Finding Yourself in Motherhood

Today I discussed several of the common thoughts we have around money. I talk about how these thoughts can keep us stuck and make it hard to have a good relationship with money. Two examples are "rich people are greedy" and "there is never enough." I gave examples of Dolly Parton and Kurt Warner to debunk the first thought and then show examples of how there is plenty of money to go around as we serve others and put value into the world. I end with some thoughts that I find empowering for me when it comes to my own relationship with money.

Today I talk about expectations vs reality. I give two examples of going through something hard with two of my boys. I show how to close the gap between your expectations and reality in order to clean up the dirty pain that is unnecessary. It is also important to allow ourselves to feel the clean pain that comes along with hard times. I end talking about mourning with those who mourn and how we can truly do that.

Today I discuss how hard things happen in life. We often go through great lengths to try to prevent hard things from happening. I tell a story about a surrogate Mom refusing to have an abortion once she found out the baby she was carrying had a serious heart condition called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. I also talked about how my son was born with this same condition so I understand the complexities of having a baby like that. I talked about how no matter how much we try to prevent hard things from happening, they will come anyway. Knowing they will be a part of life, we can learn to navigate hard things. I discuss two things that have helped me navigate hard things in my own life. 

I'm back after a long summer break! Today I talked about how we often look to the past and judge how we showed up in life. I talked about how I felt like we had wasted a lot of time in July and how that thought just wasn't serving me. Once I changed my thought I was able to be more creative and come up with some ideas on ways we could serve others. I was able to end our summer vacation with a fun service project with my kids that we all enjoyed. 

What if the biggest thing standing between you and the life you want isn't your talent, your circumstances, or your past — but the way you think about your own abilities?In this episode, we dive into some of the most powerful ideas from Carol Dweck's groundbreaking book Mindset, and explore how a simple shift in perspective can change the way you work, learn, fail, and love.We cover:The difference between a fixed and a growth mindset — and why it matters more than you thinkWhy effort is not a sign of weakness, but the very thing that activates your potentialHow to reframe failure so it works for you instead of against youThe surprising reason telling someone they're smart can actually hold them backHow your mindset quietly shapes your closest relationshipsWhether you're a parent, a professional, an athlete, or just someone who wants to keep growing — this episode will give you a new way of seeing yourself and the challenges in front of you.

Today's episode focused on some of my thoughts surrounding Mother's Day. I first discuss how Mother's Day can be tricky especially for people who don't feel like they have a good relationship with their own Mom. I give some ideas on some small ways to improve that relationship. Then, I talk about how this day is tricky for some Mom's because they don't believe they are good Moms. This day brings out all of their insecurities and struggles. I discuss how we decide if we are a good Mom and things we can do to be more intentional with our thoughts about being the Mom we want to be. I end with a story about my own daughter from Mother's day and how she made Mother's Day a good day for her and she felt so special that day. 

 Are you a worrier? Do you find yourself mentally living in a future full of problems that haven't happened yet — and may never happen? In this episode, we're talking about the very important difference between worrying about the future and preparing for it. Preparation empowers you. Worry just steals your joy. I'm sharing a very personal story about my own struggle with worry over my children's health and the moment I realized my brain was trying to pull me out of gratitude and into anxiety over something that wasn't even happening. We'll also cover why your brain defaults to worry in the first place, how to trust your future self, and a few practical tools you can start using today to stop letting worry rob you of your present life. 

Have you ever caught yourself in a thought and immediately decided it meant something was wrong with you? In this episode, we're talking about one of the most common ways women misuse the CTFAR model — and it's not what you'd expect. Instead of using it as the awareness tool it's meant to be, we turn it into a weapon against ourselves. We judge the thought, feel worse, and stuff it back down. Nothing changes. Today we're walking through a few thoughts that women commonly shame themselves for having — and what those thoughts are actually trying to tell you. 

"In the Bible the Israelites witnessed miracle after miracle — and still they complained. Sound familiar? In this episode, we're talking about why we murmur, how it keeps us stuck, and some things you can do to break the habit and start living with more gratitude and peace." 

Have you ever found out about plans you weren't included in and felt that familiar sting? Being left out hurts — but it doesn't have to define you. In this episode, we're breaking down five practical things you can do to feel more included in your relationships and community, and why being intentional about how you show up for others makes all the difference. We also dig into why exclusion feels so painful in the first place and what our brains make it mean.

Today I talked about a few experiences I've had recently that had me thinking about circumstances. I share how I received a compliment and how it seemed like an automatic reaction to feel happy but when I slowed it down, I realized it was a choice I had to feel happy. Then I shared how when my husband was grouchy, I was struggling to not be grouchy too. Again it felt like an automatic reaction until I slowed it down and tried to look at it differently. Finally I shared how in the movie "I Can Only Imagine," Bart was abused and while that had to be a very difficult circumstance, he has used it for good in the world. Some circumstances are easy to feel happy in and some are harder. The ones that teach us the most are the more difficult ones and we can learn to show up how we want even when it's difficult.

I'm back with three more powerful tools to help you feel better from the inside out! First, we'll talk about the impact of the word "should" — why it quietly creates guilt, shame, and resentment, and what happens when you start removing it from your vocabulary. Next, we'll explore the power of setting goals and how having a clear direction gives you purpose, motivation, and something meaningful to move toward. Finally, we'll expose people pleasing for the lie that it is — because saying yes while secretly feeling resentment and annoyance isn't kindness, it's a contradiction. True service means only saying yes when you can do so with genuine gratitude, and having the courage to simply say no when you can't. If you missed Part One, be sure to go back and listen — together, these two episodes give you six foundational tools to start feeling better today. 

 Feeling better isn't just about thinking positive thoughts — it's about learning how to work with your mind instead of against it. In this episode, we dive into three foundational tools to help you improve your emotional well-being and start feeling better from the inside out. We'll explore how becoming more aware of your thoughts — and being intentional about them — can completely shift the way you experience your day. We'll also unpack the powerful difference between clean pain and dirty pain, and why understanding this distinction can change the way you respond to life's inevitable hardships. Finally, we'll talk about what it looks like to assume the best in others and why choosing not to be offended is one of the most freeing decisions you can make. This is Part One of a two-part series, so stay tuned for next week's episode where we'll continue the conversation with three more tools to help you feel better. 

 What if everything you've ever believed about your personality isn't actually a fact — it's just a thought you've never questioned? In this episode, we're diving deep into what personality really is, where it comes from, and why so many of us use it as a reason to stay exactly where we are. We'll talk about personality tests, the labels we put on ourselves as mothers, and the powerful reframe that changes everything: the thoughts that feel most like "just who I am" are often the ones most worth examining. Plus, we'll explore how your personality beliefs are quietly shaping your marriage, your relationship with your kids, and your ability to find real joy in motherhood. Because here's the truth — motherhood is one of the biggest personality growth opportunities there is, and you don't want to miss it. 

In this episode I discuss the idea of making wrong decisions. We often argue with reality when we label a decision as the wrong decision and wish we could go back and change the past. Instead we can learn from the decisions we have made and stop labeling them as wrong. They are always great learning experiences. That's the reason we are here on earth anyway, to learn and to grow.

We all know the relief of cracking open a manual (or going to the YouTube or AI) and finding the fix you need to something that wasn't work correctly — but what happens when we start expecting the people in our lives to come with one too? In this episode, I share how a simple freezer troubleshooting moment got me thinking about the invisible rulebooks we carry around for everyone we know. We'll look at real examples — like expecting a spouse to come to bed at the same time as you, or assuming friends and family should always show up on time — and unpack why we get so frustrated when people don't follow a script they never agreed to. We'll also explore where these "manuals" come from in the first place: our parents, our friends, our faith, social media, and even our politics. By the end, you might just realize the manual says more about you than it does about them. 

When someone hurts us deeply, we often think the hardest part is forgiving them. But what if the real struggle is something else entirely? In this episode, we explore the shame-blame cycle that keeps us stuck — and why forgiving yourself might be the very first step toward forgiving anyone else.If you've ever felt like you "should" be over something by now, or if you've judged yourself for still hurting, this episode is for you. We'll talk about why hating what someone did doesn't make you a hateful person, why your pain is information rather than a flaw, and how learning to love yourself in the middle of the struggle might be the most important thing you ever do.You are not behind. You are not broken. And you are absolutely worthy of the same compassion you would offer anyone else.

We all know holding grudges hurts us more than anyone else, so why is it so hard to let them go? In this episode, I explore the paradox of grudges through two powerful metaphors: sheep resisting being sheared even though they'll feel so much lighter afterward, and my daughter's fear of having a painful sliver removed. Just like the sheep and my daughter, we often cling to what hurts us because letting go feels scarier than holding on. I share practical insights on why we resist release and how releasing grudges opens the door to living the most beautiful, peaceful life possible. If you've been carrying resentment that's weighing you down, this episode will help you understand why—and give you the courage to finally let it go. 

Ready to stop giving your power away? This week I'm reteaching you the CTFAR model—a simple but powerful tool that shows you exactly how you're surrendering your agency and how to reclaim it.Through four relatable scenarios (a mother-in-law who you find judgmental, a child's failing grade, a husband on the couch, and sisters gossiping about your messy house), I'll show you how the circumstance never has to change for you to transform your entire experience. The key? Changing your THOUGHT.You'll learn why your results always prove your thoughts true and how you are creating the life you are living.The circumstances don't control you. Your thoughts about them do. And friends, your thoughts are YOURS to choose.

A war was fought in heaven over your agency. People throughout history have died for freedom and choice. Yet we give our agency away every day through grudges and blame. Discover what agency really means, why it's sacred, and how you might be surrendering your power without realizing it. 

In today's episode, I discuss the story in the Book of Mormon about the tree of life and how the fruit of the tree represents the love of God. The scriptures describe it as the "most desirable above all things" and the "most joyous to the soul." I discuss how knowing these things and truly internalizing them brings true confidence. Having confidence helps us show up as our best selves and helps us create the life we want. We can work to let go of fear and instead trust in the Love of God and that will change everything.

Have you ever struggled to believe that Christ's Atonement truly covers your mistakes? While we know intellectually that "infinite means infinite," applying forgiveness to ourselves can feel impossible—especially when our brains convince us that feeling terrible is the only way to prove we've changed.In this episode, we explore why self-forgiveness feels so difficult and how shame keeps us stuck in a painful cycle. When we can't forgive ourselves, we toggle between crushing shame (believing we're bad people) and defensive blame (pointing fingers at others). Neither approach brings healing, and both prevent us from making genuine restitution.Through a personal story about a friendship gone wrong in middle school, we examine how shame wants us to hide rather than heal. The breakthrough comes when we ask ourselves a powerful question: "How could it be okay that I did that?" This isn't about excusing our behavior—it's about finding compassion for our imperfect, learning selves.You'll discover why beating yourself up actually prevents growth, how insecurity fuels poor treatment of others, and what it means to hand your shame over to the Savior. When we stop hiding and start healing, we gain the confidence needed to truly make things right.No matter how big your mistakes feel, the Atonement is for you. It's time to stop the shame cycle and step into the freedom Christ offers. 

Once you understand that your thoughts are optional and create your emotions, it's tempting to think you should just change every thought that causes negative feelings. But when we struggle to change certain thoughts, we often judge ourselves—layering negative emotion on top of negative emotion. In this episode, I share why curiosity, not judgment, is the key to real transformation. You'll hear personal stories about changing my perspective on the desert, navigating negative emotions when my child was hurt, and why feeling the full range of human emotions is actually a gift. If you've ever felt frustrated with yourself for thinking thoughts you wish you didn't think, this episode will help you approach yourself with more compassion and create lasting change from a place of understanding rather than criticism.This description previews your main points, includes specific examples to draw listeners in, and speaks directly to the pain point your episode addresses. Feel free to adjust the length or tone to match your show's style!Claude is AI and can make mistakes. Please double-check responses. 

Today I discussed different ways that we can serve. I quoted Sharon Eubank when she was interviewed on the All In Podcast. She talks about serving those within our neighborhoods. I talk about the epidemic of loneliness and how having conversations with love and showing dignity to others is one of the greatest gifts we can give.

Today I discussed how this time of year can get so busy and stressful, we don't enjoy it. It can be helpful to intentionally slow down and be in the present moment. Pay attention to each of your five senses and that will allow you to be grateful for things around you.I also discussed how one small change in the way we think about something can completely transform things for us. Small shifts in the way we are thinking can create huge results for us. 

 As the holiday season approaches, are you feeling the pressure to make sure every gift is perfectly equal? Stressing over spreadsheets to track fairness? Worrying that someone might feel less loved if their gift isn't exactly the same as everyone else's? In this episode, we dive deep into the anxiety and emotional exhaustion that comes from trying to achieve "perfect fairness" in gift-giving. Inspired by a viral Instagram post about keeping gifts equal for adult children, we explore why so many people carry decades-old hurt about gifts they received—or didn't receive—and what's really going on beneath the surface. Here's the uncomfortable truth we unpack: The hurt feelings about unequal gifts aren't actually about the gifts themselves. They're about something much deeper—our own questions about whether we're loved, valued, and worthy. And when we look to external validation to answer those questions, we'll always find evidence of our unworthiness. In this episode, you'll discover: Why trying to control how others feel through "fair" gift-giving is impossible and exhaustingHow we give away our emotional power when we believe others "make us feel" certain waysThe difference between genuine favoritism and normal human imperfectionHow to stop keeping score and receive gifts with graceThe freedom that comes from anchoring your sense of worth internally rather than in what you receiveThis isn't about dismissing real pain or being careless with people's feelings. It's about recognizing that no amount of perfect gift-giving can make someone feel valued if they haven't learned to validate themselves. And for those doing the giving, it's permission to release the impossible burden of managing everyone else's emotions through your gifts. If you've ever felt hurt by unequal gifts, or if you're exhausted trying to make everything perfectly fair, this episode offers a different perspective: What if the healing you're looking for can't come from someone finally getting the gift-giving right? What if it has to come from within? Give thoughtfully. Give generously. But then release control over how it's received. Your worth isn't measured by what you receive, and you can't gift-give your way into making everyone feel equally loved. Perfect for anyone navigating family gift-giving dynamics, feeling holiday stress, or ready to let go of the exhausting pursuit of perfect fairness. 

Today I discussed the power of gratitude. As we focus on gratitude this weekend, I hope you can find ways to thank yourself for all the ways you have showed up in the world. This is a powerful tool in improving your sense of self. 

What if everything you thought you knew about relationships was backwards? In this episode, we explore a powerful reframe: a relationship isn't something that exists between two people—it's the culmination of thoughts you have about another person. This shift changes everything. Discover why you can have a meaningful relationship with someone who doesn't even know your name, how your thoughts about others reveal more about you than them, and why taking ownership of your thoughts is the key to reclaiming power in all your relationships. Whether you're navigating difficult family dynamics, struggling with resentment, or simply wanting to show up better in your connections, this episode offers a liberating perspective that puts you back in the driver's seat of your emotional life. Learn why changing your thoughts isn't about letting others off the hook—it's about setting yourself free. 

Today I start with an exercise to help you learn what you are good at and what you might not be good at. I discuss how we come up with these lists and what these lists really mean. I also discuss how the people around us influence our thoughts about what gifts and talents we have. We have a huge influence on our children in helping them develop their own gifts. I also share a couple quotes from President Uchtdorf's talk from October general conference titled, "Do Your Part With All Your Heart." 

 What if five simple thoughts could transform the way you experience life? In this podcast, I share five principles that have shaped my perspective and brought more peace, joy, and clarity into my daily life: Gratitude wins.I am responsible for my own happiness...and no one else's.Nothing has gone wrong here.Life is 50/50.Every single person is 100% loveable.These aren't just feel-good mantras—they're powerful reframes that change how you show up in relationships, handle challenges, and create the life you want. Join me as I explore each thought in depth, share real-life examples of how they work, and invite you to discover what becomes possible when you truly believe them. 

Today's episode is based off the 2025 October General Conference talk by Elder Gong titled, "No One Sits Alone." In order to be someone who can reach out to others who are lonely, those who are new, those who are different, we need confidence. Today I discussed five ways to help us develop that confidence.1. Know who you are - especially your identity as a child of God 2. Be more Christlike - developing genuine charity for yourself and others 3. Judge less - learning the difference between discernment and harmful judgment 4. Worry less - letting go of constant concern about others' opinions 5. Repent - the ongoing process of growth and course-correction When we do this internal work we learn to love ourselves—not in a self-absorbed way, but in a way that creates space to truly love others. We become secure enough to be the person who reaches out, who makes room, who includes others as Christ did. 

Do you carry regret about things from your past? Does it feel heavy, painful, like something you just have to live with? In this episode, I explore a powerful idea: regret is always a choice.We'll talk about what regret actually is, why it feels so terrible, and what actions we tend to take when we're stuck in it. But more importantly, we'll explore what emotions can serve us better - emotions that acknowledge our mistakes, motivate real change, and actually help us become better people without keeping us trapped in suffering.I'll break down the difference between regret and remorse, and why one keeps you stuck while the other can move you forward. We'll also look at alternatives like commitment, resolve, and compassionate self-awareness - emotions that honor what happened while freeing you to grow.Here's the truth: recognizing that you did something wrong is essential for growth. But perpetual suffering about your past doesn't make you a better person. Learning does. Changed behavior does. Amends do. And you can have all of that without living in constant pain.If you've been carrying regret that feels unbearable, this episode might change how you think about your past - and open up possibilities for your future.

Fresh off a two-week adventure in Switzerland, today I reflect on the beautiful paradox of life's 50-50 nature. From breathtaking mountain gondola rides and picturesque countryside drives to flight delays, jet lag struggles, and worrying about kids back home, this trip had it all—the amazing and the challenging in equal measure. In this episode, discover how a sleepless night in Switzerland sparked a profound realization about the stories we tell ourselves and others. When someone asks "How was your trip?" or "How did you sleep?" what do we choose to focus on? Inspired by President Nelson's famous quote about joy having everything to do with the focus of our lives, this conversation explores the tipping point between "good" and "bad" in our daily narratives. Through relatable examples—from answering "How are you?" to checking in on a missionary son—learn how our thoughts shape our emotions and experiences. This episode is a gentle reminder that while life will always be 50-50, we get to decide where we place our focus, and that choice makes all the difference. Perfect for anyone seeking perspective on finding joy amid life's inevitable challenges. 

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to match someone else’s energy—especially when that energy is negative? Whether it’s snapping back at your toddler, yelling at your teenager when they act poorly, or getting frustrated with your husband because they are frustrated… we often find ourselves mirroring behavior we don’t actually want to be modeling.In this episode, we explore how the mirror effect shows up in motherhood—through our kids, our spouses, and even our friendships with other moms. You’ll hear relatable examples that just might make you say, “Oh wow… I do that too.”We’ll also talk about how to break the cycle and lead with intention.You’ll walk away with:A new awareness of when and why you mirrorPractical tools to stop reflecting behavior you don’t agree withEncouragement to lead your family with calm, clarity, and confidence

Today I talked about emotions and how they fuel every action that we take. It makes sense why we do the things we do when we notice the emotions we are feeling. Sometimes we can generate positive emotions to help us accomplish the things we want to accomplish. Sometimes that doesn't work though and we have to go through a river of misery to accomplish our goals. When we are willing to push through, we can reach any goal we want!

Today I talked about thoughts we have about motherhood. I mentioned a friend telling me "I am extremely disappointed in myself," when discussing motherhood. I talked about how this thought is painful and not serving her well. It leads her to take actions being fueled by pain. She also told me "I tried to make sure they always knew they were loved." I talk about how this might be a better thought but could also be painful since her children sometimes tell her stories about not feeling loved while growing up. Plus its not possible to always show love to our children. We make mistakes and have frustrating moments and that's ok. I offered the thought, "I did my best to show love to my children," as an alternative thought. I also offered some other ideas but in order to see if our thoughts are beneficial, we always need to check in and see how they make us feel.In the end we talked about just becoming aware of our thoughts and not being judgmental of them. This will help us slowly adjust our thoughts until they serve us well and we can be happier, more intentional mothers.

When your teenager breaks a rule or disobeys, what's your first instinct? If you're like most parents, it's probably frustration, anger, or feeling disrespected. But what if that initial reaction is actually making things worse?In this episode, we explore how the thoughts we have about our teenager's behavior directly impact the quality of our relationship with them. When we approach rule-breaking from a place of "they're being disrespectful," we create a cycle that often leads to more anger, more pushback, and deeper disconnection.But there's another way.Discover how shifting from judgment to curiosity can completely transform your interactions with your teen. Instead of assuming disrespect, what happens when we get genuinely curious about what they're thinking? What's really going on behind the behavior that looks like defiance?We'll walk through practical ways to:Recognize when you're approaching from anger versus curiosityAsk questions that actually open up conversation instead of shutting it downCreate space for your teenager to share what's really happening in their worldBuild trust and connection even in moments of disciplineThis isn't about being a permissive parent or letting rules slide. It's about approaching your teenager as a whole person with their own thoughts, feelings, and perspectives - even when they've made a mistake.If you've ever felt stuck in a cycle of conflict with your teen, or if you want to build a stronger foundation for your relationship during these crucial years, this episode offers a fresh perspective that could change everything.Perfect for parents who want to move beyond power struggles and create genuine connection with their teenagers, even in the hard moments.

In this episode I talk about life's biggest challenges and the growth that comes from facing them head-on. Inspired by coach Monty Williams' powerful insight that "everything you want is on the other side of hard," this podcast explores both the goals we choose to pursue and the unexpected difficulties that shape us as human beings.Whether you're working toward a challenging goal, navigating an unexpected trial, or simply trying to understand why life feels so difficult sometimes, you'll find encouragement and perspective here. We discuss everything from physical challenges like hiking the Grand Canyon to emotional struggles like watching loved ones face their own hard journeys.Perfect for anyone who's ever wondered "why me?" or struggled with life's unexpected challenges, this podcast offers a compassionate look at the universal human experience of facing hard things—and finding what we're truly capable of on the other side.

Do you ever catch yourself thinking "I'm the only one who does dishes around here" or "I never get any help with the kids"? If these thoughts sound familiar, you're not alone – and more importantly, you're not stuck with them.In this episode, we're diving deep into all-or-nothing thinking, one of the most common (and painful) thought patterns that plague mothers. You know those sentences that start with "I always..." "I never..." or "I am the only one who..." – the ones that leave you feeling frustrated, resentful, and completely overwhelmed? We're going to explore why your brain defaults to these extreme thoughts and, more importantly, what you can do about it.We'll uncover the fascinating science behind why our brains love absolutes (spoiler: it's not your fault!), from evolutionary survival mechanisms to the way chronic stress literally rewires our thinking. You'll learn to recognize when you're caught in black-and-white thinking and discover practical tools to find the more balanced – and truthful – middle ground.By the end of this episode, you'll have a toolkit for catching all-or-nothing thoughts before they spiral, techniques for finding more balanced truths, and strategies for communicating your needs without the resentment that comes from absolute thinking.

Today I talked about taking the credit or the blame for our children's actions. I also discussed how are relationship with our children has so much to do with the thoughts we have about them. Sometimes reframing the way we look at their behavior can help us show up better as a parent. We get to think anything we want to think about our children!

In the episode, I discuss relationships and where they always begin. I give several examples of using the model to help us understand how our thoughts affect every relationship we have. I talk about how important our relationships are to our quality of life. 

What if patience isn't about willpower, but about the thoughts we choose? In this episode, we explore how truly patient people have learned to think differently about difficult situations - from sleepness nights with babies to frustration while driving to hard trials we have in life. We take a look at how Joseph Smith's experience in Liberty Jail demonstrates the power of intentional thinking during trials. Whether you're a parent struggling with patience or anyone wanting to cultivate more calm in challenging moments, this episode offers a fresh perspective on developing this essential virtue through the stories we tell ourselves. 

Even when on vacation, I was reminded of the concept that life is 50/50. We can get discouraged by that, or understand that it is actually a beautiful part of life. We get to experience the full spectrum of emotions and that creates the best life. 

Ever catch yourself suffering through disasters that haven't even happened yet? You're not alone. In this episode, we explore the phenomenon of "pre-paining" - that human tendency to experience real emotional distress over imaginary future events.We'll dive into the difference between healthy worry (which can actually help us prepare) and pre-paining (which just makes us suffer twice). You'll discover why most of our worst experiences are completely fictional, and learn practical strategies to break free from the cycle of advance suffering.

What if the key to better relationships isn't changing other people, but changing how we see them? Discover the powerful question that can transform your most challenging relationships and help you find connection even in conflict.

In this episode of we explore the profound nature of joy and its unexpected relationship with life's hardest moments. What's the difference between happiness and joy? How do our deepest struggles create capacity for our greatest moments of celebration?Using the powerful metaphor of a swing set—where going higher requires pulling back further—this episode offers a fresh perspective on embracing life's full emotional spectrum.Drawing on insights from Brené Brown about the essential connection between joy and gratitude, you'll discover how practicing gratitude can transform your experience of motherhood. Whether you're in a season of struggle or celebration, this episode invites you to find meaning in every part of your parenting journey and embrace the fullness of joy that can only come through contrast.Join us for a conversation that will change how you think about your hardest moments and help you discover deeper joy in the everyday miracles of motherhood.#motherhood #joy #gratitude #parenting #resilience

That flash of anger when no one notices your clean house. The tears that surprise you when your husband asks "What's for dinner?" while you're sick in bed. The unexplained irritation during family vacations that should be enjoyable. What if these moments aren't random emotional outbursts, but signals pointing to something deeper?In this illuminating episode, we explore the hidden expectations that create resentment for stay-at-home mothers. Through relatable examples—from the Mother's Day disappointment we can't explain to the frustration when our logistics expertise is dismissed as "just running errands"—we uncover the unspoken needs beneath our strongest emotions.This isn't about eliminating expectations—it's about acknowledging that your needs for recognition, support, and respect are legitimate. Because in recognizing our hidden expectations, we're not just reducing resentment—we're reclaiming our right to have needs at all.Perfect for any mother who has ever wondered, "Why am I so angry about something so small?" This episode offers the language and tools to finally understand what's really going on beneath the surface.

Is Mother's Day a source of joy or disappointment for you? In this episode, we explore the emotional complexities many mothers face during this celebrated Sunday in May. Drawing from 18+ years of motherhood experience, I offer practical strategies to help you find ways to enjoy this day. Discover three powerful thought shifts that can transform your Mother's Day experience, regardless of what your family does (or doesn't do).Whether you're a new mom struggling to find five minutes for a shower or a seasoned mother reflecting on years of motherhood, this episode provides actionable guidance for creating a Mother's Day that genuinely fills your cup. Learn how to define what truly matters to you, embrace gratitude as a pathway to happiness, and internalize the empowering truth that you are, indeed, a good mother.

In this thought-provoking episode, I explore how our awareness of mortality can transform the way we live. Drawing inspiration from Michael Singer's "The Untethered Soul," I ask the question: What if today were your last day on earth? How would you spend it, who would you call, and what would suddenly matter most?I share personal stories about confronting mortality, including my experience as a young mother, alongside wisdom from spiritual leaders who have faced death with remarkable peace. This isn't a morbid conversation but rather an invitation to use death as our greatest teacher—showing us how to prioritize relationships, find meaning in everyday moments, and live with intention.Join me as we explore how embracing our impermanence might be the key to living our most authentic, purposeful lives. Whether you actively contemplate mortality or tend to avoid the subject, this episode offers gentle guidance for using death awareness as a pathway to a more meaningful life.

What should we do when our children lie? In this thoughtful episode, I share a personal story from my junior high softball days that taught me an important lesson about shame, fear, and honesty. Drawing from a recent Instagram discussion about children who lie, I explore why kids sometimes hide the truth and how our reactions as parents can either strengthen connection or reinforce hiding behaviors.Learn practical approaches to handling dishonesty with compassion, why inducing shame often backfires, and how to create an environment where children feel safe telling the truth. This episode offers a refreshing perspective on a common parenting challenge, reminding us that how we respond to lying matters more than preventing every instance of it. Join me for a conversation about building trust, understanding the developing brain, and parenting from a place of connection rather than perfection.