When the hell did it happen?! I mean, I think I'm a pretty friggen fun and FUNNY person. But, how easy is it to get caught up in the rat race and lose our spark? As women and mothers we shoulder so much! We juggle jobs, calendars (for ourselves, our partners, our kids), snack duty, home schooling (if that's your jam) laundry, life, doctors appointments, school lunches, I mean...the list goes on and ON...think about the duties and responsibilities of motherhood that you carry. But, here's the kicker, girls...these are the things that are sucking away our will to live and leaving us as depleted puddles in the corner unable to even speak. What is happening here? I mean-didn't we jump into motherhood with both feet because of the sheer and utter joy we expected to receive from these little humans that we grew inside of our bodies?! Because of the love we wanted to feel when only mommy can kiss that boo boo to make it all better or when your little looks deep into your eyes and says "I love you"? But, I don't know about you...when I look into the mirror it is not love and joy I see on my face. It is the stress and gray hair that comes with this under appreciated job!

So, HOW do we as mothers lose our joy? Why do we suddenly find ourselves overtaxed, under valued and hating life? What can we do to reclaim a small bit of that woman we once were...even among the chaos and constant pace that comes with motherhood?

Our guest today, Vanessa Wright, is here to help us jump off the carousel of craziness and find our FLOW. Vanessa is a published writer, certified life coach, and speaker. Her expertise centers around supporting midlife mothers in reclaiming their energy, joy, and creativity using her "FLOW" self-care method. She created this method in 2018 for herself, began sharing about it on Instagram—and it snowballed! FLOW stands for Feed your body, mind, and spirit; Love yourself and your season of life; Own your time and space; Weed out what's not working; and welcome something new. And let me tell you, ladies. It's not just for burned out mamas. If you are struggling, exhausted, and don't know who you are anymore, you can go with the FLOW too!

So, join us as we dive into the practice of creating a sustainable self-care practice because your life depends on it! Pedicures and hot baths will never be enough to wash away the stress and burdens that we as women hold ourselves accountable to. When you find your FLOW you will be better able to navigate midlife with confidence and grace.

In this episode, Vanessa teaches us:

1. To survive motherhood mayhem, find your FLOW: F = Feed your mind, body, and spirit, L = Love yourself, O = Own your time and space and W = Weed out what's not working and welcome something new.
2. You have 5 minutes every day. Take it and claim it for yourself.
3. When weeding out the commitments you've made to others (we're not talking laundry and dishes here, ladies) that are no longer serving you ask, "is this bringing creativity, energy or joy to your life?" If the answer is "no", you may want to consider removing this activity from your life.
4. Keep a joy journal by documenting one thing each day that brings you joy. Jot them down just before you go to bed each night. This will help you remain in the present and enjoy the small moments in the now.
5. Lean into the season of life. Focus on where you are today and do what you can now. Too many of us spend far too much time focusing on the maybe's or what if's of the future. Be present while slowly laying a foundation for the future. Ask yourself what do you need in THIS SEASON..for example, what you need to feel supported in the summer months when kids are home may be different from the spring. Evaluate where you are and adjust accordingly.

To find more of Vanessa:

Website | vanessanwright.com

Instagram | @vanessanwright

Vanessa's advice is life giving and that's what we're all about here on the Dear Midlife podcast. Because, you see, we know your life, your challenges, and your pain. We understand what it is like to feel stuck and stressed. We know what it is like to look in the mirror one day and not even recognize the woman who is staring back at you. But it doesn't have to be that way. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram. We want you to become part of our tribe of strong women who will help to life you out of your despair and find a path forward in life with expert advice and tools that suite your unique needs.