Girlfriends (A Podcast for Catholic Women)

Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

How can we grow closer to God every day? I think sometimes we take the ideas of holiness and sainthood and put them up high on an unattainable shelf in our minds. But God calls you to be holy! While he does call you to grow in big ways sometimes, he usually calls you to grow in small ways, in opportunities he sends your way every day. Here are some ways that I have been working on everyday holiness and I want to encourage you to think about them too: Look for ways to serve. Pray your morning offering. Talk to God all day. Look for the worst job. Pray to grow in holiness. Lastly, I answer a question about little kids’ sleeping habits from listener Grace. Maybe you have advice for her as well! Send me your ideas and I will be glad to share them in a future show. Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Do you make prayer excuses? Don’t lie. We all come up with creative ways to avoid doing what we know we should do—pray! In this week’s show, I share some ways to respond to ourselves when we are tempted to make up excuses for why we aren’t praying more. The excuses we cover: 1) I don’t have time. 2) I will do it later. 3) I get distracted. 4) My family is almost never all home at once. 5) I don’t know what to say. 6) I’m too tired. Do any of these sound familiar? Let’s resolve together to accept no excuses to remember the right answers to these excuses and revive our prayer lives this summer! Drop me a note and let me know how it’s going for you. Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Summer is a time set apart, and so I see … opportunity! To set a goal! To try something new! This week, I’m sharing some ideas I think you should consider adding to your list of goals this summer. 1) Learn something 2) Add to your spiritual life 3) Go outside every day 4) Take a trip 5) Try something new What is going on your bucket list this summer? I would love to hear from you about what goals you are setting for yourself and your family during this season. Here is my daughter Juliette’s graduation speech that I mention at the start of this week’s show. Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

What a fun conversation we had with Heather Anderson Renshaw, wife, mom, writer, speaker, and upcoming author of Death By Minivan! With humor and grace, Heather shares about embracing her vocation as a mom, “growing up” in her marriage, and how she juggles family life with her work as a writer. Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Do you misuse social media? I think we all should pause regularly to assess our habits and discern better use of Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Pinterest, or whatever other social media website or app we’re using. I think there are some things we should never do: 1) Don’t “hate follow” people. Are you following certain people for bad reasons? Be honest! Cut it out! 2) Don’t compare. We all are tempted to do it sometimes, but comparing yourself to others will only distract you from your unique call to holiness. 3) Don’t believe it all. Recognize that you never know the whole story about another person’s life. WhHat you see on social media is filtered and edited. 4) Don’t overshare. Talk with your kids before you post their photos or events online. Don’t share about your husband and marriage in a way that will violate his trust. Even if it’s cute or funny, or you have a great caption for it, don’t post stuff from your kids that might embarrass them, even years from now. 5) Don’t just skip it all. This one applies if you have kids. It can be scary and overwhelming to try to keep up with the latest apps and technology, but if you have kids, it is part of your job. Finally, I share a question about laundry from Sue who emailed that she is drowning in piles of clothing. I share my “system” for laundry with my kids that may help free you from the laundry beast as well! Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Our topic this week is conflict in marriage. How can we handle the inevitable disagreements that come in our married relationships with maturity and grace? I share some ideas for what I consider “fighting fair” but I want to hear yours too! I answer listener Bridget’s recent question on this topic with the following ideas: 1) No name calling 2) Check in with them about what they are saying 3) No using the “D” word (divorce) 4) No threats, physical or otherwise 5) Stick to the topic at hand 6) Don’t use absolutes or accusatory language 7) Take a break when you need to I also share about Ascension’s newest podcast, The Tightrope Finally, we share some feedback from our recent episode about female friendships. We have a lot of thoughts and feelings about friendship! If this is something you struggle with, know you are not alone. Thank you to those of you who have left us iTunes reviews! If you haven’t already, please consider leaving Girlfriends a review, or sharing the podcast with friends or family who might enjoy it. Thank you! Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

This week we are talking about the importance of simplicity—in all areas of your life, from spirituality to homemaking and hospitality. How can you live a simpler life and finally find peace in all that you do? Rachel has a new book coming out on this very topic in the fall, and you will be inspired by all that she has to share. Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

There has been a lot of conversation recently about finding out your gifts, and I have been hearing from women who are seeking to know what their gifts are. They particularly want to know how God wants them to use their gifts in their lives. How do we do that? First of all, I think it’s important that we have these conversations in light of the idea of “vocation,” which is a counter-cultural concept. Some ways I recommend finding out what your gifts are include: 1) What are you good at? This one is obvious, but sometimes we don’t pay attention to our natural skills. What comes easy for you that is difficult for others? 2) What do others say? What do the people in your life tell you your gifts are? Ask them! 3) Pray about it. Ask God what your gifts are, and the ways in which he wants you to use them in service to others. 4) Remember the idea of hidden talents. The gifts that God has given you might not be obvious and/or glamorous. Be open to the idea that your skills may be a hidden part of your service to God and others, rather than obvious “talents” that others readily appreciate. Finally, I answer a question from listener Karen who shares about her struggle with making fitness a regular part of her everyday routine. Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Listener Jennifer emails a question this week: How do you handle changing friendships? How do you navigate the need for a friendship to end, if a relationship becomes a negative influence in your life and motherhood? We discuss the importance of evaluating your friendships and of seeking new friends if you are currently feeling alone. I encourage every woman to screen her influences, as the people we spend time with truly do affect how we feel about our life, marriage, and motherhood. I also share an email from listener Jennifer who is struggling with some conflicting feelings about her first pregnancy. We also hear and from Shelley, who responds to Catherine’s voicemail from last week, sharing about adult children who are not practicing their Catholic faith. Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

In this week’s show, I share a wonderful conversation I had recently with Mary Haseltine, a wife, mom, doula, childbirth educator, and author of Made for This: The Catholic Mom’s Guide to Birth. Mary shares beautifully about how she came to write this book, the ways in which women can connect through their experiences of pregnancy and childbirth, and what she wishes more women knew about the birth experience. This is an important conversation for us to have—namely, women seeking to support one another in faith and family life—and I am so grateful that Mary wrote this book. Find out more about Mary and her work at BetterThanEden.com. Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Does it sound like a bad idea to "fake it till you make it?" This week I'm sharing some ways that I think "faking it" actually can be an effective strategy for getting through tough times and challenges in your life. Some of the areas I think the idea of "faking it till you make it" can be helpful are as follows: 1) Marriage We all suffer through tough times inside of marriage. These are the times that the vow is for! Getting through these times by going through the motions of the love and caring that is usually present in your relationship, even when the "feelings" aren't there, is the stuff that strong marriages are made of. 2) Work Whether you work as a mom at home or do some work outside the home, we all have days where our daily duties feel like drudgery. Just getting started and "faking it" can help us remain loyal to our responsibilities and get through those hard jobs and tough days. 3) Spiritual Life Much like the commitment to marriage, our commitment to God does not always feel good. Staying faithful to our prayer life and faithful to God, even when it is challenging, can help us get through to the other side of spiritual dryness. 4) Exercise Exercise is definitely one of those commitments that we know is good for us, and can help to make us feel good, but it does not always feel good in the moment. Sometimes we need to just push through those moments and keep in mind where we want to be. If pretending we already there helps us get there, that's not a bad thing. Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

This week we are discussing how we can all be better witnesses to our faith, and we offer some ideas for ways to improve: 1) Say something. Don't be afraid to speak the truth and to share your thoughts, even when they are in opposition to others. 2) Say nothing. Sometimes, someone who does not share our faith does not need to be bombarded with our opinions, but they just need our sympathy and attention. This can speak volumes about the kind of people we are and the value of our faith. 3) Do something. Never underestimate the power of a good example! Our actions speak so much louder than our words. 4) Invite others. Remember that the evil parts of our culture "invite" people over to their side all the time. We should do the same! dD not be afraid of "butting in" when you are simply being welcoming and extending an invitation. 5) Pray! Pray for the grace and strength to be a better witness to your faith. Pray for those who do not yet share your faith, and pray to know the particular ways in which God is calling you to better evangelize his people. I also share feedback this week from Becca, who talks about finding healing in Jesus, and Eleanor, who wrote to share how much she enjoyed last week's show where we talked about nurturing your mother-heart. Let's not forget to pray for Taylor, the new wife and mom who was expecting twins but sadly lost one of her babies. Pray for her healing and strength, and for the health of her unborn baby. Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

What is your "mother-heart" and why should you nurture that side of yourself? This week we are diving into a topic that is relevant to every woman, regardless of her state in life. Pope St. John Paul II tells us that every woman is called to be a mother. What does that mean exactly, and how does that apply to our life? I share four reasons why you should nurture your mother-heart, and invite you to share your own thoughts on this important topic. Because you were made for it. Every woman's vocation is motherhood. You were made for it. Because it will make you happy. Pursuing motherhood, in whatever way that plays itself out in your particular circumstances, will give meaning and purpose to your life and lead to your ultimate happiness. Because it's important. John Paul II reminds us that the world needs our motherhood, and that is more true now than ever. The work of mothers is vitally important to every human being. Because people who tell you otherwise are sexist. We need to reject the (culturally popular) idea that motherhood is demeaning or "beneath us" and that we must reject WHO WE ARE in order to be happy and successful. Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Do you procrastinate? Join the club! But don't let yourself wallow in that bad habit. There are things we can all do to get over our tendency to put off work we don't enjoy. This week, I'm sharing some simple ideas for breaking the habit of procrastination. Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Colleen Duggan is a wife, mom, friend, and author of the new book Good Enough Is Good Enough: Confessions of an Imperfect Catholic Mom. This week, I'm sharing an encouraging conversation she and I had recently about struggling with perfectionism, wanting to control our kids, and all the ways motherhood pushes us into uncomfortable places of real spiritual and personal growth. I have known Colleen online for years and am a real fan of her work. I just know you are going to enjoy her too! If you enjoy this podcast episode, you may also enjoy Ascension’s study, Momnipotent: Finding Peace, Balance, & Joy in Your Vocation as a Mother and the book, Momnipotent: The Not-So-Perfect Woman’s Guide to Catholic Motherhood. Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

This week I share some happy news and goings-on from my family, and then three ideas for ways to set Holy Week apart and serve this holy season in the liturgical year. These three easy ideas are: 1) Do something more. Go to church when you usually would not, say the Rosary as a family, go to adoration, or tackle a cleaning project you have been putting off. Do something "more" this week and offer it to God. 2) Do something less. Is there something you can cross off your calendar this week to make more room for God and prayer? Kids activities, your own work, or social events? Look for ways to do something less. Even fasting from something more can be a good place to start! 3) Go to confession. I especially was encouraged to give you this "assignment" after hearing Fr. Chris Alar (from the Divine Mercy Shrine n Stockbridge, MA) speak in Nashville this past weekend. If you get yourself to confession, you will be fully prepared to receive all the graces of Divine Mercy Sunday (April 8) as described by Our Lord to St. Faustina. Here is more information about that. Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Fiction author Amy Schisler shares about her work, her family, and how she balances a life of writing original "CLEAN" romance novels with her busy life as a wife and mom raising girls. You can check out Amy's work and learn more about her at her website. We know you will enjoy her books! If you do, be sure to leave her some good reviews on Amazon! Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Children's behavior during Mass is such a common topic in Catholic family circles! At the very least, those of us who struggle to manage our children's behavior at Mass can know that we are not alone. This week, I share an email from a listener named Lori who received a nasty comment from a fellow parishioner after a recent Mass (where she actually felt her children were pretty well behaved!). This email left Lori feeling discouraged and wanting to give up on the whole "Catholic family life" thing because she really ought to be able to expect support from her parish community. After commiserating and offering some words of encouragement and support, we then share some ideas for ways to improve your chances of having a positive Mass experience, even with very young children. Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

We've already talked about different ways we can add prayer and almsgiving to our Lenten observances this year, but this week I would like to focus on fasting as a spiritual practice. Learn ways to stay on track with your fasting and make it a meaningful part of your Lent. Don't be afraid to be creative and flexible when planning to fast; make sure prayer is a part of your plan; offer up the fasting for someone else—these are just three of the ideas shared in this episode of the Girlfriends podcast. Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Have you ever wasted time, avoiding tasks you don’t like to do, only to rush to complete them later? Everyone has certain things they don’t like to do and it is natural to put them off and fill the time with easier tasks. Even when we recognize what our priorities should be, we can sometimes make choices that are in direct conflict with our priorities, and this causes us to waste valuable time. Today, Danielle shares seven practical ways you can get motivated and make the most use of your time each day. Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Are you working on generosity this Lent? This week I'm sharing some ideas for ways in which we can all work on being better servants to the people God has placed in our lives—in marriage, parenting, work, and in our communities. This is something I have been especially praying about and working on this Lent, so I am hoping you will have some ideas to share as well. Give me your feedback! Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

This week we talk about the beginning of Lent and I share some of my plans for the coming forty days. I also share a recent conversation I had with Dr. Ann Garrido, a professor and author. Ann Garrido, Doctor of Ministry, is associate professor of homiletics at Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, MO and a consultant with Triad Consulting Group, a conflict mediation and communications team based in Cambridge, MA. She is the author of six books and numerous articles in the field of Church leadership and ministry. Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Do you need healing in your life? Of course you do! We all suffer physically, spiritually, and emotionally. In this week's show, we discuss two Gospel passages that are helpful to reflect on when in need of healing. We talk about ways we can "get out of our own way" when it comes to finding peace and healing from God. Gospel passages cited: Mark 2:16-17 Luke 13:10-17 In this show, I also share some feedback from Taylor, who is a young wife, newly-pregnant with twins and has some concerns about her babies' health. Please let us remember to pray for Taylor, that God might give her peace and strength throughout this pregnancy. We also share a question about fair trade and the ethics of shopping from listener Maggie. Let me know what you think! Some Places Danielle Will Be: I hope to meet you! February 10 Danielle will be speaking at the Phoenix Catholic Women’s Conference February 17 Danielle will be speaking at Together in Holiness marriage conference in Tulsa, OK February 24 Danielle will be speaking that the Catholic Women of Faith Conference in Nashville, TN March 10 Danielle will be speaking at the Rochester Catholic Women’s Conference in Rochester, NY Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Do you often feel overwhelmed by multiple responsibilities pulling you in different directions? Do you often feel like you are failing at many things -- important things -- that others count on you for? Do you feel there is never enough time for you, for your spiritual life, your work, your kids, and your marriage? If so, JOIN THE CLUB. So many of us struggle to find balance in our lives. In this show, we talk about steps you can take to begin to take more responsibility for how you spend your time and energy each day. We talk about how you can begin to live your life more purposefully and with intention, in line with the many priorities you care about. I offer these steps: 1) Recognize that you get to choose. Take responsibility for the fact that you are not a victim. You are in control of your life and you get to decide how you will spend your time. 2) Decide what your priorities are. Take time to think about what things are important to you and how much time you think you should reasonably spend on each of them on a regular basis. 3) Make a plan. This can be a formal, written plan, or it can be an informal one you have in you mind. Figure out what works for you. 4) Start now! Stop thinking you will "get organized" later. Begin these steps today and then enjoy the peace of mind that comes from having a thought-out plan for your life, in whatever way it works for you. And tell me what does work for you! I want to know your thoughts and ideas about taking better control of your days. Let me know what you think! Referenced in this show: A Mother's Rule of Life by Holly Pierlot Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Whether you're living in marital bliss or struggle, we all have room for improvement inside of our marriages. Marriage is a vocation and a call to holiness, and sometimes that call really is going to be a challenge for us to live up to. This week, I'm sharing four simple (not easy!) ways to improve your marriage that you can get started with right now. After you listen, be sure to let us know what you think. Share your ideas, what works for you, or what you struggle with. We can use your feedback on a future show. Pay more compliments. Can you think of a time when someone said something critical of you and it cut you to the core? Can you think of a time when someone complimented you and you felt over the moon? Words have real power and are an important tool we can use build up those we love … or tear them down. Do something active together. What do you and your spouse do after the kids have gone to bed or whenever you have downtime together? There is nothing wrong with television or independent projects, but you have a unique opportunity to replace these things with shared activity that will feed your marriage and nurture your relationship. Shared goals and common activities bring you closer and foster a cooperative spirit in your marriage. Soak up the sacraments. We Catholics have such a great gift in the sacraments! Because he loves us, Jesus gave us the sacraments as a means of attaining the grace we need to do God’s will every day. The sacraments feed our souls, heal us, and fill us with God’s own life. Do more than your share. Do you nitpick and keep track of who does what around the house and how often? When you share living space with another grown up, it’s only human to feel unappreciated on occasion and get annoyed with what sometimes feels like an unfair division of household chores. But let's challenge each other to be better than that. Cheerfully aim to do “more than your share” of household tasks and daily drudgery. Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Do you struggle to find a rhythm with family prayer? Do you have kids who rebel against it, or a reluctant spouse? Or do you find it a challenge to motivate yourself to pray some days? Fear not! This week's guest, Alicia Hernon, mom of 10 and co-host of the Messy Parenting podcast, is here to offer encouragement! I just loved talking with Alicia—she has so much practical wisdom to share with Catholic families of all kinds and sizes. I know you are going to love her too! After you listen, be sure to let me know what you think. Share your ideas, what works for you, or what you struggle with. We can share your feedback on a future show. SUPPORT Girlfriends is on Patreon! Thank you to our Patreon supporters! RETREAT The You're Worth It! Retreat for Women Find out more about bringing this unique event for women to your parish, group, or community. Read more and request more information here. Or find out more about having me come speak at your parish or conference. My newest book is available! You're Worth It! Change How You Feel About Yourself By Discovering How Jesus Feels About You Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Are you feeling just a little blue now that the holidays are over? Are you struggling to fall back into your everyday routines? Well, this week we are sharing some ideas for ways to overcome those blues or blah's, or whatever you want to call them… Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

I just wanted to take a second to wish you a Merry Christmas and to remind you that I'll be taking some time off with my family for the next two weeks. But don't worry, I'll be back in January with a whole new season of the Girlfriends podcast! Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Are you ready for Christmas? Don't worry, me neither. This week I share three simple things I think everyone should take time to do this Christmas season. 1) Hold Baby Jesus Spend some time "holding" Baby Jesus in your heart, reflecting on the meaning behind him coming to us as a small, vulnerable baby. 2) Skip something. It's OK to say “no” to something, even if it is something you always do. Give yourself permission to give up traditions and obligations that are not serving you and your family this year. 3) Go on a date. Spend some quiet, uninterrupted, one-on-one time with someone who is important to you. I will not be recording the podcast for the next two weeks, as I take time to spend the holidays with my family. I will be back with new episodes in 2018. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! SUPPORT Girlfriends is on Patreon! Thank you to our Patreon supporters! Find out how you can pledge your support for Girlfriends and get an invite to our Girlfriends LIVE session each month! Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

This week we are talking about the joy and peace to be found in being fully present in the HERE AND NOW. Mindfulness is kind of a buzzword these days, but what does it really mean? How can we practice being focused on the present moment when there is so much about the past that haunts us and so much about the future that causes us to worry? Well, Jesus reminded us, "Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil." (Matthew 6:34) How can we do that, though? It's so hard sometimes. We share these three thoughts that can help: 1) STOP. Build breaks into your day and give yourself moments where you can just BE and know that it is enough. 2) Pay attention to your thoughts. Get in the habit of noticing when your thoughts leave the present moment and train yourself to keep reining them back in. 3) Pay attention to noise. What kind of "noise" do you allow in your life on a regular basis? TV, radio, social media, stress from news? Look for ways to insert more quiet and limit those kinds of "noise" that you can control. 4) Redirect your thoughts. Get in the habit of noticing when you think too much about the past or the future, and practice focusing on the present, even inside of your spiritual life and what you pray for. 5) Look for examples. Do you know someone who is good at living in the moment? A friend or a child or a pet? Watch and learn! Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

The holidays are such hard time of year for anyone who wants to stay healthy, eat well, and exercise on a regular basis. The change in routine plus the abundance of "unhealthy" options of eating add up to a difficult challenge for most of us. But I am here to help, with some simple ideas for ways that can help you stay on track (at least a little) during this busy, indulgent time of year. In this week's show, I share thoughts about the following: 1) It’s not all or nothing. You can say no sometimes. 2) Eat a salad a day. One easy way to balance your eating during the season. 3) Work out in the morning. Get it done! 4) Plan ahead to have healthy options at the ready. Have single-portion healthy options for meals and snacks ready to go. 5) Go on a winter walk. A great way to connect with family and friends! 6) Drink your water. Water is a necessity, especially during this dry season. We also talked about the Advent Prayer Retreat offered by Pray More Novenas. Go here to find out more about it and join me in prayer this month! Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

How can we add more joy to our days, especially as we gear up for Christmas and life gets busy and stressful? This week I am sharing 14 small ideas for ways you can be more joyful every day and bring joy to others in your life. What are your ideas? Please share them! Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

What does it mean to have a heart like Mary? In this week's shorter episode, we reflect on Luke 2:15-20, and we talk about how to have a heart like Mary, keeping things and reflecting on them in our hearts this holiday season. Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Are you ready for Advent? Are you dreading the busyness and stress in the weeks ahead? Have no fear! This week, our special guest, Sterling Jaquith, is sharing some encouragement and support to help us all face the holiday season with joy instead of trepidation. You will love Sterling's down-to-earth wisdom and advice for getting through Christmastime without losing your mind. Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

6 Things that are Keeping You from Accomplishing Your Goals #095 by Ascension Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

When life sends suffering your way, do you remember to "offer it up"? This is phrase many of us grew hearing our moms say to us, but what is the Catholic idea of "offering it up"? Do our sacrifices really have value? For ourselves? For our family and friends? For souls who might be in purgatory? What exactly IS redemptive suffering and in what ways can it help us to grow in gratitude, gain spiritual insights, and grow closer to God? Also this week I share feedback from listeners Jennie, Tanya, Sam, and David. Send me your thoughts about this week's topic and I will share them in our next episode! Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Do you want to improve your marriage? The number one thing you can do today to improve your marriage is focus on communicating better with your spouse. This week, I'm sharing six tips for improving communication in your marriage. Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

This week we are talking with writer and speaker Mary Lenaberg. Mary shares the beautiful story of caring for her disabled daughter for twenty-two years, and then after losing her daughter, carrying on her daughter's legacy through the work God has called her to fulfill. Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Do you ever find yourself despairing of ever having a meaningful prayer life? This week we are sharing about ways to "pray all day" and become more aware of God's presence in your life, even if you are a very busy and distracted person. Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

This week I am talking with author Emily Jaminet, who together with her friend Michele Faehnle wrote The Friendship Project: The Catholic Woman's Guide to Making and Keeping Fabulous, Faith-Filled Friends. Emily shares beautifully about the struggles of making and keeping friends, but also the importance of spiritual friendships among women. Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Do you long for a simpler way of living? Many of us have a restless sense in our hearts that life could be simpler and we could be happier, but how? This week, I’m offering seven ideas for ways to simplify even a very busy and complicated life. Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Do you trust in Jesus? It's so hard sometimes, isn't it? In this week's episode, I share five tips to help you put your life in Christ's hands and entrust yourself to his love. Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

This week, I start by giving you my Hurricane Irma update and recounting several moments of bursting into tears over the weekend. Good times! Then, I share my recent conversation with the awesome Maria Dunlap, founder and executive director of Vivian's Victory, a nonprofit that supports families as children are helped and healed. Maria and her husband Rod saw the need of families during long hospital stays with their children after they experienced a 59 day stay with their first daughter Vivian. Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

How do you begin your day? With peaceful prayer and journaling time? Or in a mad frenzy to get everyone dressed, fed, and out the door? How we start our days can set us up for failure or success, regardless of our life circumstances. Putting some thought into our morning routines can make a lot of sense, so I have five ideas that might help you better start your days. Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

What does it mean to "Keep holy the Sabbath"? What does that look like in real family life? This week I am sharing some thoughts and encouraging you to share your ideas for setting Sundays apart as a day of rest and worship. Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

We all want to know how to raise Catholic kids who will keep their faith and make it their own, but is there a magic formula to share? NOPE. The good news, though, is that there are some things we can do as families to encourage our kids in their faith lives and increase the likelihood that they will keep their Catholic faith well into their adult years. I talk about some of these in this week's show. Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

What is a Catholic feminist? Is that even a thing? We are talking this week with Claire Swinarski, host of The Catholic Feminist Podcast. Claire shares her journey toward fully embracing her Catholic faith while holding onto certain feminist ideals. She talks about the struggle of sometimes feeling caught between the two worlds of feminism and faith. Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

We all know the drill about how important it is to "MAKE" time for yourself, or worse yet, "CARVE OUT" some time for yourself as a mom, but let's be honest. It just doesn't always happen. Life gets in the way. And sometimes, we are our own worst enemies when it comes to finding to time to care for ourselves. This week, I'm sharing 4 different obstacles many of us face when it comes to finding time for our own pursuits, and some responses we can have to them. Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

If work stress, job loss or some other challenge has your man down these days, you as his wife – the one he looks to most for love and affirmation – are in a unique position to help him feel like a hero again. This week we're sharing some practical ways wives can build up their husbands during difficult times. Get full access to Girlfriends After Hours at daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe To hear more, visit daniellebea.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe