Ep. 97 - Natalie Bedard on The Warrior Work of Being Human

What if your nervous system—the very force that protects you—was also the key to unlocking your creativity, joy, and deeper self-connection? In this profound and heartfelt conversation, Kate sits down with emotional healing specialist and nervous system guide Natalie (NatNat) Bédard of LiftOneSelf. Together, they explore how our nervous systems shape our experiences, how integrating soul and humanity allows us to embrace the full spectrum of being alive, and why vulnerability is at the heart of creative expression.

Natalie (NatNat) Bédard is the founder of LiftOneSelf and a devoted emotional healing specialist and nervous system guide. After surviving a life-threatening health crisis that left her in the hospital for 40 days, Natalie embarked on a profound journey of somatic healing, meditation, and self-discovery. She now teaches others how to navigate the “force field” of the nervous system, turning survival instincts into pathways for creativity, resilience, and joy.

Her upcoming book, The Gift Wrapped in Sandpaper: Untamed Power, blends science, story, and practice to help readers integrate both soul and humanity. Through one-on-one sessions, group programs, and her own podcast, Natalie creates safe spaces where people can process trauma, embrace vulnerability, and access the deep creative intelligence within. Based in Ottawa, Canada, she is also a solo parent and brings lived experience, wisdom, and compassion to her work. Learn more at LiftOneSelf.com

Key Takeaways

Why Natalie calls nervous system healing “warrior work” and how it transforms our relationship with emotions.

How to move beyond fear vs. love into true integration of the human and the soul.

The nervous system as a wild stallion: learning to ride with it instead of fighting against it.

Parenting, trauma, and authenticity: how to navigate messy real life with compassion.

Playful, simple ways to reconnect with intuition, creativity, and joy.

Resources Mentioned

Natalie Bédard’s website: LiftOneSelf.com

Natalie’s upcoming book The Gift Wrapped in Sandpaper

Kate’s jewelry & podcast community: KateShepherdCreative.com

Call to Action
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