Listener note: This episode might be a good one to pop on those headphones or earbuds if you have little ears nearby. Part of our conversation includes a suicide and a cancer diagnosis.

She's known for her laughter, wit, and upbeat outlook on life. But the last five years have taken a toll on Scarlet Hiltibidal and she's ready to talk about it. Scarlet joins AllMomDoes podcast host Julie Lyles Carr for a vulnerable conversation about what it takes to face life challenges with honesty while still remaining hopeful-ish.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/48wWPYS 

Takeaways:

• Scarlet is a mom of four, navigating chaos and change.
• Her new book 'Hopeful-ish' addresses personal pain and hope.
• The title was inspired by her husband's suggestion to lighten it up.
• Scarlet's writing process is influenced by her interactions with women facing similar struggles.
• Post-COVID, many are wrestling with feelings of sadness and despair.
• The importance of tending to one's faith like a farm is emphasized.
• Humor can coexist with deeper emotional struggles.
• Scarlet shares a poignant story about a donut and a young girl that brought her hope.
• Being open with children about faith and struggles is crucial.
• Hope is a gift from the Holy Spirit, not something we can manufacture.

Sound Bites:

• "I want people to read it."
• "I was not running to God."
• "Don't fake your faith!"

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
02:51 The Creative Process Behind 'Hopeful-ish'
05:31 Processing Grief and Loss Post-COVID
08:48 Wrestling with Hope and Personal Struggles
11:34 Balancing Humor and Heaviness in Life
14:16 The Donkey Attack and Farming Adventures
17:13 The Journey of Becoming a Farmer
19:08 Tending to the Farm of Your Soul
21:13 Navigating Jadedness and Hope
23:04 The Gift of Hope in Difficult Times
28:43 Parenting Through Faith and Challenges

 

Keywords: Scarlet Hiltibidal, Hopeful-ish, grief, faith, motherhood, creativity, COVID-19, personal growth, humor, parenting