MINDSET TRAPS OF THE EMPTY NEST - Trap #1 - Emotional Reasoning

Are you ready to take a closer look at the mindset traps that keep us stuck as moms approaching the empty nest? In this episode of my new series on the mindset traps of the empty nest, I'm tackling Mindset Trap #1, and that is the emotional rollercoaster that so many of us moms find ourselves riding. I’ll share why we often feel like our emotions are completely out of our control and how this mindset can hold us back from peace and clarity. You’ll walk away with practical insights on how to step off the emotional rollercoaster and take control of your experience as you navigate this transition. If you’ve ever felt at the mercy of your emotions, this episode will open your eyes to a whole new perspective!

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Join me for a Mindset Trap 101. In this episode, I continue The Almost Empty Nest Podcast's new series on Midlife Mindset Traps by exploring what they are, how they form, and how they intertwine with our instincts as humans. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode... First, you'll learn how mindset traps are fueled by subconscious biological responses that are completely normal and natural. Second, you'll discover how our thoughts and beliefs about ourselves shape the stories we tell about who we are. And finally, I'll share how understanding this interplay between instincts and mindset offers a path to freedom. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of why you react the way you do and how to begin reclaiming control over your thoughts and emotional responses. Stay tuned as we set the stage to dive into 12 specific mindset traps in the episodes ahead!

Join me as I wrap up the three-part introduction to The Almost Empty Nest Podcast's new series on Midlife Mindset Taps with a deep dive into the instinct to conserve energy—what I call "keeping it simple." I explore how this instinct has evolutionary roots and helps us create habits, routines, and efficiencies in our lives. But I also explore how this instinct can hold us back when life calls for change, like letting go of our teens or navigating the transition to an empty nest. You'll learn how your mindset drives both productive and unproductive habits, how to identify patterns that keep you stuck, and how to intentionally shift your perspective to create ease and confidence in this next chapter. Join me to explore how to harness your brain's natural instincts to build the life you want, starting now!

Welcome back to Part II of the introduction to this new series on The Almost Empty Nest Podcast where I dive into the mindset traps that can hold us back as moms of teens and almost empty nesters. This week focus on our instinct to avoid pain and how this shapes the lens through which we view our role as parents and our kids' moods, behavior and outcomes. This basic instinct is a really good thing in many ways, but it can also hold us back and cause us to show up in ways that we don't really want. But here’s the game-changer: by understanding this instinct and learning to supervise our thoughts, you can free yourself from unnecessary stress and foster a deeper connection with your teen. Join me in this series to learn how to trust yourself to navigate this pivotal stage of motherhood.

As we stand on the threshold of 2025, I invite you to join me for a journey through the lessons, growth, and pivotal moments that have defined my past five years. In this episode of The Almost Empty Nest Podcast, I reflect on the evolution of motherhood, the transition into an empty nest, and the profound realization that loving unconditionally and leading with intention is the key to thriving in every role we play. Together, we’ll explore how celebrating small wins, embracing self-compassion, and letting go of fear can transform our lives in ways we never imagined. Let’s step into 2025 with clarity, purpose, and the courage to be the woman we’ve always wanted to be. Tune in—this episode might just be the inspiration you need to make this year your best yet.

This week on The Almost Empty Nest Podcast, I'm kicking off a transformative new series on Midlife Mindset Traps that keep us stuck in frustration and anxiety. If you find yourself struggling as a mom to find peace, connection, and purpose, this episode is for you. In this first episode, I dive into how our instinct to seek comfort can sometimes lead us astray, leaving us feeling dependent on external validation or stuck in unproductive habits. You’ll learn three powerful insights: the role your mindset plays in your emotional experiences, how to spot and step out of mindset traps, and most importantly, why there’s absolutely nothing “wrong” with you for feeling the way you do. Join me as I show you how to take charge of your thoughts and unlock more joy, peace, and freedom in this next chapter of life.

10 out of 10! 5 stars! Excellent! Amazing!

Wouldn't it be nice if you could reflect on the upcoming holidays with this sentiment?  In this episode of the Small Jar Podcast, I explore how...not by creating perfect circumstances, but by taking ownership of your emotional experience. Like a teacher, we have an internal "rubric" for judging our lives. But this often leads to disappointment when reality doesn't meet our expectations. Join me as I uncover how to redefine those expectations, embrace the messy beauty of life with our teens, and empower ourselves to create joy and peace this holiday season, no matter what comes our way. Tune in to discover how you can transform your holiday experience from good to truly great!

Join me as I open up about the emotional tug-of-war that comes with parenting a high school senior as they prepare to leave the nest. It’s a time of mixed emotions—grappling with pride, fear, and the bittersweet realization that life is changing. I share personal stories and insights on how to let go of the expectations that often define our connection with our teens, and instead, learn to embrace unconditional love and connection, even as they grow more independent. This episode is a guide for navigating this transformative time with intention and purpose.

 The emotions of parenting teens can hit hard—whether it’s waiting for big college news, managing the quiet shift of an almost-empty nest, or navigating the bittersweet joy of watching your kids grow up. In this week’s episode, I’m sharing one of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned as a mom: how to create unconditional love, connection, and purpose—no matter the challenges or changes that come our way. This episode isn’t just about giving your teen the space to grow; it’s about discovering the gift of growth for yourself.

 The holiday season is upon us—filled with joy, love, and, let’s be honest, a fair share of stress. In this episode, I invite you to consider that peace isn't something you have to earn...but instead something that you have the power to choose. Join me as I share how you can step off the hamster wheel of expectations—your own and everyone else's—and truly embrace a sense of calm and connection. As you navigate the holidays, give yourself the most precious gift of all—the ability to choose peace.