Yes, it’s 2018! You may have ended the year behind us really excited for this fresh start or perhaps you find yourself struggling, feeling stuck in an impossible rut. Every woman’s life is filled with so many transitions and challenges, that oftentimes we believe that rut has no end, there is no hope of getting out any time soon (ice cream in the closet, anyone?). In this episode Darlene and Julie talk about common things that can cause our setbacks: like job loss, toddler development, divorce or poor self-worth. Better yet, they offer fresh ways to approach these challenges with grit and grace. Regardless of how you feel about this New Year, we know it can provide that new beginning. So, join us as we explore ways to get out of the rut you may find yourself in, and offer a bit of encouragement along the way.

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Julie mentioned going back to listen to 004 “Is it Time for Counseling? A Therapist Helps You Decide (with Dr. Zoe)” – do it now if you’re wondering if it’s time to see a professional! You might also want to read Grasping for Control? A Counselor Explains How to Stop. 

“Failure creates tenacity, determination to try again” Darlene Brock

We recently leaked the exciting news that Darlene’s book “Help Wanted: For Moms Raising Great Girls (Now for Dads Too)” will be released in 2018! Want to be notified when it’s out? Sign up here!

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As we find ourselves at the close of 2017, we realize that for some this has been a great year, for others, it was filled with challenges. In this heartfelt episode, show hosts Darlene Brock and Julie Graham reminisce on the highs and lows of their personal lives this year, including the unexpected death of Julie’s husband. As they discuss their favorite content from dozens of The Grit and Grace Project writers from all over the world, they hope you too, will find encouragement. That you along with them will be able to close the year with grit and grace, full of anticipation for what 2018 will bring. Remembering that we will always, be given the strength we need to master each day, one at a time.

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We also suggest you go back and listen to our “About Us – 000” episode, to learn a little more about the show hosts, Darlene Brock and Julie Graham. 

We mentioned Darlene’s three-part faith series, click the image to read each of the three articles.

We also leaked the exciting news that Darlene’s book “Help Wanted: For Moms Raising Great Girls (Now for Dads Too)” will be released in 2018! Want to be notified when it’s out? Sign up here! And don’t forget, you can always reach out to us with questions or episode suggestions by commenting on our social media pages or email [email protected] .

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Are you annoyed by the little things? The irritants we fondly refer to as pet peeves; we all have them. The problem is, we’re usually just as guilty of doing the things that make us cringe as the next gal. In this LOL episode, Darlene and Julie are taking a break from the busiest season of the year to encourage us to laugh at ourselves, extend grace to those around us and offer a simple “me too” to the things we all do without even realizing it.

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We thought you’d want to see our staff photo from our Christmas Party where Julie was a total diva, bowling in a dress!

“Don’t sweat the small stuff”

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By the time we hit middle school (and arguably, well before) women tend to have an on-going struggle with their self-worth and often lack confidence. We focus more on our shortcomings than our strengths. We zero in on our flaws forgetting to celebrate what we’re good it! Can you relate? Do you wonder why this is? Even more importantly, how do we stop this crazy struggle and gain the self-confidence we should all possess? Darlene and Julie hash this out, admitting their own distorted views and encourage one another (and you!) to be bold and just be you (Julie’s personal hashtag, yes, that’s a thing these days).

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Julie mentioned looking like a Hansen brother when she was in middle school. Imagine she’s the twin of the middle brother, because she basically was. Just take her word.

As mentioned, be sure to check out our purpose category to help find yours! And don’t forget to go back and listen to Episode 002 How You Can Stop the Struggle with Comparison and Episode 017 for struggling as a Mom: You Are “Mom Enough”: How to Stop Feeling Like a Failure

“Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person that you are.” Marilyn Monroe

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Your first case of motherhood insecurity may have started when you decided you wanted to be a mom, or when you found out you were pregnant, or maybe the day you took that baby home for the first time. And it doesn’t stop, right? When you finally master one season in your child’s life, you are thrown into the next. You worry you’re not feeding them, teaching them, disciplining them, encouraging them or loving them “enough.” Mom, you are not alone!

In this episode Darlene shares her advice as a mom who has launched two grown daughters, and Julie relates as a mom to a “threenager” who is currently in the trenches with you! The resounding lesson is this, you are in fact, Mom Enough! Be encouraged now!

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“When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child.” Sophia Loren

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Women are strong, empowered, independent, self-sufficient; at least that’s what we hear from social media to the news media – we are bombarded with these terms. But are we really? If so, what does a strong woman look like, how does she act, how does she live? This Grit and Grace Life Podcast is “redefining a woman’s strength.” In this episode Darlene and Julie talk about what makes us strong, encouraging each of us to discover the strength within us, living it out with grit and grace.

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Julie admitted she’s a shameless selfie taker, and promised you this one, with Darlene’s beloved Albert statue.

“The kind of beauty I want most is the hard-to-get kind that comes from within – strength, courage, dignity.” Ruby Dee

If you haven’t yet listened to Episode 002, we think you’ll relate! Listen now here:

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The holidays are here and often with them comes stress, drama and financial strain. It’s our goal to apply both grit and grace to “the most wonderful time of the year” choosing to slow down, connect with loved ones and enjoy every part. Darlene and Julie admit where they struggle, then share practical ways to put the holly and jolly back into this important season. Taking a just a few minutes to be thankful for our blessings, the biggest one being the birth of our Savior. Grab a peppermint mocha, take a seat to savor the lights of your tree, and enjoy!

Challenge of the episode: We asked you to share your favorite holiday traditions on social media using our hashtag #gritandgracelife so we can see and add them to our list!

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“Do all the good you can and make as little fuss about it as possible.” Charles Dickens

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Today’s headlines are filled with stories of sexual misconduct in the workplace. Whether it’s Hollywood, the news industry, politicians, or corporate executives, we are hearing about it from all fronts. What is sexual harassment and what do we do about it? Julie and Darlene take this episode to explore the current workplace climate between sexes and how to handle an unwanted advance.

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“Speak your mind even if your voice shakes.” Unknown

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Do you find yourself joining the social media trend of creating your own “thankful list” this time of year? It is a wonderful reminder that we should be grateful for the good things in life. Several weeks ago, before Julie had to step out for a bit, Julie and Darlene came up with their own list which turned out to be just plain funny. After their laughter died down they turned the mics on to share the fun with you. So take a listen, and after you do, share your own funny things to be thankful for on social media. Tag it with #gritandgracelife so we can join the fun.

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Quote of the episode:

“Girls just want to have fun!” Cyndi Lauper

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