I had the opportunity to chat with therapist and author Eli Harwood about the messy, beautiful journey of parenting. Eli emphasizes the importance of focusing on our side of the parent-child relationship. It's not about blaming ourselves for our children's struggles, but rather about leveraging our emotions and experiences to enhance our connection with them. Parenting, Eli articulates, raises parents as much as it does children, and it's vital to approach our personal growth with compassion.

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If you've ever ended a full, busy day feeling strangely unfulfilled, this episode is for you. Tanya Dalton joins us to talk about the mindset shifts and daily habits that actually lead to personal growth and development — without burning out or running on empty. We dig into how to stop being a perfectionist and why your to-do list might be working against you. Whether you're in a season of self care for mothers or just craving more clarity in your everyday life, this conversation will help you feel happier and more grounded in what actually matters.

Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/how-to-be-more-productive-and-less-busy-at-the-same-time

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Recently, I tackled my "Read the Shelf Challenge" and picked up a fantasy novel that had been collecting dust. Imagine my surprise when I found it just okay, only to see it was adored by tens of thousands of others! This stark difference in opinion reminded me of a life lesson—we won't be everyone's cup of tea, and that's perfectly okay.

This concept hit home for me during a challenging time at church with my child. Grappling with being misjudged, a friend's words became my mantra: Have the courage to be misunderstood. It's about processing difficult feelings and choosing to act from a place of inner strength, not resentment. As hard as it is, embracing this mindset helps us navigate misunderstandings with grace and continue on our progress journey.

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Life can sometimes feel like a relentless to-do list, and it's easy to lose ourselves amidst the responsibilities. I've discovered firsthand the transformative power of hobbies in reclaiming my sense of self. When I hit a funk last fall, I realized I needed more than just productivity. It was during this time I understood that hobbies could help me reconnect with who I am beyond the roles I juggle daily.

Complementary episodes: ⁠I’m in a Funk⁠; ⁠Episode on Rest⁠; ⁠How Do You Quilt⁠

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What if the key to personal growth and development isn't doing more — it's learning to show up for yourself in small, meaningful ways? In this clip, Christy Joy shares how building simple daily habits around movement can be one of the most powerful forms of self care for mothers and women who give everything to everyone else. She gets honest about why self-compassion — not perfectionism — is what actually creates momentum, and how lowering the bar isn't giving up, it's how you finally start to feel happy and whole again. If you've been waiting for motivation to strike before you begin, this one's for you.

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This monthly series features an episode sharing my recent highs and lows, how my habits are going, a Do Something List update, plus what I'm loving lately and my commitments for the upcoming month. I hope this glimpse into my life, my family, my work, and my own self development encourages you in your own journey.

Around here the goal is never perfection, just to keep trying, even if in very simple ways. I think you'll see that with all of the big changes going on for me, taking the smallest of steps has helped to keep me afloat and feeling like myself. As always, I encourage you to get messy, too! 

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If you've ever stood in your kitchen at 5:00 PM wondering if everyone really needs to eat again, you're not alone. The constant planning and responsibility can be overwhelming, but Shannon Lyon offers some great strategies. By planning only two to three real meals a week and always cooking extra protein, you can significantly lighten your load. Matching your meal plan to your actual life, giving yourself permission to make dinners simple, and building in one special meal each week are doable steps towards a more enjoyable family dining experience.

It's all about creating a joyful and sustainable routine that includes meals your family loves and moments you cherish together, even if it’s just over grilled cheeses. Let's embrace these small, consistent efforts to make feeding our family an achievement rather than an obligation.

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If personal growth and development is important to you but you're constantly running on empty, this conversation is for you. Janssen Bradshaw joins us to talk about one of the most overlooked forms of self care for mothers — how you spend your weekends. We dig into the daily habits that quietly drain us (screens and endless chores, anyone?), and how a little self-compassion and realistic thinking can help you stop being a perfectionist about how your weekends "should" look. If you've been wondering how to feel happy without a total life overhaul, this episode offers a refreshingly doable path toward more joy, rest, and connection — right where you already are.

Listen to the full episode here: https://www.aboutprogress.com/blog/take-back-your-weekends

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2018 was a pivotal year for my podcast, marking its second full year and a transformative period for me personally. From the rollercoaster of welcoming my fourth child, who faced significant health challenges, to the excitement of turning my podcast into a budding business with the support of my first team member and a business coach, it was a whirlwind.

In the same year, I took a significant leap by discussing my faith journey publicly, an experience both unifying and daunting. Episode 123, "Navigating LDS Faith Crises," became a standout moment, connecting me with many listeners on a deeper level. Although reflecting back I see where I was naive or hopeful, I am still proud of my courage in sharing my story. These experiences shaped who I am today and taught me to be vulnerable while preserving parts of myself for my own growth and understanding.

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Join the Book Launch Committee for behind-the-scenes and first peeks at all things book.

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Get your AirDoctorPro air purifier with the discount code “MONICA.” Transform your space now. Go to https://www.quince.com/monica for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns; Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home; Join Masterclass for 15% off at masterclass.com/progress

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As parents, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the technological temptations that our children face daily. I recently spoke with Catherine Price about her latest book, "The Awesome Generation," a powerful guide for families aiming to cultivate a healthier relationship with technology, especially for kids. Technology is pervasive, and while it's reshaping childhood, it’s vital that we guide our children to use it wisely.

Join the ⁠Supporters Club⁠ to keep About Progress around for good.

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Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday!

Get your AirDoctorPro air purifier with the discount code “MONICA.” Transform your space now. Go to https://www.quince.com/monica for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns; Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home; Join Masterclass for 15% off at masterclass.com/progress

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