Finding the Floor - A thoughtful approach to midlife motherhood and what comes next.

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A good read by the pool!  That is what I have been daydreaming about as I go about my busy days this week. This episode I share a few of my favorite authors and some of their books to get ideas for when you get into the slower rhythm of the summer.  I mostly like romantic comedy books but also share a few different varieties of books.  First I talk of Beth Brower who is a sort of late regency (1880s) in her Unselected Journal of Emma M. Lion.  Then a few of the romantic comedy authors,  Katherine Center, Courney Walsh, and Becca Kinzer.  I also share a few murder mystery authors, Josi Kilpack and Rebecca Connolly.  Lastly I leave you with an idea to maybe pick up a classic you have never read or have been meaning to read or any non-fiction that I have shared with you on this podcast - especially The Confident Mind by Dr. Nate Zinsser.  So let’s daydream of summer and a nice cozy read by the pool, beach or comfy couch.  

I would love to hear from you!  You can reach me at [email protected] or dm @findingthefloor on instagram.  Thanks for listening!!

Thanks to Seth Johnson for my intro and outro original music.  I love it so much!

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 This week I reflect on a few mother’s day things.  First, I am becoming more like my mom by having all the expired condiments in my fridge.  That is something that is too much of a reality right now, my kids finding them.  Then second, while staying with my Dad and feeling like I was getting sick, there were not the normal things that my mom would have in the fridge or pantry.  I missed the vitamin C, the essential oils, the herbal tea and whatever other concoction she would get me to try to make sure I would not get sick.  I felt a little sad and then mad that it wasn’t there anymore.  I reflect that it is just all of the little things that you do and are and that are just around the house, your kids may not realize but they appreciate, even the expired condiments.  Enjoy all of the little things, because I sure miss a bunch of little things that just made my mom my mom.   Yay to all that you are and that you keep on showing up!  Happy Mother’s day and to all of the little things that you do!  

For shownotes and transcripts go to www.findingthefloor.com/ep255

I would love to hear from you!  You can reach me at [email protected] or dm @findingthefloor on instagram.  Thanks for listening!!

Thanks to Seth Johnson for my intro and outro original music.  I love it so much!

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 Lately I have been feeling pulled in so many different directions and in this episode I talk about a few solutions to help me go from chaos to a little more calm.  I share all of the things on my plate, (as I am sure many of you have) and an extra added concern.  I talk of the Eisenhower  Decision Matrix (also shared in 7 Habits for Highly Effective People)  and try to figure out what is important and not urgent instead of everything just feeling both important and urgent.  I share the calmness of the vicar character from a favorite book and share the ultimate goal of tuning into the spirit of God to help me determine the most important of the day.  I reference a favorite talk from this last general conference, Susan H. Porter and her guidance on how to begin each day saying, “Here I am, send me. “  Hopefully my own crisis will help you as we all navigate the pull of all of the important and urgent things in our lives. 

For show notes and transcript go to www.findingthefloor.com/ep254

I would love to hear from you!  You can reach me at [email protected] or dm @findingthefloor on instagram.  Thanks for listening!!

Thanks to Seth Johnson for my intro and outro original music.  I love it so much!

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Back after spring break, and sharing two stories.  I begin by sharing our stranded story.  Our spring break road trip took an unfortunate turn with an overheated car and a need to get a tow, as well as other parts of the story.  I share a tender mercy with the rental car and a book that we really enjoyed listening to on our drive.  The second story is more of a reflection looking back as it has been a year since my abdominal surgery.  Reflecting whether or not I am grateful that I got it done, if I would do it again and if I would recommend getting it done.  As I looked back I realized what a busy year it has been and why I have felt so worn out.

For show notes and transcripts go to www.findingthefloor.com/ep253

I would love to hear from you!  You can reach me at [email protected] or dm @findingthefloor on instagram.  Thanks for listening!!

Thanks to Seth Johnson for my intro and outro original music.  I love it so much!

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 “Dream about your ideal future, even if it’s a lie compared to today’s reality, then get to work and make that reality happen.”  In this episode we are going to talk about being delusional.  I share this idea from The Confident Mind by Dr. Nate Zinsser who says that when we want to do something great we have to be constructively delusional.  This week we are especially talking about doing something new.  I mention different things as we grow up that we work at achieving, like riding a bike, trying a new sport and applying for colleges.  We may have evidence of others doing it but not ourselves. I share that now in my midlife I need to be delusional about where I what my older years to look like.  And I love the main point, is that after we have the unrealistic idea or desire,  we then work really hard to make that an actual reality.  

For show notes and transcipts go to www.findingthefloor.com/ep252
 

I would love to hear from you!  You can reach me at [email protected] or dm @findingthefloor on instagram.  Thanks for listening!!

Thanks to Seth Johnson for my intro and outro original music.  I love it so much!

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 In this episode I share some ideas on how to build more confidence as a parent by making deposits in our mental bank account.  It can be easy to think we are doing well as parents when our children are doing well. I dive into an important mindset shift: learning not to base my confidence as a parent on my children’s outcomes.  I use principles from The Confident Mind - like the daily ESPs, what are things that I am doing to help my child.  Then mention the emotional bank account from 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and how we can work on making regular deposits with our child and what that might look like. 

For show notes and trandscripts go to www.findingthefloor.com/ep251

I would love to hear from you!  You can reach me at [email protected] or dm @findingthefloor on instagram.  Thanks for listening!!

Thanks to Seth Johnson for my intro and outro original music.  I love it so much!

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In this episode, I celebrate reaching episode 250 and explore something we all experience at times: getting stuck in what The Confident Mind calls the “sewer cycle.” After a stressful moment related to my church calling, I found myself spiraling into negative thoughts and worry. As I reflected on the experience, I realized how important it is to recognize when we’re in that mental cycle and have tools ready to help us get back out. Drawing on ideas from The Confident Mind, Atomic Habits, and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, I share practical ways we can shift our thinking, refocus our energy, and move toward a more constructive mindset. 

I would love to hear from you!  You can reach me at [email protected] or dm @findingthefloor on instagram.  Thanks for listening!!

Thanks to Seth Johnson for my intro and outro original music.  I love it so much!

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 In this episode, I continue exploring the powerful quote from Olympic gold medalist Helen Maroulis:

 “I won with all of my strengths and I won with all of my weaknesses.”

After reflecting on The Confident Mind last week, I wanted to dig deeper into the idea that excellence does not require perfection. I explore how perfectionism can quietly become a control strategy, what we’re actually hoping perfection will give us, and how we can pursue excellence — in motherhood, habits, faith, and even something as simple as getting dressed — without demanding flawlessness from ourselves.
 

For shownotes and transcripts go to www.findingthefloor.com/ep249

I would love to hear from you!  You can reach me at [email protected] or dm @findingthefloor on instagram.  Thanks for listening!!

Thanks to Seth Johnson for my intro and outro original music.  I love it so much!

Send us Fan Mail

 In this episode, I revisit one of my favorite books on mindset and performance: The Confident Mind by Dr. Nate Zinsser. As I’ve been re-reading and re-listening to it, I’ve felt completely re-energized about what is possible when we intentionally train our thoughts. This book isn’t just about sports — it’s a guide to building confidence in any area of life. I reflect on what real confidence actually means, how we can develop it (instead of waiting for it), and why learning to look for the best in ourselves changes everything. 

For show notes and transcripts go to www.findingthefloor.com/ep248

I would love to hear from you!  You can reach me at [email protected] or dm @findingthefloor on instagram.  Thanks for listening!!

Thanks to Seth Johnson for my intro and outro original music.  I love it so much!

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, I share the story of how Valentine’s Day — a holiday I once protested by wearing all black — became one of the most meaningful days of my life. What started as a cynical college stance in 1995 turned into the beginning of my relationship with Nate. From minute rice and soy sauce to a late-night first kiss, I reflect on how perspective can change everything. I also explore how Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about romance alone — it can be a powerful invitation to deepen friendships, express appreciation, and strengthen the bonds that literally improve our health. 

For shwo notes and transcript go to www.findingthefloor.com/ep247

I would love to hear from you!  You can reach me at [email protected] or dm @findingthefloor on instagram.  Thanks for listening!!

Thanks to Seth Johnson for my intro and outro original music.  I love it so much!