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In this fun continuation of my conversation with my 20-year-old daughter Olivia, we peel back the layers of what has made our family relationships strengthen through the ups and downs of life.

Olivia shares her beautiful philosophy that "your success is my success, and your failure is my failure," revealing how this mindset has shaped her role as both a middle child and a natural cheerleader within our family. From creating elaborate birthday celebrations to attending basketball games with homemade signs and team-colored overalls, her commitment to celebrating her siblings has helped weave the fabric of our family's supportive culture.

We dive into the evolution of sibling relationships from childhood squabbles to adult friendships, particularly exploring how Olivia and her older sister have navigated their changing dynamic as they've grown. Through vulnerable late-night conversations and the willingness to express their feelings honestly, they've discovered that unlike friendships that might fade, siblings are "the ones who are going to be walking alongside you" through every season of life.

The conversation takes a touching turn as we discuss fostering relationships despite age gaps, with Olivia sharing how she's built a meaningful connection with her younger brother by participating in his interests—from fishing trips to golf cart rides—guided by the wisdom that "I'll never regret doing things with him." We also explore the foundation of our family's relationship repair through consistent apologies and refusing to let conflicts remain unresolved.

Whether you're struggling with sibling tensions, seeking to build stronger family bonds, or simply wanting to create more celebration in your home, this conversation offers genuine insights from a family that's learning to navigate life's complexities together—with plenty of coffee dates, sushi dinners, and unfiltered love along the way.

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What happens when fiery mother-daughter personalities collide under one roof during the college years? Nikki Smith and her 20-year-old daughter Olivia pull back the curtain on navigating this delicate transition with raw honesty that will resonate with any parent of young adults.

Olivia, currently balancing nursing school with weekend hospital shifts that fully cover her tuition, shares her journey from a kindergartener with severe separation anxiety to a confident nursing student finding her way. Their conversation explores the unique challenges of having an adult child living at home – where parents must thread the needle between respecting growing independence while maintaining appropriate boundaries.

Mental health takes center stage as both mother and daughter candidly discuss Olivia's experiences with anxiety and depression. From the exhaustion of an overthinking mind that "feels like running a marathon mentally every single day" to practical strategies like gratitude journaling and therapeutic conversations, they offer wisdom born from years of trial and error. Parents will find tremendous value in Nikki's admission that she had to move from a "get over it" mentality to learning how to validate feelings first – "I'm sure that feels extremely overwhelming" – before problem-solving together.

Educational paths form another fascinating thread as they discuss Olivia's journey through various school environments before finding her perfect fit in homeschooling. Their experience demonstrates how allowing children to find their best learning environment – sometimes against conventional wisdom – can transform academic struggles into success.

The episode concludes with heartfelt advice from Olivia to her younger self and others battling similar challenges: "Don't let your anxiety and depression become who you are." This powerful reminder that we are more than our mental health struggles offers hope to listeners in similar situations. Join us next week as this intimate conversation continues, exploring Olivia's gift for relationships and building connections. 

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Dive into this heartfelt episode where we explore the canvas of marriage, navigating between being roommates or soulmates. Host Nikki Smith shares personal insights and lessons learned over 25 years of marriage and parenting, drawing inspiration from the book “Reconnected: Moving from Roommates to Soulmates.” With relevant anecdotes and practical tips, this episode encourages active engagement, less reliance on technology, and a return to meaningful, intentional communication.

Listeners can expect to uncover 11 characteristics that signal a drop into roommate territory and discover timely strategies for reconnecting with their partners. Reflecting on the essential role of daily life-giving conversations, Nikki introduces the "10-minute rule" — a simple way to spend quality time focusing on deeper emotional exchanges.

This episode also addresses the challenges of modern relationships, including the pitfalls of gentle neglect often caused by distractions like social media and busy schedules. It shines a light on nurturing your union to ensure it remains vibrant and alive, empowering couples to prioritize their bond above the chaos of life.

Join us for a discussion filled with actionable advice that can transform your relationship dynamics by rediscovering the essence of love and partnership! 

Reconnected - Moving from Roommates to Soulmates in Marriage:

https://amzn.to/3QJnTvz

Downloadable Resource Guide: 

https://www.focusonthefamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Reconnected-Study-Guide-gray.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawIusghleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHYreffCli8ckYU4Aiq8kbMCzsSvDBtdJN4UtQTqYkdnE4Mk8AIB3BL50XA_aem__G-jQMghC_fgf3nnnuqIRw

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Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Dana K. White, the creative genius behind "A Slob Comes Clean." Dana opens up about her journey from a theater arts teacher to a stay-at-home mom, sharing how her struggles with home organization propelled her into a successful writing career. With her books "Decluttering at the Speed of Life" and "How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind," Dana offers a refreshing perspective on finding beauty amid life's chaos. Her candid insights reveal how embracing imperfections can lead to profound personal and spiritualgrowth and inspire others to tackle the clutter in their lives.

Explore the realities of maintaining a tidy home as we uncover practical strategies for decluttering and organization. Debunking the myth that daily maintenance requires perfection, we highlight how simple tasks like consistently doing the dishes can make a big difference. Dana introduces the concept of a "clutter threshold," offering valuable advice on starting with visible spaces to regain control. 

We challenge societal pressures and the misconception that a perfect home equates to a perfect life. Dana's latest book, "Jesus Doesn't Care About Your Messy House," questions the notion that cleanliness is tied to spiritual worth. We emphasize the importance of vulnerability, urging listeners to find peace in imperfection and to seek help when needed. As we wrap up, our focus shifts to cultivating strong families by fostering kindness and creating warm, accepting home environments. Join us on this journey to discover how embracing the mess can lead to a more fulfilling and joyful life.

You can Find Dana at - https://www.aslobcomesclean.com/

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 Our guest, Kristina Weir, bravely shares her journey through two major health battles, beginning with being diagnosed with breast cancer at just 30 years old. As Kristina recounts the whirlwind of emotions and the dismissal she faced, we reflect on the unexpected blessings that can arise from such challenges. Now a mother of two grown sons, Kristina offers a heartfelt perspective on embracing life's trials with grace and using them as a springboard for personal growth and to uplift.

Kristina’s experience with breast cancer sheds light on the profound role that helpers and a supportive network can play in our darkest moments. A simple act of kindness from another survivor illustrates the power of shared experiences and the comforting reassurance they can bring, showcasing the beauty of human connection.

Striking a balance between traditional and holistic medicine, Kristina reveals how she managed her cancer treatments and inspired her oncologist along the way. Her story is one of resilience, faith, and gratitude, reminding us of the beauty that can emerge from life's ashes. 

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What if some of the most powerful tools you have as a parent are simply your words, your ears, and your prayers? In this episode, you'll discover how focusing on character traits like diligence, responsibility, and kindness can build stronger, nurturing relationships with your kids, rather than merely celebrating their accomplishments. The impact of our words as parents is monumental, and learning to choose them wisely can create an environment where children feel valued and understood.

Communication is often the linchpin in navigating conflicts, particularly between parents and children. Drawing lessons from the book of Proverbs, I share personal anecdotes and insights into handling tricky situations. Encouraging our kids to self-reflect and understand the importance of maintaining a calm spirit can prevent escalation and strengthen the parent-child bond. This episode is a reminder of the value of fostering an open space where children are comfortable discussing both the easy and tough topics, reinforcing the importance of effective communication in parenting.

Lastly, hear about the role of prayer in parenting.  Discover how integrating prayer can be a powerful tool to guide and support your children through life's challenges.

Praying the Scriptures Books:

For Children-

https://amzn.to/42QmOt1

For Teens: 

https://amzn.to/3CEMcrg

For Adult Children:

https://amzn.to/3CADdY8

For Your Marriage:

 https://amzn.to/42UyT0C

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Shannon Blas joins us on an enlightening journey through the midlife transition as children leave the nest. With her engaging insights, discover how Shannon found purpose and fulfillment beyond motherhood, inspiring all of us to redefine our own paths. This episode offers a promise of renewed independence and personal growth, as we explore how to nurture a fulfilling life that empowers both ourselves and our adult children.

Engage in a meaningful conversation about building new social connections and rediscovering forgotten passions. Shannon sheds light on her journey back to interior design and the joy it brings, showing that midlife isn't about slowing down but exploring exciting opportunities. Whether it's through exercise, pickleball, or heartfelt coffee meetups, we delve into the power of maintaining a vibrant social life and the graceful navigation of evolving family dynamics.

Finally, we tackle the transformative stage of menopause with positivity and empowerment. Learn how to embrace this phase as an opportunity for growth, supported by practical tips to enhance communication with loved ones. Shannon offers wisdom on taking small, impactful steps toward personal improvement, making this episode a valuable resource for anyone looking to thrive in midlife. Join us as we celebrate the journey toward a more fulfilling and connected life.

You can find Shannon @ www.shannonblas.com

Menopause Symptom List:

Menopause Symptoms Explained - an excerpt from “Next Level: Your guide to Kicking A*^, Feeling Great, and Crushing Goals Through Menopause - by Stacy T Sims 

“You have hormone receptors on every organ in your body so when your hormone start swinging and declining every part of your body is affected. We hear a lot about certain symptoms, like hot flashes and body composition changes and obviously your menstrual cycle becomes more regular, but there are common symptoms associated with menopause. Here is a fairly comprehensive list of what you make experience during this time in your life. We can’t promise that we can make every single symptom go away, but we sure can make things a whole lot better!” 
Hot flashes
Lightheadedness 
Headache
Irritability
Depression
Feeling unloved
Anxiety
Mood changes
Sleepless
Unusual, tiredness or fatigue
Backache
Joint pain
Breast tenderness
Loss of mojo or motivation
Increased in breast size 
Muscle pain
New facial hair
Dry skin, itchiness
Crawling feelings on the skin (formication)
Tingling, pins and needles sensation in extremities
Decreases sexual sensation/trouble with orgasm 
Low libido 
Dry vagina, thinning vaginal walls 
Painful it uncomfortable intercourse 
Increased urinary frequency
Urinary incontinence
Increased gas and bloating
Bleeding gum
Brittle nails
Hair, thinning or loss
Heart palpitations
Burning tongue
Hearing loss and or tinnitus

Functional Doctor Recommendations:
Dr. Lauren Fitzgerald @ Larimar Med in St. Charles, Il
 https://larimarmed.com

Stacey Caler, NP @ Wellness Refinery in Roscoe, Il
https://www.wellnessrefineryclinic.com

Dr. Megen McBride in Encinitias, Ca
https://www.drmegenmcbridend.com

WorldLink Medical Provider Locator:
https://www.directory.worldlinkmedical.com

Recommended Books:
Fast Like a Girl by  Dr. Mindy Pelz:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1

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Unlock the secrets to navigating midlife transitions with grace as we share a heartfelt conversation with my dear friend, Shannon Blas. We reflect on our 20-year journey from young motherhood to embracing the empty nester phase. Shannon generously opens up about her experiences, highlighting the importance of nurturing relationships with adult children and the profound life changes that follow their departure from the nest.

Explore the empowering world of hormone health and functional medicine with us as we address the common challenges faced by midlife women. Shannon shares her personal success with BHRT (bioidentical hormone replacement therapy), emphasizing the need to seek out personalized solutions that go beyond conventional Western medicine. Discover how defining your "really good day" through journaling and the Midlife Edit course can foster self-awareness and well-being, empowering you to take control of your health with confidence and clarity.

Dive into practical strategies for embracing midlife changes, from gratitude journals and intermittent fasting to decluttering your living space and finding joy in physical activities. We also discuss the evolving demands of parenting, offering tips for maintaining supportive relationships with adult children as you step into this new life chapter. Join us for an episode filled with wisdom, encouragement, and the tools to navigate midlife with a positive and empowered mindset.


You can find Shannon @ www.shannonblas.com

Functional Doctor Recommendations:
Dr. Lauren Fitzgerald @ Larimar Med in St. Charles, Il
 https://larimarmed.com

Stacey Caler, NP @ Wellness Refinery in Roscoe, Il
https://www.wellnessrefineryclinic.com

Dr. Megen McBride in Encinitias, Ca
https://www.drmegenmcbridend.com

WorldLink Medical Provider Locator:
https://www.directory.worldlinkmedical.com

Recommended Books:
Fast Like a Girl by  Dr. Mindy Pelz:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1401969925/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_KZEHAMHFSWTW2SMWEX2B?linkCode=ml2&tag=heartthatbeat-20

Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod:
https://amzn.to/4geFgyx

Doing Life With Your Adult Children- Keep Your Mouth Shut and the Welcome Mat Out by Jim Burns:
https://amzn.to/4girECG

Next Level by Stacy Sims:
https://amzn.to/4aF4Rzz

Recommended Podcast:
Labs to have done for BHRT:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-made-fitz-show/id1607565676?i=1000658431452

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Urinary incontinence is a challenge many women face but often shy away from discussing. As someone who has personally experienced the impact of this condition, I take you through my journey of trying various treatments to regain control over my life. From the initial frustration of leakage during everyday activities to discovering the role fascia plays in pelvic health, this episode shares my candid exploration of solutions—from Kegel exercises to pelvic floor therapy—that might resonate with many of you who are navigating similar paths.

Our conversation takes a deep dive into the decision-making process behind considering surgical options. With the guidance of Abraham R. Shashoua, M.D., a renowned urogynecologist, I faced the tough choice of undergoing a traditional bladder sling procedure. This segment delves into the emotional and practical considerations of opting for surgery after non-invasive methods proved insufficient. The aim is to provide insight and support for those weighing similar medical interventions, highlighting both the challenges and potential outcomes.

The journey to overcoming bladder incontinence does not end with surgery. As menopause introduced new factors into the equation, I share my transformative experience with a Bulkamid procedure. This episode underscores the importance of understanding hormonal changes and their impact on women's health. By recounting my positive results and the support I received, I hope to empower other women to seek solutions and foster a community where we can openly discuss and address these issues. Let’s work together to spread awareness and share knowledge, making the journey for others a bit easier.

You can find Dr. Shashoua here:
https://www.chicagourogynecologist.com/about-our-doctors/abraham-r-shashoua-m-d/

Learn more about Bulkamid:
https://www.bulkamid.com/

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What if you could transform unimaginable grief into a beacon of hope? Hadley Eddings joins us this week on A Heart that Beats for Home to share her incredible journey through loss, resilience, and faith. In 2015, on what should have been a celebratory sixth wedding anniversary, Hadley and her husband Gentry faced a devastating tragedy—the loss of their young sons, Dobbs and Reed, in a tragic car accident. Despite this heart-wrenching sorrow, Hadley's story is one of strength.

Hadley and Gentry's path forward was marked by a remarkable transformation of grief into hope. Amidst this journey of healing, the unexpected joy of welcoming twin sons, Isaiah Dobbs and Amos Reed, into their lives showcases a testament to their unwavering belief in God's divine kindness and purpose.

We explore the emotional landscape of Hadley's journey, where grief evolves yet never completely dissipates, creating space for healing and joy. The importance of community support, faith, and personal resilience shines through her narrative, providing encouragement for those facing their own trials. Hadley's story is a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit of family and faith, offering hope and inspiration to anyone navigating their own path through hardship. Join us to embrace the themes of love, resilience, and the miraculous blessings that life can bring amidst sorrow.

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