5 Truths About Survival Mode [Episode 371]

I’m just days away from entering the newborn phase with my fifth baby, and as we prepare for all the unknowns ahead, I’ve been reflecting on the lessons that have carried me through over the last 12 years of motherhood. In this episode, I’m sharing five truths I’m reminding myself of right now. Truths I’ve leaned on through moves, healths challenges, grief, and growing a family. If you’re in a hard season too, I hope these offer you the same lifeline they’ve offered me. I talk about: The mindset shifts that completely changed how I experience hard days One powerful question that helped me stop spiraling and start healing What I now expect when everything feels like it’s falling apart A moment that proved I’m never walking through this alone The hardest truth to accept, but the one that’s brought the most growth You don’t have to wait for life to calm down to feel better. There are simple things that can help right now! You’re not alone. And even in the middle of hard, there’s still so good ahead. If this episode was helpful and you're in a survival season, I’d love to invite you to check out the Surviving to Thriving Toolkit. It’s full of encouragement, practical things you can do today, and support for every phase of the journey—whether you’re just trying to make it through the day or starting to build something more.  

I’ve been through five pregnancies and honestly, none of them have been easy. But this one surprised me. Yes, there were hard days, but something was different. I wasn’t drowning in the way I had in the past. In fact, I’ve found myself feeling grateful, even in the middle of the hard.  And I believe anyone, pregnant or not, can experience the same shift.  In this episode, I’m talking about some simple mindset shifts, practical tools, and totally unexpected lessons that made this season feel lighter, more joyful, and even productive. If you’ve ever wondered: How do I keep moving forward when I feel stuck in survival mode? Is it possible to thrive in a season where I can barely function? Can I actually enjoy life when everything feels hard? …this episode is for you!  

Today on the podcast, I’m talking with Ginny Yurich from 1000 Hours Outside all about her : new book Homeschooling: You’re Doing It Right Just By Doing It.  But we go way beyond homeschooling — into faith, resilience, growth, and how to stop feeling behind. If you’ve ever questioned your path as a parent, homeschooler, or entrepreneur — this conversation will remind you: You’re more capable than you think. Wherever you’re at — whether homeschooling, building a life that works for your family, or figuring it out as you go — I hope this gives you some encouragement and permission to trust your path. Resources we mentioned:  Ginny’s website: 1000 Hours Outside  Follow along on Instagram: @1000hoursoutside Her new book Homeschooling: You’re Doing It Right Just by Doing It: Grab it here

When life feels overwhelming or you know you’re headed into a hard season the last thing on your mind might be a quarterly review. But I’ve found it’s exactly when I need it most. In this week’s episode of the Thriving in Motherhood Podcast, I’m walking you through how I do a quarterly review when I’m in survival mode—like right now, at the end of my pregnancy, heading into the newborn phase. Spoiler: This is not your typical "set big goals, hustle hard" kind of conversation. Instead, I’m sharing: How I reflect on what actually happened (even when the days blur together) How gratitude, small wins, and honest questions help me shift my mindset What it looks like to plan a quarter focused on surrender, presence, and creating simple joy Why your circumstances don’t have to define the memories you create If you're in a season where energy is low, the future feels uncertain, or you’re holding a lot—this episode is for you. Whether you're using the Thriving in Motherhood Planner or just grabbing a notebook, these simple prompts can help you anchor yourself and your family—even when life feels messy.

Feeling stressed about your child’s writing progress? You’re not alone—and in this episode, I’m joined by the one and only Julie Bogart to talk all things homeschool writing. Julie is the creator of the award-winning Brave Writer program and has helped hundreds of thousands of families find a more peaceful, effective way to teach writing at home. With over 25 years of experience (and five kids of her own!), she brings wisdom, humor, and so much heart to this conversation. We cover how to choose the right writing curriculum, why creative writing matters, and how to stop stressing over whether you’re “doing enough.” Whether you're brand new to homeschooling or just feeling stuck, this episode will give you some fresh perspective and encouragement from one of the best in the field.

Over the years, I’ve built a rhythms that helps me manage the things I want to do, the person I want to become, and the reality of a very digital world.  In this episode, I’m walking you through a 3-part system I use to stay focused and present: The Thriving in Motherhood Planner that helps me move forward in small pockets of time A reflection notebook based on the core of the bullet journaling method (no rulers or fancy spreads required) My Notion-based “second brain” that holds digital tasks, notes inspiration, and big picture thinking This episode gives you an inside look at how I keep things running without burning out and how you can build something similar, on piece at a time. Want to create your own system with real support? The Surviving to Thriving Toolkit is your guide through five intentional phases of growth, complete with tools, strategies, and structure. Join the waitlist here.  

At the start of each year, I don’t just set goals, I also build a personal curriculum. It’s something I first heard from Brendon Burchard years ago, and it’s completely changed how I approach growth in the middle of real life. In this episode, I’m walking you through the exact steps I’m using to design my personal curriculum for 2025. I’m sharing how I choose a few meaningful books, link them to my vision, and apply what I learn in practical, doable ways. Here’s what I cover: How I connect my learning to my bigger vision and goals for the year What it looks like to align reading, reflection, and action in real-time A behind-the-scenes look at how I organize all of this in my second brain system This isn’t about doing more, it’s about growing with intention, in the areas that matter most right to you. Tune in and get inspired to create your own personal curriculum.  

In this episode, I’m joined by time management coach Anna Dearmon Kornick to talk about what really happens when your well-oiled routines stop working. We’re diving into why systems fall apart when life shifts, how to create new rhythms without starting from scratch, and the small habits that make a big difference in your week. From weekly planning that actually fits your season to routines that help you shift from work to home (without bringing your to-do list to the dinner table), this conversation is full of real talk and doable ideas for busy moms. Resources Blueprint to Balance - https://annadkornick.com/blueprint-to-balance Anna's Website: https://annadkornick.com Anna's Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/annadkornick/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/annadearmonkornick/ 🧰 And if you want the weekly planning system I use, it’s all inside the Surviving to Thriving Toolkit

Do you want to get your kids outside more, but feel intimidated by the work it takes to make it happen? What do you even do once you're out there? In this week’s episode of the Thriving in Motherhood Podcast, I’m talking with Susie Spickle, naturalist, mother of three, and author of Forest Magic for Kids. She shares simple, practical ways to make getting outside a regular, joyful part of your life,no matter what season you're in. Whether you're juggling babies, navigating busy public school schedules, or feeling stuck on where to start, Susie offers encouragement and ideas that truly meet you where you are. Listen in as we talk about: How to spark imaginative outdoor play for every age Why kids don’t need perfect fairy houses or “Pinterest play” What real benefits outdoor time offers How to scaffold outdoor activities based on age (and attention span) Where to look in your own community for low-stakes, high-fun nature support This episode is full of ideas you can try today!

I’m planning out our 2025–2026 homeschool year, and with a 6th grader, 4th grader, 3rd grader, Pre-K/kindergarten child—and a newborn arriving soon—it’s going to be a full season. In this week’s episode of the Thriving in Motherhood Podcast, I’m sharing a full behind-the-scenes look at how we’re approaching curriculum, why we’re sticking with the Alveary, and how I’m planning in a way that actually works for our current season of life. Here’s what I walk through: The daily rhythm we’ve built to support family subjects and one-on-one learning How we rotate through four learning blocks each morning (including chores and piano!) Why the Alveary curriculum clicked for us—especially when it comes to book choices and lesson plan design How I’m using Notion to plan our school year, track progress, and stay flexible when life (and newborns) happen Whether you’re new to homeschooling, adjusting for multiple ages, or just looking for ways to plan with more confidence and clarity—I hope this episode gives you a helpful perspective. Resources Hoffman Academy: https://hoffmanacademy.com?via=jessica33 Use code LEARN for a 10% discount Alveary: https://lddy.no/1jdpq Use code JJACKSON for $25 off