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...

How Slowing Down Can Transform Conflict in Your Marriage

Conflict in marriage is inevitable. It’s a natural part of being in a close, committed relationship. But arguments? Those are optional. If you’re in a marriage that feels like a never-ending cycle of arguments, you’re not alone—and this episode is for you. We’re going to explore how slowing down during conflict can lead to better communication, deeper understanding, and a stronger relationship.

Conflict Is Normal, But Arguments Don’t Have to Be

Conflict often arises because two people have different perspectives, needs, or experiences. That’s normal. The real issue isn’t the conflict itself; it’s how we navigate it. Unfortunately, many of us weren’t taught how to communicate effectively during moments of tension. Instead, we may rely on unhealthy habits we picked up from childhood or past relationships.

The good news? You can break the cycle. You can...

Empowering Our Daughters: A Journey into Womanhood

---

As a parent, there are countless dreams and aspirations we hold for our children, particularly our daughters. We want them to grow into empowered, confident women who can navigate the complexities of life with grace and strength. Yet, when it comes to the transition from girlhood to womanhood, many of us find ourselves in uncharted territory, unsure of how to properly guide them. But as we uncover more about our own journeys, we realize that this transition is not just about physical changes—it's about empowering them with knowledge and self-awareness. In this episode, I was joined by Tori Milner, Women's Empowerment Coach and Teen Mentor and Menstrual Cycle Guide.

The Lost Art of Womanhood

Growing up, many of us were left in the dark regarding the true nature and strength of womanhood. This often meant relying on misinformed peers and outdated notions instead of truly understanding our cycles...

How to Know if Your Communication is Improving in Marriage (and When to Get Help)

Let’s talk about something most of us aren’t naturally taught: healthy communication. Unless your parents modeled it, or you sought out resources, communication skills are often learned through trial and error. But here’s the good news—improving your communication doesn’t have to feel overwhelming, and it’s not about perfection. It’s about progress.

In this episode, I’ll guide you through recognizing signs of improvement in your communication with your spouse and knowing when it’s time to seek outside help to take things to the next level.

Why Communication Feels So Hard

For many of us, communication struggles are a learned pattern. Growing up, we absorb how our family handles conflict—whether it’s yelling, avoiding tough topics, or shutting down. Without a strong foundation, you end up figuring things out on your own....

Navigating Motherhood and Marriage: Finding Balance and Harmony

Motherhood and marriage are two beautiful yet challenging paths that many of us juggle simultaneously. As you embark on this journey, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, isolated, and sometimes even stuck. The good news? You're not alone, and there are ways to navigate these waters without feeling like you're losing yourself or your relationship.

Let's dive into what we can do to make motherhood less overwhelming and keep our marriages thriving, even amidst the chaos. Here's what my guest, Hazel Walker and I explored in this episode.

Embracing the Reality of Motherhood

As we become mothers, the sheer joy and responsibility can be overwhelming. It's common to feel like you're losing a piece of yourself as you try to balance being a mom, a partner, and your own person. The trick is to take some time to reconnect with who you are beyond the titles of 'mom' and 'wife.' It's about rediscovering your likes, passions,...

Unlocking Your True Potential: The Importance of Knowing and Living by Your Core Values

Welcome back to another insightful episode of the Marriage and Motherhood podcast. In this special episode, I interview Kristen Odegaard, a life coach with a transformative approach to helping women discover their true selves. The discussion dives deep into the significance of identifying and living according to your core values.

The Power of Core Values

Understanding your core values can dramatically reshape your life. Core values guide decisions regarding time, energy, and priorities, helping individuals live more authentically and with greater intention. These foundational beliefs drive behaviors, decisions, and ultimately, personal satisfaction.

Navigating the Challenges of People Pleasing

People-pleasing is a big issue, particularly among women. Society and upbringing condition women to prioritize others' emotions over their own. It is critical to take responsibility for...

Marriage and motherhood can be challenging, but achieving growth and improvement doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes, simple, foundational steps can lead to remarkable changes. Here, we're going to discuss a transformative two-step process that can rejuvenate your marriage, streamline your life, and help you become the parent you aspire to be.

Step 1: Establish a Vision

One of the fundamental questions I ask anyone considering working with me is: "What is it that you are wanting?" Many people struggle to articulate their desires, often focusing on what they don't want rather than what they do want. But without a clear vision, it's nearly impossible to see progress.

Your vision is not about psychic abilities but a crystal-clear picture of the future you desire. It includes every facet of life—your marriage, your parenthood journey, your personal development, your relationships, and your career goals. Having this vision simplifies decision-making. Anytime you're...

Understanding Boundaries Versus Ultimatums: Strengthening Relationships Through Respect and Communication

Welcome back to another episode, in this episode I got to dive deep into the complexities of boundaries versus ultimatums in relationships with fellow marriage coach, Nevart Willborn. Together, we explored how these concepts can either strengthen or damage a marriage depending on the implementation.

What Are Boundaries and Ultimatums?

We first kicked off the discussion with the definitions and nuances of boundaries and ultimatums. A boundary is essentially a way to teach others how to treat us by expressing our needs and limits. A boundary is about helping others understand what we need and implementing a healthy response when those needs are not met.

On the other hand, an ultimatum often comes across as a final demand or a non-negotiable condition. Nevart highlights the key difference: "An ultimatum is rooted in control. It's a statement where...

In this episode, I have an honest conversation with fellow marriage coach, Nevart Willborn, about boundaries.

Understanding Boundaries in Relationships

Boundaries are fundamental to maintaining a healthy relationship. They’re not about controlling the other person but about setting limits for yourself to protect your emotional and mental well-being.

For me, a boundary is something that helps you actually strengthen and be in a relationship with someone. Boundaries are not about telling someone else what they should do but about informing them what you will do if a certain line is crossed.

Common Misconceptions About Boundaries

A common misconception is that boundaries are a form of control over others. This misunderstanding can lead to a dynamic where one person tries to change the other’s behavior instead of focusing on their own actions. When you set a boundary, it's about what you're going to do, not about making someone else do something.

Examples of...

The Changing Dynamics

If you reflect on your pre-kid era, you'll likely notice just how much your marriage has transformed. Pre-kids life was simpler. You could plan spontaneous trips, enjoy quiet dinners, and had flexibility that parenthood quickly consumes. But, when kids come into the picture, their needs and schedules take precedence. This fundamental shift can place significant strain on a marriage.

The Overwhelm of Raising Kids

The pressures and overwhelming responsibilities of parenthood often catch us off-guard. From ensuring we meet their basic needs to managing tantrums and navigating school schedules, every aspect of life requires meticulous planning. It's no longer about just the two of you but about balancing a child's needs with maintaining marital harmony.

Shifting Roles and Added Responsibilities

Becoming parents introduces 'Mom' and 'Dad' roles. This added layer of responsibility can alter how we perceive and interact with our partners....