Reframing Me

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So many prepare us for the transition to motherhood, but no one prepares us for how hard the transition out is, and once our kids become teens, it also can feel very solitary. The issues we face with teens are often ones we need to talk about, yet feel we can't or shouldn't. Together, we can create a community of women who, faced with growing children and changing families, are relearning how to mom, and relearning who they are as women. Grounded in family communication theory, join Dr. Jennifer Brubaker to have those conversations to help you better understand this new chapter of your life. Episodes focus on both family communication with our teens and reflection and self discovery. Dr. Brubaker has her Ph.D in Communication Studies and is an Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where she has taught for 17 years. Prior to UNCW, she taught at The Ohio State University, Kent State University and the University of Toledo. Originally from Ohio, Jen lives in Wilmington, NC, with her husband, three children, three dogs, cat and a menagerie of small animals. She loves spending time with her family, traveling and all things fitness, sports and wellness. Reach out with your questions, issues or experiences to begin the conversation. Or reach out to say hi and let me know you’re listening :) Join the Reframing Me: The Podcast Community Facebook group to connect with others who are looking to relearn how to parent, now that their kids are teens, and rediscover who they are as women, beyond the framework of motherhood. Send emails to jen@reframing-me.com; or on socials: Reframing Me on FacebookAND join the Facebook group Reframing Me: The Podcast Community; @reframingme on Instagram; Reframing Me on YouTube @reframingme on TikTok

Dr. Jennifer Brubaker


    • Jun 20, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 26m AVG DURATION
    • 218 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Reframing Me

    Upcycle: Traveling with Teens

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 34:34


    Send us a textThank you so much for being here! Welcome to our fabulous community of women - most of us are moms who are raising teens and rediscovering ourselves.I am in the process of planning our summer vacation, so I thought it was the perfect time to revisit this episode because traveling with teens is always an adventure!!After a couple of weeks way from the mic, I am back and ready to go!! Well, kinda... and kinda out of my comfort zone. How about you? Are you pushing yourself out of your comfort zone enough? Well, I am biting down, closing my eyes and doing it, so we can have a conversation about traveling with teens and the 10 universal reflections we experience on those trips. Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    Jen is Zen - That's Hypernormalization, and it's Trying to Protect You

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 12:59


    Send us a textThank you so much for being here!! I am so appreciative of you for tuning in!We're living in a time when the world feels increasingly chaotic, and somehow we're expected to keep functioning like everything's fine. In this episode, I explore the concept of hypernormalization — how dysfunction becomes our default, and what that does to our minds, our bodies, and our relationships. From the global to the personal, this is a reflection on what happens when we stop noticing what's not okay. If you've felt off, numb, or overwhelmed by the news cycle, the silence in your own home, or the heaviness in your chest that you can't quite name, you're not alone. This one is for your nervous system.Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    protect hypernormalization
    The Berry Breakdown - Tips for Listening In and Listening Out

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 27:53


    Send us a textThank you so much for being here!! It wasn't about the berries! In this episode of Reframing Me, we explore how small, everyday moments—like an almost missed berry picking trip—can trigger deeper emotional responses in parents of teens. Grounded in Family Systems Theory, Relational Dialectics Theory, and Metaphor Theory, this episode explains how family rituals carry symbolic meaning, and how their disruption can signal emotional shifts in family dynamics. We discuss strategies for navigating these transitions, improving emotional awareness, and supporting both ourselves and our teens as roles and relationships evolve. Includes five practical tips for processing emotional spirals and reframing connection during periods of change.Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    Jen is Zen - Yes, YOU Have a Summer Body

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 12:31


    Send us a textThank you so much for being here! In the U.S. (and especially living at the beach!), Memorial Day is the "official" launch of summer! And never is our unappreciation of our bodies as great as it is during the summer. Can we say that we love our body... and mean it? What if instead of crititicizing all of our flaws based off of narratives that have been planted in our heads we appreciated and loved our bodies for all that they do?Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    Are You Tired? The 7 Types of Rest You Need

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 33:20


    Send us a textWelcome to the show! I'm so happy that you're here! If you're a mom, especially a mom of teenagers, you are probably feeling tired. All. The. Time. But what if your exhaustion isn't just about lack of sleep? What if it's about the type of rest you're not getting?There's a powerful framework I want to share with you today - I was introduced to it in the book The Hustle Cure by Sophie Cliff, but it comes from Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, a physician who wrote the book Sacred Rest and gave a TED Talk that went viral for good reason. She breaks rest down into 7 distinct types. Today, we'll have a conversation about these seven different types that we need because, guess what? Our teenagers need them too! And, surprise! None of us are getting them!Check out the NEW "Reframing Me" blog available NOW at www.Reframing-Me.comThank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    Jen is Zen - Episode 200!! Je suis le ciel (I am the sky)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 18:36


    Send us a textThank you so much for being here! It's our 200th episode!! And today, for the first time, "Reframing Me" is ranking in France, so I am dusting off my high school French (well... that may be a BIT of a stretch...).“You are the sky. Everything else—it's just the weather.”Or, maybe more simply: You are not your feelings. You are the one who feels them. Emotional complexity is the ability to separate yourself from your feelings. This is what it means to communicate without making everything personal. But it's not how we, as midlife - GenX or older Millennial women, were taught. So now, here we are: Hormonal messes. Parenting teens who are hormonal messes. Trying to model emotional intelligence we were never taught. Trying to teach our kids to express what they feel. Trying to name our own feelings accurately. Trying to decode what's happening in our homes while living in bodies that feel foreign. Trying to understand our spouses - who were trained in the grand tradition of: anger, or nothing.And while we're doing all that... we're also often supporting aging parents who have never processed an emotion out loud in their lives.So yeah. It's a lot. Somedays, it feels like we are the emotional managers of our households.What emotions have you been carrying that aren't yours?What emotion have you been flattening into something easier to name—when really, it's more layered than that?Where have you been managing emotions for people who haven't learned to name their own?What would change if you trusted yourself to feel it all—but not become it?This is not about becoming emotionless. -  It's about becoming emotionally fluent.. Because you are the sky, and even on the stormiest days—you are still steady and still you;Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    UPCYCLE: What about prom?? When Life Doesn't FIt the Canonical Storyline

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 43:35


    Send us a textWith rom season in full swing, and graduations upon us, and wedding season – tryouts – the post-college decision day aftermath - and of course the always a favorite "What are you going to do after graduation?” question that may be looming in the air, I wanted to revisit a favorite conversation of mine because Sometimes it's almost as if your teens didn't see your parenting vision board, isn't it? What happens when they deviate from the plan? This isn't how it was supposed to be. This isn't how I planned or what I thought. Delve into a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges and complexities associated with deviating from societal and familial canonical storylines. Let's have a conversation about how social norms and values use canonical stories to shape our understanding of the world and our place within it. Unpack the significance of embracing individuality while navigating the rigid structures imposed by canonical narratives, and reflect on the ways in which these narratives influence our perceptions of self and others.Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    UPCYCLE - The Mom Episode Part 2: Getting Back to Business

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2025 28:37


    Send us a textThank you for being here today! In celebration of Mother's Day, let's revisit our special Mom episodes! When these first aired, I was excited about our upcoming 50th episode. Now, here I am, about to record our 200th episode! In part 1 we talked about the struggles that working moms face, so we continue our conversation by looking at the struggles of stay-at-home moms. SAHMs report feelings of sadness, loneliness, frustration and boredom. With teenagers, they often begin to question their role, as their kids have become more independent, which leads many to look to reclaim their careers. Many find that easier said than done with a decade-plus gap on their resumes, so let's look at SIX tips for rejoining the workforce and how we can all build our personal brand identity. Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    UPCYCLE: The Mom Episode Part 1 - Girls Can Do Anything and 7 Tips for Work-Family Integration

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2025 52:53


    Send us a textThank you for being here today! In celebration of Mother's Day, let's revisit our special Mom episodes! When these first aired, I was excited about our upcoming 50th episode. Now, here I am, about to record our 200th episode! I guess I was right: Girls CAN do anything!In part 1 of this MONSTER-sized mom episode, we're celebrating moms, girl power. Girls can do ANYTHING and be ANYTHING, but telling girls that they can or should do EVERYTHING is one of the factors that establishes the societal bias that places moms as the Default Parent, a mentally and physically draining role of providing primary care for parenting and home-related tasks. This syndrome exists and exhausts both working and stay-at-home moms, but it is especially challenging for working moms, so let's also have a conversation about 7 tips for work-family integrations. Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    Jen is Zen - It's Not a Change... It's a Transformation

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 16:11


    Send us a textThank you SO much for being here! Today's Jen is Zen is episode number 199! As I approach 200, I can't help but reflect on what a transformation I have undergone over these last couple/few years! Through my curiosity, I discovered myself, who I am underneath and who I wanted to be. And by focusing on what I wanted, rather than what I didn't want - I found my passion. And once I found my passion, my purpose became abundantly clear. And that… that is transformation. So today, can you ask yourself - How much of your attention are you giving to what you DO want versus what you DON'T want? Because most of us devote much more of our time and energy to what we don't want to happen – what we don't want for our day or for our future  - who we DON'T want to be - than to what we actually do want. And what would happen if you changed that focus? Would you transform? Please help me with my Matrenaissance Identity Theory of Communication research by completing a completely anonymous survey at https://forms.gle/WunxbwZ7L1MmvWEF6This research has been approved by the UNCW Institutional Review Board. Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    My Biggest Parenting Secret? Boundaries, Space and Your Teens

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2025 31:36


    Send us a textWith summer creeping up, college students about to come home, and teens ready to enjoy summer break at home, I've been thinking a lot about how much the dynamic in many of our homes is about to shift. For some of us, the daily routines we've gotten used to will be flipped upside down - again. And even though we love having our kids back under our roofs, let's be honest, it's not always as smooth or idyllic as we imagine it will be.So I've been asking myself: What's the one piece of advice I'd give to another parent heading into this season? What is the bang for your buck as close to the secret of parenting teens that I can give you in a one and done answer.And my answer is actually probably the best change I've ever made in myself as a parent. It's not about new rules, or stricter consequences, or some clever new strategy. It's about something a little harder to define - but way more impactful.I made the boundary of our family more permeable.. I gave my teens space. And making family boundaries more permeable might just be the best change you could make, too.Please help me with my Matrenaissance Identity Theory of Communication research by completing a completely anonymous survey at https://forms.gle/WunxbwZ7L1MmvWEF6This research has been approved by the UNCW Institutional Review Board. Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    Jen is Zen - Light Each Other's Candles

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 16:06


    Send us a textThank you so much for being here! Today, I invite you to hold two truths at once: I can celebrate her. And I can believe in me.They're not opposites. They're connected. They make each other stronger.And as we start living from that place of abundance - of lifting each other up instead of tearing ourselves down - we create a world that's bigger, brighter, and more beautiful for all of us.So where can you choose admiration over envy today? Where can you genuinely celebrate someone else's success - and trust that yours is still coming too?Because Someone else's success is not your failure. Celebrate others' successes. Support each other. A candle doesn't become any dimmer when it lights another candle.Let's keep lighting each other's candles, y'all because the world needs all the light we can give.Please help me with my Matrenaissance Identity Theory of Communication research by completing a completely anonymous survey at https://forms.gle/WunxbwZ7L1MmvWEF6This research has been approved by the UNCW Institutional Review Board. Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    Feeling Clean and Clear: An Ecology Check for Our Dreams

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 27:01


    Send us a textI've been reading the book "Power Manifesting" by Paul McKenna, and he talks about a process called "Clean and Clear" to do an ecology check on your goals. An ecology check is how you ask, If I change one thing—will the rest of me still thrive?And the questions are simple:What are you willing to do to reach this goal?What are you not willing to do?But what they reveal? Please help me with my Matrenaissance Identity Theory of Communication research by completing a completely anonymous survey at https://forms.gle/WunxbwZ7L1MmvWEF6This research has been approved by the UNCW Institutional Review Board. Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    Jen is Zen... *more than she's not*

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 12:40


    Send us a textOur true character doesn't lie in not getting mad or upset or angry or jealous or disappointed – or feeling any of that negative energy. Our true character lies in how quickly we can shake that feeling off and refocus on what we need to do now. Like many of you, I've always been one to hold myself to a really high standard – whether it's in my career or being a mom or a wife or a daughter or hosting a holiday or working out – and when it comes to being zen or grateful or positive, it's the same thing. It's in the title: it's Jen IS Zen, not Jen is sometimes Zen or Jen is Zen.. more than she's not. But sometimes we confuse being zen with being unaffected. But that's not peace—that's emotional suppression. That's a performance, and it's exhausting.Your true power isn't in pretending you don't feel the hard things. It's in how you tend to yourself when you do. It's in how quickly you notice the spiral and decide to reroute.So maybe the next time this happens to you, maybe instead of focusing on the spiral. Maybe you focus on the return.Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    From Grocery-getter to Business Owner: Amy's Matrenaissance

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 44:48


    Send us a textIn this final episode in our Matrenaissance conversation series, we chat with Amy—a nurse, mom, and now med spa owner—who opens up about rediscovering her identity after years of being “just mom.” Amy shares her emotional journey from full-time motherhood to launching a thriving aesthetics and wellness business, all while navigating grief, guilt, and the fear of failure.Together, we unpack the deep societal messages that tell women they're invisible after a certain age—and how Amy refused to accept that story. Whether you're standing in the school pickup line or standing at the edge of something new, this conversation will remind you that your next chapter can be your most powerful yet.Matrenaissance coaching interest form https://forms.gle/NYNpRKqvvM9UEPEH9Matrenaissance surveyhttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/1u4iUObp3JZS58WBa6Muv0XyAqnRQltjrcvuLY3zUrXY/edit#responsesKeywords: midlife reinvention, Matrenaissance, empty nest, starting over at 40, women entrepreneurs, moms rediscovering purpose, midlife transformation, family communication, female-owned businesses, wellness entrepreneurshipThank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    Upcycle: Putting Age in Context

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 39:27


    Send us a textJoin me on my birthday for a conversation about contextual age and its profound implications on our sense of self and well-being. Delving beyond mere chronological age, we explore how factors such as biological age, social roles, perceived age, and subjective age shape our identity and outlook on life.Let's challenge conventional notions of aging and embrace an ageless mindset. By redefining our relationship with age, we can cultivate a sense of timelessness and vitality at any stage of life.We'll discuss nine keys to staying ageless, including: what you put in your body, what you do with your body and what you put on your body; staying open to new ideas; challenging your brain and yourself; continuing to set goals and manifest success; doing things that make you happy; reducing stress and anxiety; building and fostering quality social relationships; and communicate.Discover the power of contextual age in shaping our identity, relationships, and overall quality of life. Let's embark on a transformative exploration of agelessness and unlock the secrets to a vibrant and fulfilling existence, irrespective of the passing years.Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    Upcycle: 10 Keys to Being Ageless

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 43:19


    Send us a textToday, you get to choose, what are you going to focus on? It's very easy and natural for us to want something different – if I could just go back to the past, or if it could just get to the future already. For years we just wanted to get older, and now, if we could only be young again… It's ok to have those reactions. Honor wherever you are and however you feel, but let go of that and instead choose to focus on how you want to see the situation. In my special birthday episode, we have a conversation about aging. Because chronological age is such a poor predictor of age and the actual aging process, researchers have developed A LOT of alternative non-chronological age measures: Age Identity, Contextual Age, Subjective Age... All of this research allows us to develop 10 keys to being ageless - not young - just ageless. Today, I choose to focus on how I feel and on what I'm doing and accomplishing. I choose to focus on the context of my life. Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    Why Jen is Zen at 49

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2025 22:51


    Send us a textIn this special birthday episode of Jen is Zen, I share my top five reasons I feel more peaceful, grounded, and fulfilled at 49 than ever before. From daily gratitude and intentional movement to supplements, intermittent fasting, and deep self-reflection, i share the habits and mindset shifts that have helped ne stay “Zen AF” despite life's challenges. Perfect for women navigating midlife, this uplifting episode is a guide to healing, growth, and embracing your authentic self—at any age.Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    zen zen af
    You DO only live ONCE: Kris' Matrenaissance

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2025 36:07


    Send us a textWhen Kris Janik realized that "you only live once!" also meant, "you DO ONLY live ONCE," she realized that she wanted to make it really mean something special - something that she and her family could be proud of. In this third episode of our Matrenaissance series, I have a conversation with contemporary artist and mother of three, Kris Janik, to explore the beautiful, nonlinear journey of rediscovering yourself after years spent in roles that serve everyone but you.Kris opens up about her early career, her 15+ years as a stay-at-home mom, and the powerful transformation that led her to embrace her identity as a self-taught artist. At the heart of her Matrenaissance is not only creativity, but also healing — including her deeply personal journey with sobriety.Through painting, travel, motherhood, and recovery, Kris found a way back to herself — one brushstroke at a time. Her story is one of evolution, resilience, and the courage to reclaim joy on your own terms.This episode is part of our March Matrenaissance series, highlighting real women who have reimagined their identity, purpose, and power in midlife.Whether you're craving creativity, navigating motherhood, exploring sobriety, or simply wondering what's next, Kris's story is a powerful reminder: your evolution is not only possible — it's beautiful.If you are a woman over 40, please take my matrenaissance survey (https://forms.gle/b4jtrvxi517Zg33cA) to help me with my research.Check out Kris' art @krisjanikart on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/krisjanikart/)I am opening ONLY FIVE spots - just for listeners - who are interested in personalized one-on-one matrenaissance coaching. If this is something you are interested in, please fill out this form (https://forms.gle/QBpQzxMZbT78SMBRA), and I'll follow up with details :)Keywords:Matrenaissance, midlife transformation, sobriety journey, identity shift, women over 40, self-discovery, creativity after motherhood, stay-at-home mom to artist, Kris Janik, Reframing Me podcast, coastal art, motherhood and recovery, personal growth in midlifeThank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    Jen is Zen - Trusting the Process, Even When It's Quiet

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025 13:54


    Send us a textThank you so much for being here! What would it feel like to fully trust the space between who I was and who I am becoming?This question isn't about naming where you are. It's not even about clarity, or about your goals, about or knowing your vision or about manifesting your future self. It's about trust. Trusting yourself and trusting where you are and trusting the process. I am still over here in my healing era, stuck in between - in between who I was and who I'm becoming. Just like our matrenaissance, it's a quiet space, full of reflecting and letting go to make space for who we are stepping into. But it's also an uncertain space, and that can be scary, so we need to trust in ourselves as we take those first few steps, until we can truly see what's on the other side.*** One-on-one coaching availability! I'm opening up FIVE spots for personalized matrenaissance coaching for listeners (4 weeks)! If you're interested, please complete the form or visit www.reframing-me.comThank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    What I know now - Beth's Matrenaissance: Two Steps Ahead

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2025 68:49


    Send us a textBefore we were moms, we were women—whole, vibrant individuals with passions, dreams, and a sense of self. But somewhere along the way, our identities began to revolve around our kids. And now, as they grow into their independence, we're left asking: Who am I now?In this special Matrenaissance re-release, I revisit a powerful conversation with Certified Life Coach Marybeth Cale of Estuary Coaching—someone I've long admired as a woman just a few steps ahead of me in life and parenting.Back when we recorded this episode two years ago, I didn't yet have the words for the transformation I saw in her. But now, I do. Beth wasn't just evolving—she was in her Matrenaissance: a powerful midlife rebirth rooted in self-rediscovery, identity shift, and reclaiming purpose beyond motherhood. ✔ Midlife identity changes ✔ Rediscovering passions, purpose, and self ✔ Reframing roles and relationships ✔ Embracing personal growth and life coachingWe explore how to slow down, tune in, and start living with more intention. Because midlife isn't the end of the story—it's the moment we finally begin writing our chapter.

    Upcycle: Senioritis and Soiling the Nest

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2025 35:57


    Send us a textThank you so much for being here! While I'm currently in my healing era, it's the perfect time to revisit powerful topics that never lose their relevance—like senioritis.This time last year, I was right where many of you are now—parenting a high school senior navigating the emotional rollercoaster of their final year. Senioritis is often brushed off as laziness or apathy, but it's actually a complex emotional and psychological shift that affects both students and families.From sudden lack of motivation and irritability to feelings of disconnection and overwhelm, the final stretch before graduation can stir up tension in even the most grounded households. In this episode, we explore the real reasons behind senioritis—from cognitive dissonance and fear of the unknown to the need for control and autonomy.You'll learn how to recognize emotional behaviors like "soiling the nest"—where teens unconsciously create conflict to make separation easier—and discover practical ways to guide your senior through this transitional period. Whether it's encouraging new hobbies, life skills, or part-time jobs, there are meaningful ways to reframe this season of change.If you're parenting a teen preparing for college, experiencing senior year stress, or simply trying to maintain peace during this major life shift, this episode is for you.Let's embrace the chaos, find clarity, and walk this path with grace—together.Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    Jen is Zen - The In-between

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2025 13:44


    Send us a textWelcome back! Thank you for being here! In this Jen is Zen episode, we need to chat about the in-between—that space where transformation is happening, even when it feels like everything is falling apart. So, I've had a bit of a surprise injury that needs surgery (like, literally tomorrow!) and I'm finding myself unexpectedly sidelined in this limbo, so I've had to shift my perspective and lean into the discomfort of slowing down.And there's not only a parallel between this in-between space I'm in right now and the in-between space we're in cosmically in eclipse season, but just like the cosmic shifts happening around us—eclipses, retrogrades, and all the chaos they bring—our Matrenaissance is its own kind of transition. It's unsettling, it's uncertain, but it's also where the magic happens. So today, I'm asking you to reflect: What needs to fall away so that you can fully step into who you're becoming?Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    Why Not Me? Emily's Matrenaissance: A Journey of Empowerment

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2025 49:12


    Send us a textWhat happens when you realize the life you're living no longer aligns with who you want to be? How do you navigate the fear, resistance, and self-doubt that come with stepping into a new version of yourself?In this episode of Reframing Me, I sit down with Emily Allen, a certified alcohol-free life coach who helps women break free from wine mom culture and reclaim their power in midlife. After transforming her own relationship with alcohol while raising her two children, Emily now guides women in creating a future filled with clarity, authentic connections, and true freedom.Emily's story is a perfect example of the Matrenaissance in action—she recognized that the narrative she had been living wasn't serving her, changed the way she spoke to herself, stepped into her power, and now helps other women do the same.In our conversation, we dive into:

    Jen is Zen - The kind of person who...

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2025 11:24


    Send us a textHave you ever let go of the limiting beliefs holding you back and truly allowed yourself to dream? In this Jen is Zen episode, we explore what happens when you suspend your disbelief and give yourself permission to imagine the life you truly want.We often think self-esteem comes from achieving big milestones—landing the job, losing the weight, earning the degree—but true confidence is built in the small, daily commitments we make to ourselves. The way we treat ourselves when no one is watching, the tiny habits we follow through on, and the promises we keep to ourselves shape the way we see who we are.In this episode, we ask:

    Welcome to your Matrenaissance! Reframing Midlife

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2025 37:18


    Send us a textAt some point, every woman in midlife finds herself asking: Who am I now? Maybe your kids don't need you the way they used to. Maybe your career feels stagnant. Maybe your relationships are shifting in ways you never expected. You're not the same person you were ten years ago, but where does that leave you?In this episode, I'm sharing my own story—the moment I realized that I wasn't lost, I was evolving. That midlife wasn't a crisis, but a turning point. That's when I started diving into research, self-reflection, and conversations with other women, and I discovered a pattern—a process we all go through but rarely talk about.I call it Matrenaissance—a movement, a mindset shift, and a framework for understanding the transformation that happens when women redefine their identity, relationships, and sense of purpose in midlife. We'll talk about how our internal dialogue shapes the way we see ourselves, how shifting roles in motherhood and family dynamics impact our relationships, and how cultural messages about women “aging out” of relevance couldn't be further from the truth.If you've ever felt like you were losing yourself, this episode is for you. Midlife isn't about fading into the background—it's about stepping fully into who you are meant to be. This is your Matrenaissance.Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    Jen is Zen - Not the Best Performance of My Career

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2025 11:23


    Send us a textThank you so much for being here!!Your best is going to look different on different days for different reasons and in different seasons. We often need a reminder that external pressures, life circumstances, and emotional bandwidth shape our daily "best." And our best today isn't the same as our best yesterday or our best tomorrow. And that's ok. Sometimes our best is just showing up. We need to extend ourselves grace even when it's "the worst performance of your career."Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    Building Our Emotional Intelligence (so we can teach our teens!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2025 44:53


    Send us a textWelcome back to the show! Thank you for being here!Today, we're having a conversation about emotional intelligence, teen brain development, and breaking generational cycles around managing emotions. Many of us who grew up in the ‘80s and ‘90s were never taught how to handle emotions—because our parents weren't taught either. This lack of emotional literacy has impacted our relationships, parenting styles, and even how we process our own emotions today.We explore:✅ Why emotional intelligence matters and how it affects our relationships.✅ How emotions actually last only 90 seconds—it's the stories we tell ourselves that prolong them.✅ Why men often struggle to express emotions other than anger, while women are labeled “too emotional.”✅ How societal expectations have shaped emotional suppression across generations.✅ Practical strategies for improving our own emotional intelligence as adults.✅ The best ways to teach emotional regulation to our kids, helping them develop strong, healthy relationships.If you've ever wondered how to manage your emotions better, teach your kids emotional intelligence, or stop the cycle of emotional suppression, this episode is for you. Tune in now and start building emotional awareness in your family!

    Jen is Zen - Gratitude vs Ambition

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2025 12:26


    Send us a textThank you so much for being here! I have big dreams - lots of exciting goals. But I am so happy with my life today... am I being ungrateful for her by wanting more? This is a question that I've been pondering over the last week. Or are we holding ourselves back without even realizing it? In this episode of Jen is Zen, we're diving into the powerful balance between gratitude and ambition—because wanting more doesn't mean you're ungrateful; it means you're growing. We'll explore how ‘playing small' can disguise itself as contentment, why reaching for more is actually an expression of gratitude (not a rejection of it), and how to step into your full potential without guilt. If you've ever struggled with self-doubt, limiting beliefs, or the fear of wanting ‘too much,' this episode is for you. The future isn't something you wait for—it's something you create, moment by moment. Let's talk about how to stop playing small and start living fully. The future is today—don't miss it.Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    Surviving Winter and the Second Semester Blues

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2025 46:12


    Send us a textThank you so much for being here! Here in North Carolina, the U.S., the Northern Hemisphere it has felt like the winteriest of winters, but we have passed the halfway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox, so yay, us! What's been lighting up these dark days for me? Literally, a Happy Light! and magnesium! and intermittent fasting! So let's chat about them all... and don't forget our teens! Why are they feeling the second semester blues?? Let's chat about that too!Also, check out Diagnosis: Senioritis and Soiling the Nest In this episode of Reframing Me, Dr. Jennifer Brubaker shares how to navigate the winter blues, maintain emotional wellness, and support teens experiencing second-semester struggles. She reflects on surviving the long stretch of January and highlights three key strategies that have helped her feel better physically and mentally:Intermittent Fasting – Balancing eating and fasting periods to improve brain function, energy levels, and overall well-being.Magnesium Supplementation – Addressing common deficiencies that contribute to stress, poor sleep, and muscle fatigue.Light Therapy – Using a Happy Light to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and regulate mood and energy.Dr. Brubaker also dives into the reasons why teens may struggle in the second semester, including seasonal depression, academic fatigue, shifting social dynamics, homesickness, burnout, and uncertainty about the future. She offers practical strategies for parents to support their teens through open communication, validation, and mental health check-ins.

    Jen is Zen - What is your why?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2025 15:08


    Send us a textThank you so much for being here! What is your why? It's so important to ask yourself this question, whether it's to find your focus, make it through something challenging, or simply get yourself out of bed in the morning. Because you create your own magic. You create your own future. You don't need to be chosen. You don't need to wait to be chosen. We are the creators of our own destiny. We have a responsibility to ourselves to create our lives.Through my recent 28-day gratitude practice, one of my most interesting and impactful takeaways has been the realization that we have everything inside of us that we need. We have all of the answers that we want, all of the tools that we need. It's already there—we just need to listen to hear it.Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    Snow Day! The Bittersweet Push-Pull of Letting Go

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2025 34:52


    Send us a textThank you so much for being here!We had a rare snow week that has felt a bit bittersweet, so we're having a conversation about changes in family dynamics as children grow and leave home, and we're up in our feelings.I'll highlight some key theories—Family Systems Theory, Developmental Stage Theory, and the Stability-Change Relational Dialectic—to help parents understand and navigate these transitions. We'll also talk about how we can handle it, including removing guilt from teens, creating new traditions, open communication, and leaning into personal growth during this phase of life.This episode is a must-listen for parents adjusting to evolving family connections and looking to find balance, empathy, and new meaning in this stage of life. Embrace the changes and discover how to reframe family moments while rediscovering yourself.Keywords: family dynamics, letting go, parenting transitions, college-age kids, snow day reflections, personal growth, family systems theory, stability-change dialectic, Dr. Jennifer Brubaker, Reframing Me.Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    Jen is Zen - Are you making the world complicated?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2025 11:47


    Send us a textThank you for being here today! It's a snow day in here in Wilmington (where it never snows!), which is super exciting! Snow day vibes are very different here than they are in places where it regularly snows. It's all in how you see it. Are you making life more complicated than it needs to be? The world we live in is inherently subjective. It's not shaped by some objective reality. It's shaped by the lens we use to perceive it. We could live through the same day, walk the same streets, face the same situations, and yet leave with completely different interpretations. Why is that? It's because the issue isn't about how the world is—it's about how we are.Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    Why So Angry?: Understanding and Managing Your Teen's Anger

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2025 39:17


    Send us a textIn this episode of Reframing Me, we tackle the rising wave of anger in society—especially in teenagers—and explore how parents can effectively support their teens through these challenging emotions. We discuss the psychological, social, and biological reasons behind teen anger, from hormonal changes and brain development to academic pressures, social media overload, and family dynamics.Key Takeaways:Why Society Feels Angrier Than Ever: Chronic stress, social media influence, and weakened community ties are fueling global frustration.The Health Impact of Anger: Chronic anger increases the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and mental health challenges.Top 10 Reasons Teens Are Angry: Hormonal shifts, identity struggles, social pressures, sleep deprivation, and mental health issues are major factors.Effective Parenting Strategies: Learn how to manage and prevent teen anger with practical tools like open communication, emotional validation, setting boundaries, and encouraging healthy outlets.By understanding the root causes of anger and applying empathetic communication strategies, parents can foster emotional resilience and build stronger family connections.Listen now to discover actionable steps to help your teen manage anger and create a more peaceful home.#TeenAnger #ParentingTips #FamilyCommunication #MentalHealthAwareness #ReframingMePodcastThank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    Jen is Zen - Gratitude is Magic

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2025 16:22


    Send us a textThank you so much for being here! What's the life that you want? If you suspend your disbelief and you take away the doubts and the excuses and narratives in your head telling you otherwise, what is the life that you want? Now, if you were given that life right now, how would you feel? What would you do? How grateful would you be for that life? And the hardest question of all – are you that grateful for your life now? You can probably see a theme with me lately - I am emersed in gratitude as I'm reading the book "The Magic" by Rhonda Byrne. In the book, she says “Gratitude is something you must have before you receive , not simply something you feel after something good happens.”  And I just love that. It's really to feel gratitude when we receive what we want, but in order to even set ourselves up to receive it, we need to be thankful for what we already have. It's basic law of attraction – manifestation. Envision what you want – and how you would feel having it – that gratitude. And the easiest way to do that is to feel that gratitude right now – gratitude for what you do have. Gratitude attracts gratitude. Like attracts like - Manifesting - Law of attraction. Can you feel that gratitude for what you have now to attract what you want?Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    New Year, Same Me: Top 10 Tips for Parenting Teens

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2025 45:47


    Send us a textWelcome to 2025!Happy New Year! Apparently, today is National Quitters' Day because it's the time (one week-ish into the new year) when people fall from their resolutions, which is why, we should abandon "new year, new me" and embrace "new year, same me, new mindset." In this first podcast episode of the year, we discuss a top 10, best of, practical parenting strategies to build stronger, more positive relationships with our teenagers in the new year. The list encourages parents to focus on personal growth through gratitude and mindset shifts instead of traditional New Year's resolutions. Key advice includes not taking teens' behavior personally, actively listening, showing trust, validating emotions, and balancing stability with flexibility in family dynamics. The episode emphasizes creating a supportive environment by staying calm, offering space, and accepting teens for who they are. It also highlights how raising your personal energy and mindset positively impacts family relationships, encouraging parents to "be the thermostat, not the thermometer" in their homes (last year's intention) and focus on being "grateful for the opportunity" and that "belief is the thermostat for what we can achieve" (which are intentions I am still considering for this year).Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    Jen is Zen - Leave it in 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2024 24:17


    Send us a textThank you so much for being here! Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! As we wrap up another year together and enter 2025, I want you to reflect on all that you've done this year - thank yourself for showing up for you. As you move into a new year, now's the time to leave anything behind that you don't want to carry with you. What would your future look like if you started it free? Free of your doubts, your limitations, your worries, and your fears – free of any self limiting beliefs or emotional baggage of the past and of other people's expectations of who you should be. What if you started 2025 free? What would that look like and who would you be? Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    Part 2: The Robots Come in Peace: How we can use ChatGPT to manifest our dreams (and help with daily tasks)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2024 20:00


    Send us a textWelcome back! Thank you for being here! In this part two, Dr. Jennifer Brubaker explores how AI tools like ChatGPT can empower personal growth, simplify daily tasks, and help moms envision and achieve their ideal life. Building on the previous episode, she shifts the focus from how teens can use AI to how moms can benefit from it, from goal-setting and visualization to practical uses like meal planning and financial organization. Jen shares her own experience with using AI for life planning and reflects on how it can be a powerful tool for navigating transitions, managing responsibilities, and creating meaningful change. Listen to discover how AI can help lighten your load and guide you toward a more fulfilling life.Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    Part 1: Are the Robots Taking Over? Helping your Teens with ChatGPT

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2024 33:29


    Send us a textThank you for being here! In Part 1 of this two-part episode, we have a conversation about Understanding AI to help teens use It responsibly.We look into the world of artificial intelligence and its impact on our lives, focusing on how moms can guide their teens to use AI tools like ChatGPT responsibly and effectively. Drawing parallels to the early days of the internet, Dr. Brubaker reframes the conversation around AI from fear to opportunity, emphasizing its role as a tool for learning, creativity, and productivity.Jen explores the strengths and limitations of AI, offering practical insights into how teens can use it ethically for school, skill-building, and personal growth. She highlights the importance of critical thinking and reminds parents that AI is a starting point—not a substitute—for meaningful effort and learning. Through relatable examples, she shares how AI can be a valuable resource for teens while cautioning against overreliance.Listen to better understand AI, help your teens navigate its use, and prepare for the next episode, where Dr. Brubaker shifts the focus to how moms can harness AI to manifest their dream lives. Don't miss this informative and empowering conversation!Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    Jen is Zen - Running on Vibes

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2024 11:13


    Send us a textThank you for being here today! Can you believe we're already in December? As we head towards our third new year's together, I've come to the realization in my life that I'm running on vibes alone. But we all know it's easier to stay the same than to embrace change. And it's uncomfortable for us to think about trying new things or heading down new paths because our lives feel full of change, and this would require even more instability, more change, more discomfort and we have enough of that in our lives. But sometimes we reach a point that realize that avoiding that change is actually worse than taking it on – maybe we are moving so much that we don't even realize that we actually have become stagnant. Weird, right? But we're going going going – that's like the opposite of stagnant, isn't it? Well… just because we're quote busy doesn't mean we're growing. And if we're not growing, guess what, we're stagnant. And so we reach a point where the discomfort of staying the same becomes greater than the discomfort of change. Where in your life have you been running on vibes? Where have you been avoiding growth because the thought of change feels too overwhelming?Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    The Thanksgiving Visit: 7 Tips for Enjoying Your College Student's Visit

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2024 34:40


    Send us a textIn this Thanksgiving episode, I am extra thankful for you being here! Many moms (including me!) are anxious to have their college students home for the holiday, but that doesn't mean it won't be without its possible challenges. We'll have a conversation exploring the joys and challenges of welcoming college freshmen back home for the holidays. As our families reconnect, we need to adapt to the changes our child has experienced in their first months at college, from newfound independence to identity growth, and how these shifts impact family dynamics, which have also had to adapt.. Whether it's managing expectations, fostering open communication, or finding gratitude in the chaos, this episode is packed with advice to help families make the most of this special time together.Dr. Brubaker's warm and relatable approach offers encouragement and empathy, reminding listeners to focus on connection, gratitude, and the love that binds families. Perfect for parents navigating their child's return from college, this episode is your guide to a meaningful and memorable Thanksgiving.Listen now on Reframing Me and connect on social media at @reframingme or at reframing-me.com.Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    Just For Me: These are a Few of My Favorite Things

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2024 40:12


    Send us a textWelcome back! It has been a minute since we took time for a Just for Me episode, so in an effort to let my woowoo side out again after months of my more cerebral side taking the lead, we are going to have a conversation about a few of my favorite things (and no, I cannot say that without thinking of Julie Andrews twirling in the Alps). So manifestation, the Law of Resonance, magic elixirs, collagen, mushrooms, functional fitness, castor oil packs, and more - we are all over the place today, but I promise, we'll have fun doing it! Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    Jen is Zen - The Change is Within Us

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2024 10:03


    Send us a textThank you so much for being here! It can be very easy to sometimes feel like life and the world, like it's all out of our control. Like we're simply responding to things and left wishing they were different. Can you be the change that you are waiting for? Because change can and always should begin with us. So what if we stopped looking outside of ourselves for what we want and instead, if we realized that we actually have the power to create the shifts that we want to see happen? Because we do. Everything we need is inside of us to be the change we want. What do you want to change? In yourself or your life or the world? How can you make that change begin inside of you? How can you change your actions and your reactions to embody that outcome you want? How can you put out into this world – into the lives of the people around you - into the space that you occupy - how can you put out into this world what you want to see? Can you set the vibration – set the tone – set the temperature? Can you be the thermostat not the thermometer? Instead of sitting back and waiting for change, know that that change begins with you – you have everything you need within you. Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    Post-election Emotions: Helping Teens and Young Voters Process their Emotions

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2024 44:25


    Send us a textThank you so much for being here!! It's a week post-US presidential election and many are processing it all. Today, we are going to have a conversation about how we as moms can help our teens and young adults to process their feelings following the 2024 presidential election. Our nation feels deeply divided, and these emotions are quite strong among young people. Teenagers and young voters – they often lack the historical context to see this election as one part of a broader political landscape. Teens are going to feel this moment intensely because they're still developing their emotional and cognitive frameworks for understanding complex societal events. So let's talk today about how we can help to create a space for them for open dialogue, how we can be sure to understand and validate their feelings, and how we can help to introduce them to healthy coping strategies.Jon Stewart post-election monologueThank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    Upcycle: Life After Sports

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2024 25:35


    Send us a textRe: That....It's that time of year again! In the episode "Game Over," we had a conversation for this NEW batch of senior parents (this is my year off - phew! Last year and the next TWO years, I am back ON!) about the loss we feel when our kids' sports or activities end, whether its because they've lost interest or didn't make the team or, as many of us face senior year, they finish their final season. But we aren't the only ones who will feel the end because obviously, the kids will feel it even more than we do,. So Re: That – I wanted to UPCYCLE our earlier episode to continue our conversation into life after sports or what comes next - what can we expect from our teen athletes post sports, and how you can help them find their identities.Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    Upcycle: Game Over - The End of Youth Sports/Activities and Ambiguous Loss

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2024 38:05


    Send us a textIt is that time of year again! A whole new batch of seniors (and senior parents!) finishing up the sports/activities that have consumed their (our!) lives, time, energy, and money. Afterwords years of finding ourselves on the sideline or in the stands or seats watching day after day, week after week, year after year, this is the point when it all ends. For many, senior year is that end. But for some, it happens sooner, whether they don't make the team or grow out of love with the sport or activity and just decide they are done – but wait! You might say – but what if I'm not done? It's the end of a chapter. There is a loss – a sense of grief – it's the loss of an activity – of a group of people you've grown to feel a community with – the loss of something that you share with your child.It's ok to feel sad. It's ok for us to look back and reflect. It just won't be the same. And it's ok to mourn that end – mourn the loss. We may feel an ambiguous loss. At its core, ambiguous loss is about a lack of resolution. The loss of what could have or should have been. The loss of someone or something as it was. Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    Jen is Zen - The Load that We Carry

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2024 17:46


    Send us a textThank you for being with me today! Can we all open the door to a life that's lighter, fuller, and brimming with self-acceptance? Can we drop the load we've been carrying? For so long, we've each been carrying something around with us – something that is heavy – something that is weighing us down. What if today, right now, we each just let it go? If we dropped them, and ran? How would our lives, from here on, how would tjhey be different? Dropping these loads doesn't just change our experiences; it reshapes how we relate to others, to our work, and most importantly, to ourselves.Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    Election Anxiety

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2024 26:23


    Send us a textElection anxiety is the intense stress or nervousness that people feel surrounding elections, but it's obviously particularly present in periods leading up to a major election, like this one. It's characterized by a sense of worry about the future, frustration with the political climate, and often a constant preoccupation with political news and any possible developments. And according to an AP poll, at least 70% of Americans are feeling it on the eve of this Election Day. So we're having a conversation about the very real and very valid election anxiety – what it is, why we feel it, what we can do to help – even as we feel like we're stuck in this purgatory right now.Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    I Get So Emotional, Baby! Teaching our Teens How to Manage Emotions in a Healthy Way

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2024 40:29


    Send us a textThank you so much for being here! We know all too well how powerful and sometimes overwhelming our teens' emotions can be. This period is a time of those huge changes —physically, mentally, and emotionally—and these changes bring a whirlwind of emotions that can often feel out of control for both them and us. In today's conversation, we'll explore the types of emotions teens commonly experience, how they often express those emotions, and how we, as their mothers, can help them manage their emotions in healthier, more productive ways.Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    Jen is Zen - Two Candles Shine Brighter than One

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2024 13:19


    Send us a textThank you so much for being here! When a candle lights another candle, it doesn't lose any of its light, and two candles shine brighter than one. Be the candle that lights the others around you, and surround yourself with those who aren't afraid to light you when you need it. And stay very clear of the "candleblowers" out there.When I think of it this way – when I think of trying to sustain that lignt in myself and help others to find theirs – I see it as a beautiful reminder of the power of kindness, support, and shared strength. When I imagine one candle lighting another, I think about how we have the ability to ignite hope, or inspiration, or even joy in others without losing anything ourselves. In fact, we gain something—because in giving light, we create a connection. We become part of something bigger.Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

    Happy World Menopause Day!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2024 27:16


    Send us a textHappy World Menopause Day - although most of us celebrate every damn day by feeling 20 degrees hotter than everyone else around them – and spending way too much time trying to remember what we were doing or thinking or saying – by having random aches and pains and itches that seem to come from nowhere – seem absolutely crazy – and then disappear – or by crying or yelling or snapping because… well you don't even know why – the irritability and the mood swings – and tired, so very tired. So to all of you here in perimenopause or maybe menopause, good job girl, you deserve a day!! Yay on you. I thought it would be an excellent time for us to just take a moment to acknowledge us and the powerful transformations we experience during perimenopause and menopause.Thank you for listening and being part of this community! Let's get social. Follow me on Facebook, on Twitter @reframing_me, on Instagram @reframingme and on TikTok @reframingmeI hope you enjoyed the episode! Please leave a review, catch up on any missed episodes, and be sure to follow the show, so you don't miss new content!

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