Podcasts about lighten

Sometimes the hardest clutter to let go of is not the thing itself.It is the version of ourselves we hoped it would help us become.The yoga mat for the daily practice we imagined. The craft supplies for the creative afternoons we thought we would have. The kitchen gadget, the unread books, the course, the clothes, the resources, the hobby equipment, all waiting for a future life that may not actually fit who we are today.And that can feel surprisingly emotional.Because aspirational clutter is often tied to hope, good intentions, identity, and the pressure to become a better, calmer, more organized version of ourselves.In this episode, you'll learn:What aspirational clutter is and why it can feel so difficult to declutterWhy we often hold onto items for an imagined future version of ourselvesHow things like craft supplies, fitness equipment, books, kitchen gadgets, courses, and clothes can become identity clutterWhy keeping something does not bring back the money you spent on itHow aspirational clutter can contribute to clutter stress, emotional overwhelm, mental overload, and the feeling that you are constantly falling short The difference between genuinely wanting to do something and liking the idea of being someone who does itTwo simple decluttering questions that can provide instant clarity when you are struggling with decluttering guilt Why motherhood, neurodivergence, self-improvement goals, and changing interests can all create their own unique forms of family clutter and personal clutter How letting go of unused items can allow someone else to benefit from themIf you have shelves, drawers, boxes, or cupboards filled with things for a future version of yourself, this episode is an invitation to look at them with honesty and compassion.Because life changes. Priorities shift. And sometimes the things we once hoped for no longer fit the season of life we are in now.Here's to making space for who you are today,CarolineThanks for listening! For more organizational motivation, support and free resources:Join my online membership Clutter Free CollectiveJoin my podcast Facebook group Living Clutter Free Forever Podcast: KonMari® Inspired Organizing | FacebookVisit my website www.caroline-thor.com Come and say 'hi' on Instagram @caro.thor Follow me on Facebook @carolineorganizer 

Does your brain feel crowded? That's mental load—the constant planning, remembering, worrying, and anticipating that never really switches off. Carrying everything in your head wears you down. And if you're a mom or the one everyone relies on, it's the invisible list that never ends—meals, schedules, everyone else's needs, and everything running in the background.Ally is a Meditation and Mindfulness teacher from the School of Positive Transformation, an ICF-certified executive coach, and a professional organizer. She helps clients declutter their minds, homes, and offices, and shares tools from her Mindfulness for Leaders and Align Your Headspace programs. She is also a wife and a home-schooling mom of two.For any collaboration, brand partnership, and campaign run inquiries, e-mail us at info@thepodnetwork.com.

Does your brain feel crowded? That's mental load—the constant planning, remembering, worrying, and anticipating that never really switches off. Carrying everything in your head wears you down. And if you're a mom or the one everyone relies on, it's the invisible list that never ends—meals, schedules, everyone else's needs, and everything running in the background.Ally is a Meditation and Mindfulness teacher from the School of Positive Transformation, an ICF-certified executive coach, and a professional organizer. She helps clients declutter their minds, homes, and offices, and shares tools from her Mindfulness for Leaders and Align Your Headspace programs. She is also a wife and a home-schooling mom of two.For any collaboration, brand partnership, and campaign run inquiries, e-mail us at info@thepodnetwork.com.

In this episode, I'm talking about a type of burnout that so many high-achieving women experience but rarely recognize the quiet burnout that comes from outgrowing the identity your business is still operating from. I share why burnout isn't always caused by overworking or doing too much, but often by continuing to create, market, and lead from a version of yourself that no longer exists. We dive into what I call “identity lag,” the disconnect that happens when your business, messaging, offers, and audience haven't caught up to the woman you've become, and why that misalignment can make even successful businesses start to feel heavy, dull, or uninspiring. I also walk you through the three identity stages I teach my clients former self, working self, and highest self and how understanding these stages can completely change the way you approach your messaging, leadership, and growth. This conversation is about evolving beyond survival-mode marketing and learning how to build a business that actually reflects your current level of identity, standards, and embodiment. If you've been feeling disconnected from your content, uninspired by your messaging, or like your business no longer feels like a true expression of who you are, this episode will help you understand why and what needs to shift next. Liked this episode? Make sure to subscribe to our podcast and leave a review with your takeaways, this helps us create the exact content you want!  KEY POINTS:  00:00 Unspoken Burnout Explained 01:33 Marketing Advice Trap 02:02 Identity Lag Signs 02:43 Identity Evolution Framework 03:12 Former Self Stage 03:41 Working Self Stage 04:21 Highest Self Embodiment 04:40 Growth Collective Offer 06:23 Recalibrate Your Messaging 07:53 Catching Up Your Business 08:42 Revenue Accelerator Support 09:36 Reflect and Reach Out QUOTABLES: “ If your business has started to feel heavy, if you're outgrowing your clients, but you don't know how to shift, if your voice feels muffled inside your own brand, you're not broken. You are just out of sync with the evolution that you are currently on.” - Julie Solomon  “  I wanna ask you very gently, but very clearly, who is your current business still built around? Are you speaking from the version of you who once needed to prove, or the version who's already integrated, grounded, and ready to lead?” - Julie Solomon  RESOURCES: [UNSCRIPTED: THE MASTERMIND] This 12-month, application-only mastermind is designed for high-caliber entrepreneurs ready to refine their positioning, amplify visibility, and scale strategically. If selected, you'll receive 2 1:1 calls with me, monthly mastermind sessions, two retreats, and a guest feature on Woman of Influence. Apply now and, if it's aligned, we will personally reach out with next steps. 

Explore attachment in your life and learn how to release it so that you become a lighter version of yourself and live in the freedom of Christ.

What if AI wasn't about replacing people… but helping us carry less?In this thought-provoking and surprisingly human conversation, Dawn Andrews joins Yo to explore the emotional side of AI, leadership, creativity, and the mental load so many of us carry every day.Dawn is the Founder & CEO of Free Range Thinking, a boutique business strategy consultancy helping entrepreneurs and leaders build smarter, more sustainable systems without sacrificing themselves in the process. She's also the host of the She's That Founder podcast and creator of the Female Leadership Accelerator.Together, Yo and Dawn unpack:why AI can feel both exciting and overwhelmingthe invisible “mental load” many women carryhow AI can support creativity instead of replacing itwhy discernment and human leadership still matterthe generational differences in AI adoptionhow AI can help lighten the heaviness of work and lifethe importance of curiosity, boundaries, and staying human in a rapidly changing worldOne powerful takeaway from the episode:“AI informs. You decide.”Whether you're AI-curious, already using tools like ChatGPT, or simply wondering how to navigate change without losing yourself in the process, this episode offers a grounded and hopeful perspective.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Welcome & Dawn's background in leadership and strategy1:27 – Why AI feels exciting…and overwhelming4:16 – The fear of AI replacing jobs6:09 – Using AI for podcasting, creativity & discernment9:03 – How to make AI challenge your thinking13:15 – AI, mental health & emotional support17:00 – Dawn's favorite AI tools right now20:20 – Multi-agent workflows & saving time23:09 – “What would you do with the time back?”25:29 – Boundaries, burnout & staying human28:28 – Curiosity, play & not trying to “keep up”30:20 – What Dawn would tell her 20-something self32:14 – “Drop the shame” around using AIConnect with Dawn Andrews

Idaho Travel and Packing Advice. My mission is world peace through cultural exchange.  In this episode, the FAQ is: You asked about packing tips. Listen to how you can cut out half. Today's Destination is: Idaho Travel Today's Mistake- Losing my skis on the way home from the resort Travel Advice: Follow the Five Steps to Solo Travel FAQ: Do you have any good packing tips for me? Answer: Yes, take half of what you think you need. You don't need it all. You can purchase what you forgot at the nearby store when you arrive. Keep your pack light and your path easy. Do you need a hair dryer? Maybe not. Ask whether the hotel has one. Do you need a lot of makeup? Maybe not as you are traveling. Do you need an outfit for every day? No, you can mix and match, so keep the colors simple, and don't overdo the clothing. You may not even need half of it. Now you have room in your suitcase for souvenirs and gifts for those friends back home. The 60-second confidence challenge is to remove half of your items from your suitcase before you travel. Lighten your load. You can get it later, most of the time, if you really need it. And you likely don't need all of those clothes you packed. You are not packing for Instagram photos, you are packing for you. That's the challenge. If you pack lighter, you are more sustainable, can relax more about your "stuff", and pay less in baggage fees. You are lighter in every way. Find out more about this in my 5 Steps to Solo Travel series, available on my website and on Amazon.com. Let me know if you have any questions we can use for future podcasts. This is number 368, so keep listening for more.   Today's destination: Idaho Travel   Here is a Summer and Fall Travel Guide When I think of Idaho, I used to think first of potatoes, but the real story is much bigger. Idaho is a wonderful destination for a summer or fall vacation, with mountain scenery, lakes, charming towns, outdoor recreation, and easy access to some of the most beautiful parts of the American West. I've been fortunate to visit Idaho on several different trips, and each one showed me a different side of the state. Idaho is a Step 2 travel destination. It's far for most people, but it's still quite familiar for a solo traveler. One of my most memorable visits was a week-long ski trip to Sun Valley. Although Sun Valley is famous as a winter destination, it also makes a terrific summer and fall getaway. The mountain scenery is stunning, the town has an upscale but relaxed atmosphere, and there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and simply enjoying the fresh air. Sun Valley has long attracted celebrities, and during my visit, I had a truly special experience: I met Clint Eastwood there. He was also skiing, and I, with my friends, met him in a restaurant. He joined our group, and we danced with him. He was very kind and gracious to us, and that made the trip even more unforgettable. It's not every day that a vacation gives you both beautiful mountain memories and a Hollywood story to tell. https://www.sunvalley.com/ If you visit Sun Valley in summer, you can enjoy long sunny days, wildflowers, scenic chairlift rides, golf, horseback riding, and peaceful walks through town. In the fall, the changing leaves bring beautiful color to the valley, and the cooler temperatures make it especially pleasant for outdoor activities. Ketchum and nearby Hailey also offer restaurants, galleries, and a welcoming small-town feel that make the area attractive even beyond the natural scenery. On another trip, I passed through Idaho Falls on the way to and from Yellowstone National Park. That's one of the great advantages of Idaho: it works beautifully as either a destination of its own or as part of a larger western road trip. Eastern Idaho offers dramatic landscapes, rivers, and open spaces that help set the mood for a national park adventure. If you are planning a Yellowstone trip, consider spending extra time in Idaho rather than rushing through. You'll find scenic byways, small towns, and a quieter pace that can be a nice contrast to the crowds often found in the national parks. I also spent time in Boise, which gave me yet another perspective on Idaho. Boise is the state capital, but it feels approachable, green, and easy to enjoy. For travelers looking for a mix of city attractions and outdoor access, Boise is an excellent choice. You can stroll through downtown, enjoy local restaurants and coffee shops, visit parks along the Boise River, and explore the city's cultural side with museums, public art, and neighborhood markets. In summer, Boise is lively and active, while in fall, the cooler weather makes sightseeing very comfortable. It's a city that feels friendly and manageable, which can be a real plus for vacationers who want a relaxed urban stop. https://coeurdalene.org/ Another Idaho trip took me north to Coeur d'Alene, where I spent a weekend on the lake. And I can tell you, it was absolutely beautiful. Coeur d'Alene is one of those places that instantly makes you slow down and appreciate the scenery. The lake is the star of the show, with sparkling water, forested hills, and plenty of opportunities for boating, walking, or simply sitting and taking in the view. For a summer vacation, Coeur d'Alene is ideal for lake activities, waterfront dining, and enjoying the long daylight hours. In the fall, the scenery becomes even more colorful, with crisp air and changing leaves reflected in the water. It's peaceful and perfect for a weekend escape, especially for solo travelers. You will meet great people here. So what makes Idaho such a strong choice for summer and fall travel? It's the combination of variety and space. You can enjoy mountain resorts like Sun Valley, urban discoveries in Boise, scenic stopovers on the route to Yellowstone, and lakeside relaxation in Coeur d'Alene. Idaho gives you room to breathe, room to explore, and room to create your own kind of vacation. My advice is simple: don't overlook Idaho. Whether you want outdoor adventure, scenic drives, a relaxing lake weekend, or a charming mountain town, Idaho delivers more than many people expect. And sometimes, if you're lucky, it even delivers a surprise celebrity encounter.   Today's Mistake- Losing my skis in Idaho   They were loaded onto the truck, taking me back to the airport after a week of skiing. We had such a great time. But when I arrived at the airport, my skis were missing. Be more careful about loading your skis in a large vehicle. Keep a closer eye on them on a truck. Always have insurance in case you lose your skis or other luggage.    Today's Travel Advice- Follow the 5 steps to Solo Travel, and be prepared for anything.     Connect with Dr. Travelbest Drmarytravelbest.com Dr. Mary Travelbest Twitter Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Page Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Group Dr. Mary Travelbest Instagram email: info@drmarytravelbest.com Dr. Mary Travelbest Podcast Dr. Travelbest on TikTok Dr.Travelbest on YouTube  

Senior women leaders are often the ones everyone depends on. You are leading teams, making decisions, managing expectations, navigating complexity, and staying composed under pressure. But often, the woman everyone depends on is also carrying far more than people realize. This week on the Empowerment Minutes Podcast, we explore The Unseen Leadership Weight: How to Lighten the Load. In this episode, we reflect on the hidden pressure many senior women leaders carry, why strength does not cancel out weight, and how the Law of the Environment reminds us that sustainable leadership requires the right support, space, and conditions to thrive. Because lightening the load is not about lowering your standards or doing less. It is about leading in a way that is sustainable, supported, and aligned with the high-stakes season you are in.  If this conversation resonates with you, watch this space over the coming days. This week, I will be sharing more about a special live briefing I am hosting on June 10. Stay tuned for details on how to join the room. Tune in on your favorite podcast platform and take one step toward lightening the load you were never meant to carry alone.  

Tune in to hear how the next generation is helping those living with disabilities in this amazing story – these preschoolers are so inspiring! -------- Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.     Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org   Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

Episode 2657. Lighten up. Featuring a cover of Tears of Gold by Violet King. Blunt Talk Podcast is guaranteed TO LIFT. X Fitness is committed to lifting in body, mind, and soul. There is enough depressing news. We won't add to it. Good Inspirational News Only. Free, permanently archived downloads compliments of X Fitness. Blessings & all good things. #peace  

Hi Mamas,  We've decluttered your home…  Your closets…  Your digital life…  Your paperwork…  But today… we're decluttering the most important place of all — your mind.  Because mental clutter is one of the biggest reasons working moms feel overwhelmed. The constant mental to-do list, responsibilities, worries, and decisions create stress, anxiety, and the feeling of always being behind.  In this episode, we're walking through simple, realistic ways to declutter your mind, reduce mental load, and create more calm and clarity in your day.  When you declutter your mind:  You think more clearly   You reduce overwhelm   You stop feeling behind   You improve focus and productivity   You create more presence with your family   This episode is the final piece of the Declutter Your Life Series and helps you bring everything together.    In This Episode  How to do a brain dump to clear mental clutter   Organizing your thoughts and tasks   Weekly planning to reduce overwhelm   Journaling to release mental stress   Setting boundaries to reduce mental noise   Limiting distractions (especially phone use)   Delegating tasks to lighten your mental load   Creating routines to reduce decision fatigue   The 2-minute rule to stop task buildup   Keeping a notebook for mental downloads   Practicing mindfulness and mental resets   Taking breaks to reduce overwhelm   Asking for support when you need it   Using gratitude to shift mindset   Taking a mental health day to reset  Other Episodes Mentioned:  EP 4. Start Your Days With Calm Instead of Chaos: 10 Tips For A Better Morning Routine  End Your Days With Calm Instead Of Chaos: 10 Tips For A Better Nighttime Routin 

Can I ask you something? Is it just me, or does May feel like it has approximately 47 days worth of things crammed into 31.  There's a reason we call it Maycember — because the end of the school year hits like a second holiday season. Finals, awards ceremonies, sports playoffs, graduation parties, teacher appreciation, summer camp registration… and somehow you're still supposed to show up at work and keep the house running too.  Everything is trying to wrap up before summer break.  If you're feeling the pressure of it all right now — this episode is for you.  Today I'm walking you through the top 10 mental load tasks weighing down busy moms this time of year — and the practical solutions you can start using right now to make Maycember feel a little less chaotic and a whole lot more manageable. This is real life, been-there-done-that advice — and I think it's going to give you exactly the clarity you need to finish this school year strong.  So grab your coffee, take a deep breath, and let's dive in. Quick Announcement  We have some fun things coming up.   - Congratulations to the winners of the Birthday contest.  I will be getting in touch with your girls via email.  - The Mom's Spring Break Bundle (26 resources for $27) is available for just a few more days, until April 30th.  https://strideproductivity.thrivecart.com/moms-spring-break-bundle/?affiliate=renew_conference Lastly, make sure you're on our email list, so you don't miss out.  You can go to the website www.byrdmichelle.com or connect with me at contact@byrdmichelle.com.  If you have any questions or just want to say hi you can reach me there.   I pray this episode blesses you! Michelle   Grab a coaching call with me at:  www.byrdmichelle.com Email: contact@byrdmichelle.com website: www.byrdmichelle.com Facebook: The Busy Vibrant Mom  Instagram: @thebusyvibrantmom Linkedin: The Busy Vibrant Mom  Free Productivity Planner - my gift to you! www.byrdmichelle.com  Come join our Facebook Group: The Busy Vibrant Mom https://www.facebook.com/groups/2315591962144641/

Why does life often feel heavier than it needs to? In the final message of our "Living Light" series, Pastor Josh walks through Exodus 18 and the wisdom Jethro gave Moses when he was stretched beyond his limits. He encourages us to embrace healthy boundaries with work, schedules, technology, and everyday responsibilities so we can lighten the load and live with more joy, peace, and purpose. // Verses and message notes: www.theridge.church/notes // Join us online or in person Sundays at 9a + 11a: www.theridge.church/live

Did you remember to pick up milk? Or reschedule that dentist appointment? Oh, and pick up cupcakes for the meeting? The never-ending tending to the never-ending to-do list is known as the mental load. Sociologist Leah Ruppanner explains how to tame the mental load in her new book, Drained: Reduce Your Mental Load to Do Less and Be More.Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekitSign up for our newsletter here.Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.orgSupport the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekitSee pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Did you remember to pick up milk? Or reschedule that dentist appointment? Oh, and pick up cupcakes for the meeting? The never-ending tending to the never-ending to-do list is known as the mental load. Sociologist Leah Ruppanner explains how to tame the mental load in her new book, Drained: Reduce Your Mental Load to Do Less and Be More.Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekitSign up for our newsletter here.Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.orgSupport the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekitSee pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

We live in a world that tells us to figure it out on our own, but following Jesus was never meant to be a solo journey. Continuing "Living Light," Pastor Josh shares how God designed us for community and why loving one another—through serving, encouraging, and forgiving—actually helps us live lighter. If life feels heavy, this is a simple reminder: you don't have to carry it alone. // Verses and message notes: www.theridge.church/notes // Join us online or in person Sundays at 9a + 11a: www.theridge.church/live

Morning Mantra: "Surrender to what is, let go of what was, have faith in what will be." Sometimes I ask myself why I keep clinging to the idea of control, or to anger for things that have long since passed, or for my need to worry about every detail?Letting go of control does not mean giving up, nor does it mean abandoning the effort to bring good things into your life. What it means is freeing yourself from the need to cling, allowing things to flow, having faith that it will be okay and that you can handle it.When you give up trying to control everything something magical happens, you give God room to work.  Lighten your load. Loosen your grip. Let your life flow. Let go, and free yourself to live with grace and joy. Image: Jenny Hunter#BeWillingToLetGo  #BeHappy #BeHorsey #BeHippie #HOrseHippie #MorningMantra #inspirationalQuote

AI has become mainstream but can it really create more ease in your daily life? Whether you are an early adopter or tech phobic, this conversation will inspire you to embrace tech tools to lighten your heavy mental load.My guest this week, Amy Briggs of the Aviva App, not only breaks down the mental load for us. But shares the incredible ways AI can do some of the thinking for us. So if you've been curious about what the benefits of AI are, get ready to release those mental gymnastics, because they don't have to be yours alone anymore. Learn more about the App hereFollow Aviva on Instagram•••Love the show? Leave a five star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ on Apple Podcasts — it means the world to me and helps more women find the simple + intentional podcastJoin my email list for updates, tips + inspiration by downloading your free intentional living guide hereInstagram   @simpleintentionalRead   www.simpleintentional.comGrab my mini course here:  https://sarah-s-site-760f.thinkific.com/courses/howtoletgoWant more support? Work with me one-on-one: hello@simpleintentional.com

What if lightening your heart was less about fixing everything, and more about choosing where to place your energy? In this episode, we explore how focusing on what you can control, rather than stressing over what you can't, gently lifts the weight from your spirit. We talk about surrendering to the idea that things can work out, releasing rigid “shoulds,” and choosing not to take things personally, even remembering that you don't have to be everyone's cup of tea. We also reflect on the power of gratitude, kindness, self-soothing, and living with integrity. When you operate from loving awareness, the ripple effect extends far beyond what you can see. This conversation is an invitation to soften, trust, and allow your heart to feel lighter and your soul to feel lifted.Have you joined our Facebook Group yet? Come on over and continue the conversation - we would LOVE to see you there!!https://www.facebook.com/groups/deliciouslymotivatedmindset************************************************************************Contact Deliciously Motivated Mindset (Debz and Moira):Follow us on x.com at @DeborahCooper1 and @WellnessMoiraJoin the conversation in our group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/deliciouslymotivatedmindsetEmail us at deliciouslymotivatedmindset@gmail.comThanks for listening and sharing!!

We are agents of His grace and light and have the privilege one time on this earth to sing, teach and tell of His ways and light, until the victory dinner when we see Him face to face.

Do you ever feel mentally exhausted even when you've done everything you were supposed to do? Many Christian working moms are carrying an invisible weight known as the mental load of motherhood — constantly remembering schedules, anticipating needs, managing responsibilities, and trying to hold everything together for their families. Even when life looks “fine” on the outside, the pressure to stay on top of work, parenting, faith, and home responsibilities can quietly lead to overwhelm, anxiety, decision fatigue, and mom burnout. In this episode, we talk about: • why the mental load feels so heavy for working moms • the hidden pressure of feeling responsible for everything • what Scripture says about carrying responsibilities without carrying them alone • practical ways to reduce mental overwhelm while staying faithful to your priorities • how to experience more peace without ignoring real responsibilities If you've been feeling stretched mentally, constantly thinking about what needs to happen next, or struggling to feel fully present, this episode will encourage you with both biblical truth and practical support. You don't have to carry everything alone. God never asked you to hold your whole world together in your own strength. There is a way to live faithfully without living in constant mental pressure.  

Happy 3 in 30 Day, my friends! Today is March 30th — which, numerically, is 3/30 — and years ago I dubbed this our national holiday. When I started 3 in 30, I did not set out to build a community. I was a busy mom who desperately wanted a parenting resource that would just get to the point already — and when I couldn't find one, I sat down at my kitchen table with a cheap microphone and created it. What I did not anticipate is that moms all over the world would listen, and that through it all, something that genuinely feels like a community would grow up around this little show. To celebrate, I asked the 3 in 30 community to send in voice messages and written notes about their favorite episodes and why those episodes mattered. In today's episode, you'll hear eight of those messages — each one followed by a short clip from the episode being mentioned. In this episode, you'll hear:

Text Kristen your thoughts or feedback about the showRunning a business comes with a mental load that most people don't talk about.Not the big projects or strategic decisions — but the constant background tracking:Who still needs a follow-up.Which invoice hasn't been paid.Whether someone signed their contract yet.Remembering when a client said they'd “get back to you.”None of these tasks take long individually, but together they create a quiet mental load that can make running a business feel heavier than it needs to.So many solopreneurs assume the solution is hiring help — when often the real opportunity is creating better support through systems.

When you have experienced hard things, it is easy for your nervous system to get triggered into feeling unsafe again.  This doesn't have to be a permanent experience of distress and frustration.  In today's episode, I share 4 things you can do to start to take the edge off of the experience of stuckness. FREE RESOURCE: If this episode resonated, you might be interested in my free resource.   I created a free, faith-honoring guide that gently explains how healing happens in the body and why you're not failing.  Free Trauma Healing Resource Guide   WORK WITH ME-- MICHELLE CROYLE, LPC If you are a Christian woman who feels ready for deeper, focused trauma healing than typical weekly talk therapy can offer, you may want to consider an EMDR-based Therapeutic Intensive with me.  I clear my schedule to work with you over the course of one to three days for three to six hours per day on a focus target of your choosing.  Intensives are designed to support meaningful change in the way the nervous system feels safest, not rushed into an hour here and there.  Ready for deeper healing?  If you live in Pennsylvania or are willing to travel to Pennsylvania for a therapy intensive, you can learn more or schedule a reserve a free consultation by clicking here: Learn More or Reserve a Free Consultation

If you have been telling yourself you are lazy, undisciplined, or just not doing enough, this episode is for you.In today's conversation, we unpack what is really happening when you feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and behind in life. The truth is, you may not be lazy at all.You may simply be carrying too much.You will learn three powerful shifts to help you feel lighter: how to name and validate your mental load, how to release what is not yours to carry, and how to replace guilt with gentle daily structure that anchors you in peace.This episode is your reminder that you are not failing. You are doing life on hard mode. It is time to protect your peace and lighten the load.Website: https://www.splashofash.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/a_splashofash/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asplashofashhEmail: Hello@splashofash.com

Motherhood often comes with an invisible responsibility known as the mental load—the constant planning, organizing, remembering, and emotional labor that keeps a family running. In this episode, we dive into the reality of the mental load in motherhood, why so many moms feel overwhelmed, and how it impacts stress, burnout, relationships, and overall well-being. We discuss practical strategies for sharing the mental load, improving communication with partners, and creating systems that support mothers rather than exhaust them. If you've ever felt like you're the “default parent” who carries everything in your head, this episode will help you feel seen and give you tools to lighten the load. Website Instagram

In this episode:Diving into the depths of psychological performance in sports, this episode of the TriDoc Podcast features an engaging discussion between host Jeff Sankoff and psychologist Dr. Jim Taylor. They explore the concept of mastering adversity as a way to enhance athletic performance, particularly in triathlons. The conversation kicks off with a humorous nod to Jeff's raspy voice, a remnant of his recent battle with a respiratory infection, which he cleverly ties into the theme of overcoming challenges. Dr. Taylor shares invaluable insights on resilience, emphasizing that the mental tools athletes develop through life experiences can be incredibly beneficial when facing adversity in sports. They discuss how athletes can prepare mentally for various scenarios during races, highlighting the importance of rehearsing potential challenges in advance. As they delve deeper, they touch upon the five attitudes that can hinder performance, including over-investment, perfectionism, fear of failure, preoccupation with results, and excessive expectations. By shedding light on these psychological barriers, Jeff and Dr. Taylor provide listeners with practical strategies to combat them, encouraging a mindset that prioritizes enjoyment and personal progress over rigid expectations and outcomes. This episode is a treasure trove for athletes looking to enhance their mental game while navigating the thrilling yet intimidating world of triathlons. The Medical Mailbag will be exploring the risk of swimming induced pulmonary edema in triathletes, and will investigate the data from studies done in Sweden to educate the audience on the risks and ways of ceasing the progression of pulmonary edema.Segments:[4:51]- Medical Mailbag: SIPE[36:13]- Interview: Dr. Jim TaylorLinksDr. Jim's Facebook page@drjimtaylor on Instagram@drjimtaylor on XDr. Jim on YouTube

What if AI wasn't replacing motherhood… but protecting it?In this episode of The Running Wine Mom, Samantha sits down with Lianne Liebowitz — mom of four under six and founder of Diaper Dynasty — to talk about how she uses AI as an “unexpected co-parent” to reduce the invisible mental load of motherhood.You may recognize Lianne from her viral ultrasound moment where she discovered she was expecting twins — a surprise that shifted her perspective on control, planning, and what support really looks like. Now, she's helping moms rethink how tools like AI can support meal planning, emotional regulation, bedtime routines, DIY projects, and more.This conversation explores:AI for meal planning and grocery organizationUsing AI for toddler meltdown scriptsCreating personalized bedtime storiesMental health, anxiety, and parentingOutsourcing logistics (not connection)Responding to criticism around AI in motherhoodThis episode is not about doing more. It's about being intentional with your energy.Connect with Lianne:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diaperdynastyFeatured story on MSN: https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/mom-tells-husband-not-to-come-to-3rd-baby-s-ultrasound-shock-at-what-s-next/ar-AA1SPSTRConnect with Samantha:Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningwinemom_Subscribe, rate, and share this episode with a mom who needs support — not pressure.

A few years ago, I read a book that made me think it was reading my mind. In the introduction, the author asks: Do you ever feel like you're running faster but not moving any closer to your goals? Do you want to make a higher contribution but you lack the energy? Are you teetering right on the edge of burnout? I wrote, "Yes, yes, yes!" next to each question in the margin of my copy. The book is Effortless by Greg McKeown, and it's the follow-up to his first book Essentialism, which I talked about in last week's episode. In today's episode, Greg talks about how we can lighten the load of motherhood without burning out. Greg acknowledges that life is genuinely hard—raising children is hard, paying the bills is hard, strained relationships are hard—and he's not promising to eliminate those hardships. But he does offer tools that can help lighten the load, and that's exactly what we talk about in this episode. In this episode, you'll learn:

“Send Coach John a message”Found a double scoop of reflection this morning. First scoop comes from Mark Hickie (@MPHickie) where he shares  “A message for today … Sometimes growth isn't about adding … it's about releasing what no longer serves you. Let go of things that hold you back. When you create space, you make room for clarity, peace & new opportunities. Lighten the load. Trust yourself. Move forward free.”  Powerful thoughts to help us see the freedom of letting go of things that cause ourselves troubles. It's all part of moving towards our own happiness and well-being. The second scoop came from Clint Hurdle (@ClintHurdle13) and his book “Hurdle-isms”. It's Hurdle-ism 17: “Lower the Bar and You Lose the Winners; Raise the Bar and You Lose the Losers.”  WOW… Big time double scoop of things that can help all of us. I was thinking about these two on my walk with our dog this morning. Always a walk of peace, thinking, watching, listening, etc. This got me going today realizing that I need to keep raising the bar in my life. The person that stares back at us in the mirror knows! Get connected with who is staring back at you!  Thanks for listening.  Please take a few moments to subscribe & share this with someone, also leave a 5 Star rating on Apple Podcasts and ITunes or other services where you find this show.  Find me on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/coachtoexpectsuccess/   on Twitter / “X”:  @coachtosuccess   and on Instagram at:  @coachjohndaly  - My YouTube Channel is at: Coach John Daly.   Email me at: CoachJohnDalyPodcast@gmail.com     You can also head on over to https://www.coachtoexpectsuccess.com/ and get in touch with me there on my homepage along with checking out my Top Book list too.  Other things there on my site are being worked on too.  Please let me know that you are reaching out to me from my podcast.  ** I would appreciate anyone to try clicking on the top of the show notes where it says "Send us a text" to leave a few thoughts / comments / questions.  It's a new feature that I'd like to see how it works. **

Hello to you listening in Long Beach, California! Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories from Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.  Might there be an antidote to what feels like escalating badness and madness in the world? Yes! The good in our lives. Some may say I'm a Dreamer, but I'm not the only one.Inviting the good - even if we do it grudgingly - has the power to lighten and brighten our life. Donald Altman created a particularly useful approach for creating a positive attitude toward life. Of course it's called G.L.A.D. Click HERE to learn more:Practical Tip: At the end of your day record a wee bit of Gratitude granted, a Lesson learned, an Accomplishment accomplished, and a Delight that delivered wonder, curiosity, maybe even discovery. Take a chance, give it a go; the GLAD is guaranteed!   You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, email me to arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.  If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.

In this episode of Fostering Conversations, host Amy Smith sits down with Michelle Ostmark, the Statewide Mentoring Coordinator for Utah Foster Care, to discuss the Utah Foster Care Mentoring Program and why it matters. Michelle explains how the program pairs experienced foster parents with new or existing foster and kinship families to provide guidance, emotional support, and real-life insight throughout the fostering journey. From navigating first placements and court processes to coping with reunification, burnout, and self-care, mentors help ensure families don't feel alone. The conversation highlights how mentoring builds community, strengthens placements, and improves outcomes for children by supporting the adults who care for them. Michelle also shares how the program began, its statewide growth, success stories, and how former foster parents can continue giving back as mentors—even if they're no longer licensed. Learn how to request a mentor or become one at: https://utahfostercare.org/foster-parent-resources/mentors/ Transcript:  Welcome to Fostering Conversations. On today’s episode, we’ll be talking about the statewide Utah Foster Care Mentoring Program and its importance to our Utah foster families. Amy: Welcome to Fostering Conversations. I’m your host, Amy Smith. Today we have Michelle Ostmark, who is the statewide mentoring coordinator for Utah Foster Care. Thanks for joining us, Michelle. Michelle: Thank you for having me. Amy: So we’re excited to talk about the mentoring program. It is part of Utah Foster Care and available to all of our foster families in the state of Utah. Is that correct? Michelle: It’s also available to kinship families that have gone through the licensing process or have started the licensing Amy: which is awesome. I think kinship, all foster families need support, but kinship have an added layer of need of support, so I love that you’ve included that now. Michelle: Yeah. I think it’s important that they also have support for the children that are coming into their home. They have the same. Needs that any other child coming into care have, and they just have an extra dynamic of having a personal relationship with the biological families. Amy: Yeah, absolutely. So let’s just start by what is the mentoring program? Michelle: So the mentoring program is designed to pair a seasoned foster family with a new or existing family that needs additional support, or. Resources in each of their communities. We gear it towards new families just so that as they’re starting their foster care journey, they’re able to have somebody that they can call and gather information from, learn what’s appropriate, what’s not, questions to ask as they’re getting placements in their home, um, when they’re struggling, when there’s. exciting news for a child or their family, they have somebody that they can share those things with. Yeah. So that they’re not feeling alone. Amy: I love that because I think back to when I started fostering and I didn’t know like anything, like you just like you get trained. But then you forget what you’re doing and then a kid shows up and you’re like, wait, what am I doing again? Yeah. Michelle: Yeah. And I think our training is amazing, Amy: It is. It’s beautiful. Michelle: But like during that process, you go through the training and then you wait for your licensing and approval, and oftentimes there’s a few months that pass by. Yeah. And so all of that training that you’ve had, you’re super excited. But once you get that call for that child, all of that training and all of that, just go. Goes right out the window. And so foster families often panic because they don’t know what the next step is. And yeah, what do I do now? Who do I call? Why do these children have all of these appointments? And so having somebody that’s calling in and checking on them and making sure that they, have some. Support and somebody that has actually been down that road before them. They have lived experience that they can offer, advice and support for, and sometimes we have new foster families that have never parented before, so they don’t know who to call for medical appointments, dental appointments. And so having a mentor that is in their area, they’re able to, give them. A list of providers that they can possibly take the children to and just prepare them for what to expect during those Amy: Yeah, No, I think that’s so important to have that access to somebody that knows. And if nothing else, the fostering journey is so unique. You need someone that understands what you are doing and can tell you, yeah, that’s totally normal. Yes, I know. It’s absolutely wild what you’re enduring, but, yep. Sounds about normal. Michelle: Yeah. I think that, when we start this journey as foster adoptive families or kinship families you have a certain idea of what it’s going to be like, but once you step into that role, it’s nothing like that. Nothing like that. And so, just having somebody that you can talk to, that you can vent to is so important. Yeah. Our friends and our families in our personal life, often are very supportive, right when we start this journey. But because of the confidentiality that we have to maintain for the children that are coming into our home, and not just for them but for their biological families, um, we’re not able to share this stuff. Yeah. With. our personal friends and family where a mentor signs a confidentiality form that has been approved through DCFS that allows them to talk to these foster families in depth. They can talk to ’em about their court cases, visitation, anything that’s going on with the children, so that helps them get additional insight and how to best support the families. Amy: Yeah. I think that’s really important for mentors and the families that are getting mentored to know, is that they can talk about that information with each other, Michelle: And mentors can also attend child and family team meetings, because they’re, again, signing another confidentiality form. Their role will be a little bit different because they’re there to support the foster family, so they’re not there to offer insight or ideas or suggestions on the case just to help be a support to the foster family and help them understand. Why some of those things are being put in place for the children or for the families of the children so that they can have a little bit of support as they move forward with the case. think Amy: really valid. I remember as a foster parent, I would, after the family and team meetings, I would talk to the casa that was assigned to my foster child at the time. And it was just so nice to have somebody that knew what was going on. ’cause it was, you just, there’s not very many people who know what’s going on. And so it was just nice to have somebody. That could listen and be there. And yes, she was the advocate for the child, but it was just nice to have another adult to speak with. And so I think that’s what the mentoring program really Michelle: Yeah. It’s offering the support for our families that are providing the care for these children that are coming into the foster care system. They’re getting a ton of support. Their families are getting a ton of support, to help with reunification. But then our foster families are left going, where do I fit into all of this? So mentors also help with, all of those feelings with reunification. Why am I so sad? Why do these children need to go home? Why is the goal reunification? And if reunification doesn’t happen and it moves towards adoption, it’s helping them with that process as well. Yeah. So our mentors are designed to stay with a new family from the time that they are first licensed through their first placement. And then if they need additional support and help and they wanna keep ’em on longer, they can. We also offer it to existing families that are just struggling with like a new case that is really difficult and they just need, some additional support. So our whole goal is to build that village around our foster families so that they have people that can understand exactly what they’re going through, have already been through some of these difficult. Issues and can empathize with them in a way that other people can’t. We work really closely with the resource family consultants as well. Because they’re also a good support for our families. Yeah. But again, unless they’ve lived this right, they don’t have the lived experience to Amy: and they’re also supporting so many families. There’s 10, ish per region probably, and. They’re dealing with a lot of families. So mentors tell us how many families one mentor would take on. Michelle: mentors can take between one and eight families on their caseload. Their goal is to reach out to the family, one to four times a month. answer phone calls from the family to offer support if the family. Needs them. They don’t have to wait for the mentor to call them. Right. They’re able to call the mentor anytime. And in addition to that, if they’re unable to reach their mentor at any time, they also get my contact information. Yeah. And can contact me with questions and then I can guide them through whatever needs to happen in that moment. So Mentors are great for crisis situations. They can help find respite resources in the community, like again, like doctors, dentists, therapists, things like that. Yeah. They mentor each other and I help mentor them as well as a former foster, adoptive mom. And we make sure that, again, they have additional training to help support these families as needs arrive. Amy: I love that. Michelle: Tell Amy: Tell us a little bit about why and how the mentoring program was born. Michelle: So the mentoring program started. Nine years ago, we started researching throughout America what mentoring programs looked like. Most of the information we received were mentors for children. Okay. But we were not seeing a lot. On mentors for foster families. So we researched things for about six months. We came up with some great ideas and how this was gonna look. We reached out to DCFS. They are the ones that actually thought that this would be a great program for our foster families, and had asked for it for several years, and we finally launched it. We started in the Salt Lake region and within eight months we had it statewide. Okay. So currently we have 86 mentors statewide. We’re always in need of mentors who have some experience, and we have mentored 425 families from July, 2025 to the present, Amy: which is amazing when you only have you what said 86 mentors and 4 25 families. So yes, there’s clearly a need for more mentors, Michelle: in every region Amy: it’s also showing like we’re like, if you need a mentor, we’re gonna make it happen. Whether that’s you or someone in your region, ideally you want someone close to them, right? Someone that they could physically get together with if they needed Michelle: Yes. So go Amy: to lunch, grab a coffee, whatever Michelle: it is. Yeah. So our mentors actually. We’ll invite their families over for barbecues. They’ll take ’em, plates of cookies, just welcome stuff. A lot of our mentors use a Marco Polo app. Okay. Yeah. So that they have like, face-to-face interaction. Quite a bit. That’s a great idea. And a lot of families sometimes get a little overwhelmed and they’re like, oh, it’s just one more person I need to have contact, or, What they’re not understanding though, is this is a great support for you. Yeah. And. Our mentors have that lived experience so that, when you’re calling them either in a crisis or when there’s something good happening, they can celebrate with you or they can go through those trenches with you, right? During those difficult things. And I’ve seen mentors literally stop what they’re doing to go help a family in crisis and, offer respite. Just take a meal over or even just meet ’em for, an ice cream or a soda somewhere, just to help them learn how to build, self-rated regulation skills. And also to learn how to do some self-care. ’cause I think with our foster families. When you’re in the middle of all of this, I think we often forget to take care of ourselves. Amy: Oh yeah. You don’t have time. Michelle: Yeah. And so our mentors are really good at reminding our families that you need to do self-care too. Amy: Yeah. Take a little break. Take a little breather. Yeah. I love that. That’s awesome. Are you able to share like, any success stories with us about things that you’ve seen over the years of mentors or mentorees, if that’s what they’re called? Michelle: Yeah. A lot of our mentors and their families that they’re mentoring, become friends. Yeah. Through this process. Who better to understand what your family’s going through? Their kids connect in a different way because they understand, oh, our family isn’t the only one that is doing foster care. And so biological children, adopted children and all of the. Children that are placed in care are often connecting on a different level. Yeah. So I’ve seen a lot of friendships come out of mentoring and also I’ve seen a lot of families that have started, foster care that had a mentor at the beginning of their journey become mentors. And so Amy: they see the Michelle: of it Mm-hmm. Amy: they wanna give back in that way as well. Michelle: well. Yeah. And it just helps them when they had somebody that’s so supportive, they wanna be able to say, Hey, this person really helped me through a lot of, tough times or great times, and I wanna be able to help another family that’s starting out as well. Amy: Yeah. I love that. Yeah, I was thinking Michelle: back Amy: like two weeks ago, we had the Western region mom’s night out. And it was like 50 plus women that come, and I’m not a foster parent anymore, but we actually hosted at my mom’s house, so I still get to go every year. And so it’s so fun for me to get to go see these foster moms, many of who I know well because I was fostering at the same time in them and many new faces that have come on since. But it is amazing to see what that connection and comradery and. Just being able to sit there and chat and listen and totally relate to what each other are doing. And as a foster mom who hasn’t been doing this for the last year or two, I I’ve removed myself from that world in a small way. ’cause I don’t bring kids in on a regular basis. But putting myself back in that environment is just a reminder of like, we need each other and. You need those supports of who knows what this feels like and who can say that is absolutely insane. I can’t believe you did that, but Yep. I’m doing it too. So I just think the mentoring program is a small scale of that, right? We get together once a year for this mom night out, but mentoring can be every day, every week, every month when you need it. Yeah. Michelle: Yeah. I think it reminds us the why. Why do we do this? Yeah. Why do we bring these children into our home? Fostering is not an easy task by any means. You’re opening up your heart, your home, you’re subjecting yourself and your children to often heartache. Yeah. And so it reminds us of the why, like, especially when we. Build those long lasting relationships with foster families. Some of my closest and dearest friends now are families that I met through Amy: Foster. Yeah, absolutely. ’cause Michelle: they can relate to me. I can relate to them, their children can relate to my children, and we’ve become lifelong friends. Yeah. Through this process. And another thing, like you mentioned, you’re no longer a foster parent. I’m no longer a foster parent. One of the ways that families can still stay connected is as long as they’ve left DCFS in good standing and they wanna still remain involved, they can still be mentors. Yeah. Even if they’re not licensed, Amy: I just learned that today, speaking to you before we started the episode. So I think that’s an amazing way to give back. ’cause I was talking to a mom who was like, yeah, I don’t a foster mom. I don’t know how much longer I’m gonna foster, but I still wanna give back after. And I was like, it’s hard. It’s hard to know where you can still give back when you’re used to bringing kids into your home. That feels like the only way. So I think this is an amazing way that. Foster parents can give back that have had that experience, but maybe can’t, can no longer bring kids into their home. So I love that you’re sharing that. ’cause I had no idea. So hopefully we’re educating listeners as well that hey, you can still be a mentor if you’ve been a foster parent and left in good standing, which hopefully you have. Yes. Michelle: Yes. And we are the only state that I’m aware of that we are able to give our mentors a small stipend. It’s not huge, but we do give them a small stipend for their time in making sure that they’re contacting the families and Yeah, and letting us know what their needs are and. As they’re contacting families, they’re reporting back to me so that I can also help with any type of resources that they might need. Also can help connect them with our care communities. I meet with the DCFS, our RFC team, the resource Family consultants on a regular basis, so I can also reach out to them and. Say, Hey, this family is really struggling. These are the services that we have been able to provide for them through Utah Foster care. What can you do to help us wrap some more services around this family? Because at the end of this, we wanna make sure that they’re. Successful and that their placement is successful. Yeah. And they’re not leaving after their first placement saying, this is not what I imagined this would be. And I felt so alone in this process. We wanna make sure our families feel supported and cheered on, and they just have all of these people making sure that their needs are being met. Because if our foster families are feeling supported, the children that are coming into their home also have a much easier time. So, and we can help in that process of reunification or, sending them to kinship. Our kinship families are also facing those same things so that, we’re making sure that they have their village and they have the people that they need to rely on and count on when things get hurt or, yeah, there’s joy. Amy: And I think too when you have people that you can talk to I realized this a few weeks ago at this same mom’s night out, one of the moms was telling all these things, and I did, I text Tammy over at Care Communities and I said, so and so needs a care community. She didn’t ask for one. No, but I decided that she needed one. Yeah. And it was like sometimes as foster parents are the givers, right? We’re the people in the community that are literally stepping in to bring children in, strangers into our home in the middle of the night. Like it’s insanity if you think about it. And so oftentimes we don’t ask for help and sometimes we don’t even know that we need help. ’cause we’re just used to giving. That’s just what Michelle: we And so I think. Amy: Mentoring can also as these parents are talking and chatting with you, there might be ideas like, Hey, they do need a care community, or, Hey, they do need, we need to get them set up with a therapist to talk through all of these really difficult things. Or, Utah Foster Care has the free therapy now and like, there’s just so many ways that people with an outside lens can support. ’cause sometimes you can’t always Michelle: see it when you’re Yeah. And I don’t think our families realize that there, that Utah foster care has so many Amy: supports I agree. Michelle: Yeah. And so we do, we, I get referrals from mentors saying, Hey, this family could really benefit for, extra help with one of our clinicians here at Utah Foster Care. They’re really struggling with reunification and they might need a little extra support and we can offer that to them. Yeah. I contact one of the clinicians, especially in their region. Yeah. And just say, Hey, can you reach out? I always check with the family first and make sure that they know we’re gonna be calling just so don’t catch ’em off guard. Yeah. And same thing with our care communities, we’re able to say. This is a service that we might be able to provide for you. Is this something you’ll be interested in? And if they’re not, we also have, other resources available to our families. We can get some meals delivered to them. We can get, respite situated and make sure that they’re being taken care of in different ways. So, yeah, and mentors do a lot of that too, yeah. They take time to, to do that for the families that they’re mentoring. If they need additional support, like that is what we’re doing for these families, is we’re making sure that we’re surrounding them with as much love and support as we can to make their foster care journey a little less Amy: stressful. Yes. Lighten the load in a small way. Yes. So tell us if somebody is wanting to become a mentor or feels like, Hey, I could really benefit from a mentor, what do they Michelle: do? So they just need to go to our Utah Foster Care website www.utahfostercare.org/mentors. There are a couple of tabs on there. One is a video just explaining the mentoring program just like we did today. Another is. Become a mentor. You would just fill that out. I would get that information, contact you. There’s a brief 20 minute training that we would do over the phone. Just get you prepared for what you would be doing as a mentor, and then we would get you started. If you need a mentor or a family that could benefit from one you just fill out the tab that. Is request a mentor. Okay. And then that, again we try to pair families fairly quickly within a week of them becoming licensed. If I get a request for an existing family, we do the same thing. We try and, get them paired as quickly as we possibly can. And then, the mentor just starts reaching out to them, sets up times to visit with them if that’s needed. And then you just build that friendship and that support as you go. And Amy: so this is a random thought, but what happens if like someone’s not vibing? Michelle: It happens. Okay. Or if the Amy: mentor’s like, actually I hate this. Please get me out of here. Michelle: So, we’ve had some situations where, a family is just like, I don’t think that I, this is the right person for me. Yeah. I just reach out to the mentor and say, Hey, can you gimme some insight on what’s happening? I talk to the family and then we repair them with somebody else. Sometimes they ask me if I’ll be their mentor, which is fine. Yeah. I have no problem helping and supporting families as well. Yeah. But that happens. We’ve had mentors who have had to step back for some time, either for personal reasons, medical reasons. Yeah. Or just they need a break. So they’ll let me know ahead of time, Hey, these are the families that I’m mentoring. Can you pick up for them while I’m on vacation? Or, I have to have surgery, so I need a little bit of, time off. We have mentors who. Have really difficult cases themselves and Yeah. And they just, Amy: just a lot to carry someone else’s load too. Michelle: Yeah. And so, they’ll oftentimes say, Hey, I have six families right now. These two families are really close to, ending their placement for, whether it’s reunification, adoption, or them going to kinship. And they’ll just say, I have these two families and I really think that they could benefit for. With keeping another mentor in place for them. But I need to step back for, yeah, a couple months just to, focus on my own family and my own needs for a while. That happens and, nine times outta 10 they’ll take a few weeks off and then call me and say, okay, I’m ready to come back. Amy: Yeah. Because that’s what foster parents do. We we say we need a break, and then we’re like, just kidding. We’re back. Michelle: Yeah. And I’ve built some great, friendships with the mentors on my team because they’re calling me all the time and just saying, okay, I need to vent. Yeah. And that’s what we do. We listen to each other. And something that we would tell, one of our personal friends, they may not understand, I’ve sure I’ve vented about, personal situations with either a foster placement or my own children. And people are like, why do you keep doing this to Amy: yourself? Exactly. Michelle: And so it’s nice to be able to have somebody that you can vent to and they’re just like, oh, I totally get that. Exactly. What can I do for you to make this situation better for you? And then oftentimes you just need to vent. Yes. And then you’re good. Amy: And I’ve found too that sometimes you just have to cry or laugh together at the total insanity of your life. Yes. And no one really is gonna get that unless they’ve done it or are doing Michelle: it. Yeah. And I’ve seen. F foster families come together during some really critical times for another foster family. Yeah, absolutely. And kinship family. When there’ve been, tragedies in their family, those foster care communities band together to really support, whatever’s happening in that family. And it’s been beautiful to see in a lot of ways. Yes. Looking on it from. Working here at Utah Foster Care, in addition to being a foster adoptive mom. Just seeing the amount of families that just love and care for each other in a different way is just beautiful. Amy: Yeah. Yeah. I agree. No it is. I always say it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever done because it is, it’s so hard and yes, we had to step away to to care for all the kids that we now have, but it’s something that I’m so grateful that I’m part of and so honored to know how difficult and how beautiful it is. So it’s just it truly is an incredible community to get to be a part of. Michelle: Yeah. When you start it, you don’t think you’re gonna end up, with Amy: however Michelle: children. But yeah. I started this journey with three children of my own and ended up with. Eight children of my own Uhhuh. So, and then many more that continue to reach out and yeah, absolutely. Stay in contact. So it’s a great, it’s a great thing to be a part Amy: of. It really is. Thank you so much Michelle: for your time. Amy: and thank you for all of the energy and time that you put into the mentoring program and supporting our Utah foster families. If you wanna learn more, head over to Utah foster care.org. Thanks for joining us.

Whatever you've been carrying, you're not crazy for feeling it. You're not dramatic for needing reassurance. Strength and tenderness can exist in the same person. In this episode, I'Wanna shares why releasing everything to God isn't weakness it's trust.

It's amazing what a difference two words can make. For example if you're a teenager, your life can change dramatically when you hear just two words, "You're grounded!" Or if you're working, "You're fired." Or those two words that changed my life forever. You know what those two words were? "I do." It's amazing what two words can do. Now, if you're in a down time right now, there are two words that can make all the difference to you. And then there are two words you may not feel like saying at all. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Two Words That Lighten the Load." Our word for today from the Word of God, 1 Thessalonians 5:18. For those of us who are wondering what God's will is right now, here it is. "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Paul says here that the giving of thanks in all circumstances is really tied to our destiny in being in the center of God's will. I think that the suggestion here is that two of the most powerful words we can speak are "Thank you." Or more precisely, "Thank God." We all know that we like to be thanked, and we all know how it feels to do a lot for someone and never get a thank you. Right? Of course God is an expert in that field. But when you say, "Thank God," that's when I think it does more for you than it does for Him, especially if you're in a time in your life when you don't feel like saying thanks, because the specific present circumstances aren't very pleasant. There are a few benefits, I think, that come from saying those two powerful words, "Thank God!" First of all - contentment. Even in the midst of an ugly situation like Paul being in prison, you can find contentment by saying the words, "Thank you." Paul certainly knew about that when he wrote the book of Philippians 4. Remember what he said? "The peace of God that passes all understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus." He had experience to write that. And then he says in verse 6, "In everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Say, "Thank God" and a marvelous sense of contentment will come over you, even in one of life's prisons. The secret of contentment in a crummy situation - a terrible situation - is to focus on the Lord - the good things that He has been doing in the middle of the bad. It means focusing on what you have, not what you don't have. Thank God! The second thing that it does is you don't need to be noticed. See, pride gets stamped out at the gate when you give credit where credit is due and is properly given to God right away. "God, I know this was You. Thank You." When you start to take the glory for what God has done, stop. Send it up to God, "Thank God." Don't let your ego start to inflate. The third benefit of thanking God is confidence. Because, you see, the same God who blessed your life in the past, who brought you through other things in the past, is going to meet you today. Look at His track record. Look at His history. The same God who I just thanked for moving a mountain yesterday, He is going to move mountains again for you. He'll do it all again! He's done it all these years for all His people. He's the same yesterday. He's the same today. He's the same forever. He's going to meet your needs today. Rejoicing is really the habit of looking for God at work and acknowledging it when you see it. Thanking God is sort of like putting sweetener in a bitter drink. Negative thoughts are just going to make the drink that much more bitter. A thankful heart, a joyful heart, a heart that believes that God has said, "I know the plans I have for you. They are for good and not for evil; to give you a future and a hope." In the midst of this small dot in your life, look at the big picture and say, "Thank You, Lord."

It's amazing what a difference two words can make. For example if you're a teenager, your life can change dramatically when you hear just two words, "You're grounded!" Or if you're working, "You're fired." Or those two words that changed my life forever. You know what those two words were? "I do." It's amazing what two words can do. Now, if you're in a down time right now, there are two words that can make all the difference to you. And then there are two words you may not feel like saying at all. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Two Words That Lighten the Load." Our word for today from the Word of God, 1 Thessalonians 5:18. For those of us who are wondering what God's will is right now, here it is. "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Paul says here that the giving of thanks in all circumstances is really tied to our destiny in being in the center of God's will. I think that the suggestion here is that two of the most powerful words we can speak are "Thank you." Or more precisely, "Thank God." We all know that we like to be thanked, and we all know how it feels to do a lot for someone and never get a thank you. Right? Of course God is an expert in that field. But when you say, "Thank God," that's when I think it does more for you than it does for Him, especially if you're in a time in your life when you don't feel like saying thanks, because the specific present circumstances aren't very pleasant. There are a few benefits, I think, that come from saying those two powerful words, "Thank God!" First of all - contentment. Even in the midst of an ugly situation like Paul being in prison, you can find contentment by saying the words, "Thank you." Paul certainly knew about that when he wrote the book of Philippians 4. Remember what he said? "The peace of God that passes all understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus." He had experience to write that. And then he says in verse 6, "In everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Say, "Thank God" and a marvelous sense of contentment will come over you, even in one of life's prisons. The secret of contentment in a crummy situation - a terrible situation - is to focus on the Lord - the good things that He has been doing in the middle of the bad. It means focusing on what you have, not what you don't have. Thank God! The second thing that it does is you don't need to be noticed. See, pride gets stamped out at the gate when you give credit where credit is due and is properly given to God right away. "God, I know this was You. Thank You." When you start to take the glory for what God has done, stop. Send it up to God, "Thank God." Don't let your ego start to inflate. The third benefit of thanking God is confidence. Because, you see, the same God who blessed your life in the past, who brought you through other things in the past, is going to meet you today. Look at His track record. Look at His history. The same God who I just thanked for moving a mountain yesterday, He is going to move mountains again for you. He'll do it all again! He's done it all these years for all His people. He's the same yesterday. He's the same today. He's the same forever. He's going to meet your needs today. Rejoicing is really the habit of looking for God at work and acknowledging it when you see it. Thanking God is sort of like putting sweetener in a bitter drink. Negative thoughts are just going to make the drink that much more bitter. A thankful heart, a joyful heart, a heart that believes that God has said, "I know the plans I have for you. They are for good and not for evil; to give you a future and a hope." In the midst of this small dot in your life, look at the big picture and say, "Thank You, Lord."

Hello to you listening in Corning, New York!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.One of the first signs of recognition a new mother looks for in her infant is - a smile. Look! She's smiling at me! Yes! Baby sees you. Baby recognizes you.From earliest days we are cued to the smiles of other human beings. Remember what we missed in the COVID time with masks masking our smiles? Sure, we crinkled our eyes to signal a smile but it wasn't the same as receiving a smile from another human. Sometimes the tone of our voice was a good substitute. The “music of the spoken word” stood in for our smile. We did the best we could with what we had.  Like a smile, the "music of the spoken word" brings written text to life with inflection, pause, tone, emphasis, and  cadence. Reading text alone is quick, cheap, and easy but the human voice lends expression and emotional meaning.I create each 60 Seconds episode with you in mind to offer a measure of hope, delight and imagination, as well as thoughts to ponder, stories to share, a practical tip to lighten and brighten your day. Thank you for taking the time to listen to my podcast episodes. My voice is me smiling at you.  You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, email me to arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.  If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.

Send us a textMessage to the Listener: A Brief Message Reminding You to Laugh at Yourself to Lighten the Mood!!Get Your Free 30 Day Trial With Audible Now!!! www.audibletrial.com/jkspodcastFollow Just Keep Swimming on Instagram!!!https://www.instagram.com/justkeepswimming_podcast/Support the showProduced By NXIII!!!https://lnk.bio/orgnxiii13

5 Mindset Shifts for Retirement Success in 2026 (No Hustle, Just Standards)Imagine it's December 31, 2026… and you're not scrambling, apologizing, or promising “next year will be different.”You're calm. Your money feels intentional. Your life feels designed.In this episode, we're sharing 5 practical mindset shifts for retirement success—especially for LGBTQ+ folks who are tired of starting over every January and ready to build real momentum.These aren't “new year, new you” clichés. They're identity upgrades + small daily standards that compound into big results—like stronger savings, lower debt, and more confidence about retirement.✅ Key Takeaways for Retirement SuccessYour identity doesn't change your life—your standards do.Retirement success is built through 1% changes that compound, not one big “perfect plan.”Many money struggles are really tolerance problems (clutter, subscriptions, debt delays, default spending).You're never failing—you're learning. The win is breaking the loop with a minimum daily standard.Know your numbers, but don't worship the shortage: progress beats panic.

Nox is forced to face his worst nightmare, or be stuck in his mind forever. And he gets help from the unlikeliest of allies, Zeztz. Twitter: @comicrundownInstagram: @comicbookrundownThreads: @comicbookrundownEmail: comicbookrundown@gmail.comHosted by Joe JaneroEdited by Joe JaneroOpen music from TokuSFXFind our t-shirts at TeePublichttp://tee.pub/lic/vBbIJZ4eLQ0

Let me guess.Your podcast doesn't feel hard exactly. It just feels… heavy.Like every episode requires:a pep talka prayerand maybe a small emotional support snackIf that's you, I've got good news.You're not lazy.You're not unmotivated.And your podcast is not broken.In this episode, I'm unpacking the real reason podcasting starts to feel exhausting — and spoiler alert: it's not because you need better ideas or more consistency.(If “just be more consistent” actually worked, none of us would be here.)What's actually happening is a structural breakdown that impacts us at the nervous system. Here's what I walk you through:Why your podcast feels heavy even when you like your messageThe sneaky way “trying harder” makes everything worseWhy your brain is tired of re-deciding things every weekWhat I mean by containment (no, not Tupperware… but also kind of)The ONE question that immediately lightens the load of your next episodeWhy belief work isn't one-and-done (and why that's good news)What healthy accountability really feels like ( steady, supportive, and not frantic).I also give you something you can do this week — no rebrand, no four-hour planning session, no spiraling required.Find out The Real Reason Your Podcast Feels Heavy (And How to Fix It) in this episode.

Who's ready to take a breath, pause, and REFLECT with me during this busy, yet beautiful holiday season? This week's episode is a POWERFUL and timely one that can absolutely change the trajectory of your next year. Before you sprint into 2026 with new goals, new plans, and big dreams, I want you to PAUSE. Because clarity, confidence, and courage doesn't just come from looking forward — it comes from looking BACK and extracting the GOLD from 2025 also. And that's exactly what we are doing today. This episode is all about the transformational power of reflection and why it is STEP ONE in creating your BEST YEAR YET. You ready?! WHY REFLECTION MATTERS (5-GAME-CHANGING REASONS): 1. Reflection creates clarity amid the chaos. Life is loud. Fast. Busy. Reflection slows the noise, shifts you from autopilot to intentionality, and gives you crystal-clear focus. Clarity is jet fuel for your goals. 2. Reflection builds confidence by celebrating wins. Most people forget how far they've come. Reflection forces you to capture the GOOD, celebrate the wins, and remember this truth: YOU are capable, resilient, and stronger than you think. 3. Reflection turns challenges into wisdom. Challenges don't break you — they SHAPE you. When you write them down, pain turns into purpose and lessons become leverage for the future. 4. Reflection reduces stress and anxiety. Writing is therapeutic. When thoughts stay in your head, they create pressure. When they hit paper, they create perspective. Lighten the load. Breathe. Release. 5. Reflection realigns you with purpose and values. Reflection reconnects you to what matters most — faith, family, mission, calling. It's a recalibration of your internal GPS. 10 POWERFUL QUESTIONS TO REFLECT ON IN 2025: Take time with these. Don't rush them. Write them out. 1. What were your TOP 5 wins or highlights of 2025? 2. What were your biggest challenges — and what did they teach you? 3. In what ways did you grow the most this year? 4. What did you START in 2025 that you want to AMPLIFY in 2026? 5. What did you tolerate in 2025 that you will NO LONGER tolerate in 2026? 6. What relationships mattered most — and how can you be more intentional with them? 7. What habits FUELED you? What habits DRAINED you? 8. What are you most PROUD of in 2025? 9. Where did you feel the presence of God the most this year? 10. If 2025 were a chapter in the book of your life, what would the TITLE be? These questions are where breakthroughs happen. Not only do I share many of my answers, I ask you to answer them as well. When you start with reflection, your goals become more meaningful, your vision becomes clearer, and your drive becomes PURER. ACTION STEPS: Please Block out 30–60 minutes this week, find a quiet space, grab your journal or Annual Strategic Plan, and start writing. Breathe. Reflect. Don't overthink it. When you take time to pause and look back, you extract the wisdom of 2025 and create a powerful launchpad for what's next. If this episode hit home, please share it with a friend, teammate, or family member. If you post it on your IG/FB Stories, please tag me at: IG: @ToddDurkin FB: @ToddDurkinFQ10 *** ANNOUNCEMENTS: My "GOD-SIZED DREAMS System 2026" is NOW Available!!! Y'all know how powerful of a system this is if you are looking to DREAM BIG, PLAN out your BEST year yet, and work on your LIFE-goals. This is my specific and exacting system that I have used for over 15-years to keep my passion and purpose ALIGNED and stay on track with what you really want to create and manifest in your life. The God-Sized Dreams System is broken down into 2 different products: 1. The Annual Strategic Planner. This is a MUST-DO if you want to maximize your success in 2026. These are my must-answer, deep questions that are broken into "10" categories. The first 3-sections are MANDATORY… The last 7-sections are "Bonus" sections" if you would like to complete the entire system. There are no if's, and's, or but's about it….This is a MUST-HAVE!!! Additionally, this year, the Annual Strategic Planner (A.S.P.) is completely digital so you will get immediately upon ordering. ORDER NOW! 2. The Monthly & Weekly Scheduler & Calendar. I personally can't live WITHOUT this. It contains the following things: Monthly Calendar 10-Forms of Wealth (13 of them) "3-in-30" (13 of them) 365-days for 2026 from 7am-7 pm (that includes 'To Do's, Appointment times, and Notes/Reminders) My favorite "Quotes" throughout the Calendar/Scheduler If you are looking to get more organized and definitely more PROductive, this is your system that you will want with you by your side ALL THE TIME! Order NOW You can ORDER BOTH of them NOW in a BUNDLE and also get a brand new IMPACT JOURNAL as a free gift as well…all for UNDER $100! (You essentially will get 3-products for the price of 2). THIS is my complete system that I personally use. It is worth 25+ years of experience and thousands of dollars. And you can get ALL OF IT NOW for just $99.00 No joke. It's the holidays and I WANT you to have access to my God-Sized Dreams System. ORDER it today and get WURKIN on your Annual Strategic Plan immediately. The other 2-products you will receive in the mail after ordering. ORDER NOW   #2. JOBS AVAILABLE at IMPACT-X Performance (SAN DIEGO)!! (If you apply for any of the positions, please share in the Subject Line what role you are applying to): GENERAL MANAGER. This key position will be leading IXP-San Diego with Todd and have a key leadership role in building and growing our local brand. If you are serious about changing lives, great with customer service, and have leadership experience in health/fitness, sales, or a retail/customer service related- industry, please consider applying… (Fitness managerial experience is a Plus, but NOT mandatory) More Details / Apply Now HERE! Personal Trainer/Coach Positions. While we are not opening until February 2026, we are currently accepting applications as we prepare to Build a World-Class Team of Trainers starting in January 2026. If you are trainer/S&C coach who is looking for a great opportunity to change lives in San Diego, CA, now is your opportunity to be part of our team. I will be personally leading this group of coaches who will serve in both personal training AND large-group training roles. More Details / Apply Now Here! Stretch Therapists. We will have our signature hands-on "IMPACT Stretch Flow" sessions complimenting our training & recovery services. If you are already certified in FST or other stretch therapy (or you're a coach who wants to learn hands-on manual stretching of our clients/members), APPLY TODAY Massage Therapists. Massage therapy has been part of my fitness offerings since Day 1 over 25-years ago. And it's only MORE important now. We WILL have incredible Massage Therapy available at IXP-San Diego and we are exciting to share the power of touch. APPLY TODAY Directors of First Impressions. We love our "Directors of First Impressions" as they play a crucial role in setting the culture and offering extreme positivity, encouragement, and support to our clients/members. If you feel you could be a great addition to our San Diego location, please apply. APPLY TODAY Visit this page to get all the information or to APPLY today… HERE!

So many women in midlife say the same thing: "I feel heavier inside, and I don't know why." The truth is, hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause can profoundly affect your emotions — often in ways no one ever warned you about. In this compassionate episode of Tea & Truth, Lynne breaks down the real science behind the emotional weight of hormonal change, including how fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, and neurotransmitters influence your mood, stress tolerance, sleep, and overall emotional stability. We also explore the human experience — the overwhelm, the irritability, the tears that come out of nowhere, the feeling that small things suddenly feel big, and why midlife tends to amplify everything emotionally.

In this episode, Jackie and Justin explore the complexities of the holiday season, the mental load associated with holiday preparations, and the pressures of being the 'keeper of the magic' for family traditions. They delve into the emotional challenges of navigating grief and change during the holidays, emphasizing the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and managing social commitments. The conversation highlights the need for reflection on personal needs and routines, encouraging listeners to prioritize their well-being amidst the holiday hustle.

In this episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosts Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton explore something most first responders never stop to think about — how the physical weight you wear every day becomes an invisible emotional burden (Amazon Affiliate). The ballistic vest, duty belt, radio, rifle, boots, turnout gear, SCBA — these items are designed to protect you. But over time, they change the way your body moves, how your nervous system responds, and even how your mind interprets danger. This episode uncovers how the gear meant to keep you safe can slowly shape your stress levels, posture, breathing, and emotional baseline — and what you can do to lighten both the physical and psychological load.

In this episode, I'm opening up about something we all feel but don't always say out loud—the weight of the holidays, especially as a working mom. Thank you to Clay & Vine for Sponsoring this Episode  https://clayandvineinteriors.com/ Inquire Here for In-Person or Virtual Support https://clayandvineinteriors.com/contact Thank you to Let's Dish for Sponsoring this Episode!  https://letsdish.com/ The invisible load is real. The school sign-ups, the gift lists, the family logistics, the end-of-year work deadlines... it can all pile up fast. So today, I'm sharing how I'm approaching this season with more intention, and the 10 simple things that are helping me feel more grounded and present. If you're feeling stretched or scattered, this episode is for you. You don't have to do it all. And you definitely don't have to do it all alone. Let's make this season one that feels good—for you and for the people you love.   Here are the some great resources I wanted to share with you: Book A Call for the November Corporate Cohort molly@mollyasplin.com Dr. Morgan Cutlip Episode #191 Are you looking to improve performance and team effectiveness across your team?  Book A Team Effectiveness Consult Here Thank you for listening to this episode! Please take a screenshot and share your biggest takeaway on your Instagram stories and tag me @molly.asplin so that I can shout you out!

The author of What's On Her Mind talks about sharing and reducing organizational work See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today I'm sharing something a little different on the podcast—a limited-time replay of my How to Lighten Your Mental Load masterclass. This class was taught live on Zoom, but I wanted to offer you a chance to listen in case you missed it or want to revisit the tools. It won't be on the feed forever, so make sure you tune in while it's available.    In this class, I walk you through three practical takeaways from my Self-Assured Motherhood (SAM) framework that can immediately shift how you experience the invisible weight of motherhood:

Have you ever noticed that some of the parents in Disney movies…aren't exactly the best role models?   They love their kids deeply, but their fears, expectations, and blind spots often get in the way of connection. As I rewatched a few of these classics recently, I couldn't help but think, "These parents could really use the Self-Assured Motherhood program!" In this episode, I'm sharing three SAM principles through the lens of Disney families—because studying cartoon characters makes everything more fun (and surprisingly relatable!):

Have you ever been told that your perfectionism is a problem? Maybe you've felt like it's the reason you're stressed, restless, or never satisfied with yourself. But what if perfectionism isn't actually the enemy? What if it's a form of power that, when channeled with compassion, can actually bring you more joy and meaning? In this episode, I'm joined by Katherine Morgan Schafler, a psychotherapist and the author of The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control. Katherine offers a refreshing perspective: perfectionism doesn't need to be “fixed” or hidden—it can be embraced and redirected in healthier, more adaptive ways. In this conversation, you'll learn:

Ever feel like you're doing everything for everyone and still falling short? That's the mental load, and it might be silently sabotaging your business, your relationships, and your sanity. Today's guest is Dr. Morgan Cutlip: a psychologist, relationship expert, and author on a mission to help women feel whole, light, and deeply connected in all their relationships. With a PhD in psychology and a knack for translating research into real-life solutions, she's helped hundreds of thousands of people navigate the complexities of love, family, and partnership.  Her books Love Your Kids Without Losing Yourself and her upcoming title A Better Share tackle the emotional and mental responsibilities women disproportionately carry, especially when it comes to marriage, motherhood, and yes, running a business. If you've ever wondered why you're burnt out even when your partner or team is “helping,” or if you've struggled to balance being a boss and being present at home, this conversation is for you. We're diving into how the mental load affects your business, your boundaries, and your personal life, and what you can do to take some of that weight off. Want to go deeper? Pre-order Dr. Morgan's brand new book, A Better Share: How Couples Can Tackle The Mental Load for More Fun, Less Resentment, and Great Sex now!  Goal Digger Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/goaldiggerpodcast/ Goal Digger Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goaldiggerpodcast/ Goal Digger Show Notes: https://jennakutcherblog.com/emotional-labor-and-burnout-women  Thanks to our Goal Digger Sponsors: Sign up for your $1/month Shopify trial period at http://shopify.com/goaldigger.  Find a co-host today at http://airbnb.com/host.  Start your risk-free Greenlight trial today at http://greenlight.com/goaldigger!  Save 30% on Bitdefender Ultimate Small Business Security at https://bitdefender.com/goaldigger  and keep your business protected. Get 20% off our $25.00 Working Genius assessment at https://workinggenius.com with promo code GOALDIGGER. Reach the right professionals with LinkedIn Ads, used by over a billion professionals worldwide. Get your $100 credit at https://www.linkedin.com/goal!