In this episode, I dive into a fresh perspective on handling conflicts that many of us encounter. As we know, disagreements are a normal part of life, especially when shared responsibilities like caring for the kids and managing a home come into play. However, the way we handle these disagreements can make all the difference.

The Lens of Conflict: Problem Solving vs. Winning

Consider this the next time you find yourself in a disagreement with your spouse. Are you focused on solving a problem, or are you attempting to win an argument? This shift in focus from confrontation to collaboration can redefine your marital dynamic. Instead of instilling a win-lose mindset, nurturing a problem-solving approach promotes understanding, compassion, and love.

Understanding the Roots of Conflict

In my early days of dating and marriage, I was all about winning arguments, a habit shaped by what I witnessed growing up. It was more about placing blame and less about understanding. However, I lea...

Motherhood is a monumental transition, and for many women, it feels like life has turned upside down. There's no guidebook that comes with becoming a mom, and sometimes, the journey can feel isolating and overwhelming. In this episode, I am joined by Iesha Madden, we are diving into the realities of this transition, especially when ADHD is in the mix, offering some relatable insights and practical tips that can help anyone on this path.

The Transition Into Motherhood

The shift from being a childless woman to a mom can be daunting. Suddenly, you find yourself in a world where you are constantly adjusting and learning—where routines are turned on their heads, and personal time often becomes a distant memory. This can be particularly challenging if you became a mom during unprecedented times, such as during the pandemic, which amplified feelings of isolation for many, underlining the importance of community and support.

Acknowledging Your Experience

One key takeaway is the imp...

In this episode, I dive into a topic that many of us navigate but sometimes hesitate to discuss openly: maintaining a fulfilling marriage after having kids. Life gets hectic, and while we do our best to keep the spark alive, sometimes calling in reinforcements can make all the difference. Let’s explore when it might be time to reach out for professional help and how to go about it.

Why Marriage Gets Tough After Kids

Isn't it something how life changes dramatically after kids? The dynamic between you and your partner shifts, and suddenly, those spare moments to enjoy each other feel far away. Responsibilities pile up, and our time is devoured by logistics rather than love notes. If you find yourself nodding along, you're not alone. Many couples experience communication breakdowns, unmet expectations, and a dwindling connection. It's all too common for intimacy to take a back seat as exhaustion levels rise and financial stress surfaces.

Recognizing When It's Time for Help

Let...

In this episode, I am joined by Jill Wright to discuss the concept new to me called time confetti that allows us to reclaim our time to move our life forward in ways we yearn to do but have difficulty finding the time for.

Welcome to the World of Time Confetti

We've all been there, haven't we? Wondering how to get more done or feeling guilty about not using our time wisely as we endlessly scroll through social media. Jill brought this term "time confetti", a term popularized by Brigid Schulte and later studied by Ashley Whillans, and it's been enlightening. It's all about recognizing those scattered moments in our day and using them for something meaningful.

It's a concept that compares our fragmented bits of free time to tiny pieces of confetti. These little pockets of time are easy to overlook but can become opportunities for personal development, relaxation, or simply recharging.

Finding Balance in a Juggling Act

Managing the demands of motherhood and being a productive...

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 counterproductive. The cycle of n...

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 simple lunch date w...

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 trap of villainizing each other. I...

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 disappointment when things don’t go as we ...

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 communicating...

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 towards solutions, and responding intentional...