The Most Powerful Thing Happened With Therapy: One Mom’s Discovery Of Self-Worth

Send us a textWe all strive to be the best moms we can be, and it's natural for us to seek inspiration and guidance from other mothers. Whether we turn to friends, family members, or social media influencers, we often look for tips and insights that can help us navigate the challenges of parenting. Today's episode of "Mom Treading Water" is dedicated to sharing wisdom from seasoned moms who have been through it all. In this episode, we will present a carefully curated list of 10 valuable pieces of advice that can empower you on your journey as a mother. These insights are drawn from the real-life experiences of mothers who understand the joys and struggles of raising children. With less than 8 minutes of your time, you'll be able to gather practical tips that you can apply in your own parenting style. Join us as we explore these nuggets of wisdom that can make a difference in your daily life and help you feel more confident in your role as a mom. Whether you're facing challenges or celebrating milestones, there's something here for every mother. Tune in and discover the advice that resonates with you!Support the showIf you would like to support Mom Treading Water, please visit https://www.buzzsprout.com/1787240/supporters/new Follow us! Thank you! Website momtreadingwater.com Facebook facebook.com/MomTreadingWater YouTube youtube.com/@momtreadingwatertheimperfe8133 Instagram instag...

Send us a textMom Treading Water podcast is back, and if I look at myself with open eyes, I'm not entirely sure what happened. Maybe I experienced a creative block combined with anxiety and depression, and as we all know, motherhood. With the distractions of mom life, I lost sight of what was important to me. Even though my husband and children encouraged and supported me, I felt it was too late or too long to return to creating.  I don't want to use this as an excuse, but rather as an explanation.This experience reminded me of the "all or nothing" mindset I had in childhood and young adulthood, which made me feel like I was facing yet another failure. However, I've decided to approach this differently. Yes, I need to regain my footing, but rebuilding it is not impossible. When I started, I knew there would be people who would judge me, or worse, make fun of me and doubt my efforts. I've chosen to believe that those people's opinions don't matter; their judgment stems from their own insecurities and sadness.Moms, have you ever embarked on a journey or started a project that filled you with joy and made a meaningful impact on your life and perhaps the lives of those around you? It could have been a hobby, a community service initiative, a fitness goal, or even a creative pursuit. Yet, as mom life demands began to pile up—work, family responsibilities, or unexpected challenges—you found yourself sidetracked and ultimately decided to let that passion go? Today, I want to encourage you to reflect on that special something that once brought you joy and a sense of self. Remember the excitement you felt when you were engaged in it, and how it connected you to your own identity. I challenge you to reignite that spark and get back into whatever it was that made you feel alive and fulfilled.   Take small steps to incorporate it back into your mom life, even if it feels daunting at first. You deserve that little piece of yourself, and by doing so, you not only nourish your own spirit but also set a powerful example for those around you. Remember, it's never too late to reclaim your passions and make a positive difference in your life and the lives of those around you. Remember, it's never too late to reclaim your pSupport the showIf you would like to support Mom Treading Water, please visit https://www.buzzsprout.com/1787240/supporters/new Follow us! Thank you! Website momtreadingwater.com Facebook facebook.com/MomTreadingWater YouTube youtube.com/@momtreadingwatertheimperfe8133 Instagram instag...

Send us a textAdopting a child is a life-changing experience that brings joy and fulfillment to many families. However, it is also a complex process that can be filled with stress and uncertainty. As someone who has gone through the journey of adoption twice, I understand the challenges and emotions that come with it.That's why I believe it is essential to share some insider tips to help make the adoption journey smoother and more successful. These tips are often overlooked or not commonly discussed, but they can significantly impact your overall experience.By following these tips, you can reduce the stress and anxiety that often accompanies the adoption process. You can be better prepared for the challenges that may arise and feel more confident in your ability to navigate them. Ultimately, these tips can help you unlock the full potential of your adoption journey and make it a positive and enriching experience for you and your family.Thank you for listening to Mom Treading Water.  Please rate, review, subscribe, and share Mom Treading Water. Thank you!Follow Mom Treading Water:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/MomTreadingWater   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QJgpKp6z0U&t=51sTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@momtreadingwater Instagram: @imperfectmomtreadingwater Pinterest: https://pin.it/cNQYnJo Getting to Know You: The Family Journal and Game to learn more about your family and record the fun memories. Now available on AmazonCheck out our Strong as a Mother merch and much more at https://mom-treading-water.square.site/ Support the showIf you would like to support Mom Treading Water, please visit https://www.buzzsprout.com/1787240/supporters/new Follow us! Thank you! Website momtreadingwater.com Facebook facebook.com/MomTreadingWater YouTube youtube.com/@momtreadingwatertheimperfe8133 Instagram instag...

Send us a text**TRIGGER WARNING** Depression, Anxiety, Child Sexual AbuseFor moms struggling with mental health, please know you are not alone. Like many, I have battled my mental health even before motherhoodMy whole life, I have always felt inadequate, unworthy, and full of self-loathing. Like many, my existence focused on being a people pleaser without regard for my mental health. The worst part is that others accepted this because it met the expected standard. Unfortunately, I was the perfect target for a predator, and every fear about speaking up about my abuse came true. The responses were more traumatic than the actual abuse.However, therapy, along with meds, have been instrumental in helping me heal. I found a safe space with therapy and slowly worked through surviving sexual abuse and the trauma of being shamed.Through therapy, I am learning more about myself and doing the work to become stronger and happier. With the unwavering love and encouragement of my spouse, I am learning to love and care for myself and also be at my best as a mother. Hopefully, my journey towards better mental health has inspired me to have a positive impact on those around me.Thank you for listening to Mom Treading Water.  Please rate, review, subscribe, and share Mom Treading Water. Thank you!Follow Mom Treading Water:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/MomTreadingWater   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QJgpKp6z0U&t=51sTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@momtreadingwater Instagram: @imperfectmomtreadingwater Pinterest: https://pin.it/cNQYnJo Getting to Know You: The Family Journal and Game to learn more abouSupport the showIf you would like to support Mom Treading Water, please visit https://www.buzzsprout.com/1787240/supporters/new Follow us! Thank you! Website momtreadingwater.com Facebook facebook.com/MomTreadingWater YouTube youtube.com/@momtreadingwatertheimperfe8133 Instagram instag...

Send us a textBefore motherhood, my life always included anxiety. It was all I knew because it was how I lived.   "What if..." was one of the most common phrases in my vocabulary.   Risks and dreams were squashed by the "what if...".  Parental anxiety is a well-known worry that moms often feel. Even before becoming a mother, anxiety was constantly present in my life. It was a familiar feeling I had grown accustomed to, and I always thought, "What if...". This phrase seemed to be one of my vocabulary's most commonly used expressions. Whenever I considered taking a risk or pursuing my dreams, negative thoughts, and worries would creep in, and I would become paralyzed by the "what if" mentality.However, after becoming a mother, I realized I needed to relearn how to take risks and face challenges. I wanted to be able to teach my children to do the same, but I knew that I could not do this if I continued to be held back by my fears and anxieties. I made a conscious effort to focus on positivity and gradually started to remove the negative thoughts holding me back.Of course, it hasn't been easy. Overcoming anxiety is a bumpy journey that takes a lot of effort and commitment. But I know that it is worth it. I don't want my children to grow up in a world where "what if" dominates their thinking and limits their potential. Instead, I want to teach them to be confident, brave, and resilient in facing challenges.Thank you for listening to Mom Treading Water.  Please rate, review, subscribe, and share Mom Treading Water.  Thank you!Follow Mom Treading Water:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/MomTreadingWater   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QJgpKp6z0U&t=51sTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@momtreadingwater Instagram: @imperfectmomtreadingwater Support the showIf you would like to support Mom Treading Water, please visit https://www.buzzsprout.com/1787240/supporters/new Follow us! Thank you! Website momtreadingwater.com Facebook facebook.com/MomTreadingWater YouTube youtube.com/@momtreadingwatertheimperfe8133 Instagram instag...

Send us a textMomma, have you ever felt inadequate, unworthy,  and paralyzed by self-hatred?  My life has been centered around pleasing others without regard for my needs.   Constantly, I felt like I was taking space that I did not have a right or deserve to do.  To say I felt like a possession or a hindrance is an understatement.  Only with a few months of therapy my self-hatred is slowly changing.   Realizing that I genuinely do not know myself feels like a rebirth.  The self-hatred is evolving into self-love.   If you have similar feelings, please know you are not alone.  Help is available.  Thank you for listening to Mom Treading Water.  Please rate, review, subscribe, and share Mom Treading Water.  Thank you!Follow Mom Treading Water:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/MomTreadingWater   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QJgpKp6z0U&t=51sTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@momtreadingwater Instagram: @imperfectmomtreadingwater Pinterest: https://pin.it/cNQYnJo Getting to Know You: The Family Journal and Game to learn more about your family and record the fun memories.  Now available on AmazonCheck out our Strong as a Mother merch and much more at https://mom-treading-water.square.site/ Check out the mom self-love journal on Amazon.   When moms take those few minutes each day to practice self-love, it allows us to love others at our best.   Support the showIf you would like to support Mom Treading Water, please visit https://www.buzzsprout.com/1787240/supporters/new Follow us! Thank you! Website momtreadingwater.com Facebook facebook.com/MomTreadingWater YouTube youtube.com/@momtreadingwatertheimperfe8133 Instagram instag...

Send us a textBoundaries - Momma, Do You Struggle In Setting Healthy Boundaries With Your Child?  You are not alone.Going to therapy has been full of discoveries.  I have realized that I struggle to set healthy boundaries with my children.  As a trained people pleaser,  the guilt of setting boundaries has been engrained.   The other realization is that my husband and I need to allow our children to set healthy boundaries with us so they learn how to set boundaries.    Not setting boundaries is a disservice, but I continue to try to improve upon it.  Momma, if you have the same struggles, please know you are not alone.  We are not perfect parents, but we can always keep learning.  Please rate, review, subscribe, and share Mom Treading Water.  Thank you!Follow Mom Treading Water:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/MomTreadingWater   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QJgpKp6z0U&t=51sTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@momtreadingwater Instagram: @imperfectmomtreadingwater Pinterest: https://pin.it/cNQYnJo Getting to Know You: The Family Journal and Game to learn more about your family and record the fun memories.  Now available on AmazonCheck out our Strong as a Mother merch and much more at https://mom-treading-water.square.site/ Check out the mom self-love journal on Amazon.   When moms take those few minutes each day to practice self-love, it allows us to love others at our best.   Support the showIf you would like to support Mom Treading Water, please visit https://www.buzzsprout.com/1787240/supporters/new Follow us! Thank you! Website momtreadingwater.com Facebook facebook.com/MomTreadingWater YouTube youtube.com/@momtreadingwatertheimperfe8133 Instagram instag...

Send us a textAs a mom living with anxiety, depression, and ADHD, my feelings could become overpowering.   Yet, during the past few years, I have found ways to cope and calm my body and mind.  The other day was one of those days; fortunately, my supportive husband was home.   I told him I needed to meditate to calm my body and mind.  Although this might not seem like a huge milestone, for me, it truly was empowering.   Therapy teaches me to know myself better and value my needs.  Learning to know and love myself allowed me the awareness to talk to my daughter about feelings of anxiety and, should she feel that way, that she is not alone.    Please rate, review, subscribe, and share Mom Treading Water.  Thank you!Follow Mom Treading Water:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/MomTreadingWater   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QJgpKp6z0U&t=51sTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@momtreadingwater Instagram: @imperfectmomtreadingwater Pinterest: https://pin.it/cNQYnJo Getting to Know You: The Family Journal and Game to learn more about your family and record the fun memories.  Now available on AmazonCheck out our Strong as a Mother merch and much more at https://mom-treading-water.square.site/ Check out the mom self-love journal on Amazon.   When moms take those few minutes each day to practice self-love, it allows us to love others at our best.   A Day In The Life Of A Stay-ASupport the showIf you would like to support Mom Treading Water, please visit https://www.buzzsprout.com/1787240/supporters/new Follow us! Thank you! Website momtreadingwater.com Facebook facebook.com/MomTreadingWater YouTube youtube.com/@momtreadingwatertheimperfe8133 Instagram instag...

Send us a textMom, Are You Feeling Overwhelmed? I Know How You Feel!This mom has been extremely overwhelmed! I felt pulled in multiple directions and didn’t know where to start. No matter what I did, it was never enough, or I struggled with following through. Full disclosure, I am still feeling overwhelmed but processing more constructively.  Information overload, self-induced pressures, and toxic triggers impacted my physical and mental health.   However, my past impacted the majority of my overwhelmed feelings and affected my husband, children, and quality of life.   My heart and head knew I needed professional help, so I returned to therapy. Although it was hard to admit, I knew it was the best decision to heal and process my dark past.  If you have been feeling the same way, please know you are not alone.  Please rate, review, subscribe, and share Mom Treading Water. Thank you!Follow Mom Treading Water:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/MomTreadingWater   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QJgpKp6z0U&t=51sTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@momtreadingwater Instagram: @imperfectmomtreadingwater Pinterest: https://pin.it/cNQYnJo Getting to Know You: The Family Journal and Game to learn more about your family and record the fun memories.  Now available on AmazonCheck out our Strong as a Mother merch and much more at https://mom-treading-water.square.site/ Check out the mom self-love journal on Amazon.   WSupport the showIf you would like to support Mom Treading Water, please visit https://www.buzzsprout.com/1787240/supporters/new Follow us! Thank you! Website momtreadingwater.com Facebook facebook.com/MomTreadingWater YouTube youtube.com/@momtreadingwatertheimperfe8133 Instagram instag...

Send us a textSAHM and Working Moms: Treading Water Requires Strength, and Women Are StrongUndoubtedly, women are strong, making moms strong as a mother.  Treading Water demands strength and stamina.  As a SAHM, I know being a mom is not for the weak.  We are imperfect and always will be, but we are strong as SAHMs and Working Moms!Check out our Strong as a Mother merch and much more at https://mom-treading-water.square.site/ Please be sure to join our mailing list to learn about new updates to the savings! https://www.momtreadingwater.com/subscribe/ Check outthe mom self-love journal on Amazon.   When moms take those few minutes each day to practice self-love, it allows us to love others at our best.   Getting to Know You: The Family Journal and Game to learn more about your family and record the fun memories.  Now available on Amazon!  A Day In The Life Of A Stay-At-Home Mom journal provides 2 pages for each day.  Completing the reverse to-do list is the perfect reminder of all you accomplish in a single day. Most importantly, it will reflect the unmeasurable value you bring to your family.Mom Treading Water (The Imperfect Mom) is available on all podcast apps or right here! www.momtreadingwater.com/podcast-episodes/Please rate, review, subscribe, and share Mom Treading Water.  Thank you!Subscribe to Mom Treading Water’s weekly newsletter! https://www.momtreadingwater.com Follow Mom Treading Water:Please join us on FacSupport the showIf you would like to support Mom Treading Water, please visit https://www.buzzsprout.com/1787240/supporters/new Follow us! Thank you! Website momtreadingwater.com Facebook facebook.com/MomTreadingWater YouTube youtube.com/@momtreadingwatertheimperfe8133 Instagram instag...