The Unhurried Life

Whether overwhelm is easy or difficult for you to admit to, the chances that you've experienced or are currently experiencing overwhelm is extremely high. Especially in motherhood.

I hear from women all the time that they're dealing with so many different levels of overwhelm. I wanted to share with you my personal walk through overwhelm. How it tends to sneak in no matter how much mindfulness, screen-free living, or crock pot dinners I have going on.

There is not one person that is safe from the feeling of overwhelm. It happens to us all. It happens to the best of us. It doesn't mean you're any worse than the next person. And it doesn't mean that you're a failure.

Overwhelm happens when you're over consumed. So how do you backtrack, how do you get out of the consumption when you’re committed or in too deep!?

Listen in to learn how I personally handle my feelings of overwhelm! 

It's possible that to live intentionally you have to first identify that you might be floating. For some reason it seems a little bit easier to live in a state of denial or misdiagnosis than to actually see where we might be sick.

Once you become diagnosed you can now start living in a different way. You can start living proactively. When it comes to living intentionally why do we have to wait to be diagnosed?

Aside from the busyness of life, aside from the distractions of always going from one thing to the other, can you take this moment and identify if you're living according to your values and beliefs or are you living situationally amidst your circumstances?

Tune in to find out how I implement living intentionally in my own life. 

If you know anything about me, then you know photo organization is my passion! I know some people might have a passion like giving extra shoes to kids in Africa or working with an orphanage in Nicaragua. Although I love those things too they aren't my purpose in life.

My purpose in life is to help women, just like you, learn to live in the present. Part of learning to live in the present is learning to enjoy moments from the past. I know that sounds strange so let me explain a little bit more!

Are you like my old college friend? She had reached a breaking point. With two small kids at home, working full-time, and all the other things that come with motherhood she had been pushed to the point where there's no more messing around.

Maybe you've reached the point where you're just fed up with it, you're done. You just need the fastest and easiest way to accomplish the task. So here you are. Let's solve it. Are you embarrassed or overwhelmed at the shocking amount of photos that are living on your phone. Are you frustrated with yourself because you still haven't made your four-year-olds baby album? Just because they are the middle child doesn't mean their childhood needs to go forgotten! Spoken from a true middle child over here!

So you clicked over to listen to this podcast and you got a little fire in you. You're ready to finally do it. So let's do it. Let's get all of those photos on your phone organized and in the right spot. because that's one thing you really want to get checked off this year. You're tired of writing it and thinking it again and again and again 2020, 2021 and now 2022! Enough already.

Let me walk you through some of my best tips and tricks for photo organization!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/theunhurriedlifeWell happy new year and welcome to new, fresh motivation! I’m so glad you’re here because this is a great way to start off.

Simplifying your life is an amazing way to start out this new year.

It’s no secret right now that simplification is a buzz word. You want less, you feel overwhelmed and overcommitted.

You look at your life and see busy and you don’t want to be there. Minimalism is a dream of yours. So your mind goes, how can I make this easier, how can I simplify alllll the things so I have a chance to breathe.

As I began this episode I did a simple google search. What I found made me laugh a little. 72 tips to simplify, or 25 hacks to simplify your life. How about 1 tip or 1 idea. How about the whole less is more approach?

Although a lot of those articles I clicked through had good ideas on how to simplify life and why simplifying your life was important I found myself getting a tad overwhelmed with all the things I would have to do to be able to do less.

It confirmed my hunch that we all need a little simplification from trying to simplify. So as the year kicks off I hope you read this and start to get the idea that you don’t actually need more ideas, more prompts, more motivation. I believe you are already motivated and you already have the ideas, it’s just getting the guts to actually see your life become something different than it is now.

Let me explain what I mean. Tune into this episode here to simplify your life (without 25 tips)!

Now that our family looks a little bit different our family Christmas traditions have moved around as well!  I want to first start by taking the pressure off.

We’ve tried some traditions one year and then totally dropped them the next.  Our kids are still young so they don’t really remember but if your kids are older allow them the chance to speak up for traditions.

Since December is already in full swing at this point you may be feeling the rush and pull of the holidays.  Bless you.  Holidays can be such a double edged sword.

Family Christmas traditions are made to be fun but can wind up bringing in more stress.  So let’s look at how you can be more present (pun?) less distracted and create traditions that focus on connection rather than tradition for traditions sake.

Tune in this month to get some great new traditions to think about as well as hear about our meaningful family traditions that keep us connected and grounded!

Those sleepy days of a newborn being in the house are upon us!

I thought nothing could top the birth story of our third! It was pretty amazing! But each child holds their own birth story and every woman has such a fun unique experience with birth. I just love hearing all the positive birth stories out there!

Life with children is so different for each one of us. We’re all on such a unique journey.

What’s so great about our generation is that we share. We share so much about our own experiences as well as encouragement for others in theirs. Some may even say we’re over ‘sharers’ but that’s another episode for another time!

I’ve loved posting on Instagram, Facebook, and the podcast, sharing our birth stories and adventures with you.I thought it would be fun to do a little real life Q&A as well as share the birth story of our 4th sweet baby.

Come join me as I share everything about he 4th Brazeal (including his name reveal) and answer some of your own questions on bringing a 4th home and the changes we’re seeing (and feeling).

With fall and the holidays peeking around the corner, what better time to talk about the best (and most helpful) iPhone photography tips!?

If photography is something that’s always interested you then I’m sure the thought of getting a few extra tips to take your photography game up a level, and especially photography with an iPhone, has got your creative brain lit up. You are definitely in the right place!

As you may, or may not know, I was a professional photographer for over 10 years. A wedding photographer. Which means I mastered lighting, angles and flattering strapless dress photos plus got really good at keeping thousands and thousands of photos organized for my clients!

Enter my children! My DSLR was a little heartbroken as my iPhone started to get way more love when it came to snapping memories of my kids!

I began the process of figuring out how I could get the very best photos on my iPhone, since it was way easier to edit and store those then it was to try and upload from a memory card, convert files, edit, and backup photos for my big girl camera!

This month on the podcast I’m giving you my best “iphone-ography” tips and even going a little beyond! Tune in to this jam packed (but only 15 min) episode to prepare for the holidays coming up!

Seasons of life can look like the typical 4 earthly seasons. winter, spring, summer, and fall. But seasons can also come in day and night.

Seasons of life can also be similar to stages. A season with kids in diapers and a season when kids start school or move away to school.

Embracing seasons of life is going to be how you see change and that’s exactly what season represents.

“Life gets better, not by chance, but by change” John Rohn

Have you found yourself fighting to hold onto a past season or, if you’re in the newborn or diapers season, longing for the end of a season?

I feel like my season of life with little babies is never ending, with our fourth baby on the way any day now. It can be easy to let myself slip into a place of complacency or even complaint for the current season of life I’m in. But just like the 4 changing seasons of our earth, our life stages continue to evolve if we notice it or not.

Any more seasoned mom will tell you to hold onto the little years because they go so quickly. So why does it feel like they drag by slower than a herd of snails traveling through peanut butter?

Have you ever felt like screens were creeping in and taking over? Need a little “bring it back home” talk when it comes to screen monitoring your kids and … yourself! Don’t worry, this is super duper common. Screens are not always the enemy but letting screens takeover can make life seem, chaotic!

When it comes to screens and technology you have to remember who is truly in control and the whole mindset of authority over the use of screens is a good place to start!

50 years ago screen monitoring was not a thing cause, well they didn’t really have screens in the home. But somehow everyone survived and if you think back to that life you can picture things being a little slower and more simple. Is that a coincidence or could there be a connection to less screens causing a simpler lifestyle?

A few years back, almost 5 years actually we went screen free and I’m about to share part of my story through some fun Q&A that I’ve gotten over the years from you. Some common screen monitoring, screen detox, and screen free questions that I'm totally open about.

I'm so excited to be back to the podcast after 3 long months. I’ve missed you but at the same time I feel so refreshed. I left off talking about burnout and how my 3 month break was to practice what I preach when living unhurried…..

It's only April so why do you already feel like the year has come and gone? Why is everyday running together into one big lump and why oh why does it feel like you just can't catch a break?

Figuring out how to avoid mom burnout is on your to do list and it's been there for a while.

Kids fighting with each other, daycare calls that someone threw up, someone wet the bed, another one just needs to be held all day long, little hands tap your arm at 2 AM, it's Monday already, where did the week actually end go?

It's just part of life to be totally exhausted and in a haze, right?

I'll be the first to tell you that this stage of life, this season is not the easiest one you'll be in.

Telling you it's the hardest confirms your suspicion but doesn't really make anything better. So, let's slow down for a sec and have a real talk about where you are and where you want to be.

As we talk about mom burnout I want to encourage you to listen in all the way through the Unhurried Life Podcast. I have some big and exciting news coming at the end of this episode and a new plan moving forward that I think you'll love to hear about since it reflects how to truly change!

We all do it and we all do it every single day. In fact you're probably eating on average of 3-5 meals a day, that's almost 1500 meals a year. Gosh, no wonder you get stumped, bewildered, and run out of ideas for meal prep.

Well my hope for you in the post is that I teach a (wo)man to fish instead of just feeding you for a day.

So, you won't find 50 of my best meal prep recipes here but you will find my formula for never running out of ideas and for having go to plans in the back of my brain - aka no brainers.

First, I want to let you know that the less you have to think about meal planning and prepping the easier it will be. Meaning if some of this can become automatic and habitual you'll cut out loads of stress. Don't worry because I'm going to show you how to do that.

Last week and this week plus the next few weeks I'm sharing some of the things I've been struggling with over the last year or so.

My hope is that I can impart some of my "learnedness" on you and together we can figure this (mom)life thing out. So let's dive into some meal prep ideas that can get you cookin'!

If you're anything like me, at some point in your life you've let quiet time with God go by the wayside. Maybe your mornings turned into 5 extra minutes snuggled in bed. Or maybe your mornings turned into your toddler waking up 15 minutes earlier everyday and dealing with that mess.

When your quiet time drifts away you probably start to feel ... guilt.

It's hard to figure out how to get started again or even what that would look like. Then let's remember those college years. Those mornings that were filled with steaming hot cups of coffee and curling up on the couch listening to praise music. Oh the peace. Oh the time.

Somehow you keep comparing your now quiet time to your absolute best months and years of quiet time and you're not measuring up.

So your quiet time starts to look like, "next week" or "when I find the right devotional". You allow stress and hurry to take over your life, you allow the noise to keep you at bay from time where you can truly fill up.

Well, don't sweat it and for sure don't let that guilt settle in. We're going to take a look at some practical and beautiful ways to let quiet time seep back into your life and fill you up.

This week and for the next 3 weeks we're going to be looking at 4 of the areas I struggle in and have found myself really working on over the past few years. I wanted to share what I've learned in hopes to bring you along with me on the journey.

Each thing I'll talk about has brought me closer to learning about an Unhurried Life. They have also been things I have to continually remind myself, I'm a work in progress!

We all know fear is at the root of most of our inaction. Fear of the unknown and fear of failure. Two major paralyzers.

As moms, as "grown ups" we know we should be able to get past fear ... but why don't we?

You actually already know that it takes more energy to be in fear than to be free from it. But what about that next step. The step that leaves fear behind?

We first have to illuminate our fear and that's exactly what we're going to learn about in this weeks episode of the Unhurried life.

My guest this week, Erick James, broke through a wall.

"Move past fear"

We've all heard it, but she delivers the steps and process to do just that. Taking action, embracing a season of execution rather than passivity! Oooooo girl, this is so good!

Come join us this week, you'll walk away changed, no doubt!

Marriage. This word can come with so many different meanings and implications. What does a healthy marriage mean for you?

What does it mean for your kids and what will it mean for the generations coming along next? It's no secret that marriage, like any relationship, takes work.

That word "work" is not a fun one.

When you look up work you'll find things like, labor, drudgery, task, effort, duty, and a long line of "not so romantic" synonyms.

So how do you get motivated to put in the time for a healthy marriage?

Instead of trying to find or make your spouse into the perfect mate...try being the perfect mate first.

Jen Weaver and I sit down this week on and really sift through marriage. She brings to light some things I really needed to hear to get back on track. (Isn't it easy to get perspectives out of whack?)

Join us here as we talk real life and real relationships. What does it take to have a healthy marriage? Find out!

Have you ever gotten stuck in your dreams. Maybe you're there now. You know there is a difference in dreamers and doers but how do you bridge the gap? How do you start taking action?

In this weeks episode we're going to go over the 3 ways that can get you into action taking mode as well as give you 6 tips to take action immediately.

The biggest piece of advice on taking action is that it's easier to encourage others to take action vs doing yourself. So grab a friend to share with.

So, here is your chance. Get a fire lit under you and tune in to discover how you can start taking action instead of just wishing you could.

Have you been collecting ideas instead of doing something with them? Don't get discouraged, in-fact, be encouraged. Taking action is way simpler than you may be thinking.

This is the last episode in the 6 week series of Becoming Bold! But it's not too late to tune in, print your worksheets and grab a friend. In fact, the time to take action is... now!

When you look back at your life and search for the moments that define you and helped make you into who you are today...I bet you see the hard parts. Think back to the important parts that shaped you, they probably aren't the easy, simple decisions.

Try looking at challenges from a different perspective, instead of struggle, see successes.  These hurdles are what we need to forge on, create deeper character, and connect us through experiences.

Now I know, it's not easy to think this way when you're right in the middle of a tough spot.  However, training your mind to push through and overcome can be done.

And remember that when you're in the midst of adversity and hurdles this is a spot to grow. When you are weak allow the Lord to come in and be your true change.

The pressure that rests on the question: "How to find your purpose?" is enormous. For some reason you feel that when you fill in that blank it's there forever.

You only get one shot to get it right and to live it out. But what if finding your purpose evolved? What if your purpose was ever changing?

Let me pose a new question!

When you consider your "life purpose" you're really just asking, "what is an important and intentional way to use my time"?

When you think of it that way you take some pressure off and you look at it in a new light.

As we dive into purpose this week, we uncover some uncommon perspectives that I believe hold a lot of weight when it comes to finding your purpose.

This week we continue the Becoming Bold Series with my good friend Wynne Elder. She's opened up and shared her story with us on the first episode of the series, make sure to go listen to episodes 64 and 65 if you haven't yet!

Right now we're going to dive into sharing your story and how this builds connection and confidence. When you open up to share, you're putting yourself in a true place of vulnerability and that takes courage. If you're feeling like you could use a little nudge in the courage department don't worry, courage can be taught. That's what this Becoming Bold Series is all about!

I once read that loneliness can have the same health effects on your body as 15 cigarettes a day!  I also saw that it increases your likelihood of dementia by 50%...or was it 45% ... I can't remember (just kidding!).  And just so you know I'm serious, loneliness and social isolation are responsible for the climbing numbers of those affected by anxiety, depression and suicide. So, listen up, when it's time to build a community...we need to get serious.

When it comes to social isolation the stats are off the charts. Not only are we smack in the middle of a global pandemic, it's also being paired with an epidemic. What some are calling the "Loneliness Epidemic".  Experts (and moms) are already aware that this generation is going to go through some serious issues when it comes to community and socialization.

I have something to tell you, you are not immune from either the pandemic OR the epidemic. They are both going to affect you.  It's time to be proactive and start putting up protection where and how you can. And that starts with building community.  That's what this weeks episode is all about. This week, my good (#IRL) friend, Wynne Elder, and I sit down to go through a series of issues and shine truth and solution on what we're going through.

The 6 week series is called Becoming Bold and our dream is for you to go through this with a friend. We're giving you the tools to make the change, to take control of your life and start living in a way that honors yourself and your family.  All you have to do is tune in, print the weekly workbooks and find a friend, sister, old high school buddy, whoever, to go through it with.

Let's talk about how to be bold! Or as I like to think of it, becoming bold. Taking a stand for what you believe. Starting a business or living out a dream. Making a life shift or major decision. There are so many reasons why boldness is a characteristic we need to spend some time on.

This weeks podcast guest is my dear friend Wynne Elder! When I first met Wynne, I knew there was something about her that was different. I couldn't quite put my finger on it until I got to know her a little better. She's incredibly bold. A trait I admire and aspire to adapt. When we talked about doing this podcast series on Becoming Bold I knew I was about to learn more than I was bargaining for.

This week we officially kick off the Becoming Bold series on The Unhurried Life Podcast. My true hope is that this is not just something you listen to or read, but that it's something you put into action, something that makes a lasting impact and reshapes your life. This is big stuff.

Our hope is that you grab a friend and go through this series together. We talk a lot about going first. Being the friend you want to have. So here is your chance. Send this episode or this blog post to a friend and ask her to come along with you and work on this life thing together.

One of the many hats you wear as a mom is memory keeper. No pressure, but those little snaps on your phone are what preserves your kids childhood. Ever felt stressed when it comes to, 'what to do with all those digital photos you're pilling high?'  Perfect!  You're in the right spot.  I'm going to walk you through my best tips for making a family photo album.

Imagine this if you will. You take an adorable photo of your toddler with birthday cake all over their face. The photo is safely sitting inside your phone. Later that night you thumb through the days activities and can't believe he's another year older!  Ugh the time!

You set your phone down and flip on Netflix cause, well it's been a day!  Go to bed, and morning comes too fast.  The next day happens and then the next and that little photo with the birthday cake gets piled on.  The memories of each day after.  Then 15 years down the road you have a teenager.  He's driving!!  If only you could go back.  If the two of you could sit on the couch one evening and flip through that birthday and the cake and the little hands and bath time and reading on that very same couch The Little Blue Truck for the 900th time!

But you can't. Cause those photos, those memories from today are buried under thousands of other memories.

If this is giving you a little bit of low level anxiety and the fire in your belly to get something done today then great!  That's what we're going to do. I want to go deep with you into this issue because it's more important than we may think.

This week, I take you through the best tips for making a family photo album. Tips I've learned and figured out from the past 7 years of doing this process. A family photo album has become one of the best gifts I give myself and those that share the same 4 walls with me!

Have you ever noticed that you can have the exact same situation as someone else and have a totally different experience?

They have 2 kids and a 2,200 square foot home, a husband and a dog just like you, yet your lives are totally different. How you handle stress and your situation is no where near the same.

On the other hand, you can have totally different experiences and still feel the same! That's what truly brings us together as women, sisters, wives and moms. We can read these questions (no matter where we are in life) and start nodding our head ...

Why is motherhood so stressful?
How can I overcome mom stress?
Why does it feel like I'm just not doing enough?
When will I ever have 5 min alone (without paying for a sitter)?
Will I ever get ahead?

These questions are all too familiar and ring over and over inside your head for a reason. Your time and perspective are out of whack. A reset and a plan are needed. Join me this week as I chat with my special secret guest about one of the MAJOR mom stress causes and we come up with a plan to get it taken care of.

My secret guest is someone that is just like you, you'll find yourself nodding your head at every question I ask and shouting AMEN at every answer she gives!

Being able to relate and feel heard is priceless! This week you'll hear one of your fellow mamas shine light on a common mom stressor.

With arms wide open, we welcome 2021.

Now is the BEST time to crank out some new year goals! I want to show you the best (and easiest) goal setting worksheet you’ll find. If you don't have this you're not setting your goals correctly ... yup, I said that!

This is exactly the time of year we all barely keep our heads above water.

Christmas is upon us and there is a lot happening. I recently talked to a good girlfriend that felt like she was "fighting" to keep time intentional with her family this season. Fighting!

Can you relate?

When it comes to survival mode we have a God given "fight or flight" instinct that takes over. This is something that happens without us really giving consent. I'm so thrilled to have my friend Jaclyn Weidner come talk to us this week about getting out of survival mode. 

This season can be silent, calm, holy, and meaningful. This Christmas can be jammies all day long and lots of smiles, laughs, and joy. Be on guard for the thief of joy and listen in to ensure you're actually able to enjoy instead of fighting this Christmas!

Tired of living your days in a blur? Do you ever sit down on the couch after the kids are in bed and wonder what on earth you did with the last 12 hours?  Those thoughts do NOT bring warm fuzzies of living life to the fullest or leaving a legacy of love and intention. So how do you insure you're living in the moment and being fully present for those you love most?

It's no secret that we're being pulled in a million different directions every day. As a mom you have the syndrome. The "do it all-itus".  It makes you tired and gets you going all. the. time only to feel like you got nothing of worth accomplished at the days end.

Did you know that Americans spend roughly $730.2 Billion (yes that was Billion with a B) on Christmas, and the average family spends over $1,000 extra on gift giving. I don't know about you but Corona has done a number on our finances already this year (amen, anyone?)

It's easy to think about the now, the joy, the giving, the decor, the ornaments, Christmas cards, treats, and spirit. But what about January? How will you feel when the credit card bill comes or you find that gift broken and stashed under a bed in a few weeks?

Not trying to be a Debbie Downer over here but sometimes it helps to be reminded of these things when we're caught up in the moment. So, how can this email help you create your Christmas budget (with some creativity) so that in a few weeks you're not feeling all the guilt of going a smidge overboard?

I'm so glad you asked!

It's December!

Despite the whole COVID thing, we've still managed to get ourselves in over our heads this holiday season.

It's time for a little grounding. Let's go back to a simpler time. A time where we feel the weight of expectations lifted!

This weeks podcast with Kelly Anthony I thought we were going to talk about holiday hacks, I thought we were going to talk about clever ways to host and easy food, I thought we were going to talk about a lot of things… But what we wound up talking about was far better than what I could’ve ever thought!

This episode is full of nudges. It's packed with ideas and inspiration to make your Christmas more meaningful, more simple and help cut out the extra.  This episode is going to open your eyes to a slow Christmas that doesn't just fly by or leave you more stressed.  And at this point in your life, I think it's safe to say you've had your fair share of stressful holidays!

Now, let’s dive into what makes a truly simple Christmas!

Thanksgiving is a couple days away and this is not the podcast episode you were expecting. But let me tell you why it's better.

You were expecting some sort of "let's all be thankful for what we have" type of podcast episode or blog post. And, yes, that's a good thing to think about but I'm going to go off the idea that you are thankful. And I don't need to remind you to be thankful.

So, I'm going to remind you to be intentional. Use these moments around the table to be still. To remember. To be present.

This week I want to talk to you about how to keep these moments, these holidays, preserved.

I know you're tempted to grab your phone and get a sweet picture of all the cousins or the fun tablescape. I know you want to document alllll the things cause 2020 has been rough and we want to remember the joy filled moments. The moments we actually get to be around other humans!

But those sweet memories you're capturing in your little hand held camera that fits nicely in your back pocket, what will happen to them tomorrow? Where will those memories wind up years from now?

I know you have the fire, you know the importance and you're ready to take action! LOVE THIS!

Cheers to thankfulness and mindfulness!

My dear friend Jen DeBrot has an incredible story. Her interview on The Unhurried Life Podcast this week is such an eye opener. Jen redefines what it means to follow your dreams. She went through a season where all her dreams were broken. She had to start over at ground zero and that's a scary place to start over from.

So often you may feel the desire to jump at what you just saw on Pinterest or Instagram. You may try to adopt someone else's dreams as your own, but take the time to come back to you!

Jen DeBrot was careful not to repeat some of the past mistakes she had made when it came to dreaming.  Like limiting what God was telling her. Putting a cap on God and saying, "that's just too big, I could never..."

She learned to give herself space and create her dream. Get ready to listen to this episode, grab a snack, coffee, or a hamper of laundry to fold because it's a good one that you're not going to want to miss! 

Have you ever found yourself admiring others? Whether on Instagram, social, or just in real life. You look at what others are doing and say, oh that's cool, maybe I should do it too.

It's not difficult to get distracted from our own purpose by clinging onto others purposes. That's what happens when we're unsure.

So how do you get sure of your purpose?

Finding your big purpose can become easier if you clarify your current purpose in this season or stage. More like short term purpose or direction.

"Create intention in the small things, your day to day"

Tune in to get a step by step plan on finding your purpose! If you feel like you've already got your purpose figured out, this episode also helps you fine tune!

Getting clear direction takes intention. Knowing where you want to go and why. Mostly the why part!

We all hear, "learn to say no". When we get overwhelmed and feel like our life is too busy or getting filled up, there are books on how to say no.

But what if we recognized the seasons we were in and learned how to say yes at the RIGHT time and to the RIGHT things?

Life can sometimes (maybe all times) feel like a sprint but we really were not made for an 89 year sprint....more like a marathon, right? I mean carpool, lunches, meals, laundry they make us go go go! And feeling like we need to just say no so we can cut some stuff out is the only way we can manage.

But what if we learned to say yes in order to slow down. Or at least recognize that saying yes to only the things we NEED to say yes too can create a cycle of ebb and flow. Seasons of going and seasons of unhurried.

This week Andrea and I talked about just that. Figuring out ebb and flow of life's seasons. Learning to say yes to the right things so we can create balance.

To say this was planned would be a lie. Doesn't it always happen like that?

We were seriously looking to move houses in March, then, well you know...COVID. So we slowed down (kinda, I was pretty Zillow obsessed but who isn't these days?)

We thought we knew what we were looking for, then, one day our realtor sent us a house.

Long story short, we bought it and I'm going from neighborhood, cookie cutter home to country life on land (lots of land).

Since this was a lot to process I decided to tell you all about it today! Not only do I tell you the full story but I go into what to do when you are faced with a transition that you sorta do and sorta don't want.

Learning how to walk away from something that is not broken at all is hard, here are the lessons I've learned so far plus a little encouragement on neighboring well!

Can't wait for you to go on this moving journey with us!

It's no secret. Us ladies have a lot going on in our brains and lives. From kids, to food, to cleaning, to time management! I mean I could make a list for you:

• Pick up
• Drop off
• Dinner
• Groceries
• Laundry
• emails
• business
• and on and on...

This week on the podcast Somer Phoebus DELIVERED!

My favorite quote and moment was when she explained how we try to balance it all when really, in fact, we're not in a balancing act, we're jugglers!

AMEN!

When one thing goes up, something else comes down and that's OK. We need to allow ourselves the ability to hand off, switch and move with freedom and less guilt.

So how do we start to simplify aaaalllll the things happening on the outside and all the things happening on the inside?

Well, that's exactly where we're going, come listen in and get some amazing simplification and productivity tools to lighten your load my friend!

Before you read on I need to tell you, this has to do with you more than with me. So stay with me while I unleash what seems like a pat on my own back...

This week is the 50th episode of my podcast! Hooray! I've spoken with amazing women about deep, true, genuine and real life. Tears have been spilled, laughs have echoed in my mic and I've been watching the number of subscribers grow steadily.

That last part may seem out of place, watching my numbers grow...why should I let you in on my stats? Well ... because that's YOU.

You are who I'm talking to, YOU are who I do this for.

Would I pour in hours of research, writing, talking and marketing just so I can see a few digits on my screen climb? Would I sit here now, writing to you when I could be reading a good book or baking up some cookies if this was all about me?

Nope.

This is about you. You are part of my purpose. Let me say that again incase you just skimmed over...

YOU ARE A PART OF MY PURPOSE!

The reason I do this, show up every week and sit down to work is because I believe in my purpose and that purpose is this:

Helping give women the tools to live a life of their own, simplified and full.

So often we do what we do because we've seen someone else do it, or we have some notion that we're "supposed to do it." We splash around in the giant deep ocean bobbing up for air. Sometimes we need a friend to remind us...stroke, stroke, stroke, breath - this is how you swim.

And when you're starting to get the hang of it keep your head down cause when you come up for air and you try to see who's next to you or how much farther you have to go you can get off track and start to flail around again.

This happens to all of us (myself included).

I'd love to invite you to listen in to the podcast and since you're reading this now I ALSO want to give you the chance to grab a little gift!

Talk about walking the walk and talking the talk. I'll be the first to admit, I can dish it out but I can't always take it.

I have "great input" but am I always following my own advice?

This week as I chatted with Tracy I felt a twinge of conviction. I felt it about 93 times! She sure knows how to cut right to the center of it all as we talk about believing false labels, finding our purpose, seeking advice and truth and SO much more!

Surrendering expectations is not something that comes easily. It's something we have to do again and again (especially as a mama). Giving up on mastering the here and now and remembering the long term, the eternal perspective is where the victory is.

Remember friend, life is not a sprint. It's more of a marathon and the only way to get through our own race is to keep our eyes in our own lane. This concept makes it so easy to say no to overwhelm and fill your life with what is truly important (like for real, important to the big picture).

When you're making a shift or a change you have to pace yourself. Others you see around you are in different places, they've been running longer, shorter, and actually a completely different course!

If you're in a season of transition or feel like you're stuck, either way this episode has words for you.

How often do we just try to blend in?

We're not big on standing out or admitting we have strengths.

Why?

Something in our culture tells us to just go with the flow, don't bring attention to yourself... ever!

But you know what. You ARE special and there are times when it's OK to stand out and be comfortable embracing your abilities.

This week over on the podcast we get into creating an atmosphere where you can feel comfy sharing, you can feel safe inviting others in and finding a place where you can have undivided attention and be the best version of yourself.

How do we get to this place of feeling rooted in who we are? Well come listen in and we'll talk about it!

Money, moolah, cash.

This is a subject we don't always feel comfortable touching base on yet it's so important, it kinda makes the world go round (so they say).

This week’s podcast from Jamie breaks down finances in a whole new way. This lady is the guru of business finances but also personal.

Some questions she answers this week:

• Can you give some tips to budgeting, setting up good systems and long-term finances that us women can implement on the fly?
• How can we make personal (or business) finances less stressful?
• What's the first thing you would tell someone who is not organized with finances to do to GET organized?

I loved every minute of this genuine convo. If there are some loose ends in your finance plan or if your everyday budget needs some tweaking, this episode is for you!

The first time I met Kate I got to hear an in-depth life testimony that moved me to tears as well as laughs of joy. I mean, she is being used in big ways!

If you're thinking her last name looks a tad familiar you've probably heard it on Christian radio. Francesca is her daughter and wait until you hear about the advice Kate gives on raising such an amazing, God fearing woman!

From unexpected book deals to a life that was quite opposite of how she would have planned it out. Tune in to hear how Kate's life was used so differently than she could have ever thought up for herself!

I honestly feel like this may have been a personal chat with an old friend. Kate has wisdom to share and it comes out in our talk today.

I don't really feel like I need to lead up any more with this woman I just want you to get to know her for yourself!

Ever tried, paleo, Whole 30, keto? What about 30 days of yoga or New Year's resolution to get to the gym more?

Raising my hand over here.

But then somehow it doesn't stick or I get distracted. Why is that?

This week on The Unhurried Life with Gretchen Gegg we talk about finding fitness that's right for your lifestyle so it BECOMES part of your lifestyle!

Her approach is unique and I had never really thought about it in this way.

"How to find the right fitness fit, find the one that's serving you for you."

Ready to tune in and find fitness that fits!? Let's go!

Have you ever walked through a hard time in life, I mean like harder than usual?

A time of life that you look back on (or you're maybe in now) and think, "how did I even do that?"

Meg did. Meg Stratton was struggling with postpartum depression when she made a decision to not let any other mama go through what she was going through alone!

That's a big decision! She's so bold and she's definitely making an impact when it comes to mom-ing and business and knowing how to stay grounded.

Join us on The Unhurried Life podcast this week as we talk about finding growth through the hard times and coming out on the other side prepared to be the woman you were created to be!

These times are truly lived "in the trenches" and we're all just trying to figure it out.

Have you ever found yourself throwing up your hands as a parent and just feeling like you need to give in. Are we doing aaaaannnny of this right, are our kids going to make it, will they be helpful citizens of society?

I know there have been times I flop down on the couch at bed time and wonder, where did the day go, what did I truly accomplish?

But then I talk to people like Amy Carney. She gives me a tiny light at the end of this parenting tunnel. She's been there, she's made it out and she's one of the most kindest women to guide you through.

I'm thrilled to get to share her and her approach to purposeful parenting! I know I needed a pep talk!

Trying to decide what's for dinner? What should I get at the store this week? I need some inspiration!

Well let me give you an inside look into my every week grocery order and why. These 5 things keep me sane (and keep my brain from getting totally fried).

This week on the podcast I let you see why I always (and yes I mean always) get 5 specific items at the grocery store. I also tell you WHY I get them and how they help cut down on the meal planning I do weekly and help me stay healthy!

This is a easy listen, it's not too long but it packs a punch! Ready to tune in!?

I'd love to hear what you think of the episode. Leave a review and let me know if you want more "inside looks" into living healthy and simplified. Is this an episode you want more of? More recipes, healthy, tasty, simple? Let me know! Leave a comment where you listen (Apple, Spotify, Stitcher) and let me know what you think!

I've been there, I've compared others bests with my worsts. Have you?

If you're human I bet the answer is yes.

Well, I'm going to give my best efforts to build you up and shed some light, bust the myth that we mamas can "do it all".

It starts with something so simple that we get completely hung up on. Asking for help.

Now let me clarify, just because we CAN do something does not mean we need to. Yes, after I gave birth to our 3rd child I COULD go to the grocery story and get gas and make my kids lunches 3 days after I left the hospital but that does not mean I SHOULD!

This topic is hot. It's hard to talk about and not sound "judgy" but let me tell you, as a family that is doing this already, this process is a ... well a process!

Screens.

Yup, they tend to sneak in and take over and there is no easy way to say it, screens mess with you.

They mess with your confidence, hello Instagram comparison game.
They mess with your kids emotions, "just 2 more minutes" .... followed by a melt down.
They mess with your marriage, oops we zoned on our phones till 10:30 PM then just went to bed (or Netflix binged...again).

We're all guilty to some level which is why I'm so glad to have Molly on the podcast this week.

You may or may not know but my own family is screen free and have been for 3 years now, wow! Can't believe it's been that long. Molly brings a fresh perspective into living a life with less screens and how to get there.

We're calling it a Screen Detox. You'll want to hear this cause....if Molly, mom of FIVE can do it, then there is hope for you, too!

But remember - We're all in different places when it comes to the amount of screen time we let into our lives so - Judgement free zone here!

Tune in, can't wait to hear what you think!

Today your host, Jen, walks you through a conversation with her longtime friend Kara Wilson Garcia, Founder of Project RED, a community that is bridging gaps for children and bringing hope to families in El Salvador through reintegration, education, and development .

In this episode you're going to hear about a tiny slice of Kara's life and how, even though she's gone through a larger season of busy and burn out, she’s learning to use her purpose to live with more rest.

Being brave when it comes to your goals sometimes means starting when you aren't quite ready. This week, listen in as Jen talks with Carrie Grace, motivational speaker and dream catcher, about how she doesn't wait for things to line up before going for it. The result is a rather interesting life full of incredible experiences.

This episode is for you if you've ever dreamed of starting a business or have a talent (we all have these) that you'd love to start sharing with others. It can seem way too mythical to think you could one day make six figures or MORE doing what you love, but Jen did it and so can you!

With a degree in elementary education and ZERO experience, you'll hear how Jen took her small side hustle of taking pictures to a thriving, six-figure photography business. You don't want to miss this! Tune in!