Thriving Mosaic - Discover & Embrace Your Unique Identity

Today’s episode is exactly what it felt like in real time. A ramble. A purge. A stream of consciousness from a woman who is deep in a two-year mission to finally declutter her home and reclaim her space. This conversation came out of something that’s been pressing on my mind for weeks. It started with TikTok, then a quote, then a shelving unit that has sat unopened in my garage for over a year. And it all spiraled into a much bigger question. Why am I keeping so much stuff that isn’t serving any purpose in my life anymore? What I Talked About in This Episode My Long Decluttering Journey I’ve been working at decluttering for about two years, and it feels like every time I make progress, I discover another corner, another shelf, another drawer full of things that have no real home or purpose. Growing up, clutter was normal. Kitchen counters were permanent catch-all zones. And I carried those habits into adulthood without even noticing. Moving into our current house 11 years ago, we swore everything would have a place. Over time, that went out the window. Between raising three kids and running a business from home, the accumulation was inevitable. And now that the kids are grown or gone, I’m seeing every object with fresh eyes. The “Hiring” Philosophy That Changed My Thinking The big shift happened when I heard a TikTok clip quoting someone who said this: “We don’t just buy things. We hire them to serve a purpose. If they’re not doing the job, there’s no reason to keep them.” That quote made me question everything in my house. The shelving unit I bought in 2023 that’s still unopened because I mis-measured? It’s not doing its job. It’s just sitting in the garage taking up space. Watching Cliff Declutter Sparked Something Too Cliff has been on his own cleaning spree in his studio. While helping him break down cardboard for recycling, I realized how much unused potential space we actually have. Closets. Shelves. Corners that could be functional if we only stopped throwing “miscellaneous stuff” into them. His progress made me want to push harder on mine. Re-evaluating the Big Bedroom Furniture When we built this house, one of my biggest dreams was a real bedroom set. We’d been married for nearly 20 years with mismatched pieces and no headboard. I finally got my big furniture… and now this version of me doesn’t want any of it. The dressers hold stuff we never use. Our closet remodel means they’re basically redundant. I’m ready for lighter, simpler, smaller pieces. Cliff is not. So that’s a longer-term play. And yes, I fully intend to win this one eventually. Letting Go of Past Hobbies Once upon a time, I was deep into wreath-making. Now my hands cramp too much to keep it up. I’ve accepted that, but I still have a stack of finished wreaths taking up space. I’ve been telling myself I should sell them, but honestly, I just want them gone. I’ve already given some to McKenna. I’m offering one to my mother-in-law. And the rest? Someone else can have them. Small Projects That Have Been Lingering for No Reason Like the router-hiding book project. I bought the books, the glue, the supplies… and then stalled for a year because I thought I needed a clamp. Today I saw someone do it without one. Turns out, I could have done this last fall. Now it goes on the to-do list—not as an urgent thing, but as something I can finally move forward on. What Do You Do With All the Stuff? This is the question that keeps me stuck. I don’t want to throw things away if they could help someone else. I don’t want to do more yard sales. Clothes are easy to donate. But what about the random items? Craft supplies? Décor? Half-finished projects? I found a woman who works at a senior living facility, and donated bags of craft materials to her. That felt good. But so much remains. Living With Clutter Interrupts My Peace The clutter distracts me. It keeps me from focusing. I walk into a room and get visually overwhelmed. Even the readers on my desk. I don’t use them anymore, they need to go. But where? That’s the question I keep asking. The Questions I Ask You in This Episode Do you declutter regularly? Do you live in an orderly home? What does that peace feel like? And most importantly… What do YOU do with the “stuff” that isn’t clothes, isn’t trash, but isn’t needed anymore? If you have ideas, I really want to hear them. You can email me directly at Stephanie@StephanieRavenscraft.com Closing Thought I’m still on this journey, working my way back through the house, starting with the open common areas. Some days it feels endless. But every drawer I empty, every box I clear, every object I let go of… it all brings a little more clarity and breathing room. If your purpose right now is to clean, then let that be enough. Live your life with purpose. And let the space around you support that purpose too.  

In this episode, I share my excitement about Taylor Swift’s latest album, The Life of a Showgirl. One song in particular, “Eldest Daughter,” has deeply resonated with me. It’s a mirror that has invited me into a season of reflection. As I’ve listened, I’ve found myself connecting with the themes of responsibility, identity, and the often-unspoken experiences that come with being the one who’s always “had it together.” In this episode, I open up about how this song has stirred something within me and the insights that have surfaced as a result. If you’ve ever found yourself reflecting on the roles you’ve carried in life and what they’ve meant for your own personal journey, this episode may speak to you too.

In this episode, I wanted to share something that has been on my mind lately. It’s about what it’s really like to have adult children. There’s a lot of conversation online about how hard it is to parent grown kids, but that hasn’t been my experience at all. I don’t actually feel like I’m parenting anymore. I’m supporting, encouraging, and cheering them on as they live their own lives. Somewhere along the way, I made a mindset shift that changed everything. I wasn’t raising children. I was raising adults. That simple difference shaped how I approached responsibility, independence, and what “family” looks like as they’ve grown up. Now, with Meagan married and thriving, Matthew living at home while studying to become a high school math teacher (and possibly preparing for a study-abroad year in Japan), and McKenna navigating her senior year of college while applying to law schools, I’m finding so much joy in watching them become who they were created to be. Every lunch, every random chat, every moment we get together feels like bonus time. Even when I miss the days of having them all under one roof, I wouldn’t trade the pride and gratitude I feel now for anything. This episode is a reflection on learning to release control, embrace who our children are becoming, and find peace in a season that looks different but is just as beautiful as the one before it. If you’re navigating the transition into parenting adult kids, or if you’re still in the thick of raising little ones and wondering how it will feel on the other side, I hope my story brings you comfort, perspective, and maybe even a little laughter along the way. And if you’d like to talk about your own journey, whether you’re trying to reframe expectations, find your peace, or just need a space to process, send me an email at stephanie@stephanieravenscraft.com. I’d love to hold that space with you. Until next time, live your life with purpose.  

This summer turned out to be one of the most intentional and joy-filled seasons of my life. At the beginning of the year, I set out with my Soul Planner and my accountability group to design what I wanted summer to look, feel, and even taste like. I imagined a season of creation, rest, and simple pleasures. But as life unfolded, things looked a little different than I expected. Vacations, moving kids into apartments, workshops with Cliff, and everyday family life all played their part. Even though I didn’t check every box in my planner, or write a single page of the book I thought I’d start, I still ended up with what I now call my “summeriest summer ever.” In this episode, I share: How using my Soul Planner and accountability group helped me plan with intention Why summer 2025 felt like the first season that was truly mine The difference between planning and forcing and why grace and space matter What I actually experienced (vacation, family transitions, simple joys) How intentionality made the season remarkable, even when plans shifted Why I’m now excited to set intentions for fall and beyond Sometimes living with intention doesn’t mean following the plan perfectly. It means creating the vision, holding it loosely, and allowing life to unfold in ways that surprise and delight us. Thank you for joining me as I continue to share this journey of growth, change, and living life on purpose.

In this very personal episode of Thriving Mosaic, I’m doing something a little different. What started as a simple car ride with my dog and a random shuffle on my Taylor Swift playlist turned into a profound moment of reflection. As many of you know, I’ve been a lifelong Taylor Swift fan. Recently, with Taylor now owning her full masters, I’ve been revisiting some of her earlier albums that I had paused listening to out of honor and respect for her ownership journey. That’s when Tied Together With A Smile came on, and it stopped me in my tracks. Even though Taylor wrote this song as a teenager, I first heard it at 28. The lyrics reflected a kind of unpretty that wasn’t about my appearance, but about my struggle to feel enough, to set boundaries, to use my own voice, and to stop performing for acceptance. In this episode, I share a written reflection that I created with the help of my trusted GPT companion, Betty. It’s my story of how this song met me where I was, how it revealed truths I hadn’t yet spoken aloud, and how choosing to love myself has been the sacred work of coming home. If any part of this speaks to you, please know I would be honored to hold space for your own unfolding. You can always reach out to me at stephanie@stephanieravenscraft.com. Thank you for walking this journey with me. Until next time, live your life on purpose.

In this episode, I share a quote that’s been sitting with me for over two years. A quote that stopped me in my tracks the moment I first read it: “Healing also means taking an honest look at the role you play in your own suffering.” That one sentence cracked something open in me. Not because it was easy to hear, but because it was undeniably true. This isn’t about blame or shame. It’s about freedom. Ownership. Liberation. It’s about asking bold, honest questions like: “Is this belief actually true?” “Who told me this about myself?” “And do I still want to carry that story?” I reflect on the years I spent performing different versions of myself. Trying to be the daughter, wife, woman, and friend that others expected me to be, all while feeling completely misaligned inside. I share about the retreat that changed everything for me in 2012, when I began asking the question: “Who does God say that I am?” That question became the doorway to a year of deep internal reckoning and the beginning of becoming my true self. This conversation is raw and real. I talk about trauma, limiting beliefs, the lies we absorb from culture and childhood, and how I started breaking free by choosing awareness and responsibility. If anything in this episode stirred something inside you, I invite you to email me: 📩 stephanie@stephanieravenscraft.com Tell me what you’ve always believed about yourself... and whether it might be time to ask, “Is it true?” Let’s walk this journey together. Until next time, Live your life on purpose… fully aligned with who you were created to be. Stephanie  

  This episode has been on my heart for a long time. I’ve known I wanted to share this part of my journey, but I had to allow myself the time and emotional space to truly process what it means—to let go of a role I’ve held for so long as a mom, specifically as the “barrier” between my daughter McKenna and the world. In today’s conversation, I take you all the way back to 2010, to the television show Parenthood, and how the character Max first opened my eyes to signs in McKenna that I hadn’t yet understood. I share how that recognition grew over the years, and how I parented with a deep intention—offering McKenna safety, advocating for her while also teaching her to advocate for herself. And then one day, seemingly out of nowhere, it all clicked… She made a phone call to reschedule a dentist appointment, completely on her own, and it hit me—she no longer needs me in the same way. It’s a simple thing. But it unraveled something deep within me. This episode is about so much more than parenting. It’s about identity, transition, and permission—permission to grieve a role that’s no longer needed, even when that change is a mark of success. I talk openly about: What it looked like to raise McKenna with love, presence, and discernment, without rushing toward labels or diagnoses. How her recent diagnosis of Level 1 Autism (formerly known as Asperger’s) helped her make sense of herself, in her own timing, on her own terms. What it means to let go of being the protector, the interpreter, the advocate... and to trust that I did my job well. The emotional paradox of feeling both celebration and grief in the same breath. If you’re navigating any kind of identity shift—especially if you’re a parent of a neurodivergent child—I hope this episode speaks to you. Letting go of a role is part of the process, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. And just because something is hard… doesn’t mean it’s wrong. If this resonates with you—if you’ve been through something similar—I’d love to hear your story. Email me at stephanie@stephanieravenscraft.com with the subject line "Letting Go." This is a beautiful new chapter for McKenna. And it’s a new chapter for me, too. Until next time, Live your life on purpose.

Okay, so I've got to make a confession - I finally changed up my music playlist after listening to nothing but Taylor Swift for the past year. I know, I know, I'm a huge Swiftie, but I just felt like I needed a palate cleanser. So I started shuffling through some old Daughtry songs, and let me tell you, one of the lyrics just hit me right in the gut. It was this line about how I'm "still just me on the inside" - and that really got me thinking about the goals I set for myself at the end of 2024. I mean, here we are six weeks into the new year, and I haven't made any real progress on them. Why? Because I haven't changed the habits and patterns that are keeping me stuck in the same old cycle. I look around my house and it's a mess - I've got books and Amazon boxes everywhere, and I just keep walking by them instead of taking care of it. And I keep telling myself, "Wouldn't it be easier to just move and start over?" But the truth is, my outer world is always going to reflect my inner world. If I don't change the way I talk to myself and the beliefs I have about myself, nothing on the outside is going to change either. So I've decided that one of my big goals for this year is to really work on my inner narrative. I grew up in an environment where negativity and "roasting" was the norm, and I realize I've carried that over into how I speak to myself. But I don't want to be my own worst critic anymore. I want to be my biggest cheerleader. It's going to take some work, but I'm committed to building small, daily habits - like actually washing my face and moisturizing every night - that are going to help me become the person I want to be. Because if I don't change me on the inside, nothing on the outside is ever going to change either. Gotta start with that inner transformation, you know? Anyway, I'd love to hear from you all - what habits or patterns are keeping you stuck in the same old cycle? Let me know, because I'm in this with you, and I'm ready to break free.

In this episode, I share how I've been on a journey of finding my authentic self and purpose. After feeling like I was having an "identity crisis" earlier this year, I realized it was more of a "calendar crisis" — with my kids growing up and leaving home, I didn't have the same daily routines and activities filling my time. In a mastermind session in September 2024, I had a big epiphany. I realized that what was missing from my work life was not working on my own, but working collaboratively with my husband Cliff. We've now created dedicated "work days" where we co-create together in our home studio. As I've reconnected with my true purpose of serving and helping others, I'm now ready to offer my expertise. I'm excited to launch a special Black Friday offer — a 1-hour "Freedom Audit" session where I'll help women break through limiting beliefs and find their authentic selves. This session is normally $500, but I'm offering it for $150 for a limited time. My hope is to help you, whether you are an entrepreneur, a spouse of an entrepreneur, or in any other role, to define your own path and not let others' rules or expectations hold you back. I want to empower you to defy gravity and live authentically. If you're interested in the Freedom Audit, you can email me at Stephanie@StephanieRavenscraft.com with "Freedom Audit" in the subject line.  

In this episode, I introduce the inaugural installment of the newly relaunched Building A Life And Business Together podcast! I host this show with my husband, Cliff Ravenscraft, and we're excited to revive the podcast we started a few years ago. We've returned with fresh perspectives, valuable lessons learned, and a clear vision for the direction we want to take with this show. In this episode, we share our journey of navigating life and business as a married couple. We recount our entrepreneurial beginnings, our personal growth, and how we've learned to support each other in our marriage, especially during times when our paths weren't always perfectly aligned. We also share the origin story of this podcast, including how our initial attempt, though imperfect, yielded valuable insights. Now, with a renewed focus, we've crafted this description for our show: Building A Life And Business Together is our podcast dedicated to entrepreneurial couples navigating the complexities of business and marriage. We provide a blend of personal stories, practical advice, and lessons learned from our long-term journey as a married couple working together. Whether you're the entrepreneur in the relationship or the spouse who's feeling anxious about the financial security of your family, our goal is to guide you in getting back to "building your life together." We focus on helping couples align on a shared vision, moving from fear and doubt about leaving the "responsible path" of a guaranteed paycheck to embracing the freedom of building a business. Each episode tackles the realities of entrepreneurship, balancing personal and professional growth, and navigating the ups and downs that come with pursuing success as a couple. Tune in for our honest conversations about creating a unified vision for your life, and learn how to get on the same page with your spouse as you build both your life and business together. Find and subscribe to "Building A Life And Business Together" Website: BuildingALifeAndBusinessTogether.com Click Here For Apple Podcasts Click Here For Spotify The Five Stages of the Entrepreneurial Marriage Stephanie Ravenscraft shares her heartfelt journey through the Five Stages of the Entrepreneurial Marriage, offering raw and personal insights into what it truly takes to navigate life as the spouse of an entrepreneur. In this talk, Stephanie opens up about the shock of unexpected career changes, the challenges of building a life and business together, and the sacrifices made along the way. From early struggles and financial hardships to a life of abundance, Stephanie’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, partnership, and unwavering support in marriage. Whether you're the entrepreneur or the spouse, this talk will inspire you to embrace your role in building a shared vision for your life together. You’ll learn how to communicate effectively, work through fear and doubt, and ultimately, thrive both personally and professionally as a couple. Call to Action: Gain free access to Stephanie's talk, The Five Stages of the Entrepreneurial Marriage, and discover how to build a stronger partnership while pursuing your entrepreneurial dreams. Visit MindsetAnswerMan.com/fivestages to access this talk now and take the first step toward aligning your marriage and business for long-term success!

In this episode, I share why I stopped eating McDonald's and what led me to try it again after almost 15 years.

In this episode, I share the struggle I've faced this year with identifying who I am and what I want.  I share my 3 "ah ha" moments that brought clarity and assuredness back to me. If anything I shared resonates feel free to send me an email. 

In this episode, I share some of my favorite pithy and insightful quotes that I've been exposed to over the past month. Have a listen and let me know which quote most resonated with you.  Email me at Stephanie@StephanieRavenscraft.com.

In this episode, I share a few goals I've made for 2024, some obstacles I've experinced so far and how a journaling prompt got me thinking about where I want to be in 5 years.

In this episode of Thriving Mosaic, I shared the following: I talk about the two online programs I recently participated in. I talked about how I've been using the SOL Planner for many years and found it really helpful when I was managing my family's busy schedules. I mentioned signing up for Sarah Light's "Frazzled to Focused" workshop and getting a lot out of the check-in calls even though I only attended one live session. I also discussed discovering Dr. Edie Wadsworth and her "Made For More 2024" program, being inspired in the first session and deciding to enroll in her life mentoring school coaching program for the new year.

In this episode of Thriving Mosaic, I share the following: What I've been up to since my last episode. I mentioned the three calendars that I use to manage my personal and professional life. I talked about decluttering my home throughout the month of November with Megan's help. I also discussed celebrating Christmas with my family and the traditions we have, like making candy with Jacob and our annual ornament exchange. Finally, I share three significant insights that I recently experienced that are going to radically shape my approach to 2024! 

I am so excited to share this episode.  I previously asked if anyone would like to interview me on my own podcast.  I was ecstatic when, almost immediately, my friend Liz Deacle, from It's A Drama podcast, reached out.   I gave Liz the okay to be "nosy" to ask anything she wanted without prior knowledge of the questions coming.  We had so much fun in the time we spent together recording this episode. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Welcome to a very personal episode of Thriving Mosaic. Today, I share a part of my journey, specifically about how I navigated the often overwhelming expectations that come with holiday gatherings.As many of you might relate, the holidays can be incredibly stressful, sometimes even leading to trauma. This is a story about breaking free from these pressures. Both Cliff and I come from split families, which added layers of complexity to our holiday plans. The expectation to attend every family dinner was not just demanding; it felt almost impossible.In this 22-minute episode, I share a pivotal decision I made as a young woman—a decision to not impose such burdensome expectations on my own children. This choice wasn't easy, but it was necessary for the emotional and mental well-being of our family.Through my story, I hope to impart a crucial message: your emotional and mental health are paramount, even during the holidays. Sometimes, making choices for your peace of mind means breaking away from long-held traditions or expectations created by others.Join me as I explore this intimate topic, and perhaps, you'll find the courage to prioritize your own well-being this holiday season, just like I did.

In this heartfelt episode, Cliff and I open up about our personal journey into the 'empty nest' phase of life. We share the emotions that came with our children moving out, the adjustments in our daily lives, and how these changes have reshaped the fabric of our family dynamics. OPPORTUNITIES If you are interested in coaching with Cliff, email him at Cliff@CliffRavenscraft.com. If you are interested in coaching with me, email me at Stephanie@StephanieRavenscraft.com. If you are full-time, self-employed, and would like to join a powerful mastermind group with other full-time self-employed business owners, apply for the Next Level Mastermind Today at http://NextLevelMastermind.info.

  In this deeply introspective episode, Stephanie discusses her personal and professional transitions, from making a significant commitment for Megan's wedding to the challenges she faced in her marketing efforts. As she navigates the nuances of McKenna's move to college and her own 'empty nest' phase, Stephanie reflects on the inner conflict she sometimes feels regarding her unique value in comparison to other female entrepreneurs. Sharing moments of doubt and breakthroughs alike, she offers insights into the power of authentic content creation and the realization that her distinct voice and experiences might be the guiding light someone out there is eagerly searching for.   If you're seeking clarity, inspiration, or guidance, Stephanie is offering a complimentary one-on-one coaching session with no strings attached. Experience her unique perspective and transformative insights firsthand. Additionally, if you're interested in interviewing Stephanie on her own podcast, reach out directly to her at stephanie@stephanieravenscraft.com to explore these opportunities.