My Inner Shakti

finding strength in everyday things

My 11 Current Favorite Podcasts

written by Leave a Comment

Are you a podcast listener? Per my random Google search, there are over 5 million podcasts out right now! That’s quite the number.

I specifically love them during long drives, when I’m folding/putting away laundry, or going for a walk.

If you haven’t found a handful you love, don’t stress! I’m sharing 11 of my favorites today.

Ok, here goes!

#1 Momsanity

Have you listened to this super awesome podcast called Momsanity? The hosts are super fun, down to Earth, and really relatable. I highly recommend you listen because their motherhood content is authentic and from the heart!

I kid (not really!), but I couldn’t start a top podcast list without sharing my own.

#2 We Can Do Hard Things

Truth-telling. Raw. Inspiring.

#3 Good Inside

Community. Practical. What she says works!

#4 Hidden Brain

Smart. Relatable. Expert driven.

#5 A Bit of Optimism

Smart. Leadership. Realism.

#6 Peds Doc Talk

Relatable. Knowledgeable. Diverse topics.

#7 Unruffled

Parenting. Gentle. Perspective.

#8 On Purpose

Interviews. Deep. Insightful.

#9 The Daily

News. Storytelling. Relevant.

#10 The Marie Forleo Podcast

Fun. Inspiring. Advice.

#11 The Mel Robbins Podcast

Direct. Authentic. Fun.

Ok your turn – what are some of your favorite podcasts right now?

Momsanity Ep. 6 + Friday Stuff

written by Leave a Comment

Amy and I just released episode 6 of the Momsanity Podcast, and you guys, I know I say this about every episode, but the honest and vulnerable conversation in this one is just too good.

A little behind the scenes info…up until this episode, we were going into each recording session pretty scripted (me especially). However, this time around, we took the bullet point approach, and I have to say, I think it worked out really well. This definitely sounded way more conversational than past episodes.

Anyways, I highly recommend all my ambitious mama (which I know is all of you) tune in because Amy and I share a lot of our own insights and ideas on how to bring our motherhood journey and our ambition into harmony.

The key here is to remember that there’s no right or wrong answer. Your ambition will ebb and flow based on the season of motherhood you’re in, and that’s a beautiful thing. Think of your ambition as a dial that you turn up or down depending on the day, month, or year…not as an on/off switch.

And remember, we’re in this with you!

Friday Stuff

Instead of sharing a random list of things from the week, I think I’ll just catch y’all up on where I am right now. A lot has happened since the last time I posted.

First of all…WE MOVED! Everything went really well. The movers were good. I hired someone to help me unpack, and she was awesome. The kids have adjusted well.

Vishnu and I are just still…very tired! It’s not like we moved and now we have a few weeks to settle in. We literally hit the ground running in terms of moving and then keeping on with our regularly scheduled program. Like hasn’t paused or slowed down in the slightest, which is a little different from our past moves where it was either just the two of us or we had one little kid who didn’t have real school or activities.

But still, life is good, and I’m so very thankful for it all. We’ll catch up on sleep…eventually…in like 20 years!

Speaking of Kaiden’s activities, we signed him up for swim lessons because the boy loves water and is very overconfident, which scares us! He’s going to do private lessons for a couple of months and then transition to semi-private. Vishnu and I really see this as a life skill that he (and eventually Mila) has to master. And now that we live in Georgia, it’s pool season 9 months out of the year.

He’s also still doing Tae-Kwan-Do, which I think is helping with focus and discipline. We’ll see where it takes us. He’s also got tennis as an after school sport once a week at school. It’s more of an introduction to see if he likes it and is interested in learning more. We shall see! I keep reminding myself that he’s 5. He’s got the rest of his life to figure out his strengths, weaknesses, likes, dislikes, etc. Right now, his biggest focus should be on being a kid!

Speaking of being a kid…guess where we’re headed this weekend…DISNEY WORLD!

We’re going with two other families for four nights. We’re doing two parks – Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom…and I CAN’T FREAKING WAIT! Kaiden LOVED Disney on Ice, so I can’t even imagine how much he’s going to love actual Disney World. My friend Monica went a week or so ago, and she warned that it’s super overstimulating now, so definitely keeping that in mind.

I’ll share a whole Disney post with what we did, where we ate, and any tips/tricks we come up with!

When I sit back and think about it, October is a big month for us! My sister’s birthday, Vishnu’s birthday, my BIL’s birthday, Halloween, Disney (this year), apple picking…ANNNNNDDD my baby girl’s (1st) birthday!

We’re doing a small celebration with family and close friends at the house. Keeping it very low key for many reasons. Should be fun!

And one other big thing is happening this month – Mila starts daycare! I don’t think my heart is ready, even though my mind and a tiny bit of sanity is! I cry just thinking about it but tell myself that everything’s going to be ok. One day at a time!

With that, have a wonderful Friday and weekend!

Momsanity Ep. 5 + Friday Stuff

written by Leave a Comment

Happy happy Friday, y’all!

If I drop off this space for the next week or so, please know it’s because we’re MOVING on Tuesday! AHH! So much to look forward to and so much overwhelm at the moment. I just keep telling myself that in a few weeks time we’ll be settled in our new home and routine. Just gotta get to that point!

Momsanity Ep. 5 and December Event

Before I jump into Friday stuff, I want to share a little bit about the Momsanity Podcast episode that went live on Wednesday.

Momsanity

In this episode, Amy and I talk about the mental load, which we believe is the hardest part of being a mom. And I have so many mom friends who say the same. It’s the weight of ALL the stuff…not just your own but everyone else’s too. While there may not be a way release it completely, there are certainly a few things we can do to shift the weight. If you feel this weight on your shoulders on a day-to-day basis, I highly recommend tuning in to this specific episode.

Speaking of Momsanity, Amy and I are also in planning mode for our first free event on December 8th. In fact, we brainstormed on Tuesday night exactly how we see it unfolding, and it’s going to be SO FUN! If you want to be one of the first to know about this event and all other things Momsanity, please sign up here!

Ok, on to Friday stuff…

Dr. Becky – Good Inside Membership + Book

Those who know me well know that once I’m obsessed with something I can’t shut up about it. And that is 100% the case when it comes to Dr. Becky and her Good Inside Membership (and IG page and podcast). I joined last week and have already watched two workshops. And honestly (very honestly), I’m blown away by her approach, perspective, tips, strategies, etc. It’s been a game changer with Kaiden already, especially because I do believe he’s what Dr. Becky calls a Deeply Feeling Kid (DFK). If you’re going to invest in any parenting platform, I’d say this is an amazing one. Not only is her material amazing, but her community is also super supportive, vulnerable and honest. I’m so in love with this resource!

I also bought Dr. Becky’s book – Good Inside after listening to her on Glennon Doyle’s podcast. I haven’t started it yet but plan to dig in next week after the move! Can’t wait to share more.

Backstreet Boys

After listening to Disney soundtracks on repeat whenever we’re driving somewhere (which is all the time), I decided enough is enough and I played Backstreet Boys. Lucky for me, Kaiden let me listen to a few songs before strongly requesting Tangled. Ha!

Speaking of Backstreet Boys, are you team BSB or team N’Sync? I loved both growing up, but BSB wins by a slight margin for sure! The songs/lyrics are just too good!

Nighttime Routine

Y’all! When we’re settled in the new house, my wake up time will be 4:30 am on the dot if I want to workout, shower, etc. Kaiden will need to start waking up at 6 (as will Vishnu) and Mila at 6:30. Woo wee! It’s going to be interesting but doable.

I really need to solidify a nighttime routine for myself. While I can wake up at 4:30 after going to bed at 10 pm…I’m a freaking zombie during the day. And that’s not helpful at all.

I need to be in bed, eyes closed by 9:30 (I’m a 7 hour of sleep a night kind of person). Right now, I average 10 pm as a bedtime, but I have to find ways to get to sleep sooner.

Vishnu and I are done cleaning the kitchen by 8:00-8:15, which means I have a good 45 minute to an hour to relax and do whatever I need/want before heading into some kind of routine. One that includes skincare and reading for sure. Will keep y’all posted on this!

Boundaries

I’ve been thinking a lot about boundaries lately, and specifically how to state them in a kind way.

In a conversation with my mom earlier this week, I shared a boundary with her in a calm, loving way, and she called me later to tell me how much she appreciated the way I delivered that particular message.

That just got me thinking about how in order to honor other people, we need to honor ourselves first. We need to think about things from a calm/kind/loving perspective in order to deliver a message that carries that same kind of emphasis.

I’ll share more on my thoughts around this again soon, but it’s just something that’s been on my mind lately…

With that, I hope you have a great Friday and weekend!

Momsanity

Momsanity Episode 4 – Additional Thought About Mom Guilt

written by Leave a Comment

Episode 4 of the Momsanity Podcast is now live! In this important episode, Amy and I talk about the notorious mom guilt.

Together, we discuss the fact that mom guilt is a social construct, why we believe moms take on so much guilt, how to release said guilt, and how to not make other people’s crap your own.

One thing I shared in particular is that the feeling of guilt can often mean you care. And that’s certainly still true. For example, if you feel guilty about going on a work trip, that doesn’t mean you are a bad/negligent mom. It means you care about your child(ren). Period.

After thinking about this some more, I’ve come up with something else our guilt may be telling us. Let’s take this scenario – it’s the end of the day, and your kid isn’t listening. Maybe he’s bouncing off the walls. Maybe he’s crying about taking a bath. You end up losing your cool a little. You raise your voice, get angry, etc. Annd then you feel guilty.

Again, this doesn’t mean you’re a bad mom. But what this is telling you potentially is that you need to go inwards. Why did you lose your voice? What triggered you? What’s missing? Where can you fill your cup a little more?

Of course, it’s ok to get upset. It’s normal and part of #momlife, however, if this happens repeatedly, your guilt is telling you something needs to change. That’s all!

Again, no shaming yourself or dwelling on the not so great moment. Just take a breath, and when you get a chance, go inwards.

Ok, that’s all I’ll say about this episode. I highly recommend listening!

And if you do, please consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts and/or sharing Momsanity on your social feeds. If you do, please let Amy or myself know. Every week we release an episode, we’re doing a #momtreat giveaway to thank our amazing supporters.

Last Few Days Before Kindergarten + Momsanity

written by Leave a Comment

There are days when I’m in complete disbelief that Kaiden is starting Kindergarten next week. And there are days when his sassy self talks my ear off that I can completely believe it! HAHA!

Pre-K grad and mustering up mom courage

Kaiden graduated from pre-K last Thursday, and his school did an amazing job with the ceremony and celebration. There was a whole program, and our little guy had a very short speaking part and was front and center for all the singing and dancing. Saying good-bye to his friends and teachers was hard, and K was definitely emotional when we got home. He went upstairs to change, and then out of the blue, we heard him screaming. We checked to make sure he wasn’t hurt, and then I just held him because my mama heart knew he was just sad. Like mommy like son! He’s so much like me in so many ways it blows my mind!

He’s been much better since then, and that’s probably because he’s seen and hung out with his grandparents a ton. Speaking of, he’s at my parents house at the moment! We’ll see how things go when he starts school next week! Thankfully, his school has a couple of events leading up to the big day. Hoping that eases the transition a bit.

Vishnu worked this past weekend, so I decided I would use my mom powers and take the kids out on my own. On Saturday morning, we went to breakfast in our neighborhood. It was actually so fun! Kaiden colored, ate, and talked, and Mila ate! HA! So thankful she’s an ‘easier’ baby in many ways.

And then on Sunday afternoon, I took the kids to my best friend’s house to play and have dinner. Of course, there I had extra hands to help with Mila, and K was engrossed in playing with my friend’s daughter, but again, proud of myself for actually venturing out. The older I get, the more I realize how much of a homebody I am! And while that’s great to an extent, I love being out and about with the kids and having them experience new things, places, and people. Just have to muster up the courage and tell yourself you can are the world’s greatest solution finder (in the off chance you need to do some quick thinking!).

Momsanity Podcast updates

If you follow me anywhere, you probably already know that Amy and I launched Momsanity, our podcast! Y’all! This is the most fun I’ve had in a long time. I love coaching and Awarify so much and find it truly fulfilling, but Momsanity is simply put…a blast! And like with anything else I chose to take on right now, I feel like the impact it has had already and will continue to have on moms is profound. Amy and I want to make moms feel less alone in their experiences, and this platform will really allow us to do that.

In episode one, we introduce ourselves, talk about our definitions of Momsanity and mom friends, share a couple of our recent relatable Momsanity stories, and dig into the myth of doing it all.

In episode two, we talk about the emotional polarities of motherhood and keeping up with the Joneses. And in episode three, we’re talking about all things relationships and partnerships, and we have two very special guests joining us to share their POV too!!

You can listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our RSS feed via our host. If you tune in and like what you hear, please consider subscribing, rating + reviewing, and signing up for our Momsanity community (as a bonus, you’ll get our Working Moms Dream Big workbook).

With that, I’m going to pack up to pick up my soon-to-be Kindergarten boy! I promised him lots of playground time, ice cream, and fun in the next few days. Here’s to delivering just that!

categories

Archives

Top Posts!

Follow me on Instagram!