Navigating the complexities of marriage can be tricky, especially when it feels like communication has hit a snag. If you’ve found yourself entangled in the cycle of nagging, know that it’s more common than you might think, especially after kids come into the picture and responsibilities skyrocket. Today, let's chat about understanding why nagging happens and, most importantly, how to shift it back to meaningful communication.

Understanding Nagging

First off, let’s acknowledge that nagging often stems from unmet needs and feeling overwhelmed or unsupported. The intention behind it is usually out of love and the desire for partnership, yet it often gets misconstrued as criticism, leading to defensiveness and resentment, and that's where the real problem lies.

The Impact of Nagging

Nagging can lead your partner to feel criticized, sparking feelings of inadequacy. When someone feels constantly judged, they may tune you out or fight back, which is...

Life often feels like a balancing act between marriage, motherhood, and self-care. If you're navigating these demanding roles and sometimes feel like you and your partner are drifting apart amidst the daily hustle, you're not alone. In this episode, we explore some insights shared from a recent heartfelt conversation with Sarah Parise, a Wellness Coach for Moms, and how these can transform our perspective on maintaining a fulfilling relationship.

Rediscovering Connection

One of the standout themes was the remarkable power of spending quality, uninterrupted time with your partner. When life is pulling you in a million directions, it's easy to default to autopilot as parents and partners. However, carving out time, whether for an evening out or a weekend getaway, is essential. It’s about breaking the routine and stepping away from responsibilities to enjoy each other’s company without distractions. Even if a long getaway is unattainable, short outings or even a...

Maintaining the spark in your marriage can sometimes feel like an uphill battle, especially when you're knee-deep in tackling the more challenging aspects of your relationship. Much like the chaos of spring cleaning, where things seem messier before they become tidy, the process of working on your marriage can feel overwhelming. Yet, amidst this occasionally tense journey, it’s crucial to remember the importance of fun and connection.

Just as with our closest friendships, fun and camaraderie form the bedrock of a strong marriage. Think of your marriage as a friendship with added layers of romance and intimacy. Rediscovering activities you both enjoy—laughing at inside jokes, supporting each other during difficult times, or simply spending time together—can help reinforce this foundational bond.

Here’s the thing: friendships help smooth over conflict. When we maintain a friendly connection, we navigate disagreements more gracefully, avoiding the...

Valentine's Day can often stir up a mix of emotions—anticipation, excitement, and sometimes even disappointment. But what if you could ensure that this year is your best one yet? As a marriage coach, I've got some tips to help you navigate this day with ease and joy, whether or not you've had the best experiences in the past.

Why Valentine's Day Can Be Frustrating

Everywhere you turn—whether it's a giant retail store, Instagram ad, or school reminder—you're faced with Valentine's Day hype. It's so easy to get caught up in the stress of planning something perfect, especially if you're already juggling parenthood and a busy life. And let's be real; sometimes it's a lot to ask, right after the holiday period, when all we want is a little breather.

Understanding the Root of Disappointment

We often assume our partners should know what we want without having communicated it. It’s like expecting them to be mind readers, leading to inevitable...

Navigating the Unseen Burden

In this episode, I am joined by Mari Wuellner to dive into the all too familiar topic of mom guilt. It sneaks up on us at any stage, whether you're a new mom or a seasoned veteran with kiddos off to college. Navigating motherhood is challenging enough without the added weight of guilt. So, let's talk about how to manage this, reclaim our happiness, and snatch back some much-deserved self-care time.

Embracing Guilt as a Growth Tool

First things first, mom guilt is not all bad. It's a signal that we care deeply about our children and want to do right by them. It's a natural response, but it doesn't have to rule our decisions. Instead of drowning in guilt, let's flip the script and see it as a chance for growth. By acknowledging it, we can decide if it influences our actions for better or worse.

Intentional Living Across All Fronts

One key takeaway I've learned is the power of intentional living. Whether it's in handling mom guilt or...

In this episode I dive into the topic of arguing in marriage. Is it bad to argue with your spouse?

Why Disagreements Happen

To kick things off, let's talk about what arguing actually entails. Disagreements in marriage are natural and, believe it or not, healthy. They show honesty and authenticity between partners. When you and your spouse don’t see eye to eye, it simply reflects that you’re being true to yourselves instead of just going along to keep the peace. This honesty forms the foundation for growth and deeper understanding in any relationship.

The Difference Between Healthy and Unhealthy Arguing

Now, not all arguments are created equal. The key is learning how to handle disagreements in a way that strengthens rather than weakens your connection with your partner. Healthy arguing looks like respectful conversations where both people feel heard and valued. It's about understanding each other’s perspectives, working together...

Rethinking Relationship Goals

In the realm of marriage, many of us wish we could eliminate conflict entirely, just to avoid those stressful arguments. However, here's the kicker – avoiding conflict doesn't guarantee a healthy, happy partnership. On the contrary, avoiding disagreements can stifle growth and honesty. A conflict-free relationship doesn't ensure your happily forever after; it might just mean someone isn't being truthful, either with themselves or their partner.

The Value of Conflict

Believe it or not, conflict can be a powerful ally in your relationship. By facing disagreements head-on, we open the door to developing deeper connections and fostering understanding. Conflict isn't about endless fighting; it's about acknowledging our feelings and tapping into what really matters to us. Imagine it as a catalyst, highlighting areas in our lives that need attention and encouraging us to grow.

Navigating Conflicts with Grace

Instead of making "not...

As we kick off the new year, I wanted to share a little insight on how we can approach this time differently. We often hear the buzz about setting goals and achieving big things as soon as January hits, but let's consider a different perspective.

Embracing the Season

You know that feeling of being pushed into a whirlwind of resolutions every January? Lose weight, get fit, conquer the world—all before February! It's this intense rush to achieve. But have you ever thought that maybe, just maybe, the struggle to stick to these goals is because we're fighting against the natural rhythm of the seasons? In nature, winter is a time for hibernation and reflection, not a sprint to the finish line. Animals and plants slow down, so why are we trying to speed up?

Finding Balance in Winter

Sure, not all of us can hibernate like a bear, but there are ways to slow down and align with the season. Winter is perfect for taking a breather, reflecting on the past, and...

As we kick off the new year, many of us find ourselves setting resolutions and goals. In 2025, I'm dedicating this month to helping you set the stage for personal and financial growth. We often promise ourselves to be better with money, to save more, and to spend consciously. In this episode, I am joined by Meghan Dwyer, Certified Financial Planner and Money Coach and we dive deep into understanding our relationship with money—because it's integral to our lives, whether we like it or not.

Understanding Our Money Stories

Our relationship with money often starts in childhood. Whether we grew up in a household where money wasn't discussed, or were fortunate to have financially literate parents, these early experiences shape how we manage finances as adults. Recognizing where our beliefs come from is the first step in transforming our money mindset.

Why Your Money Relationship Matters

Money isn't just about paying bills and saving for retirement. It's...

As we approach the New Year, it's a perfect time to consider how we want to transform the coming year into one of growth—not just personally, but also within our marriages and family life. Let's take a moment to reflect, set intentions, and create the life we envision for ourselves in 2025. Here’s a friendly guide on how to embark on this journey.

Reflecting on the Past Year

The first step is all about reflection. What went well this year? Were there improvements in your personal life, your role as a mom, or within your marriage? Recognizing positive changes, even small ones, can be encouraging. It might be as simple as appreciating fewer arguments or better communication. On the flip side, acknowledging where we felt stuck or disconnected helps us identify what we want to change. This awareness is the foundation for growth.

Crafting a Vision

Having a clear vision for what you want in 2025 is crucial. Without it, we drift aimlessly, making decisions...