We cannot WAIT for you to “meet” Denise because we all could use a little “Vitamin D” in our lives … especially now!  Denise is one of our favorite people ever, and DeDe & Chelsea chat with her about everything from being present & balancing life to what it’s like owning her own business.  Our combined 8 kids ALL learned life lessons from her as a swim teacher, and her mantra “I don’t know if I can … but I’ll try!” is often mentioned in our homes.  

There truly is a takeaway for any listener because we cover a LOT of ground!   Although we recorded this 5 weeks ago (pre-quarantine) we feel like her wisdom and advice is even more relevant NOW as we juggle and adapt to this new life.  Enjoy your dose of “Vitamin D!”

Join DeDe and Chelsea for their (first) interview with Riely where they discuss finding “Purpose in the Hard.”  After 47 episodes we hit our first technical difficulty and Riely’s microphone ended up not picking up.  We debated whether we should even release this episode - but after re-listening we just absolutely LOVED what Riely had to share, and feel like the episode is even more needed than when we recorded it 4 weeks ago.  So, bear with us, and turn your volume up when it’s Riely’s turn to talk!  :) 

In this episode Riely first introduces us to “Run the Mile You are In,”  and vulnerably opens up about her experience with bullying.  Chelsea discusses how to find joyful moments, days, and places; and why it is important to prioritize what is “not optional” when you are going through a trial.  Dede shares about how to lean into the good and the light in your life.  We discuss all of this … and much more about finding “Purpose in the Hard.”

DeDe, Chelsea and (special guest!) Riely examine more ways to find our purpose during this Coronavirus trial.  

1. Riely shares with us her mantra to “RUN THE MILE YOU ARE IN” … to put one foot in front of the other and focus on the now.
2. Finding PERSPECTIVE: There is power in disruption, and we get to decide what really matters most
3. How to make your (quarantine) days ENJOYABLE

***We are now going to end each episode with “The Mirror Challenge” and we encourage you to join in!  Write on your mirror in dry-erase marker a takeaway from this episode ….

- you can answer, “What is your purpose right now? This week?”

- you can write “Run the Mile You Are in”

- or ANYTHING that you want to focus on this week!

Episode Links:

• Shawni Pothier: “Disruption”  https://71toes.com/2020/04/disruption 
• 3 in 30 Podcast episode 123: “What We’re Doing to Survive this Coronavirus Weirdness” https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/3-in-30-takeaways-for-moms/id1296627876?i=1000469946836

All of our lives have turned upside-down because of the Coronavirus.  Our lives might feel like they are on "pause."  Join DeDe & Chelsea as they discuss how they try to find "Peace in the Pause."  

How can we still find positivity and remain "optimistically overwhelmed?"

The girls mention 3 things we can focus on:

1. What you can control

2. Reaching outside of yourself

3. Finding the joys & positives in this situation.

Episode Links:

- Coping as a Mom Through Coronavirus-related Stress/Anxiety 

- The Happiness Advantage: Linking Positive Brains to Performance by Shawn Achor (TEDxBloomington talk)

- Corona Virus is Not a Motherhood Competition by Brooke Romney

Take a break from the relentless Coronavirus news cycle and get your weekly dose of OPTIMISM! Doctors orders, because we all need this more than ever, right?! Whether you have just become an instant homeschool teacher/prison warden to your kids or if the reality of living in a pandemic has sent you into a 24/7 panic, we urge you to give yourself a time-out and add some happiness back in your day, or week. 

This is all new territory for us. But DeDe, Chelsea and Jamie are here today to share some positivity in the madness, and some laughter in your day. So listen in while taking your nature walk or sanitizing your recent grocery haul, and remember that we are all in this together, friends. Stay calm, be kind to others and keep shining bright.. while staying 6 feet apart, of course. 

DeDe and Chelsea team up to talk about something near and dear to their hearts … Motherhood!  They discuss how to find JOY in all of the stages of Motherhood (or Fatherhood too!).  Though they are by no means considered experts on the topic, they share some of the ways they’ve learned to find that JOY.  

1. Start your day with gratitude … and do your “basics”
2. Be YOU … your kids need YOU and not someone else
3. Be confident, and teach your kids to be confident.  
4. Influence vs. controlling your kids
5. Take care of yourself

Links from our discussion:

1. 3 in 30 Podcast: Episode 118 “How to Raise Confident Children// Marilyn Faulkner”
2. 3 in 30 Podcast: Episode 43 “What to Do When you Realize You Can’t Control Your Children// Marilyn Faulkner”
3. Ralphie Jacobs from Simply on Purpose

Jamie & DeDe are starting off the episode with some exciting news! Something they have always hoped for is finally happening and they can't wait to share the news with you. 

And after a brief hiatus, the ladies are back with a topic that has hit very close to home recently, finding their purpose. Whether it is a life purpose, or merely a purpose for the day or hour, the ladies are getting raw and real about their journey to find their own. And DeDe is sharing another amazing story until Jamie gets around to writing more of hers. It is one great episode, friends! 'Treat yo self' and give it a listen.. and if you agree, go give us some love @optimisticallyoverwhelmed on instagram! Or drop a 5 star review! Thanks for all your support!   

Encore Episode of our Valentine's Day special.  The girls LOVE this LOVE episode so much, they wanted to share it again.  "What does 'Love' mean to you? How does love motivate you in your daily lives? And what makes Valentine's Day special for you?"

DeDe and Jamie are taking a back seat on this episode and letting their friends and family take over the microphones. From adorable kiddos to outspoken Grandmas, this episode is guaranteed to make you smile and fill your heart with love. So listen in, friends! And don't forget to keep spreading that love! And rate and review the show while you're at it! Thanks again for all your support.

Well, friends.. Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow this year, so it looks like Spring is going to be here before you know it! DeDe and Jamie are prepping to shed the winter and emotional weight they have been carrying around, and are also sharing some hilarious weekly updates for you. 

And last, but certainly not least, the ladies are sharing some 'Tribe Mail' they have received and the Mom Machine and the Spinster do their best to offer some advice to one amazing listener. DeDe also shares another powerful message on letting go. A short and sweet episode coming at you! Have a great week, and keep on sending in that Tribe Mail! 

As natives to Southern California, Jamie and DeDe were devastated by the tragic loss of their local hero Kobe Bryant, his beautiful daughter Gianna and the other seven passengers on board the helicopter that Sunday morning. 

While struggling to make sense of the tragedy with the rest of the world, the ladies are also celebrating the life and legacy that Kobe leaves behind. But more importantly, they are shining a light on the most important message of all: Life is so very precious, just love one another. Love is always the answer. 

Last but certainly not least, our hearts and prayers go out to the Bryant, Altobelli, Mauser, Chester and Zobayan families that they may find peace and comfort as they navigate this new reality.