Duvet Mamma Podcast - Homemaking, motherhood and chronic illness

Facing your ugly self is the hardest part of the self-love and growth journey. The shame and embarrassment that comes with the memories of your former self can be detrimental to any progress you make. I want to encourage you to push through because the best parts and growth are on the other side of that pain. I found it is easier to focus on healing when I can speak to someone, forgive someone or do other things. When I need to forgive myself or work through my problems, it is harder to move on and embrace the growth.Your progress is evident in your thoughts and actions. Once you find grace and forgiveness for yourself, the way you show up for others and what you expect from yourself is astounding. I love taking you all on this journey with me, and I hope you are learning something as we move along.Mentioned episodes:Finding Grace from myself - https://bit.ly/3LLdTgmSmall changes I have made on my body positivity journey - https://bit.ly/3lDEq4xThe Struggle to Self Love - https://bit.ly/3GcFZQpOther channels to check out:Ease of mind - instagram.com/ease_ofmind/Connect with me:Instagram: Email:duvetmamma@jmeinstatute.co.za

My latest milestone on my self-love journey has been the realization of grace. As I figure everything out, I am making room to fit everything in and get a balance. The one thing that I do not have time for is the drama of others. I have realized that since I do not have my ducks in a row, I neither have the time nor the right to judge others for what they are doing. Episodes Mentioned:Small Changes I have made on my Self-Love journey - https://www.spreaker.com/episode/49783549The Struggle to Self Love-https://www.spreaker.com/episode/49339146Sliding Scale of Priority-https://www.spreaker.com/episode/48504614Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duvet_mamma/email: duvetmamma@jmeinstitute.co.za

As I walk my journey toward a positive body image, I am making slight changes to how I treat and see myself.My latest changes are small, but I feel amazing. I have seen a domino effect in other areas of my life, and it is awesome! Our children base their view of the world on how we interact with it. I am realizing this more and more the older Emma gets. She copies some of the silliest things that I do. If I teach her a positive and respectful view of herself and the world and nothing else, that is okay. greatEpisodes mentions:https://www.spreaker.com/episode/49339146Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duvet_mamma/Email: duvetmamma@jmeinstitute.co.za

The decision to have another child is a big one. It is life-changing and permanent. You are making a decision not just for yourself but for your child too. Am I ready for all that comes with being a mom again?Youtube Channel mentioned: youtube.com/c/EMBERSASH. Let's connect:Instagram -instagram.com/duvet_mamma/Email - duvetmamma@jmeinstitute.co.za

In the last few weeks, I noticed a scary reality - we are raising a nation of victims.I know this may be harsh, but I feel we are no longer taking responsibility for our actions. We forget that the next generation is watching us and that if we want them to apologise, we need to show them how to. What makes things worse are the memes and video clips that we use as stories to gain attention from those who do not know the truth. We seek affirmation from strangers and not those in our lives.When was the last time that you apologised first? Are we comfortable with our children acting as we are now? As mothers and parents, we need to remember that our children copy our actions. Connect with me -www.instagram.com/duvet_mamma/

I strongly support women who know what they want. It's fantastic when women can make decisions quickly, even if it doesn't always match what society expects from us. II'm tired of the idea that women who can't or don't want to have children are somehow less valuable. Women have a much bigger purpose than just having kids. Please remember this - your purpose and the ability to have children are not connected. You are just as valuable whether or not you have kids.#motherhood #women #podcasting #momlife Let's connectInstagram - www.instagram.com/duvet_mamma/

The mindset work is the hardest part of lasting change. In the past three weeks, I have been battling negative self-talk despite the journey of self-love I am on. What does this stem from? How did I allow it to get out of hand like this?I address these issues as well as the work that I have done. As a Christian, I realise that I do not have the right to break myself down while believing that I am whole in Christ. I need to make a stand, and this is where I draw the battle lines. Related Episodes:Living Prepared: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/48712945Protectigng you peace: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/48896278Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duvet_mamma/Email me:duvetmamma@jmeinstitute.co.za

The question that I keep asking myself is - when did the prices get this high? No matter how I try to rationalise, I remain confused and frustrated.As a mother, wife and homemaker, I am working to ensure that my family's needs are met despite the increased cost of living. But it is proving to be a challenge.I intended this episode to highlight the costs of living with a chronic illness, but I have realised we are all fighting to stay alive. Everything is has increased in price to create a domino effect for further increases.I try to have a free conversation about the issue at hand, and finance is no different - I hope you enjoy it.Below are my contact details if you wish to connect with me:Instagram: instagram.com/duvet_mamma/Email: duvetmamma@jmeinstitute.co.za

The harder I work on myself, the more false beliefs reveal themselves. This week I talk about some of the embedded views I work through on my journey to self-improvement.I talk about how I am fighting against comments I received as a child. It is hard work to break through the self-image and learned behaviour.When living with a chronic illness, your new limits feed into your beliefs. As a mother and wife, I decided to model the mindset and the work for my home. To establish a culture of positive self-image for my family and to question the beliefs that we hold. I would love to hear from you:Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q9MgWtEmail: mariska@jmeinstitute.co.za

It has been a challenging week, and in this episode, I want to talk about the real-life of a mother with chronic illness. I had a stomach bug, and that led me to a flare. I was in bed for longer than I WANTED to be. As much as I believe in being prepared, this past week has made me realise that you cannot prepare yourself for the emotional side of your 'downtime'.This episode is unscripted. I talk about the reality of being a mother with chronic illness. I am taking the Duvet Mamma podcast in a new direction, and this episode is the first on this new journey. I want to talk more about the challenges that I face and move away from the survival guide style content that, in my opinion, the podcast has been up to this point. Episodes Mentioned:The flow of energy - https://www.spreaker.com/episode/47894048Sliding Scale of priority - https://www.spreaker.com/episode/48504614

The journey to acceptance is a long one. Life post-diagnosis imposes many limitations and compromises that can influence how we see ourselves. We also battle with external factors such as medical gaslighting and negative comments from our family and friends.In this episode, I talk about my journey and some of the tools and tricks t I use to keep me grounded. There is no quick fix, but the work that you put in is well worth the effort in the end.It all starts with the mindset shift and the daily struggle to see beyond your diagnosis. We also need to let go of our old self and begin to love the new you - whatever that means.Past Episodes mentioned:The Flow of Energy - https://bit.ly/3pk1nfq

I decided to try a cleanse to help me understand my triggers and improve my overall health. It could not hurt to try. With that in mind, I jumped on to the #Veganuary challenge. This episode is all about my experience during the 21-day cleanse. I discuss my experience, the effects and overall opinion of the challenge.Important things to note about my experience: I started mid-January, and I added guidelines to steer me toward my desired outcome. Before the challenge, I set out a list of issues that I wanted to take note of, to measure the effectiveness of the cleanse. It is important to remember that we are unique, and our bodies may react differently. The final decision still lies with us, and we need to do whatever it takes to take back control over our lives and health.Side note, the food was amazing.

There is no way to be prepared for when a flare hits, but we can have small things in place to make life easier for ourselves and our families. In this episode, I talk about prepared meals, healing plans and other 'tools' to ensure that my home is somewhat taken care of during your downtime. Motherhood and homemaking require consistent and small actions to keep us ahead of the curve. A flare or fatigue can hit at any moment, and it is best to be ready.We did not apply for our chronic conditions, but we can do our best to ensure that we have plans in place for whatever happens.Links to mentioned or related episodes:Understanding the flow of your energy - https://bit.ly/3Bh0PM9Acceptance and a Renewed mindset - https://bit.ly/34QtjAb

Life post-diagnosis requires adjustment and refocus for your entire family. It is crucial for your health and recovery that you bring your significant other along on your journey - but this is easier said than done.In this episode, I cover the vulnerable and, sometimes, painful discussions I have with my husband. These topics help us maintain the balance in our home and marriage.Your support system plays a vital role, but your life partner is the constant presence in your home. It is of best interest to get them on board or at the very least get some understanding for the frustrations you both may feel.There is no right or wrong way to manage your home, but the lines of communication should be open at all times as stress is the kryptonite of chronic illness.

I am excited to share another technique that changed my life. Burnout is a real thing, and it affects so many of us regardless of our lifestyle. I credit the feeling that we need to do everything all the time. We are programmed to multi-task; though this is a special gift for a woman - it can become too much.In this episode, I address the issue of focus and task priorities. In my opinion, if we can change our perspective and focus from moment to moment, we will free up more time and be more productive in the long run. It is especially crucial for those with chronic illness and fatigue as we always need to be prepared (as best we can) for the day that we are not at our best. As with anything, this is something to be practised. I do believe that it is well worth the invested time.

This topic has changed my life and productivity, and I am excited to share this with you. A 'Brain Dump' is not a new or revolutionary idea, but it is something that I discovered a few months ago and have since become obsessed with it. I found that is a technique helping people manage their thoughts and taking back control over their emotions and productivity.Brain fog makes it hard for me to keep things straight and stay on top of everything. Since starting brain dumping, I can return to a single document to get back on track. Making it your own is vital, and doing your tasks based on how you feel and how much energy you have is crucial. Remember, this list should not make you anxious about everything you need to do, but rather a place to get everything on your brain onto a piece of paper for review and planned action. Life with chronic illness is hard, and any technique or hack to make life easier is always welcomed. I recommend Brain Bumping over and over.Interesting read:Kathrina Murphy Coaching - https://bit.ly/3tSCQkSWhat is a Brain Dump - https://bit.ly/3u7uEgPMy Instagram Account: https://bit.ly/3nU91MK

I am always on the hunt to find no chemical or medicinal ways to manage my life and pain. I have tried so many things but have fallen in love with meditation. The benefits and lasting effects resonate throughout my life.In this episode, I run through how I manage my chronic pain. I talk about: the different treatments for Fibromyalgia pain vs arthritis pain. My experience with living with chronic illness and not using medsThe routine I follow when I feel my pain and fatigue set inLinks that I mention:Christian Meditation Podcasthttps://christianmeditationpodcast.com/Episode routines and braindumpshttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/47894048Headspace (meditation app)https://www.headspace.com/meditation/painThere is no right or wrong way to manage your pain. The goal is to have a routine and process to get the most out of your life. In a perfect world, we manage a balance between our diagnosis, motherhood, our relationships and our responsibilities as a homemaker. I think this is not possible and that we need a sliding scale of our priorities. We need to make time for what is a priority at that moment. Making time for meditation and your mental health is crucial, but you need to do this in a manner that does not take from you. I hope this episode helps.

We are a week into the new year, and I intended to continue with the new year mindset but decided to kick the year off on a lighter note.In this episode, I run through a list of things that I enjoyed before becoming a mother. I talk about blasting music on my earphones to the craziness of 'spontaneous' adventures; motherhood has brought about a new mindset and approach.New habits that I have learnt come from my lifestyle adaptations post-diagnosis. I take these habits along with me on my motherhood journey. I love being over-prepared and present both in my Fibro journey and becoming the mother that Emma deserves.

If you are anything like me, then you have given up on New Years Resolutions; but, you long for a bit more direction as you head into 2022.I have found that the focus of my goals is too vague. I have started a new approach intended to look deeper. I am trying to behind the thought process behind my goals.In this episode, I share the questions I asked and the thoughts behind setting the goals and intentions for the coming year. It is all about the mindset behind it. I suggest your get behind the thoughts and motivations before you set any plans in action.Make this year to find the best version of yourself. It is ok to be selfish if you are protecting your peace. Try to find the small joys. Identify how helping others serves your purpose. Make this year You-Centred. Podcast episodes I mention: Episode 3 - Silencing the Negative Self-Talkhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/48006982

The reality is before we make changes in our lives, routines or flow to our day, we need to work on our outlook and mindset. In this episode, I challenge you to renew your outlook for the coming year. It is not easy, but the practice of gratitude and mindfulness has helped immensely - and it can help you too.There is no cure for chronic illness, and the fact is - most of us will get worse in the long run. You can choose to focus on the doom and gloom of this statement, or you can take charge of the present. You are in control, but first, you need to accept your limitations. You need to be comfortable with your diagnosis and make the best of your time.Set your boundaries and be stingy with your time. It is the most valuable currency that you have. See you in the new year. Stay blessed! Stay Inspired!

Battling with negative self-talk and a negative self-image is not unique to the chronic illness community, but in my opinion, it sure does amplify the voices. I have yet to master the voices in my head. I wish I could give you a list of things to defeat the voices; however, I can share my strategy to keep them at bay.Chronic illness and pain are hard enough without dealing with the comparison trap, negative external voices, generational programming and learned behaviour. Since I became aware of my triggers and feeds, I can catch myself and silence the voices. I am excited to advise that Pain-Free Kitchen is still posting; please check out her Youtube channel: www.youtube.com/c/PainfreekitchenrachelTechniques and strategies are by no means one size fits all, but we should never give up hope and never stop trying. We are mothers, partners, and warriors.

Hi Mamma, and welcome to the Duvet Mamma Podcast. My first thought was to do an episode on boundaries and prepare for unavoidable gatherings and events of this season. But once I sat down, I chose to highlight that you should be your focus during this time. In my opinion, being stingy with your time and energy is crucial to your sanity. We need to understand our unique flow before we make changes. Once you know your peaks and dips, you can build a life you love. The flow of your energy is unique to you and your home. If you apply your routine, then I promise you, you will feel less stress and more control. I talk about brain dumps, routine, and self-awareness as a means of holding on to yourself.Being a mamma with chronic illness and pain is hard, but do not allow your diagnosis to limit your experiences. You can do more than you think. Take this time to celebrate every victory. The flow f your energy is unique to you and your home.

In this episode, I discuss my opinions on living in a society that considers us broken.Personally living with Auto-immune conditions for the past ten years, I have adjusted to the way of the world and found that it does not work. We have the same deadlines and expected results as everyone else while fighting the silent battle within our bodies. Life is hard, but it does not have to be impossible. It is time that we own circumstances to build a better normal post-diagnosis. Remove the focus from the world's opinion, and shift our attention to how we see ourselves. We can love and support each other, leaving the views and comments of the world behind - or at least I hope. I want to create a community for chronic illness survivors who over what others think and want to make the most of their lives despite their limitations. Please subscribe to the podcast. I do weekly uploads relating to homemaking, motherhood, marriage, relationship and just living life. For behind the scenes and updates, please follow me on Instagram:www.instagram.com/duvet_mammma/