. She is also skilled in Social Emotional Learning.
As a Professional School Counselor, Mrs. Hunt has worked with various student groups, parents, teachers and administrators to help teach awareness about good character traits, positive social skills, and academic, career and social/emotional awareness.
Counselor Hunt enjoys reading, journaling, listening to jazz music, and spending quality time with her family and friends.
.....
Connect with Katrina
Unique Treasure Resources
@PenelopeEmbraces
@Huntkaj : Twitter
uniquetreasure83@gmail.com
Hey, what's up everyone? Welcome to shining light with Nicole, where we are keeping your 24 Golden. I'm Nicole. And on today's episode, we are talking about the self esteem struggle with Katrina. Welcome to season two. Welcome to the podcast Katrina.
Katrina Hunt :Thank you, Nicole. Thanks for having me. I'm honored to be on here with you today.
Nicole Clark :I am super excited to talk to you because you guys, I have to tell you, I love this lady so much. And I know you will love her too. because let me tell you some amazing things about Katrina. She's super kind. She's down to earth. She loves Jesus in ministry, and she is just an encourager. I know when I'm having a tough time, I can just reach out to Katrina, and she just is always there. So are just talking, you know?
Katrina Hunt :Well, thank you, you know, I love you right back the feeling so mutual, I have to say, you shining light, the name of this podcast and what it's about. It totally resonated with me when I saw the name, I kind of was like, now this is right up my alley because I love yellow. That's my favorite color. And I've always loved that color just because of the happiness that usually goes with it, the positivity that's connected to it. And there's just something about brightness and light. You can't help but when you're around, something shining brightly, to wake up, you know, and to come alive. And so it's funny when I saw The name of, you know, your, your podcast and all of the awesome things that you have going on with it. Nicole, I was like, I gotta tell Nicole, I mean, that's really a saying that I have, I always say to people, usually, after we're talking about something, and I'm trying to, you know, leave them with encouragement, I always say, keep shining, you know, so and so or whomever. And so, I just thought, this is so neat. Okay, you know, I'm finding these connections, and so excited to be on here with you today.
Nicole Clark :Oh, Katrina. Thank you. And thank you for sharing that.
Katrina Hunt :Yeah.
Nicole Clark :So you guys, today we're going to just be talking about a little bit of everything. So we're talking about morale, confidence, assurance, but specifically about self esteem. And so before we jump into a few Bible verses, I'd like to take a second just to in this is my opinion, just to redefine the term self esteem. You know, and and i believe just as a Christ follower, you know, we can define self esteem as having confidence of who we are and who God says that we are, you know, and not being dependent on our own abilities, because those are so unreliable. But instead of knowing that God will equip us for the work he has set out for us to do, and so really just taking that from a place of saying, like, Hey, who does God say that I am? And, you know, I think that that's where we can get our self esteem from, you know, instead of just our own worth and abilities. Absolutely. Let's go. I really did. Yeah, so I first want to read a Jeremiah 17. Seven, and it says it's not dependent on my own. Oh, hold on. Sorry, Jeremiah. 17 seven, it says, but Blessed is the one who trust in Lord, whose confidence is in him. And Psalm 139 1314 says, For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. I know that full well. And Philippians one, six, being confident of this, that he who began a good work and you will carry it out to the completion until the day of Jesus Christ. I love Philippians 116 that's one of my favorites, for sure. So Katrina. Tell everybody just a little bit about you and your background and your family.
Katrina Hunt :Well, it's always tough to talk about yourself. I feel like if I were to sum it up in a nutshell, God has blessed me to be able to be a wife to an awesome has been. I'm a mother of two. So I have a daughter and his son and they keep us, you know busy and on the go with all of their energy and excitement about being in the world and all that there is to do. I'm also I'm a sister come from a large family. So I'm number four out of eight kiddos that my parents wanted to have. So that's an another story. And then, you know, so I'm a daughter friend of mine. My profession is being a school counselor, and mostly at the elementary level. But I've also been at the secondary level, and then recently a published author now with a children's book. So the educator field is is kind of my thing. Some would say I'm an encourager, and I'm your biggest cheerleader. And then I like to say I'm a lifelong learner. I'm definitely a Christ lover and follower. And I'd say the past couple of years I've become this social emotional learning enthusiast. And so, oh gosh, the list could just go on. I'm one of those people forever growing I think we should always be and so I try to practice that.
Nicole Clark :That's good. I love it. Just so so many things, just so many ways for you to shine bright.
Katrina Hunt :Thank you.
Nicole Clark :Very cool. So I guess really, you know, I want I kind of want to start with, with what what you think, you know if there are any factors that really shape and influence our self esteem?
Katrina Hunt :Well, yeah, Nicole, um, self esteem. It's one of those Topics that's really connected to I guess kids from an early age, it kind of starts it starts, you know, yo. And it starts with some, you know, for some of us, most of us just what we experienced, you know whether it was we were belittle often, and something came in and damaged us to through that. I know as a counselor in the school systems, a big topic that always comes up and people get tired of it, but it really does happen. But the bullying word, the B word. It's so unfortunate but that plays a big role in shaping just one self esteem. And sometimes it could be that just your home background, you know, it could be that It's different from someone else's. So whether it's the broken home to where someone else is raising you, or you're raising yourself, unfortunately, there are cases like that happening all over the world. And so because of that, I mean, kids aren't getting the proper love and care and support that they need. And so automatically, sometimes they're being set up right there. With with those self esteem issues, I'm a huge one. In today's world, and I think we all see this even adults, but social media, I mean, TV all the images. Yeah, the images that are out there that you see, and then later you're looking at yourself, like wishing something were different or, you know, how you could, you know, change some things and then the kids you know, they're just doing it exposed to so much at an earlier age than what I remember growing up. So I feel like yeah, self esteem. There are different things that play a role in how that is shaped, and just life actors in general.
Nicole Clark :So even, you know, even us, are we all adults, kiddos, just having to do a really good job of protecting what we see what we hear what we consume, on a daily basis, you know, especially if you can't necessarily change or help your environment. You know, make sense? Yes. Because I know, you know, my husband always says, You know, I am super guilty of this, like, I'll walk like, I love Grey's Anatomy. When scandal was on like, I was always sitting down to the TV and he's like, Hey, you have to pay attention to what what you're watching What you're doing, you know, on a daily basis? and Katrina, what was your self esteem? Like, you know, in your past? And how does that compare to to now?
Katrina Hunt :I mean, I have the typical I think, you know, self esteem issues that any probably kid and teenager and adult and so on you battle with I think we all have a touch of it at some point. But me I mean, you know, I was blessed with with both mom and dad and raised in this huge family. My parents just loved kids when they got married, they were kind of like, Hey, we want to and then it turns out there were eight so I mean we just have this, this this huge family and of course with all of whatever families come with throughout the years, the good, the bad, the all of it and I think that the beautiful thing about us is the love that we were raised to have no matter what. And you know Christ just being the center helps Me, with with all of it with with all of all of it when it comes to just living life and family period, you know, the getting along the good times the bad times all of it. But as far as So think about that being right, I'm kind of somewhere in the middle, you know, right there in the middle. And so that's super cool. I think sibling moments to where, you know, you're different. Like, I'll give you a real this is a real example. And everybody people who are close to me know it to be true. Especially I guess it would be my siblings. But I was different in the sense that I had super curly, poofy hair. Oh my gosh, so it was beautiful, right though everybody compliments galore. Oh my gosh, are yours just so gorgeous. Okay, well growing up back then. I mean, the poofy curly. This natural do actually When I was a kid growing up, that was not the end in style. Yeah. So I was around sisters who they had a different type of texture. They had to get, you know, hair straightened and all of this, that's all I wanted was, Oh, can I have that strength hair, look at it blow, you know, or whatever I thought, because I was very different in that way. And so I battled with that I stood out and I don't care how many compliments I I received, and you know, people that tried to lift me up. It was something you know, within I would look in the mirror and then I look around me. And it was one of those things. I didn't really see anybody that you know, look like me in that way. And so that was something that I battled. And it really, I think, what helped me have encouragement from my parents. They were always just so kind hearted about, you know why I should appreciate that that beautiful Bit bouncy, poofy curly look, you know, or, or even you know, sometimes my sisters they were awesome about, you know, well Trina, I mean your hair's just everybody has had ways to try to, you know, lift me up to learn to accept, Hey, your hair is different and it's okay. And then here's the neat part the older I got, finally parents gave in and allowed other decisions to happen. So finally, I got to experience the world. You know, this tree, you know, look at Oh, was it was it you know, just so awesome. And so anyway, that whole battle I think, though, looking back, it was just the lack of me seeing anybody like me in that way and I think it made me carry that heavy burden of but uh, you know, I so stand out nice little like this. And it was one of those things that I mean, eventually the older you get you do learn to Some things and you realize like, Oh my goodness, you know, people would just love to have whatever texture I have going on that they don't all this stuff I've heard throughout life and I get it now. But yeah, that's just one example. I also was a beanpole, as they call it when I was growing up. So I was very different in the sense that I didn't have all those beautiful curves or what have you. That was you know, also the thing if you had certain curves and a certain look while you, your girl here, that was not the case. And so I you know, struggled with just wanting more meat on my bones for lack of better and, you know, I had to just learn to, you know, appreciate just the skin that I'm in and what you know, I was blessed with am We all develop as we know differently. And so just I think, being surrounded by encouraging encouraging people and then at times there are people who are going to be mean or poke fun and things like that. But there's something about you just kind of learning to stand your ground and, and realize that that's what makes the world beautiful. We all are so different, and we all contribute to this world in a great way. And you have to find out what your thing is, and just walk in it, you know, walk in it with some confidence, but I'll be honest, are you born with this confidence? Not so much. It's something that you have to learn. And I think every individual can relate to that whether you're a girl a boy, a grown man, a grown woman, I mean, you we can all recall those those moments when you're kind of like, you know, wish this wasn't my thing. But it is and you know, how do I deal with it?
Nicole Clark :Oh my gosh, I completely 100% understand. Yeah, I went through some rough stages for sure. You know, not being happy with either what I look like what I sounded like what I acted like, so I get it. Yeah, tell us, you know, how was that transition though? You know, from going from, okay, I'm struggling with these things, you know, but I am gonna walk in who God has created me to be, you know, like, like, how did how did you get to that space? or What did you do?
Katrina Hunt :Well, I think life and and you know, as you go through life, it has a way of growing you up, so to speak. And so there's something about Well, first off to I think a huge thing for me, when I think about some of the things that have been helpful when I'm feeling Less than or like that I don't add up compared to the next person or what have you. I, I can say that. I've always tried to practice keeping my my heart and mind in a good space and making sure that that's balanced. It's not now I haven't always been successful at it. But it's one of the things that I know it's helpful to be that way in life. And one of the first things that helps me when I'm feeling less than for sure, God's word, just as a person that's always been something that I know, I can rely on. And I think the older I got, and started working on developing a relationship with Christ, like what is relationship really look like? Oh, it means spending time with God. And really a lot of this as much as I was raised in church. A lot of this happened for me when I moved away way from home as I experienced life, and then the more that I experienced life, I realized, Oh, you know, it really pays to have this relationship with Christ. And, you know, it means getting in the word for yourself and, you know, looking at what does God say about me? Oh, okay. I can be comforted when I'm reminded that Jeremiah 2911 says that he is for me. Yeah, he's not against me. His plans for me. They're good. Oh, they're good, even when bad things happen. like things like that. And then that psalms that Psalm 139 14. That's always uplifting and encouraging. It just helps helps us to remember. You know how our Creator made us. We're wonderfully made. It says we're fearfully and when you think of that word someone might think something negative automatically. And so I went ahead, I said, You know what? I'm gonna look this word up because that word can almost have a negative tone to it. But fearfully, there's so many positive things connected with it. It can mean extraordinary, incredible. Remarkable. Oh, and then like, I tell kids all the time, you're one of a kind, you know, so there's just you just the way you are that that makes you so unique, so special, that there's nobody out there just like you. How awesome is that? When you stop to think about, out of all the billions of people on this planet, there's just one me, you know, in this way. Amazing. Um, so that's, those are some of the things that have helped me along the way. Another thing I think just being accountable. Learn some of the tools that I have to use to help when I'm dealing with certain cases. But mindfulness practice that's huge because it's basically you just being in a space and making sure that your head and heart are just balanced you know, so an overall positive thing and it can be anything as simple as deep breathing. Throughout this crisis we're in currently I am doing deep breathing on a regular basis you need to stop and breathe the no we're just going going or we're full of worrying you know, full of whatever sadness full of you know, we're talking about self esteem and at that point, it may be low and we don't breathe so breathing, your muscle tension relaxation things. Your you're guided imagery, sometimes it's as simple as in my elementary tone of voice. Just find your happy place, you know, reminding the kids pause. Let's let's find a happy let's find it. Where is it? What are you thinking right now? Where are you? Oh, you're on a beach in Hawaii? Amazing. Yes, yes. So I don't know, there's so many health benefits to you know, your spiritual practices as well as I feel like just things that are a part of what you should be doing in your everyday life, your overall health in general. But again, you know, calling up a friend, you know, having that trust sport where the person that can be your person, I think that that's so important when you're dealing with these feelings of Ah, you know, I'm not enough or, you know, I'm not doing enough for, you know, you feel like something's lacking, but just, I mean, it's as simple as Having that good friend and everybody needs one. I'm huge in the world of journaling. Some people yeah, you can't get it out verbally, or that may not be your thing and that's okay. So journaling is so therapeutic. It lets you say what you want to say and guess what, nobody's gonna get hurt because you're writing it out on paper in that moment, you know, these types of things. But yeah, those are just a couple of things that I know that I practice that have worked for me and that have cured me throughout life so far. So
Nicole Clark :how are you able to combat other people's opinions and comments, you know, like, just how are you able to fight that off and not let not let it affect your your self esteem and your confidence?
Katrina Hunt :Good question. I think that, you know, I'd totally be lying if I say, Oh, you know, work don't matter how people view me, you know, because that would be the thing to say. But what the truth is words do hurt, you know, when they're not for you or, you know, set in a positive way. And so I think sometimes it's just your mindset. So, just tapping into that part of your brain that says, You know what, okay. I'm, actually I'm going to pause for a moment. And that's something I don't have to receive, especially if it's something that doesn't line up with your spirit. Sometimes people can speak things into our lives nickel, and it's not even something that's for us to receive. That's something that I've learned throughout the years. It pays for you To for all of us to just be in tune with our spiritual walk so that you can discern what is for you. because not everything is and so, some of those words that have been heavy throughout my lifetime, I've had to refine, you know, reframe it and change it to that wasn't a word for me. And then, you know pause to fill your mind and remind yourself of what you know God does say about you. And what you know, he's already spoken to you and keeping those things at the forefront rather than getting distracted with Oh, but this is how they feel this is their opinion and, and that's just what it is an opinion and everybody's entitled to one, but it doesn't mean we have to accept it.
Nicole Clark :Yeah, that is truth. Oh, man. I'm like, I wish I had someone telling me this even in my, like, early 20s you know, it's just like, I, you know, truthfully, I cared so much about what others thought and it really just, you know, impacted the way it impacted everything. What I did what I said what, you know, how I behaved in just, you know, it just did a number on my self esteem.
Katrina Hunt :Yeah. I mean, yeah, yeah, it can be one of those things. Honestly. I don't think that we we know there's not a one out there. That's perfect as we say, but, but our Savior and when it comes to just being a human, we're all human. And we all have so much work we're still trying to do on ourselves. And sometimes we get it right and sometimes, we can kind of see areas where we need to improve And I think when it comes to the topic of self esteem, and that you know, the piece about, you know, people speaking into your life or saying something that you don't necessarily certainly agree with, but you kind of don't know what to do with that piece of info that you that you received. I mean, sometimes it really is, it's a matter of pausing and saying, does this really resonate with me in a good way? and stopping and pausing to ask yourself that question, and that's something I had to grow into. It wasn't like, overnight, I woke up and I knew how to, you know, just say, Oh, that's not something that I'm receiving right there. But it took, I think, some maturity on my part, just when it comes to your spiritual, you know, development and I think we're all growing in that area. You never arrived. You're forever growing and so because of that, as you're growing, hopefully, you're Learning what's for you and what's not. And how you can kind of put that blocker up with. That's not something that I receive. You know, that is not for me because I know crisis. He's for me, you know? And it's supposed to be for my good, you know, all of those things.
Nicole Clark :So awesome Katrina, can you please just talk to that person who is having a tough time with their self esteem? You know, they're not feeling confident they're stuck in their mind with their insecurities. And they just, they just need some support or encouragement. What would you say to them?
Katrina Hunt :Well, for that person just that's out there trying to, you know, figure things out and you feeling like you haven't arrived or that life has handed you one too many things, and you're just never Gotta be, or you've heard that maybe one too many times, you're never gonna be blank, anything, whatever. I just want to remind you and encourage you that never forget, you are one of a kind. I mean, God created us all this way. You were definitely placed here for a reason, even when it seems like you know, you can't see it, or it's taken forever to get there or whatever that one more roadblock might might be. But you're you're here with with purpose, and no one can do it like you whatever it is. I encourage you to find it. I challenge you today to start tapping into those gifts, those talents, that thing that you know, you do well and nobody He can do it like you and you've heard it before, maybe but you've kind of been afraid to step out of the shadows into the light with it. I just want to encourage you to take a leap, take a leap of faith. And don't let the negativity stop you. Your destiny awaits. And one thing I always like to say, people say the sky's the limit. But I, to me, I feel like when you're walking with Christ in that way, and just period, there are no limits. It's about your mentality, and it's about your thinking. And so start putting your things above start setting them higher than just right here, right here, and that's about all I can do. But I challenge you to look higher, start thinking higher, and you'll start leaping in a greater way.
Nicole Clark :That's beautiful. I'm like, I'm encouraged.
Katrina Hunt :We all can receive encouragement from each other. I'm the same way I needed just as much as the next person. And I always appreciate some wonderful encouragement. We all need it in today's world. We do.
Nicole Clark :Katrina, let's shift Just a moment. And I would love for you to tell everybody just about your children's book and just how you want to change the world for the kingdom. Oh, I love like all the things that you do, and I just love it.
Katrina Hunt :Oh, awesome. Oh, my children's book, y'all. Honestly, that was me taking a leap of faith. That book came to me right after I became a mom for the first time. And it was meant to encourage my daughter through life's journeys, and I realized it really could be something for all kiddos and I sat on it for a while it was in journal form and then finally, you know through it harassment from friends and people who knew about it, I started taking steps. And it came to life last fall this past fall, and it's called Penelope embraces her unique name. And I just know that it's a book that speaks to just what we're talking about today. And it could be a book, it's a children's book, but anybody I feel like can be encouraged by it. A beautiful story that just talks about a girl's struggle with her low self esteem and how she eventually found out that it's more that she had within her that can make a huge difference in the world. And so you can find it online, Amazon target Barnes and Noble. It's in Fort Worth that come in place books. There, the local bookstore there and so yeah, you should check it out. Yes, yes,
Nicole Clark :we will definitely post a link in the show notes, but you guys You really do have to pick it up and and just like Katrina said, you know, it really is something for everyone. I have a seven year old, almost eight year old daughter. And it just like she, you know, sometimes struggles at school. You know, she wears her hair and braids. And she just refuses to wear it natural, you know, in its natural state in one day, I was just like, Okay, I've got to read this, but like, we've got to read this book again, over and over, because it just speaks so much light and it's just a perfect reminder. Just that, hey, God has created us specifically. And you are beautiful and made perfect. Just the way that you are. And we're all different.
Katrina Hunt :Yes,
Nicole Clark :absolutely. It's so good. I love it. So thank you for just creating such such a wonderful, just an encouraging resource, you know, for people just to be reminded to look up. You know, like you said before, just look up and see things A little bit higher.
Katrina Hunt :Yes. Oh, thank you,
Nicole Clark :Katrina. just appreciate you so much. You're So Amazing. Again, just love your heart and just thank you for being on the show today.
Katrina Hunt :Well, thank you, Nicole for having me. I've enjoyed this time. And yeah, keep sharing. I'm loving it keep shining.
Nicole Clark :Love, it will tell everybody really quick. How can I find you online in your socials?
Katrina Hunt :Okay, well, really quickly, unique treasure resources. That's a page that it's at Penelope embraces, but it's on Facebook and you can find me there. I just put up resources here in there that deal with the whole child. So you might you know, find it encouraging sometimes if you want to check that out. You can follow me on twitter if you'd like I'm at hunt. So h UNT and then k j. And then also if you want to make more of a connection to talk regarding author's visits Speaking or trainings or things of that nature, you can reach out to me at unique treasure 83 at gmail.com. And I'd be happy to just visit with you and, you know, let's take some some steps together.
Nicole Clark :So great. Okay, we've got your final two really quick because I believe you know, that God uses our story to change the world. And, you know, so how did your puzzle pieces lead you to where you are today?
Katrina Hunt :Oh, good questions. I'd say really my whole life. I've tried my best to allow God to lead an order my steps in life that is, you know, I was raised in a home that was full of faith and I tried to even when leaving home, take that with me. And that part hasn't always been easy. So so not gonna lie, and act like oh, it's just been easy walking with G It hasn't always been easy. And so in my case, I'd say you know that that transition from home life to then you know, your young adult years and so on. They they just kind of come together to create who I am today. So the college days and going through what what that was about to then into entering the world of education and counseling where I've been all these years and now just teaching leading, encouraging students, staff and people on various levels and even you know, wrapping up the wifey and, and mommies that into it all, just this, this well balanced life that God's trying to give me.
Nicole Clark :Yeah, absolutely. We talked about this a little bit earlier, but I just think you do such an amazing job just shining bright and not hiding your light for the kingdom. You know, Have you always been that way? You know, and what can you share with us just to encourage us and help us shine bright?
Katrina Hunt :Oh, well, I've always been told that I naturally have this happy, bubbly, easygoing, positive attitude. Most people will just say that about me. And that's been my whole life. And I'm so thankful that this is what others get to see in me. And one of my mantras that I try to live by in life is just for us to always keep faith, hope and love alive. So positive thinking, it's a real thing. I like to say that and so I really want to encourage everybody today to tap into that and try your best to find the good even when things aren't looking good. It's really all about your your mindset. And so the question is, where are you placing your thoughts today? And you know, the scriptures challenge us in that as well. So it's a choice, we all have it. And so I choose to set my own things above. And, you know, to keep shining. And and I encourage you to do the same. All right, and it will always be that way. Sometimes you are when you're low, have that little moment. I don't want you to not hear me have your moments. But you know, I encourage people all the time, just don't stay there.
Nicole Clark :Yeah. So good. Katrina. Thank you so much. Appreciate you.
Katrina Hunt :You're welcome. Thank you, Nicole.
Nicole Clark :Thanks for tuning in. To learn more about shining light with Nicole or to get involved with 1212 ministries, visit 1212 ministries.org. Now go out and let your light shine today. The kingdom and remember, you shine so that others can see you, being you and they can be them. Keep your 24 golden and I'll see you next week.