 What if anxiety, mood swings, brain fog, and low emotional resilience aren’t beginning in your mind—but in your gut? In Episode 387 of the Choose 2 Think Inspirational Podcast, I sat down with Gabe Dough of Good Bru for a deep and practical conversation about the brain–gut connection and why the microbiome is not secondary to health, but primary. This discussion sheds light on how gut health influences mental health, stress response, inflammation, and overall well-being—and why caring for your gut may be one of the most overlooked steps toward emotional and physical resilience. The Gut as the “Second Brain”Scientists often refer to the gut as the second brain, and for good reason. The digestive system contains more than 100 million neurons—forming what is known as the enteric nervous system. This network doesn’t exist solely to digest food. It plays a critical role in regulating the nervous system, mood, cognition, and stress response.
 Welcome to the Choose 2 Think Christmas Gift Guide — a warm collection of gifts designed to nourish the mind, spark creativity, support clear thinking, and encourage truth-filled thoughts based on God’s Word. Whether shopping for a child, teen, parent, or yourself, these are top-rated picks to bless the minds and hearts of your loved ones and you!
I scoured Amazon for the best deals, most popular purchases, and highest rated items to save you the time. I hope you love this creative and helpful list! 1. Deluxe Wooden Puzzle Brain Teaser Set: Challenges memory, logic, and creative thinking while giving the brain a fun workout. Shop Puzzle Set 2. Premium Fish Oil (High DHA/EPA): Supports clearer thinking, decreases mental fog, and boosts brain function. Shop Fish Oil 3. Adult Scripture Coloring Book: Reduces anxiety and gives the mind a calming, creative outlet. Shop Coloring Book 4. Brain-Boosting Organic HerbalTea: Includes blends for focus, clarity, relaxation, and gut health. Shop Tea 5. Scripture Wall Art — “Be Still & Know”: Grounds the heart in truth and shifts thought patterns toward peace. Shop Wall Art 6. Blue Light Blocking Glasses: Reduce headaches, eye strain, and mental fatigue — perfect for screen time. Shop Glasses 7. Sherpa Fleece Plush Weighted Blanket: Supports serotonin, emotional regulation, and improved cognitive clarity. Shop Blanket 8. Organic Low Carb High Energy Protein Bars: All day energy, nothing artificial, nutritious and rejuvenating — a healthy treat. Shop Protein Bars 9. Brain and Memory Cube: 15 Games for Kids (Ages 6–12): Builds memory, logic, and problem-solving skills--built in fun. Shop Brain Cube 10. Lavender and Aloe Hand and Body Lotion: Relax and rest your brain at night in a classic, calming blend of lavender essential oil and aloe extract. Shop Lotion 11. Peppermint Essential Oil: Improves alertness, mental clarity, and focus. Shop Oil 12. Adult Brain Training Workbook: Keep your brain young: Crosswords, reasoning, and visual memory in one book. Shop Workbook 13. Bible-Themed Memory Matching Game for the Whole Family: Sparks curiosity while strengthening memory and concentration skills. Shop Card Game 14. Magnesium Glycinate Gummies: One of the best supplements for calming a busy brain. Shop Magnesium 15. Scripture-based Gratitude Journal: Rewires thinking patterns, reduces rumination, and increases joy. Shop Journal 16. Inspirational Rustic Stoneware Coffee Mugs: A daily reminder to choose truth, featuring Scripture and a word of encouragement. Shop Mug Set 17. Personal Smoothie Blender: Create anti-inflammatory, brain-fueling smoothies in seconds. Shop Blender 18. Cozy Winter Jigsaw Puzzle: Reduces stress, boosts dopamine, and calms racing thoughts. Shop Puzzle 19. Brain Warrior Cookbook: Dishes that reduce inflammation, boost mood, attack aging, transform pain and increase clarity. Shop Cookbook 20. Choose 2 Think 365-Day Devotional: Start your year with daily encouragement designed to renew your mind and anchor your thoughts in God’s truth. Shop Devotional May this season bring you peace, joy, and renewed clarity of thought as you choose a life of truth-filled thinking. With love, Victoria PS: *As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.*  In a world where we feel pressured to appear polished, productive, and perpetually “put together,” Jennifer Renee Watson brings a breath of fresh honesty. Author of You’re Doing Better Than You Think, speaker, and advocate for emotional and spiritual healing, Jennifer offers a message every woman needs to hear:
You have permission to be both a mess and a masterpiece. In this deeply encouraging conversation on the Choose 2 Think Podcast, Jennifer opens up about the realities of mental health, the lingering sting of shame, and the courageous journey of healing—one step, one breath, one surrendered moment at a time.  If you’ve ever found yourself dreading the holidays more than anticipating them — the pressure to be merry, the swirl of emotions, the quiet ache under the sparkle — you are so not alone.
I recently sat down with the inspiring Heather O’Brien, author of No Fear Allowed: How to Get Free of Fear and Stay That Way, for a two-part series on the Choose 2 Think Podcast, and friend… it was pure gold. We talked about freedom. About fear. About how our minds and our faith work hand-in-hand. And about how you can face the holiday season with peace, joy, and even lightness — no matter what you’ve been carrying.  What if the thing holding you back isn’t just pain but undealt-with trauma? In my recent conversation with author Elena Huggins, she opened up about the difference between simply being healed and living fully free. And her story is a reminder that no matter what you’ve been through, freedom is possible—through Christ, prayer, and practical daily choices. Meet Elena HugginsElena Huggins is a speaker, mentor, and author of Untwist Me: Uncomplicated Life Hacks for Mental and Emotional Liberation. Her story is one of resilience, faith, and transformation. Growing up with a mix of trauma and challenges, Elena wrestled with anxiety, fear, and the weight of her past. But through her relationship with Jesus, intentional prayer, and practical tools she now shares openly, she discovered the difference between simply “managing” emotions and living in true freedom. Today, Elena’s mission is to help others find emotional clarity and spiritual breakthrough. Whether through her book, her teaching, or her testimony, she offers hope to anyone who feels stuck in cycles of trauma, anxiety, or self-doubt. With a down-to-earth style and a heart for people, Elena reminds us that healing is possible — and that freedom is found in Jesus. Untwist Me: Uncomplicated Life-Hacks for Mental & Emotional Liberation In Untwist Me. Elena shares not just her personal journey of moving from trauma to freedom, but also the practical life hacks and spiritual tools that helped her along the way. This isn’t a book about quick fixes. Instead, Elena offers:
Her honesty and practical wisdom make this book feel like sitting down with a friend who’s been there and found the way out. If you’ve been carrying the weight of trauma, anxiety, or the pressure to “just hold it all together,” this book is for you. Trauma Doesn’t Disappear—But It Can Be TransformedElena shared something profound: "Trauma never really goes away. It morphs into behaviors, choices, even leadership patterns if it’s left unhealed. But at the base of it all—it’s trauma.” Undealt-with trauma We’ve all seen it. A preacher falls. A parent lashes out. A leader crumbles. Underneath the headlines and heartache? Trauma. Here’s the hope: trauma doesn’t have to define you. Psalm 34:18 promises: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” The Lord will walk with you on this path to ultimate healing and freedom. You don't go it alone! Prayer: The Key to FreedomOne of the most powerful takeaways from Elena’s book is this: lasting freedom comes through prayer. “When you feel anxious, get in your closet and pray,” she says. “And if it doesn’t go away, keep praying. Don’t dismiss the supernatural power of God." Prayer calms the brain, too. Research shows prayer and meditation reduce activity in the amygdala (the fear center) and increase activity in the prefrontal cortex—the area linked to peace, resilience, and hope. Science confirms what Philippians 4:6-7 already teaches: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” From Managing to FreedomElena puts it this way: “When I was managing, I felt like I could explode at any moment. But when I was free, I didn’t even worry about control anymore. I wasn’t holding it together—God was.” Freedom doesn’t mean your trauma never happened. It means you don’t have to live chained to it anymore. Freedom literally rewires your brain for calm. Romans 12:2 reminds us of this truth: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Science catches up with what Scripture already told us—renewal happens when we let God do the heavy lifting.  Life Hacks and Practical Steps Elena’s book is packed with tools to help you move forward:
Final EncouragementYour trauma doesn’t disqualify you—it’s the very place God can show up the strongest. You don’t have to just manage anymore. Through prayer, practical steps, and God’s supernatural power, you can experience healing and lasting freedom. Contact Elena |