Episode 233

Ditch Resolutions. Set Intentions. Start Soft. Why This Matters for LGBTQ+ Allies (DAY 11)

DAY 11

MORE HUMAN MOMENTS FOR THE MOST WONDERFUL (AND COMPLICATED!) TIME OF THE YEAR!

12 TINY REBELLIONS TO COUNTER HOLIDAY CHAOS

Are you already exhausted by the pressure of “New Year, New You” messages? If you’re a parent or ally of an LGBTQ+ child, you don’t need more demands. You need direction that honors your humanity.

In today’s 5-minute reflection, Heather Hester invites you to replace performative resolutions with soft, soulful intentions that center your healing, growth, and emotional wellbeing. It’s a gentle path into the new year for people who are doing the deep work of allyship, parenting, and personal change.

In this episode, you’ll:

  1. Discover why resolutions often backfire and increase shame
  2. Learn a mindset shift that centers clarity over control
  3. Try a powerful 2-minute journaling ritual to uncover the feeling you want more of in 2026 and how to support it

Strategy: Resolutions demand change. Intentions invite alignment. Ask who you want to become, not what you need to fix.

Ritual: Set a timer and free-write from this prompt:

“In 2026, I want to feel…” Let your truth surface—without editing.

Bonus Reflection: What’s one feeling I want to live into this year—and what supports that?

Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!

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At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to compassion, authenticity, and transformative allyship, especially for those navigating the complexities of parenting LGBTQ kids. Through this podcast, speaking, my writing, and the spaces I create, I help people unlearn bias, embrace their full humanity, and grow their capacity for courageous, compassionate connection.

For parents, allies, and those pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heart-warming stories, real tools, and grounding support to help you move from fear to fierce, informed action.

Whether you’re listening in, working with me directly, or quietly taking it all in, I see you. And I’m so glad you’re part of this journey.

More Human. More Kind. formerly Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen is a safe and supportive podcast in a heartfelt and empowering space where a mom and advocate offers practical guidance and education to parents and allies, fostering empathy, kindness, love, and strong boundaries while supporting LGBTQ teens and the diverse LGBTQ community—including gay, lesiban, bisexual, trans, transgender, and queer individuals—through conversations about mental health, grief, gender identity, sexual orientation, human rights, social justice, parenting, parent support, and meaningful LGBTQ allyship and allyship in action.



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About the Podcast

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More Human More Kind: Allyship Guidance for Parents of LGBTQ Teens
Parenting and Allyship Skills to Advocate for Your LGBTQ Teen with Love, Confidence, and Deep Understanding

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About your host

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Heather Hester

She’s a butterfly in motion—transforming spaces, stories, and hearts. Heather Hester is a rare blend of fierce advocate and gentle guide, using her voice to build bridges across divides. As the host of *More Human. More Kind.*, author of *Parenting with Pride*, and founder of Chrysalis Mama, Heather doesn’t just speak about love, allyship, and authenticity—she *embodies* them.

Her superpower? Turning complex, messy truths into clear, compassionate conversations that leave you feeling empowered, curious, and just a little more human. From Substack to podcast, workshop to stage, she creates spaces where healing is possible, voices are heard, and no one stands alone.

Whether she’s amplifying marginalized stories, coaching parents through life’s pivots, or unpacking the First Amendment with a side of soul, Heather leads with purpose and heart. She’s not here for surface-level support—she’s here to change how we show up for each other.

Married to the funniest guy she’s ever known and mom to four extraordinary kids (two of whom are LGBTQ) and one sassy mini Bernedoodle, Heather is all about showing up with humor, humility, and heart. You can almost always find her with a cup of coffee in hand—at her computer, on her yoga mat, or dancing in the kitchen to her favorite playlist. She believes in being fully human, embracing the messiness, and helping others do the same.

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