Optimistically Overwhelmed

Hooray!! The gang is back together! Even though DeDe, Jamie and Chelsea are smack dab in the middle of Summer Break, the ladies wanted to do a quick check-in with the Tribe they miss so very much. And the best part of all, they are finally all in the studio together, while maintaining their distance of course.

On this episode, the ladies each share something that has inspired/comforted them recently. When times are tough, we must continue to search for the good. To spot the ladybugs. To be a "Beauty Hunter" (big thanks to Jennifer Pastiloff for coining the term). So listen in to the "Beauties" they found for you! And as always, we would love to hear some of yours. Until next time, go shine bright!

Now, more than ever, we need an anthem. Graduation season is upon us, Stay-At-Home orders are being extended while others are being lifted... So, what better way to get some of that anxiety, stress and numbness out than with a little Bon Jovi. While on one of her morning runs, DeDe shares how one song basically saved her and she found herself belting out the tunes while crying at the same time. The lyrics to this song ring so true in this current time, and the ladies can't help but share them with all of you.

DeDe and Chelsea also show some love for the Graduating Class of 2020 before rounding out the episode with the remaining voice memos from our fellow Tribe members. The Ladies can't thank everyone who contributed enough for opening your heart and sharing it with all of us. We are all forever changed. Until next time, friends, we're halfway there! We are all livin' on a prayer! Keep shining bright!

Episode Links:

- Josh Gadd's "Reunited Apart" YouTube Channel

- John Krasinski's "SGN Network" (Some Good News): Episode 6 (about graduation!)

- "The pandemic offers mothers something they will never have again" by Alia E. Dastagir

- "Advice to seniors from seniors about graduating in the time of a national crisis" by Christopher Dawson

DeDe, Jamie and Chelsea do a quick check-in before they share some more of the incredible voice memos they've received over the last few weeks. And as the Country prepares to tiptoe out of Quarantine, Chelsea and DeDe read some amazing inspiration and tips that everyone should hear. Tip #1 - Be Kind To One Another.

So while the kids are on a school Zoom meeting, settle in to your cozy chair, grab your headphones and relax while listening to what our amazing Tribe has learned in the time of COVID. And as always, you can share some love or give us a follow over @optimisticallyoverwhelmed on Instagram. Until next time, go shine bright!

It's official. We have all lost track of what day it is. Time? Ha! Forget about it. If you are reading this and feel like you are teetering on the edge of sanity, press play, and LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE! The tribe is coming at you again this week with more unbelievable voice memos. Honestly, they are so good. Dede, Jamie and Chelsea are completely blown away with all the responses they have received and we will keep on sharing them so keep them coming, friends!

The girls also open up about new things they have learned this past week... whether it is slowing the productivity train down or finding the courage to continue. DeDe shares an amazing story from John C. Maxwell about courage. He asks the question "Fear is a negative emotion, courage is a positive emotion, which one are you going to feed?" Enrich that courage of yours with this week's episode, and don't forget to tell us all about it at [email protected]. Until next time, friends... go shine bright!

The Tribe has spoken, Friends! The ladies asked for your stories of how you are handling this new "pandemic normal" and, WOW, did you answer! DeDe, Jamie and Chelsea are honored to share the voice memos they have received over these next few episodes, and they are starting things off with a bang with today's episode. Whether you are a young student, a new mom, a homeschooling mom, a grandmother or just a human, we guarantee these messages will hit home. And we encourage you to share your own with the Tribe, because we are all in this together, after all. Email your voice memos to [email protected].

DeDe and Jamie also share some Ladybugs that they have found this week, along with a Mirror Challenge that we can all benefit from. So, listen in to an episode the ladies are so very proud of. We could not do this without you, and LOVE hearing from all of you. Until next time, feel the feels and keep shining bright!

It's the 50th episode!! Can you believe it?! Join DeDe, Jamie and Chelsea while they get sentimental and reflect on this beautiful tribe that has been created, and also laugh about how far they have come since those beginning podcast days. You know what they say about flipping that first pancake! Thanks for sticking with us through it all, friends!

DeDe also shares an incredible story about looking for ladybugs, and there is not a human being on this planet that doesn't need to hear this message right now. No matter what week of quarantine you are currently in, take time in your day to look for life's blessings, miracles or tender mercies. They are everywhere and the ladies share some of their own experiences in spotting the ladybugs in their lives. We challenge you to share some of yours with us! While you're at it, go give us a follow over @optimisticallyoverwhelmed on Instagram. Until next time, go shine bright!

Episode links:

- Glennon Doyle

- Music and the Spoken Word (Ladybug story)

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