Mamas In Midlife

Have you ever wanted to try something new but are reluctant to try? This episode discusses some of the reasons we might be hesitant to try new things but also the benefits that come when we do.

Have you taken time to notice and recognize what your strengths are? Focusing on strengths can increase our self-esteem, help us to focus on what we are good at, and increase our enthusiasm for life. This episode will explore various strengths and where they may show up in our lives. https://www.therapistaid.com/worksheets/strengths-exploration.pdf https://www.leaderonomics.com/articles/personal/why-its-important-to-know-your-strengths-and-weaknesses#:~:text=Knowing%20your%20own%20strengths%20and,in%20a%20lot%20of%20things.&text=Knowing%20what%20you%20can%20excel,higher%20and%20achieve%20much%20more.

This episode will explain how to do a cognitive model to better help with understanding how our thoughts about situations impact how we feel and behave. Cognitive models are one tool that can be used to enhance our mental health.

This week's podcast entails an interview with my husband Brandon. We talk about thought work and how understanding our thoughts about situations or life circumstances impacts how we feel and how we behave. We share some specific situations of how thought work has greatly enhanced our marriage. I hope you enjoy this episode!

We all love a good story in a movie or book. But what about the stories in our lives? What are the stories we tell ourselves and are they helpful or even true? As you listen to this episode consider the stories you tell about your life and if you want to keep or change those stories.

What does it look like when we really get to know and love ourselves? In this episode I share my journey and what it looked like for me to move from someone who struggled for many years with self-esteem to learning how to develop a beautiful relationship with myself and appreciate who I am.

Last week in Texas we experienced a pretty severe storm that impacted many. I share in this podcast some things I learned from the stress of this storm and the application to all of us as we experience stressful storms in life.

This podcast episode offers 5 tips related to relationships with in-laws when they join the family. Based on excerpts from the book Doing Life With Your Adult Children: Keep Your Mouth Shut and the Welcome Mat Out by Jim Burns.

This podcast episode talks about a concept from the book As A Man Thinketh by James Allen. One of the ideas in his book compares our minds to a garden and our thoughts are the seeds that are being planted. Come and learn how to plant and cultivate seeds of thoughts that are empowering and to consciously pluck out the weed seeds of thoughts that lead to disempowerment. https://www.businessinsider.com/3-lessons-from-tony-robbins-favorite-book-as-a-man-thinketh-2015-6 https://www.oprah.com/spirit/oprah-on-why-your-mind-defines-your-life

This podcast episode includes a brief discussion on the importance of relaxation. You will also get to experience a guided progressive muscle relaxation that is so calming, so you may want to listen to this one at home! https://planetbeach.com/general/5-reasons-why-you-need-to-learn-to-relax-more-often/ https://www.therapistaid.com/therapy-worksheet/progressive-muscle-relaxation-script

There are many changes that happen during motherhood, many of which we celebrate. There are also changes that happen in motherhood in which we notice feelings of grief and sadness. This episode discusses those changes and offers some ideas on how to support ourselves as we grieve during these changes. https://www.medicinenet.com/grief/definition.htm

Amanda Louder is a Certified Sex and Marriage Coach who helps Christian women with their marriage and sex life. In this episode she specifically speaks about sex in marriage during midlife and offers some great insights. How to connect with Amanda: Website: Amandalouder.com Podcast: Live From Love Instagram: Amanda Louder Coaching Facebook: Amanda Louder Coaching

What is the message you get about aging? This podcast dives into that specific topic and shares some insightful information about the media and the impact it can have on women related to the topic of aging. https://www.morethanabody.org/anti-aging-and-symbolic-annihilation/

As 2021 approached I saw different posts on social media or heard others saying how glad they would be to see 2020 in the rear-view mirror. Even though there were challenges, being able to focus on some of the highlights in 2020, really changed how I viewed the year. As I share some of my highlights from 2020 in this podcast, I hope it will encourage you to find your highlights as well!

Have you ever heard someone say “It's to late for me to change”, “I'm set in my ways”, or the old saying “You can't teach an old dog new tricks.” This simply is not true! Come learn more about our brains ability to change and how it can improve our mental health. https://www.thescienceofpsychotherapy.com/neuroplasticity-a-new-paradigm-for-understanding-and-treating-mental-health-issues/ https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/effects-brain#How-Can-Treatment-Change-the-Brain? https://therapyinanutshell.teachable.com/p/change-your-brain https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pkhk1VOnPHs

Since this podcast airs the week of Christmas 2020, I wanted to share a short, uplifting story about love and Christmas. I hope you enjoy the podcast!

Having children grow up and become adults can be a big change for parents. There is a redefining of what the relationship will now look like between us and our children. This podcast talks about this process of change and how to rewrite our job description as parents of adult children. Doing Life With Your Adult Children: Keeping Your Mouth Shut and the Welcome Mat Out. By Jim Burns.

There are 4 styles of communication: Passive, Aggressive, Passive-Aggressive, and Assertive. Which style do you use most often? This podcast explains each style and then focuses on the most ideal of the four styles- assertive. https://online.alvernia.edu/articles/4-types-communication-styles/ https://www.uky.edu/hr/sites/www.uky.edu.hr/files/wellness/images/Conf14_FourCommStyles.pdf https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmrokQdsjTA&t=105s https://www.therapistaid.com/therapy-worksheet/i-statements

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Are you bleeding before you are cut?”. I had a significant person in my life say this to me once and it changed the way I viewed various situations that I felt stress or anxiety about. Come and listen as I tell the story about bleeding before I was cut.

I know the Holidays can be a time of great joy and for some they can also be a time of stress. This podcast includes some thoughts on dealing with two stressors that are more common during the holidays: loneliness and family relationships.

“I have anxiety” or “I'm feeling anxious” is something I have commonly heard either in my office or just in casual conversations. How do we know though if the symptoms we are experiencing are related to stress or if we are dealing with anxiety or possibly an anxiety disorder? This episode explores these specific questions and provides clarification on the topic of stress and anxiety. https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/related-illnesses/stress#:~:text=Everyone%20experiences%20stress%20and%20anxiety,least%20moderately%20with%20their%20lives. http://www.ulifeline.org/articles/439-anxiety-vs-anxiety-disorders https://my.cleveland clinic.org/health/articles/11874-stress https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/external/2018/06/stress-vs-anxiety/ https://www.bridgestorecovery.com/blog/5-ways-to-tell-the-difference-between-stress-and-anxiety-when-to-get-help/#:~:text=Anxiety%20is%20also%20normal.,experiences%20triggering%20feelings%20of%20anxiety. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/about/pac-20384610

How do we know when feeling really sad or down, if it's sadness or if we are dealing with symptoms of depression? This episode dives into that specific question and explains the difference. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/compassion-matters/201507/the-value-sadness https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/depression-vs-sadness#symptoms

The American Institute of Stress says they are often asked what is the best way to relieve stress and relax. They indicate there are different ways for different people yet one of the best “super stress busters” as they call it, is breathing. This episode explains why it's helpful to JUST BREATHE. https://www.stress.org/take-a-deep-breath#:~:text=Deep%20breathing%20increases%20the%20supply,head%20and%20quiets%20your%20mind. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLbK0o9Bk7Q

As we enter midlife it's helpful to know how to take care of our bodies so we can have the quality of life we desire. In this episode I interview Amber Brueseke who is a fitness trainer and founder of Biceps After Babies. She shares some really helpful and practical information on why strength training can be so beneficial and also how we can support our bodies through nutrition using macros. There is so much great information in this podcast, I hope you enjoy it! How to find Amber: Instagram: Biceps After Babies Facebook: Biceps After Babies Website: www.bicepsafterbabies.com Podcast: Biceps After Babies Radio

Do you find that you can show compassion for others but struggle to give it to yourself. Come join me for this podcast episode on practicing self-compassion.

Victim Mindset describes a way of thinking in which a person believes they are a victim to circumstances or situations. They believe that things are actually happening to them and they have no control. This episode explains a little more about what this mindset might look like, where it can come from, and ways to make changes if we see this in ourselves. https://www.harleytherapy.co.uk/counselling/victim-mentality.htm#:~:text=But%20if%20you%20have%20a,as%20you%20'deserve'%20better. https://www.healthline.com/health/victim-mentality#responding-to-it

Sometimes we want to “fix” or help other “feel better” when they are experiencing negative or painful emotions. Often times though, they just need to experience the emotions they are feeling and we don't need to make it better. Come learn more about this topic of allowing others to experience their emotions.

Have you known someone that has experienced the death of a loved one or maybe you yourself have? Has it been a challenge to know what to say related to the death? This podcast touches on this often uncomfortable subject, providing a better understanding of what to say and how to support.

My kids are growing up- now what? Have you ever ask yourself this questions? When kids start leaving home it can sometimes be a tricky time for moms, at least it was for me! Learn some helpful tips to navigate this this life changing event in this weeks podcast!

What does the road to recovery look like from codependency? This episode dives into that specific topic. https://risingwoman.com/healing-codependency-and-love-addiction/ https://www.mhanational.org/issues/co-dependency

Part 1 of the podcast on Codependency discusses specifically what codependency is, describes behavior patterns that are exhibited, where codependency often originates from, and some specific examples of codependency. Ultimately codependency is an intense desire to be accepted with trade-off being our own voice or needs. https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/codependency-narcissism-may-have-more-in-common-than-you-think-0807187 https://coda.org/meeting-materials/patterns-and-characteristics-2011/ https://www.treehouserehab.org/addiction-and-codependency/ http://thefocusonyou.com/codependency-love-story/ https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/issues/codependency#:~:text=Codependency%20is%20usually%20rooted%20in,are%20not%20worth%20attending%20to.

We all have people in our lives that we love. As we love others it's very much part of human nature to want to help them as well. This episode explains how to know when we have crossed over the line from helping to enabling. https://alexanderberardi.com/2015/09/14/the-struggle-is-part-of-our-story/#:~:text=There's%20a%20story%20often%20attributed,inside%20is%20a%20beautiful%20butterfly. https://psychcentral.com/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-supporting-and-enabling/ https://www.drldabney.com/article/how-to-stop-enabling/

In this podcast I share the children's book You are Special by Max Lucado to illustrate how we sometimes seek for the approval of others in order to feel better or to believe something about ourselves. Come and learn what the remedy is to approval seeking from others!

Have you found yourself wanting to make changes and achieve success in certain areas of your life but you don't know where to start? Or maybe you started with making changes but then stop after you didn't see results. Today's episode discusses ways we can make changes through small, consistent efforts. Reference: Slight Edge by Jeff Olson

In this podcast I interview McKell Kristen who is a Life Coach for Relationship Anxiety. McKell is very knowledgeable about anxiety and offers great insights about how to recognize it and ideas on how to manage it. If you would like to reach out to McKell she can be found at: McKellKristen.com Instagram @ McKellKristen and her podcast is "Relationship Anxiety"

We spend many years raising our children. It's no surprise that many moms go through a BIG adjustment when their children leave home. We still want to “help” our children because that is what we have done for SO MANY years. It can be a HUGE adjustment for moms! Moms may find themselves struggling with feeling needed and also with knowing when to step in and when not to in their adult children's lives. This podcast discuss 5 tips to parenting young adult children. I hope you find it helpful!

When it comes to dealing with negative emotions do you find that you want to run away from them, go and eat some yummy cookies, or indulge in a shopping spree in an effort to avoid them? In this episode I share a children's book called, “There's No Such Thing as a Dragon” by Jack Kent. I connect the content of the book to what we may do with our emotions! I hope you enjoy this episode!

When thinking of improving our mental health there may be some uncertainty with where to start. I've seen the importance of starting with the basics as a foundational piece to improved mental health. This podcasts explains the basics and how to evaluate what might be needed in our lives. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/fats/dietary-fats https://www.24life.com/the-nutrition-basics-how-to-best-fuel-your-body/ https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/6-reasons-to-drink-water#1 https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/sleep-deprivation-and-deficiency https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htm

Have you noticed various times in your life when you had a great desire to grow and change verses other times when you felt more stagnant and unmotivated to change? This could be the difference in experiencing a fixed verse a growth mindset. This episode dives into the specifics of each and explores how one can work towards a greater growth mindset. https://www.mindsetworks.com/science/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1CHPnZfFmU https://jamesclear.com/fixed-mindset-vs-growth-mindset https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=40362 https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/click-here-happiness/201904/15-ways-build-growth-mindset

From the time a mom brings home her first newborn baby and throughout the years of raising children, moms dedicate an enormous amount of time and effort to raising children. Is it any wonder that they may feel a little lost as their children get older, become more independent, and "fly the coop". Some women may ask themselves, "what do I do with my time now that my children are older?". As women contemplate this question, some decide they want to start a career in midlife. This podcast episode is centered around that specific topic- Starting a Career In Midlife. In the episode I interview Susan Robinson who did just that- she started a successful career in Midlife. Come and listen to her journey! To get in contact with Susan: Keller Williams Integrity First 830 S. Higley Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85296 Susan.robinson@kw.com 480-628-8963

When moms bring home their newborn baby from the hospital they don't get a "parenting manual". They get to figure out how to be a mom through trial and error. This can lead to doubts and guilt about what they do or what they don't do enough of for their children. This podcast discusses this guilt, shares some personal examples, and discusses where this guilt can come from and what can be done to addresses it.

Children who are exposed to Adverse Childhood Experiences have a much greater likelihood of experiencing dysfunction and disability in adult life. This podcast explains what ACE's are, how they impact children in adulthood, and the hope of healing.

Sometimes we have shame associated with the story of our past and that shame keeps us stuck from moving forward. In this podcast I open up and share my story and how I was able to heal and move forward from the shame I associated with the way I grew up. This is My Story of Healing!

What are the specific needs you have in your life and how do you get them met? This podcast takes a look at specific needs we all have and discusses how we can meet those specific needs. Doing so fills our tank so we can accomplish our daily tasks, experience fulfillment, and be available to others in the ways we desire.

Do you feel guilty when creating boundaries that you know would be good for you? This episode discusses feelings of guilt you may encounter when setting boundaries, where the guilt comes from, and how you can change those feelings.

Having a child graduate from high school and prepare to leave for college can be a BIG change for moms. In this episode I share what it was like when my first child graduated and left for college and how I navigated that major change in my life. I also offer some tools that can help as you go through this major life changing event.

What are boundaries and why do we need them in our lives? Listen in to find out!

Has there ever been a time where you behaved in a way that you later wondered, “why did I act that way? People can get in a vicious cycle of negative behaviors or not showing up the way they want to because there are having continuous thoughts that are causing the behaviors without them even realizing it's happening. In this podcast we will discuss how our behaviors or how we show up in various life situations is in large part related to our thoughts.

We might be attributing the results we are getting in our lives or what we are experiencing, to the circumstances of our lives. What is really impacting us in what we are experiencing is our thoughts about the circumstances. This podcast discusses recognizing the thoughts we have, looking at them, deciding if they are thoughts we want to keep, and then exploring new thoughts to try on, that might better serve us.

Have you ever wondered why your life if going the way it is? Have you felt powerless to take action due to life circumstances? Have you wanted different results in your life but not sure how to get them? In this episode we will talk about life circumstances and how our thoughts can contribute to feeling like we are a victim to them.

We are in the middle of navigating Covid 19 and we have never been in a pandemic before. This is all new and confusing and we may be feeling keyed up emotionally or experiencing feelings of anxiety. This podcast will give you actionable steps you can take to help calm down your mind and body.