Happy, Holy Mama

Have you ever felt like you're a completely different mom depending on the day? One day patient and present… The next day overwhelmed, overstimulated, and wondering what's wrong with you? Here's the thing: nothing is wrong with you. Today, I'm joined by Elissa Miller, Catholic homeschool mom and hormone coach, and we're talking about something that so many of us experience… but rarely understand: our cycles. We're making sense of: Why your energy shifts from day to day. Why your emotions feel different week to week. Why homeschooling can feel easy one day…and impossible the next. And instead of fighting your body, what if you could actually work with it? We talk about: The 4 "genius phases" of your cycle (yes—even your period has a purpose) How your hormones impact your thoughts, patience, and reactions Simple, practical ways to align your homeschool with your energy And how to stop beating yourself up for being human Because you're not inconsistent. You're not broken. And you're not failing. You're beautifully designed. When you start to understand your body, then you can show up with more peace, more compassion, and more grace for yourself and your family. Grab your earbuds and join me and Elissa for: Hormones, Homeschooling, and Hope! Come work with us in Happy, Holy Mama!

As a mother, you are incredibly capable of handling "BIG suffering," from growing and birthing a human, to major tragedy or life-threatening illnesses. But if you're constantly feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and that you've hit your limit with all the 'little' moments of suffering each day, then I've got a special podcast episode for you. Because it's not the big events, but the daily, hidden crosses that truly steal your peace. Whether you are enduring: A season of endless sleepless nights with a colicky infant, A screaming toddler getting teeth, A disengaged teenager pushing-back, The gnawing fear that you'll "ruin your children" …there is likely one thought rolling through your mind that makes all this feel impossible… "I can't handle this." The solution is not more discipline, more motivation, or even more planning. The solution is more love. Love of God, love of self, love of your children…and expanding what you can handle, with love. In today's podcast, I'm talking about why, and how, expanding your capacity for LOVE is the answer to expanding your capacity for all these moments of daily suffering that steal your joy. Grab your earbuds and join me for a Holy Week deep dive into: How to Expand Your Capacity. Get access to The Self-Coaching Toolbox Live in Happy, Holy Mama HERE!

Sometimes the thing God is asking of you feels… big, scary, or even a little impossible. And it can be really tempting to listen to the fear, especially if you're not sure how to distinguish between God's voice and your own. In this episode, I'm sharing how I've learned to recognize God's voice through the many "calls within a call" in my life. From widowhood, to motherhood, to homeschooling, to coaching, every one of those yeses have led somewhere I never could have planned. Today, I'm finally sharing a special announcement that's been unfolding behind the scenes! This feels like the next step in that same invitation to trust Him more deeply and I want to bring you along the discernment journey with me. And, because I'm a life coach, I'll also walk you through simple, practical ways for you to practice discerning God's voice with more clarity and peace. If you've been wondering, "Is this God… or is this just me?" grab your earbuds and join me for: Discerning God's Voice: Answering a Call Within a Call Because He is speaking, and every fiat (yes!) matters! Click here to come work with me in Happy, Holy Mama! Click here to learn more about Homeschool Better Together!

Over the past few weeks I have been talking with so many mamas who are teetering on the edge of giving up on homeschooling. They are feeling discouraged and defeated, wondering if their kids would be better off somewhere else. Not necessarily because it's what is best for the kids, but because they are tired. Tired of fighting with their kids about sitting still or staying focused. Tired of no one listening, and constantly being interrupted. Tired of making all the decisions, just to have their plans thwarted. Tired of trying all day, day after day, and not seeing the progress they'd hoped for by now. In today's episode I'm sharing some of the coaching I've been offering these mamas who actually want to keep homeschooling, but don't want to keep dealing with all the hard stuff. We're focusing on progress over perfection. A rule for making decisions when you're feeling down. How to evaluate calmly and fairly so you don't quit on a bad day. And I'm going to share with you my prayer to filter your decisions during this season through the Holy Spirit. If you've been feeling discouraged in your homeschooling journey lately and need a little reset for your heart, some tools to keep on keeping on, and process to know if it's time to end this season of your life, please grab your earbuds and join me for: When to Quit, Make a Change, or Stay the Course. Grab your free resource here: 30 New Thoughts to Think (to Put a Bad Homeschool Day in Right Order) Come work with me in the Happy, Holy Mama Membership!

This week my oldest child turns 19 and I am truly marveling at the man he is becoming. But it didn't always feel like a sigh of relief. I used to lie awake at night worrying that I was messing up my kids. I used to worry if they weren't learning what they needed, if their behavior meant I had made the wrong choices, or too many mistakes. I would dread the day and would look back and blame me for all of their stress, lack of preparation, and pain that I was sure they would have in the future. And it would all be my fault. But that's not where we actually are all these years later! In today's podcast episode, I'm reflecting on the journey of how I have worked on giving up control over other people's behavior, and really stepping up into the identity of the happier, holier mama that I always dreamed of being. It doesn't mean I have it all figured out. It just means that I have learned how to fall in love with the journey, even when it's hard (which it often still is!). And I want to share some of that knowledge with you! If you've ever felt like your peace depends on your child's behavior, or gotten stuck second-guessing your decision to homeschool because of it, grab your earbuds and join me for: The Idol of Control: Behavior and the Three Rs of Surrender and Unconditional Love. Happy, Holy Mama is OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT AGAIN! Click here to join in time for this week's Stop Yelling Refresh Workshop!

As a homeschool mom it can feel like everything in your home rests on your shoulders. The meals. The lessons. The messes. The schedule. The spiritual atmosphere. It's easy to slip into the belief that if you don't manage everything perfectly, it will all fall apart. In this week's episode, I'm sharing a gentle invitation for the homeschool mom who feels stretched thin and responsible for everything. I'm talking about what it looks like to move from pressure and self-reliance into peace and true stewardship of what the Lord gives you, including the work He is asking you to do. If you've been craving more calm… More clarity… More connection with God in the middle of your very full days… Then grab your earbuds and let's talk about: The Idol of Control: Time and Self-Reliance. The Happy, Holy Mama Membership is OPEN for enrollment! Get the details HERE

Why is it so hard to choose what to do for Lent? Why do we (me included!) put so much pressure on ourselves to pick the perfect sacrifice… the one thing that will finally move the needle… the one decision that will change everything? If you're a homeschool mama who finds herself stuck in indecision, or piling on five spiritual (or non spiritual!) goals because you're afraid one won't be "enough," this episode is for you. Today, I'm talking about the hidden idol of getting it right. The subtle fear that if we choose wrong, it won't count. The quiet pressure to optimize our holiness, our motherhood, even our Lent. But what if the deeper invitation isn't about choosing the perfect sacrifice? What if it's about slowing down… noticing the common thread beneath all your goals… and learning to trust God more than you distrust yourself? In this episode, you'll learn: Why you struggle to follow through (even with good, holy goals) How to identify the deeper "why" beneath your long list of improvements The spiritual shift from striving to surrender Simple thoughts you can practice to build trust with God How presence and surrender, not perfection, draws you closer to Him Lent isn't about misery. It isn't about proving yourself. It isn't about finally becoming the flawless version of you. It's about union. Trust. Surrender. And setting down the idols that stand between you and the Lord. If you struggle with keeping Lent simple, doable, and sustainable, grab your earbuds and join me for: The Idol of Getting It Right: Lent, Homeschooling, and Trusting God.

The busyness of the semester is in full swing and, frankly, I'm tired! Not the kind of tired I was when our first six kids were eight and under, but still feeling pretty exhausted. I know I'm not the only one. There are days when we can absolutely pull ourselves up by the bootstraps and get the things done. And then there are days when everything just feels nearly impossible. Yes, it might have to do with how much sleep you're getting, but it also might have a lot to do with how you're talking to yourself. What I've learned, and what I'm talking about in today's podcast episode, is that there is a major difference between being physically tired and emotionally tired. If you catch yourself saying, "I can't handle this. I don't wanna do this anymore. This is too much," then, maybe the thing you're actually tired of is feeling incapable and inadequate to handle the life God is giving you. My sisters in Christ, here's the truth: God does not give you more than you can handle, especially when you lean into Him for strength. If that feels hard, please grab your earbuds and let's talk about what's really wearing you down, and how to lay it at the foot of the Cross in: Physical vs Emotional Exhaustion. Join my Beloved Lent Study HERE! The doors close this Friday, February 20, 2026 at midnigth Eastern time!

Do you know what makes a great saint? It's not their patience, kindness, or gentleness that are the hallmarks of great saints (I mean, St. Nicholas was punching heretics afterall!). Being united to God's will for your life is the key to being a great saint…and it is the antidote to suffering. Believing in His purpose and plans for you as His beloved daughter is essential to being united to His will and open to what He permits in your life. Accepting His will is crucial for your growth, and the growth of those in your care. And surrendering and uniting your will to His plan and will for you and your family is the key to your ultimate happiness, not only here on earth, but ultimately in heaven as well. Becoming a saint is simple: unite your will to God's will moment by moment. But this is one of the most challenging things in the world to do, because of the pain that sometimes goes along with His daily will for our lives (babies, toddlers, teenagers, husbands who seem to actively work against you) are not things you typically want to accept, surrender, or be united with. And yet, that is the work of becoming a great saint. Every Lent you are being invited to open up to God's will and plan for your life in a deep and profound way. How will you accept that invitation this year? Grab your earbuds and join me for this week's podcast where I re-share my personal testimony of falling in love with God's holy will for my life through tremendous suffering, and the growth that it has yielded ever since: Blessed Be God: A Reflection on Loss, Suffering, and God's Will. Get the details for BELOVED here!

Do you know what impacts every Catholic homeschool mom, especially when we're feeling tender, overwhelmed, or unsure of ourselves? Other people's opinions. Today, I'm talking about what happens in your heart and mind when someone criticizes your parenting, questions your homeschool choices, or simply gives you that look that makes you spiral. I unpack the truth about how emotions actually work, why other people can't "make" you feel shame or discouragement, and how our own thoughts often become the loudest voice in the room. I share with you simple steps to calm your nervous system down when you feel triggered by other people's words, and three gentle questions to ask God to help you root yourself in His truth, instead of someone else's opinions. This episode is for the mom who's tired of being knocked off course by fear of judgment, whether it's from family, strangers, friends, or even the voice in your own head. Grab your earbuds and join me a mini-lesson that I teach all of my clients, and that I deeply believe will have a directly positive impact on your day: How to Stop Letting Other People's Thoughts Derail Your Day. Join BELOVED Lent Study HERE to give up the feeling of being "not enough" for Lent this year! Doors are now open!

Feeling better about your homeschool doesn't start with a new curriculum or even a better chore chart. It starts with Right Order: making time for God, hubby, kids, then tasks. Or, at least, that's what we all desire our days and weeks to look like! The reason you might not be living this in reality is probably because you're honestly not sure how to do that - and make it work. Which is why in this week's podcast episode, I'm talking all about calendaring in Right Order. Starting with your priorities. Because here's what I see over and over again: we keep telling ourselves we don't have time for prayer, we don't have energy for our husband, and connection with our kids will have to wait until the "real work" is done. And yet the more we chase productivity first, the more disconnected we feel… and the more stuck we become. Something's gotta give. Today's podcast is an invitation to take a hard look at your priorities, with some practical tips thrown in to support your God given call to marriage, motherhood, and homeschooling. If you've been feeling behind, over burdened, or like you can't move forward unless you do more, especially with thoughts like: I'm not organized enough. I'm not patient enough. We're behind. We haven't done enough… Then I made this episode for you! Grab your earbuds and join me for: The Priorities and Micro-Decisions Required to Put Your Day in Right Order. Join the Waitlist HERE!

I've been noticing on social media over the past few weeks that so many parents were itching to send their kids back to school, which wasn't surprising. But what did surprise me was how many homeschooling parents are feeling tempted to throw in the towel, because it's just feeling so hard to keep going. This has been stirring up a lot for me, especially for the parents who deeply desire to homeschool, but are feeling overwhelmed, inadequate, and without any other option. I think it touches a tender place in my heart, because I can remember a time when I felt that way too. And so I've been reflecting recently on why I no longer do. So in this week's podcast episode, I share what I've discovered! I unpack a little bit of why it can feel really hard to be with our people all the time… and why it can feel confusing when we deeply desire connection, but we don't always know how to have it. Especially when our kids seem to resist lessons, avoid assignments, and argue about chores! Here's the main takeaway from today's episode that I deeply want you to get: if you are homeschooling and you feel that urge to send your kids away or have a break, nothing's wrong. You are not broken. You probably just haven't been taught the tools to slow down and connect (with yourself or with them). It is not too late. You can learn how to do this. You can learn how to connect with your kids in a way that is life-giving for both you and for them… You can put your life in Right Order. And when you do, you can feel more satisfied and fulfilled and content in your life exactly where you are. If you are in need of some encouragement and love this week, grab your earbuds and join me for: When Homeschool Feels Like Too Much: The Missing Skill No One Taught Us Join the Beloved Waitlist HERE! We begin soon!

Episode 200 of the Happy, Holy Mama Podcast is a milestone I never could have reached without the steady support of my husband, Lucas. So for this special milestone episode, I invited Lucas back on the podcast for a candid, real-life conversation about what happens when one spouse goes first in the inner work, and the other decides to join in. We share what it looked like inside our actual marriage when Lucas was coming home depleted, feeling burned out, and realizing that trying to "fix the outside stuff" wasn't touching the deeper problem underneath: That, in his words, he wasn't taking responsibility for his own feelings and therefore wasn't being the leader that I needed him to be. Lucas shares what shifted for him and how husbands can start making those shifts for themselves right now. This conversation is for wives and husbands. Wives: you'll hear from me about why your growth really can change the whole emotional climate of your home, without you trying to control or "fix" your husband (psssst…he's not broken!). We talk about the way our thoughts about each other either build trust and safety… or quietly poison connection, which will directly impact how well you live in Right Order. Husbands: Lucas speaks directly to you about the pressure you carry, the temptation to check out, and the difference between "being emotionally available" and emotionally dumping on your wife. He shares what it means to take responsibility, not through dominance or control, but by becoming steady, curious, charitable, and strong in a way that makes your wife feel safe again. (Yes, we even talk about how confusing modern messages about masculinity can be, and the mindset that actually helps a marriage thrive.) If you're in a season where you feel like two ships passing in the night… Or, if you've been stuck in resentment or exhaustion… Or, if you love each other but don't quite know how to find each other again in the day-to-day… Or, if one or both of you intellectually know that you are living your dream life, but somehow not enjoying it… Then Lucas and I want to invite each of you to grab an earbud and together join us for: Interview with a Homeschool Husband Part 2: How to Have a Happy, Holy Marriage. Join the Happy, Holy Mama Waitlist for more information about what's coming in 2026 for Catholic homeschooling mamas, papas, and your marriage HERE!

As a mom, I crave guidance and a structure of my day. Most moms I know do too, to some extent! What I've been reflecting on lately is why I prefer structure, and I've realized that when I have structure, my heart and mind are more orientated toward God. When there is less structure, my mind is constantly troubleshooting and reacting. Which can sometimes make it feel like I'm less connected to God and my purpose, leaving me more sad and discouraged. Which is why I've always been attracted to the idea of a Rule of Life, but I've honestly rejected it more often than not, from my own misunderstanding of its rigidity. Especially through various seasons of life and motherhood, like pregnancy, postpartum, and littles. Here's the thing, as a Catholic homeschooling mother, our work is hidden, repetitive, and often interrupted, and yet this is exactly where God is working. God isn't waiting for your life to settle down. He is here with you now. Which is actually why having a Rule of Life is actually so valuable! It helps you anchor yourself in Him within the work He calls you to do throughout the day. In today's Happy, Holy Mama Podcast episode, I share how having a Rule can help you shape your goals and define your roles, focused on having purpose for your day with a spiritual framework, and a way to live the mission God has placed on your heart with mercy and charity. And in the podcast today, I'll even give you some ways to vary your own Rule of Life depending on the season you're in, to help you remember that your children and daily responsibilities are not obstacles to your spiritual life, they are part of your path to holiness. So grab your earbuds and join me for: Mission Living and Creating a Rule of Life as a Catholic Homeschooler. Join the Happy, Holy Mama Waitlist HERE!

In this final part of our three-part series, I'm diving into the struggle that every single homeschooling mom deals with: your own fears, anxieties, and the sneaky belief that you are not enough. I'm unpacking, what I call, the Litany of Not Enough that so many of us carry every day, how it's impacting your relationships, and your homeschooling, and why doing more will never heal it. Today, I'm talking about what it really means to live in Right Order and giving you several key shifts to make that you can implement today to calm your heart and lean into this beautiful vocation of motherhood and homeschooling that God has called you to. This final episode in this three-part series is like a mini-retreat and masterclass for your mama's heart, your mindset, and learning how to rest into this vocation with trust, surrender, hope, and grace all wrapped up into one. If you've ever felt inadequate, overwhelmed, or exhausted by trying to be enough, then grab your earbuds and join me for: A Catholic Homeschool Mom's Guide to Putting Your Life in Right Order, Part 3: Your Mama's Heart and the Litany of Not Enough Take advantage of the Annual Membership Sale HERE before midnight on December 31, 2025!