397 - Feeling the Urge to Leave or Start Over? The Spiritual Power of Staying with Rev. Lydia Sohn

Alive & Well – Burnout, Anxiety, Nervous System, Productivity, Time Management, Somatic Tools, Work-Life Balance

If you’ve ever wondered, “Do I stay and dig deeper—or is it time to go?” you’re not alone.

In a world that glamorizes fresh starts, we can miss the quiet miracles of rootedness.

But staying (with discernment) can be where real growth, depth, and peace are forged.

In this episode, I’m joined by Rev. Lydia Sohn—Korean American minister, writer, and author—whose work explores what it means to build a life of depth in an age of endless options.

Drawing from her immigrant story, pastoral work, and spiritual practices, Lydia shares how to discern when to plant, when to prune, and when a faithful “leaving” is actually a coming home.

We’re diving into:
✔️ The “soil test”: a simple framework to discern if your environment supports flourishing—or if it’s depleting you
✔️ A daily practice (Ignatian Examen) to spot God’s movement in “same old, same old” days—and why that changes everything
✔️ How to tell the difference between an impulsive escape and a peace-filled, Spirit-led transition
✔️ Practical rhythms to cultivate rich “soil” in marriage, work, friendship, and place

If you’re sitting in the tension—restless, discerning, and craving clarity—this conversation will give you grounded, grace-filled tools to listen for God, honor your season, and choose well.

🎧 Press play to learn how to practice the spirituality of staying—and how to leave, when it’s time, with peace and purpose.

Connect with Rev. Lydia:

• Pick Up Her Book: Here: A Spirituality of Staying in a Culture of Leaving
• Find Rev Lydia on IG
• Check out her website: https://www.revlydia.com/

Related Episodes to Explore:

• Previous Episode
• The Spiritual Solution to People Pleasing
• Time with God as Busy Mom: How Prioritizing a Spiritual Practice Helps Calm the Chaos