The Almost Empty Nest—Letting Go, Redefined: Parenting Teens and Finding Yourself Again—with Small Jar Coach

This is a very personal episode for me. Join me as I share my journey with breaking my wine habit. It was something that I had struggled with for a long time. I knew I wasn't an alcoholic, but somehow felt completely unable to not pour a glass (or two) of wine at the end of the night. I tried everything, without success...until I discovered life coaching and everything changed--not just with my wine habit, but with so much more.  🎯 Want to take this work deeper? Save your seat for the next free masterclass—click here to sign up: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class. 💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar?  Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0. ❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at [email protected].  This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.

As moms, we feel so much pressure to help our kids... We feel responsible. To help them succeed. To make them happy. We are overwhelmed with "shoulds" and "have tos".  There is no end to the worry....the guilt.  In this episode, we explore how to relieve mom guilt, and open up a new world of possibility to create the results we want. 🎯 Want to take this work deeper? Save your seat for the next free masterclass—click here to sign up: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class. 💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar?  Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0. ❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at [email protected].  This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.

As mothers navigating the transition to the empty nest, many of just want to feel better in our lives. One of the reasons many of us don’t even bother setting big goals for ourselves is that we feel stuck in some kind of pain, and so this negative emotional experience crowds out dreaming or goal-setting. In this episode, we explore how to take control of our emotional life, and that when we learn to consciously decide, on purpose, how we want to think and feel about our lives…that’s the beginning of a whole new realm of possibility. 🎯 Want to take this work deeper? Save your seat for the next free masterclass—click here to sign up: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class. 💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar?  Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0. ❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at [email protected].  This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.

As a mom of children leaving the nest, do you even bother setting big goals for yourself? As women in our 40s and 50s, it can be challenging to pursue personal goals given a number of challenges unique to us in this time of our lives. Explore with me how to think about who you have the opportunity to become in this next chapter of your life.  🎯 Want to take this work deeper? Save your seat for the next free masterclass—click here to sign up: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class. 💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar?  Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0. ❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at [email protected].  This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.

Most of us can’t wait for our kids to come home. We’ve missed them so much. Their empty room is finally filled again. We get to revisit all of our beloved traditions. We fill the refrigerator with their favorite foods. We envision the joy of spending time with them. The relief of having them safe under our roof again. It’s amazing.  Except….when it isn’t. Don’t get me wrong….we love our kids. We’re so happy to have them home….but…we also find ourselves feeling…. disappointed, frustrated, worried, annoyed, anxious.... In this episode we explore what's really going on and how we can approach the holidays with our kids home in a way that brings us more peace than pain. 🎯 Want to take this work deeper? Save your seat for the next free masterclass—click here to sign up: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class. 💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar?  Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0. ❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at [email protected].  This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.

One of the interesting aspects of being in this time of life in our 40s and 50s…is that there is such an incredible opportunity in front of us…to create something new for our lives, but that it often feels incredibly difficult for many of us to move toward this opportunity for a variety of reasons. We might call it lack of motivation, anxiety, worry about our children... In this episode, I talk about how to move through the emotional pain that we can experience during this transitional time to move toward creating a new purpose for our lives. 🎯 Want to take this work deeper? Save your seat for the next free masterclass—click here to sign up: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class. 💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar?  Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0. ❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at [email protected].  This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.  

The college process is complex, competitive and stressful.  We want desperately to support them and help them be successful through the process, but somehow we are left feeling anxious and frustrated. In this episode we explore how the way we and our children view this process can often leave us at odds...and how we can begin to make the process a little easier on our children...and ourselves. 🎯 Want to take this work deeper? Save your seat for the next free masterclass—click here to sign up: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class. 💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar?  Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0. ❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at [email protected].  This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.

As your child leaves the nest, it's not uncommon for us as mothers to feel anxious about the worst case scenario. No matter how many times you try to tell yourself it will all turn out ok, it’s often hard for our brains to accept that possibility with any degree of comfort. In this episode, we explore new ways of thinking about our anxiety so that we can begin to move toward acceptance and living in the present moment of the reality of what is. 🎯 Want to take this work deeper? Save your seat for the next free masterclass—click here to sign up: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class. 💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar?  Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0. ❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at [email protected].  This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.

There are times in life when it feels easy to find joy...and other times, where joy and peace seem to allude us. We try to capture joy by doing things that make us happy. But this doesn't work in the long run. We also try to change the circumstances of our lives, particularly other people, to try and feel better. This also rarely works. In this episode, we explore the three ways to create room for joy, even in the midst of pain. 🎯 Want to take this work deeper? Save your seat for the next free masterclass—click here to sign up: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class. 💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar?  Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0. ❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at [email protected].  This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.

When you are in emotional pain, it is so hard to find the energy to focus on your goals and move forward.  There are so many reasons that we might be in pain. I can’t possibly do justice to all of them in one episode. In this episode, rather than focusing on any one emotion of pain, we address how we respond to our pain…and also, why it’s so hard to find the lessons that our pain might be teaching us. 🎯 Want to take this work deeper? Save your seat for the next free masterclass—click here to sign up: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class. 💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar?  Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0. ❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at [email protected].  This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.

As our kids become young adults, there is so much new territory for US as parents to navigate. Where is the rule book? Please, someone give me a strategy that works without fail.  Because look, we’re all human. And even experts must struggle in the relationships they have with their own teens and young adults. Because it’s one thing to execute a strategy when there’s no emotion. When you don’t have skin in the game. But these are our kids. Our life’s work. The perceived stakes of “doing it wrong” seem so high. So, we worry. We try to control. We judge... We check up on them...all in the name of trying to protect them. To help them be safe, happy and successful. This is not a podcast about parenting, but rather about our own mindset as it relates to our responsibility to parent. How can we let go so our child can fly?  🎯 Want to take this work deeper? Save your seat for the next free masterclass—click here to sign up: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class. 💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar?  Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0. ❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at [email protected].  This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.

It's not just about the money.  The "side hustle" is an incredible opportunity to pursue something you are really passionate about. As we contemplate the empty nest, so often we rush to fill our time so that we don't feel so...Empty.  Stuck. Bored. Frustrated. Resentful. But have you considered that the possibilities in front of you are infinite?  It's not just about getting a job. Or changing jobs.  In this episode we explore how opening your mind up to the possibilities of your life may unveil the dream you have not been allowing yourself to consider.   🎯 Want to take this work deeper? Save your seat for the next free masterclass—click here to sign up: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class. 💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar?  Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0. ❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at [email protected].  This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.

It doesn’t matter if the college drop off will happen in a few weeks or a few years….it doesn’t matter if it’s your oldest or your youngest…there is something about the college move-in day that can fill us—as mothers—with absolute dread. As you imagine standing on the green, about to say goodbye. What comes up for you?  Most likely pride,  love and excitement.  But also potentially overwhelm, anxiety, and sadness. In this episode we explore the many emotions that challenge us as we think about the day we leave our child at college. 🎯 Want to take this work deeper? Save your seat for the next free masterclass—click here to sign up: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class. 💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar?  Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0. ❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at [email protected].  This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.

So often over the past 17+ years, I have longed for more peace in my life. There is something about having children that makes you wonder what you even spent your time doing before you had kids. Given how overwhelming and busy our lives have been for the past 15, 20, 30 years of raising kids…one would think that we would fully embrace the moment when circumstances of our lives became still and we could breathe. But then…there is the reality of the day when your kids are no longer at home.  And suddenly we feel lost...listless....empty...lonely.  In this episode we explore all of the ways we can feel lonely during this transition...and how we can make peace with the loneliness of the empty nest.  🎯 Want to take this work deeper? Save your seat for the next free masterclass—click here to sign up: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class. 💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar?  Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0. ❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at [email protected].  This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.

As our children grow up and leave the nest, we have an opportunity to re-focus on our professional careers. But when we think about job satisfaction, we tend to focus more on what we don't like about particular jobs rather than really taking a step back to understand what job satisfaction really means for us. In this episode, we take a look at how to create job satisfaction for ourselves--and perhaps even more important, how to create opportunities for personal growth and emotional well-being, no matter the circumstances of your job. 🎯 Want to take this work deeper? Save your seat for the next free masterclass—click here to sign up: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class. 💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar?  Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0. ❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at [email protected].  This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.

When it comes to our children...the people we love...we often can’t help ourselves but think endlessly of all of the terrible things that might happen. The What Ifs. As our children become adults, we have less ability to protect them from the dangers out there waiting for them. So we imagine these dangers and bring the PAIN of that projected danger into our present moment. In this episode, we talk about why our minds think this worry is so important, and how we can begin to see the "What If" mind for what it is....and let go of some of the pain of it right now. 🎯 Want to take this work deeper? Save your seat for the next free masterclass—click here to sign up: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class. 💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar?  Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0. ❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at [email protected].  This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.

Whether you are already in a relationship, wondering whether you should stay in a relationship, or looking for love…this one’s for you. How do you find love? Here's the thing about love…we’re frequently looking for somebody else to create the feeling of love for us. But if somebody else is responsible for how I feel, that’s a pretty helpless and powerless place to be. And I think that’s why love can be so painful so much of the time.  Because if we don’t receive love in the way we want to receive it, or if somebody does things that don’t align with what we would interpret as loving, then WE don’t get to feel any love.  In this episode we explore the experience of love...what it feels like, what it creates us....and how we can  create more of it in our lives...on our terms.   🎯 Want to take this work deeper? Save your seat for the next free masterclass—click here to sign up: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class. 💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar?  Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0. ❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at [email protected].  This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.  

The empty nest. Think about the visual image of what is implied by the phrase, the "empty nest."  The nest is a home, and its purpose is to keep eggs and baby birds safe until they are ready to fly off on their own. But what happens then? After the adorable baby birds grow up and leave the nest? In my head, I conjure up an image of a literal empty nest.  Barren cold. Lonely. Without purpose. Empty. Now, not all of us look at the empty nest in such a negative light. But even the concept of the empty nest tends to focus us more of the loss of our children and purpose with kids in the home than on the opportunity of this new stage in our life. In this episode we explore the range of emotions that we might experience as we face the empty nest and how we can not only find compassion for ourselves as we grapple with challenging emotions, but also how we can begin to fill the nest in a way that allows us to embrace this next chapter of our lives....and even to create a new, exciting and beautiful purpose, independent from our children. 🎯 Want to take this work deeper? Save your seat for the next free masterclass—click here to sign up: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class. 💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar?  Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0. ❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at [email protected].  This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.

Have you ever found yourself saying, “I am literally doing the best I can….and it’s not enough.”  We are trying our best.  We have the best intentions. We think we have done everything that we could have done.  And yet…things go wrong. Our kids get into trouble. People get angry at us. We disappoint ourselves... In this episode we explore feelings of powerlessness related to things that have happened in the past that make us feel frustrated, guilty, and even ashamed. These emotions can feel overwhelming and leave us feeling powerless because we can’t change the past or change people’s minds right away…so we are powerless to feel better. When things go wrong, you get to decide what you want to make them mean.  You can't change the past but beating yourself up about it doesn’t move you forward.   In every moment you have an opportunity to ask yourself…. now what?  What’s done is done…. I can’t change the past, I can’t change how other people think or what they do….but I CAN decide how I want to show up in the present moment. Maybe after listening you can decide, for yourself…. that all of it….is good enough. 🎯 Want to take this work deeper? Save your seat for the next free masterclass—click here to sign up: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class. 💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar?  Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0. ❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at [email protected].  This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.  

As we watch our children grow up, we experience so many beautiful emotions. But we can also experience a wide range of challenging emotions—like worry, fear, anxiety, and frustration. When we worry or feel fear, we are typically imagining a negative future outcome that we want to avoid. And when we feel frustration—we are typically looking at a situation and thinking of all of the ways it should be different. And when we feel this way, we try to control our children.  We try to convince them they’re wrong. That they need to try a little harder. That they need to listen to our advice. But we rarely win. And we are left feeling powerless. And in pain. Constantly worried.  We are literally powerless to end our own pain because we are projecting their pain in the future.  It’s insanity, but we do it to ourselves time and time again. The only way to feel better is to change them—but we can’t change them, so we don’t feel better.  In this episode, we explore how to find the power to feel better without having to change our children. 🎯 Want to take this work deeper? Save your seat for the next free masterclass—click here to sign up: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class. 💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar?  Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0. ❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at [email protected].  This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.

Moms are the CEO of Home Inc. Now, I want to be clear…I’m not saying this to be cute or cheeky. I certainly do not want to in any way come across as belittling stay-at-home moms. In fact, I believe that being a stay-at-home mom is a full-time (or more than full-time) job for which we are not paid.  Although I am sure we as mothers could all agree that raising a family is important work, we sometimes tend to discount the work in our minds because it’s not quote/unquote “professional.” In this episode we explore the traits that both successful CEOs and moms share. I am willing to bet that many of these 10 traits, you practice regularly as a mom. We don’t consider that these skills make us professionals….by the way, synonyms for “professional” include – expert, skilled, practiced, qualified, proficient….add to this mix loving, unconditional, loyal, dedicated, and unwavering…that’s a pretty powerful combination. 🎯 Want to take this work deeper? Save your seat for the next free masterclass—click here to sign up: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class. 💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar?  Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0. ❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at [email protected].  This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.

Previously the Small Jar Podcast So many moms—especially those parenting teens—get stuck in a painful cycle of self-judgment, overthinking, and constantly feeling like we're not enough. In this episode, I reflect on how easily we fall into negative narratives about ourselves—our bodies, our parenting, our worth—and how deeply those beliefs affect our mindset, emotional regulation, and daily lives. If you’ve ever told yourself, “I should be better, thinner, calmer, more patient, more successful…” or questioned your worth based on your teen’s behavior, you are not alone. We dig into the internalized stories that shape how we see ourselves in motherhood and beyond—and explore how to shift from judgment to self-compassion, confidence, and truth. In this episode, I talk about: How ancient brain wiring fuels our fears of failure and rejection The invisible standards we try to meet as moms—and how they keep us stuck Why letting go of perfection doesn’t mean giving up You’ll leave this episode with powerful questions to help challenge your inner critic and reclaim a mindset grounded in self-love, emotional clarity, and the confidence to show up as you are. Let’s stop holding ourselves hostage to imaginary expectations and start embracing who we truly are. 🎯 Want to take this work deeper? Save your seat for the next free masterclass—click here to sign up: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class. 💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar?  Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0. ❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at [email protected].  This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.

Previously the Small Jar Podcast Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “If they would just do what I want…” Whether it's your teen, your partner, or even a colleague, it's easy to believe our frustration is caused by their refusal to cooperate. In this episode, I dive into one of the most common mindset traps for moms of teens: believing our emotional peace depends on others changing. I explore real-life scenarios—from workplace dynamics to intense conversations with your teenager—and show how our expectations often create stress, anxiety, and resentment. As moms, we want our kids to be safe, successful, and happy. But that desire often turns into overthinking, control, and the urge to "fix" their choices. We'll talk about: How to let go of your emotional dependence on others doing what you expect How to respond with curiosity and calm, not anger or guilt Why setting healthy boundaries—internally and externally—can restore your peace If you're navigating the emotional rollercoaster of parenting teens or adjusting to the empty nest years, this episode will help you shift your mindset, release unnecessary pain, and reclaim your confidence, connection, and clarity. 🎯 Want to take this work deeper? Save your seat for the next free masterclass—click here to sign up: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class. 💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar?  Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0. ❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at [email protected].  This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.

Previously the Small Jar Podcast This episode is deeply personal and provocative—because it’s about the question so many moms ask themselves: Can I really have it all? As a mom, professional, and woman in midlife, I reflect on the career decisions, mindset traps, and societal narratives that shaped my path—and challenge the belief that we can’t pursue purpose, parenting, and peace simultaneously. Whether you’re a mom of teens, navigating college transitions, or stepping into the empty nest, you might feel caught between guilt, ambition, and the desire to reclaim yourself. We unpack the emotional toll of parenting, the pressure to always “do more,” and the mindset that keeps many of us stuck in cycles of overthinking, resentment, and self-doubt. In this episode, I’ll guide you to: Rethink what “having it all” really means Let go of old beliefs about motherhood, success, and self-worth Understand the impact of emotional regulation and mindset on your choices This is about finding the courage to redefine fulfillment on your own terms—and taking back authorship of your story. If you’ve ever wrestled with guilt, anxiety, or the quiet ache of lost purpose, this episode offers reflection and hope for what comes next. 🎯 Want to take this work deeper? Save your seat for the next free masterclass—click here to sign up: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class. 💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar?  Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0. ❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at [email protected].  This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.

Previously the Small Jar Podcast As moms of teens, we often chase happiness through perfect vacations, ideal family moments, or dreams of life after the kids leave home. But even on a picture-perfect trip to paradise, I realized something powerful: happiness isn’t found in the perfect plan—it’s created by how we think. In this episode, I share what a family trip to the British Virgin Islands taught me about letting go of expectations, the emotional traps we fall into, and how to find peace right where we are. If you’ve ever thought “I’ll be happy when…”—when your teen talks to you, when the stress lets up, when you finally get a break—this conversation will hit home. We’ll explore: Why your mindset matters more than your circumstances How to let go of emotional pressure and be more present with your family What it really means to create joy in motherhood—even in the chaos This episode will help you stop waiting for everything to be perfect and start creating a calm, connected, and more fulfilling experience right now. 🎯 Want to take this work deeper? Save your seat for the next free masterclass—click here to sign up: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class. 💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar?  Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0. ❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at [email protected].  This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.

Previously the Small Jar Podcast If you’re a mom who feels like there’s never enough time—and that no matter how much you do, it’s never enough—this episode is for you. I dive into how our mindset around time is often shaped by overthinking, guilt, and the pressure to be everything for everyone. The result? Anxiety, burnout, and a deep disconnection from your own purpose. In this episode, we explore: How to let go of unrealistic expectations and create emotional space for what truly matters The role of emotional regulation in how you manage your time and your energy Why setting boundaries with your schedule is essential for clarity and peace You’ll hear how I shifted from frantic mornings and endless to-do lists to a more grounded approach that prioritizes presence, clarity, and calm. This isn't about time hacks—it’s about redefining your relationship with time so you can stop feeling behind and start feeling aligned. If you’re ready to stop overthinking your days and start living with more intention, confidence, and fulfillment, this episode will guide you there—one grounded moment at a time. 🎯 Want to take this work deeper? Save your seat for the next free masterclass—click here to sign up: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class. 💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar?  Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0. ❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at [email protected].  This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.

Previously the Small Jar Podcast If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in a habit you know isn’t serving you—but you can’t seem to break it—you’re not alone. In this episode, I dive into the neuroscience behind why we do what we do (even when we don’t want to), and how that knowledge can empower us to make lasting change. This one’s especially for moms of teens and those entering the empty nest years who are trying to let go of patterns that no longer align with who they want to be. Whether it’s nightly wine, scrolling, or emotional eating, we explore how our emotional regulation, mindset, and nervous system play a huge role in why we stay stuck—and how we can set ourselves free. You’ll learn: How dopamine drives behavior (and what to do about it) The surprising reason willpower fails us Why bad habits often solve an emotional problem How to let go of guilt and shame and set more compassionate boundaries with yourself How to shift your mindset and take small steps toward peace, clarity, and purpose Let’s stop beating ourselves up and start understanding what’s really going on beneath our habits—so we can reclaim joy, presence, and confidence in this evolving season of motherhood. 🎯 Want to take this work deeper? Save your seat for the next free masterclass—click here to sign up: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class. 💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar?  Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0. ❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at [email protected].  This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.

Previously the Small Jar Podcast If you’ve ever felt stuck—unsure how to move forward or even what you want next—this episode is for you. As moms of teens and college kids, we spend so much time supporting everyone else that we forget to ask ourselves what we want. And when we finally do? The self-doubt, guilt, and anxiety creep in fast. In this follow-up to last week’s episode, I dive deeper into why pursuing your dreams isn’t about having the perfect plan—it’s about shifting your mindset, letting go of old beliefs, and choosing to believe in you. We’ll talk about: How our emotional habits—like overthinking, perfectionism, and resentment—keep us stuck Why letting go of control is the first step toward confidence The impact of boundaries—not just with others, but with your own inner critic How to reconnect with your purpose and identity in a season where motherhood is shifting And why your next chapter can feel both scary and exciting—and that’s okay This episode will help you stop waiting for clarity and start creating it. You don’t need permission, a step-by-step plan, or anyone’s approval. You just need to remember that your emotional well-being, fulfillment, and growth matter too. Let’s break free of the mental traps and build a future rooted in calm, confidence, and possibility. 🎯 Want to take this work deeper? Save your seat for the next free masterclass—click here to sign up: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class. 💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar?  Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0. ❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at [email protected].  This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.

Previously the Small Jar Podcast As my son hit a milestone and got his driver’s permit, I found myself flooded with that familiar mix of pride and heartbreak—another reminder of how parenting teens is a constant practice in letting go. But that emotional tension stirred up something else too: reflection. In this episode, I explore how watching my teens chase their dreams reminded me of something I had long put down—my own sense of purpose. I share how I moved from feeling stuck and small to daring to dream big again, and why we often wait for the “how” before we believe in the “who.” But here’s the truth: we have to believe in ourselves first. We’ll unpack: Why moms often feel disconnected from their own dreams How mindset and identity block us from starting The trap of believing our past failures define our future What it looks like to reconnect with your self-worth, purpose, and vision for the next chapter How to stop waiting for permission and start showing up for yourself—even if you're still figuring it out This episode is an invitation to reclaim your identity, not just as a mom, but as a woman who is still becoming. If you’ve been longing for something more, this is your starting point. 🎯 Want to take this work deeper? Save your seat for the next free masterclass—click here to sign up: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class. 💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar?  Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0. ❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at [email protected].  This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.

Previously the Small Jar Podcast This week, I was in it—completely flooded by frustration, anxiety, guilt, regret, and exhaustion. As a mom of teens, I’m used to feeling a lot, but sometimes the wave hits harder than usual. In this episode, I’m sharing my experience with emotional overwhelm—and what I’m learning about letting go of the guilt and shame that so often come with it. We’ll talk about how reacting to or avoiding our emotions—whether through snapping, crying, or numbing with wine or food—only compounds the pain. And I’ll show you what it looks like to hold space for your feelings, shift your mindset, and reclaim your emotional power without trying to fix everything. I dive into: Why moms feel like we have to hold it all together—and what happens when we can’t How to recognize and release the shame cycle around emotional regulation The myth that your feelings mean something is wrong A new way to approach boundaries, self-trust, and being present—even when it’s messy If you’ve ever felt like your emotions were “too much,” this is your permission to feel all of it and still be whole. This is how we reclaim peace, confidence, and connection—in parenting, in motherhood, and within ourselves. 🎯 Want to take this work deeper? Save your seat for the next free masterclass—click here to sign up: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class. 💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar?  Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0. ❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at [email protected].  This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.

Previously the Small Jar Podcast As moms of teens or young adults, we’re already juggling emotional labor, overthinking, and the exhausting process of letting go. But when it comes to love and marriage, that emotional weight gets even heavier—especially in the empty nest years when we suddenly have more time and space to reflect on what’s working… and what isn’t. In this vulnerable episode, I explore the emotional complexity of long-term relationships and what happens when our idea of love doesn't match our reality. Whether you’re navigating resentment, guilt, loneliness, or simply questioning what connection is supposed to look like at this stage of life, you’re not alone. We’ll talk about: How your mindset impacts your emotional experience more than your partner’s behavior Why expectations, boundaries, and unspoken “manuals” leave us feeling unseen What to do when love feels like pressure, and how to separate your self-worth from someone else’s response How to regulate your emotions, release the need to control others, and reclaim joy and emotional fulfillment If you’ve been overthinking your relationship, stuck in cycles of emotional blame, or craving deeper connection but don’t know how to ask for it—this episode will help you take your power back and love more honestly, starting with yourself. 🎯 Want to take this work deeper? Save your seat for the next free masterclass—click here to sign up: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class. 💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar?  Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0. ❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at [email protected].  This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.

Previously the Small Jar Podcast Motivation can feel like a mystery—especially when you're a mom juggling teens, college kids, work, and the emotional weight of an almost empty nest. In this episode, I challenge the idea that we need to “feel motivated” before taking action on our dreams. Instead, I share what I've learned about showing up when you don’t feel inspired, how to find purpose in the mundane, and why letting go of perfection and control is essential for building consistency and confidence. This isn’t about pushing harder. It’s about shifting your mindset to see that motivation is a choice, not a feeling. We’ll talk about: Why motivation is misunderstood—and how to redefine it What holds moms back from pursuing goals during this transitional season How to stop waiting for inspiration and start trusting yourself The emotional mindset shifts that can reduce anxiety and overthinking Small, doable steps that lead to big transformation If you’ve been telling yourself, “I just don’t have the time or energy,” this episode will help you reclaim your agency and reconnect with your dreams—without making it all so hard. 🎯 Want to take this work deeper? Save your seat for the next free masterclass—click here to sign up: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class. 💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar?  Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0. ❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at [email protected].  This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.

Previously the Small Jar Podcast I used to believe it was my job to make sure my kids reached their full potential—that if I just parented “right,” I could protect them from mistakes, failure, and regret. But somewhere along the way, I realized that belief was costing me peace, connection, and even my relationship with my teens. In this episode, I share what happens when we let go of the illusion that we can control the outcome and begin trusting our children’s path—even when it looks different than we imagined. You’ll hear the mindset traps that keep us stuck, how to shift from fear to curiosity, and how letting go doesn’t mean giving up—it means growing up alongside them. 🎯 Want to take this work deeper? Save your seat for the next free masterclass—click here to sign up: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class. 💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar?  Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0. ❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at [email protected].  This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.

Previously the Small Jar Podcast This season of motherhood can feel like one long goodbye—letting go of our kids, our roles, our bodies, our sense of purpose. I’ve felt it deeply, and so have many of the moms I work with. But here’s the truth I’ve discovered: sometimes, letting go isn’t just about loss. It’s the beginning of something new. In this very first episode, I share what it means to release the stories we’ve told ourselves—about our worth, our limitations, and our place in the world—and how we can step into a new chapter of motherhood, identity, and purpose with clarity and courage. If you’re standing at the edge of change, this is your invitation to start again. 🎯 Want to take this work deeper? Save your seat for the next free masterclass—click here to sign up: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class. 💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar?  Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0. ❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at [email protected].  This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.