190. Motherhood, Identity, & Emotional Regulation with Amy Haydak

Join the 2026 free summer joy challenge for moms!   Do you ever feel like you've gotten so busy taking care of everyone else that you've lost touch with yourself a little bit?   In this episode, Whitney sits down with social worker and author Amy Haydak for a conversation about the parts of motherhood we don't talk about enough. They dive into the identity shifts that happen when we become moms, the pressure to hold everything together, and why so many women feel guilty admitting that motherhood can be both beautiful and really hard at the same time.   Amy shares simple ways to reconnect with yourself when life feels overwhelming, along with insights on emotional regulation, asking for help, and paying attention to what your mind and body might be trying to tell you before you hit burnout. They also talk about the unrealistic expectations many moms carry and why taking care of yourself isn't something you earn, but rather something you need.   If you've ever missed parts of who you were before motherhood, felt stretched too thin, or wondered how to show up for yourself while showing up for everyone else, this conversation is for you. Press play and join us for a heartfelt discussion about motherhood, self-compassion, and finding your way back to yourself.   Here's what you can look forward to in this episode: Why so many moms feel like they've lost themselves in motherhood The pressure to be everything to everyone Grieving past versions of yourself while embracing who you're becoming How to recognize the signs of overwhelm before burnout hits Why asking for help can feel so hard The connection between self-care and emotional regulation Modeling healthy emotions for your children Finding small ways to reconnect with yourself in busy seasons Letting go of perfection and embracing self-compassion Reflection question to ponder: What do I need right now?   Learn more about 1:1 coaching with Whitney - book a 15-minute Spark Session   Connect with Whitney: Instagram l Website l 5 Days to Less Stress, More Satisfaction l Tend to Your Soul Toolkit l 10 Soulful Journaling Prompts | Electric Ideas Podcast   Connect with Amy: Website | Facebook | Book: Unwritten Stories: A Mother's Journey on Becoming | Cycle Breaker Course