Mom Founder Imagination Hub

Welcome to Episode 206. We're going to talk with Laura Carney, my copyeditor, who is not herself a mom, but really understands what it's like to nurture big dreams. You're going to love this conversation. It happened on book launch day, and she actually helped me take this book to the finish line. So I'm very grateful to her. She wrote My Father's List. And you will love to see her investigative journalism skills at play.

If you love parties than please do say hi on Instagram which was where this party took place: https://www.instagram.com/melissallarena/

Shop/gift/review - Fertile Imagination: https://amzn.to/3F6AgMu

TRANSCRIPT

I wanted to share something with you. You may not know this, but if you shopped the book, Fertile Imagination, and you enjoyed it, I would love to see your written Amazon review. The reason is that Amazon really does value whether a book has a hundred or more Amazon reviews.

And what it'll do is it'll make it a suggested product. And it's so important in terms of being timely because every single day, there's about 3 million moms that might shop on Amazon. So imagine this, what if a mom is shopping for some sort of like really boring product, like batteries or something for her family, and she then notices that there's this book, Fertile Imagination, that might really help her rethink how she approaches The rest of the year or 2024.

What if she got a suggestion from Amazon that Fertile Imagination might be the book that will help her feel like she's reconnected to her inner child? Let me read to you one review that says just that this reviews on Amazon right now for fertile imagination It says melissa demonstrates that motherhood doesn't have to mean hitting the brakes during your pre kid self Drawing from the wisdom of her podcast guests She urges us to dream big discover our passions and take practical steps towards our aspirations I love the fun imagination warmups in each chapter.

They are such a great way to reconnect with your inner child. The reason why I say this is because when I had this conversation with Laura, I think it's so important for you to understand that although you might be listening to two women who are accomplished, who have published their books, At heart in terms of our deepest, deepest, deepest, deepest desires, oftentimes they came when we were just little girls.

So really just imagine for yourself, what was on your heart when you were a child? What is left to actually bring to the world? How can you today really reimagine the way that you live your life, your role as a mom, so that you can apply some time to that dream and coming through for the little girl in you.

Enjoy the conversation. I'm trying to just figure out all sorts of crazy things on book launch day, but I'm here with you and I'm so excited. And we're talking about fertile imagination with my father's list author. This is so great. I'm so proud of you. I'm proud of you, too. I think it's been a pretty accomplished year.

I would say you're both of us You're at the end though. I was listening to the video the final countdown and thinking about you I swear like the hair the hair bands, right? Yeah. Yeah. I was resonating. I resonate with that. The final count. I have, I have a few things up my sleeve still that I haven't shared yet.

So a couple of things I'm still working on. It's not over yet. Very cool. Very cool. How do you feel you're on day one, right? It's like asking someone before a marathon, like, all right, start running. I feel like I'm running on fumes. It's Halloween. So like my kids were like, today's a big day. And so one of them is like, it's Halloween.

And the other one was like, mommy's book. And then the other one was like, I have to go to school. So everybody has their own set of emotions. Mine is just like, maybe adrenaline. Like that's for sure. One of them. Just if that is an emotion, I don't even know. Yes, that's an emotion. Well, I have a few questions ready for you today.

Go for it. But before I get started with that, one of the things I really wanted to tell your listeners is that this is a really good book. I mean, I have a copy of this book. I have read it, I don't know, 10 times, I think. And it is, I, I never got tired of reading it. Like every time I read it, I found something new to enjoy in the chapters and would be like, Oh, this is amazing.

I didn't even realize this part before. So I really wanted to put that out there. And Let's just start by maybe you can explain what you mean by a fertile imagination. It's the ability to cast a vision that is so big and may have never been accomplished by mom before But it fuels you it fuels you like you want to execute on that vision because you feel that either It'll change your life your family's life or even like just set up the next generation for success.

So for me, that's Can't get more fertile than imaginative than that. I always wonder where the word fertile came from for you. Did that just hit you one day? Like, oh, it's, it's fertile. That's what I need to say. Is it because of being moms? Oh, yeah, that was it. It was, here's the whole thing. Like, I have identical twin boys.

And so, like, jokingly, I, I'm like a fertile myrtle in that way. It's like, it was one of those like, knock you outside of consciousness surprise things in terms of identical twins, which are not like familial, like it's like serendipity. It's like magic. And so for me, I thought, let me just play with that.

Let me play with this idea that it's. I'm hyper productive, and I want to be sure that other moms, regardless of how they became moms, like adoptive moms, stepmoms, anyone that is nurturing and caring for someone feels that they can nurture and care for their own ideas, actually. And did you, I mean, I know for you, you were sort of gradually discovering that your imagination needed a wake up call, but do you think that that's, that was the case with a lot of moms that you were encountering?

Like what, what was your initial catalyst for, for needing to turn all of your experiences and all of your wisdom into this book? Yeah. So being a coach for 12 years in the online space, and then in parallel figuring out how to be a mom. And then of course, like growing my family, like there were so many conversations I had with fellow working moms where I felt like I needed something else, like I needed like a jolt, like I would joke with people.

I'd be like, I don't need coffee. I need crack. I just, I just need like way more to kind of like lift off and soar and do what I want to do. And I felt like other moms felt the same way, but maybe they weren't as colorful in their language. So I was noticing that a lot of moms felt like they had these big ambitions for their kids.

It's like my kid can do anything and when they grow up, I want them to be happy and all these. things. And I felt that at the moment of the pandemic, when I wrote the book, I was like, okay, right now, all that talk about our kids can really serve us moms or caregivers. It's kind of like, we need that jet pack.

We need that engine to get through the stuff that's so heavy and hard, especially at that time. But also like, if you're an entrepreneur, if you're a writer, if you're a mom, it's like, there's so many hurdles. It's kind of like Indiana Jones and the temple of doom. And when he was like running and this boulder was coming after him, like that's like motherhood.

That's also like writing a book. I'm sure with you like pitching your book, like that was not a walk in the park. That was like a run in a dungeon. So it's like, it's like you, you need something. And when I decided to write the book, I was like, okay, well, if I could write this out, first, I could express myself more clearly.

Second of all, I could then figure out what I need to do. So sometimes we write. The book we need ourselves, right? I, I knew that when I was a little girl and even in college, for example, I remember thinking these big, big dreams. And I was like, and I want to go to like graduate school and I want to live in another country and I want to do this.

And, and that spirit is what made me defy the odds. It made me do things even when I was exhausted, even when I had other family obligations. And I knew that moms and anyone who's caring for anyone needs more than what you might have on paper in order to, like, get through the moment and, and also learn from the moment.

So that was important to me. One of the things I really loved about your book was the structure of it and the way you, you segmented all of your podcast guests and their wonderful wisdom into these three concrete sections. And I was wondering if maybe you could. Without spoiling anything, if you could explain a little bit about how each of those sections came to be and what each of those sections means to you.

Yeah. So for me, the whole like waking up your imagination, I think there's like an inside sort of job and also like external environment. So there's three steps to optimizing your fertile imagination. And when you. First, kind of think to yourself, what is it that I need most in this moment? You have to recognize that your imagination wants to feel safe and also does not want to be ignored.

Like if you are there a mom and you're just like busy and occupied and in your mind, you're like, man, I'd like to like add a little bit of laughter in this moment, but you ignore that then that thought will most likely not pop up as readily again. And so first you. Right. So first you want to step one, wake up your imagination, but you also want to let your imagination know that, and I'm ready to play, like, I'm not going to ignore you.

So that's why like the first part of the book is about the inside job. It's about your internal environment. It's about your relationship with calling yourself creative, which for a lot of moms, funny enough, when I've asked. People who look creative to me, maybe I'm just making assumptions, but I'm like, wow, they have like a great haircut.

They have an amazing shirt or style when I've told them, wow, you're creative. Like I've gotten like this look, like I have eight heads, like I'm not creative. And I'm like, gee, you look really creative to me. Like you have an amazing style. Right. So that's part one. It's about making sure you work on your relationship with creativity, the inside job, so that this way your creativity can feel like, okay, if I wake up.

She's going to play with me. Then the second part is about playing with your imagination. And it's just like a muscle. Like if you're not working it out, it's going to not work anymore for you basically. Right. And so playing with your imagination, that's where I see innovation coming from. right now. So it's not just like being a mom and being like playful at home with your kids, although that's part of it.

It's also about being very present in the moment and using your observation skills to seize opportunities. But it's also about innovating even in the place of work. Like right now, a lot of people are scared of AI. Well, the one way you could outpace. is by using your imagination and going into categories that are unexpected and irrelevant, seemingly to your category and figuring out how to like almost cross pollinate really random ideas, James Altucher, who's in the book calls that ideas sex, but I, I digress.

So, so yeah, what are, of course he does. Of course he does. And we're talking about fertile imagination. So it all works out. So that's the second part, right? The second part is about playing with your imagination, playing with ideas, being more playful in your life and the way that you run your life and how you think about yourself as like a mom or a woman or a partner.

And then the third part is stretching your imagination. And so a lot of people, including someone that's like deep in a book. tour launch, you want to duplicate yourself. You wish you could like be in Seattle and be in Miami at the same time. Well, okay. That might not be the case, but duplicating yourself for me is stretching your imagination and seeing how you can enlist the help of other people.

So like mobilizing your network and let's say you don't have a network. Making sure that on the inside, when you're by yourself, you're asking yourself really good questions. So I have someone that is really big into the Socratic method. And that's one way that you can keep yourself on track, right? In terms of a goal.

So three parts, the book, the way that it was structured was meant so that. If you don't have time in the day to like go to the toilet by yourself, you can technically just look at a reflection question and just like think about it in a carpool to pick up your kid at school. And that's it. That's suffice to get you thinking outside and beyond of your everyday normal life.

That's great. Yeah. I mean, I think stretching was my favorite one because you just had so many sections where there's almost mantras for the lift for the reader to remember and just practice themselves in their daily lives. And I love how so much of it is about mindset to just so many of the amazing people you talk to.

And I guess I was wondering if maybe you could talk a little bit about that too. How did you get all these incredible people on your podcast? Yeah, it's the interesting part is a lot of the books that I myself read, right? So like whether it's a book from Tony Robbins or Tim Ferriss or like all these books about personal growth and development, not to say that Tony Robbins was connected in the beginning, but obviously at this point he is with me.

It's almost like I pretend that someone on TV is like a real human. It's like this very weird. Quirk, but I've done it since university level, right? In college as well. And what I've done is I've always expressed myself in a very authentic way. Right? So I'm not here to have someone like Susie Batiste, who I did interview my podcast.

I'm not here to be like, Oh, I want to sell something to you. Or can you invest in my business idea? I'm here because I want to get to know the story behind how you had the guts to declare bankruptcy two times, tell your kids, and then get back on the horse. And I'm going to be honest about my own perspective and we share some sort of commonalities from our history.

And so when I would pitch a guest, whether it's Gary Vaynerchuk or James Altucher, Beth Comstock, I would always approach it from a. Position of authenticity. And as someone who was in career coaching for 12 years, and obviously networking is like the Holy grail of landing the opportunities that you desire, what I always found were two things, strategy one, I always like getting on the shortest line at a supermarket.

And I think any mom, any human, unless you're weird, you like getting on the shortest line of a supermarket, right? And the shortest line tends to be like the social media channel where they don't have as many followers, for example, or like me, I literally went to James Altucher's comedy standup show. Like he's.

Actual physical comedy club in New York city. Not a lot of people do that because they hide behind the screen, right? And tweet at him, but that made me approachable. And so I went to his house and I interviewed him and now he's in my book, right? And so with all of these things, what I'm saying is this get on the shortest line, number one.

So do things that other people will not do. And if you're a mom, extra bonus points, because a lot of us say, That we never go out or we don't have time or we're too busy to network. And if you're a mom who does this, who goes buddy club or what have you, you really do stand out and these people notice like decision makers notice, but first be authentic and know your stuff.

Like you got to know your stuff. So, okay. I have one, one last question. I know you have to go. My last question is, I think the thing that really amazed me as I was reading your book is it seemed like. You found a way to get back in touch with your authentic creativity and your authentic self, and that it didn't take away from your being a mom.

It actually probably made you a better mom, or at least made you feel more satisfied as a mom. And I can imagine a lot of moms might say that. Like, I, like, my first duty is being a mom, and I can't be distracted by pursuing my creativity and making my imagination fertile again. What advice would you have for moms like that, based on your own discoveries?

Well, it's, it's interesting because let's say the mood of the house, right? So the mom is the barometer for the temperature, the mood of the house. As a little girl, I knew if my mom was happy. Like I knew it. I felt it. She didn't have to say it. And I also knew when she was pretending to be happy. Right. And so for me, I think as we have to give our kids so much more credit than we might, like we can't fake it.

You might be able to fake it to get through a corporate boardroom. Right. You might be able to fake it to get through a job interview. You might be able to fake it in lots of scenarios, but with our children, I think at the same time, Cellular level, whether you're an adopted mama or step, you are the barometer.

And so if you want your home to be a nice 76 degrees Fahrenheit, whatever that is in Celsius, then it behooves us to prioritize like our, our, our inside game, how we feel inside when we're real, like we have to be. Honest about it. And I think that's why it's a priority because if we are thinking that our kids somehow are going to figure things out That we have not figured out like somehow magically then I think that's a little bit of a miss Like I want my kids to be happy when they grow up.

I want my kids to be successful when they grow up well I need to go first. I need to also show them what that looks like. It's not all sunshines and roses. There's falls, there's embarrassment, there's mistakes. And so my kids need to know that. Irrespective of that, I still persist and I still move on, and I don't think it takes away from my time with them.

I think it's a lesson learned for them. I feel like it's also helping them in the future because I can say, Mommy did it, and so can you. And it's not just I'm saying it, I'm showing it. And I think it makes a difference. I love that. Well, congrats, Melissa. So excited for you. And I just, I know this book's going to do so well.

I want to be sure that if you want the book, grab the book today. Let's make it a bestseller. Today's the day that we're all using our imagination for other people, for our kids, for the kids that we give candies out to. What if today was also the day that you can help a mom rediscover her own imagination?

Wouldn't that be like amazing? Yeah, I think that's my husband who just tried none. He said, not a mom, but I can't wait to read the book. And that's a good point because I'm not a mom either, but I love this book. And this book is, is really the way you wrote it is great for everyone. Thank you so much, Laura.

I think this has been, this is so fun. Gotta be, I gotta say, this is more fun than editing a book. I don't know. Maybe. Yeah, it is, but that's fulfilling too. Especially when it's a book as good as yours. Aw, thank you so much again. Okay, thank you. Good luck today. Happy Halloween. Thank you. Happy Halloween. Bye everyone.

Isn't Laura amazing? So I wanted to just share this one idea. In terms of how you might really think about being the barometer of your home. Really imagine to yourself how the mood of your house changes if you're having a really good day Or maybe you got some bad news. I want you to really take that seriously It's something that you can control the happier mom is the happier everyone else is as well And so think about that as the holidays draw near if you feel overwhelmed or you feel like, you know You're not gonna have the most perfect sort of wonderful dinner spread Don't worry about it.

Really apply some levity and fun to the experience and the beautiful moment. Again, you're the barometer of the home. Please, if you did read Fertile Imagination or you purchased the book and you've gotten through a couple of chapters, feel free to write an Amazon review. It makes a really big difference.

Every single day, there's about 3 million moms that go on amazon. com. And they are not yet seeing fertile imagination unless we've already hit the 100 mark that I don't know right now. What I know is that with you taking two minutes to write two to three sentences about your impression of fertile imagination today, that means that tomorrow there'll be more moms that will see the book as a suggested product.

And the book is all about believing in the mom who's actually Being a mom in the moment, right? Making sure her family has what it needs, and shopping from Amazon. Imagine if that message of I believe in you is part of why she is on Amazon. What if she actually then purchases the book and on her heart, she wants to make a big impact and somehow it affects you in your own local community.

You never know. Or what if that mom is you? What if you have a desire on your heart and you have yet to shop the book? So head on to Amazon. You can do it right on your cell phone. If you shop the book, please write the Amazon review. It really helps with sharing the book with more moms. And if you haven't just yet, feel free to shop the book.

A lot of individuals have gotten a lot of value out of it. And as Laura said, she's not a mom. And in her opinion, she also was able to get a lot of insights from the book that she could activate in her own life. Thank you.

Welcome to episode 205. In today's episode, we're going to talk about priorities and also how family comes first, and it's appropriate for Thanksgiving week. If you feel like there's a lot of conflicting priorities in your mind this week. You are not alone. This conversation is a clip from the IGTV lives that I did on my book launch day back in Halloween with Zanny B Davis from the UK. She's an online course creator, coach, and Christian who is also a podcaster.

If you love parties than please do say hi on Instagram which was where this party took place: https://www.instagram.com/melissallarena/

Shop/gift/review - Fertile Imagination: https://amzn.to/3F6AgMu

TRANSCRIPT

I want to just share with you before we go into the conversation with Zanny, a review that is already on Amazon.

And I'm so, so grateful for, so this is what the review says. Fertile imagination is a fantastic book for moms and caregivers who feel stuck and need support in activating what is important to them. I'm so glad to have read the book. Here's to more imagination and creativity. What I want to just really emphasize here is figuring out What is important to you?

What is important to you is the reason why you decided to launch a business because you wanted to prioritize time with your family is the reason why you're in a corporate organization because you wanted to have time outside of work and separate the two. That is what we're going to talk about in today's conversation.

Now, if you have not yet shopped the book or gifted the book, it is available today on Amazon. And if you have already shopped the book, you are definitely welcome to use your cell phone, go to amazon. com, look for fertile imagination and scroll down on your cell phone and write a two to three sentence review, whatever's on your heart pertaining to the actual book.

I am grateful to you. Happy Thanksgiving. And I really, really hope that the turkey doesn't burn or the rice and beans. If you're Latina like me, and that you really get to enjoy quality time with your family. Thank you again and have an amazing Thanksgiving holiday. So let us talk about the book then. So why, why did you feel like you needed to publish this book now and why is it called what it's called which is like Fertile Imagination and I know we went through this on my podcast which it was such a great conversation but I would love for you to share it here as well.

Oh my goodness. I'm so excited to share some more about the book. So, I mean, here's the whole thing, right? Like, when you and I were talking about being blessed, and thinking about how God has us, puts, almost helps us with our heart's desires, not almost, totally helps us with our heart's desires. I started thinking to myself, I was like, you know what?

I have had very similar empowerment, encouraging conversations with business professionals in corporate settings, right? So 12 years, I was coaching marketing executives online as a coach. And I was a mom at the same time. And I thought to myself, you know, who I really, really, really want to talk to about similar things.

So like feeling like you don't need this reassurance, like you can do it, like you could do. Anything that is on your heart, right? I wanted to talk to moms and it was during the pandemic when my family and I were in Australia. And I remember thinking to myself, I was like, a lot of moms are experiencing what I was calling career trauma.

Like a lot of moms feel like it's so inflexible to work in a corporate setting. But then as an entrepreneur, what I was coming across was that. A lot of the entrepreneurs are doing very well in an online space. And this is back in the day when hustle culture was the thing. A lot of moms were falling off of cliffs.

Let me explain mental health cliffs. Okay. So let's just think about this. Like you and I are on Instagram at an appropriate time of day in our time zones. However, other people that are trying to really like grow their business, launch their business, put a course out there. Like I know you help a lot of kingdom followers and builders do we, we work ourselves so hard.

And if we're moms, it's almost like if we have childcare, as an example, we feel like every hour we spend. For childcare, we have to have a massive ROI for, right? And so we're burning ourselves at both ends, even, even as entrepreneurs. So for me, I said, you know what? The pandemic made it blatantly obvious now, because now people were.

Saying that they were falling off the cliff as in I am mentally unwell, I am working so hard. And now with the pandemic, maybe Facebook ad algorithms changed, which they did. Maybe some other rules became new or whatever during that era. Maybe everybody came online and the competition got stiffer from an online marketing perspective.

All of that to say, I thought that it's so important for us to bubble wrap our sanity. And that's why I decided to write the book exactly in the middle of the pandemic, because I saw the trauma that a lot of working moms had. I was hearing it on the phone, coaching people in the U S while I was in Australia.

And then I was starting to notice, Oh, wait a minute. It's not just people that have corporate jobs. Female entrepreneurs, women entrepreneurs are also sacrificing their values, their priorities and their health in order to be successful online. And when is it going to Stop every single day. I don't know how many moms open up businesses thinking that that's the flexibility, right?

That they're going to get. No, you have to create the flexibility for yourself and you have to also guard it. You know how they say in the Bible, right? Guard your heart. You have to guard your time. You have to guard your mind. You have to guard your dreams too. And for me, my book is that like, I want to help moms.

Guard their dreams, guard their heart, their capabilities, their values. Like if your family comes first, you have to then build your business around it. So in the book, I have a chapter that's just about that. It's like, you know what? Family is first. And I mean, yeah, right. Yeah, amen to that family's first and I mean it and I think it's a slippery slope.

It's a slippery slope, you know, and I think that from a UK, I'm curious from a UK perspective, I'm very curious and I know you're a Caribbean queen, so let's not forget that. Let's not forget that culturally. Culturally, I'm very curious, like what's your, what, how did you grow up in terms of thinking about what a mom should and shouldn't do professionally?

I'm just curious. I feel like in this time, I think in modern times, right? It's good that moms can do everything. Cause I grew up in a household where my mom was working. She was a full time teacher and she was still getting up early at the crack of dawn to cook us like lunch. So she. Get up early to cook like a big lunch and then she still has to do everything around the house and she still has Her nine to five job, right?

So she was doing everything and I remember thinking like what? Why is it that we always feel as moms and wives especially that we have to do everything? We are doing like all the things and then when we're so tired and we're so haggard Obviously, we're frustrated and you know, we have a shorter fuse because we have so much going on And still we don't have that, take that time for self care and to just like replenish ourselves.

And I remember thinking like, I want to be a stay, I like, I always had a dream of being a stay at home mom, but I also knew that God had given me gifts and talents that he wanted me to use as well. So I was like, when I saw this online space in 2017 with this online business, I was like, as you're saying, as moms, our Our priority is our home, our kids, right?

And then obviously we still have a bigger purpose because we knew that God has already equipped us. So how do we bring that together? And many of us are burning the midnight oil to get that achievement. And then we're sacrificing our family because of that. And sometimes it's really like subconsciously because we feel like we have no other way.

So I love, love, love this conversation and this message. Because it is really needed in this time, especially, like you were saying, in the burnout that's happening in COVID and everything, because now, you can't send your kids to school so you can work on your business, right? You have to, like, work on your business with your kids around.

I can't imagine it. It was just, like, hectic, right? So, yeah. Very good. Absolutely. And I think a lot of us get stuck with like, how, like, how are we going to actually live out our dreams? And, and the dreams happen to be in like different spheres, right? So like at home and outside in the world, right? And so like, how are we going to do it?

And in the book, what I really, really endeavor to do is to give people a sense of like how I have done it. And it has not been easy whatsoever. I will say in the, right. It's like, there's some seasons in my life as a mom and also their seasons as entrepreneurs, which is really interesting, right? There's these two seasons kind of in parallel and sometimes they're in major conflict.

major conflict. I'll give you an example. Here I am. I'm a mom. I wrote a book that is for moms, right? Business wise, it would have made sense to launch the book on Mother's Day. But think about how I as a mom would then not be able to enjoy Mother's Day. Like I would be so stressed and I would not be like thinking about like my Children and how amazing it is to be a mom.

If that was the case and business wise, I had to make a decision. I said, you know what? I'm going to have this launch on Halloween, the day that society says you get to use and play around with your imagination. Today is the day children outside all over the world, as an example, for those that celebrate are getting to be whoever they want to be.

They want to be a Disney princess. You get to be that you want to be. Superman, you get to be that. What about moms? What's the treat for us? When can we start to re imagine our lives, our capabilities, what we want? Like, when can we start to like play around with everything that God has provided? For us and for us.

Okay. Like, when is it our turn? And I remember I was on a flight actually with my children and my kids are all about playing video games on flights. Like when we relocated from Australia to the U S it was like 14 hours. And because of the pandemic and the economy, it was an economy for like, so I remember.

Yeah. I remember a flight attendant passing by watching my kids, right? Like, when is it my turn? When is it my turn? The flight attendant says, she's like, when is it my turn? And that sparked the idea for me. I said, you know what? I've thought about that as a mom. When is it my turn? When is it that I get to play with my role as a mom and, and, and really mold it in a way that I see fit for the situation, for my ambitions.

Like, Think about it this way. Why would God put a dream in your heart if he didn't want you to actually go for it? Like that would make no sense. Yeah. No sense. Right? So it's kind of like, maybe, maybe we have to be creative with how we go about it. Maybe we have to be like very thoughtful and say, okay, I'm a mom, but man, I want to create something for kids.

Let's say you want to do like a youth center in your local community, let's say, right? Well, why would that dream be in your heart? It's because God saw that you are able to actually have those conversations, broker those relationships and get a lease on that property so that you have a place to go after school.

And it's up to you to figure out how to make it happen. And I think it's possible, but I also think that we can, we have a lot, right? Like we have the resources. And I think a lot of times, even as moms, I have worked with some of the most accomplished moms. This is the part that is so fascinating. These are people who are killing it in boardrooms.

They become a mom. Wow. The confidence almost goes out the door. The amount of insurance. Right. I've heard, right. You could be so amazing in a corporate setting. You become a mom and you're like mush. You're like porridge. I think too, this comes down to society as a whole, right? Because then we are competing against the man.

And we feel like we have to do it their way. And we have to do it like the way that they are saying it. But I think like when we become moms, we have to redefine that. And I love this imagination part of it, because then we can't do it like the men. Like they have, I said, my sister and I were saying like, who is the, who is the one person who could stay at home and do nothing all day?

A man, right? Like, let's just be real. Like, a woman cannot do that. You cannot sit at home all day and do nothing. Like, you got kids, you have to get up a million times. It's just not possible. And I feel like sometimes we think that we can do things the same way that men do, but we can't because we have different roles, we have different things that we need to do, and we need to find different ways to accomplish the set things that God has placed in us to accomplish, as you were saying.

You know? So tell us a little bit about the three stages, I want to hear this about optimizing that. Fertile imagination for the maximum impact for moms. I really want to hear this. Yeah. So Max. So when I think about goals, like goals are huge. Like I am not like a short sighted, very like narrow minded kind of goal person.

Like I'm not interested in taking one step every day and wow, I get my 10, 000 I'm more like, okay, how can I like walk across the Appalachian kind of extreme that way. And so big goals. So the people that are in my book, they really. How you can achieve this fertile imagination. So there's three steps. The first one is about waking up your imagination.

As a child, we clocked at least 10, 000 hours imagining we could be anyone we wanted to be. Like I said, last hollow, like Halloween as a kid, I was hunky Brewster. I was strawberry shortcake. So myself as that, and that went in a coma when I became a mom, because as moms, we don't sleep a lot. Right. At least those early days when I had my identical twins, I was filled with dread because I decided to nurse them exclusively.

So I was not sleeping and my imagination did not feel safe to come out and play. And I wouldn't have listened, right? Our imagination doesn't want it to, doesn't want to be ignored. So step one is waking up the imagination in the book. I share podcast guests who can help any mom. Wake up her imagination.

Like there's reflection questions. There's things that you can consider in every single chapter. Then it's about playing with your imagination, right? So playing with your imagination is what we are doing today on Halloween around the world. We are playing with children who are pretending to be whatever they want to be.

We might even show up at our door with candy. Playing roles ourself and in full costumes, which by the way, I'm going to have a costume later on, but that's our secret. And because we're playing with our imagination, it's like a muscle. If you don't use it, you lose it. But if you play with it and you use it in your.

Business to come up with brand new business ideas or in your life to come up with brand new, like routines for a Saturday, for example, as a family, then you're going to be able to access your imagination for when you need it. For when things get tough and you have a goal that you want to achieve, but there's obstacles.

That's why you want a fertile imagination so that this way you're nimble and you could. Fix things as they come along, right? The third part is stretching your imagination. I am asked all the time, Melissa, how do you do so much? And the truth is that this is how I duplicate myself. When I stretch my imagination, what that means is that.

I'm using my imagination to ask for help. I'm asking people to add, to help me in my goal. Like today I'm on the phone with you. I'm on zoom with you. I'm like thinking on the phone, this is Instagram social media alone. Yes. It's global. This is global, right? This is the stretch of my imagination. I asked for help.

I said, today is the day that I'm going to have this book in Kindle format for 99 cents. You could go to my link and I need help in telling as many moms as humanly possible. And that is the third step to optimize my, my imagination, right? And to optimizing any mom's imagination. And a lot of moms are scared to ask for help.

For ourselves. Notice this, if you need help for your child, you will ask for help. You will go to the ends of the earth for your kids. And I'm asking moms to do the same for yourself. Yeah. I love that. I want to say. So firstly, one is that I never celebrated Halloween. I don't celebrate Halloween as a Christian, but I love the fact that you've said, I love you redefining that too.

Because. Thank you. It kind of brings that play on that imaginary thing, like that imagination. Cause I know like a lot of people see it as different, like the dressing up idea and all of these things, but I love that you've like flipped it around for something different and bringing it really into us as moms and how we can see ourselves.

Because I remember as a child growing up. visions I had for my life. Like my imagination was wild. I love this as well, right? And then the second thing as well is that I love that you're saying that we as moms, which is so true, we always feel like we have to have this, like we have to do it. And if we don't do it, then one, probably we don't trust other people to do it for ourselves.

Or we don't think that we can even get that support when it's a lie, right? That's not true. So I feel like, yeah, yeah. I feel like that's really important for you to just kind of give them permission right now to be like, let's go back to our childhood where we knew and it felt safe and where it was good and fun, fun again, exciting to dream and to have these vision.

And now to know that you don't have to do it on your own. You can get support for it. Nothing wrong. There's nothing wrong with asking for help and support. So love that so much. Absolutely. And if you want to think about from the Bible's perspective, there's like a verse that says that you need other people and apparently three is the magic, the magic number.

I don't know that verse. But there's one verse that literally like a brain and it's like three people are best when it comes to like working on something together and to not do things by yourself. I'm going to look it up later. It does definitely speak about community. That's what the whole church is about.

Right? So the whole New Testament is about church and togetherness and community. Paul, the apostle Paul talked about that constantly in Acts and I just finished Colossians I think. He's always talking about the community and the church and togetherness. Right. But also as well, like even as Christian believers, we did a very famous verse that says like, Where two and three are gathered, like Christ is in the midst.

So when Christ is in the midst, nothing is impossible. So it takes two and three to gather, not just by yourself, and it doesn't mean like if God is not going to come to you, but it just says that when there's two and three and there's a community, then he's coming, he's definitely there. So that means like anything is possible.

Anything is possible. And I, and I really think when it comes to intentionality and the intention of your dream, I think it makes a difference. I feel like that's where the fuel comes into play. So like, if you have something on your heart and I'm speaking to anyone that's watching this right now, if you're a mom and you have something on your heart, it's there for a reason, God believes that you could actually do it.

You can actually pull it. Yeah. That's the number one thing that I, that's what we have in common right here. And I think that's the thing that we need to drive home because I was like journaling around this. So like, what really makes me upset is when us as moms, we put ourselves down and we settle. We said, Oh, it's okay.

I'll do that. When the kids get older, I'll do this. When this happened, we settled because we don't think we are capable. And I think that that's one of the biggest things that drives me. I know it drives you. And I know that this is the message that you're trying to say. And so I know a lot of moms are popping in and out here.

So that's really good. But like, if even if you're watching the replay, let us just leave with this one thing that you are more than capable. So I love that, Melissa. So as we're wrapping up, tell us, like, just finally, like, what is the book? What is it not? Because I think you have like, okay, you told us what it's about and how to use your imagination, the three steps and stuff.

And now what is it not, in the sense of like, what is it not going to help you with? It is not a parenting book. There is no way on this planet that I'm an expert in parenting. And I think, I think I have my children are nine, nine and 12. Okay. So it is, it is not about parenting. I basically made the conversation also global.

And I think that's really, really important. And I included in the book, people that were not moms. As well as people that are moms, because I feel that if we want to use the fullest expression of our imagination, we can listen and learn from people that have completely different life experiences than us and who are all over the world, because I think that's how you really stretch what's possible.

You need to see things that you have not. scene in your lineage, in your maternal entire, like ancestry, you need to see that, you know what I mean? And I think that's, that's the thing. Like this book is not a parenting book. It is definitely not a, a book that you just read casually every chapter. You can actually spend a whole week on each chapter and, and really take it to heart and make some.

Real changes in your life that your children are going to benefit from. And it's going to change the mood in your house immediately. Happy. No, literally. Honestly, I'm literally guys I'm going on now to get my 99 cents copy. And obviously if you're watching it from the UK is amazon. co. uk. And obviously if you're in America is.

com. So definitely go head over. I think we just search your name, right. And then we come up and then we can just order it on Kindle. Absolutely. And the link is on my bio as well. So yes, yes, yes. What an exciting conversation. And honestly, you have really hyped me up because I'm like, I need to read this book.

I want to see like how we can really get beyond this fear and get beyond these things that are holding us back. These limited beliefs that hold us back again, doubting ourselves as more capable, of course we are capable. So thank you so much for this conversation. Is there any last thing that you want to leave with the ladies who are watching?

No, thank, just, thank you. Just thank you. Thank you. I bless you for coming on. And honestly, I really think that this is a blessing and especially hearing from somebody like you, who you said before, like in your background, you were a big in the corporate space and everything. And then as you became a mom, then a lot of these things, you like, you start to question that.

I feel like if a lot of us think it's only us, but it happens to so many of us, no matter how far you've been in your career, as you become a mom, you start questioning yourself. And it's just not like. Just one time on one person. It's like a worldwide thing and I love that that you're able to offer this kind of support to them and to us, all of us.

So thank you so much for this conversation. I wish you all the best. I pray God's blessing and I pray that more women will definitely go download this book and get it now that you can get it for 99 cents. Okay.

I love the conversation with Zanny and I wanted to just share one idea. So as you're thinking about Thanksgiving right now with your family, go ahead and share with them what you're most grateful for in terms of the way that they have lifted the load of motherhood off of you, right? So there's been ways that maybe your partner has really come through.

There've been ways where your kids have been patient and let you finish whatever it is that you set out to do. There have been ways that Your in laws, for example, have really helped you navigate new situations. So think about that in terms of just this conversation with Zanny and also definitely write a review, go on Amazon, write a review for fertile imagination.

It is going to help us get this word out and it's going to help Amazon see and believe that you guys are getting value from the conversation around using your imagination. As a mom.

Welcome to episode 204. Today's episode, you're going to hear from Bethany Braun Silva, who interviewed me on Fertile Imagination's launch day on Halloween. Bethany is the author of Like a Mother, Banish Guilt, Blaze Your Trail, and Break the Rules to Create a Life You Love. It's amazing to be interviewed by a fellow mom, author, and New Yorker.

We discussed how watching our moms go first really informed how we, and what we thought we were capable of as moms. I wanted to just share this. So this episode is brought to you by my book, fertile imagination, which actually hit number one, Amazon bestseller in two categories. motherhood and women in business.

It's available right now and it makes for the perfect gift.

Shop/gift/review - Fertile Imagination: https://amzn.to/3F6AgMu

If you enjoy this episode then tell me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissallarena/

TRANSCRIPT

So quick napkin math. Here's the statistics. Reviews on Amazon matter and when they show up matters even more. Right now, the books that Amazon will share with anyone online. Need to have at least 100 Amazon reviews. So two to three sentences that share your opinion about the actual book.

So imagine this every month, 197 million users log on to Amazon each day, 6. 7 million users log on to Amazon. And if I had to just guess, I would say maybe 3 million moms log into Amazon every single day. What if today? 3 million moms would have seen Fertile Imagination, my book, as a recommended product.

For that to happen, we need 100 written out Amazon reviews. So each day that I am not at that 100 number, that means that there's 3 million missed opportunities to suggest to a mom, a tired mom, a mom who doesn't believe in herself, a mom who needs some inspiration. to actually have seen fertile imagination in her list of recommended products to add to her shopping cart.

I'm all about encouraging moms on how to think for themselves in terms of the changes that they want to see in their lives, in their homes, and in the world. Could you imagine if 3 million moms today saw the book fertile imagination, which maps out exactly how to go about making a maximum impact based on your unique heart's desire?

That's what we're going for. And I need your help. So as you listen to this conversation, I would love your support in taking your cell phone, going to Amazon, selecting fertile imagination, and then scrolling down and just left clicking on write a review. That's if you actually shop the book, if you having it shop the book, then listen to this review right now.

And it's available on Amazon. So it says, As someone who is and advocates for moms, it's sometimes difficult to spark moms to be inspired by themselves. In Fertile Imagination, Melissa not only reminds moms we're inspiring, but provides the tools, anecdotes, and encouragement to get us moving towards what's important.

Changing the world by nurturing the inner genius we each possess. As I turned the pages, I was reminded of many dreams I placed aside and recommitted to move toward action. Bravo. That is the sort of message that I would love moms to be able to listen to, hear and absorb and activate in their lives.

Enjoy the conversation with Bethany Braun Silva. Tell me about why you launched today. Like, what was it about you and Halloween and launching your book? Yeah, so Halloween is the day that, as a little girl, I don't know for anyone else that's like an 80s kid or whatever, but there was a Halloween that I was like Madonna, I was Funky Bruiser, I was Turbo Shortcake with the plastic like mask.

And that was the day I got to be anything I wanted to be. You could be anything you want to be. And when I was writing the book, Fertile Imagination, I was thinking to myself, I was like, what? Like we're moms and we actually get to play that role in our own unique way. We can be. any kind of mom that we wish to be and today is a day that like it's almost like permission to be weird literally one of the chapter names of my book so as we see kids out there like dressing up in like these like very random like gnome or Fall guys or whatever sort of costumes.

It's like, well, what about us? What about us moms? Right. We're like the ones that are making these days, these moments so special. And part of that is the vision that we have for the childhood. We want to provide for our kids. Like it's our vision for other people. And so the book is about, well, what's your vision.

As what would you like to imagine more of in your life, in this world, in your community? And so for me, it's kind of like, okay, well, obviously it would have been obvious, right? Launch on Mother's Day. Like, it makes sense. But for me, I was like, nah, I want to do things differently. Like that's just not creative enough for me.

It's like, no Halloween. Let's do it today. Let's help moms rediscover our imagination. Cause we're in that mind frame for our kids. Today. I mean, there's some crazy imaginative costumes I've seen out there. So. Yeah. For me, it made sense. I love that. I love that. That's really what I'm all about, too. Like, like rediscovering ourselves, pursuing our passions, being like unapologetic about it.

That's also why we connected, I think, so much, too. Like, we're very aligned with, with those things. Like, we're moms, but like, we have our own stuff happening here. Yeah, absolutely. And I think we go first. Like I feel when I'm sure through your conversations and like through my conversations, you're talking to moms and like we want so much for our kids.

But the interesting part, it's like, well, how are they going to get what they want if we don't feel like we have what we want yet? Like, right. Are we skipping something like Yeah. Like we've got to like lay the path, like show them, okay, this is what it looks like to move forward and then fall down and then get back up.

This is what it looks like to like try doing things in one way and then trying a whole different way. And I think That's part of the, the, the idea in terms of the book. I think it's really about showing my kids. Mommy did it. Mommy did it and mommy did it and you can do it and you could do even better.

What I mean, because this is where, this is where I left off. So here you go. Yeah. I love that. And actually, yeah, I shared that yesterday on my Instagram when you commented, because like, I, I kind of like followed a dream and a passion, like. When I was pregnant, like I was like, it sort of all started to like align for me then and I was 26 years old and that's young, but it wasn't like young to go into this to like journalism, right?

Like I was like a 26 year old pregnant intern. There was like, I fought against a lot of that. But then now when I look at what I've done and like seeing myself through my kids eyes, it really is. So fulfilling in that way. Like my kids know that they can do anything at any time. Like it doesn't have to be on anyone's timeline because I did it late or push myself through like in a, in not in a nontraditional timeline.

So I love that I'm showing I'm like that example for them too. Absolutely. And in the book, I actually interviewed, so it's kind of like a funny story, but I'll save that for the book. Basically, my former landlord happened to have been also a Senator and House of Representative for New Hampshire, Martha Hennessey, and she's so badass, I will say, which is why I featured her in the book.

But is it too late for anything? Well, Martha proves us Totally like, no, there's nothing that you want on your heart that it's too late for, like she retired quote unquote, and decided to then run for office, like two different positions, one, then both. She's a grandmother of seven grandkids right now. And I think her as an example, and just kind of like looking outside of our family.

So let's imagine that in our families as. Was the case for me. We don't have these examples. I don't know for you, Bethany. Did you have journalists in your family? I don't know. No journalists, but I did have a mother who pivoted at around 34 years old. And that's when she got pregnant with me to a brand new career.

And she was an artist. And then she went into, into medicine and literally like kicked so much ass, like, On like, like, incredible. She just retired like, like, like two years ago, but like literally hadn't went the pivot with had nothing to do. And same thing with her. She had nobody in that in the medical field to rely on.

She put herself through her got her second masters while I was like a baby and then got a doctorate and like, I watched it all. So I have to say that while I didn't have like connections, I had a really good shining example of like what it means. to like really go after a dream while like providing and caring for a child.

So that's, that was really my inspiration for sure. Yeah. And, and I'm sure like for you, it's, it's interesting because there were probably moments that your mom would not have thought you were looking, but you were. I was looking, I was looking and actually for me, I didn't really put that together until I kind of was like, Oh my God, I'm doing the same thing.

Like I, maybe I did it a little bit earlier or whatever, but I literally was doing the same thing. And, and then I, when I realized that I was like, wow, I saw that I was able to do it. I had permission. I gave like the audacity to believe in myself because I had this mother who worked her ass off. She was, she is and was the breadwinner in my family, because it was crazy, it was crazy.

But no, it's really such a good, kind of like a very nice like tie in for me. And then now being, now raising boys, like what does that look like? Like wanting to be that example for them, but also to understand sort of like the role that they play within society too. It's very different than raising girls.

So yeah, and I'll never know, right? Like I always joke with people. I'm like three's enough for me boys, my identical twins. And I think when it comes to that, just like, like, I feel like the greatest gift, like as a mom that you can give your kid is living your own best life. Like, I don't really don't see that as like a selfish thing.

I see that as like an example. And I see that as like an opportunity because like maybe. For me, for example, as I was writing the book, what really stood out for me was my kids were watching me. Like they were seeing me like go out on a Saturday morning to like write this book. They were watching me like sometimes honestly be at the foot of my bed while I would, while we were living in Australia, typing out some copy or whatever, sending it to my editor.

And they were watching me do things and. I was so uncomfortable at times, but I was still doing them. And I think when it comes to any endeavor, any goal, right? Like if you want to pivot into like journalism, or if you want to pivot like me from coaching marketers to coaching entrepreneurial moms, it's like.

You've got to do it even in uncomfortable moments, even regardless of the season of motherhood. And I think that's something else like your mom, for example, and yourself, like your dreams, both of your dreams, they were important to you at that stage of your life. It happened to coincide with being pregnant for both of you, right?

Like, right. And so, which is interesting, right? That's, that's a rather productive time of a mom's life. You're creating, right? And so it's kind of like, well, what do you do? Like, do you pause the desires of your heart or do you find a flexible way forward? And so that's where our imagination, our fertile imagination comes into play.

It's like, okay, if you are able to figure out the logistics of just a day, like today, right? Like, how am I going to get my kids from house to house safely? How am I going to look through their candy, make sure it's safe to eat, right? How am I going to hide their candy? Or somehow secretly throw it away.

That's so bad. Don't tell my boys. I know, right? It's too much sugar. But how am I going to do that? So you use your creativity and your imagination for things like that. Right. And I think the same can be done when it comes to our dreams, irrespective of the complications that are involved. And there's a lot of variables when it comes to kids that much.

I could tell you over 12 years. You might plan your family out beautifully, just like we might plan our birth plans, but ultimately it's like when stuff happens, you've got to rise to the occasion and make stuff up. Yeah, I really like what you said about like the flexibility, right? Like flexibility in because parenting really is all about that, right?

Like kind of being in the moment, flexible, adapting to anything that could happen at any moment. But also when we think about like ourselves, like, right, like. Having to be flexible with our dreams and pursuing our goals. And if something kind of comes up, not to quit, right, but to be flexible, to figure out the way to manage it so that you still have that, that goal in sight.

I really liked that actually. I've never really thought of it like that before, but I, that's pretty much how I've done it. And it's, I'm like 11, 12 years in the game of parenting and 11, 12 years in my career. And that's not. By accident, like we just, like we just said, and I'm thinking about all the sort of flexibility that I've had to exercise throughout parenting and my career as like I was like doing them in tandem.

And it's really wild actually to think about. Yeah, I think that that's something that I think that's the difference between achieving a goal versus not achieving a goal. So it's kind of like if you have this one thing that you want to do as a you, you might write it out. You might even come up with a beautiful like roadmap and, and that's amazing.

However, what about that day when you wake up and the night before your kid was vomiting all over the place? Projectile vomiting because I've been there right or like what if school is shut down for whatever reason a flood I'm literally thinking about real life situations

Right or what if you you your file like is corrupt and you can't open it Again, 12 years in as an entrepreneur online, like these are real things. So what do you do from there? Right. And so in one chapter, like I was thinking about it, there's a Sundance award winner, Diane Bell, who had never written like a movie before, had never produced, was told you're never going to get it done for a hundred thousand dollars.

And the learning that I got from her was like, well, in her mind, she invested in her idea and she set forth on a plan that even if no one else believed was possible, she was going to keep going through the obstacles, the hurdles, and just keep moving forward until it was just done. So she almost. started with that end in mind and figured it out along the way.

And for me, I think to myself, like feels a lot like Indiana Jones and the temple of doom, how he's like running and there's this boulder behind him, like that's straight up motherhood and entrepreneurship, right? What happens when the algorithm. Changes, what happens when childcare falls apart, you've got to be so nimble, like Jack, be quick, Jack, be nimble, all that stuff.

No, no, no. Mom, be nimble. Mom, be quick because you got to jump over a candlestick, legs and a million other things, right? And Legos. All those hurt. Those hurt. Yeah. I know. It is, it's, it's, it's really, I was going to say something too about, oh yeah, so about like, it's one thing to like, be flexible, but like, it also is, and I don't even know if you want to get into it, but like how, like, society and, and the private sector is not really set up to support flexibility.

So we have to also think about that with moms who are Thanks, Cassidy. feeling like they can't do it, right? Like I have to give up. I have to stop because of the way like things are set up for them. Like we're kind of like not only fighting against our own stuff, right? Like being as flexible as we can managing our careers and our kids, but also fighting against like not being supported at work, like not feeling like there's a place for us if we come back after maternity leave or something like that, so.

Is all of that and I think we're really now seeing a push for that like because of these conversations because we're like after the I talked about this to like the pandemic was so unkind and that's like we putting it nicely to mothers right but now we're like coming back like A little bit pissed off, a little bit more ambitious, like more ambitious than ever.

And like, like this can't happen again. You saw what it did to us. I mean this is, and so I think that's it too, like having these kinds of conversations to change the workplace, to change at the federal level for child care, like we need these things to be successful. And so I think any mom who's thinking or maybe watching this and be like flexible.

I can't manage another thing in my brain like you want me to be now flexible for this and this and this is like, just remember that the way things are set up right now, it's like it's really not to help you. You're to help you to succeed. So just keep that in mind, like give yourself a little bit more grace as you're like navigating this whole A hundred percent.

And I would say when I was coaching marketing executives for the last 12 years, and I was coaching on purpose, both men and women. So although I was talking with a lot of working moms, I wanted to just see how the conversations were different between working moms and working dads as an example, right?

And what I noticed was that for women, there was this like major investment in like that one job, that one good. boss, that one company that lets them go work from home one day a week, that they would then burn themselves out to keep that job at all costs, not at no cost, at all costs. And so I was calling that career trauma.

And I was seeing that. So vividly because moms are going to put on a game face, you're at the office and you're like, I'm here to resolve stuff within this timeframe. So I could go back home and do my stuff again, right? The second and third shift. And I think this flexibility, it's why I decided to leave the corporate setting.

Although I have my MBA, like the MBA in a corporate setting. Matters a lot, quote unquote, obviously there's now some dilution there, but in the entrepreneurial space, it does not matter a bit. So why did I do that? I did that because this was pre pandemic 12 years ago. I did not find the flexibility that I desired, which was to work from home one day a week on a Friday with a full straight up Excel communication plan that I put out there to my former boss.

It wasn't possible. And so for me, I said, what, okay, I'm in a position where I have the credentials. How can I make this work for me in an entrepreneurial setting? And the last 12 years as an entrepreneur, I've noticed a very similar dynamic. So you talk about flexibility in the corporate space, which is something that each mom has to work out for herself and be her own advocate for, but in the entrepreneurial.

space, the same sort of factors are at play, right? Because what entrepreneur out there has not been on as an example, Instagram 24 seven to keep up with the algorithm. So inflexibility and flexibility, those two ideas are huge when it comes to having an imagination, one that can be productive and can produce useful.

Ideas, right? And at the end of the day, even as an entrepreneur, I had noticed mom's falling off what I call the cliff. Okay, so the 1 thing that we can all do to figure out how to find some. Some, some air to breathe as moms working moms is take it onto ourselves, figure out for ourselves what we want and what we really, really need in terms of flexibility and in terms of using all the resources that we do have, which was something you mentioned in your journalism video, right?

What do you have and figuring out how to make lemon sorbet out of lemons. Right, right. Who doesn't like lemon sorbet? Everybody. Everybody. And I want to ask you, too, as an entrepreneur, how do you set boundaries for yourself, like, so that you don't burn out? Like, because I, I know that a lot of us struggle with that because, like, I'll be like, scrolling just to like, like, what's happening?

Is there something timely I need to. to figure out and, and I work, I have my own brand, but I'm working for other brands and all of this. So tell me how you have you, how you've managed that. Yeah, I think it's really about figuring out, okay, what is it that I want? Like, do I really want to display my family on Instagram?

Do I really want to build up engagement to a point where this weekend I'm going to be like in a coma on my bed? And, and totally wiped out, like, what do you want? Because here's the thing, the trend is right. So a lot of people talk about hustle culture. Don't do it. I gotta be honest. I don't know how to actually produce the Instagram results that are quote, unquote, necessary in order to get the reach that they say I should have.

But what I do know is early on in my career, I remember this was, yeah, 12 years ago. I was Exploring social media. I don't even remember if Instagram existed. The point is this, I was pushing out, let's say like one piece of content a day, which back then it was like, wow, I was a new mom. I had one boy, he was a baby and I didn't have like full time childcare.

Let me be clear, which I think makes a big difference. And I remember one person who now is a. Telling me, Melissa, you should go crazy on social media. You should just like kill it on social media. And I remember just thinking to myself, oh my God, I'm dying here as a new mom. I'm like not sleeping. I'm like barely learning how to nurse and now I'm supposed to go on social media.

More, this is before those scheduling tools, really. And I remember thinking to myself, I'm going to have to miss the boat. I have to miss the boat. And I'll be honest, I missed the boat. And am I taking full responsibility for having quote unquote missed the boat? I am. So for me, the way that I manage my boundaries is I have to play it in the moment.

What do I need right now? If my agenda. If my values, if my needs are like top to my priority list today, I have to pick them. Even if it's at the detriment, at the detriment of my business or at the detriment of what the other world says I should be focused on, because I can't make myself want something that someone else wants.

I can't do it. Yeah. I try. Trust me. I can't. I love that, actually. I think that's, that's super, that's super important because I think I beat myself up, too, about missing that social media boat. Like, I was there, I was watching, but I was like, I can't, I couldn't do it. It didn't feel right for me. And now I feel like, in so many ways, I'm playing catch up, but also, I'm like, this is where I'm at.

Like, I'm just gonna be authentic, share what I want to share in the moment, and not really... Put too much into like a strategy because I'll, I'll die. That's not even a joke. We will actually die if we like, like, like a book marketing launch plan. Like this is like the verge of, but you did it. You're doing it.

I did it and I'm doing it. And I'm so appreciative, Bethany. Like, I am so grateful to like all the mom authors that have come before me. I am. So, so, so grateful, Bethany. I mean, I, something that I also like love to talk about is like this unified power of mothers. Like we don't realize how powerful we are as a collective.

So anytime I see a mom out there doing this, like I'm like, yes, let's do it. But how can I help you? What can we do? And we're going to get you on my podcast too. So that stay tuned for that. So this is not the end.

Alaina was an early reader of Fertile Imagination. She shared her thoughts on the book, which she found refreshing and a book that didn't feel like work. We delved into her thoughts on being creative, whether in her old career in tech and now as a yoga instructor. We also got into her raw and honest opinion on post-partum and navigating OCD along with her journey back to herself. We ended with why it might be urgent for you to return to yourself so you can help others who might be going through what you may have overcome. I think the book can help, and that's the intention behind this episode. If you look in the show notes, you will find a list of resources if you or someone you know is experiencing post-partum depression and/or OCD symptoms.

This episode is brought to you by Fertile Imagination: A Guide For Stretching Every Mom's Superpower For Maximum Impact – My book is now available on Amazon in its paperback version and Kindle format. Grab a free chapter on www.fertileideas.com.

DM me on Instagram @melissallarena just type the word FERTILE and I'll share the link if that's easier to get to fertileideas.com for all the details you need to celebrate your own Fertile Imagination! Here's that link: https://www.instagram.com/melissallarena/

About Alaina Patton

Alaina is a survivor of postpartum depression and OCD. She wants to be able to give space for those who have been affected by PPD and actionable direction on how to move forward. She was an early reader of Fertile Imagination: A Guide for Stretching Every Mom's Superpower for Maximum Impact. Grab your copy: https://amzn.to/3F6AgMu

From the high-stakes world of tech to the tranquil sphere of yoga and writing, Alaina's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, where she battled not just the turbulence of her mental health but navigated the tricky terrain of finding the right therapist. Her journey is a powerful reminder of the crucial role that reaching out for help plays in the healing process. This episode is a beacon of hope and a testament to personal growth, healing, and creativity. Join us, and let Alaina's journey inspire you to tap into your own potential.

In this episode, you will hear these ideas expressed:

• What's different about Fertile Imagination?
• Is Fertile Imagination a good alternative to reading books to escape life?
• How to know if you are touching the deep and real creativity you have?
• How to heal your relationship with calling yourself creative or a writer
• Let's talk about what being creative in a corporate environment looks like and where it leaves some of us wanting or yearning more something more pure
• Where's the creativity in being a yoga instructor or light-worker?
• Ways to create unique experiences for others, including clients
• On rediscovering yourself, your emotions, and healing
• How to get back into your body after feeling like you were just existing…
• The length of post-partum….does it ever end?
• OCD and how it can show up for you
• Baby blues or something more? How to check-in
• The value of caring for yourself consistently if you've ever felt down post-partum
• What if you feel blank? What to do next…
• What's your story, and how can it help others?
• Opportunities for creativity within the corporate world, such as the tech industry, but they often come with restrictions
• Switching careers, like Alaina transition from tech to yoga instruction, can open up new avenues for creativity.
• Postpartum depression is a prevalent condition that can cause new mothers to feel detached from their own identities.
• The journey to recovery from postpartum depression involves recognizing and accepting one's emotions and physical changes.

SHARE this episode with a mom founder, entrepreneur, or creator who has experienced post-partum or is in it.

Similar conversations:

On 10/31 – I hosted my launch book party along with 8 other moms on Instagram, you can catch them here: https://www.instagram.com/melissallarena/

Supporting Resources:

Alaina's Instagram @postpartumpaper: https://www.instagram.com/postpartumpaper/

The Emily Effect

https://theemilyeffect.org/

@the_emily_effect: https://www.instagram.com/the_emily_effect/

Postpartum Support International

https://www.postpartum.net/

@postpartumsupportinternational: https://www.instagram.com/postpartumsupportinternational/

The Blue Dot Project

https://www.thebluedotproject.org/

@thebluedotprj: https://www.instagram.com/thebluedotprj/

Subscribe and Review

Have you subscribed to my podcast for new moms who are entrepreneurs, founders, and creators? I'd love for you to subscribe if you haven't yet.

I'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast for writer moms.

About Fertile Imagination – www.fertileideas.com

You can be a great mom without giving up, shrinking, or hiding your dreams. There's flexibility in how you pursue anything – your role, your lifestyle, and your personal and professional goals. The limitations on your dreams are waiting to be shattered. It's time to see and seize what's beyond your gaze. Let's bridge your childhood daydreams with your grown-up realities. Imagine skipping with your kids along any path – you, surpassing your milestones while your kids are reaching theirs. There's only one super-power versatile enough to stretch your thinking beyond what's been done before: a Fertile Imagination. It's like kryptonite for impostor syndrome and feeling stuck when it's alert!

In Fertile Imagination, you will awaken your sleeping source of creative solutions. If you can wake up a toddler or a groggy middle schooler, then together with the stories in this book – featuring 25 guests from my podcast Unimaginable Wellness, proven tools, and personal anecdotes – we will wake up your former playmate: your imagination!

Advance Praise

"You'll find reality-based strategies for imagining your own imperfect, fulfilling life in this book!" —MARTHA HENNESSEY, former NH State Senator

"Melissa invites the reader into a personal and deep journey about topics that are crucially important to uncover what would make a mom (and dad too) truly happy to work on...even after the kids are in bed."—KEN HONDA, best-selling author of Happy Money

"This book is a great purchase for moms in every stage of life. Melissa is like a great friend, honest and wise and funny, telling you about her life and asking you to reflect on yours." —MAUREEN TURNER CAREY, librarian in Austin, TX

Today is LAUNCH DAY.

Fertile Imagination: A Guide for Stretching Every Mom's Superpower for Maximum Impact is available on Amazon and ready for you to shop at 10 am EST today! https://amzn.to/3F6AgMu

Join me today from now until 6 pm EST for an exciting launch day celebration! Together, we can make a powerful statement to the world that moms matter and that we have the power to pursue our dreams on our own terms. To kickstart this movement, I'm offering a special one-day-only sale of the Kindle format of the book for just 99 cents! Even if you're in the US and don't have a Kindle device, you can still gift this amazing deal to a friend. Let's make today a game-changing moment and show the world the impact we can create.

I'll be on Instagram today if you have book questions: https://www.instagram.com/melissallarena/

Today, from 10 am to 6 pm EST, is the perfect time to join me in the exclusive one-day-only sale of the Kindle format of "Fertile Imagination" on Amazon for just 99 cents. During this limited window, we have the opportunity to propel this book up the ranks and make it a best-seller, reaching more moms who are ready to embark on their own journey of rediscovering their imaginations. The higher the ranks, the greater the impact. Let's seize this moment and empower fellow moms to embrace their creativity!

You can use the link to the book on Amazon that is in the show notes to make finding the book easier. Amazon: Fertile Imagination: A Guide for Stretching Every Mom's Superpower for Maximum Impact https://amzn.to/3F6AgMu

After two years of hard work, "Fertile Imagination: A Guide for Stretching Every Mom's Superpower for Maximum Impact" is finally available on Amazon in Kindle format for just 99 cents, but only for today! This book is a valuable resource for moms, empowering them to harness the incredible superpower of their imagination. Just imagine the possibilities if each of us used our fertile imagination to envision a world filled with the things we'd like to see more of. Let's dive into this extraordinary journey together!

What do you want to see in the world?

• Do you want to see cleaner communities?
• Do you want to see exuberant kids?
• Do you want to see your company on the Nasdaq?
• Do you want to see your book on a bookshelf?
• Do you want to see your tech invention out in the world?
• Do you want to see generosity spread around the world?
• Do you want to see more Latina podcasters?
• Do you want to see cost-effective childcare?
• Do you want to see literacy rates go up?
• Do you want to see a 3hr:30 minute race time in a marathon?
• Do you want to see better solutions for humans with different abilities?
• Do you want to see more money in your bank?
• Do you want to see real flexible working conditions?
• Do you want to see moms in boardrooms?
• Do you want to see your movie on the screen?

What do you want to see?

Here's my one vision: millions of moms using their potent superpower. We have the tools we need to fuel and sustain this effort toward making a maximum impact at home and around the world.

Fertile Imagination breaks it down to exactly what you need to rediscover your imagination in three steps from awakening your imagination, playing with your imagination, to stretching your imagination.

A fertile imagination can cast a powerful and compelling vision that will drive you to turn it into your reality even if it's never been imagined as possible for mothers before.

In this book, I feature my entrepreneurial + mom of 3 insights along with those of 25 highly imaginative guests culminating with the CEO of GivingTuesday Asha Curran as a case study of using a fertile imagination to its maximum.

Imagine having access to practical insights you can tailor and I help you reimagine from…

• Suzy Batiz, Inventor of Poo~Pourri – self-trust
• Beth Comstock former General Electric CMO – permission to be weird
• Lisa Messenger Australia's Entrepreneur's Entrepreneur,- impostor syndrome as an asset
• James Altucher, WSJ best-selling Author of Choose Yourself – making the energy
• Martha Hennessey, Former New Hampshire Senator and House Member – phasing your dreams
• Phaidra Knight, Rugby Hall of Famer – exploring your craft from different angles
• David Meltzer, Philanthropist and Entrepreneur- being unafraid to change your mind and ask for help
• Breeja Larson, Gold medalist, London 2012 Olympics-make your inner child proud
• David Roberts, NY Times Children's Book illustrator of Questioneers series
• Asha Curran CEO of GivingTuesday, and others

One of the great advantages is that you can always have this valuable wisdom at your disposal. By purchasing the Kindle version of the book, it becomes yours forever, allowing you to read it at your own pace. Additionally, you can share this book with a friend, engaging in discussions about the ideas presented or supporting each other's growth. With U.S. Kindle sharing, there is no need for a separate device, making it even more convenient.

I want to leave you with this – how do you know this book is worth the effort of shopping it today and reading it when you'd like given that you have finite time and energy?

Why is this a must-read for you regardless of what season you are in as a mom even if you are in the thick of it….this is relevant to you and important….especially if

• If you have ever gone through the day and wondered to yourself: what did I accomplish today….yeah the days are long but the years are short…same is true on our end…use the same lens to see yourself….30s, 40s, 50s the decades pass by….it's about being intentional and the book can help
• If you are doing or have done the work to heal….the body keeps score, meditation practitioner, opening wound after wound….it's a lot of work and this book does not feel like work…but it's getting in there and empowering you
• If you admire other people for their creativity and WISH you had their talent….it's very much like The Artist Way by Julia Cameron for moms who lost their ability to dream big…who want to rediscover their imaginations
• If you feel left behind and like "chicken liver"
• If you seek reassurance that you've got this
• If you feel like you've been in skills and talent purgatory waiting for the perfect time when schools don't shut down due to floods, when kids don't stay home sick, when childcare doesn't fall apart…it's about moving forward alongside that too….taking a dream and making progress…every season of motherhood

If you've ever asked yourself these questions:

• Why do I want more?
• What about my big ideas?
• When do I get to play?
• Where can I find the energy?
• Who else is going for it and getting it done?
• How can I stay relevant and keep growing?
• What if I don't want to wait until my kids are grown?

What is this book? It's for the little girl in your heart who is relying on you not to fall apart nor give up on her dreams

What is this book not? It's not a parenting book. It's not a self-parenting book. It's not just for moms with kids at home.

It's for a mom who refuses to let go of why she existed in the first place before she ever had a child….to make a difference, to believe in herself, and to use all of her inner resources no matter what to experience her fullest expression of life and on her terms! It's for a warrior of a mom….

On this Halloween, I want you to treat yourself to something special. You deserve it for all the love and care you pour into your family's happiness, especially during holidays like today. Take a moment for yourself and shop the Kindle format of "Fertile Imagination" between 10 am and 3 pm EST. This book is not only a gift for you but also a wonderful present to share with a friend if you're in the US. Embrace this opportunity to indulge in some well-deserved self-care and enjoy the magic of this day.

It's only $0.99 TODAY. Let me know you believe in moms realizing and living out their dreams side-by-side with their children by getting your copy today.

Next step: Go to Amazon at 10 am EST to 3pm EST….to make your 99-cent purchase to show your support …..

The 99-cent purchase is like a vote for moms who want to dream big and need a roadmap....I know a lot of moms can use this resource... https://amzn.to/3F6AgMu

I'm SO excited!!!!!!! Warrior moms let's do this!!!!!!

PPS: I'll be on Instagram today. https://www.instagram.com/melissallarena/ You are welcome to join me and ask me ANYTHING. I'll be in a series of interviews all about Fertile Imagination from the world's most talented and gorgeous moms in business and many of whom wrote their own books for moms.

Share this episode today…..consider this our rally call today! Fertile Imagination….

About Melissa

Melissa Llarena is an author, imagination coach, consultant, speaker, and contributor to ForbesWomen articles that have garnered 4 million + views. She is also the host of Unimaginable Wellness, the podcast for entrepreneurs, founders, and creators who are also moms. Featured guests include GaryVee and Beth Comstock. Melissa holds a psychology degree from New York University, an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, and a Transformational Coaching Academy certificate. She is training to become a meditation practitioner. Melissa lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and three sons. Follow @melissallarena

Links

Fertile Imagination: A Guide for Stretching Every Mom's Superpower for Maximum Impact: https://amzn.to/3F6AgMu

Melissa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissallarena/

Welcome to episode 201!

On October 31, I am offering the Kindle version of my book Fertile Imagination: A Guide for Stretching Every Mom's Superpower for Maximum Impact for only 99 cents on Halloween. If you love a sale and want to be the first to be notified of when to shop, then sign up on www.fertileideas.com.

In this episode, for any mom who doesn't have time to read books, I will read to you what a mom in the thick of it with a toddler, a baby, limited childcare living as an expat and an online business has to say about the book, and what a great grandmother who has been visiting her grand-baby in the NICU for 110 days wanted to share with you too. In this episode, I will also share with you precisely for whom this book is for... strap on your seatbelt, get ready for a high-octane mini-episode because in 7 days, we're about to birth a book!

Say hi: https://www.instagram.com/melissallarena/

About the book: A fertile imagination can cast a powerful and compelling vision that will drive you to turn it into your reality, even if it's never been imagined as possible for mothers before. In this book, I feature my insights along with those of 25 highly imaginative guests, culminating with the CEO of GivingTuesday, Asha Curran, as a case study of using a fertile imagination to its maximum.

To call "Fertile Imagination" a book is perhaps the wrong term to use. It's a call to action, encouraging us to break free from the self-imposed limitations we put on ourselves and seize the vast potential that lies beyond our current view. It's a roadmap for readers to reconnect with their inner creativity. It encourages us to think beyond what we've been conditioned to believe about our limitations, to overcome impostor syndrome, and to break free from feeling stuck. Needless to say, "Fertile Imagination" is a must-read for any mother who has ever asked herself, "What if I want more?". It's a testament to the fact that you can be an incredible parent and still pursue your dreams.

Jenna Davis, Founder of Life in Germany:

Fertile Imagination is a virtual powerhouse of real-life scenarios that will help any woman (Moms especially) navigate today's workplace. I wish I had been given this kind of access to smart women back in the 70s when I was raising my boys as a single mother.

Kathy Ryan, Retired Managing Director Global Operations Ogilvy Worldwide:

Hearing from moms like you has turned Fertile Imagination into a rally cry….a decisive call to action to let go of what's stopping you and re-engage everything you've got to drive really change forward….and as I thought about this…I came up with this….this book is from my heart to you.

To the moms who were denied their right to mat leave To the moms whose birth plans were ripped to shreds To the moms who are still in the trenches pumping themselves with hormones to have a child To the moms who have twins who were pushed to get c-sections To the moms who wanted vbacs and were hijacked of their dream To the moms who feed their babies formula and who are made to feel like shit for doing so To the moms who have degrees up the wazoo and opted out to raise humans To the moms who have ever felt insecure or no longer important in the eyes of society To the moms who were treated inhumanely during the pandemic when childcare was off the table To the moms who own patents To the moms who are at the helm of leadership of world-class organizations To the moms who rather climbs mountains than stay in the valley of hellish experiences on any given day To the moms who can't To the moms who can To the moms who were elected into government positions To the moms who hold Emmys or Sundance awards To the moms who built million or billion dollar brands while being a mom To the moms who cared for a sick child or beat their own illnesses to continue being a mom To the moms who are unafraid to get into colosseums as if they too were a gladiator To the moms who mom alone To the moms who have had enough To the moms who want more To the moms who have finally figured it out and want to get ready to take matters into their own hands

**I want to hear from you! I'll be on Instagram on 10/31 and if you are not yet following me there, then pause this episode and do that today. Do that now. https://www.instagram.com/melissallarena/

About Melissa

Melissa Llarena is an author, imagination coach, consultant, speaker, and contributor to ForbesWomen articles that have garnered 4 million + views. She is also the host of Unimaginable Wellness, the podcast for entrepreneurs, founders, and creators who are also moms. Featured guests include GaryVee and Beth Comstock. Melissa holds a psychology degree from New York University, an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, and a Transformational Coaching Academy certificate. She is training to become a meditation practitioner. Melissa lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and three sons. Visit www.fertileideas.com.

Welcome to Episode 200, this HUGE announcement feels like the perfect culmination of the Unimaginable Wellness podcast. If you'd like to follow my book launch journey then let's connect on Instagram too! https://www.instagram.com/melissallarena/

This is what's coming up on October 31, 2023 and what you can expect from my debut book….Fertile Imagination the link to sign-up today to be the first notified of when it goes on sale is www.fertileideas.com --- be sure to sign-up today to ensure you are the first to be notified about the discounted Kindle version sale on October 31. Fertile Imagination book kindle version available on October 31 for only 99 cents on that day open. Get on the list to not miss out!

Oh, I can't wait….here goes nothing…

Welcome to the world my debut book, Fertile Imagination, a guide to stretching every mom's superpower for maximum impact. It's time for every mom, including you, to take your place on the world's stage. So how are you going to do this? You ask? Well, you're going to learn how to use one of the most versatile yet highly underutilized superpowers your fertile imagination.

What is a fertile imagination? It has the ability to cast a big vision even if it's never been done by mom before. My 25 most Imaginative podcast guests are going to teach you everything that we know on how to use it so that you can begin to put it to good use. So what will you learn in this book? Well, there's three stages to actually optimize your fertile imagination for maximum impact.

The first step is waking up your imagination. And we're going to start by helping you rebuild your self trust, helping you find the courage you need to start calling yourself a creative and learning where you're going to find that energy to actually make big changes in your life. The second stage is about playing with your imagination.

So you have permission to actually play weird as weird as you wish. And rather than trying to overcome impostor syndrome, you're going to start using it as an asset. The third stage is about stretching your imagination. So whether you want to lead a global movement and bring in 1. 5 billion of donations in one day, or impact a billion people over the course of your life.

This book has you covered, but if these goals sound too outlandish then don't worry because I will be right there by your side in the pages of the book and I'll help you reimagine how you can tailor them. The book's insights to the realities of mom life you and me with our reheated coffees. This book fertile imagination is my invitation to you. It's to reclaim this power and to no longer need anyone's validation or reassurance to step outside of your comfort zone. It's also an opportunity for you to go on a quest to rediscover your imagination. It's a resource that treats you like a smart cookie.

It's written by me, Melissa, a mom of three little boys, who after 12 years of motherhood and entrepreneurship has come to the realization that sometimes you have to make unreasonable requests just to get what you really, really want. This book is your jet engine and it includes my successes as well as my mistakes.

It kind of reads like a personal diary written by a mom who tells it like it is. So what is fertile imagination really about? It's about learning how to swim against the current. It's about going first and showing our kids that they too can live out their dreams, but not just because you told them so, but because mommy did it.

The book is called Fertile Imagination, a guide for stretching every mom's super powerful maximum impact. Get on the email list right now, www.fertileideas.com, grab a free chapter while you're at it. Because on October 31st, this book is going to be available in its Kindle format for only 99 cents for that one day only.

So I want to be sure that you get in on that deal. Thank you again and run to www.fertileideas. com. Signing off, Melissa Llarena

Are we connected on Instagram yet? Say hi over here: https://www.instagram.com/melissallarena/

Welcome to episode 199. If you've ever tried to eat more healthy than perhaps your parents or than might be common in cultural dishes, then this is the conversation for you. I would say that this conversation with Dr. Sabrina Falquier is extremely important as many of us are making different choices than our parents when it comes to nutrition and wellness. In my case, my dishes look unlike those of my grandmothers who ate white rice and wouldn't ever think about adding chia seeds to their beans! And this is why this chat is really relevant because she brings such a wonderful perspective being a physician and a mom and someone who was born and raised in Mexico. In this conversation, we spoke about several things, whether it was the choices that doctors have to make as it relates to patient visits and how short of a time they have to share their wisdom on food. As well as some of the reasons why Dr. Sabrina decided to learn more about health and nutrition even after already becoming a full-fledged doctor to how do you retain your cultural roots while going on a new eating and wellness journey that might look nothing like the food you grew up on or will find during this holiday season.

Tune into this one if wellness and health is important to you. and your family. Share this with other moms who want to pass on their culture yet do so with healthier recipe edits in mind.

About Dr. Sabrina

SABRINA FALQUIER, MD, CCMS, DipABLM - To begin, Dr. Falquier (Fall-Key-Ay) loves delicious food. She is a board certified internal medicine, culinary medicine and lifestyle medicine physician. She is bilingual and multicultural, born and raised in Mexico City to Swiss and American parents. This unique multilingual and multicultural perspective has shaped her work tremendously, as she has seen and experienced that our unique backgrounds, culture, taste, cultural experiences and historic expectations shape our health tremendously. Dr. Falquier worked as a primary care doctor for a prestigious multi-specialty group in San Diego, California, for over 15 years, in 2020 founded Sensations Salud, which focuses on awakening the senses around ingredient acquisition and food preparation while empowering people to better health through nutritional knowledge and culinary literacy by way of culinary medicine education and consulting. She is the host of Doctors+ podcast, is the chair of the board of Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center and the chair of the Culinary Medicine Specialist Board. She is also clinical professor at UC San Diego Health Sciences and adjunct professor at Bastyr University. Dr. Falquier promotes culinary medicine throughout San Diego and internationally in a variety of ways and to varied age groups and audiences. Her work can be seen through the powerful documentary: The Kitchenistas. She has been interviewed regarding food and health by media outlets including the Washington Post, The Union Tribune, Edible San Diego, San Diego Magazine, CBS news, and TeleMundo. Additionally, she was recognized yearly, from 2009-2020, as one of San Diego's Top Doctors. For more information, please visit her website, or follow along @SensationsSalud on social media.

Resources

Podcast: Doctors+ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/doctors/id1459044040

Website: https://www.sensationssalud.com/

Documentary: The Kitchenistas Movie: https://thekitchenistasmovie.org/

LinkedIn- personal : https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrinafalquier/

on social media - all platforms are SensationsSalud

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensationssalud/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sensationssalud

LinkedIn - SSalud: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sensationssalud/?viewAsMember=true

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOZe0bOAVqDDWHHbaeh3Irw

Fertile Imagination – www.fertileideas.com

This episode is brought to you by Fertile Imagination, a guide for moms on how to use their imagination to achieve their goals. In my book, I share a three-part method for waking up your imagination and stretching it to its full potential.

Book launch sale – www.fertilieideas.com

Fertile Imagination is coming out on October 31st. For one day only on Amazon, you can grab a Kindle copy for only 99 cents (full price is 6.99). This is a great way to show yourself and your family that you're committed to imagining bigger. Go to fertileideas.com to get on the list and be the first to know when the sale begins.

Free five-day challenge – www.fertileideas.com

For more information about my book, visit fertileideas.com. You can also participate in a free five-day imagination to impact challenge, where you can co-create a business idea with your child. This is a great way to bond with your child and help them imagine bigger for themselves.

Free chapter and quiz – www.fertileideas.com

You can also download a free chapter of my book or take a quiz to see if your business is stagnant.

The ideas expressed during this chat are:

• · Why did Dr. Sabrina pursue further education in nutrition and wellness after becoming a physician?
• · How did Dr. Sabrina make big changes as a mom, especially when her kids were little?
• · What was it like to be a practicing physician without a lot of time to talk about nutrition with patients?
• · How do we change behaviors instead of taking pills?
• · Does eating healthy have to mean eating boiled broccoli?
• · How do we determine what's important to us and retain our ability to control our food intake? What motivates us personally?
• · Instead of restricting foods, what about adding nutrient-dense foods instead?
• · How can we eat family holiday meals without feeling left out?
• · How do we navigate cultural traditions and healthy foods when they clash?
• · How do we navigate Latino foods and family dynamics?
• · How can we use spices to retain the spirit of cultural dishes while making them healthier?
• · If we've stocked our cupboards with foods we know we want to change, should we eat them or toss them?
• · How can we find ways to move without joining a gym? How can we move in a way that's sustainable?
• · What can we do if we want to change our eating habits but no one else in our home does?
• · What are some clear steps people can take now that they know more about wellness and healthy foods?

Three big takeaways are:

1. Find what motivates or inspires you to change your eating and movement habits. What is your long-term goal?

2. You can still respect your cultural food traditions, but it is helpful to eat healthier most of the time (80%) if that is important to you for your health and well-being.

3. Remember that you don't live alone. You may want to pack your own cupboards with healthy foods, but other people in your household may have different taste buds and nutritional needs. Find a way to live together with respect for everyone's choices.

Conclusion

I am so grateful that you're listening to this conversation between two Latinas and it's actually, you know, Latinx Heritage Month in the U. S. And I think it means something when you hear two people sharing their expertise using a mic.

There's something to be said about. Participating in this conversation as a listener and someone who's going to take action on the wisdom that we bring to the table. So I want to honor you for actually supporting Latinx Heritage Month, even though you might not have even realized it by listening to this conversation.

And if you enjoyed this conversation, share it with one to two mom friends, one to two mom friends. Go ahead and share it in a WhatsApp group from classroom of moms or share it on Facebook amongst your mom's friends in a Facebook group to moms. That would help me out so much. Thank you again. And again, the book comes out October 31st, check it out, fertile ideas.com. You'll get a free chapter. If you go to the website, you could take the quiz. If that's where you are in your business, or you can actually go on the challenge, the five-day co-ideation challenge, a business idea with your child challenge. It's for someone that is entrepreneurial and wants to bring their kids along for the journey.

What if you could write your book? Imagine if you started today and just kept going even at a pace of 10 words or 10 pages every night? What if you could write your own story and in parallel navigate life's reality that includes loss and grief and the realities of marriage? What if your book could be your own revolution around a topic you held close to your heart?

Today's guest is a mom of two, a caregiver to her grandmother, a partner to her best friend, and a working mom who found a way to write her book during a seven-year journey a book that touches upon complex grief, mass shootings, and being a single mom. Introducing Kristen McGuiness the author of Live Through This, her debut novel coming October 10, 2023. Before sharing more about today's guest….

This episode is brought to you by Fertile Imagination: A Guide For Stretching Every Mom's Superpower For Maximum Impact – My book that will be available on October 2023. My writing process took me two years and like Kristen, the key to my success was to keep writing whether I was sitting in fancy cafes or while kneeling at the foot of my bed during our global relocation from Australia to the USA. Grab a free chapter on www.fertileideas.com. Once you sign-up you'll have a chance to join my virtual launch party and snag the Kindle version of the book for only 99 cents on Halloween yes October 31 at 10 am EST!

DM me on Instagram @melissallarena just type the word FERTILE and I'll share the link if that's easier to get to fertileideas.com for all the details you need to celebrate your own Fertile Imagination!

About Kristen

Kristen McGuiness is the author of Live Through This, her debut novel coming October 10, 2023, and the bestselling author of 51/50: The Magical Adventures of a Single Life, which was optioned by Original Films/CBS Cable with Alison Brie attached to star. In addition, she is the publisher of Rise Books, launching in 2023, which publishes fiction, non-fiction, and poetry of radical inspiration, and currently runs the book coaching company, Rise Writers, which provides book coaching and management for emerging and established authors. Kristen has over twenty years of experience in book publishing, as an author, editor, and book publisher, with such houses as St. Martin's Press, Simon & Schuster, and Harper Collins. She is also the co-founder of Row House Publishing, along with President and Publisher Rebekah Borucki. Kristen has appeared on the "TODAY Show," in USA Today, and in Marie Claire, and has written for numerous publications, including Rolling Stone, Marie Claire, Shondaland, Huffington Post, Scary Mommy, Psychology Today, Salon, and The Fix. She lives in Ojai, CA with her husband, two children, and a dog named Peter.

Join us as Kristin takes us deeper into her literary journey, delineating the highs and lows of editing and persevering in writing. She takes us back to the creation process of her bestselling memoir "5150: The Adventures of a Single Life" and the challenges that came with it. Her wisdom around the power of determination, the importance of thorough edits, and recognizing when to proceed to the next phase in the writing journey is an eye-opener for budding authors – like you!

In this episode, you will hear these ideas expressed:

• How did Kristen establish her habit of writing?
• Why did Kristen write about complex grief, marriage, and mass shootings (i.e. gun violence)?
• What might a writing retreat look like for you? Kristen shared her love of hotels
• Where did Kristen find the motivation to keep going for seven years alongside her daytime ghostwriting career?
• What is Live Through This about?
• Is there a way to edit your book based on how you also tend to evolve especially if it takes you some years to write?
• How can our kids bubble-wrap our sanity even during grieving times?
• What are ways to make the process of writing enjoyable?
• Ways you can write or publish your book….there are many!
• Balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and a writing career is possible
• The power of imagination and creativity can help mothers to achieve goals and create profitable businesses with their children.
• Writing a book requires not only commitment but also the ability to recognize when to proceed to the next phase in the writing journey.
• External motivators such as deadlines and payments can help to stay focused during the writing process.
• Writing a book about personal experiences and societal issues can give a fresh perspective on topics like motherhood, grief, and socio-political tension.

SHARE this episode with a mom founder, entrepreneur, or creator who wants to write a book and needs some encouragement.

Similar conversation:

https://www.melissallarena.com/the-backstory-to-being-published-in-fast-fall-women-edited-by-gina-barreca-my-book-preface-episode-195/

Evaluating business ideas for mom entrepreneurs: https://streamyard.com/4fnc6rdd78yd

Supporting Resources:

www.risewriters.com

https://www.kristenmcguiness.com/

Instagram: @risewriters

https://www.instagram.com/kristenmcguiness/

Facebook: @risewriters

https://www.facebook.com/risewriters/

Subscribe and Review Have you subscribed to my podcast for new moms who are entrepreneurs, founders, and creators? I'd love for you to subscribe if you haven't yet.

I'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast for writer moms.

About Fertile Imagination – www.fertileideas.com

You can be a great mom without giving up, shrinking, or hiding your dreams. There's flexibility in how you pursue anything—your role, your lifestyle, and your personal and professional goals. The limitations on your dreams are waiting to be shattered. It's time to see and seize what's beyond your gaze. Let's bridge your childhood daydreams with your grown-up realities. Imagine skipping with your kids along any path—you, surpassing your milestones while your kids are reaching theirs. There's only one super- power versatile enough to stretch your thinking beyond what's been done before a Fertile Imagination. It's like kryptonite for impostor syndrome and feeling stuck when it's alert!

In Fertile Imagination, you will awaken your sleeping source of creative solutions. If you can wake up a toddler or a groggy middle schooler, then together with the stories in this book—featuring 25 guests from my podcast Unimaginable Wellness, proven tools, and personal anecdotes—we will wake up your former playmate: your imagination!

Advance Praise

"You'll find reality-based strategies for imagining your own imperfect, fulfilling life in this book!" —MARTHA HENNESSEY, former NH State Senator "Melissa invites the reader into a personal and deep journey about topics that are crucially important to uncover what would make a mom (and dad too) truly happy to work on...even after the kids are in bed." —KEN HONDA, best-selling author of Happy Money

"This book is a great purchase for moms in every stage of life. Melissa is like a great friend, honest and wise and funny, telling you about her life and asking you to reflect on yours." —MAUREEN TURNER CAREY, librarian in Austin, TX

Do you often experience mom guilt? What if you can't take the kids trick-or-treating? How can we redefine guilt? In this candid conversation between two NYC moms who are deep in the trenches, you'll discover what it truly takes to juggle it all and maintain your sanity as a working mom who adores her kids but also recognizes the importance of self-care.

Be ready to reinvent motherhood and entrepreneurship and buckle up for a whirlwind chat with the phenomenal Bethany Braun Silva, a celebrated on-air parenting, entertainment, and lifestyle expert. As we juggle the challenges of raising kids and businesses, we dive into poignant discussions about Halloween guilt, how to maximize newfound mom capabilities, and the gems within Bethany's enlightening book, "Like a Mother: Banished Guilt, Blaze Your Trail and Break the Rules to Create a Life You Love".

This episode is proudly sponsored by Fertile Imagination: A Guide For Harnessing Every Mom's Superpower For Maximum Impact – My forthcoming book, slated for release in October 2023. I wholeheartedly believe that every mom possesses a fertile imagination, which is her ultimate superpower. Once you tap into it, you'll unlock the potential to make the impact and income you deserve!

Sign up on www.fertileideas.com today to join my virtual launch party and snag the Kindle version of the book for only 99 cents on Halloween - yes, October 31 at 10 am EST! You'll find the answers you seek if you've ever asked yourself any of these questions:

• Why do I want more?
• What about my big ideas?
• When do I get to play?
• Where can I find the energy?
• Who else is going for it and getting it done?
• How can I stay relevant and keep growing?
• What if I don't want to wait until my kids are grown?

It's filled with self-reflected questions, hilarious stories, and podcast examples of the use of a fertile imagination.

Get on the waitlist – www.fertileideas.com today. Side note: if you do want a great sofrito recipe DM me on Instagram @melissallarena just try the word FERTILE and I'll respond.

About Bethany

Bethany Braun-Silva is an on-air parenting, entertainment, and lifestyle expert and the host of "The Breakdown With Bethany" podcast and web show on Mom.com. She is the former editor of Parenting.com and frequently writes about the latest and greatest gear for parents and kids as well as health, women's lifestyle, pop culture, home, and food topics. Her work has also appeared in People, Real Simple, Shape, and Parents. She is the author of the book, "Like a Mother: Banish Guilt, Blaze Your Trail, and Break the Rules to Create a Life You Love."

In a world obsessed with traditional definitions of success, Bethany challenges us to redefine what achievement looks like in our personal lives and careers. That's why it's essential to challenge societal norms and carve our own path. It's time to tap into the power of community, let go of mom guilt, and use it as a tool for empowerment.

In this episode, you will hear these ideas expressed:

• What's the backstory to writing the Like a Mother book as a busy working mom?
• How can we rethink mom guilt?
• Motherhood expectations and rewriting the rules to reduce our mental bandwidth concerns
• How to let go of mom guilt around not doing Halloween or the holidays like other moms – what if you can't take the kids trick-or-treating or what if creating magic during the holidays is a tall order?
• Ways to bubble wrap your sanity over the weekend and all those school breaks – what does Bethany do as a mom to two young kids?
• How specifically to create boundaries with your kid(s) and why that's important; hear for the Mission Impossible strategy
• Looking for your own village? Where is it for us moms and our own needs?
• Are there ways to duplicate yourself as a mom and not feel guilty about it?
• Maximizing newfound mom capabilities to create a fulfilling life
• Addressing the impact of imposter syndrome on personal and professional growth
• The importance of amplifying women's voices and questioning societal norms
• How to use guilt as a tool for empowerment
• The necessity of creating a village or support system for raising children
• Exploring the mental burden of motherhood and the importance of self-love
• Juggling the demands of raising a family and running a business
• The importance of being present in your children's lives and creating special moments
• The importance of writing your own rules in motherhood and career
• How to manage a busy weekend while staying sane as a mompreneur
• The significance of being accountable and seeking help when needed
• The value of using and stretching our imaginations to create a life that works for us

SHARE this episode with a mom founder, entrepreneur, or creator who can relate to mom guilt and wants to erase it or address it.

Similar episodes:

https://www.melissallarena.com/the-backstory-to-being-published-in-fast-fall-women-edited-by-gina-barreca-my-book-preface-episode-195/

https://www.melissallarena.com/you-can-learn-how-to-play-again-try-this-moms-episode-147/

Supporting Resources:

https://www.bethanybraunsilva.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1p8j6lZjDE&list=PLrZBkgyeo01t5EJWfyEX3obcs4UgzmME6

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078858338595

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethany-braun-silva/

https://www.instagram.com/bethanybraunsilva/

Subscribe and Review

Have you subscribed to my podcast for new moms who are entrepreneurs, founders, and creators? I'd love for you to subscribe if you haven't yet.

I'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast for writer moms.

About Fertile Imagination – www.fertileideas.com

Being a great mom doesn't mean giving up, shrinking, or hiding your dreams. There's flexibility in how you pursue everything – your role, lifestyle, and personal and professional goals. The limitations on your dreams are meant to be shattered. It's time to broaden your horizons and embrace the possibilities beyond what you can currently see. Let's merge your childhood daydreams with your present reality. Picture yourself skipping happily with your kids, each of you surpassing milestones together. And the key to unlocking your untapped potential? A Fertile Imagination. It's like kryptonite for impostor syndrome and feeling stuck. In Fertile Imagination, we will rejuvenate your dormant wellspring of creative solutions. Just as you can wake up a tired toddler or a groggy middle schooler, together with the stories from my podcast Unimaginable Wellness, proven tools, and personal anecdotes, we will awaken your inner playmate: your imagination!

Advance Praise

"You'll find reality-based strategies for imagining your own imperfect, fulfilling life in this book!" — MARTHA HENNESSEY, former NH State Senator

"Melissa invites the reader into a personal and deep journey about topics that are crucially important to uncover what would make a mom (and dad, too) truly happy to work on...even after the kids are in bed." — KEN HONDA, best-selling author of Happy Money

"This book is a great purchase for moms in every stage of life. Melissa is like a great friend, honest and wise and funny, telling you about her life and asking you to reflect on yours." — MAUREEN TURNER CAREY, librarian in Austin, TX