We talk a lot about “being present,” especially during the holidays—but let’s be honest: as a mom of teens, sometimes the present moment feels more frustrating than fulfilling. In this episode, I get real about what it actually means to stay grounded in the now, especially when your mind is spinning with anxiety, guilt, overthinking, and holiday pressure.

I open up about my own experience trying to be more mindful during Thanksgiving—and how boredom, overwhelm, and unmet expectations made it surprisingly hard. We explore how mindset traps, like perfectionism and control, hijack our emotional regulation and disconnect us from the peace and connection we’re craving.

Whether you’re deep in the parenting-teen years or transitioning to the empty nest, this conversation is about letting go—not of your people, but of the mental noise that keeps you from fully living your life. Because being present isn’t just about calm—it’s about courage, awareness, and reclaiming your power moment by moment.

Curious about coaching with Small Jar?  Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0 

This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.