In this inspiring conversation, Amy Grace chats with coach and mother Michele Hoover about the emotional and physical challenges she faced as a young mom battling chronic illness, isolation, and relentless self-comparison. Michele shares how years of feeling unseen and unsupported led her into deep burnout—and how nervous system regulation, mindset work, and emotional healing transformed her approach to motherhood.

You’ll hear real talk on imperfect parenting, attachment styles, people-pleasing, and the surprising power of silly moments on a living room floor. If you’ve ever felt like you’re not enough, this episode will leave you feeling validated, understood, and inspired to start showing yourself the same compassion you offer everyone else.

Key Takeaways

• Chronic illness and unrecognized stress often go hand-in-hand—especially for moms constantly in survival mode.

• Comparison is a major motherhood trap that can lead to disconnection and self-doubt.

• Nervous system regulation is a critical (and often missing) piece of healing and parenting with peace.

• Repair and vulnerability in parenting—especially with teens—can transform relationships.

• Shifting “I should” to “I could” creates space for self-compassion and intention.

• Kids don’t expect perfection—they need love, presence, and repair.

• Embracing your imperfections helps your kids feel safe embracing theirs.

Key Quotes:

From Michele Hoover:

• “I was in survival mode for years without even realizing it.”

• “Comparison is the thief of connection—not just with others, but with yourself.”

• “There is no expectation from your children for you to be perfect. They just want to know they are loved.”

• “The compassion you give everyone else becomes your superpower when you turn it inward.”

• “You’re not failing. You’re just carrying an expectation backpack that isn’t even yours.”

From Amy Grace:

• “Instead of focusing on the highlight reel, we so often get stuck in our outtakes.”

• “Yes, your kid might need therapy. So do we all—and that doesn’t mean you failed as a mom.”

• “Our biggest weaknesses are often the flip side of our greatest strengths.”

• “I will hold on to hope when you can’t.”

Michele Hoover is a coach, educator, and mom of two teens who helps women reconnect with themselves by integrating mindset coaching, attachment theory, and nervous system regulation. After years of chronic illness, burnout, and perfectionism, Michele transformed her life and now supports others in doing the same. She’s passionate about helping moms release shame, rebuild identity, and rediscover joy in motherhood through deep compassion and connection.

• Michele’s Website: ⁠www.michelehoovercoaching.com⁠

• Free Resource: Five Teas to Tame Overwhelm — find it on her website

About Your Host:

Amy Grace is the heart behind Everyday Supermoms, a podcast that inspires and empowers mothers by sharing diverse stories of resilience and connection. As a licensed therapist, she supports moms through all stages of motherhood with transformative therapy intensives and signature courses like The Motherhood Mindset Reset and Create Your Own Motherhood. A mom of six, Amy draws from her own journey—from single parenting to blended families—to create a community where mothers can embrace their unique paths with confidence and grace.
🔗 For more info and your FREE Embracing Your Inner Supermom Workbook, visit www.everydaysupermoms.com
💌 Never Miss an Episode: Sign up here to get weekly updates, summaries, and mom-life tips.