Rachel McCants and Ladies As We Love Ourselves: Resilience in Life and Leadership Episode 041

Stephanie has a insightful conversation with Rachel McCants, founder of R. Lindsey Unlimited and the author of Ladies As We Love Ourselves.

Rachel McCants is an author, speaker and founder of R. Lindsay Unlimited. Born and raised in the Dallas TX. Her health was impacted in a major way in 2016. A growing brain tumor inspired R. Lindsay Unlimited, a business devoted to encourage, inspire, and challenge ladies to discover and raise their self-worth and standards, not settle and walk in God’s will in all aspects of their lives. She published her first book, Ladies As We Love Ourselves: A 6-Step Program to Self-Worth in 2019.
Now, Christians hire her to ignite a dose of Jesus because most do not seek Him first, get too busy, get too stressed and fall short of accomplishing their goals. She helps them achieve growth in their relationship with Christ. Bottom Line: It’s by His grace.

https://www.rlindsayunlimited.com/
https://www.instagram.com/rlindsayunlimited/
https://www.facebook.com/R-Lindsay-Unlimited-363515677500637/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-mccants-public-speaker-b457b582/

Everyone has resilience, but what does that mean and how to we use it in life and leadership? Join Stephanie Olson, expert in resiliency and trauma, every week as she talks to other experts living lives of resilience. Stephanie also shares her own stories of addictions, disordered eating, domestic and sexual violence, abandonment, and trauma; and shares the everyday struggles and joys of everyday life. As a wife, mom, and CEO she gives commentaries, and, sometimes a few rants, to shed light on what makes a person resilient. So, if you have experienced adversity in life in any way, and you want to learn how to better lead your family, your workplace, and, well, your life, this podcast is for you!

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Everyone has resilience, but what does that mean, and how do we use it in life and leadership? Join Stephanie Olson, an expert in resiliency and trauma, every week as she talks to other experts living lives of resilience. Stephanie also shares her own stories of addictions, disordered eating, domestic and sexual violence, abandonment, and trauma, and shares the everyday struggles and joys of everyday life. As a wife, mom, and CEO she gives commentaries and, sometimes, a few rants to shed light on what makes a person resilient. So, if you have experienced adversity in life in any way and want to learn how to better lead your family, your workplace, and, well, your life, this podcast is for you!

https://stephanieolson.com
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Transcript

Stephanie Olson: 0:03

Welcome to resilience in life and leadership with your host Stephanie Olson, speaker, author addictions sexual violence and resilience expert. Rachel McCann's is an author, speaker and founder of are Lindsey unlimited. Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, her health was impacted by a major way. In 2016. A growing brain tumor inspired our Lindsey unlimited a business devoted to encourage, inspire and challenge ladies to discover and raise their self worth and standards, not settle and walk in God's will in all aspects of their lives. She published her first book, ladies as we love ourselves a six step program to self worth in 2019. And now Christian, tyre her to ignite a dose of Jesus, because most do not seek him first get too busy, get too stressed and fall short of accomplishing their goals. She helps him to achieve growth in the relationship with Christ. Bottom line is it's his grace. Welcome, Rachel. Hello, and welcome to resilience in life and leadership. Very excited to introduce to you Rachael McCants. Thank you for being on the show. Welcome.

Rachel McCants: 1:23

Thank you so much for having me. It is such an honor to be here today.

Stephanie Olson: 1:27

Well, you're doing some great things. I love what you're doing. You've, you've got a book, and you are the founder of R Lindsey Unlimited. Tell us a little bit about that. And your journey to that place?

Rachel McCants: 1:43

Well, it's definitely a journey. Say? Yeah, usually is, isn't it? Yeah. i For the longest time in my life. I didn't know what my purpose was. It took a great three brain tumor on my pineal gland helped me discover my purpose or to get me to my purpose.

Stephanie Olson: 2:04

That's scary. That is scary. Yeah.

Rachel McCants: 2:07

I often say that God had to physically break me. Me and get me on the path that he wanted me to be on. Right. Because I was doing Rachel show before that. And I was raised in church. I went to a Christian private school. I was in Christian summer camp. I was raised in church. Yeah. And I was on Rachel's plan what Rachel wanted to do. Yeah. And God had to completely break me to shake me from it.

Stephanie Olson: 2:34

That's funny. I had a Stephanie plan. That's interesting.

Rachel McCants: 2:39

Don't we all we all have our own planet? Yes. I think we're gonna do what we want to do. And I actually want it to be Ellis Mavericks dancers. I live in Dallas. And so yeah, for Dallas Mavericks dancers. I was trying out for other dance teams. I was on an ABA dance team. And I was telling God, you know, I'm going to take you with me. Let me just do this. And you know, I'm bringing you with me. Nope, not the plan. So the brain tumor was actually the biggest blessing ever. I am just so thankful for this brain tumor at first, like you said, it was scary. And I was like what's going on Lord, because for the most part, I am a healthy person. And I say for the most part, because you know, everyone gets colds. Everyone has allergies and things like that. But I'm a fitness fanatic. I'm a certified Zumba instructor that love Zumba. But I do too. I love Zumba. And I was the showroom manager of a showroom for active young girls. I was teaching them dance classes. And I was associated with many different fitness studios. Okay, my job description was to connect and make those relationships. So any events together with the right? And so many different workout classes and they were fun. I love them. But that is not the point of this. The point is, I was very healthy. Yeah, I love working out. So a brain tumor coming out of nowhere is kind of mind blowing.

Stephanie Olson: 4:15

When were you diagnosed?

Rachel McCants: 4:18

I was 28

Stephanie Olson: 4:19

Oh my gosh, wow.

Rachel McCants: 4:21

I know. It was a crazy year running the show room and I was just like, Oh, I am in control of all of this. That was actually the best experience for me. And God knew what He was doing. God had a plan. Yeah, Rachel was on her plan. But also the company that I was with when you are running a showroom. You are really running your own business. Okay, basically give it to you. You got your profit and loss statements. You're hiring and firing people. You're doing all the strategies for the sales plans. Yeah, everything. Yeah. So I should have paid more attention. Let's just say that because the Lord was setting me up to run a business which I have now by the grace of Got it his business? I am simply the founder. Yeah, yeah. But I often say, I should have paid more attention to what they were having me do.

Stephanie Olson: 5:10

Wow, that's fascinating. You know, it's interesting too, because, and you and I are very alike tell you like, I would say, Okay, God, this is what we're gonna do, I'm gonna let you know. So you know exactly how we're gonna do things and yeah, does it does not work well that way. But it's amazing how you look back on your journey and you see how God just set you up to do what you need to accomplish and as well. So that's, that's amazing. So tell me a little bit about when you were diagnosed and how you responded to that I cannot even imagine. Well,

Rachel McCants: 5:55

I was kind of I want to say hallucinating. But that's not it. I was doped up a little bit because of all the pain. Because before I the brain tumor was discovered. Again, I'm a bit of a fitness fanatic. So I was doing all these different workouts in different classes. So I thought the random body pain that I was getting, and the headaches had to be from the workouts. And I also was just promoted to showroom manager. So I was assistant showroom manager. And then I took over the whole showroom. And so I'm like, that has to be the reason. So when I was heading to teach a dance class to some of the young girls from the showroom, I passed out in the showroom, I passed out in the garage across the street from the showroom. And I had no idea what was going on. And God blessed a lady to come down the garage just in the nick of time. And she stopped and said, Can I call someone for you? And I was like, yes, please go ahead. Yes, I had no idea what was going on. And so it just is kind of unnerving. Because again, like, I have never gone through anything like this in my life.

Stephanie Olson: 7:01

Yeah. Oh, my goodness. That is that is really scary. So So then you're diagnosed, you're, you're, I mean at a loss really, because you're thinking what in the world? So how did you move from that place of Okay, now, what do I do you know, that place of I have no idea. I can't believe this happened to next steps.

Rachel McCants: 7:26

So what is so great, and I left out at the last answer that I gave is, when I passed out, I heard God say I've got this watching mark. Wow. And so and that is what he did. I mean, I have chills talking. Every time I talk about it. I get chills thinking about what God did. When I tell you he aligned every step. He aligned every step. I was thinking, you know, because I want control. What am I supposed to do? What is happening? God had me. And so I was doing my best just to try to keep up? Should I say yeah, with him. And it was just so amazing. To the point. Here's the miraculous part. I'm glad you're sitting down. I never received a bill from brain surgery. I never received a bill from chemo. I never received a bill from radiation. And the showroom that I was working with or the company, all the other showroom managers and the other employees pulled together and made me a YouCaring fund to take care of my initial medical bills. My uncle sweet to see is love him to death. I talked to him today. He he covered my car insurance and my car note. And like I just didn't have like, there was just no worry. I had I was approved for Social Security with my first application. And I hear that rarely happens. Yeah, no kidding. And yeah. And so I'm like, okay, so that I had no reason to worry. My mom was by my side. And I just had a real big community of love and support from everyone. And so even though I tried to be confused and try to figure out what was going on, God had me and I really had no place to worry.

Stephanie Olson: 9:11

Oh, wow. That's incredible. So, so how so it was it was malignant. I mean, this was something it was, it was benign.

Rachel McCants: 9:21

It was benign. It was a growing tumor, but they declared it benign. It was grade three, but they declared it benign. I'm not wow, I mean, we're arguing

Stephanie Olson: 9:30

No, no kidding. That is amazing. That's amazing. So so how long was that process with with chemo and with radiation and surgery? How long did you have to go through all of that?

Rachel McCants: 9:45

I want to say a year or my god who? Wow. Yeah. And but it was just the biggest blessing ever and God just kept helping me along the way he shows up. I was bald twice when My brother's is a photographer. He got this

Stephanie Olson: 10:02

beautiful that is a beautiful photo cue.

Rachel McCants: 10:06

Thank you and all of my hair grew back. It was about mid backlink before it all came out. And it's back now it's just twisted today. But thing, God is good. That's all I can

Stephanie Olson: 10:17

say. Yeah, well, you look good bald. Okay. Oh, yes.

Rachel McCants: 10:22

I did that a lot. Yes, it does. And people kept saying, Are you going to let it grow back? I'm like, I think so. But

Stephanie Olson: 10:32

that is really beautiful. And I think that it, you know, when when we trust, I actually just did a spoken message on the end of the story, like we don't know, our end of the story. And when we read the Bible, it's like, you know, Abraham, we know his end of the story. So when he puts Isaac on the altar, we're like, God will prevail. You're good and all of those other things. But it is so different. When you when you really think about their stories. They didn't know the end of the story. And it's all about trust. It's all about. So I mean, you were just putting putting that in God's hands and allowing him to do what he needed to do. That's amazing. I love that I

Rachel McCants: 11:18

love. I love that. You just said that. My devotion this morning. I do though. One more minute by Anthony more devotional and it was all about the hole of faith. This was in there. Yeah. It's like they're up there cheering you on for your faith. Because faith without works is dead. But yeah, you know, you just have to have faith in knowing that. That's That's

Stephanie Olson: 11:40

right. That's good. I love that. So So tell me then how are Lindsey got started? Are Lindsey unlimited? got started? Yes.

Rachel McCants: 11:50

Perfect. Yes. Thank you. How they are lazy and loaded to get started. God already had an in his mind. So I'm Oh, okay. So there it is. I don't know why I had that little brain space there that has

Stephanie Olson: 12:07

your lot younger than me, but it's gonna keep happening older you get just letting you know.

Rachel McCants: 12:13

My mom often tells me to keep living. That's right. Okay, Mama. So, during recovery, or rehab, if you will have after brain surgery and things, I had a dream of me on stage. So you know, I'm a certified Zumba instructor. I'm a dancer, I love dancing. And I used to be in the dance ministry at church. And a dream that I had during recovery was me on stage dancing in a play. And I knew that God wanted me to rise to encourage and inspire ladies to raise their self worth, and their standards, not settle and walk in God's will. And I have worked on those plays, and took a break because a detour came. And the book came out of nowhere, ladies, as we love ourselves, the six step program to self worth. And so that came out of nowhere, so I gotta get back. And that's my mommy on the front. Oh, cool when she was in her 20s. And she was just like, oh, I never thought I would be on a cover of a book. And I have to beg y'all, I really have to beg for this picture. Okay, because it's been on my wall for years. But I was like, people wanted my face on the front cover. And I was like, no, but then I saw that picture. And I was like, Oh,

Stephanie Olson: 13:27

I love that. Yes. Amazing.

Rachel McCants: 13:31

So that book came out of nowhere. And so I walked ladies through that a few times a year, along with the program that I run now. But it all started because of the plays and then the detour with the book. And now I run a program called early mornings with a dose of Jesus.

Stephanie Olson: 13:50

So, so tell me about that. Tell me about the program and tell me what that does for the lives of the women you work with.

Rachel McCants: 14:00

Okay, so early mornings with the dose of Jesus is really for everyone. I know the company is founded

Stephanie Olson: 14:05

on ladies, women, men. Okay, got you.

Rachel McCants: 14:09

Yes, yes. Yeah. Because everybody wake up and start with Jesus. Everybody knows, yes. The the thing that breaks my heart is if you typed in Google, why are Christians like all negative comments come up? Why are Christians so judgmental? Why are Christians so hypocritical? And it just goes on and on and on. It breaks my heart and I'm like, we got to make this world a better place. And a lot of people that I know are trying to start a side hustles and to get more things done studies and statistics show is you got to wake up earlier to get things done. So while we're waking up earlier, let's start with Jesus. I asked for 10 minutes, but the goal is five minutes or less. I give an encouragement, and then an affirmation for the day I give a Bible verse or verses Isn't it depends on the day, and a song for the day. And I always tell them have a productive day, in Jesus's day.

Stephanie Olson: 15:07

I love that that is so great. And you know, I think that is so important, because a lot of times, especially in this social media day and age, you know, so many people start their day scrolling or start there, you know, whatever it may be, and, and really, when we do start our day, in the word, when we start our day, with with the Lord, it changes our day. And when we give Him our first fruits, which early morning or whatever it may be, he gives that back to us. So that's good. Yeah, that's good. I love that. And you're right. I think that we have really, I'm just going to ask you that I know this, this may be a question that you were not expecting. But why do you think that there are so many negative things about Christians? Why is it that people will call Christians hypocritical or call is judgmental, or whatever the case may be?

Rachel McCants: 16:16

Because of people's actions, because we are, you know, we are, and we have to be conscious of that. Like, I think a lot of us are not conscious of who we are representing. And that is not first and foremost in our minds, when we are doing different things. And a lot of people have been hurt by the church. Yes, that and so they, they're hurt by the church, and but people are human, you know, you gotta give grace, you want grace, you want mercy from people, like we have to give it as well. But people have been hurt by the church, and I have a lot of clients and friends that we talk about reconnecting with God vertically first, before we start looking horizontally. And so I think if we all get aligned vertically, I'm not saying we don't need the church, because overall we do, God created us all and then how the Bible compares us to limbs of the body, and like, you know, you can't be a foot if your hand right, right purpose. And so I do think the church is necessary, but I think first and foremost, we got to get that vertical relationship with Christ down

Stephanie Olson: 17:25

are so right. And, and, you know, I think that, the other piece of that, and I love what you're talking about, and I love that I love your story, and I love what you've done with it. Because I think one of the things we need to do as Christians is not give this perception that everything is all great all the time. And that is, you know, just being real people and authentic. And, you know, yes, I love the Lord, but I am not Jesus by any means. And so I am going to mess up, I am going to make mistakes, I'm going to do my best to, you know, follow the will of Christ and to walk in his his will and to do what he wants me to do, but I am not going to do it perfectly. So I love that you said that. That's good. So I I love what you're saying I love what you're doing. What do you think is? You know, it's kind of like you I mean, are you kind of like a coach or is it just mentorship or what does that look like?

Rachel McCants: 18:38

That is so interesting that you say that because or ask that should I say because I recently have had a conversation with someone and she wants me to talk about being a morning routine coach, or a morning routine strategist. Because I also do custom morning routines for people. I pride myself in morning routines they are definitely needed. It's something that is

Stephanie Olson: 19:01

great. What time do you get up?

Rachel McCants: 19:03

So when EMD J early mornings with a dose of Jesus is going on? I wake up at 3am What I know I have to I have to get my devotion in and get field before I can pour out to others because I don't want to pour out empty anything empty and I like to be so aligned with the Holy Spirit before I just go you know, we're trying to encourage anybody so I tend to go to bed so seven or eight if I can wow. Yeah, lately it's been more nine ish, but you know,

Stephanie Olson: 19:38

wow, okay, just that was just idle curiosity actually. So that is that is amazing. So how Rachel can people find you?

Rachel McCants: 19:50

You can find me anyone. Please come find me at www. Got our Lindsey unlimited.com And that is a RLI in the s a no EAY unlimited.com and our Lindsy unlimited on Facebook and Instagram.

Stephanie Olson: 20:12

Awesome. And I will put that in all of the notes. Make sure that we have that so people can find you and connect with you because I certainly am I love what you're doing. Final question, what does resilience mean to you?

Rachel McCants: 20:27

It means bounce back. Bounce back, but I think it's bounced back through Christ. And just side note, my book ladies as we love ourselves. The six step program to self worth are the six steps I used to regain or discover myself in Christ, my true identity and self worth in Christ. Because when I was bald twice, I that's when I realized how shallow I really was. And those six steps just really quick for y'all is first my first step for any and everything. If you ever hear me speak, this is my first step. My first tip for anything is turn to God God first. Second is forgiveness. You got to forgive others, but you have to forgive yourself. Yes, that helps with resilience because you can't bounce back because you're held down with not forgiving someone so true. Third is know yourself, your strengths and your weaknesses. Like a lot of people try to strengthen their weaknesses. But all you can do at best is the mediocre Enos so you got to know your strengths so we can find them in Excel. And be the beautiful person God has called us to be four affirmations you know yourself after step three. So affirm yourself. Who does God say you are? Yeah, who are you claiming to be Who do you want to be? Let's claim that we are I do affirmations every morning. That's part of that morning routine. Five is encouraged others and volunteer. When you encourage others, you feel better about yourself. You were created to serve and encourage others. That's part of being the body of Christ as well. And six, my mom laughs at me because I call well she calls the first step and the sixth step my bookings, because those are really like the ones I thrive on. Exercise. We got to move. You have to stay active. Yes. We were created to move not be still. And we've got to keep our bodies active, no matter how small you start out if you're not doing anything.

Stephanie Olson: 22:31

I love that. That is incredible. And you've got so much I would love to take a Zumba class from you. Just awesome. You've got so much energy. You are so fun. i This has been a great conversation. I've really enjoyed talking to you. And you have so much to offer. I really appreciate all that you are providing people. Thank you so much. All right. Well, and I just again, I love what you're doing. Rachel, thank you so much. And you are truly an inspiration. And I wish I had your energy. I know you're younger than me, but maybe, maybe someday. But you are just fantastic. Thank you so much. And you just really shine Jesus, you really do. So.

Rachel McCants: 23:21

Okay, give me a motional like that's my favorite compliment. It used to be how beautiful I am or how sweet I am or bubbly. But now it's when people say I saw Jesus when you spoke. I say Thank You, Jesus. That is the goal. It used to be the Rachel It really did. But

Stephanie Olson: 23:37

I know I know. I totally get it but but you are amazing. And thank you so much for being on the show. And I really appreciate you and thank you for tuning in to resilience in life and leadership and we'll see you next time. Thank you for listening. Please share with anyone you think will benefit from this podcast.