Hey friend, hey!

Welcome to Episode 7 of Season 7 of The Self Love Podcast by Love, Maaden, "Take Off The Cape." We're setting the table around the scriptural truth in Psalm 4:8, declaring God as our peaceful sanctuary and the source of rest, especially when societal pressures move us to don the invisible cape of "superwomen."

The weight of being everything to everyone is a burden generations of women have shouldered. In this episode, we dissect the challenges tied to this expectation, exploring strategies through scripture, science, and self-care to reshape what it means to show up for ourselves and those around us. We reflect on the roles and demands placed on women and the emotional and sometimes physical impact of the expectations. We also share our personal self-care practices and experiences where turning to God really has provided relief from the burden, allowing us to hang up the cape.

Our practice is to commit to a nightly assessment this week. It’s quick and doable. Here’s how:

* Reflect on how you showed up each day with grace.

* Release any unrealistic expectations from yourself or others.

* Set boundaries around what you will and won’t carry into the next day.

* Relinquish the rest, finding solace in God's peace.

We also both opened the episode with a “leav it” this week. Mine was a beauty product that you can skip, and Tennille’s is hilarious. Tune in to find out!

Thank you for joining us for another week. We are grateful for you, and you are so loved.

Love, Maaden

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lovemaaden.substack.com

Hey friend heyyy,

Welcome to episode 6, "In My Feelings," where we’re exploring the complexity and humanity of our emotions.

Our guiding passage on which we “Set The Table” came from Proverbs 3:5-6, which says: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight."

Digging into our conversation, we discuss the six mostly widelt accepted emotions with an emphasis on four – sadness, happiness, fear and anger. We reflect on embracing and accepting our own emotions, drawing inspiration from Jesus' example. We read that Jesus, in His humanity, displayed a full range of emotions, from compassion (Matthew 9:36) and anger (John 2:15) to overwhelm and anxiety (Matthew 26:38-39) and grief and sorrow (John 11:35). We also unpack how Proverbs 3 prompts us to seek God's wisdom over just our emotions, emphasizing the need for a balance between acknowledging our feelings and submitting to God.

Our weekly practice encourages us to embark on a daily emotional check-in. Take a few moments to reflect, identify your feelings, and seek guidance through prayer, anchoring yourself in God's wisdom for a healthy and faith-centered response to your emotions.

Also, if you wanted to check out my “love it” for the week, here’s the link to Daring. My recommendation was the “Breaded Plant Chicken Wings” but let me know if you try any others!

Last think, the councilman that I was talking about (Eric Mays) is from Flint, Michigan not RI. Yall knew who I was talking about!

As always, thanks for listening! You are so loved.

Love, Maaden

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lovemaaden.substack.com/subscribe

Hey friend, hey!

Welcome to a new week. This week’s episode, "Solitude, Not Isolation," is an extension of the subscriber-only essay I posted on lovemaaden.substack.com, titled The Magic of Me Time. The essay delves into the transformative power of solitude, the practice of intentional quiet time, how creative pursuits can enhance our "me time," and the red flags to watch out for as we navigate the perils of loneliness and isolation.

I shared a snippet from the essay to set the stage for our conversation:

“For as long as I can remember, I’ve been the type of person who is energized by connection with those around me. Not just that, being around other people gives me a sense of security. If I’m honest, I haven’t always felt as comfortable with being alone. And because of this, for a long time, I’ve centered my identity around busyness, projects, and activity. In part, because those things fuel me but also because they'd make me feel less alone.

The last few years have turned this totally upside down. A year after giving birth to our miracle baby – an effort I had obsessed over for the five years leading up to her arrival – I went directly from a season of post-partum seclusion into a season of pandemic isolation. I was quite literally forced into stillness and solitude. A place that was especially uncomfortable for me, on top of the looming anxiety and shared trauma that we are all navigating. Yet in doing this, over time, I discovered that there is a “magic” in “me time” that I had not fully experienced until then…”

In my conversation with Tennille, we discuss the practice of inviting God into our alone time and share tips for establishing a quiet time routine as a peaceful sanctuary. We also explore the idea that without intention, solitude can sour into loneliness and discuss its impact on our mental and emotional well-being, especially when loneliness infiltrates our relationships. We offer guidance on how to combat this while still preserving the practice of solitude.

Our prayer for the week is as follows: "God, thank you for showing us what solitude looks like and reminding us to unplug from the busyness of life to seek stillness and seek You. Thank you, Lord, for your word, which instructs us to 'Be still and know that You are God.' We don't need to wear busyness as a badge; instead, we can release our burdens and turn inward and upward. Help us recognize that there is healing in both our alone time and in time spent with others, as long as we approach them with intentionality. In Jesus’ name. Amen."

Our practice for the week is as follows: "I commit to giving my 'me time' more attention and intention. I will remain mindful and vigilant against loneliness by keeping pathways open to stay connected with God and loved ones during this time."

We invite you to tune in, join the conversation, share your thoughts in the comments below, and embark on the journey of practicing solitude with intention in your own life! Also, here are the links to our “love its” for the week:

* Maaden - Cora Feminine Care

* Tennille - Morgan Harper Nichols

*Disclaimer: I am much better now – thanks to Jesus, steroids & antibiotics – but I do a lot of coughing in this episode. Appreciate the grace from our listeners. Also, thanks Tennille for doing extra reading for me again this episode!*

Love, Maaden

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lovemaaden.substack.com

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit lovemaaden.substack.com

Hey friend, hey!

Welcome to Season 7, Episode 4 of The Self Love Podcast by Love, Maaden – "The Relationships Episode." This episode is exclusively for our paid subscribers. (Yes, you!) If you want to catch the full scoop, you can become a paid subscriber for just $5 a month over at lovemaaden.substack.com to get this, and more perks! If you're not ready…

Hey friend, hey!

Hope you’re feeling warm and cozy as we get ready to welcome Novmber and the holiday season. This week, we're diving into something we all need more of right now – peace. Welcome to Season 7, Episode 3 of The Self Love Podcast by Love, Maaden – The ABCs of Peace.

If you've read my essay, "Peace Is The Real Flex," in my newsletter, The Self Love Letter (you can sign up on Substack or at lovemaaden.com), you might remember the ABCs of maintaining our inner peace. Today, we're delving deeper as we unpack each strategy.

The guiding scripture for the week is from John 16:33 and says, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." – John 16:33

Our three strategies, The ABCs of Peace, examine each part of the scripture in-depth.

A is for Acceptance. The scripture states, "In the world, you will have tribulation…" Some versions say "suffering" or "distress" instead of tribulation. We discuss how we practice acceptance as a means to establish peace, how that process feels, and how it's progressing.

B is for Boundary. The scripture also says, "...take heart…" Other versions say "be encouraged," "be of good cheer," or "be comforted." We discuss the boundaries we put in place to protect our peace, not only from others but from our own conflicting thoughts.

C is for Contentment. Finally, the scripture says, "…in me you have peace [or shalom]." Shalom is a Hebrew word meaning peace, harmony, wholeness, completeness, prosperity, welfare, and tranquility. We delve into how we are cultivating contentment in our day-to-day lives and how gratitude has transformed our minds in the current season.

We conclude the episode with this prayer, thanking God for the gift of Shalom, and committing to our shared weekly practice:

"I commit to shifting my focus from combating my issues to accepting where I am as a first step toward inner peace. I will shed the false narrative of perfectionism for the flawed facade of reality. Once established, I will protect that peace with healthy boundaries and genuine gratitude in my daily life."

Have a great week, friends! Also, a heads up that next week's episode is a special 90-minute paid-subscriber-only episode delving deep into relationships. If you haven't already, be sure to subscribe or upgrade your subscription below!

Love, Maaden

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lovemaaden.substack.com

Hey Y'all, Hey!

Welcome to Season 7, Episode 2 of The Self Love Podcast by Love, Maaden – How To Hope.

This week gets deep, so you might want to keep some tissues handy. We're diving into the topic of hope, a subject I've explored many times before, and this time, we're bringing you some practical agreements to share within our community.

Naturally, we kick things off by catching up and sharing what were loving and what we're ready to leave behind. Both of our picks revolve around popular fall favorites – think pumpkins and apples. Tennille is not sure if she's loving or leaving hers behind, so we jokingly decided to "leove" it (lol). I'll also be sharing a story about an awkward interaction with a follower that made me rethink how we're truly measured by our social media in real life.

Our guiding passage this week is from Jeremiah 29:11. I'll open up about my emotional journey through recurrent pregnancy loss, the immense challenges I faced, and how hope continues to play a transformative role in my life. We'll explore the symbolism of hope being like a rainbow after a storm, representing the beauty that emerges from our storms and suffering. Then we'll discuss the three key agreements, or strategies, that can help us find hope even in the most challenging of times.

Agreement #1 looks at the power of our thoughts, guided by the verse from Colossians 3:2: "Set your minds on things that are above." We'll talk about the importance of aligning our thoughts with hope and viewing things from God's vantage point.

Agreement #2 emphasizes the role our words play in fostering hope, drawing inspiration from the verse in Proverbs 18:21: "The tongue has the power of life and death." You'll hear an excerpt from the essay and how I've shifted my language to reflect hope and God's will.

Agreement #3 underscores the significance of taking actions to turn our hopes into reality, with guidance from James 2:17: "Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." We'll share some practical actions that align with our hopes.

We'll conclude the episode with gratitude, a heartfelt prayer, and a request for God's divine guidance as we continue our journey towards hopefulness. And, as always, we'll leave you with a weekly practice that encourages us to align our thoughts with our hopes and take actions toward our desires.

Thanks for tuning in. I’m really grateful to have you here.

Love, Maaden

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lovemaaden.substack.com

Season 7: Episode 1 - "Habitual Healer"

Intro Segment: Hey Girl Hey

* The hosts warmly greet each other and their listeners.

* They briefly catch up on current events and set the stage for the episode.

Segment 1: Love It or Leave It

* Both hosts share what they're currently loving or ready to leave behind this week, providing personal insights into their lives.

Segment 2: Setting The Table - Maaden

* Maaden presents today's passage from Proverbs 25:28, emphasizing the importance of self-control. This scripture serves as the foundation for the episode's theme.

* Maaden shares a personal story about a trip to the emergency room that prompted her to redefine herself as a "habitual healer" — emphasizing the healing, growth, and purpose in her journey.

Segment 4: Digging In - The Seven Habits of Healing

* Habit #1: Honesty - The hosts discuss the importance of self-honesty and accepting one's true self, free from attachments to past versions.

* Question #1: How do you practice honesty with yourself?

* Habit #2: Rest - The conversation shifts to the concept of rest, not only physical but emotional rest, and its role in self-care.

* Question #2: How do you practice intentional rest?

* Habit #3: Solitude - The hosts explore the significance of solitude in reducing distractions and connecting with oneself.

* Question #3: How have you made time for solitude in this season?

* Habit #4: Nourishment - Proper nourishment is discussed, encompassing physical well-being, media choices, and healthy environments.

* Question #4: How have you made time for solitude in this season?

* Habit #5: Prayer - The hosts delve into prayer as a practice of gratitude, self-acceptance, and honoring a higher power.

* Question #5: How do you make meaningful prayer a daily habit?

* Habit #6: Self Work - The conversation shifts to the effort required to untangle unhelpful thought and behavior patterns.

* Question #6: What does self-work look like for you in the season?

* Habit #7: Grace - The hosts discuss the importance of self-forgiveness, letting go of shame and guilt, and extending compassion to oneself.

* Question #7: What does self-work look like for you in the season?

Closing Segment: Prayer and Practice

* Closing Prayer – God thank you for your many lessons in self love. Thank you for modeling gratitude and grace. Thank you for the opportunity to heal and grow through our life experiences. Thank you for establishing new habits, and for help breaking those that arent of service. Help us to be reflective and mindful, and to exercise the self control and discipline required to become habitual healers. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

* Weekly Practice – I commit to adopting one new healing habit this week, and to breaking a habit that is no longer of service.

Join the journey of self-discovery and healing with Season 7, Episode 1 - "Habitual Healer." Embrace the power of self-love and transformation.

Love, Maaden

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lovemaaden.substack.com

Intro Segment: Hey Girl Hey

* Maaden + Tennille greet each other and their listeners and catch up on current events and life updates from the summer.

Segment 1: Love It or Leave It

* The hosts share what they're currently loving or feeling ready to leave behind from their recent experiences.

Segment 2: Setting The Table - Maaden

* Maaden introduces the guiding scripture for today's episode: Proverbs 16:9. This scripture sets the stage for the episode's theme of embracing the journey and being open to change.

* Maaden reflects on her "summer of steps" in 2023, where she committed to regular outdoor walks. She emphasizes the benefits of these walks beyond physical exercise, including mental clarity and spiritual connection.

* The Proverbs 16:9 scripture reminds her of the importance of being open and flexible while working towards a goal. Maaden explains her decision to apply this approach to Season 7 of the podcast, showing up and remaining open to the flow of the journey.

Segment 4: Digging In - Summer, Steps + Showing Up

* Both hosts dive into the core discussion of the episode, exploring various aspects of their journey and the podcast's direction for Season 7.

* They share summer highlights, self-love practices, lessons learned, personal growth, the new theme for the season, and expectations for the episodes ahead.

Closing Segment: Prayer and Practice

* Closing Prayer – God thank you for this present moment. Thank you for sustaining this show for seven seasons. Thank you for every listener – old and new. Thank you especially today for fresh starts and new beginnings. Thank you for ordering our steps. Help us to have vision, and work towards progress, but to also be mindful to submit those plans to you so that you would order our steps. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

* Weekly Practice – I commit to beginning, restarting or deepening my practice of submitting every plan to God.

Join the hosts in embarking on Season 7 with an open heart and a commitment to show up and embrace the journey.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lovemaaden.substack.com

Tune in to our Season 6 bonus episode. Join us as we share our Weekly Word recap, 2023 summer plans, and what's next for the podcast and for each of us!

Get full access to The Self Love Letter | Love, Maaden at lovemaaden.substack.com/subscribe

Support the show

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lovemaaden.substack.com