Episode 48: There Isn’t One Way to Mother with Ruthie Ackerman

What happens when the life you built no longer fits? How do you untangle inherited expectations, question long held narratives, and choose a future that feels true to you?  Are you asking yourself whether you want to become a mother or not?    Ruthie Ackerman, journalist, author of The Mother Code, and founder of the Ignite Writers Collective, joins to talk about motherhood ambivalence, generational myths, and the bravery required to rewrite your own story. Through her deeply personal journey, she shows how breaking silence and letting go of a life that no longer serves you opens the door to connection, support, and possibility.   What we cover in this episode: How to identify the “Big Lie” at the center of your story and why naming it unlocks transformation Motherhood Ambivalence: what it is, why so many feel it, and why we rarely talk about it The nontraditional paths to parenthood that deserve to be normalized This week’s micro-moment, Superhero Facade: how letting people see your struggle creates more belonging, not less Release the pressure to have it all figured out, share the truth of where you are, and discover the power that comes from dropping the cape.   Enter Our ⁠Giveaway⁠ Get Your Copy of ⁠The Mother Code⁠    00:00 Intro 01:26 Meet Ruthie Ackerman 04:52 The Mother Code 9:36 Inherited expectations and rigid roles 16:11 Ruthie’s path to motherhood and ambivalence 24:06 Micro-moment: Superhero Facade 27:00 When Ruthie wore the superhero cape 35:13 The power of sharing struggles, community, and connection 43:07 Outro 44:28 Disclaimer   Connect With Us So You Never Miss a Moment of Inspiration:      Visit Our Website      Get Our Best-Selling Book in Paperback      Follow Gravitas on Instagram      Follow Lisa on Instagram      Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn      Follow Gravitas on TikTok    Follow Gravitas on Substack    Suggestions or Questions? Email Us.