Christina Schatsiek
Author. Speaker. Storyteller. Advocate.
Real Stories.
Raw Truths.
Meaningful Connection.
Creating space for the conversations we don't have nearly enough while living a life that feels like yours and having the courage to take up space in it...
I write and speak about women empowerment and identity. Special needs motherhood, care giving, inclusion and advocacy. Love after heartbreak. Divorce. Body image. Complicated family relationships. Healing. Starting over. And the messy, uncomfortable, sometimes beautiful process of dropping our masks, allowing ourselves to be seen, and finding our way back to who we are beneath it all.
My words aren't written from the other side of a perfectly healed life.
They're written from inside a perfectly imperfect life being lived out loud.
Because I don't believe we have to have it all figured out to have something meaningful to say. And I certainly don't believe we have to become entirely new women to create lives that feel like our own.
My hope is that somewhere between the poetry, the stories, the conversations, and the shared experiences, another woman recognizes a piece of herself and thinks:
Me too.
I'm not alone.
I'm more than my titles, my responsibilities, or the roles I play in everyone else's life.
And maybe, just maybe, it's not too late to come back to myself.
Because this isn't just about books, poetry, or speaking.
It's about connection. Community. Giving ourselves permission to take up space in our own lives.
A little bit of poetry.
A little bit of adventure.
A whole lot of messy humanity.
And a healthy dose of "fuck it, let's see what happens."
Because sometimes the most beautiful chapters begin when we stop living the life we think we're supposed to—and start getting curious about the one we actually want...
Reviews & Testimonials | Books, Workshops & Events
Real words from readers, event organizers, and women who've shared space with me. Because sometimes the most powerful part of what we do is how we make others feel.
From the pages of a book to moments of meaningful connection, these stories reflect the power of poetry, journaling, vulnerability, self-discovery, and the reminder that none of us are navigating this beautifully messy life alone.
Messages for Her from Her, for Her is a beautifully crafted book that blends poetry with thoughtful journaling prompts, creating both inspiration and reflection. The poetry speaks with honesty and heart, offering messages of empowerment, healing, and self-discovery. What makes this book stand out is how it doesn’t just speak to you—it invites you to respond. The journaling prompts give readers space to explore their own voice, making it both a guide and a companion on the journey inward. Perfect for anyone seeking encouragement, clarity, or simply a moment of stillness, this book feels like a conversation with a trusted friend.
Amazon Customer
About: Messages to Her
Beautifully written, engaging and will shift your perspectives!
This book was a beautiful collection of inspirational thoughts and practical ways to change my perspective, regulate my body and what a healthy relationship with yourself can look like. It’s been such a blessing, as I needed to hear every word.
Cassie
About: Messages to Her
Youth Empowerment & Speaking Testimonial
Christina brings warmth and compassion to all ages, with relatable story telling and creative poetry and prompts in her book, Messages To Her. Life can be gritty, hard and messy and yet, Christina reminds us that there is beauty within the breakdown and encourages us to feel proud of your journey and your story. Whether she’s leading a discussion for pre-teen girls navigating adulthood or speaking to a group of professional women in leadership, her lived experiences and heart shape many needed conversations with gentle prompts and encouragement to live out loud and be authentically you.”
Danielle- Program Director
Event: Write your Story. Create your Future. & The Power of Serial Entrepreneurship Event
Women's Circle — Coming Back to Yourself
It has taken me a few days to process this event, but my goodness was it a fabulous event to be the first one held at Mindful Things. This hour and a half event followed through with everything it was advertised and more. Christina holds space for you to step into and release what you have been carrying that you no longer want to carry. From start to finish she was welcoming and inviting and met us all exactly where we were. We journaled, learned to REALLY breath, relaxed, danced it out, and left grounded in feeling seen and heard. Truly a mind, body, and soul experience. Just what Mindful Things is all about. Her book is a perfect complement to the event experience as well.
— Danielle, Owner, Mindful Things and Gifts & Oddities
Event: Coming Back to Yourself; Breaking Free of the Autopilot Fog — Women's Circle Event
Women's Circle — Coming Back to Yourself
In the later part of my thirties, with a child who is now "independent" and the loss of a meaningful relationship, I am now in a time of transformation. Christina invited me to an event and it was a wonderful experience. Every detail is curated for openness and healing, from the essential oils and well thought out journal prompts, to the meditation and playlist, AND THEN to the book you receive, which is packed full of poetry and space to write notes and responses. Her book is powerful, empowering, and even a little funny sometimes. Healing is not linear and Christina knows a thing or two about how to get people to open up and see the light, if you will. I recommend this event to anyone looking for a place to breathe and dig deep with like minded, supportive women!
Whit
Event: Coming Back to Yourself; Breaking Free of the Autopilot Fog — Women's Circle Event
Women's Circle — Coming Back to Yourself
I really appreciate the reframing of this self-work from a chore to instead a promise. The small group size is perfect for practice sharing vulnerably in a brave space.
KS
Event: Coming Back to Yourself; Breaking Free of the Autopilot Fog — Women's Circle Event
Women's Leadership Luncheon — Speaking Testimonial
Her talk was inspiring, vulnerable and authentic! Great job!
Denise, VP Programs (Women in Leadership)
Event: Finding and Cultivating a Powerful Supportive Tribe — Luncheon Speech
Journaling through guided thoughts and messages
Through this book of messages, you will find similarities that we have all faced or may resonate with. Learning to be unapologetic and guided along the way to create your own thoughts through a journaling feature. This is a great book to gift your friend or family member. Struggles are real and so are celebrations!
Michelle
About: Messages to Her
Easy to read
I loved it!! I would definitely recommended it to any woman. It definitely makes you look deep in your soul. Easy reading.
Gretta
About: Messages to Her
Self love
This is a wonderful book! Interactive and full of self love promoting prompts.
Samantha
About: Messages to Her
Raw, honest and vulnerable. Poems to speak to all women at different stages of their lives. Offers guidance to step up and out of the shadows, to flourish in one's own creativity and honesty. Most certainly worth taking the journey of reading and perhaps start one's own journey in writing.
Genevieve 1965
About: Messages to Her
You will not regret buying this book!!
An amazing book written by an amazing woman! For any woman looking for growth and self discovery you will connect with something in this book!!
Shelly
About: Messages to Her
This hits home
We all have self doubt and wonder where do we go from here. We’ve spent our whole lives taking care of others before ourselves! I love reading these messages!
Kelly
About: Messages to Her
Loved it! Great read!!
Robin
About: Messages to Her
Heartfelt and Real!
Christina has really poured her heart and soul into this book the emotions are raw and real. I feel anyone who reads this will connect in some way and take away feelings of being seen and heard. I definitely recommend!
Renae
About: Messages to Her
Beyond the Pages | Events & Experiences
From book signings and speaking engagements to meaningful conversations, workshops, and community connections.
Discover where we'll connect next:
Two books.
One Bigger Conversation.
Identity. Motherhood. Relationships. Losing yourself. Finding yourself. And all the messy shit in between.
Messages to HER, from HER, for HER:
What if a poetry book, journal, and self-love manual had a baby?
Well, this would be it.
I didn't write this book because I have life figured out. Far from it.
I wrote it because I know what it's like to spend so much time being everything to everyone else that somewhere along the way, you stop hearing yourself.
The woman underneath the roles, responsibilities, expectations, and never-ending to-do lists.
The woman who eventually stops and thinks- What about ME?
Part poetry. Part reflection. Part journaling. Part truth. A little humor. And a whole lot of messy humanity.
Inside these pages, we're talking about the things we don't always say out loud.
Motherhood. Identity. Body image. Heartbreak. Relationships. Boundaries. Healing. Starting over. And the complicated truth that you can love the life you've built while still wanting something more for yourself.
No perfect answers. No toxic positivity. No pretending we've got it all together.
Just real words, real experiences, a little laughter, and space to have some honest conversations with yourself.
Because maybe you don't need to become a whole new version of yourself.
Maybe you just need a little space to come back to the woman you've been all along.
And maybe this book is a place to start.
The Companion Journal:
Because sometimes a few pages just aren't enough for everything going on inside your head.
I created the Messages to HER Companion Journal as a place to put it all.
The thoughts. The dreams. The questions. The things you've been carrying. The things you're finally ready to let go of. No rules. No right way to use it.
Write what needs to come out. Start wherever you are.
These books are just one part of a much bigger conversation. Through writing, speaking, storytelling, and advocacy, I'm creating spaces where women can get honest, feel seen, question the expectations they've been handed, reconnect with themselves and have fun in the process.
Find My Books Locally
Prefer shopping small? My books are also available at select independent shops and local businesses throughout Central Illinois:
Enlightened Reiki Studio - Washington Illinois
Peoria Book Rack Gift Boutique - Peoria Illinois
Lit on Fire Books - Peoria Illinois
Mended Hearts Equine - Germantown Illinois
Soul Restoration - Pekin Illinois
Relics - Peoria Illinois
Stems by Allison - Chillicothe Illinois
Photography by Heather Ball- Pontiac Illinois
The Book Nook - Peoria Illinois & Washington Illinois
Mindful Things Gifts & Oddities - Peoria Heights Illinois
The HER Collective:
Welcome to The HER Collective —
a little corner of the internet filled with words, reminders, and meaningful things created by Christina Schatsiek.
From books and poetry prints to stickers, bags, and event merchandise, everything here is inspired by real life, raw conversations, a little humor, and the beautiful mess of being human. Some things might make you laugh. Some might make you think. And some might remind you of a part of yourself you haven't checked in with lately.
More than merch. A little something to take the conversation home.
Podcast Interviews
Conversations That Go a Little Deeper
Some stories need more than a caption.
I love conversations that make room for the messy, meaningful, complicated parts of being human—the pivots, the healing, the humor, the things we’re still figuring out along the way.
Through podcast conversations, I share more of the woman behind the words: author, poet, speaker, mother, caregiver, advocate, entrepreneur—and a woman still learning what it means to take up space in a life that actually feels like mine.
Listen in as we talk about writing, identity, motherhood, mental health, starting over, finding your voice, and what happens when we stop living on autopilot and start living a little more out loud.
For the woman who has spent so much time being everything to everyone that somewhere along the way, she forgot to ask herself what SHE wanted.
This 15-page mini guide is an invitation to slow down, laugh a little, get honest, and reconnect with the woman underneath all the roles.
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Inside you’ll find:
* 5 thought-provoking journaling prompts
* Simple somatic and movement exercises
* Poetry, reflection, and reminders
* A little humor and a whole lot of humanity
No pressure. No perfect answers. No becoming a whole new woman.
Just a little space to come back to YOU.
Free to download. Yours to keep.
Created with love by Christina Schatsiek
Behind the Words:
I'm Christina—an author, poet, speaker, storyteller, entrepreneur, advocate, and a woman who believes some of the most powerful things we can do are tell the truth, use our voices, and create space for conversations we don't have nearly enough.
I'm also a mom, caregiver, fiancée, and a woman who's had to rebuild, reinvent, and rediscover herself more than once.
My life has been anything but a straight line. From raising a son with disabilities and navigating the complexities of caregiving to rebuilding after divorce, new love, navigating body image, complicated relationships, and learning who I am beyond the roles I play—I've learned that life rarely goes according to plan.
And sometimes, the most meaningful connections begin when we're brave enough to talk about the parts that don't make the highlight reel.
That's what my writing, speaking, and advocacy are all about.
Through storytelling, humor, vulnerability, and interactive conversations, I create spaces to explore women's empowerment, identity, resilience, caregiving, disability advocacy, and inclusion.
Whether I'm speaking to women rediscovering themselves, educators working alongside families, caregivers navigating the invisible weight of their roles, or communities learning what meaningful inclusion really looks like, my goal is to challenge assumptions, build bridges, and remind people that behind every story is a human being who deserves to be understood.
My book, Messages to HER, from HER, for HER, is another extension of that mission—part poetry, part prompts, part tools, and a whole lot of honest reflection about navigating the messy middle of life.
I'm not writing or speaking from a perfectly healed life. I'm sharing from inside a life that's still being lived, learned, and figured out—often out loud, occasionally with a little profanity, and always with the hope that someone else will think, "OMG, me too. I thought I was the only one."
Because at the heart of everything I do, my mission remains the same:
To create spaces where people feel seen, heard, understood, and empowered to change the conversations that matter.
