Thriving In Motherhood Podcast | Productivity, Planning, Family Systems, Time Management, Survival Mode, Mental Health, Vision

390 Episodes

Reverse

Why Your Decluttering Plan Never Happens (And The Simple Priority Shift That Actually Works) [Episode 390]

2025-11-2610:50

Some decluttering advice sounds great, until you try it with a real house with real kids and real life happening all day long. In this episode, we're talking about the gap between having a decluttering plan and following through, especially when you're a busy mom. After years of trying a lot of different methods, I've learned what actually makes progress possible when you don't have long stretches of quiet time. If you're ready to make steady, realistic progress in your home (even with kids underfoot), I hope you'll listen in.

5 things I would tell myself mom as a first time mom after 12 years of motherhood [Episode 389]

2025-11-1915:23

If I could sit my younger self down - the brand-new mom who was sleep deprived, overwhelmed, and convinced she was doing everything wrong - there are five things I would tell her. They're simple, but they have changed everything. In this episode, I'm sharing the real-life lessons that came from a decade of raising kids, navigating sleep deprivation, stumbling through routines, shifting old patterns, and learning what actually makes motherhood feel lighter. I'm sharing: What helped me manage those long nights so I didn't spiral with anxiety Why going outside changed everything when the days felt suffocating How I stopped letting one hard hour turn into a "bad day" The realization that I was making everything harder than it needed to be (and the small mindset shift that make everything easier) The truth about deculttering that I wish someone had told me years ago I don't have motherhood all figured out, but these five things genuinely made my days lighter. Hopefully one of them does the same for you.

How To Stop Being Hijacked By Everyone Else's Priorities [Episode 388]

2025-11-1213:20

There's a kind of energy that looks productive on the outside but feels frantic on the inside. You're moving all day, checking things off, staying "on top of it," but when the house finally goes quiet, you don't feel satisfied—just tired. It's easy to assume the problem is time management, but often what we need most is clarity. Clarity about what matters most. Clarity about what season we're in. Clarity about where our energy is truly needed. When we lose that clarity, it's easy to get swept up in ideas, goals, and endless to-dos that don't actually align with our values. We end up busy, but not purposeful. Productive, but not peaceful. In this episode, I talk about what causes that frantic energy (especially in reentry seasons) and how to slow down enough to find your footing again. You'll hear tools for: Recognizing the difference between meaningful progress and distraction. Learning how to quiet mental clutter and renew your mind. Reconnecting with your vision, so you know what to say yes and no to. Turning that clarity into small, steady action each week. When you know what matters, the noise quiets. You can show up with intention (not perfection) and begin to build a life that you love to wake up to. ✨ Next Steps to Start Thriving Step 1: Create your vision with the Thriving in Motherhood Planner or the Create Your Vision Workbook if you already have a planning system you love. Step 2: Watch the Plan a Week You Can Win Masterclass to learn how to make that vision a reality — one week at a time. Create Your Vision Workbook ➡️ thrivinginmotherhoodpodcast.com/vision Thriving in Motherhood Planner ➡️ thrivinginmotherhoodpodcast.com/planner Plan A Week You Can Win Masterclass ➡️ thrivinginmotherhood.myflodesk.com/winyourweek

How to Pivot And Embrace A New Vision For Your Life with Carly Thornock [Episode 387]

2025-11-0552:17

This week, I'm joined by Carly Thornock, who's joining us from a 400-year-old farmhouse in Portugal. Carly and her husband went from running a business and owning their dream home to traveling the world with their three boys—and finding more peace, health, and joy along the way. In this conversation, she shares the Shift 5, the process that helps them make decisions, pivot with purpose, and live a life that truly aligns with their values. We talk about: Creating a vision that keeps evolving Learning to trust God with the "how" Living intentionally through change and uncertainty Listen in for real stories, practical wisdom, and a reminder that it's never too late to rewrite your vision for a meaningful life.

I Tested the Top Microfiber Cloth Brands on Amazon — Here's What Actually Works [Episode 386]

2025-10-2912:55

If you've ever wondered which microfiber cloths actually work, not just on paper, but in real life, this episode is for you. I tested the top-rated brands on Amazon and put them through the ultimate mom test: Kitchen cleanup Dry dusting Scrubbing walls and doors After weeks of spills, crumbs, and fingerprints, I've got some surprising results. Tune in to find out which ones are worth keeping in your cleaning stash, and grab the free comparison spreadsheet to see how they stack up side by side. ✨ Get the Free Comparison Spreadsheet: thrivinginmotherhood.myflodesk.com/microfiber

How To Use The Thriving In Motherhood Planner In Every Season [Episode 385]

2025-10-2214:19

When I first created the Thriving in Motherhood Planner, I was deep in survival mode, barely keeping up and looking for something that made life feel more doable. Over the years, it's become so much more than a planner. It's a tool that grows with me. The fact is, no one stays in one place for long. We all move through seasons, sometimes thriving, sometimes surviving, and our planning needs change with them. In this week's episode, I'm walking through what it looks like to use your planner along the five-step path from surviving to thriving and how it adapts to whatever season you're in. Here's a peak inside: Surviving: When life feels heavy and unpredictable, the planner helps you focus on what's actually true, not just what your brain is telling you. Reentry: As you start to get back on your feet, I'll show you how to brain dump, sort through the chaos, and gently find your footing again. Normalizing: This is where you rebuild your rhythms. Learn how to use your weekly pages and routines to create structure that supports you, not stresses you. Exploring: When you finally have a little breathing room, it's time to experiment. Test ideas, track habits, and see what works (and what doesn't). Thriving: Here's where the magic happens. You'll see how the planner helps you build systems that bring joy, peace, and momentum (without perfection). The Thriving in Motherhood Planner was never about doing more. It's about building a life that fits who you are and what matters most, one small, intentional step at a time. ✨ Get the 2026 Planner: thrivinginmotherhoodpodcast.com/planner

Updates to the 2026 Thriving in Motherhood Planner [Episode 384]

2025-10-1509:03

When I first created the Thriving in Motherhood Planner back in 2015, it was just for me. A way to make sense of life as a busy mom. By 2018, I started sharing it with you, and every year since, it's gotten a little better. Now, the 2026 planner is almost here, and I can't wait to show you what's new! These updates came straight from real life and from the feedback of current planner users who shared what's helping them and what could make it even better. In this episode, I'm sharing: The new vision page for your kids that helps you track their growth, right alongside your own goals. A simple, quarterly check-in to help you pause, reflect, and pray over how your kids are doing. The most requested unfinished task flowchart, is now built right into the planner. How to use the planner in every phase, from surviving to thriving. And the cover color you voted for in 2026 (it's a beautiful one!). Every update this year was made to help you plan with purpose, not pressure, and build a life that feels peaceful, doable, and full of meaning. ✨ Join the waitlist for the 2026 Thriving in Motherhood Planner ➡️ thrivinginmotherhoodpodcast.com/planner You'll be the first to know when it's available and get early access to the limited U.S. coil-bound edition.

I didn't want to get out of bed this week. Here's what happened. [Episode 383]

2025-10-0811:24

I don't know if you've ever had a week like this, but I really didn't want to get out of bed this week. Between waking up multiple times a night with a two-month-old, homeschooling five kids, and doing most bedtimes solo, I'm just tired. My husband works long days and is gone many evenings, and right now, this season is stretching me more than ever before. My capacity is growing, but so is the fatigue. And honestly? This week, I didn't want to do it. But even in those hard weeks, I've learned there is a deeper reason I keep showing up. It comes back to the vision I've created for my life. The one that reminds me who I want to be and what really matters, even when I don't feel like it. In this episode, I'll share: What to do when motivation runs out How to keep showing up when life feels heavy The surprising shift that helped me find peace in our home What God taught me about strength in stretching seasons It's not about pushing harder or pretending everything's fine. It's about learning to walk with God through the weight of it — to see how even in the exhaustion, He's helping us grow stronger, steadier, and more grounded in what truly matters.

Quarterly Review [Episode 382]

2025-10-0114:06

Every 90 days I like to do a Quarterly Review. With five kids, homeschooling, and running a business, I don't have time or energy to chase the latest productivity hacks or add one more thing just because. If I'm going to make space for something, it has to be intentional. It has to serve a purpose. And it has to fit into the limited time I actually have. That's why quarterly reviews matter so much to me. They aren't about doing more, they're about creating clarity. A way to step back, look at the last season, and decide what really matters in the next. In this episode, I'll share: The reason I do a quarterly review How I know it's time to rest and refocus What makes quarterly reviews work for busy moms Why 90 days is the sweet spot for clarity and momentum This practice has helped me become the anchor that helps me make decisions with confidence and keep moving forward, without trying to do it all.

How To Increase Expectations With Your Kids [Episode 381]

2025-09-2411:28

One of the things I wrote in my 2025 vision was to raise the standards in our home - for homeschooling, for housework, and for our daily routines. But I didn't want to just be about me pushing harder. I wanted the kids to come with me. This past week we had a breakthrough, and it actually worked without all the meltdowns and fights that usually come when we raise the expectations. Here are a few things that stood out: Vision matters. Creating it prayerfully with God changes everything. Resistance is real. It's not just the kids. I feel it too. Stories help. A family movie gave us a picture of what raising the bar could look like. We problem-solved. When things didn't go well, we found a better way together. Now, when I ask them to do something hard - like extra math or a new chore - we talk about it like high jumping. Nervous at first, but exciting. Sometimes you knock the bar over, but then you try again. And it feels so good when you finally clear it. So whether it's raising the bar in your own home, finding a metaphor that clicks with your kids, or just creating your vision for the year ahead, I hope this story gives you encouragement for your own journey.

This is What Grace Looks Like [Episode 380]

2025-09-1712:14

If you're in a season where you feel exhausted, stretched too thin, and unsure how you'll make it through another day, this episode is for you! Postpartum, homeschooling, and caring for five kids has reminded me again just how heavy life can feel. But, in the middle of one of my hardest days, I had an experience that completely reframed how I see God's grace in survival seasons. It was simple, unexpected, and exactly what I needed. In this week's Thriving in Motherhood Podcast, I'm sharing that story and how it shifted my perspective on hope, resilience, and the small ways we can notice grace every single day. I'll share: The breaking point - what it feels like to have nothing left to give and still need to show up for your family. A surprising moment of grace - how God reminded me I wasn't carrying everything alone. Shifting my focus - the practice that helps me notice God's hand in the middle of ordinary, messy days. A question worth asking - one simple way to reframe your perspective when everything feels heavy. When motherhood feels hard sometimes the greatest gift is remembering we're not walking it alone. My invitation for you is to slow down today and notice where grace is meeting you.

4 Mantras To Help You Navigate Survival Mode [Episode 379]

2025-09-0911:25

When you're in a survival season, it can feel difficult to hold onto hope. Between the exhaustion, constant needs, and lack of margin, even the smallest things can feel overwhelming. In this post, I'm sharing four mantras that I've been leaning on during these postpartum weeks. These simple phrases have helped me steady myself when the days feel long, reminded me to focus on what matters most, and given me a way to keep showing up with more grace and confidence - even when I don't have all the answers. I'll share: A simple mindset shift that makes it easier to take the next step when you don't know what's ahead How to recognize when your expectations are pushing you toward burnout (and what to do instead) Why even the hardest breakdowns can hold the seeds of growth and connection A powerful practice that stops resentment from building and helps you get the support you need Each mantra has a story behind it, and together they've made survival mode feel just a little lighter. My hope is that as you listen, you'll find one that speaks to you and gives you strength in your own season.

Personal Update: How it's going with baby #5 [Episode 378]

2025-09-0312:12

It's been six weeks since our little guys arrived, and I thought it would be fun to share how all of my plans and preparations actually played out in real life. Some things went even better than I hoped - like family evenings together, baby camp activities, and homeschool routines that felt doable. Other things…not so much. Sleep deprivation hit hard, priorities had to shift, and I learned quickly what really matters in a survival season. In this episode, I share the highs and lows of postpartum life with five kids, how we've managed to keep our home and homeschooling running, and the ways the Surviving to Thriving Toolkit has carried me (plus the new things I've added as I've gone through this season again.) 📣Don't miss this! I'm teaching a brand new FREE class with live Q&A. This is your chance to ask questions about your own circumstances and get extra coaching support. It may only happen once—so keep an eye out and join while you can!

How I Set Up My Phone To Support Me in Survival Mode [Episode 377]

2025-08-2712:40

When life feels overwhelming, it's easy to reach for your phone as an escape. A quick scroll can numb the stress for a moment, but before you know, hours are gone, your energy is drained, and the problems are still waiting. In this episode of the Thriving in Motherhood Podcast, I share how I re-designed my phone to actually support me in a survival season (postpartum, homeschooling, and juggling life with five kids). Instead of pulling me away from what matters, it now helps me stay anchored in the essentials. I'll walk you through: Why your phone might be keeping you stuck in survival mode The simple changes I made to protect my priorities How the three pillars of thriving (scope, structure, and soul) apply even to smartphone use Practical ways to create a system that keeps you focused on what matters most If you've ever felt like your phone is running your life instead of helping it, this episode will give you new hope (and some concrete strategies) for making technology work for you. 💡 Want more support? Grab the FREE 5 Step Path from Surviving to Thriving Checklist at thrivinginmotherhoodpodcast.com/checklist. And if you're ready for deeper help, the Surviving to Thriving Toolkit gives you bite-sized lessons, systems, and mindset tools to guide you through every phase: survivingtothrivingtoolkit.com.

Your Limitations Are A Powerful Asset For Growth with Stephanie Stutznegger [Episode 376]

2025-08-2043:28

As moms, it's easy to believe our limitations are holding us back. Not enough time, not enough energy, too much on our plates. But what if those very limits are the key to growth? In this week's Thriving in Motherhood Podcast, Stephanie Stutznegger shares how embracing her limitations as a mom of four transformed her family life from burnout and clutter to systems that actually work. We talk about: The unexpected gift of limits A surprising addition to the family chore chart How she made cleaning fun again The small shifts that created big change Her story if full of simple wins and powerful reminders that we don't have to do it all, we just have to do it all, we just have to do it together.

The ONE question I ask to prepare for a survival season [Episode 375]

2025-08-1316:40

As I got ready to welcome our fifth baby, I kept coming back to one question: What would this look like if it were awesome? Instead of bracing for survival mode, I asked better questions and came up with simple, practical solutions to make this postpartum season calmer and more enjoyable. In this episode, I'm sharing the four things I focused on during pregnancy to get ready, plus how you can apply these same principles to any survival season in your life. You'll hear: The mindset shift that helped me stop dreading survival mode What I prepared (and what I didn't) to make meals easier The simple system I created to keeps kids happy and busy One powerful question to help you set up your own support systems Whether you're heading into a big transition or just want to feel more supported in daily life, this episode is full of ideas you can make your own.

Homeschool Preparations For the 2025-2026 School Year (6th, 4th, 2nd, Kindergarten) [Episode 374]

2025-08-0613:19

This year I did something different: I prepped our homeschool year before it started. Since we've added a new baby to our family, I knew I needed systems that would help us stay consistent, without relying on me to coordinate everything in the moment. We're using Alveary again, and after learning what worked (and what didn't) last year, I made four big changes to help this year run more smoothly. I switched from digital to print: I printed all of our lesson plans and materials so we can be screen-free and fully open-and-go. I organized lessons by day of the week: Every day has a folder and matching bookmarks so even my 5-year-old knows what to grab. I set things up for independence: Book covers, color coding, and book darts help the kids take more ownership (and reduces my mental load). I reset our school space: We cleaned out last year's work and made sure everything has a clear home so no one's asking me where things go. These changes have helped me feel calm, prepared, and ready for a more peaceful school year, even with a newborn in the mix. 📋 Want support navigating your own season? Grab the free 5-Step Path from Surviving to Thriving Checklist to see where you're at, and what to focus on next.

4 Foods I Cook From Scratch Every Week [Episode 373]

2025-07-3017:24

If you're a mom with a house full of hungry people, you already know: they eat all day long. And if you're trying to cook more from scratch - whether to save money, reduce processed foods, or just feed your family real meals - you've probably hit that point where it feels overwhelming to keep up. In this episode, I'm sharing exactly what I cook from scratch every single week. This isn't a big batch freezer meal plan or a Pinterest-worthy prep system. These are the simple things that fill in the gaps without taking tons of time or energy. You'll hear: The 5 scratch-cooked staples I make every week (in under 10 minutes of active time each) How I build in leftovers during the week to make lunches easier Why this approach supports both independence and connection at home What it looks like to simplify food as part of the normalizing phase on the 5-step path from surviving to thriving. If cooking from scratch feels impossible or you're just tired of constantly figuring out what to feed everyone next, this episode is full of ideas to make it feel more doable and less draining. 📋 Grab the free Surviving to Thriving Checklist to see where you're at on the 5-step path: 5 Step Path From Surviving to Thriving

Moving out of Endless Survival Mode with Chelsie Jenkins [Episode 372]

2025-07-2343:04

What does it really look like to move out of endless survival mode? In this episode, I'm joined by Chelsie Jenkins, a mom of five who has weathered some of the most intense seasons life can bring: the loss of a child, cross-country moves, special needs caregiving, supporting a spouse through grad school, and more. Chelsie shares how, despite years of feeling like she was barely keeping her head above water, she began to shift her mindset, create sustainable systems, and prepare for her next big transition - adding a new baby and starting school - without spiraling back into chaos. As a founding member of the Surviving to Thriving Toolkit, Chelsie learned to: Recognize survival mode patterns Implement home systems in a way that worked with her capacity Involve her kids in meaningful ways Approach upcoming life changes with peace instead of panic If you've ever felt like you can't catch a break, or like you're failing at motherhood because everything feels so hard, this episode will offer real hope and show you how the Surviving to Thriving Toolkit can help you too.

5 Truths About Survival Mode [Episode 371]

2025-07-1619:23

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.

#box-pro-ellipsis-17641485299554{-webkit-line-clamp:2;}Thriving In Motherhood Podcast | Productivity, Planning, Family Systems, Time Management, Survival Mode, Mental Health, Vision

Thriving In Motherhood Podcast | Productivity, Planning, Family Systems, Time Management, Survival Mode, Mental Health, Vision