The Impossible Ask: The Cost of Being the Everything Parent

This is a core wound of modern motherhood. And it is an impossible ask.If you are a primary caregiver, a single parent, or someone who’s ever felt like the world is asking too much of you, this is for you. This was originally recorded as a voice note, to myself. I didn’t plan to share it. But sometimes, venting is wisdom.This is a reflection on what I’m calling the impossible ask—the unspoken expectation that primary caregivers, especially mothers, be fully present, emotionally attuned, financially abundant, and self-sacrificing… all at the same time, and all without support.If you’re in the thick of it, I see you. You’re not alone.Check out more of Lena's stories: trustinjoy.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit trustinjoy.substack.com/subscribe

An unexpected speed dating event and a better stand up comedy show. Personal Stylist and Life Coach Lena Piskorowski highlights the value of genuine connections, the significance of spending quality time with those who uplift you and offers styling services to help listeners feel aligned and confident.Claim your Closet ResetBook an Outfit StylingSchedule a Style CallRead it on Substack This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit trustinjoy.substack.com/subscribe

In this solo episode, Lena shares the story of a regular weekday that unfolded into something extraordinary — not because everything went perfectly, but because she said yes to herself at every turn. Through simple choices like exploring a new skate shop, and savoring tacos (even when they weren’t a dollar anymore), Lena illustrates what it means to cultivate emotional wealth.She introduces the concept of emotional wealth — a sustainable, internal richness rooted in joy, self-trust, creativity, and connection — and explains why it’s more valuable than anything external. This episode is a reminder that a beautiful life is built one small, loving decision at a time.Quote of the Week:“What is the next loving step I can take right now?”Brand Spotlight: Olympia Skate ShopConnect with Lena:[Substack] trustinjoy.substack.com[Email] [email protected] This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit trustinjoy.substack.com/subscribe

Lena reveals her insights on tennis fashion and her journey from corporate apparel to personal styling. She also delves into an emotional trigger from her past and offers a somatic practice to help others manage similar experiences.See the tennis skirt picks hereBrand Spotlight: Earth Breeze, receive 10% off with code EarthDay2500:00 Introduction 00:45A Warm Welcome 01:39Brand Spotlight: Earth Breeze 03:00A Greek Island Memory 04:31Tennis Fashion Insights 08:52Personal Reflections and Somatic Practice 11:18Final Thoughts and Quote This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit trustinjoy.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, host Lena Piskorowski shares insights on parenting, emphasizing the importance of empathy and validation without losing sight of accountability. Lena discusses her personal experiences raising her children, reflections on her childhood, and offers practical tips, such as shopping for clean beauty products and unique birthday party ideas. The episode explores the challenges and rewards of supporting children's emotions while teaching them responsibility, aiming to create a balanced approach to parenting.00:00 Intro00:48 Brand Spotlight: Well People02:43 Parenting Reflections: Lessons from Balloons05:11 Empathy and Validation in Parenting10:52 The Importance of Accountability14:47 Final Thoughts and Recommendations* Get in where you fit in! Be a part of Lena's community. Go here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit trustinjoy.substack.com/subscribe

New letter sent each Sunday. Receive my "Awesome Playlist" (feel good tunes on Spotify) when you subscribe.Subscribe here: https://trustinjoy.substack.com/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit trustinjoy.substack.com/subscribe

It was a feral class. It felt military. It was WILD. This is how I described the hot yoga class, minutes after I exited the dark room, blinded by the sunlight in the parking lot, wondering what I just experienced. Sometimes in life, you need a healthy jolt—this was that, and I didn’t expect it to be…just what I needed. That felt refreshing, to be pleasantly surprised on my solo date of the week. I’ve been doing yoga once a week for 25 years—in all types of locations, and this class was unlike any other. Takeaways:Look at your current fitness, is it supporting you in a way that you need right now? If your life feels hectic and fast-paced everyday, then incorporating a more fluid method of exercise will give you the opposite energy that your body is craving. Examples: mat pilates, yin yoga, water aerobics, walkingIf your life feels stagnant, then a kick-in-the-pants type of movement will bring that needed momentum to get you going. Examples: intense yoga, HIIT, running, solid coreYou can make any exercise more or less intense; putting yourself in the aligned movement that you need, is key. Also, as Luiz, the hot yoga instructor from this class, reminded us after he continuously barked UP…UP…UP, “We are all adults, if you need a rest, take a rest.”Anyone who does yoga knows that child’s pose is always available to you. (You can fold over and lay on the ground and take a breather. While everyone else keeps going.) I liked that Luiz included this reminder because the class was incredibly challenging. Sometimes we don’t think we can take a break. And that makes sense. Think about athletics you participated in as a kid/teen. You couldn’t stop doing laps during practice. Your coach was on your ass. I never saw the taking a break option! One of the few great things about being an adult, is that you CAN. There isn’t someone older than you watching with whistle in hand! P.S. Here’s the hot yoga class with Luiz that I attended. So what do you need today—a sweaty kickstarter or a (minimal sweat where you can go somewhere after without showering 🚿) toning session? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit trustinjoy.substack.com/subscribe

I took a 5 day workshop about a new way to set goals. A pivotal piece was learning about a domino goal. It’s FANTASTIC for those of us that can find ourselves questioning what is the next right step to take, because, isn’t it all important? Actually, no. A domino goal is the one thing you do, in a category of your life, that once achieved, will open other opportunities and knock other smaller goals as you reach it.Watch (or listen to) the video above to hear how to figure out your domino goal in 3 steps, with the help of our little robot friend, ChatGPT. 🤖🌟 Episode quote: “The main thing, is to keep the main thing, the main thing.” —Stephen Covey This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit trustinjoy.substack.com/subscribe

Lucy, my youngest daughter, hugged me upon stepping into her room. (This is so my kid who finds it a treat to see her room go through a deep clean and major edit. 😊) Ani liked her refreshed room too, but wasn't as over-the-moon like her 6 year old sister. Mess—like having markers, pants and old tests in her sock drawer doesn't bother her! But it makes me itch!)I've had a Nordstrom paper bag in the back of my closet for...2 years! And it's been in 3 closets! It's astounding for a person who edits people's wardrobes for a living.Inside this bag was a smaller bag full of bras. C'mon, you used to have the Victoria Secret's push up bras; we all did at one point! These were from my 20s and I probably haven't worn them since then! But they're in good shape. Maybe there's a woman who would like these bras. Thankfully, there are a handful of organizations that accept and distribute this type of clothing, such as I Support the Girls and Free The Girls. You can donate these in store, at Soma and Aerie. Yes!This got me thinking about how many other brands have this model—recycling or reusing a product they sell (even if not their product), like the swimsuit donation program at J.Crew. I love when I see brands putting in effort to empower customers/make a dent in a problem etc.This 5 minute video shows some of the pieces that were inside that bag—including the ridiculous combo I'm wearing. Hooray to edited closets and no more donation bags in your home! (but maybe still in your car 🙃)P.S. Want your wardrobe edited?! I’ve opened up my calendar for Closet Detoxes. You can book a virtual session or an in-person session (the latter for Detroiters and Ann Arborites).Catch the video and other musings on the Trust in Joy Substack. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit trustinjoy.substack.com/subscribe

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit trustinjoy.substack.com/subscribe