Small Jar Podcast

Are you a mom of teens or young adults who finds herself constantly second-guessing decisions, holding back your opinions, or putting your own desires on pause to keep others happy? You might be caught in the Approval Trap. And if you've spent years putting others first, it's no wonder confidence feels hard to access right now. In this episode of the Almost Empty Nest Podcast, I unpack Mindset Trap #12—the Approval Trap. This isn't just about people-pleasing. It's about how deeply motherhood conditions us to seek approval and shape our identity around what others need, expect, or value. You'll hear why it's so common to feel unsure of who you are as your teen becomes more independent, how people-pleasing patterns sneak into parenting decisions, and what it really takes to rebuild confidence when you're no longer the center of your kids' world. If you're navigating the emotional rollercoaster of parenting teens, redefining your purpose, or learning to set boundaries without guilt, this episode offers a powerful reframe. You'll walk away with insight and encouragement to stop overthinking and start trusting yourself again so you can step into a more confident and grounded version of yourself.

Ever find yourself staring at your teen's behavior thinking, this can't be happening? Whether it's a missed curfew, a cold shoulder, or the ache of disconnection, it's so easy to fall into the trap of resisting what is — and it's costing us more than we realize. In this episode, I'm diving deep into the mindset trap of resisting reality — what it looks like in parenting teens and almost-empty-nest life, how it connects to anxiety and emotional overwhelm, and why the harder we fight what's happening, the more powerless we feel. But here's the twist: resisting reality isn't love — and it's not control either. It's war. And when we're at war with reality, we lose every time. You'll learn:

If you pictured summer with your teen feeling relaxing, connected, maybe even joyful—but instead, you're staring at a messy house, unpredictable schedules, and feeling more frustration than peace—you're not alone. In this episode, I'm sharing what summer has looked like in my house so far—and how easy it is to get caught in disappointment when reality doesn't match your hopes. But we're not just talking about letting go of expectations. In this episode you'll learn: ✔️ Why even reasonable expectations can leave you feeling anxious, resentful, or disconnected ✔️ How to uncover the emotional need underneath what you're hoping for ✔️ And how to shift from frustration to peace—without needing your teen to change If you're a mom of teens or college kids trying to stop overthinking, set better boundaries, and feel more grounded in this messy, in-between season… this one's for you. Curious about coaching with Small Jar? Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0 This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers navigating empty nest transitions with their teenagers, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.

There was a moment—standing in my kitchen, alone on a Saturday while my kids were out living their lives—when I asked myself, “Is this it? Who am I now?” In this episode, I'm talking about the identity crisis so many of us face as moms of teens, college students, and young adults. Whether you're in the thick of middle school meltdowns or staring at an empty bedroom, the shift in how you're needed can leave you feeling invisible, untethered, and quietly asking, What's my purpose now? I'll share how this trap has followed me through every stage—from folding laundry while my kids chased their dreams, to navigating emotional distance, to standing in the stillness of the empty nest. I'll also explore why this mindset trap is so deeply rooted in how we've been wired to find validation, avoid pain, and define our worth by what we do for others. If you've ever felt lost in this season of transition—or wondered how to find your way back to yourself—this episode is for you. You'll hear my story, some powerful reflections, and the quiet truth that your purpose never left you… you've just been looking for it in all the wrong places. Let's talk about how you move forward—not by reinventing who you are, but by finally deciding for yourself. Curious about coaching with Small Jar? Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0 This empowering podcast offers life coaching and parenting support for midlife moms navigating empty nest transitions with their teenagers. The podcast teaches moms how to let go of control and stop overthinking while cultivating a healthier mindset, building better communication with their teenagers, and learning to set boundaries. Moms will also be able to reduce anxiety, feel empowered, and find purpose.

There's a moment when it hits you: this is the last time. The last prom. The last school lunch. The last graduation day. And it's not just about your teen moving on — it's about everything this moment brings up for you. In this episode, I'm reflecting on my own journey as a mom of teens standing at the edge of the empty nest, and what this season has taught me about identity, connection, and the deep, invisible work of motherhood. Letting go isn't one big act — it's a thousand tiny shifts. And it's not about giving up. It's about showing up — for your teen, and for yourself — in a whole new way. If you're feeling the ache of transition, or just craving peace in the push-pull of this stage, this conversation is for you. You're not alone. Curious about coaching with Small Jar? Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0 This empowering podcast offers life coaching and parenting support for midlife moms navigating empty nest transitions with their teenagers. The podcast teaches moms how to let go of control and stop overthinking while cultivating a healthier mindset, building better communication with their teenagers, and learning to set boundaries. Moms will also be able to reduce anxiety, feel empowered, and find purpose.

If you're a mom of teens and you've ever found yourself feeling anxious, overthinking, or just wondering why doesn't anyone notice everything I do?—this episode is for you. In this next part of the Mindset Traps of the Empty Nest series, I'm talking about validation seeking—how it shows up, why it's so normal, and what it costs us when we don't see it clearly. This isn't about trying to let go of your kid—it's about letting go of the belief that their behavior defines your worth. If you've been stuck in self-doubt, resentment, or constantly waiting for a thank-you that never comes, I hope this episode brings you some peace—and a little more power. Curious about coaching with Small Jar? Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0 This empowering podcast offers life coaching and parenting support for midlife moms navigating empty nest transitions with their teenagers. The podcast teaches moms how to let go of control and stop overthinking while cultivating a healthier mindset, building better communication with their teenagers, and learning to set boundaries. Moms will also be able to reduce anxiety, feel empowered, and find purpose.

Mother's Day hasn't always felt the way I thought it would — especially as a mom of teenagers. I spent years waiting to be celebrated, managing my mindset around disappointment, and wondering if anyone really saw everything I was carrying. In this episode, I'm sharing a raw and honest reflection on why this day can feel so emotionally charged, and what I've learned about letting go — not just of expectations, but of the idea that our worth depends on anyone else's recognition. If you're navigating the almost empty nest, this conversation will give you the perspective and permission you didn't know you needed. Curious about coaching with Small Jar? Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0 This empowering podcast offers life coaching and parenting support for midlife moms navigating empty nest transitions with their teenagers. The podcast teaches moms how to let go of control and stop overthinking while cultivating a healthier mindset, building better communication with their teenagers, and learning to set boundaries. Moms will also be able to reduce anxiety, feel empowered, and find purpose.

If you're a mom of a teen and you ever find yourself thinking, “I should be more patient... I should give them more space… I should have done something differently,” this episode is for you. In this week's episode of the Mindset Traps of the Empty Nest series, I'm diving into the Should Trap. As moms, especially in this stressful season leading up to the empty nest, we carry around an invisible checklist of expectations—and when we don't meet those expectations, we don't just feel like we've made a mistake… we feel like we're failing. In this episode, I'll show you how this trap disguises itself as good parenting, where these “should” thoughts really come from, and how they layer with other mindset traps like personalization and perfectionism to keep you stuck in guilt, pressure, and self-doubt. If you've been feeling like no matter what you do, it's never enough—you're not alone, and you're not doing it wrong. Let's unravel the Should Trap together, and help you reconnect with peace, self-trust, and the mom you actually want to be.

In today's episode, I'm getting real about one of the hardest parts of raising teens—setting boundaries. Not boundaries to control your teen or fix their behavior—but boundaries that reconnect you to your own peace, clarity, and confidence. We'll talk about why boundaries feel so hard (hint: it's not because you're doing it wrong), what's actually underneath the guilt and second-guessing, and how the most powerful boundary you can ever set… is the one you set with yourself. If you've been feeling like you're losing connection with your teen—or losing connection with yourself—this conversation will help you find your way back. And if you're ready to go deeper, join me in my free live masterclass happening this Tuesday. Sign up here: https://www.thesmalljar.com/setbound

We're continuing the Empty Nest Mindset Trap series this week with one of the most common and exhausting patterns I see in anxious moms: worst-case scenario thinking. Maybe your teen's been struggling in school for a while… or they've been more distant lately. The concerns are real—but your brain takes that evidence and spins it into something so much bigger, imagining futures that feel terrifying and out of your control. I've been there too, lying awake at night trying to solve problems that haven't even happened yet. In this episode, I'll show you why your mind goes to the worst-case, how this spiral quietly steals your peace, and how to step out of the fear and back into calm, connection, and confidence—right now. Download a free Mindset Trap Detector here: https://www.thesmalljar.com/detector If you're interested in exploring Small Jar's Mom 2.0 Coaching Program, visit https://www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0.

This episode is for every anxious, almost empty nest mom whose heart is tangled up in her teen's future. Whether you're in the thick of college admissions or simply watching your child make choices that feel high-stakes, I promise—you're not alone. I share my own raw experience of watching my son navigate college decisions and the gut-punch of feeling powerless. But this isn't just a conversation about college. It's about the fear of failure—not just for our teens, but our own fear of failing them. And how that fear keeps so many of us stuck in anxiety, control, and self-doubt. We'll explore how to let go, how to love without needing to fix, and why reclaiming your emotional peace is the most powerful gift you can give—to your teen, and to yourself. If you're a mom who lies awake at night wondering if you've done enough…this episode is for you. Download a free Mindset Trap Detector here: https://www.thesmalljar.com/detector If you're interested in exploring Small Jar's Mom 2.0 Coaching Program, visit https://www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0.

MINDSET TRAPS OF THE EMPTY NEST - Trap #6 - Personalization Ever feel like your teen's bad mood is somehow your fault? In this episode of The Almost Empty Nest Podcast, I'm diving deep into one of the most painful and sneaky mindset traps we moms fall into—personalization. It's that gut-wrenching habit of making our kids' struggles, choices, and emotions mean something about us. I've lived it, I've coached through it, and I've seen how it quietly steals our peace and strains our connection with our kids. But here's the truth: this trap isn't who you are—it's just a pattern your brain has learned. And once you see it, you can start to let it go. Join me for a heartfelt look at how to release the guilt, reclaim your power, and show up with the love and presence you've always wanted to give. Download a free Mindset Trap Detector here: https://www.thesmalljar.com/detector If you're interested in exploring Small Jar's Mom 2.0 Coaching Program, visit https://www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0.

Have you ever felt like you're living in two worlds at once—still deep in the trenches of motherhood while also staring down an almost-empty nest? I know I have. In this episode, I dive into what I call the Empty Nest Straddle—that long, messy, emotional transition where you're constantly shifting between holding on and letting go. It's the push and pull of still being needed while feeling your child drift into their own independence. And if you've ever wrestled with uncertainty, control, or the fear of what comes next for you, you're not alone. I'll share why this transition feels so hard, the mindset traps that make it even harder, and how we can start trusting ourselves to navigate this season with more peace, confidence, and clarity.

Some moms dread the empty nest...and some of us....can't wait. Have you ever found yourself counting down the days until your child leaves home (either for the first time or after a visit)—but then feeling guilty about it? In this episode of he Small Jar Podcast, I dive into the emotional rollercoaster of looking forward to the empty nest while still holding space for the deep love we have for our kids. Why do some of us feel relief at the thought of reclaiming our time, while others struggle with the idea of letting go? And most importantly, why do we wait to feel better—believing peace, joy, and purpose will come after our kids leave? What if we didn't have to wait? Join me as we unpack these emotions and explore how you can start embracing the next chapter of your life right now.

Have you ever found yourself checking your kid, reminding them (again) about their responsibilities, or feeling that tight grip of anxiety when they don't do what you ask or hope they'll do? If so, you're not alone. In this episode of the Small Jar Podcast, I dive into one of the biggest mindset traps we face as moms of teens—the illusion of control. For years, we've shaped our children's lives, guiding them, protecting them, ensuring their happiness. But as they step into independence, we find ourselves holding on tighter, convinced that if we just say or do the right thing, we can keep them safe, successful, and happy. The truth? We were never in control to begin with. And the more we try, the more frustrated, exhausted, and disconnected we feel. In this episode, I'll show you why letting go doesn't mean giving up—it means finding peace, trust, and a whole new way to connect with your big kid.

Two years ago, I recorded an episode about the last 100 days before my oldest son's high school graduation—full of emotion, nostalgia, and the feeling that time was slipping away. Now, I'm here again, counting down the last 100 days with my youngest, but this time, everything feels different. In this episode, I reflect on how much I've grown, how my perspective has shifted, and what I've learned about letting go, trusting the journey, and embracing this season with peace instead of fear. If you're feeling the weight of change and wondering how to navigate it with grace, this one's for you.

Have you ever found yourself scrolling through social media, seeing another mom's perfectly happy family vacation, and feeling that pang of “Why can't I have that?” Or maybe you've heard about another teen's big achievement and suddenly questioned whether you've done enough for your own child? In this episode of The Small Jar Podcast, I dive into the comparison trap—one of the sneakiest mindset traps that keeps us feeling inadequate and anxious. I'll unpack why our brains are wired to compare, how it distorts our sense of worth, and most importantly, how to break free from this cycle so you can step into confidence, peace, and the truth that you are already enough.

I used to think self-awareness meant being brutally honest about all the ways I was falling short—until I realized that what I thought was awareness was actually just self-judgment. In this episode, I'm redefining what true self-awareness really looks like and how shifting your perspective can change everything. You'll learn why self-judgment keeps you stuck, how to recognize sneaky mindset traps disguised as "truth," and the simple but powerful shift that will help you trust yourself and move forward with confidence. If you've ever felt like you're your own worst critic, this episode is for you. Listen now and start seeing yourself in a whole new way!

In this episode of the Small Jar Podcast, I'm diving into the second mindset trap on the road to the empty nest—all-or-nothing thinking. You know the feeling: if your teen misses a curfew, your brain leaps to worst-case scenarios, or if you're not the 'perfect mom,' you fear you're failing altogether. But here's what you might not believe—you're not falling into this trap because you're anxious or overreacting. In fact, your brain thinks it's protecting you. I'll show you why this instinct to think in extremes is actually a survival mechanism, how it sneaks into your parenting without you noticing, and—most surprisingly—how letting go of this mindset can make you feel more in control, not less. If you've ever felt trapped in black-and-white thinking, this episode will open your eyes to the freedom waiting in the gray.

As moms, we're always trying our best. You pour your heart into your kids. But as they pull away, or as you approach the empty nest, it can feel really hard. In fact, during this transitional time of life, there are many things that can feel really hard. Just looking on the bright side isn't an option. In this episode, I'm sharing a deeply personal story about one of the hardest moments I've faced as a mom—and what it taught me about love, letting go, and trusting myself. If you're struggling with the emotional rollercoaster of raising and launching your kids, feeling overwhelmed, or just wishing this stage didn't feel so hard, this episode is for you. You are not alone, my friend. And you don't have to figure this out by yourself.

Are you ready to take a closer look at the mindset traps that keep us stuck as moms approaching the empty nest? In this episode of my new series on the mindset traps of the empty nest, I'm tackling Mindset Trap #1, and that is the emotional rollercoaster that so many of us moms find ourselves riding. I'll share why we often feel like our emotions are completely out of our control and how this mindset can hold us back from peace and clarity. You'll walk away with practical insights on how to step off the emotional rollercoaster and take control of your experience as you navigate this transition. If you've ever felt at the mercy of your emotions, this episode will open your eyes to a whole new perspective!

Join me for a Mindset Trap 101. In this episode, I continue Small Jar's new series on Midlife Mindset Traps by exploring what they are, how they form, and how they intertwine with our instincts as humans. Here's what you'll learn in this episode... First, you'll learn how mindset traps are fueled by subconscious biological responses that are completely normal and natural. Second, you'll discover how our thoughts and beliefs about ourselves shape the stories we tell about who we are. And finally, I'll share how understanding this interplay between instincts and mindset offers a path to freedom. You'll walk away with a deeper understanding of why you react the way you do and how to begin reclaiming control over your thoughts and emotional responses. Stay tuned as we set the stage to dive into 12 specific mindset traps in the episodes ahead!

Join me as I wrap up the three-part introduction to my new series on Midlife Mindset Taps with a deep dive into the instinct to conserve energy—what I call "keeping it simple." I explore how this instinct has evolutionary roots and helps us create habits, routines, and efficiencies in our lives. But I also explore how this instinct can hold us back when life calls for change, like letting go of our teens or navigating the transition to an empty nest. You'll learn how your mindset drives both productive and unproductive habits, how to identify patterns that keep you stuck, and how to intentionally shift your perspective to create ease and confidence in this next chapter. Join me to explore how to harness your brain's natural instincts to build the life you want, starting now!

Welcome back to Part II of the introduction to this new series on the Small Jar Podcast where I dive into the mindset traps that can hold us back as moms of teens and almost empty nesters. This week focus on our instinct to avoid pain and how this shapes the lens through which we view our role as parents and our kids' moods, behavior and outcomes. This basic instinct is a really good thing in many ways, but it can also hold us back and cause us to show up in ways that we don't really want. But here's the game-changer: by understanding this instinct and learning to supervise our thoughts, you can free yourself from unnecessary stress and foster a deeper connection with your teen. Join me in this series to learn how to trust yourself to navigate this pivotal stage of motherhood.

As we stand on the threshold of 2025, I invite you to join me for a journey through the lessons, growth, and pivotal moments that have defined my past five years. In this episode of The Small Jar Podcast, I reflect on the evolution of motherhood, the transition into an empty nest, and the profound realization that loving unconditionally and leading with intention is the key to thriving in every role we play. Together, we'll explore how celebrating small wins, embracing self-compassion, and letting go of fear can transform our lives in ways we never imagined. Let's step into 2025 with clarity, purpose, and the courage to be the woman we've always wanted to be. Tune in—this episode might just be the inspiration you need to make this year your best yet.

This week on The Small Jar Podcast, I'm kicking off a transformative new series on Midlife Mindset Traps that keep us stuck in frustration and anxiety. If you find yourself struggling as a mom to find peace, connection, and purpose, this episode is for you. In this first episode, I dive into how our instinct to seek comfort can sometimes lead us astray, leaving us feeling dependent on external validation or stuck in unproductive habits. You'll learn three powerful insights: the role your mindset plays in your emotional experiences, how to spot and step out of mindset traps, and most importantly, why there's absolutely nothing “wrong” with you for feeling the way you do. Join me as I show you how to take charge of your thoughts and unlock more joy, peace, and freedom in this next chapter of life.

10 out of 10! 5 stars! Excellent! Amazing! Wouldn't it be nice if you could reflect on the upcoming holidays with this sentiment? In this episode of the Small Jar Podcast, I explore how...not by creating perfect circumstances, but by taking ownership of your emotional experience. Like a teacher, we have an internal "rubric" for judging our lives. But this often leads to disappointment when reality doesn't meet our expectations. Join me as I uncover how to redefine those expectations, embrace the messy beauty of life with our teens, and empower ourselves to create joy and peace this holiday season, no matter what comes our way. Tune in to discover how you can transform your holiday experience from good to truly great!

Join me as I open up about the emotional tug-of-war that comes with parenting a high school senior as they prepare to leave the nest. It's a time of mixed emotions—grappling with pride, fear, and the bittersweet realization that life is changing. I share personal stories and insights on how to let go of the expectations that often define our connection with our teens, and instead, learn to embrace unconditional love and connection, even as they grow more independent. This episode is a guide for navigating this transformative time with intention and purpose.

The emotions of parenting teens can hit hard—whether it's waiting for big college news, managing the quiet shift of an almost-empty nest, or navigating the bittersweet joy of watching your kids grow up. In this week's episode, I'm sharing one of the most powerful lessons I've learned as a mom: how to create unconditional love, connection, and purpose—no matter the challenges or changes that come our way. This episode isn't just about giving your teen the space to grow; it's about discovering the gift of growth for yourself.

The holiday season is upon us—filled with joy, love, and, let's be honest, a fair share of stress. In this episode, I invite you to consider that peace isn't something you have to earn...but instead something that you have the power to choose. Join me as I share how you can step off the hamster wheel of expectations—your own and everyone else's—and truly embrace a sense of calm and connection. As you navigate the holidays, give yourself the most precious gift of all—the ability to choose peace.

The holidays are approaching, and as midlife moms, the season can feel like a swirling storm of expectations, obligations, and emotions. We juggle so much—family traditions, holiday planning, our children's ever-changing needs, and the bittersweet reality of approaching the empty nest. It's no wonder we feel stretched thin. Overwhelm can manifest as a tangled web of stress, anxiety, guilt, and frustration, making it hard to enjoy what should be a season of peace and joy. Let's make this holiday different, my friend. Join me in this episode to learn how to overcome overwhelm--both over the holidays and in the year to come.

Welcome back to the Small Jar's ONE Obstacle series where we're diving into the one thing holding so many of us back from creating the happiness we want in midlife. This week, I'm diving into that tricky emotion we all encounter but rarely name: disappointment. Why is it so hard to admit that we're disappointed—sometimes with our lives, our relationships, or even with ourselves? Let's talk about why this feeling shows up, what it really means, and how we can shift from feeling stuck in it to feeling empowered.

Welcome back to the second episode in Small Jar's new series where we're diving into the one thing holding so many of us back from creating the happiness we crave in midlife. In this episode, I'm diving into one of the most common obstacles we face in midlife—worry. Whether it's our kids, our relationships, or uncertainty about the future, worry can consume us, leaving us feeling powerless and disconnected from the moments that matter most. I'll explore why our minds are wired for worry and how it keeps us stuck. Whether your mind falls prey to mindset traps or if you find yourself trying to control the people or outcomes around you, all of this only serves to heighten anxiety. If you've been feeling overwhelmed by worry, join me to discover how you can reclaim your peace, set powerful boundaries, and show up for yourself with intention.

Welcome to a brand-new series on the Small Jar Podcast where we're diving into the one thing holding so many of us back from creating the happiness we crave in midlife. If you're a mom of teens or an empty nester, feeling like your world is shifting as your kids grow more independent, you're not alone. What if I told you that there's one obstacle keeping you stuck, and that understanding this obstacle emotion is the key to unlocking a new chapter of peace, purpose, and joy in your life. In this episode, I'll break down why this obstacle is so difficult to overcome, why the typical solutions don't work, and how you can finally overcome it. If you're ready to get unstuck and start living the life that you want, join me for this new series launch!

As moms in midlife, we face a lot of challenges. In this week's episode, I'm diving into something that's been heavy on my heart lately—navigating my son's senior year, the pressure of college applications, and all the emotions that come with it. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by stress or found yourself worrying endlessly about your child's future, you'll want to listen in. I'll be sharing the roller coaster of emotions I've been experiencing, and more importantly, how I've been working through it all. But here's the twist—it's not just about managing anxiety or forcing gratitude. It's about truly understanding how our minds work, why those stressful thoughts show up, and what it means to be present even when life feels chaotic. So, if you're ready to explore how to find peace in the midst of the storm, how to recognize the purpose behind your thoughts, and how to see the beauty in your life—even when it's messy—this episode is for you. Join me as we unpack the journey of embracing both the joy and the challenge of these pivotal moments.

No matter how old your child, no matter what else you have on your plate, I bet you drop everything if they need you. It's just what we do as moms. You do everything in your power to support their dreams. We're working so hard to support the needs of everyone else in our life. But, who's taking care of us? Even though we wouldn't trade anything for the gift of being a mom, this sense of purpose and meaning doesn't solve for the anxiety and stress we can feel as we navigate raising and launching our kids. It doesn't solve for the loneliness we start to feel as our kids become busier in their lives and eventually leave home. In this episode, I explore the question - who's taking care of you. And how you can learn to take care of yourself on a deeper level than ever before.

Let's talk about this phrase, "letting go." As we raise our teens and approach the empty nest, the thought of "letting go" of our kids is painful. It can make us feel like we need to hold on tighter, or dread a time when we really will have to let go. We think it means we have to let go of our desire to keep our kids safe and help them be happy and successful. We can think he means we have to let go of our connection with our kids, and the deep purpose we have felt as moms. Is it any wonder that it's hard to let these precious things go? But in this episode, I ask you to consider, do you really need to let your dreams for your child, or even your purpose as a mom go? If you're struggling as your teen grows up, this episode will empower you to know that you never have to let go of your child. In fact, you can create the love and connection you want with them, no matter how far away they go.

How often does the phrase, "I don't know," come to mind or out of your mouth? I don't know how to get my teen to listen. I don't know why my daughter is always angry. I don't know whether I should get involved. I don't know what I should do next. Sound familiar? There are some times where you literally don't know. In other words, there are facts that you don't have. Other times, we fall into what I call the "I Don't Know" mindset....when we tell ourselves that we don't know because we want to protect ourselves from pain. The problem is, when we tell ourselves "I don't know", and we fear the possibility of pain, what we're actually doing is staying stuck in pain. In this week's episode of the Small Jar Podcast, I dive into how to understand the "I Don't Know" mindset...and how to empower yourself to decide how to move forward.

If you've ever found yourself caught in a whirlwind of frustration, resentment, or feeling out of control because of how others are behaving—whether it's your kids, your spouse, or others in your life—you are not alone. Most of us give away our emotional power waiting for others to behave a certain way so we can feel okay. The problem is, this keeps us dependent on the circumstances of our lives going perfectly, and when they inevitably don't align with our hopes and expectations, we find ourselves stuck in painful emotion. Join me in this episode as I share how to create emotional intention so you can show up in your life with strength and peace, regardless of what's happening around you.

One thing I love about being a mom is that I get to believe my in boys' potential, even when they can't see it. In fact, I am so fiercely dedicated to my belief in their potential, that there is nothing that can convince me they don't deserve all of the happiness and success their hearts can hold. But with ourselves, we're pretty quick to give up on our own potential. Or we wait for evidence to help us believe it. Whether we're looking for validation from others, or proof of our progress. The result is frustration and disappointment. And even worse, staying stuck. In this episode, I take a fresh look at the Mentor Mindset and how the skillset we have as we champion and coach our own kids is exactly the same mindset that can empower us to reach our own potential.

As moms, we have really good advice. We want the best for our kids and we have a lot of experience in life that our kids don't have. But what's interesting is that the advice we give our kids is often the very same advice we need to hear ourselves. But how often do we actually take our own advice? In this episode, I share my personal experiences and examples from my coaching practice to help you see the wisdom you already have within you. Join me as we reflect on this sage advice and discover how to step into a more empowered and compassionate version of yourself.

As a mom entering your child's senior year of high school, you feel deeply the weight of the change to come. With each micro-goodbye, each "last", you feel closer to that time when you will have to say goodbye to your child. I've been down this road before with my older son, and as I approach my baby's senior year, I thought I would share the intentions I am going into this year with to be sure that I stay in the moment and support my son in the best way I can. I have learned that by becoming more intentional about your thoughts and how they shape your emotions, you harness the power to create any even deeper and more impactful connection with your child and also with yourself. This year is a pivotal time, full of bittersweet moments. Join me as we embrace all of it together.

It's an emotional rollercoaster, this business of raising and launching teens. There are so many beautiful highs, but the lows are rough. We've been supporting our kids, helping them be safe, happy and successful, for so long, it's instinctual at this point. In fact, caring for our kids is as important to us as our own survival. So often we think of our emotions as being caused by people or situations in our life, but in this episode I explore how this isn't true. And why this is really good news! Look, in life, there will no doubt be triggers...situations that fire up our fight or flight response. Times that we have to navigate complicated decisions. Questions about how best to parent and support our kids. Life is always going to offer up new circumstances. But could you imagine understanding your emotions, and knowing how to be in control of them, so that you knew you could handle whatever comes your way? Check this episode out to learn how.

Some of us dread the empty nest...others of us embrace it. No matter your perspective about that moment when your last child leaves home, us moms actually start the process of letting go much earlier. As soon as our kids hit puberty, we start to have to grapple with the reality that we can no longer have control over their safety, happiness or success. And in truth, balancing our at times conflicting desires to support our kids, help them thrive, and to feel like our role matters...this challenge can continue through the time when our own babies start having babies. In this episode, I reframe the conversation about the empty nest and share the three lessons that you have the opportunity to embrace so that you can step off the emotional roller coaster and create more peace, confidence, joy and fulfillment in your life. Where ever you are on your journey through the open nest, consider that although your birds might eventually leave home, they will come back….and as they seek their own happiness and success…that invitation is open to you as well.

"Stay positive!" "You just need to learn to let go." "Find new purpose." "Learn pickleball!" It's not that this advice isn't well-meaning...the problem is that this advice doesn't address the root cause of the problem you're facing. Namely, that the transition when your kid goes to college can be really hard. We'd love to believe everything will be fine. Our kids have been telling us to let go for years. Find new purpose? How do I do that? The typical advice we new empty nesters hear sounds simple, but it's not easy. So in this episode, I'm not going to give you more advice. But I am going to do a mindset audit of some common tips people give moms of new college kids...and I'm going to show you exactly why it's not easy to follow. And spoiler alert: it's NOT your fault!

Forget big goals, sometimes we just want to feel better in our life. But have you ever stopped to think about what that looks like? How do you want to feel? What if that is actually the goal - to feel better? In this episode I explore the positive impact of creating more peace, confidence and joy. It's actually not only about feeling better. The impact of these emotions is that you actually show up to your life in a whole new way.

Life is messy. Life with teens, riding the roller coaster of emotions as they grow up...for us moms, it's particularly messy. Learning how to redefine ourselves as we approach the next chapter...messy. We often tell ourselves that "it doesn't have to be perfect". But how often are you satisfied with "imperfect." In this episode, I share the four lessons I was reminded of as I tackled my garden. Join me if you're ready to find the beauty in imperfection.

The work of becoming who you want to be is not simply about thinking happier thoughts and trying to manifest a better life. You most likely don't even realize how many ways your own mind is holding you back. Sometimes it's simply a thought that you can't be satisfied with your life until you fix something about yourself or about the world. Join me in this episode as I share three examples of women who empowered themselves to step into who they really want to be...without needing to change anything about their lives.

Anxiety seems to go hand in hand with raising teens. All that you want is for your child to be safe, happy and successful...but when any of these goals is in jeopardy, we moms can't help but feel anxious, right? It's hard to trust that everything will be ok, especially when we feel such a deep responsibility to help guide and support our teens. On top of that, our minds are really good at dreaming up worst case scenarios that keep us up at night! In this episode, I share the two steps you can take right now to help you let go of your anxiety and find peace.