I Am Mother of the Year Podcast

A couple years ago, I vividly remember standing at the kitchen counter getting the kids’ lunch ready. Cutting the hotdog length-wise twice, then 11 times the other way. Slicing the grapes in 2. I was mid-slice into the string cheese when I thought that I just might not make it through the day.“All I do is cut their food. That’s it. I feel like I’m cutting food all day long. I should be counting how many cuts I make a day, because I bet the number is close to 1,000…but then if I knew that, it would only depress me.”I felt that to my core. Despair, longing, resentment. Death by 1,000 cuts.Death. Death to our bodies, death to our momentum, and death to our schedules. Death to our selfishness, our need for control, and our freedom. Death to ourselves. And that’s a really good thing, when we allow the death-cuts to kill the ugly, selfish parts of us that need to go.The best parts of us that we can’t focus on because of our kids – we bury. The uniqueness with which we were created – we mask. The dreams of “one day I’ll pursue that dream”  – we slay. The beautiful, glorious identity we could still have outside of our motherhood – we lead to the slaughter. So how do you tell these cuts apart? You’ve got to take the time to listen to your own thoughts. Get to know the voices at war in your mind. And then choose to allow the gentle, loving nudges of a God who created you for the best to cut away the things you just don’t need. And tell the rest of the fear mongers to GET. OUT. Xoxo, Lisa*In an effort to serve you best, this podcast is both audio AND video, so make sure you subscribe to our YouTube channel and the podcast itself, wherever you get your podcasts!*LISTEN:iTunes Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-am-mother-of-the-year podcast/id1525025238Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2Y4aWbXEPsFpP2gw3GloSK?si=RA3VMy8uTlGcoEkpHITFhQ FOLLOW:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/iammotheroftheyearFacebook Group for Moms - https://www.facebook.com/groups/iammotheroftheyearInstagram - https://instagram.com/iammotheroftheyearJOIN LISA'S PATREON COMMUNITY:https://patreon.com/iammotheroftheyearCONNECT:https://www.iammotheroftheyear.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/iammotheroftheyear)

As a mom, you have the right to be imperfect, to be aware of and fulfill your needs, and change, emerge, and expand in new directions. Say WHAT?! Did you know this? In this episode, Jen and I talk about the Assertive Bill of Rights -- a resource her counselor gave her as she was healing from an abusive marriage. It was a major wakeup call for her, and when she shared them with me, we both knew we couldn’t NOT share them with you. A whole list of mini permission slips to be who you are, show up strong, and live a healthy life. Why do we struggle with this? And why does it matter?My guess is that you struggle with some of these because you’re believing a lie (or lies) about who you are. You aren’t living what’s true about you. And that may be because you don’t know how to get there! I get it, because I’m right there in the trenches with you.The mental load we carry, the relationships we manage, and the expectations on our hearts and minds keep us feeling overwhelmed, stuck in the comparison trap, and just feeling like we’re not enough all around. And I think that’s wrong. So wrong, in fact, that my team and I are working hard to create an online community where we can fight for our value, voice, and identity — together! Stay tuned for more info on that!!! Xoxo, Lisa*In an effort to serve you best, this podcast is both audio AND video, so make sure you subscribe to our YouTube channel and the podcast itself, wherever you get your podcasts!*LISTEN:iTunes Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-am-mother-of-the-year podcast/id1525025238Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2Y4aWbXEPsFpP2gw3GloSK?si=RA3VMy8uTlGcoEkpHITFhQ FOLLOW:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/iammotheroftheyearFacebook Group for Moms - https://www.facebook.com/groups/iammotheroftheyearInstagram - https://instagram.com/iammotheroftheyearJOIN LISA'S PATREON COMMUNITY:https://patreon.com/iammotheroftheyearCONNECT:https://www.iammotheroftheyear.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/iammotheroftheyear)

BYE BYE, fear! Just like that! That’s how you wave goodbye to fear in the new year! Umm...it’s not quite that easy. In this conversation, Jen and I dive into the pressure we put on ourselves this time of year. I share a humiliating story of when I freaked out about all the new year resolution things on January 1st and dyed my hair (you’ll have to see it to believe it, so make sure you at least catch the video on YouTube, Facebook, or IGTV). But mostly, we talk about how resolutions (if you even make them) are not won or lost in a single day. That fear is your enemy and needs to be dealt with as such, and that perfection is never ever the goal.Listen, no matter what your hopes, dreams, and goals for 2021 are, we can accomplish them together! In the new year, you’ll be hearing A LOT about an online community we are creating to do this exact thing - to punch fear in the face and show up strong in our own lives. Stay tuned!*In an effort to serve you best, this podcast is both audio AND video, so make sure you subscribe to our YouTube channel and the podcast itself, wherever you get your podcasts!*LISTEN:iTunes Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-am-mother-of-the-year podcast/id1525025238Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2Y4aWbXEPsFpP2gw3GloSK?si=RA3VMy8uTlGcoEkpHITFhQ FOLLOW:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/iammotheroftheyearFacebook Group for Moms - https://www.facebook.com/groups/iammotheroftheyearInstagram - https://instagram.com/iammotheroftheyearJOIN LISA'S PATREON COMMUNITY:https://patreon.com/iammotheroftheyearCONNECT:https://www.iammotheroftheyear.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/iammotheroftheyear)

“One day you’ll set him down, and never pick him up again.” Cue ALL.THE.TEARS. Want more tears? What about the fact that you’ll never know when that moment is. Ugh. I can’t even write about this without curling up into the fetal position. Listen, Jen and I talk about this reality in this conversation. We give a little loving advice to the veteran moms who have already experienced this. And mostly, we talk about how important it is to stay present in the moment. Allowing ourselves to feel everything we feel, not wishing away time, but not living in the past or worrying about the future. God has given you beautiful gifts in your children, but they are ultimately His. Keep doing the best you can, love them with all you’ve got, and take one day at a time. Oof. You’ve probably got a friend (or 10) that needs to hear this. Please share it with them! Xoxo, Lisa*In an effort to serve you best, this podcast is both audio AND video, so make sure you subscribe to our YouTube channel and the podcast itself, wherever you get your podcasts!*LISTEN:iTunes Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-am-mother-of-the-year podcast/id1525025238Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2Y4aWbXEPsFpP2gw3GloSK?si=RA3VMy8uTlGcoEkpHITFhQ FOLLOW:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/iammotheroftheyearFacebook Group for Moms - https://www.facebook.com/groups/iammotheroftheyearInstagram - https://instagram.com/iammotheroftheyearJOIN LISA'S PATREON COMMUNITY:https://patreon.com/iammotheroftheyearCONNECT:https://www.iammotheroftheyear.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/iammotheroftheyear)

Just for fun, because when the wave of creativity hits, you run with it! At least I do, and I have to say, that I can't WAIT for you to listen to this (possibly on repeat) and enjoy. 'Twas the Last Friday Before Christmas is a poem just for you, just in case you need a little reminder that you're doing ok, that you're loved, and that you are -- amidst the hustle and bustle -- a really good mom! Merry Christmas, dear friend! xoxo,LisaP.S. Santa told me he would bring you extra presents if you forwarded this podcast on to a friend (or 7!)Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/iammotheroftheyear)

This is a horrifying episode! I’ll just tell you right now. If you’re listening to it, you may want to also watch it on YouTube, Facebook, or IGTV because Jen and I do something that we both absolutely hate -- that we’ve never done before -- that makes us feel vulnerable and ugly and exposed. We take off our makeup!And in the taking off of the makeup, we reconcile the fact that true beauty -- that restful, confident beauty -- comes from within. A soul at rest. Yes, layers and layers of mascara help us present the way we want to in the world, but without knowing who we are and Whose we are, our getting-ready-routine will always fall short. Listen, like, comment, share...you know, all the things. And leave us a review, because that would be cool. Xoxo, Lisa*In an effort to serve you best, this podcast is both audio AND video, so make sure you subscribe to our YouTube channel and the podcast itself, wherever you get your podcasts!*LISTEN:iTunes Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-am-mother-of-the-year podcast/id1525025238Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2Y4aWbXEPsFpP2gw3GloSK?si=RA3VMy8uTlGcoEkpHITFhQ FOLLOW:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/iammotheroftheyearFacebook Group for Moms - https://www.facebook.com/groups/iammotheroftheyearInstagram - https://instagram.com/iammotheroftheyearJOIN LISA'S PATREON COMMUNITY:https://patreon.com/iammotheroftheyearCONNECT:https://www.iammotheroftheyear.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/iammotheroftheyear)

When’s the last time you asked yourself what you wanted to do? When’s the last time you really prepped yourself emotionally, mentally, or spiritually for a new experience or season? When’s the last time you thought about the growing up you still have to do? All these questions and more make their way into this conversation, where Jen and I talk about what it means to raise ourselves as mothers -- to continue the process of becoming the women that God created us to be. Just because we are raising kids doesn’t mean we stop the process of raising ourselves! Growing, learning, becoming…Enjoy this conversation and pass it along to a friend! Xoxo, Lisa*In an effort to serve you best, this podcast is both audio AND video, so make sure you subscribe to our YouTube channel and the podcast itself, wherever you get your podcasts!*LISTEN:iTunes Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-am-mother-of-the-year podcast/id1525025238Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2Y4aWbXEPsFpP2gw3GloSK?si=RA3VMy8uTlGcoEkpHITFhQ FOLLOW:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/iammotheroftheyearFacebook Group for Moms - https://www.facebook.com/groups/iammotheroftheyearInstagram - https://instagram.com/iammotheroftheyearJOIN LISA'S PATREON COMMUNITY:https://patreon.com/iammotheroftheyearCONNECT:https://www.iammotheroftheyear.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/iammotheroftheyear)

Do the Next Right Thing.  A full therapy session (or 6!) in one Disney song. That’s what this is. It’s easily the darkest, most real Disney song of all time. Poor Anna is alone in a cold, dark cave. Olaf just flurried into nothingness. Elsa just froze solid. She ditched her soon-to-be-fiancé in the woods. She’s stuck. Can you relate? Jen and I both can, and do! We hold nothing back in this episode as we talk about Jen’s survival of an abusive marriage and my ongoing battle with anxiety and depression. The very real situations that make us feel completely stuck. But when we find ourselves there, we need to “make the choice to hear that voice and do the next right thing.” Incredibly practical advice from Anna’s beautiful song. No matter your situation, do your best to hone in on the still small voice of the Holy Spirit in your life, stumble towards the light, and do the next right thing.We’re cheering you on! And again, use this episode to cheer on your friends. Watch, listen, and share! Xoxo, Lisa*In an effort to serve you best, this podcast is both audio AND video, so make sure you subscribe to our YouTube channel and the podcast itself, wherever you get your podcasts!*LISTEN:iTunes Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-am-mother-of-the-year podcast/id1525025238Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2Y4aWbXEPsFpP2gw3GloSK?si=RA3VMy8uTlGcoEkpHITFhQ FOLLOW:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/iammotheroftheyearFacebook Group for Moms - https://www.facebook.com/groups/iammotheroftheyearInstagram - https://instagram.com/iammotheroftheyearJOIN LISA'S PATREON COMMUNITY:https://patreon.com/iammotheroftheyearCONNECT:https://www.iammotheroftheyear.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/iammotheroftheyear)

Fear is what can’t be trusted. The one and only podcast in this series not based on a song. It’s the scene where Elsa sees what happened with her grandfather – it was HIM! He said, “Magic cannot be trusted.” And Elsa replies, “That’s fear. Fear is what can’t be trusted.”She is so right. Fear cannot be trusted. And Jen and I talk allllll about this and more in the podcast episode. We talk about how we choose anxiety over peace. We choose fear over love. We choose peacekeeping over peacemaking. So whether it’s parenting, relationships, careers, or just plain life -- choose wisely. Don’t listen to the voice of fear. It cannot be trusted. Watch, listen, and share this encouraging, practical episode! Xoxo, Lisa*In an effort to serve you best, this podcast is both audio AND video, so make sure you subscribe to our YouTube channel and the podcast itself, wherever you get your podcasts!LISTEN:iTunes Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-am-mother-of-the-year podcast/id1525025238Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2Y4aWbXEPsFpP2gw3GloSK?si=RA3VMy8uTlGcoEkpHITFhQ FOLLOW:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/iammotheroftheyearFacebook Group for Moms - https://www.facebook.com/groups/iammotheroftheyearInstagram - https://instagram.com/iammotheroftheyearJOIN LISA'S PATREON COMMUNITY:https://patreon.com/iammotheroftheyearCONNECT:https://www.iammotheroftheyear.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/iammotheroftheyear)

Far and away my favorite song of this movie (and quite possibly any recent Disney film!) Show Yourself. IT’S.SO.GOOD. I love it for a million and more reasons, and Jen and I talk about the amazingness in this podcast episode. Show yourself. Not someone else. You. When you walk into a room, show yourself as you truly are.That’s really, in essence, what Elsa is doing in this scene. Showing up to her own life. And you want to know how she got there? She followed the voice into the unknown (we talked about this last week!) She took deliberate steps to get to know who she already was. God, who created you so uniquely and beautifully and amazingly, has given you everything you could possibly need for life and holy living. He’s deposited it in you. It’s already there. Just like it was there for Elsa. We love this episode and hope it encourages and inspires you. If it does, share it with a friend! Xoxo, LisaLink to “You’re a Really Good Mom” coffee mugs here: https://www.iammotheroftheyear.com/merch/mug And in this episode we also talk about Spiritual DNA with Daron Earlewine. More information on that incredible online course and workshop can be found here: https://www.spiritualdna.me/ *In an effort to serve you best, this podcast is both audio AND video, so make sure you subscribe to our YouTube channel and the podcast itself, wherever you get your podcasts!*LISTEN:iTunes Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-am-mother-of-the-year podcast/id1525025238Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2Y4aWbXEPsFpP2gw3GloSK?si=RA3VMy8uTlGcoEkpHITFhQ FOLLOW:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/iammotheroftheyearFacebook Group for Moms - https://www.facebook.com/groups/iammotheroftheyearInstagram - https://instagram.com/iammotheroftheyearJOIN LISA'S PATREON COMMUNITY:https://patreon.com/iammotheroftheyearCONNECT:https://www.iammotheroftheyear.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/iammotheroftheyear)

The instant classic (and, for many, a welcomed replacement for “Let It Go!”) Into the Unknown. Oh Elsa. What a powerhouse. Thank you for this heart-cry, because it’s so relatable, especially as we sit here in 2020, celebrating the 1-year anniversary of Frozen II, while also celebrating the fact that the world’s strangest year is finally coming to a close.2020 was the year of a lot of things, but if we stay positive, we can certainly say that for many of us, it was the year of the pivot. Some forced pivots, some chosen pivots, some it’s-now-or-never pivots. And so right now, as you’re reading this, I wanted to allow Elsa’s posture in this beautiful song to encourage you.If you’re feeling unsettled or stuck or wild and crazy about this strange year, stressful season, or mandatory pivot – ask God those questions! Start there! You’ll notice, it’s not in Elsa’s defiant posture that she launches the journey to find, ultimately, who she was created to be. It was in her vulnerability.Watch, listen, share -- and let us know what you think! Xoxo, Lisa & Jen*In an effort to serve you best, this podcast is both audio AND video, so make sure you subscribe to our YouTube channel and the podcast itself, wherever you get your podcasts!*LISTEN:iTunes Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-am-mother-of-the-year podcast/id1525025238Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2Y4aWbXEPsFpP2gw3GloSK?si=RA3VMy8uTlGcoEkpHITFhQ FOLLOW:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/iammotheroftheyearFacebook Group for Moms - https://www.facebook.com/groups/iammotheroftheyearInstagram - https://instagram.com/iammotheroftheyearJOIN LISA'S PATREON COMMUNITY:https://patreon.com/iammotheroftheyearCONNECT:https://www.iammotheroftheyear.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/iammotheroftheyear)

A first in a 5-part series honoring the one year anniversary of Frozen II -- everyone’s favorite quarantine classic. Jen and I, I mean, Elsa and Anna, take us on a journey through the song, "Some Things Never Change." We talk in-depth about how poignant it is that while all of the characters sing about all of the things that change around them, they always come back to the truth that some things never change. Some things actually are constant.Now, I would love to hear Anna sing about this in 2020, but even in this wild year, I think she’d agree with me that in our ever-changing world, in our ever-changing culture, in our ever-changing everything, the only thing we need to not change won’t. It’s a guarantee. And that never-changing One is God.He is the One who never changes. The Bible says that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and has countless other scriptures about the character of God being steadfast, consistent, and never-changing. So listen, watch, share -- all the things -- with your Frozen and Frozen II fans, and everyone on the whole planet who needs to hear exactly how wonderful our Heavenly Father is.*In an effort to serve you best, this podcast is both audio AND video, so make sure you subscribe to our YouTube channel and the podcast itself, wherever you get your podcasts!*LISTEN:iTunes Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-am-mother-of-the-year podcast/id1525025238Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2Y4aWbXEPsFpP2gw3GloSK?si=RA3VMy8uTlGcoEkpHITFhQ FOLLOW:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/iammotheroftheyearFacebook Group for Moms - https://www.facebook.com/groups/iammotheroftheyearInstagram - https://instagram.com/iammotheroftheyearJOIN LISA'S PATREON COMMUNITY:https://patreon.com/iammotheroftheyearCONNECT:https://www.iammotheroftheyear.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/iammotheroftheyear)

A sinking feeling that she was not meant to be a mother after her son was born. An “I’m sorry there’s no heartbeat” ultrasound the day before her sister’s wedding. An ectopic pregnancy that threatened her life. These and more mark Amanda’s story of motherhood as it is, not as we expect it to be. Feel like you don’t measure up? Ever believed that your miscarriage was your fault? Thought that God was punishing you for being a bad mother? No matter where you’re at on your motherhood journey, you’ll absolutely relate to Amanda’s story. And you’ll freak all the way out when she shares…well, never mind. You’ll see when you watch or listen. Xoxo, LisaOctober is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and we wanted to honor that by sharing the stories of women just like you. This episode is the last in the 4-part series we called Yet We Thrive. Yet We Thrive is one of our partner ministries that helps women who have lost babies or are struggling to get pregnant live full, thriving lives – even in the midst of impossible circumstances. We hope this series brings you hope, comfort, peace, and courage. *In an effort to serve you best, this podcast is both audio AND video, so make sure you subscribe to our YouTube channel and the podcast itself, wherever you get your podcasts!*LISTEN:iTunes Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-am-mother-of-the-year podcast/id1525025238Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2Y4aWbXEPsFpP2gw3GloSK?si=RA3VMy8uTlGcoEkpHITFhQ FOLLOW:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/iammotheroftheyearFacebook Group for Moms - https://www.facebook.com/groups/iammotheroftheyearInstagram - https://instagram.com/iammotheroftheyearJOIN LISA'S PATREON COMMUNITY:https://patreon.com/iammotheroftheyearCONNECT:https://www.iammotheroftheyear.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/iammotheroftheyear)

Get ready to meet your new hero. No, seriously. Sherah is an incredible light with an even brighter story. Since she was 12 years old, Sherah has known that she was put on this planet to be a midwife. She’s delivered almost 400 babies and assisted in thousands (literally) more births. She’s already hero-status in my book. But listen to this. Sherah and her husband have been trying to get pregnant for 8 years. EIGHT. Day in and day out, this beautiful woman brings other women’s children into this world, all while holding out hope that someday, she too, will be able to bring her baby to her chest. Not only does Sherah share her story so graciously for those who are struggling to conceive, she also offers advice for others who are supporting others in their journeys (what to say, what not to say, and more!) This episode is a DO NOT MISS. (Ok, all of our episodes are do not miss, but you know what I mean.) xoxo, LisaOctober is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and we wanted to honor that by sharing the stories of women just like you. This episode is the third in a 4-part series we’ve called, Yet We Thrive. Yet We Thrive is one of our partner ministries that helps women who have lost babies or are struggling to get pregnant live full, thriving lives – even in the midst of impossible circumstances. We hope this series brings you hope, comfort, peace, and courage. *In an effort to serve you best, this podcast is both audio AND video, so make sure you subscribe to our YouTube channel and the podcast itself, wherever you get your podcasts!*LISTEN:iTunes Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-am-mother-of-the-year podcast/id1525025238Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2Y4aWbXEPsFpP2gw3GloSK?si=RA3VMy8uTlGcoEkpHITFhQ FOLLOW:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/iammotheroftheyearFacebook Group for Moms - https://www.facebook.com/groups/iammotheroftheyearInstagram - https://instagram.com/iammotheroftheyearJOIN LISA'S PATREON COMMUNITY:https://patreon.com/iammotheroftheyearCONNECT:https://www.iammotheroftheyear.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/iammotheroftheyear)

Have you experienced a miscarriage? Are you 1 in 4? So is Violet. In this episode, Violet shares not only her story of loss, but the story of how that loss impacted her marriage. With an emotionally-distant husband, she grieved alone, until she, too, sealed the pain away. Thankfully, she hit her breaking point and he had a come-to-Jesus moment. Together, they navigated their grief and the issues that led to disconnection. Violet is honest and raw, and will give you a boost of courage to look at any pain you may be hiding away. Watch, listen and share this episode with a friend. xoxo, LisaOctober is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and we wanted to honor that by sharing the stories of women just like you. This episode is the first in a 4-part series we’re calling Yet We Thrive. Yet We Thrive is one of our partner ministries that helps women who have lost babies or are struggling to get pregnant live full, thriving lives – even in the midst of impossible circumstances. We hope this series brings you hope, comfort, peace, and courage. *In an effort to serve you best, this podcast is both audio AND video, so make sure you subscribe to our YouTube channel and the podcast itself, wherever you get your podcasts!*LISTEN:iTunes Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-am-mother-of-the-year podcast/id1525025238Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2Y4aWbXEPsFpP2gw3GloSK?si=RA3VMy8uTlGcoEkpHITFhQ FOLLOW:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/iammotheroftheyearFacebook Group for Moms - https://www.facebook.com/groups/iammotheroftheyearInstagram - https://instagram.com/iammotheroftheyearJOIN LISA'S PATREON COMMUNITY:https://patreon.com/iammotheroftheyearCONNECT:https://www.iammotheroftheyear.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/iammotheroftheyear)