2414: Five Lessons Maternity Has Taught Me by Leni Dawson with No Sidebar on Parenting Advice

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2414: Leni Dawson reflects on how maternity has reshaped her perspective, revealing life lessons about impermanence, organization, presence, realistic goal-setting, and the value of "empty time." These insights emphasize mindfulness and adaptability, offering practical wisdom that extends far beyond parenting. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://nosidebar.com/five-lessons-maternity/ Quotes to ponder: "Every state is temporary. Enjoy what you can. Take away what you can." "Being organized allows me to be present in the moment, to deal with what is actually going on." "This empty time, while seemingly unproductive or even leisurely, has given me better ideas and solutions than I ever had just sitting at my desk." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2413: Shawna Scafe's relatable and humorous take on stay-at-home motherhood sheds light on why this choice can be fulfilling despite its challenges. From the freedom to craft her day to the joy of being present for her kids' fleeting childhood years, she celebrates the perks and meaningful moments of life at home over the structured demands of an office job. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://simpleonpurpose.ca/reasons-sahm-better-than-working/ Quotes to ponder: "Motherhood looks like seasons. Even within every day, there are high highs and low lows." "This is the life I wanted to live rather than the living I wanted to earn." "Being a stay-at-home doesn’t make me a martyr, a hero, or a watered-down, impassive version of myself living in sweatpants." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2412: Dr. Diana Kirschner reveals how breaking free from familiar dating patterns can lead to surprising and fulfilling relationships. By dating outside your usual type, you open up to partners who might not initially seem like "the one" but can offer lasting love and security. Through her advice, discover how challenging your comfort zone can transform your approach to finding true connection. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://lovein90days.com/why-the-right-one-may-not-initially-look-like-the-right-one/ Quotes to ponder: "Love almost always comes in a surprise package; most people do not end up with the kind of person they imagine for themselves." "What feels right isn’t necessarily right. That’s why I highly encourage you to date against type." "Focus instead on how YOU FEEL when you’re with the guy. When you’re dating the Right One, you’ll feel free to be yourself." Episode references: Love in 90 Days by Dr. Diana Kirschner: https://www.amazon.com/Love-90-Days-Essential-Finding/dp/1546084894 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2411: Lisa Merlo-Booth explores two key relationship lessons: embracing self-confidence by celebrating personal achievements without shrinking to please others and fostering accountability by overcoming defensiveness in conflicts. These insights empower individuals to cultivate deeper, healthier connections by embracing authenticity and courage in both triumphs and mistakes. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://lisamerlobooth.com/moving-from-defensiveness-to-accountability/ & https://lisamerlobooth.com/are-you-throwing-yourself-under-the-bus-to-help-others-feel-better/ Quotes to ponder: "Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you." "The strongest, healthiest, and most courageous human beings are those who own their mistakes and do whatever is necessary to relationally fix the hurt or fallout that resulted." "As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2410: Melissa Josue provides heartfelt advice to a reader struggling with the pain of seeing an ex move on. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on one’s vision for a fulfilling relationship rather than fixating on the past. By reframing heartbreak as a step toward creating the love you truly deserve, Melissa encourages self-empowerment and the courage to move forward. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://melissathelovecoach.com/when-your-ex-is-dating-someone-else-and-it-hurts/ Quotes to ponder: "Focus on your vision for the kind of relationship that you want, not the man." "Your vision, your dream, is always within your domain. It’s always within your control." "You might not have the man you had your heart set on, but the dream for the kind of relationship that you truly want still lives." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2409: Dr. Margaret Rutherford explores the complexities of unconditional parental love when faced with the destructive behaviors of an adult child. She discusses the profound emotional toll, the necessity of setting boundaries, and the delicate balance between love and detachment. This piece offers both empathy and guidance for parents navigating these heart-wrenching challenges. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drmargaretrutherford.com/when-a-parents-unconditional-love-is-worn-away/ Quotes to ponder: "Unconditional parental love can be used up, worn away, and virtually destroyed." "It’s a kind of emotional death. The death of dreams, of hope, and of trust." "Changing the locks, cutting financial support, or setting boundaries can break your heart - but your head knows they’re all that’s left to do." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2408: Dr. Laura Markham shares actionable advice for helping children embrace healthier eating habits, particularly with vegetables. She highlights strategies like exposure to new foods, creative snack options, incorporating veggies into family recipes, and fostering a no-pressure environment to encourage positive associations with nutritious meals. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.peacefulparenthappykids.com/read/how-to-help-children-become-healthy-eaters-especially-vegetables Quotes to ponder: "Research has shown that the most important factor in getting kids to eat new foods is exposing them to the food." "I would NEVER force a child to eat a specific food. I think it's fine to ask them to try one taste, but if they don't want more, that's their prerogative." "Mostly, I should reassure you that most kids end up eating diets much like what they grew up eating." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2407: Rose Lounsbury shares three effective strategies to declutter children's toys, resulting in less mess and more meaningful play. By purging unused items, setting practical limits, and embracing minimalism, parents can foster their children's creativity while reclaiming a more organized living space. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://roselounsbury.com/toy-purge/ Quotes to ponder: "Do my kids play with you? And by 'play,' I mean regularly engage with for extended periods of time." "Set out less toys than you think your kids will actually play with. Offer what you consider a paltry number of playthings and watch what happens." "You will be amazed. First, your kids probably won’t care that there aren’t copious amounts of plastic dinosaurs and board books about." Episode references: BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2406: Cara Harvey emphasizes the power of flexibility and creativity in fostering reading habits for busy moms and their children. From using e-readers during spare moments to involving kids in shared reading routines, she shares actionable tips to make reading a joyful, integrated part of daily life. Her advice highlights how modeling a love for books can inspire lifelong readers while strengthening family bonds. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://apurposedrivenmom.com/find-time-read-busy-mom/ Quotes to ponder: "Forget that you want things perfect and work to make things workable for your season of life." "Our kids are adaptable and capable of much more than we give them credit." "Don’t let frustration stop you from doing something that will fill your cup and make you feel good about taking care of yourself." Episode references: Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com Trello: https://trello.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2405: Cara Harvey shares practical advice for busy moms who want to read more, even amidst the chaos of parenting. By using strategies like habit stacking, time blocking, and incorporating audiobooks into daily routines, she demonstrates how small shifts in mindset and planning can make reading achievable and enjoyable. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://apurposedrivenmom.com/find-time-read-busy-mom/ Quotes to ponder: "You can work on that project, take a shower, or read a book. It might not look the same as it did pre-kids, and it will never be perfect, but it IS possible!" "If you don’t plan out when in your day you want to read, it’s not going to happen." "Audio is a great way to get in books because there really is a ton of time to listen." Episode references: Hoopla: https://www.hoopladigital.com Scribd: https://www.scribd.com OverDrive: https://www.overdrive.com Audible: https://www.audible.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices