“I should be grateful.”

As moms, we often feel this pressure to always be thankful. It's almost like we use gratitude as a way to push away other feelings. It’s as if admitting to sadness, worry, or even loneliness makes us ungrateful, when really those emotions are just part of the truth of our experience. The minute we add this pressure, that “I shouldn’t feel this way,” we layer guilt and shame on top of what’s already hard.

In this episode, I share how this “should trap” shows up for us as moms raising teens and as we navigate the empty nest. Whether you’re letting go as your kids grow, navigating motherhood in midlife, or striving to find purpose in this next chapter, it’s easy to feel like you’re doing life wrong when gratitude doesn’t erase your harder emotions.

What if it's possible to make space for both gratitude and the full range of human emotions? Because when you let go of the judgment, you open the door to more peace, contentment, and fulfillment in your life.

💡 Interested in learning more about how to create peace, confidence and connection as you raise and launch your teen, join me for my next free masterclass: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class

💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar?  Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0

❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at [email protected]. 

This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.