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Have you ever felt like motherhood demands your entire being, leaving little room for the woman you were before? It's time we redefine what it means to be a mother without losing ourselves in the process. On today's episode of All Our Little Messes, I peel back the layers of parental expectation and share why carving out space for self-care is not just a luxury, but a necessity. We'll journey together through the complexities of finding purpose, even in the minutiae of everyday parenting challenges.

Motherhood is a mosaic of individuality, and each piece reflects a unique style and approach that has no standard template. This episode celebrates the diverse expressions of motherhood, exploring how personal fulfillment and maintaining one's sense of self are not only possible but also essential for a thriving family life. I open up about the controversial subject of working mothers, offering insights into how we can support each other's choices and foster an environment where judgment gives way to encouragement.

Balancing a career and family life is akin to conducting an orchestra of competing demands, each vying for your attention and energy. Through personal anecdotes and heartfelt reflections, I share the strategies that have helped me manage the struggles of being a working mom. We'll talk about realistic expectations, time management, and the importance of personal achievements that fuel our sense of accomplishment. Join me as we affirm the power of purpose in motherhood and the unshakable strength that comes from nurturing not only our families but ourselves as well.

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Ever wondered how your morning smoothie or your night's sleep could influence your therapy sessions? Keri Cooper, an expert in holistic psychotherapy, joins us to uncover the profound connection between our daily habits and our mental health. From balancing blood sugar and leveraging the power of vitamin D, to embracing pharmaceuticals without shame, we navigate the delicate dance of combining holistic practices with Western medicine. Our conversation promises to offer insights that could transform your approach to mental health care, providing practical advice for those ready to make brave lifestyle changes for the sake of their wellbeing.

Dehydration and diet, two often-ignored culprits, take center stage as we dissect their impacts on our minds. We swap stories that bring to light the stark reality of nutrition's role in mental health and tackle the contentious issue of natural remedies versus established medical treatments. With each personal anecdote and expert critique, we build a case for critical thinking and informed decision-making in our healthcare choices, steering clear of the allure of unproven methods that neglect the harmony of a balanced healthcare regimen.

Our journey takes a turn towards the roots of our wellness woes, with a focus on education and mental health. Sharing from my own encounters with acupuncture and dietary tweaks, we paint a picture of how non-pharmaceutical approaches can provide solace. We probe the effects of stagnant educational systems and sedentary lifestyles on our children's mental health, advocating for a shift towards a more holistic view. This episode isn't just a conversation; it's a call to rethink our health and the systems that shape it, inviting you to join a growing chorus that values a more integrated approach to well-being.

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Navigating the tumultuous waters of parenting, I invite you on an exploration of the transformative power that comes with the arrival of new life. Following a period of personal upheaval due to pregnancy complications, my world was forever altered by the birth of my daughter. As you join me in this episode, you'll witness my candid confessionals about shifting from a rigid authoritarian stance to embracing a parenting style that breathes with gentle authority. It's a journey laden with reflection, change, and the desire to cultivate a nurturing environment where the voices of little ones are not just heard, but echoed with respect.

As we peel back the layers of parenting strong-willed children, I recount personal anecdotes that illuminate the societal tightrope we walk. The challenges are real, from managing a spirited toddler in the solemn quiet of a church service to confronting the judgmental glances that often accompany misunderstood youthful exuberance. In sharing these stories, there's hope for a collective sigh of relief and understanding amongst us parents who witness our children's tenacity not as a hurdle but as a promising sign of future leaders. This episode promises to embolden and equip you to foster autonomy in your children, turning what may seem like everyday parenting struggles into stepping stones for growth and mutual respect within the family fabric.

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Do you ever find yourself wrestling with the guilt of leaving your little ones to go to work? As Christian mothers, we are often conflicted between the demands of motherhood and the necessity to earn a living. But what if I told you that you're not alone in this struggle? This episode aims to explore and debunk the harmful narratives that shame working mothers, challenging the traditional gender roles often perpetuated by social media influencers. Using Proverbs 31 as our guide, we'll focus on verses 10-31, a source of inspiration and a guidebook for Christian and Catholic women, proving that working mothers are just as virtuous.

The pressures of balancing work and motherhood are immense. But rest assured, through a deep dive into Proverbs 31, we explore the possibility of maintaining a balance between prioritizing our children and fulfilling our personal choices and necessities. Caught between the challenges of work and the joys of motherhood, how do we ensure that our children's emotional, mental, and spiritual needs are met? Together, we'll journey through the Bible, seeking the wisdom of Proverbs 31 to guide us in maintaining the correct balance between work and home life, ultimately prioritizing what truly matters. Join us as we navigate the complexities of modern motherhood and discover interpretations of traditional scriptures.

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You ever wonder how a book can drastically impact one's life? Join me as I recount my personal journey with the controversial book 'How to Train Up a Child'. This exploration dives head-first into the realm of corporal punishment and the cultural acceptance found among some Christian and Catholic households. Discover how the evolution of this book through its various editions echoes society's shifting mindset towards child discipline. More importantly, hear about the moment I realized that I couldn't use the principles from this book when I had my own children, and how that sparked a change in my perspective on child rearing.

Fasten your seatbelts as we take a hard look at the messages 'How to Train Up a Child' sends to our most impressionable minds - young children. Prepare for an honest examination of the potentially damaging effects of corporal punishment, and the contradictions this book presents, such as its stance on using the 'rod' for both training and discipline. I'll take you through the complexities a baby might face when subjected to this form of discipline, considering their cognitive development (or lack thereof) in understanding their actions. This is an unfiltered, candid exploration of a sensitive topic that continues to stir the pot in modern parenting circles. Are you ready for this raw ride?

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Ever felt trapped in a web of repetitive patterns that seem to haunt your family? The ones that you swore you wouldn't repeat, yet find yourself unconsciously mirroring? You are not alone. We're taking a brave expedition into the heart of generational curses - the invisible shackles that bind us to our family's past mistakes and struggles. It's a difficult and emotionally fraught journey, one that often invites criticism and resistance from the older generation. Yet, it's a journey that the millennial generation, with all its challenges and perceived brokenness, must undertake for the sake of our children.

Change is hard, especially when it involves confronting deeply ingrained family traditions and values. But don't let that stop you. This episode is about standing up against beliefs that no longer serve us, about questioning and reshaping patterns of behaviour that have been passed down through generations. It's about finding strength and guidance in the gentle nature of Jesus towards children - a beacon of hope in our endeavour to create a better life for our kids. We invite you to join the conversation, to find solidarity and understanding, and hopefully, inspiration to break free from the chains of your generational curses.

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What if the sexual dynamics of your marriage were fundamentally flawed? Would you be brave enough to confront the issue and find a better path? Join us as we unmask the damaging concept of obligation sex in Christian and Catholic marriages, a mindset rooted deeply in purity culture that pressures women into being sexual commodities.

We're not here to point fingers, but to challenge norms and initiate change. We explore the controversial interpretation of 1 Corinthians 7:5 and how it’s been manipulated to suggest that women are mandated to satisfy their husbands sexually, invariably stripping women of their autonomy and dignity. The impact goes beyond the bedroom, affecting relationships and personal confidence, as women grapple with guilt, shame, and expectations that are at odds with their own desires. 

In this journey of enlightenment, we explore the repercussions of obligation sex, and the unhealthy power dynamics it cultivates within a marriage. Tune in as we underscore the importance of communication, respect, and shared experience in fostering a truly intimate bond. It's time to rewrite the narrative, shaking off harmful stereotypes, respecting boundaries and embracing healthier, more balanced relationships. This episode is a step towards empowering women to reclaim their bodies and their rights, and encouraging couples to cultivate mutual understanding and consent.

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If you like this show and believe in its message, please consider supporting our Patreon. For as little as $3/month, get access to behind the scenes content, early access to podcast episodes and more!

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Ever been told that submission in marriage means blind obedience and servitude? I once bought into this narrative, feeling stifled, unheard, and misrepresented in my marriage. But that's not the true biblical definition of submission. Join me as I debunk this myth, drawing from both personal experiences and the teachings I grew up with. We'll journey together through Ephesians 5:21-25, challenging the distorted narratives often plastered on Christian marriage platforms. Plus, I'll take a moment to share why Father Mike Schmitz's video on biblical submission is a must-watch.

Biblical submission in marriage – it's a controversial concept that has been twisted to mean one-sided servitude, particularly for women. But, we're here to set the record straight. Listen in as we dissect the harmful repercussions of misinterpreting this biblical principle. I share my own path from passive acceptance to active questioning, leading to a deeper understanding of biblical teachings. This isn't merely about debunking long-held beliefs; it's an invitation to unlearn, relearn, and create healthier interpretations that respect both men and women. Prepare for a riveting discussion set to challenge the status quo of biblical submission and marriage.

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Ever felt crushed beneath the weight of unrealistic expectations? Have you been caught up in the dichotomy of being 'sexy' without being 'sexual', of embodying 'feminine features' without flaunting them? Welcome back to All Our Little Messes, where today we're unpacking the burdensome impact of purity culture on women, especially in Christian and Catholic societies. Recounting personal experiences, we shed light on the suffocating standards of modesty and elegance imposed on us, along with the confounding rules set out by the book 'Dressing with Dignity'.

As we venture deeper, we confront the distressing repercussions of enforced gender norms on women's physical and emotional well-being. The expectation for wives to be constantly sexually available, and the pressure of maintaining a balance between seductive yet modest leads to problems like pain during sex and vaginismus. We challenge the distorted representation of 'biblical womanhood', which perpetuates the belief that women should be meek, submissive, and restricted to home-making, further emphasizing the dire need for change.

Our journey doesn't end there. We scrutinize 'biblical manhood' and the warped dynamics it cultivates within marriage. Let's question the belief that women should submit unquestioningly to their husbands, a belief that not only belittles women but also warps the very essence of marriage: mutual submission and sacrificial love. This episode is a call to start essential conversations, to redefine what being a good Christian or Catholic woman means, and to encourage women to embrace their true, authentic selves. Tune in, and together, let's untangle the mess one thread at a time. 

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If you like this show and believe in its message, please consider supporting our Patreon. For as little as $3/month, get access to behind the scenes content, early access to podcast episodes and more!

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Did you know that the language we use, or neglect to use, to educate our children about their bodies can directly affect the safety of our young ones? It was a harsh lesson learned through a sobering story of a young girl who suffered prolonged abuse, a situation that could have been detected earlier had she known the proper names for her anatomy. In this episode of All Our Little Messes, we challenge the dangerous implications of purity culture on sex education and confront the negligence of withholding crucial, age-appropriate conversations about sex and anatomy from our children. 

Devoting time to the distortion in perceptions of Christian and Catholic sexuality, we highlight how culture, the internet, and even religion, are culprits. These influences can often warp our concept of sexuality, leading to confusion and shame, especially in our kids. We passionately advocate for parents to address the taboo and open up the conversation about bodies and sexuality with their children. The episode tackles hard topics but underscores a critical point: an informed child is an empowered child, less likely to fall prey to misinformation from potentially harmful sources.

In the spirit of fostering a positive body image and promoting well-being, we stress the significance of using correct anatomical terms while educating our children. It's not just about anatomy, though. Our approach to the conversation can instill confidence in our children to open up with their concerns. Our final segment delves into exploring resources for age-appropriate sex education and the potential dangers of an inadequate understanding of biblical sexuality. Let's drop the shame and bring light to the conversation about sexuality. Your kids are worth it!

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If you like this show and believe in its message, please consider supporting our Patreon. For as little as $3/month, get access to behind the scenes content, early access to podcast episodes and more!

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