True Presence: Helping Overwhelmed Catholic Moms Find Focus, Clarity, and Connection | a Catholic Podcast

What do you do when you know you only may have days or weeks left to live and have three young children?  Judy Burke, a Catholic mom with a terminal cancer diagnoses shares the joys of suffering, how her faith has grown in carrying this cross, and the lessons she has learned about motherhood, faith, joy and the nature of God with death so near at hand. If you struggle to make sense of the will of God in the midst of suffering, this is the most important interview you will listen to all year. Support the Burkes here   Join our free workshop, Savor Advent Here Join our new Catholic Mom Village community here

Have you ever felt like all the rest in the world can't cure your burnout?  Perhaps you need to heal your body!  Certified Nutritional Therapy Practioner Megan Homan joins us today to talk about the physical effects of chronic stress and trauma and how some small changes in your nutrition can have massive effects on your healing journey. Redesign your days in the True Presence Membership: What is the True Presence Membership?   The True Presence Membership is a time freedom membership for Catholic moms who are ready for the ultimate life reset. If you always feel like you're ten steps behind and never get ahead on the things that truly matter, it's not your fault. Millions of Catholic moms are trapped in burnout culture. In this program you'll get to design a life that moves at the pace YOU choose, so you can enjoy your coffee hot, have the capacity to be FULLY PRESENT with your loved ones, and even revisit those long-lost hobbies that make you feel like YOU. This program is faithfully Catholic, ever prayerful, and oriented toward constant growth in the Fruits of the Spirit for you and your family.  

How did you feel about adolescence as a pre-teen?  If you're like many women, it was a rough couple of years.  Stacy Halbach joins us on the podcast today to talk through the theological beauty of unfolding femininity as well as all the ins and outs of preparing our daughters for maturity, both physical and spiritual, and journeying alongside them as they bloom.  Check out her workbook for pre-teens at jumpincatholic.com/bloom-book Work with Us: How True Presence helps Catholic Moms like you: Join The True Presence Membership: Time Freedom for Catholic Moms

Our Gifts and Talents do not belong to us but to our Lord.  Join us for a delightful interview with award-winning Musician John Michael Talbot on renouncing our art, focusing on what matters, and living a holy, mission-oriented life. John Michael Talbot is a multi-platinum selling, Grammy / Dove award winning Contemporary Catholic / Christian Music pioneer. His music has been the soundtrack to the faith journey of millions of believers throughout the world! Late Have I Loved You is his 59th album and will be released February 14, 2024! A Best-Selling (and prolific) author, John Michael's 37th book, "The Lord's Supper: A Eucharistic Revival" was published in 2023. His 38th publication, and first ever autobiography, "Late Have I Loved You" was published February 14, 2024! In 2019 John Michael established his "Inner Room of Spirituality" - an online teaching community designed to lead you into a deeper relationship with Christ and His Church through the wisdom of Scripture, Monasticism, Community Living and the teachings of the Church Fathers. John Michael lives and leads the monastic life, which overflows into his very active ministry from Little Portion Hermitage in Arkansas, where he is the Founder and General Minister of the Catholic based community The Brothers and Sisters of Charity. Official Website:  www. JohnMichaelTalbot.com Free Resources: -Need help teaching your kids how to do chores?  Check out the Raising Helpers Guide -Feel like the Rosary isn't working for your Neurodiverse family? Get all the tips here -Is your to-do list overwhelming?  Get Unstuck Dive Deeper into True Presence: Join the MembershipFollow us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram Website  

Ever had dinner time suddenly show up and have your heart drop into your stomach, realizing you don't have a plan?  Not anymore!  Today's episode features Tiffany Parke and Brittany White with a plethora of ideas for you to simplify feeding your family (and even manage the unexpected arrival of a crowd!). Check out their Meal Planning Resource Here Check out their podcast, The Deliberate Day Here Dive Deeper into True Presence: Watch MASTERING THE MENTAL LOAD: a FREE workshop for Overwhelmed Catholic Moms Other Free Resources: -Need help teaching your kids how to do chores?  Check out the Raising Helpers Guide -Feel like the Rosary isn't working for your Neurodiverse family? Get all the tips here -Is your to-do list overwhelming?  Get Unstuck Facebook  Instagram  Website  _________________ Hi there!  I'm your host, Kelsey.  I started my career as a productivity expert passionately helping charities and social entrepreneurs maximize their impact in the greater Washington D.C. area.   Now, I help other Catholic moms fight the good fight with strategies for time-freedom that let you show up as a calm, present parent and live an intentional life. I'm a homeschooling mom of four, a globally-ranked podcaster and a Certified coach. Catholic Moms don't have to feel stressed and burned out all the time and I want to help you set yourself free so you can show up as the mom you want to be. Want me to be YOUR Coach??  Book a call here.    

Do you ever feel like something is missing from your life? Do you feel guilty if you take some time to use your talents for something outside of motherhood?  This is a huge struggle for so many moms.  On today's episode, we're talking about whether there's a place for hobbies and passions in motherhood and one mom's journey to find that balance. On today's episode we have Madeleine Karako of Zelie's Craft Shop.  Madeleine is a mom of three very young kids, and shares how her craft shop helps her in her vocation and enriches the lives of her whole family. PS: Listeners Get 15% off Zelie Craft Shop with code ZELIENEWS(Thanks Madeleine!!) Free Resources: -Need help teaching your kids how to do chores?  Check out the Raising Helpers Guide -Feel like the Rosary isn't working for your Neurodiverse family? Get all the tips here -Is your to-do list overwhelming?  Get Unstuck Dive Deeper into True Presence:Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram Website  

Have you ever heard the statement, "God will never give you more than you can handle?"  In today's episode we're diving into why this is not only false, but an immensely harmful understanding of suffering. Need help getting a daily Rosary going in your Neurodiverse family?  Grab my top tips here Design your Days on Purpose:  Join the April Cohort of the True Presence Membership   Dive Deeper into True Presence: NEW!! Join our Facebook Group for Challenges and Community! NEW!! Instagram/threads: @truepresencepodcast NEW!! Facebook: True Presence Podcast Well-Ordered Week newsletter: weekly reflections and inspiration from the saints and Scripture Too much to do and don't know where to start? Grab our Free mini-workbook, Unstuck and On Task.  

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the idea of Catholic homeschooling?  Ever wonder if you're doing enough?  This episode cuts to the heart of homeschooling for YOUR unique family.  Sarah Mackenzie of Read-Aloud Revival joins us in a delightfully humourous episode about all the ins and outs of loving your homeschool life. Dive Deeper into True Presence: Want to cut back on your phone use? Join the True Presence Lenten Challenge: Join our Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram/threads: @truepresencepodcast Follow us on Facebook: True Presence Podcast Well-Ordered Week newsletter: weekly inspiration and journal prompts Plan your days with the Lord: Join the True Presence Membership    Sarah Mackenzie is the author of Teaching from Rest, The Read-Aloud Family and several picture books, including the soon-to-be-released Because Barbara. She's the host of the Read-Aloud Revival Podcast, which has been downloaded over 14 million times in more than 160 countries, and is the Publisher at the boutique publishing house, Waxwing Books. Her best work though, is at home in the Northwest, where she and her husband homeschool their 6 children. You can connect with Sarah at readaloudrevival.com.   Legendary picture book creator Barbara Cooney once noticed that the library in her little town by the sea needed attention. A library, she knew, should be a kind of paradise. And because Barbara did whatever she set her mind to, she made it one. Barbara Cooney set her mind to lots of things - none so dear as capturing the beauty of the world in her paintings. These paintings would form the setting for her award-winning picture books, including Miss Rumphius, Roxaboxen and Ox-Cart Man.  Because Barbara follows the story of Barbara's life as she grows from a little girl with a dream into one of the most well-known and well-loved children's picture book illustrators. Don't miss this new picture book, written by Sarah Mackenzie and illustrated by Eileen Ryan Ewen, releasing this spring. You can pre-order your copy at waxwingbooks.com. 

It's January and a great time to revamp the budget,  But between inflation causing stress and confusion about church teaching on money, it can be challenging to figure out how to have a healthy relationship with money.  On the one hand, we know we shouldn't love money, but on the other, worrying about making ends meet doesn't feel quite right either.  What's a Catholic Mom to do? Amanda Teixeira of WalletWin is here to help us sort through all that today.  We're diving in to Catholic Money Mindset and you'll walk away with a much better understanding of church teaching and how to handle your own thoughts and feelings around your budget!  Check out her budget guide HERE. Ready to cut your scroll time for Lent?  Pre-Register HERE for the True Presence Challenge and let's get really intentional about social media and phone use! Dive Deeper into True Presence: NEW!! Join our Facebook Group for Challenges and Community! NEW!! Instagram/threads: @truepresencepodcast NEW!! Facebook: True Presence Podcast Well-Ordered Week newsletter: weekly inspiration and journal prompts Too much to do and don't know where to start? Grab our Free mini-workbook, Unstuck and On Task.  

Happy New year!  Calling all Catholic moms who feel like all the stuff in their space is holding them back!  We're making room for our goals this year, starting with our homes.  Out with all the excess stuff weighing us down and taking our time and attention.  Grab your free decluttering dashboard here: welcome.truepresence.life/declutter Dive Deeper into True Presence: NEW!! Join our Facebook Group for Challenges and Community! NEW!! Instagram/threads: @truepresencepodcast NEW!! Facebook: True Presence Podcast Well-Ordered Week newsletter: weekly inspiration and journal prompts Too much to do and don't know where to start? Grab our Free mini-workbook, Unstuck and On Task. Plan your days with the Lord: Join the True Presence Membership and finally figure out the best way to plan your time.  It's a membership for Catholic Moms with complicated situations like chronic illness, neurodiverse kids and other challenges that make your days unpredictable.  If chaos is eating you alive, come on in and let's get your life back!  

Are you in a season where you don't feel like you can see far enough ahead to make big plans?  Today, we're talking about how to plan from littleness like St. Therese.   Dive Deeper into True Presence: Well-Ordered Week newsletter: weekly inspiration and journal prompts Too much to do and don't know where to start? Grab our Free mini-workbook, Unstuck and On Task. Book a Discovery Call: www.truepresence.life In this episode, we explore the challenge of planning amidst uncertainty, especially as we approach a new year. The host reflects on the unpredictability of life, sharing a personal journey of unexpected health struggles within their family. Despite meticulous planning for a "year of health," unforeseen circumstances led to surgeries and an uncertain future. Through this turmoil, the host emphasizes the importance of surrendering to uncertainty while maintaining faith. The episode delves into the power of intentionality, highlighting the significance of choosing love and purpose in every moment, even when concrete plans seem impossible. Drawing from spiritual wisdom, the narrative emphasizes trust in divine providence and nurturing goodwill in all circumstances as pathways to peace amidst chaos. Practical advice includes leaning into divine grace, focusing on living out God's will, and accepting reality while discerning a path guided by faith and love. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to prepare themselves to receive grace, embrace loving others, and live intentionally, laying the groundwork for clearer goals when uncertainties lift.

Join us in this insightful episode as we delve into the challenges Catholic moms face when met with family criticism, especially during holiday gatherings. Discover effective strategies to navigate these situations and regain confidence in your parenting decisions. Holiday Boundaries Scripts:  Grab yours here Want some time-freedom coaching?  Book a call with Kelsey  HERE Key Points: Embracing Imperfections: As Catholic moms, acknowledging imperfections is pivotal. Parenting involves experimentation without a one-size-fits-all approach. Confidence in Choices: Reaffirming confidence in intentional decisions, emphasizing that parenting choices are personal and not subject to external opinions. Boundaries and Respect: Differentiating healthy disagreement from disrespect. Setting boundaries when conversations turn disrespectful is crucial for maintaining self-respect and teaching healthy interaction to kids. Taking Time for Consideration: Highlighting the importance of not feeling pressured to make instant decisions. Taking time to reflect and consider advice shows thoughtfulness. Modeling Emotional Maturity: Illustrating the value of modeling emotional maturity to inspire positive change in family dynamics. Dive Deeper into True Presence: NEW!! Join our Facebook Group for Challenges and Community! NEW!! Instagram/threads: @truepresencepodcast NEW!! Facebook: True Presence Podcast Well-Ordered Week newsletter: weekly inspiration and journal prompts Too much to do and don't know where to start? Grab our Free mini-workbook, Unstuck and On Task.      

Join us today in an important discussion about parenting for moral courage.  Kimberly Begg, the author of 'Unbreakable,' shares the inspiring journey that led to her book. Motivated by the lives of saints who inspired other saints, she emphasizes the vital role of courage as a habit, essential for raising children in today's increasingly secular world. Highlighting the need to instill courage in children's daily lives, Kimberly shares some practical ideas for how to start small and encourage our children to fearlessly live out their Catholic identity. Kimberly Begg is the editor of Catholic School Playbook, project advisor to Run With Saints, and director of programs and general counsel of the Ortner Family Foundation.  She lives in Virginia with her husband and five children. Key takeaways: Courage as a Habit: Emphasizing the necessity of instilling courage in children's daily lives. 2. Safeguarding Innocence: Stressing the importance of protecting innocence until puberty. 3. Parenting and Exposure: Balancing insulation from and exposure to the world. 4. Catholic Imagination: Fostering a Catholic imagination through stories of saints. 5. Generational Impact: Recognizing the influence of parenting on future generations and the duty to instill faith. 6. Building a Catholic Culture: Advocating for authentically Catholic home libraries to guide children in discerning God's will. 7. The Power of Saintly Stories: Using stories of saints to inspire courage and guide children in living out God's will. Want to learn more? Signed copies of Kimberly's book Unbreakable and a free 17-page study guide are available at kimberlybegg.com.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of maintaining a mature and respectful dialogue with your spouse regarding the division of household tasks, managing your needs, and fostering a deeper connection in your marriage as Catholics.  

Summary: In this episode, Kelsey interviews her husband who shares his transformative journey of disconnecting from the overwhelming news and social media noise to reconnect with his family and realign his focus on what truly matters. The episode discusses the challenges and anxieties faced during the tumultuous year of 2020 and how he made a conscious decision to shift his attention toward his immediate circle of influence. This episode introduces the concept of a "circle of control" and a "circle of influence," highlighting the importance of investing time and care in the relationships that are within our reach. The conversation explores how this shift led to personal growth, recognition at work, and a deeper sense of purpose. Kelsey's husband also touches on the application of these principles during a recent spinal injury, emphasizing the need for focusing on what CAN be done rather than what cannot.

Introduction: In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of choosing our thoughts and the importance of recognizing the beauty and holiness in ordinary moments. Join us for a conversation with Christina Brown, a life coach, speaker, and podcaster, as she shares her insights on finding joy amidst suffering, holding thoughts captive, and sanctifying everyday tasks.

Join us today as Emily Adams explores how the Lord is at work even in the midst of infant loss.  Emily is a Catholic wife and mother of 10. She has four living children here on earth, and 6 little souls in heaven.  Emily is a Resident Catholic Coach for Metanoia Catholic and is on a mission to help Catholic women discover hope and find purpose within their pain after baby loss. She helps her clients through 1:1 and group coaching learn how to embrace their story, process through their emotions with integrity, and become open to understanding God's unique call to sanctity in sorrow. FREEBIE Download: 6 things I wish someone would have told me after my baby loss Instagram—@thelittlesouls Facebook—facebook.com/emily.lu.pearson

In this episode, we explore how imposter syndrome holds us back and exhausts us as Catholic mothers—Discover how these feelings of inadequacy can affect your daily life and learn actionable steps to conquer them. Overwhelmed?  Email kelsey@truepresence.life to book a call._____________________

In this episode, we're diving deep into the practical side of Catholic liturgical living with Kendra Tierney of Catholic All Year.  Join us as Kendra takes you on a journey through the heart of her family's faith-filled traditions and rituals and how it can be so very approachable even for moms who are usually extremely intimidated by the idea of adding in liturgical living traditions. We're talking about meal planning, prayer routines, messy houses and, above all, the joy of friendship, connection and building family traditions.  If you want to step out of the usual rhythm of the world and enrich your family's lives with the liturgical year, tune in. Tired of the crazy commercial holiday season each year?  Wanting something a little slower and more prayerful? Pre-Register for SAVOR ADVENT--a guided challenge for Catholic Moms who want a slow and beautiful season with their family and are ready to get ahead of the crazy holidays this year.   Dive Deeper into True Presence: NEW!! Join our Facebook Group for Challenges and Community! NEW!! Instagram/threads: @truepresencepodcast NEW!! Facebook: True Presence Podcast Well-Ordered Week newsletter: weekly inspiration and journal prompts Too much to do and don't know where to start? Grab our Free mini-workbook, Unstuck and On Task. Plan your days with the Lord: Join the True Presence Membership and get access to the all new homemaker dashboards!  Make a plan for prayer, chores and personal care for everyone in your unique family!  

In this episode of True Presence, we're delving into an enlightening conversation with Jill Simons, founder of Pink Salt Riot and executive director at Many Parts Ministries. Join us as we explore the intriguing world of charisms and their role in motherhood. Dive Deeper into True Presence: NEW!! Join our Facebook Group for Challenges and Community! NEW!! Instagram/threads: @truepresencepodcast NEW!! Facebook: True Presence Podcast Well-Ordered Week newsletter: weekly inspiration and journal prompts Too much to do and don't know where to start? Grab our Free mini-workbook, Unstuck and On Task. Plan your days with the Lord: Join the True Presence Membership and get access to the all new homemaker dashboards!  Make a plan for prayer, chores and personal care for everyone in your unique family!   Episode Highlights - **Understanding Charisms and Their Significance:** Jill Simons, creative director and founder of Pink Salt Riot, shares her insights on charisms—spiritual gifts that every baptized individual receives to serve the larger body of Christ. She explains how these gifts are unique and how they contribute to building the Church. - **Embracing Diversity in Spiritual Gifts:** Jill emphasizes that charisms encompass a wide range of gifts beyond the typical "public" spiritual gifts. She elaborates on the diverse and essential roles each charism plays in the body of Christ, drawing parallels with the functioning of different cells in a body. - **Discerning Your Charisms:** Jill introduces a three-fold approach to discerning spiritual gifts. She discusses the importance of feedback from others, recognizing supernatural fruit, and observing the presence of the Holy Spirit's fruits in your life as key indicators of your charisms. - **Charisms in Motherhood:** Exploring the dynamic relationship between charisms and motherhood, Jill addresses the misconception that certain gifts are more suited to specific seasons of life. She reveals how various charisms can be prominent at different stages of motherhood, enhancing the way moms interact with their families and the Church. - **Transformative Stories:** Through compelling anecdotes, Jill illustrates how discovering and embracing charisms can lead to life-changing transformations. She shares stories of two nurses who found newfound purpose and satisfaction in their professions by aligning their charisms with their work. - **Decisions Guided by Charisms:** Jill discusses how recognizing and valuing one's charisms can lead to more intentional decision-making. By focusing on their unique strengths and roles, moms can cultivate a sense of purpose, prioritize their commitments, and contribute to the larger mission of the Church. **Conclusion:** As we conclude this enlightening episode, it's clear that the journey of uncovering charisms is a profound path towards self-discovery, empowerment, and embracing one's divine calling. Join us in the next episode for more insightful discussions on nurturing the soul and enriching our lives. **Resources:** - To learn more about charisms, visit Many Parts Ministries. - Download the free guide to the 24 charisms from the Many Parts Ministries website. - Engage in the charism discernment process through assessments and personalized reports available on the website.  

If you're feeling overwhelmed by teaching multiple children with varying ages, this episode is perfect for you. We'll share practical strategies to make your homeschooling journey smoother and more effective. Build your Family's Routines:  Truepresence.life/course Dive Deeper into True Presence: NEW!! Join our Facebook Group for Challenges and Community! NEW!! Instagram/threads: @truepresencepodcast NEW!! Facebook: True Presence Podcast Well-Ordered Week newsletter: weekly inspiration and journal prompts   1. Early Years: If your kids aren't reading yet and don't have established habits, don't worry. Young children learn a lot through everyday activities like cooking, walking, and reading together. Focus on quality interactions rather than replicating a traditional school setting at home. 2. Balancing Work: Organize your children's work into lessons (you actively teach), independent work (practice), and question time. This lets you provide targeted attention when needed and encourages self-learning. 3. Mixed-Age Learning: Combine lessons like science, history, and literature for multiple ages. Tailor activities to each child's level. Older kids can help younger ones, creating a supportive learning environment. 4. Including Little Ones: Create a safe space for focused learning. Use nap times and play hours for teaching. Involve babies and toddlers in simple activities to manage distractions. 5. Flexibility Matters: Remember, homeschooling is adaptable. Customize routines to your child's preferences—morning, afternoon, or evening. Flexibility nurtures individual growth and learning. Conclusion: As a Catholic mom homeschooling kids of different ages, embrace flexibility and collaboration. Simplify lessons, involve younger siblings, and adapt routines to each child. Your tailored approach will create a rewarding homeschool experience. For more guidance on intentional living, visit truepresence.life Let's make this homeschooling year the best one yet for you and your family. Thanks for tuning in to True Presence. Happy homeschooling, Catholic moms!

Join host Kelsey Pasquarell l in this episode as she delves into the challenges of being a present parent. Kelsey explores common pitfalls that hinder our ability to be fully present to our children.  Enroll in the True Presence Course August Webinar:  SIMPLIFY YOUR SCHOOL YEAR.  Watch the Replay. Dive Deeper into True Presence: NEW!! Join our Facebook Group for Challenges and Community! NEW!! Instagram/threads: @truepresencepodcast NEW!! Facebook: True Presence Podcast Well-Ordered Week newsletter: weekly inspiration and journal prompts   Episode Highlights: - Introduction (00:00:00)     - Welcome to "True Presence for Catholic Moms" with Kelsey Pascal.     - Mission: Helping Catholic moms design purposeful days with the Lord. - The Journey of Being a Present Parent (00:00:30)     - Reflecting on the challenge of being fully present as a parent.     - A moment shared with a two-year-old climbing stairs and the significance of presence. - Embracing the True Presence (00:01:30)     - Drawing parallels between the true presence of the Eucharist and the presence of parents to their children.     - Delving into the incarnation as a model of God's love and closeness to humanity. - Emulating God's Patience (00:02:45)     - Imagining God's patience as parents walk alongside their children.     - The importance of embracing slowness and unhurried moments with children. - Preparation for True Presence (00:04:10)     - Sharing a personal story of moving to a new house with limited internet and its impact on presence.     - Emphasizing the need for proactive preparation to avoid reactionary escapism. - Intentional Time Management (00:07:00)     - Encouraging structured time for personal rest, prayer, and rejuvenation.     - Exploring options for finding support or assistance even without traditional childcare. - Balancing Productivity and Presence (00:09:30)     - Discussing the trap of measuring self-worth by productivity and accomplishments.     - Embracing St. Therese's "Little Way" philosophy of doing everything with love. - Shifting Perspectives on Setbacks (00:14:00)     - Transforming setbacks into opportunities for growth and love.     - Reflecting on St. Francis de Sales' wisdom on inner peace and calm spirit. - Surrendering to God's Presence (00:18:00)     - Recognizing the need to seek God's presence and grace for true presence as parents.     - Embracing humility, acknowledging human limitations, and relying on God's strength. - Conclusion and Invitation (00:20:00)     - Recap of key takeaways: proactive preparation, balancing productivity, and embracing God's presence.     - Inviting listeners to embark on the journey of true presence in their motherhood. Tune in to "True Presence for Catholic Moms" and discover how to navigate the challenges of parenting with grace, love, and a deep sense of God's presence. Subscribe to the podcast for more insightful episodes on thriving as a Catholic mom.

August is here, and the school season is upon us. Join us as we share valuable insights to help you navigate this school year with confidence and purpose. From education goals to relationships, we've got you covered. Dive Deeper into True Presence: Enroll in the True Presence Course and transform your daily life! Back-to-school bonuses expire August 15! NEW!! Join our Facebook Group for Challenges and Community! NEW!! Instagram/threads: @truepresencepodcast NEW!! Facebook: True Presence Podcast Well-Ordered Week newsletter: weekly inspiration and journal prompts   1. Crafting a Vision for Education Start with a clear vision: Begin by envisioning the type of education you want for your children. Consider what values, virtues, and skills you want to instill in them. Long-term and short-term goals: Establish both long-term and short-term goals for the school year. Think about what you want your children to achieve by the end of the year and how it aligns with their overall educational journey. Tailoring education: Choose methods and curricula that match your children's learning styles and preferences. Remember that flexibility is key to achieving your vision. 2. Learning from the Past for Future Success Reflect on the past: Take a look back at the previous school year to assess what worked well and what didn't. Identify successes and challenges to better plan for the future. Problem-solving: Use insights from the previous year to troubleshoot potential issues in advance. Adjust your approach based on what you've learned to create a smoother school year. Overcoming obstacles: Understand that challenges are normal and can be overcome. Plan for the unexpected and be prepared to adapt your strategies as needed. 3. Prioritizing Relationships and Self-Care Emphasizing relationships: Focus on nurturing your relationship with your children. Find ways to spend quality time together, engage in activities they enjoy, and communicate openly. Strengthening marriage: Prioritize your relationship with your spouse. Maintaining a strong marital foundation positively impacts the family's overall well-being. Self-care and time management: Invest in self-care to ensure you're your best self for your family. Implement effective time management strategies that allow you to be present and focused. Conclusion: This school year, Catholic moms can achieve success by setting a clear educational vision, learning from past experiences, and prioritizing relationships and self-care. By focusing on these aspects, you'll create a harmonious and purposeful environment for your family. For further guidance and support, consider enrolling in the True Presence course to empower yourself with practical tools for a peaceful and purposeful year. For more information and to enroll in the course, visit truepresence.life/course Let's make this school year your most impactful yet!

Today we have a special guest, Sterling Jaquith, of Made for Greatness who will be sharing her expertise on unschooling – a unique approach to homeschooling that empowers children's natural curiosity and interests. We'll dive deep into the concept of unschooling, its benefits, and how it can be applied in a Catholic homeschooling environment. Check out the Masters Program at Made for Greatness

In this episode, we delve into the importance of setting healthy boundaries for Catholic homeschooling moms. Emily Brown, a seasoned homeschooler and life coach, shares insightful tips on protecting your peace and fostering a more balanced homeschooling journey. Discover how to define boundaries, why emotions play a vital role, and how to embrace a more intentional approach with your children. Learn how to transition from being a doer to becoming a mentor and consultant in your children's educational journey. Get Emily's Creating Healthy Boundaries worksheet HERE. August Workshop:  SIMPLIFY YOUR SCHOOL YEAR.  Save your Seat. Amazing news: True Presence is on Feedspot's list of the Top 15 Catholic Mom Podcasts!!!! Thanks to everyone who tunes in. Dive Deeper into True Presence: NEW!! Join our Facebook Group for Challenges and Community! NEW!! Instagram/threads: @truepresencepodcast NEW!! Facebook: True Presence Podcast Well-Ordered Week newsletter: weekly inspiration and journal prompts   Episode Notes: Understanding Boundaries: - Boundaries are often misunderstood. Emily explains that they are about protecting your peace, not controlling others. - The goal is to have peace within yourself and to decide how you want to show up in any situation. - Understand what is within your control: thoughts, feelings, and actions. Implementing Boundaries in Homeschooling: - Emily shares her experience of starting homeschooling and feeling overwhelmed with trying to do everything. - She recommends transitioning from a doer to a teacher and eventually a mentor and consultant as children grow. - Determine the best time for learning based on your child's unique needs and creativity. Preparing Ahead of Time: - Emily suggests setting time aside in your daily preparation to remember what you love about your kids and how you want to show up for them. - Teaching From Rest by Sarah McKenzie is an excellent resource to ease overwhelm in homeschooling. Applying Boundaries to Chores: - Emily realized she was guilting and shaming her kids to do chores, leading to overreacting. - By adopting an employer-employee approach, she detached emotionally from the outcome and allowed natural consequences to play out. - Children become more responsible when they experience the natural consequences of their actions. Conclusion: - Remember to prioritize relationships over tasks in homeschooling. - Get Emily's free download, "Creating Healthy Boundaries" worksheet, to explore your desires and show up intentionally in your homeschool journey. - Check out the Happy Holy Mama podcast and explore life coaching options at fiatlifecoaching.com. Dive Deeper into True Presence: NEW!! Join our Facebook Group for Challenges and Community! NEW!! Instagram/threads: @truepresencepodcast NEW!! Facebook: True Presence Podcast Well-Ordered Week newsletter: weekly inspiration and journal prompts  

Summary: Kelsey introduces the concept of time thieves, which are sneaky things that steal our time and prevent us from accomplishing our goals. She discusses six common time thieves and provides insights on how to overcome them. These time thieves include avoiding our feelings, neglecting our health, multitasking, resisting reality, focusing on unspoken goals, and prioritizing urgent tasks over important ones. Key Takeaways: Time thieves can prevent us from achieving our goals and leave us feeling unproductive and overwhelmed. Avoiding our feelings can lead to unintentional time-wasting behaviors, such as excessive smartphone use. Neglecting our health can drain our energy and mental clarity, making it difficult to accomplish tasks. Multitasking is not as efficient as focusing on one task at a time, as our brains switch between tasks, resulting in time and quality loss. Resisting reality and failing to accept and plan for recurring situations can lead to wasted time and frustration. Unspoken goals that are more important to us than our stated goals can distract us and lead to time mismanagement. Focusing on urgent tasks instead of important ones can keep us in a reactive mode and prevent us from making progress on our goals. Quotes: "You don't rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your systems." - Atomic Habits "Neglecting our health takes more time in the long run than taking small steps to care for ourselves." "Multitasking is a time thief. Our brains can't truly multitask, and switching between tasks comes at a cost." "Resisting reality leads to repeated unexpected situations. Acceptance and planning can save time and reduce stress." "Climbing the wrong mountain wastes time and effort. Align your actions with your most important goals." "Focusing on urgent tasks instead of important ones keeps us in a reactive mode and hinders progress." Resources: For more on productivity and intentional living, visit Truepresence.life Amazing news: True Presence is on Feedspot's list of the Top 15 Catholic Mom Podcasts!!!! Thanks for everyone who tunes in.

In this episode, Kelsey interviews Denise Jelinek about the concept of a sacred self-image and the importance of self-care for women. Denise emphasizes the need for women to prioritize their own well-being and recognize their unique value and purpose. She explains how societal influences and external expectations often lead to self-neglect and offers practical steps to develop a healthier self-image. Denise highlights the significance of tuning into one's feelings and needs as a starting point for self-care. She introduces a five-day challenge, encouraging listeners to ask themselves two questions throughout the day: "What am I feeling?" and "What do I need?" This simple exercise helps individuals become more aware of their emotions and real needs, separate from self-sabotaging behaviors such as overeating or excessive phone use. The conversation delves into the root causes of self-neglect, such as society's emphasis on external measures of success and the avoidance of uncomfortable feelings. Denise encourages listeners to embrace their quirks and explore their unique qualities, acknowledging that each person has a specific role and purpose in the world. By understanding and valuing themselves, women can better care for others and live a more fulfilling life. The episode concludes with practical suggestions for fostering a healthier self-image, including engaging in introspection, practicing stillness and reflection, and inviting the Lord into the journey. Denise invites listeners to write a letter to themselves, expressing God's love and perception of their unique qualities. She also encourages individuals to create moments of stillness, where they can ask the Lord for guidance and gain insight into their true selves. To learn more about Denise Jelinek and her work with emotional eating and weight loss, visit her website at turntogodnotfood.com. Key Points: - Self-care is essential and aligns with the Lord's teachings. - Society's focus on external measures leads to self-neglect. - Tuning into one's feelings and needs is crucial for self-care. - A five-day challenge: Ask yourself, "What am I feeling?" and "What do I need?" - Embrace quirks and unique qualities to develop a healthier self-image. - Engage in introspection and invite the Lord into the journey. - Create moments of stillness to gain insight and guidance. Resources: - Denise Jelinek's website: turntogodnotfood.com Resources for Intentional Living: TruePresence.life August Webinar:  SIMPLIFY YOUR SCHOOL YEAR.  Save your Seat.  

Have your kids been complaining about boredom?  What's the best response? We're making two bold claims today:  First that boredom is good for your kids, and second, that with just a little empathy and coaching, they can figure out what to do with their time and learn to handle boredom on their own. Introduction: In this episode, we discuss the importance of teaching kids how to handle boredom, fostering their creativity, and why it's essential for their development. Join us as we dive into the research on the benefits of boredom and explore practical ways to guide your children in finding their own solutions. *****August Webinar:  SIMPLIFY YOUR SCHOOL YEAR.  Save your Seat.  Episode Highlights: 1. Boredom: Not a Bad Thing After All    - Discover how boredom can be beneficial for children's self-directed learning and curiosity.    - Learn why summer vacations without structured schedules can be challenging for kids who are used to constant direction and entertainment. 2. Teaching Kids to Be Self-Directed    - Understand why it's crucial to give kids opportunities to practice handling boredom regularly.    - Embrace the discomfort of hearing "I'm bored" and see it as an opportunity to raise resilient problem solvers. 3. Empowering Kids to Make Decisions    - Learn how to respond to your child's boredom with curiosity instead of providing immediate solutions.    - Discover the importance of sparking your child's thinking process without giving them direct answers. 4. Building Confidence in Creativity    - Explore the power of open-ended activities, like playing with a cardboard box, in fostering creativity.    - Find out how being real and hands-off can help build your child's confidence in their creative abilities. 5. Nudging Kids in the Right Direction    - Understand the value of asking open-ended brainstorming questions to help your child discover their interests.    - Learn to be patient and empathetic as your child explores their options and finds their own solutions. Conclusion: Boredom can be a valuable teacher for Catholic kids, helping them develop self-directed learning and creativity. As Catholic parents, our role is not to entertain them constantly but to guide them in finding their own solutions. By responding to their boredom with curiosity and asking open-ended questions, we can empower them to take ownership of their time and explore their interests. So the next time your child says, "I'm bored," embrace the opportunity to help them become self-sufficient, creative problem solvers.

What do you do if your doctor tries to push you to do something that goes against your faith?  What about your kids?  Nurse Coach Nichole Haugen is on the podcast today to share all about how to navigate the world of health care as a catholic.  We're covering how to know your rights as a patient and parent, the language to use and listen for, and how to prepare your children for medical decisions.  Check out her webinars for nurses HERE **True Presence Podcast August Webinar:  SIMPLIFY YOUR SCHOOL YEAR.  Save your Seat.  Introduction: In this enlightening podcast episode, Kelsey and Nichole Haugen, a Catholic nurse coach and mother of six, discuss the current healthcare atmosphere and its intersection with Theology of the Body and the dignity of the person. As healthcare workers face burnout and cultural shifts, Catholic parents grapple with questions about their parental rights and ethical decisions, including issues surrounding birth control and abortion. Nichole offers valuable insights and advice to empower Catholic moms in making informed healthcare choices. Key Points: 1. Understanding the Current Healthcare Atmosphere: Nichole highlights the burnout and stress faced by healthcare workers post-pandemic, leading to various challenges, including issues concerning parental rights. 2. Know Your Parental Rights: As a Catholic mom, it is crucial to be aware of your parental rights in your state. You have the right to refuse treatments and services for your children, ensuring they receive the care that aligns with your values. 3. Asserting Yourself Gracefully: In countercultural situations, it can be challenging to assert your beliefs without feeling judged. Nichole advises using respectful language and having go-to phrases to confidently communicate your decisions without the need for extensive explanations. 4. Recognizing Disguised Terminology: In a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, some terms may be used to downplay the ethical implications of certain treatments. Nichole warns about how terms like "conception" have been redefined and how that may hide the abortifacient nature of treatments like the morning after pill, and encourages asking questions and seeking advice when uncertain. 5. Educating Children about Ethical Healthcare: As a mom, Nichole emphasizes the importance of educating children about their bodies and healthcare choices. Honest discussions about the Church's teachings and using informative resources help prepare them for future medical decisions. Conclusion: This podcast sheds light on the challenges faced by Catholic moms in navigating the healthcare system, preserving their parental rights, and making ethical decisions. Nichole's insights and advice provide valuable guidance for Catholic parents to confidently advocate for their children's well-being while remaining true to their faith. Find Nichole Haugen: Website: www.catholicnursecoach.com Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok - @catholicnursecoach Find True Presence on Threads and Instagram- @truepresencepodcast

Janna Kerr shares how Catholic moms can reclaim their energy holistically by paying attention to the things that deplete and refuel them and making small adjustments that pack a punch. Want to learn more about Janna?  Check out Atthewellcoaching.com **True Presence Podcast August Webinar:  SIMPLIFY YOUR SCHOOL YEAR.  Save your Seat. In this episode, host Kelsey interviews Janna Kerr, a health coach with expertise in Integrative Nutrition. They discuss how to nourish the body and maintain energy levels amidst the challenges of motherhood. Janna shares valuable insights on primary and secondary food, habits, and the importance of awareness. Through her practical approach, she helps moms find balance in their lives and develop a positive relationship with food. Here are the key takeaways: **Introduction to Integrative Nutrition**   Janna explains that Integrative Nutrition focuses not only on the food we eat but also on primary foods, which include spirituality, career, finances, physical activity, relationships, and more. These aspects can nourish or deplete us even more than the food we consume. **Building Awareness and Establishing Healthy Habits**   Janna emphasizes the importance of being aware of our daily routines and habits. By recognizing areas that need improvement, moms can make positive changes that contribute to overall well-being. Developing healthy habits that fit into their busy schedules is key to sustainable progress. **Bio Individuality and Personalized Nutrition**   There is no one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition. Janna encourages moms to experiment and discover what foods and eating patterns work best for their unique bodies. She helps them tune into their bodies' signals and requirements, taking into account factors like blood type, preferences, and lifestyle. **Overcoming Guilt and Diet Culture Pressure**   Janna addresses the guilt many moms feel about their food choices and body image. She emphasizes self-compassion and advises moms to focus on nourishing their bodies with wholesome foods while allowing themselves occasional treats without judgment. **Embracing Holy Curiosity**   Instead of fixating on strict rules or diets, Janna advises moms to approach their nutrition journey with "holy curiosity." This mindset fosters openness to learning, experimenting, and finding what truly nourishes their bodies and souls. **Upcoming Program: The Exhausted Mom Solution**   Janna is launching a new 12-week program called "The Exhausted Mom Solution," which focuses on helping moms regain energy, balance, and overall well-being. The program addresses various aspects of daily life, from bedtime routines to breakfast choices, and empowers moms to make sustainable changes. **Conclusion**   By paying attention to their body's signals and being open to experimentation, Catholic moms can cultivate a nourishing relationship with food and lifestyle. Janna Kerr's approach emphasizes self-compassion and balance, guiding moms towards a more energized and fulfilling life. To learn more about Janna's upcoming program and get valuable tips on nourishing energy, visit her website and join the beta test waitlist.

How do you want to design your days?  Our lives aren't made up of a series of significant core memories.  They're actually the sum of our ordinary days.  Let's design them on purpose. Truepresence.life/course   Feeling overwhelmed by all the demands of motherhood?  Wondering how to get things done without neglecting: your kids your health or your prayer life You'll Learn Mother Theresa's secret to balancing productivity with prayer and presence.  BUILD YOUR RULE OF LIFE here.   Special launch discount for a limited time:  Apply the code BUILDMYRULE for 20% off  “I absolutely loved this course! It helped me visualize the type of person I want to be and gave simple and doable ways to get there. I was able to recognize roadblocks that had simple solutions in areas such as meal planning and my prayer life. My confidence grew in each lesson as I gained clarity about the many roles I have as a mother and wife. The course helped me realize how many strengths I have and gently helped me uncover ways I could continue to grow. The entire course was so motivating and inspiring. Each lesson and the pages in the workbook are beautiful and make me eager to continue. I am so thankful I found this course!” -Virginia “This is a beautiful course for Catholic moms, and especially helpful for moms who are busy, overwhelmed, or struggling. As a homeschool homesteading mom of 6 children under 9yrs, this course helped me step out of the chaos to reevaluate what I'm doing each day. Putting my life work into perspective and redirecting me through faith and prayer to the truly important things. It helps not only with prioritizing and organizing tasks and duties, but also managing energy and mental load. Working through the modules you build a framework for a way of life. You compose a routine that puts your priorities in order and helps manage all the roles and duties of a mothers life. I loved all the practical tips on daily productivity, home management and planning. Kelsey gives wonderful advice on getting things accomplished with children, making time for mom's needs and dealing with suffering, as well as simple ways to get healthy meals planned and on the table.  This is a true treasure trove and guide to nourish mind, soul and body as well as connection with God and family." Anna D

Porn is an epidemic--and an addictive one at that.  How do we protect our kids?  Studies show kids are being exposed to porn at younger and younger ages.  Rhonda Caluttung of Catholics Free for Life is on today to chat about how catholic families can porn-proof their kids, and do so in a way that protects their innocence. In this episode we dive deep into the theology of the body, the communal effects of sin, and the top five things you need to porn-proof your kids.  Entrust your family to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. _________ God doesn't want you stuck in OVERWHELM. Feeling overwhelmed by all the demands of motherhood?  Wondering how to get things done without: neglecting your kids excessive screen time or burning the candle at both ends and resenting your husband?  I've got you.  I'll teach you Mother Theresa's secret to balancing productivity with prayer and presence.  BUILD YOUR RULE OF LIFE here.   Special launch discount for a limited time:  Apply the code BUILDMYRULE for 20% off  Read a testimonial from Virginia who purchased the course in the pre-sale: “I absolutely loved this course! It helped me visualize the type of person I want to be and gave simple and doable ways to get there. I was able to recognize roadblocks that had simple solutions in areas such as meal planning and my prayer life. My confidence grew in each lesson as I gained clarity about the many roles I have as a mother and wife. The course helped me realize how many strengths I have and gently helped me uncover ways I could continue to grow. The entire course was so motivating and inspiring. Each lesson and the pages in the workbook are beautiful and make me eager to continue. I am so thankful I found this course!” ___________ Picky eaters, allergies and special diets complicating your meal planning?  Grab my meal-planng formula here Want to teach little kids the skills they need to do their chores? Grab it here.  

Today's episode is a round up of excerpts from great interviews we've done that covered strategies for picky eating.  Occupational therapist Clare McCullough of CuriousOT dives into the sensory processing side of things and Jessica Fisher of Good Cheap Eats discusses shopping and meal planning for picky eaters RESOURCES Picky eaters, allergies and special diets complicating your meal planning?  Grab my meal-planng formula here  Let's do real life WITH our kids.  Want an age-by-age guide to teaching little kids how to do chores? Grab it here. _________________ Hi there!  I'm your host, Kelsey.  I started my economics career passionately helping charities and social entrepreneurs maximize their impact in the greater Washington D.C. area.   Now I help other Catholic moms fight the good fight with routines, boundaries and home systems that let you show up as a calm, present parent and live an intentional life. Catholic Moms don't have to feel stressed and burned out all the time and I want to help you set yourself free so you can show up as the mom you want to be. Take my course HERE to build your personal rule of life. www.truepresence.life  

Some of us have amazing relationships with our moms and mother-in-laws and some of us have some deep hurt and pain.  We're talking about how a perspective shift in terms of how we view the generation that raised us can help us to keep a growth mindset in breaking generational cycles for our own kids. God doesn't want you stuck in OVERWHELM. Feeling overwhelmed by all the demands of motherhood?  Wondering how to get things done without: neglecting your kids excessive screen time or burning the candle at both ends and resenting your husband?  I've got you.  I'll teach you Mother Theresa's secret to balancing productivity with prayer and presence.  BUILD YOUR RULE OF LIFE here.   Special launch discount for a limited time:  Apply the code BUILDMYRULE for 20% off  “I absolutely loved this course! It helped me visualize the type of person I want to be and gave simple and doable ways to get there. I was able to recognize roadblocks that had simple solutions in areas such as meal planning and my prayer life. My confidence grew in each lesson as I gained clarity about the many roles I have as a mother and wife. The course helped me realize how many strengths I have and gently helped me uncover ways I could continue to grow. The entire course was so motivating and inspiring. Each lesson and the pages in the workbook are beautiful and make me eager to continue. I am so thankful I found this course!” -Virginia, Mom of 2   __________________ Hi there!  I'm your host, Kelsey.  I started my economics career passionately helping charities and social entrepreneurs maximize their impact in the greater Washington D.C. area.   Now I help other Catholic moms fight the good fight with routines, boundaries and home systems that let you show up as a calm, present parent and live an intentional life. Catholic Moms don't have to feel stressed and burned out all the time and I want to help you set yourself free so you can show up as the mom you want to be. Take my course HERE to build your personal rule of life. www.truepresence.life  

Ever feel like you've tried everything to improve your mood and energy and it's just not working? Sometimes self-care doesn't help with our mood because there is an underlying imbalance in our bodies; specifically, our neurotransmitters. Certified Recovery Nutrition Coach Lindsey Marie Meindl is on this week to tell us all about how moms can balance their neurotransmitters and reclaim their energy. Plus she has an amazing Mother's Day special going on right now for her program! Check out her resources here: Mood Checkup Feeling Good in Motherhood Program and the Mother's Day Bonuses ______________________ Want to detox from social media?  Sign up for the True Presence Challenge HERE  _____________________ Hi there!  I'm your host, Kelsey.  I started my economics career passionately helping charities and social entrepreneurs maximize their impact in the greater Washington D.C. area.  But then I became a mom and finally understood what Mother Theresa meant when she said, "If you want to change the world, go home and love your family."  Now I help other Catholic moms fight the good fight with routines, boundaries and home systems that let you nourish your mind, body and soul so you can show up as a calm, present parent and live an intentional life. Catholic Moms don't have to feel stressed and burned out all the time and I want to help you set yourself free so you can show up as the mom you want to be. Get on the waitlist for my course Here to learn to build your personal Rule of Life.  

Are you wondering how your kids' future will be affected by the entrance of AI Artificial Intelligence to the world? I've been thinking about this one a lot.  It's going to change everything, and we need to start rethinking the way we do school to set our kids up for success. Tune in to see what you can do! ____ Want to detox from social media?  Sign up for the True Presence Challenge HERE   __________________ Hi there!  I'm your host, Kelsey.  I started my economics career passionately helping charities and social entrepreneurs maximize their impact in the greater Washington D.C. area.  But then I became a mom and finally understood what Mother Theresa meant when she said, "If you want to change the world, go home and love your family."  Now I help other Catholic moms fight the good fight with routines, boundaries and home systems that let you nourish your mind, body and soul so you can show up as a calm, present parent and live an intentional life. Catholic Moms don't have to feel stressed and burned out all the time and I want to help you set yourself free so you can show up as the mom you want to be. Get on the waitlist for my course Here to learn to build your personal Rule of Life.  

Does grocery shopping with your kids exhaust and frustrate you?  What if I told you it doesn't have to be that way? With the right mindset and strategies grocery shopping can be a truly wonderful activity to do together as a family--something you all look forward to! ______ Let's do real life WITH our kids.  Want an age-by-age guide to teaching chores and practical life readiness? Grab it here.  ______ Want to detox from social media?  Sign up for the True Presence Challenge HERE  __________________ Hi there!  I'm your host, Kelsey.  I started my economics career passionately helping charities and social entrepreneurs maximize their impact in the greater Washington D.C. area.  But then I became a mom and finally understood what Mother Theresa meant when she said, "If you want to change the world, go home and love your family."  Now I help other Catholic moms fight the good fight with routines, boundaries and home systems that let you nourish your mind, body and soul so you can show up as a calm, present parent and live an intentional life. Catholic Moms don't have to feel stressed and burned out all the time and I want to help you set yourself free so you can show up as the mom you want to be. Get on the waitlist for my course Here to learn to build your personal Rule of Life. 

Tired of the chore wars?  Let's dig in to how to set your kids up for success! I'm telling you the first five things you need to look at to get to the root of the problem and troubleshoot chore time with your kids. Download your age by age guide to learn how to teach your kids the skills they need to help out around the house.   Grab it here.  _________________ Want to ditch social media?  Sign up for my summer challenge HERE. __________________ Hi there!  I'm your host, Kelsey.  I started my economics career passionately helping charities and social entrepreneurs maximize their impact in the greater Washington D.C. area.   Now I help other Catholic moms fight the good fight with routines, boundaries and home systems that let you nourish your mind, body and soul.  Catholic Moms don't have to feel stressed and burned out all the time and I want to help you set yourself free so you can show up as the mom you want to be. Sign up for my course waitlist here. We are in full-on beta testing mode with a small group and opening to the public in Summer 2023!! YAY!! Contact me:  kelsey@truepresence.life  

Ever feel like the typical parenting strategies don't work for your family?  Chances are good that you have at least one kid who is a little differently wired. **** True Presence Podcast Announcement: August Webinar:  SIMPLIFY YOUR SCHOOL YEAR.  Save your Seat.  *** This wonderful interview with Ginny Kochis of Not So Formulaic is about embracing our kids' individuality and finding the tools we need to parent them for the way God made them. Want to know more about Ginny's amazing resources?  Check them out here!. In this episode, Ginny shares her personal journey and experiences as a Catholic mom raising neurodiverse kids. She talks about the challenges she faced when her first child was diagnosed with autism and how that led her to start a ministry for differently wired families. Ginny emphasizes the importance of accepting and embracing the uniqueness of each child while also building executive function skills to help them navigate daily tasks. Ginny offers valuable insights into parenting differently wired kids, highlighting the need for moms to take care of themselves and find respite care. She advocates for cultivating an appreciation for the mysterious in faith and focusing on mercy and grace when approaching faith formation. Ginny draws inspiration from the life of St. Zelie Martin, who faced her own struggles with anxiety and depression, making her a relatable figure for moms on this roller coaster journey of parenting. If you're a Catholic mom raising neurodiverse kids and looking for support and resources, join Ginny's Facebook group, where you'll find a supportive community of like-minded parents. Check out her blog for free information on various aspects of parenting differently wired kids, and explore her paid resources, including workbooks, masterclasses, and family toolkits for handling anxiety and fostering growth mindset. Whether you're a Catholic mom or just interested in learning more about parenting neurodiverse kids, this podcast offers valuable wisdom and support from Ginny Kochis, a compassionate and relatable Catholic mom.

Have you been wondering what screen-free activities to do with your children this summer?  How about gardening? In today's episode we are diving in to a ton of ways to incorporate your kids into your gardening plans and have a blast doing it even if you are all complete beginners. Let's do real life WITH our kids.  Want an age-by-age guide to practical life readiness? Grab it here.  _________ Giving up Social Media for lent?  Get access to our special lenten podcast here and find encouragement without opening your internet browser.  Access is by sign-up only! __________________ Hi there!  I'm your host, Kelsey.  I started my economics career passionately helping charities and social entrepreneurs maximize their impact in the greater Washington D.C. area.  But then I became a mom and finally understood what Mother Theresa meant when she said, "If you want to change the world, go home and love your family."  Now I put raising my family first and help other Catholic moms fight the good fight with routines, boundaries and home systems that let you nourish your mind, body and soul.  Catholic Moms don't have to feel stressed and burned out all the time and I want to help you set yourself free so you can show up as the mom you want to be.    

Playing with our kids--Do we have to?  How much is enough?  How much is too much?  Should we feel guilty if we don't?  Is there something else we can do instead? Mama, first of all, you are doing great.  And second of all, we don't necessarily need to play with our kids.  We need to have a relationship with them.  And this episode is all about how to build that relationship whether or not you do it through play. Let's do real life WITH our kids.  Want an age-by-age guide to practical life readiness? Grab it here._______ Giving up Social Media for lent?  Get access to our special lenten podcast here and find encouragement without opening your internet browser.  Access is by sign-up only!  It's going to be up all through lent, so hop on in even if you are late to the game and go ahead and grab the earlier episodes too.

Unsolicited parenting advice can be so upsetting!  It hits us right in our vulnerable spots--overwhelm and insecurity. Isn't figuring out parenting hard enough without all the extra advice (and that judgement we feel is behind it?) Let's talk about how to handle this inevitable rite of passage in parenthood--unsolicited advice--with the superpowers of grace and humility. ______________ Giving up Social Media for lent?  Get access to our special lenten podcast here and find encouragement without opening your internet browser.  Access is by sign-up only!  ______________

Have you ever heard of Cycle syncing?  Basically, it's the idea that, unlike men who are the same energy every day, women's energy and effectiveness shifts from one type to another throughout her menstrual phases. Cycle syncing work and productivity or cycle syncing workouts and physical ambitions can give you that extra ooomph you were looking for--without the burnout! Megan Faller of the Aligned Cycle is joining us this week to discuss how Catholic Moms can manage our energy levels and productivity by working with our fertility cycle instead of against it.  Join us as we more deeply embrace God's unique and beautiful design for women. Want to work with Megan?  Check her out here: (1) free "Goals Aligned" Guide - https://thealignedcycle.com/?page_id=463 (2) instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thealignedcycle/   **Headphone advisory: Content best suited for folks who have had the puberty talk! _________________________ Want to detox from social media?  Sign up for the True Presence Challenge HERE Hi there!  I'm your host, Kelsey.  I started my economics career passionately helping charities and social entrepreneurs maximize their impact in the greater Washington D.C. area.  But then I became a mom and finally understood what Mother Theresa meant when she said, "If you want to change the world, go home and love your family."  Now I help other Catholic moms fight the good fight with routines, boundaries and home systems that let you nourish your mind, body and soul so you can show up as a calm, present parent and live an intentional life. Catholic Moms don't have to feel stressed and burned out all the time and I want to help you set yourself free so you can show up as the mom you want to be. Check out my course Here to learn to build your personal Rule of Life.  _________________  

"Am I a good Mom?"  is a question we all ask ourselves at times.  In a world where there are so many points of comparison--instagram, pinterest, snapchat--it can be so easy to feel that we aren't doing enough or that we are failing.  So how do we know if we are on the right track? _______________________ Giving up Social Media for lent?  Get access to our special lenten podcast here and find encouragement without opening your internet browser.  Access is by sign-up only!  Hop on at any stage during lent--it's not too late!  _______________________ __________________ Hi there!  I'm your host, Kelsey.  I started my economics career passionately helping charities and social entrepreneurs maximize their impact in the greater Washington D.C. area.  But then I became a mom and finally understood what Mother Theresa meant when she said, "If you want to change the world, go home and love your family."  Now I put raising my family first and help other Catholic moms fight the good fight with routines, boundaries and home systems that let you nourish your mind, body and soul.  Catholic Moms don't have to feel stressed and burned out all the time and I want to help you set yourself free so you can show up as the mom you want to be.

We're digging in to the symptoms of burnout and the first baby steps you need to reverse it. Moms work so hard, often from sunup to sundown and sometimes through the night as well.  Burnout is something we all experience at some point.  How do we get our energy back when we're deep in the pit? ______________ Want to save your seat at one of my live monthly workshops?  Grab your spot here--> Burnout Reversal Workshop  ______________ Giving up Social Media for lent?  Get access to our special lenten podcast here and find encouragement without opening your internet browser.  Access is by sign-up only!  _______________ Hi there!  I'm your host, Kelsey.  I started my economics career passionately helping charities and social entrepreneurs maximize their impact in the greater Washington D.C. area.  But then I became a mom and finally understood what Mother Theresa meant when she said, "If you want to change the world, go home and love your family."  Now I put raising my family first and help other Catholic moms fight the good fight with routines, boundaries and home systems that let you nourish your mind, body and soul.  Catholic Moms don't have to feel stressed and burned out all the time and I want to help you set yourself free so you can show up as the mom you want to be.  

This episode is about bringing healthy balance to our marriages!  We don't have to nag our husbands to meet our needs as wives and mothers--and we don't have to resent our husbands!  It starts with knowing our value and having some perspective shifts that set us free to love our husbands and ourselves in a healthy way. ______ Giving up Social Media for lent?  Get access to our special lenten podcast here and find encouragement without opening your internet browser.  Access is by sign-up only!  

Excessive screen time is an epidemic in our families.  And it doesn't seem to be creating a healthy, holy family life.  What can Catholic Moms do to build a culture of connection at home?  What can help our children to make wise choices about screentime even into adulthood when they are no longer under our roof?  ________________ Giving up Social Media for lent?  Get access to our special lenten podcast here and find encouragement without opening your internet browser.  Access is by sign-up only!  _________________ Hi there!  I'm your host, Kelsey.  I started my economics career passionately helping charities and social entrepreneurs maximize their impact in the greater Washington D.C. area.  But then I became a mom and finally understood what Mother Theresa meant when she said, "If you want to change the world, go home and love your family."  Now I put raising my family first and help other Catholic moms build a life that is simple, healthy and holy. Catholic Moms don't have to feel stressed and burned out all the time and I want to help you set yourself free so you can show up as the mom you want to be.

Have you ever had a series of mini-disasters mess up all of your plans and routines?  Oh.  wait.  That's life, right?  But it can be SO FRUSTRATING and anxiety-inducing to feel like you are falling behind, especially when it seems like the dishes and laundry are piling up. Today, I'm teaching you a technique I learned from life-coaches for hitting the reset button on your thoughts and plans and getting back on track for your most important goals. You're doing so much better than you think, Mama!! Giving up Social Media for lent?  Get access to our special lenten podcast here and find encouragement without opening your internet browser.  Access is by sign-up only! __________________ Hi there!  I'm your host, Kelsey.  I started my economics career passionately helping charities and social entrepreneurs maximize their impact in the greater Washington D.C. area.  But then I became a mom and finally understood what Mother Theresa meant when she said, "If you want to change the world, go home and love your family."  Now I put raising my family first and help other Catholic moms fight the good fight with routines, boundaries and home systems that let you nourish your mind, body and soul.  Catholic Moms don't have to feel stressed and burned out all the time and I want to help you set yourself free so you can show up as the mom you want to be.

What on earth is an embodied soul and why should Catholic Moms care?  We're digging in today on how social media makes us less connected than we could be, and the power of being truly present, based on how our Lord is so present to us as the Eucharist. Have you considered giving up social media for lent this year?  Many of us are pregnant or nursing and a food fast just isn't the wisest when we are already depleting our bodies.  But a social media fast?  THAT we can do.  Speaking of which.... Giving up Social Media for lent?  Get access to our special lenten podcast here and find encouragement without opening your internet browser.  Access is by sign-up only!  I'm so excited to help you on this journey.  Breaking the habit can be tricky so lets go into it with a REALISTIC strategy and a gameplan for when we slip up so we don't just give up.

Want to teach your children to play independently?  We're going step by step with real, practical, Montessori and RIE inspired techniques on today's episode of True Presence for Catholic moms.     Giving up Social Media for lent?  Get access to our special lenten podcast here and find encouragement without opening your internet browser.  Access is by sign-up only!

Today is the BABY SLEEP episode. Oh my goodness, is this one a hot topic!  Who doesn't want a full night of sleep? Andrea is a baby sleep consultant who takes a holistic approach to baby sleep. I don't know about you, but I get so frustrated with the mommy wars that pit one-size-fits-all methods against eachother.  We're all crazy about our kids and we all need sleep. Andrea has worked with hundreds of families (including mine!) to figure out the root cause of their babies' sleep challenges and help everyone in the family meet their need for sleep.  She is also normalizing natural and healthy infant sleep patterns (which, spoiler alert, are unique to every kid!) Whether your baby is a newborn, 6 month old, 9 month old or a year old, there is something for you in this episode. Check her classes out here Want to save your seat at one of my live monthly Nourished Mama workshops?  Grab your spot here--> Burnout Reversal Workshop