Embracing Change in Marriage and Motherhood this Fall

As we are well into Fall now, this episode was inspired by the falling leaves I see on my daily walk and how it is so symbolic of learning to let go of what doesn't serve us and making room for growth, much like the beautiful trees shedding their leaves.

Fall as a Symbol of Renewal

Living in Georgia, I'm mesmerized by the diverse and brilliant colors around me—it's a breathtaking contrast to my old home in California. This got me thinking about how fall is a perfect time to reflect on what we might need to prune in our marriages, just as we might in gardening. It's about identifying what's not contributing to the vibrant life we envision with our partners.

What Do You Need To Allow To Fall Away in Your Marriage?

Consider the routines or habits that might be hindering your relationship. Are there moments when you've slipped into autopilot—like spending solitary time during bedtime rather than connecting? Reflect on aspec...

Rediscovering You: The Power of Hobbies for Moms

Motherhood, while fulfilling, can sometimes feel like an all-consuming role that leaves us wondering about our own identities. As we dive deep into nurturing our kids and managing our households, it's easy to lose sight of who we are beyond being moms. That's why in this episode, we're delving into the transformative power of hobbies and how they can help us reclaim an essential part of our identities with Erin & Tam of The Art of Hobbyness Podcast.

Why Hobbies Matter

Let's face it, we often put ourselves on the back burner, thinking we'll have time for personal pursuits once the kids are older. But the truth is, our lives won't magically make room for "me-time" unless we consciously carve it out. Hobbies aren't just frivolous pastimes; they're vital to maintaining our mental health and personal identity. They provide an outlet for self-care, creative expression, and just plain fun—elements we deeply need to bring balance to t...

Mastering Communication: Turning Conflict into Connection in Marriage

In the complexities of marriage and motherhood, communication is often seen as the cornerstone of a successful relationship. But how do we truly cultivate effective communication, especially during conflict? Here’s an approach that transforms disagreements into opportunities for growth and deeper connection.

Understanding the Importance of Communication

Communication is at the heart of every relationship, from discussing day-to-day responsibilities to addressing more difficult issues. When we fail to communicate clearly, misunderstandings arise, leading to resentment and distance between partners. Without good communication, the cracks in a marriage can widen drastically. Conflict is a natural part of any relationship, but how we handle it makes all the difference.

A New Perspective on Conflict

Consider adopting a mindset of continuous improvement – a mentality where conflict isn't a failure but a chance...

Navigating Motherhood: Boosting Energy and Libido with Nutrition

Motherhood is an exhilarating yet demanding journey. From sleepless nights to endless responsibilities, it's no wonder many moms find themselves running on empty. Unfortunately, a common coping mechanism is hitting the caffeine hard, but as it turns out, there are healthier and more effective ways to recharge our energy and reignite our libidos. In this episode, I am joined by perinatal nutritionist, Brooke Harmer where she shares incredible tips on how to improve your energy, mood AND libido without relying on multiple cups of coffee to make it through the day!

Embrace a Balanced Plate

One of the first steps to feeling more energized is understanding how to build a properly balanced plate. A balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber is critical. This combination helps stabilize blood sugar and provides long-lasting energy, unlike a bowl of cereal that leaves you crashing later. A colorful diet rich in variou...

Marriage, like any aspect of life, isn't immune to change. Often, we find ourselves in situations we didn't plan for, and that leaves couples feeling stuck or frustrated. But here's the good news: change is not only possible, it's inevitable. Your relationship is already different from what it once was, and that means it can continue to evolve—in a direction that brings you closer to what you truly desire.

Acknowledge the Current Situation

Before we dive into solutions, it's crucial to recognize and accept where you currently stand. This acknowledgment is the first step towards transformation. If your marriage isn't heading in the direction you'd hoped, it's time to pause and reconsider what you really want. What does an ideal marriage look like to you? Identifying this vision sets the stage for creating actionable steps.

Setting Your Desired Course

Once you've envisioned the kind of relationship you want, you can work backwards to figure out the necessary changes. Ask your...

Rediscover the Joy of Intimacy: Transforming Your Marital Sex Life

In this episode, we're diving into a topic many find challenging yet significant—how to revitalize your sex life after entering marriage and motherhood. Our guest expert, Susan Bratton, breaks down some crucial insights that can help transform "I have to" into "I get to" when it comes to intimacy with your partner. Let's delve into how you can reignite that spark in your relationship!

Understanding Your Unique Sexual Needs

First things first, it's vital to recognize that feeling disconnected from your sex life doesn't mean something is wrong with you. Many women fall into the pattern of viewing sex as a chore rather than a source of pleasure. Factors such as hormonal changes, societal pressures, and lack of real sexual education contribute to this mindset. But here's the good news: understanding and embracing your unique sexual operating system can change everything.

It's Not About Meeting Obligations

Sometimes, th...

Embracing Hard Conversations for a Stronger Marriage

Navigating the complexities of marriage can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when confronting those hard, often uncomfortable conversations. It's so common to shy away from these tough talks, feeling a swirl of anxiety, fear, or even dread. You might find yourself thinking, "Why bother?" because the uncertainty of a positive outcome looms large. But here's the thing: conflict is inevitable in any close relationship. Whether it’s with your spouse, children, or even colleagues, disagreements are bound to surface because it's simply unrealistic to expect complete harmony at all times.

The key, though, is in how we handle these conflicts. Choosing to avoid them might seem tempting because it keeps us comfortable in the short term. However, this avoidance can lead to deeper issues, with growing resentment and prolonged discomfort. Instead, we can choose to confront these challenges head-on with the intent to improve and g...

Navigating Parenthood: Healing Generational Trauma and Bridging Cultural Gaps

Parenting is no easy feat, and when intertwined with the intricacies of cultural heritage and generational trauma, it becomes even more complex. In this episode I am joined by Peggy Chen, a licensed clinical social worker and certified perinatal mental health therapist. Together, we dive deep into the nuances of Asian American experiences in motherhood and marriage, highlighting how cultural backgrounds shape our parenting styles, marriages, and personal growth.

Understanding Cultural Influences and Generational Trauma

Being raised in Asian American households influenced our approach to emotions and mental health. Growing up, emotions were often not acknowledged, and cultural norms shaped how parents showed affection. This absence of emotional dialogue in their childhoods prompted both of us to strive for change in how we parent our children. Feelings of responsibility for our parents' emotions is ...

The Secret to a Stronger Marriage: Choose Connection Over Being Right

It's easy to fall into the trap of wanting to be right in our relationships, especially in marriage. After all, proving our point can feel so satisfying in the moment. But, as I've come to learn as a marriage coach, the real prize isn't in winning an argument – it's in nurturing a loving, connected relationship. In this quick read, let's explore how shifting from seeking victory to prioritizing partnership can transform your marriage.

You Can Be Right or You Can Have the Right Relationship

One of the biggest realizations I've had is this: in any conflict, you can either be right or have the right relationship. This doesn't mean you should become a doormat or always be wrong. It's about recognizing that in marriage, feeling connected and understood outweighs the temporary thrill of being right. It's the emotional intimacy that builds a strong couple, not the moments when one stands victorious while the othe...

Balancing Ambition and Family: How to Avoid Burnout as a High Achiever

In today’s fast-paced world, balancing career aspirations with family commitments is a challenge for many. In a conversation with Katy Murray, we delved into the struggles and strategies of navigating ambition alongside a fulfilling family life. Here’s a peek into some key insights that can help you thrive personally and professionally without sacrificing one for the other.

The Art of Slowing Down

For many high achievers, the notion of slowing down seems counterintuitive. However, embracing a more mindful pace is essential for sustaining energy and avoiding burnout. Rather than racing to tick off every item on a never-ending to-do list, take a moment to breathe, reflect, and prioritize. This intentional pause helps you align your actions with your core values and goals, fostering a fuller, richer life.

Scheduling Downtime

A chief takeaway from our discussion is the importance of scheduling downtime just...