Balanced Mom Life | time management, mom guilt, decision-making, life balance, self-care

Do you feel busy all day but still can’t find time for yourself? In this episode, we’re talking about the hidden truth about time in the tween and teen years — and why so many moms feel overwhelmed even though their kids are more independent. A busy mom’s honest mindset shift about why feeling like you have no time for yourself isn’t really about time — and how seeing your days differently changes everything. You’ll hear the three biggest lessons I’ve learned about spending time in this stage of motherhood: Why small pockets of time matter more than you think How identity and priorities determine where your time actually goes The balance between enjoying the moment and preparing for what’s next This episode is about awareness — recognizing the patterns that quietly steal your time so you can start reclaiming it without guilt and without stepping away from your family. If you’ve been wondering how to find time for yourself as a busy mom, this is your starting point. What you’ll walk away with: ✔ A new perspective on why you feel like there’s never enough time ✔ Permission to value small pockets of time ✔ Clarity around identity and priorities in motherhood ✔ A healthier way to think about the future while staying present This is for the mom who wants deeper connection with her family and space for herself — and is tired of believing those two things can’t coexist. You've got this! Sarah _________________________________________ Connect with other moms of tweens & teens through the Facebook community -- Time Management for Moms of Tweens and Teens OR subscribe to the weekly newsletter here: https://westmetromom.com/community

Feeling like life is “off” even when everything seems fine? In this episode, I explore why moms of tweens and teens often feel exhausted, resentful, or disconnected—and how awareness of time management, mom guilt, self-care, decision making and life balance can help you find time for yourself without sacrificing your family. I share why small frustrations may actually be messages from your life, how running old decisions on autopilot quietly drains your energy, and why noticing these signs is the first step toward clarity, calm, and balance in this season of motherhood. Cheering you on! Sarah _________________________________________ Connect with other moms of tweens & teens through the Facebook community -- Time Management for Moms of Tweens and Teens OR subscribe to the weekly newsletter here: https://westmetromom.com/community

Do you feel exhausted at the end of the day—even when it feels like you didn’t do much? In this episode, I’m sharing the #1 mistake I made as a mom of teens that was quietly stealing my time, energy, and calm—and the simple boundary that helped me finally reclaim my time without guilt. If you’re a busy mom of tweens or teens who feels stretched thin, constantly managing everyone else’s needs, and struggling to find time for yourself while staying present for your family, this episode is for you. We’ll talk about why what worked when your kids were younger no longer works in this season—and how learning to step back from unnecessary responsibility can actually strengthen your relationship with your kids while helping them grow more independent and confident. You’ll learn: Why moms of teens often feel drained before the day even starts How taking on too much impacts your time, energy, and emotional bandwidth The mindset shift that helps reduce mom guilt and mental load One realistic boundary that supports your kids’ independence and gives you more time for yourself This episode is part of my mission to help moms of tweens and teens find time clarity, protect their energy, and stay deeply connected to their families—without doing more or overhauling their lives. xo, Sarah ________________________________________________________ Connect with other moms of tweens & teens through the Facebook community -- Time Management for Moms of Tweens and Teens OR subscribe to the weekly newsletter here: www.westmetromom/jointhelist

Are you exhausted all the time but still trying to keep everything together as a mom? If you’re a busy mom of tweens or teens who feels stretched thin, overwhelmed, and guilty for even wanting time for yourself—this episode is for you. Many moms are told to “practice self-care,” but bubble baths and occasional me-time don’t fix chronic exhaustion, mental overload, or decision fatigue. In this episode, I’m sharing 7 realistic self-care tips for busy moms who want more energy, clarity, and balance without neglecting their family or adding more to their to-do list. These self-care strategies are designed specifically for moms in the tween and teen years, when life is filled with carpools, sports schedules, emotional support, and constant mental load—but very little margin. Inside this episode, you’ll learn how to: Create sustainable self-care habits that fit real life Reclaim time for yourself without guilt Reduce overwhelm and mental fatigue Feel more present with your family and yourself No disappearing for hours. No complicated routines. Just small, intentional shifts that help you feel like yourself again—even in a packed season of motherhood. Grab a notebook and take a deep breath. This episode might feel like permission to finally choose yourself. Cheering you on, Sarah ________________________________________________ Balanced Mom Life is the go-to podcast for busy moms of tweens and teens who want better time management and life balance.

Do you feel like you’re doing everything—but something still feels off? Have you tried to make time for yourself, only to fall off track or feel guilty when you do? And do you ever wonder why balance feels harder now—even though your kids are more independent? You’ve started getting clear on what you want in this season of motherhood—but you’re still short on time. You want more balance. More patience. More space for yourself. So why does your schedule still feel packed and exhausting? In this episode, we’re continuing the clarity work and connecting it directly to time. Because without a clear why, everything competes for your attention—and time disappears into decisions, guilt, and overcommitment. This episode is for moms of tweens and teens who: feel like they never have enough time struggle to follow through on what matters to them say yes too often and pay for it later You’ll learn how to: attach a meaningful why to what you want use that why to make quicker, lighter decisions stop time from leaking through guilt and obligation This isn’t about managing your schedule or adding routines. It’s about choosing why something matters—so your time finally starts to reflect it. Believing the BEST is yet to come! xo Sarah ________________________________________________ If you’ve been putting your dreams or self-care on hold, I help moms create a real-life balance plan inside my 1:1 coaching. We uncover pockets of time, prioritize what matters, and make it happen without adding another thing to your full plate of life. [Book a FREE 1:1 Coaching Session — [LINK]

This year do you want to: Work out more? Be more present with your kids? Go on more date nights with your husband? But then reality hits—you feel like there’s too much to do and not enough time. Sound familiar? In this episode of Balanced Mom Life, I share the #1 question busy moms can ask to cut through decision fatigue, get clear on what truly matters, and finally make progress—without mom guilt or overwhelm. You’ll learn how to focus on one priority, simplify your decisions, and create a realistic game plan so your goals actually stick. If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start the year with clarity, balance, and momentum, this episode is for you. Stop decision fatigue and focus on what truly matters Get clear on your priorities this year Make progress without guilt or overwhelm Simplify your goals into one actionable plan Build momentum with small, consistent steps Believing the BEST is yet to come! xo Sarah If you’ve been putting your dreams or self-care on hold, I help moms create a real-life balance plan inside my 1:1 coaching. We uncover pockets of time, prioritize what matters, and make it happen without adding another thing to your full plate of life. [Book a FREE 1:1 Coaching Session — [LINK] _______________________________________ Sarah has spent over a decade mentoring women and helping them build healthier, more confident lives. As a mom of three teens with a background in television news and wellness coaching, she specializes in creating clarity in the middle of busy family life. Today she helps moms of tweens and teens reclaim their time, set boundaries that stick, and pursue something for themselves without disconnecting from their family — so they can feel calm, confident and like themselves again.

In this insightful conversation, Aminta Geisler—mom of four and host of The MINT Podcast—shares her honest journey parenting children through the teen and early adult years. As a fellow midlife mom navigating the messy middle, Aminta dives into real talk about parenting tweens and teens, setting healthy boundaries, navigating co-parenting disagreements, embracing teen independence, and knowing when to hold your tongue. Together, we talk about managing overwhelm, making confident decisions, prioritizing self-care, and creating balance through better time management and strong community support. If you’re a busy mom looking for encouragement and practical wisdom as you parent tweens or teens while juggling family, marriage, and your own needs, this conversation offers relatable insight and steady perspective for this season.

Feeling disconnected in your marriage during a busy season of parenting? This episode shares simple, realistic ways to reconnect without adding more to your plate. You love your spouse—but between kids, schedules, and the constant mental load, connection often gets pushed to the bottom of the list. In this episode of Midlife Unscripted, Sarah is joined by Diane McDaniel, co-founder of Still The One, to talk about why so many couples feel disconnected during the busy midlife years—and what actually helps. This isn’t about fixing your marriage or adding another thing to your plate. It’s about: Why disconnection is common in this season (and not a failure) Small, realistic ways to reconnect without forcing date nights How to shift from survival mode back to intentional connection Simple mindset changes that make a big difference over time If you’re craving closeness but feel stretched thin, this conversation will meet you right where you are.

Do you feel guilty resting—even when you’re exhausted? Do you end the day feeling like you did everything… yet still fell short? Are the “shoulds” stealing your peace—and your time? If that sounds familiar, this episode will feel like a deep exhale. So many moms don’t struggle with motivation or discipline—we struggle with the nonstop mental noise of shoulds: You should do more You should handle this better You should be able to keep it all together In today’s episode, I’m exposing 5 hidden habits that quietly keep moms stuck in guilt, overwhelm, and decision fatigue—and showing you how to break free without blowing up your life or adding more to your plate. We’ll talk about: Why letting every “should” run the show drains your time and confidence How over-explaining your decisions reinforces guilt The boundary mistake that keeps moms overextended Why putting yourself last isn’t sustainable (or necessary) And the mindset shift every mom needs to stop comparing her capacity to someone else’s season You’ll walk away with: Permission to question the invisible rulebook you’ve been living by Simple language to make decisions without guilt Practical boundary shifts that actually work in real life A reminder that your capacity is not a moral issue—it’s information If you’re a mom of tweens or teens who feels stretched thin, overwhelmed by expectations, or stuck in the “shoulds,” this episode is for you. Ready to stop carrying the weight of guilt and start choosing yourself with confidence? Press play. Believing the BEST is yet to come! xo Sarah If you’ve been putting your dreams or self-care on hold, I help moms create a real-life balance plan inside my 1:1 coaching. We uncover pockets of time, prioritize what matters, and make it happen without guilt or overwhelm. [Book a FREE 1:1 Coaching Session — LINK]

Do you feel like you can’t take a moment for yourself without feeling guilty? Do you wonder how to pursue a small dream or self-care practice without disrupting your family’s routine? Have you tried to “find time” for yourself but end up exhausted and frustrated? In this episode, I’ll show you how to reclaim tiny pockets of time for self-care or personal goals, fit them seamlessly into your life, and do it without stealing from your family or feeling guilty. You’ll learn: How to use tiny 10–20 minute windows for self-care that actually stick How to choose a dream or practice that fits your current life, not some ideal schedule How to communicate small shifts to your family so everyone adapts easily The practical steps I used to reclaim my time and still show up fully as a mom By the end, you’ll walk away with actionable, realistic ways to prioritize yourself while still being present for your kids. Action Step: Identify one 10–20 minute block this week. Decide what self-care or small goal you’ll pursue during that time. Tell your family why it matters, and notice how it shifts your energy and focus. If you’ve been putting your dreams or self-care on hold, I help moms create a real-life balance plan inside my 1:1 coaching. We uncover pockets of time, prioritize what matters, and make it happen without guilt or overwhelm. [Book a FREE 1:1 Coaching Session — LINK] Join our Facebook community for moms of tweens & teens prioritizing their time, sharing wins, and supporting each other.

If you feel busy all day but still end most days exhausted and behind, this episode is for you. In this conversation, I’m sharing one simple shift that helps overwhelmed moms stop carrying the mental load alone and finally create breathing room—without trying to “manage time” better or do more. You’ll learn how to choose one clear focus, reconnect it to a meaningful why, and build gentle rhythms that reduce decision fatigue and bring more calm into your days. This isn’t about fixing yourself—it’s about changing what you’re holding. If you’re craving clarity and a little space to breathe again, press play. Cheering you on! xo, Sarah _____________________________________________________ About Your Host: Sarah Colbert is the voice behind Balanced Mom Life, a podcast for moms navigating the shifting seasons of motherhood. A former journalist and mom of three teens, Sarah helps women rediscover purpose, peace, and confidence through honest stories, practical steps, and encouragement along the way. Learn more at westmetromom.com/coaching or join the free community, Midlife Moms Connect, for additional encouragement and resources. Connect with Sarah at sarah@westmetromom.com

If the holidays leave you exhausted, overcommitted, and wondering when YOU get to enjoy any of it—this episode is your reset. This week, we’re breaking down the exact micro-boundaries that help busy moms protect their time, simplify decisions, and feel more balanced during the most overwhelming season of the year. I’m sharing the moment I realized I was running the whole holiday machine while everyone else was relaxing—and the simple shifts I made that brought my joy (and sanity) back. You’ll walk away with: The one boundary that immediately gives you breathing room Two simple decisions that protect your time without disappointing anyone A simple way to say “Not right now”—minus the guilt If you’re craving more peace, more presence, and more moments that actually matter… this episode will help you take back your December with confidence. xo, Sarah ______________________________________ About Your Host: Sarah Colbert is the voice behind Midlife Unscripted, a podcast for moms navigating the shifting seasons of motherhood. A former journalist and mom of three teens, Sarah helps women rediscover purpose, peace, and confidence through honest stories, practical steps, and encouragement along the way. Learn more at westmetromom.com/coaching or join the free community, Midlife Moms Connect, for additional encouragement and resources. Connect with Sarah at sarah@westmetromom.com

As your kids get older, your schedule shifts in a way no one really prepares you for. Suddenly you have little pockets of time—twenty minutes here, an hour there—and instead of feeling freeing, they can feel confusing, unproductive, or even guilt-filled. In this episode, we’re talking about why that happens, what it really means and how to move forward with confidence. Whether you find yourself overcommitting because you feel like you “should”… or wasting time because you don’t know what you actually want anymore… neither reaction is a failure. They’re clues. And today, I’m breaking down how to understand them, what this new season is trying to tell you, and how to start using your time in ways that feel purposeful and good—without the pressure to do more. You’ll also get one simple tactic you can use today to make those small pockets of time more intentional. If you’re ready to feel less behind and more grounded in this in-between season of motherhood, this episode is for you. xo Sarah _______________________________ About Your Host: Sarah Colbert is the voice behind Midlife Unscripted, a podcast for moms navigating the shifting seasons of motherhood. A former journalist and mom of three teens, Sarah helps women rediscover purpose, peace, and confidence through honest stories, practical steps, and encouragement along the way. Learn more at westmetromom.com/coaching or join the free community, Midlife Moms Connect, for additional encouragement and resources. Connect with Sarah at sarah@westmetromom.com

In this episode of Midlife Unscripted, we continue our pre-empty nest series, exploring the delicate in-between stage of motherhood — that space where your kids are growing more independent, and the next season feels just around the corner. If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I savoring these moments enough?” or “How can I keep growing my relationship with my kids as they change?” this episode is for you. I share a personal story about finding old keepsakes and the powerful reminder that slowing down and being present is the best way to prepare for what’s ahead. You’ll learn five practical ways to stay grounded in the here and now: how to practice presence, make space for your emotions, start small with your own dreams, let go of comparison, and mark meaningful moments with your family. Plus, I offer a simple weekly reflection to help you pause, breathe, and truly savor this season. Whether you’re feeling bittersweet, excited, or a little lost in the transition, this episode will encourage you to lean into today while gently preparing for tomorrow. xo Sarah _________________________________________ About Your Host: Sarah Colbert is the voice behind Midlife Unscripted, a podcast for moms navigating the shifting seasons of midlife motherhood. A former journalist and mom of three teens, Sarah helps women rediscover purpose, peace, and confidence through honest stories, practical steps, and encouragement along the way. Learn more at westmetromom.com or join the free community, Midlife Moms Connect, for additional encouragement and resources. Connect with Sarah at sarah@westmetromom.com

This episode of Midlife Unscripted continues our pre-empty nest series, but even if your kids aren’t ready to leave yet, these 5 steps will help you reclaim your time, rediscover your identity, and show up as your best self. Join Sarah as she walks you through practical, simple ways to make time for yourself, reset your energy, and embrace your purpose as a midlife mom. Whether you’re juggling kids, household chaos, and ever-changing routines, these strategies will help you prioritize self-care, strengthen your faith, and feel more grounded in your identity. Perfect for busy moms navigating the pre-empty nest phase or parenting tweens or teens, this episode is your guide to showing up fully — without guilt — for both yourself and your family. About Your Host: Sarah Colbert is the voice behind Midlife Unscripted, a podcast for moms navigating the shifting seasons of midlife motherhood. A former journalist and mom of three teens, Sarah helps women rediscover purpose, peace, and confidence through honest stories, practical steps, and encouragement along the way. Learn more at westmetromom.com or join the free community, Midlife Moms Connect, for additional encouragement and resources. Connect with Sarah at sarah@westmetromom.com Keywords: Midlife Mom, Mom identity, Rediscover yourself, Self-care for moms, Make time for yourself, Faith and purpose, Parenting teens, Pre-empty nest, Mom energy reset, Practical self-care

In this episode of Midlife Unscripted, host Sarah Colbert, creator of West Metro Mom, explores what it really feels like to enter the pre-empty nest stage — that quiet, in-between season when your kids still need you, but not quite in the same way. If you’re a midlife mom navigating the early signs of the empty nest, this episode will help you rediscover your purpose, reimagine your identity, and find peace in the transition. Sarah shares her personal story of noticing the subtle shifts at home, learning to let go of control, and using new pockets of time to reconnect with herself. Through honest reflection and practical encouragement, she reminds us that this season isn’t about losing your purpose — it’s about remembering who you are and what lights you up outside of motherhood. Key Takeaways: Recognizing the Pre-Empty Nest Stage: Spot the subtle signs that your parenting role — and your daily rhythm — are changing. Redefining Your Role: Why this transition can be a powerful chance to rediscover who you are beyond your kids. Embracing the In-Between: How to hold space for both pride and sadness as your teens grow more independent. Practical Shifts: Simple, meaningful ways to use newfound time for reflection, hobbies, or faith growth. Mindset Matters: Why this isn’t the end of something, but the beginning of rediscovering you. About Your Host: Sarah Colbert is the voice behind Midlife Unscripted, a podcast for moms navigating the in-between years — when your kids still need you, but not in the same way. A former journalist turned storyteller and mom of three teens, Sarah helps women rediscover purpose, peace, and confidence in the pre-empty nest years through honest stories, practical conversations, and a little humor along the way. Learn more at westmetromom.com or follow along or Book a FREE call now. If you want more encouragement, join me in the Facebook community, Midlife Moms Connect, or email Sarah anytime at sarah@westmetromom.com Keywords: pre-empty nest stage, midlife moms, rediscover yourself, motherhood identity, empty nest transition, letting go, finding purpose again, midlife confidence, balance and change, parenting teens, motherhood growth, west metro mom, midlife unscripted podcast

Hey moms—are you in that in-between season, wondering what’s next now that your kids are getting older? In this episode, I chat with Karen Johnson, a midlife mom who gave up her career to raise her kids and is now figuring out life after kids, rediscovering herself, and exploring her next chapter. If you’re navigating the pre-empty nest, feeling stuck in your mom identity, or ready to start something new, this conversation is packed with honest encouragement and practical ideas for thriving in midlife. If you loved this episode: Grab Karen's book: What Do I Want to Be When They Grow Up? And Other Thoughts From a 40-Something Mom (purchase book now) Connect with Karen on Facebook Join me in the upcoming four-part series on the pre-empty nest season—starting next week! Share your thoughts in my quick [market research survey]to help shape future episodes and resources for moms in this in-between season. xo Sarah __________________________ If you want more encouragement, join me in my free Facebook community, Midlife Moms Connect, or email me anytime at sarah@westmetromom.com To connect or learn more about working with me go to www.westmetromom.com/coaching

Ever feel like you’ve lost touch with the things that used to light you up? I know that feeling all too well. In this episode, I’m sharing how we, as midlife moms, can reignite passions we’ve put on pause—whether that’s painting, journaling, running, baking, reading for fun, or simply doing something that makes us feel alive again. If you’ve been feeling stuck, unmotivated, or like you’ve lost a piece of yourself in the busyness of motherhood, I want you to know—you’re not alone. Together, we’ll walk through simple, doable steps to rediscover your creativity, confidence, and sense of purpose—without guilt, pressure, or perfection. I’ll share what happened when I finally picked up something I hadn't in a long time and how that moment reminded me that my joy matters. You’ll also learn how to carve out time for yourself, why reigniting your passion brings back energy and balance, and how small sparks of creativity can help you feel more grounded, fulfilled, and like you again. This episode is for every midlife mom navigating identity shifts, burnout, or that strange “in-between” season of motherhood. You’ll leave encouraged to take the first small step toward rediscovering who you are—beyond your to-do list. xo Sarah If you want more encouragement, join me in my free Facebook community, Midlife Moms Connect, or email me anytime at sarah@westmetromom.com To connect or learn more about working with me go to www.westmetromom.com/coaching

Do you ever feel like if you didn’t do it, it just wouldn’t get done? The laundry, the appointments, the meals, the moods, the mental checklists that never seem to end. It’s called the mental load of motherhood — and if you’re the default parent, it can feel like you’re carrying the world on your shoulders. In this episode of Midlife Unscripted, we’re talking about how to share the weight without losing yourself. You’ll learn how to recognize the invisible load you’ve been carrying, why resentment sneaks in when it goes unspoken, and how to step out of “martyr mom” mode into real partnership at home. Through honest conversation and faith-filled encouragement, we’ll look at what it means to let go of control, set healthy boundaries, and trust God to carry what we can’t. Because in this season of midlife motherhood, you don’t have to do it all — and you were never meant to. If you’ve been feeling unseen, overwhelmed, or stuck in “I’ll just do it myself” mode, this episode will help you find peace, strength, and confidence again. ✨ You’ll learn how to: Recognize and name the invisible load you’re carrying Stop letting resentment quietly damage your relationships Ask for help and create partnership in your home Let go of guilt and trust God with what’s too heavy to carry alone Tune in to rediscover your energy, confidence, and joy — one small shift at a time. Listen now and share this episode with a mom friend who’s been carrying it all — because we’re not meant to do motherhood alone. xo Sarah If you want more encouragement, join me in my free Facebook community, Midlife Moms Connect, or email me anytime at sarah@westmetromom.com To connect or learn more about working with me go to www.westmetromom.com/coaching

I know how real the quiet grief of midlife motherhood can feel—the ache when teens don’t need us the same way anymore, the bittersweet shift when the house feels quieter, and the reminder that we’re no longer at the center of their world. In this episode of Midlife Unscripted, I’m talking about that hidden grief, why it feels so heavy, and practical ways to move through it with hope. My heart is that you’ll feel less alone, find words for what you’re carrying, and start to see what’s possible in this new season of motherhood. xo Sarah If you want more encouragement, join me in my free Facebook community, Midlife Moms Connect, or email me anytime at sarah@westmetromom.com To connect or learn more about working with me go to www.westmetromom.com/coaching