Encouragement

“I look tired and feel fat.” “I have no energy and still have so much to do.” “Everyone else seems to have it all together and I struggle with even the basics of everyday life.” You don’t look the way you want to look, act the way you wish you’d act, and “mom” the way you wish you’d “mom." Sound familiar? Most of us have been in, or are currently in, this toxic relationship with … OURSELVES. It’s unhealthy and perpetuates habits of thoughts and actions that become engrained in who we are. We focus on what we do wrong, what our spouses and kids do wrong, what is not done to our standards and likings, and what falls short...

Podcasts to Get You Through the Infertility Struggle Infertility can be all-consuming for the person experiencing it. The ups and downs can be isolating. Friends and family, if you've even shared with them, just don't understand. This is when an online community or source of information can be helpful; however, getting, real, factual information online can be hit or miss. Podcasts are a great way to get factual, helpful, and sometimes, funny information related to infertility. The great thing about a podcast is that you can listen anywhere and no one has to know what you're listening to. These podcasts are either about, or that touch on, infertility in different ways. Podcasts usually have something for everyone. When dealing with...

I am a mother of three boys under the age of six. My 4-year-old twins were born early at 30.1 weeks and had to be in the NICU for over three months with one twin coming home before the other. During my labor which could not be stopped, I asked myself "what if...?" Could I have changed anything in my diet, the way I worked out during pregnancy, or how much I worked (stress levels)? This is one of the many scenarios I have grappled with since becoming a mom, thinking "what if?" My oldest son was recently diagnosed with ADHD. Being his first year in "big boy school," this mom has cried lots of happy and sad tears. From...

Curious how to freshen up your skin routine? We suggest you try slugging. Looking for a faster way to fix your hair? Try the lazy mom’s guide to hair. Wondering if there’s a better way to cook bacon? Try this mom hack for cooking the best bacon ever and thank us later. What’s motherhood without perfecting your bacon, are we right? Maybe you want to create your own workout space at home. We even have you covered there! Now what really came first. What Really Came First? You know that saying, "what came first, the chicken or the egg?" I don't think anyone has ever figured it out. While packaging Easter gifts for my kids last month (yep I'm that mom) I...

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. It’s a time of year when I like to reflect on how I can serve others best. As a mother, I try to do it all. Feelings of insecurity can start to creep in - especially when I feel that I don’t measure up to the task. I use this time to focus instead on my strengths and how they can best be used. For me, I believe that God has given me gifts of encouragement and kindness. The gift of encouragement focuses on practical applications. One can relate to others, in groups and individually, with understanding, sympathy, and positive guidance. A person who encourages can help another person move from pessimism to optimism....