A conversation about a family photo wall led to one of those unexpected moments of clarity that only children can provide. My 6 year old daughter, staring at a professional photograph from daycare years, wished we could return to our "old house" where the toys looked so perfectly arranged. The truth? That perfection was merely a photographer's backdrop – a manufactured image that existed for just a moment before reality resumed.

It sparked a revelation in me about how we often chase perfection at the expense of actually living our lives. We see the pristine homes on social media, the perfect family portraits, the organized playrooms – and we wish our reality matched that impossible standard. But behind most perfect images is either an elaborate staging or someone working constantly behind the scenes, sacrificing precious moments of actually living to maintain an appearance.

As a self-proclaimed "perfectionist in healing," I've spent too many years chasing an unattainable ideal, especially as a mother of three. What I'm learning now in my 30's is that perfection demands a steep price. When we prioritize how our lives look over how they feel, we miss the beautiful chaos of real living. This doesn't mean abandoning all organization; rather, it means finding a flow and giving ourselves grace because life in itself is imperfect.

If this resonates with you, share it with someone who might need this reminder today. You are worthy, you are enough, and your messy, joy-filled life deserves to be lived, not just arranged for display.

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In this episode of Thrive Like a Mother, I chat with phenomenal author Diandra F. Wing, whose journey of resilience and remembrance is both heartbreaking and deeply inspiring. After suddenly losing her Aunt Shawn and beloved mother, Sandra, Diandra could have been consumed by grief. Instead, she found unexpected comfort in the appearance of a striking red bird during pivotal moments, offering a connection to the women she loved and lost.

We dive into her book, Red Bird, and explore how family, journaling, and being offered help can shape our healing. Diandra shares the profound pain of loss, the unique experience of navigating grief as a black woman, and how she learned to trust the signs from loved ones beyond this world.

Tune in as we discuss:

✨ How Diandra’s mother and aunt shaped her life and identity

✨ Recognizing and trusting signs from lost loved ones

✨ The challenges of grieving as a black woman

✨ How to support yourself and others through loss

If you’ve ever wondered whether your loved ones send messages from beyond, or if you’re looking for someone to speak life into your healing journey, this episode is for you.

🔗 Connect with Diandra:

• Instagram: diandrafordwing
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/diandrafordwing
• Books.by:  books.by/diandra-ford-wing

📖 Purchase Red Bird here:

• Barnes & Noble
• Amazon
• Books.by

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Spoiler alert: the break I took from the podcast lasted longer than I initially thought or planned it to. But here's the thing, as you'll hear in today's episode a pause of rest and reflection is sometimes necessary for us to truly live, thrive, and show up as our best selves.

In a world that often celebrates hustle, we’re diving deep into the power of slowing down. Discover how taking a break can improve not only your productivity but also your overall mindset. This discussion highlights the importance of embracing your unique journey and letting go of comparisons with others. 

I share personal insights from my own journey, illustrating how taking time to pause, reflect, and rest can lead to profound clarity and growth. I talk about what it means to me to live authentically and at one’s own pace. 

Are you ready to embrace transformation with me? Let's redefine how we perceive success and acceptance in our lives. Share your journey of transformation and let’s grow together!

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Sending you light and love always!

Ever found yourself lost in the whirlwind of motherhood, wondering if you're doing enough? In this heartfelt finale of our "Thrive Like a Mother" mini-series, I share personal reflections from a week of parenting highs and lows.

Picture the scene: my toddler declaring newfound independence while my six-year-old embarks on her adventure of first grade. These moments, both chaotic and magical, remind us that motherhood is woven with experiences that range from sheer exhaustion to pure joy.

In today's episode, I hope to reinforce the message that no matter the challenges, you're doing an incredible job mama, and it's the fleeting smiles and tender moments that truly define this journey.

I've had my share of sleepless nights and unexpected surprises, yet amidst it all, I find peace in knowing that both the trials and triumphs are temporary. By focusing on the glimmers of joy that punctuate the journey, we can hold onto the hope that things do get easier with time.

So, take a deep breath, give yourself grace, and take 7 minutes with me to cherish how far you've come in your beautiful, messy adventure called motherhood.

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Sending you light and love always!

Inspired during my first month of maternity leave, I invite you into my world as I reflect on the significance of creating a life that supports me being more present in my family and children's lives. I share my plans of creating purpose driven stream of income by honing in on the power of my intuition, and using journaling as a way to process my emotions for clarity and growth.

In this episode, my hope is to encourage other millennial mamas to reflect on their own paths, daring to align their lives with their biggest dreams and do things differently.

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Sending you light and love always!

Have you ever found comfort in the thoughts that come to you in the quiet moments of motherhood?

In part one of this series of A Mama's Quiet Moments, I share how recording my raw & candid thoughts in the early days of my 3rd postpartum journey served as an emotional anchor. And quickly led me to a shift in perspective of how I could fully experience the beauty and unexpected twists and turns of life.

I extend a heartfelt invitation to reflect on the impermanence of motherhood's precious experiences. I challenge myself and you to be fully present and to try and find gratitude and intention in every moment of our lives.

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Sending you light and love always!

I'm in a season and have been in one for a while now where I am expanding mentally, physically and emotionally. For the second half of 2023, I grew my 3rd little life within my belly and he was born on February 27th. During this season I had a lot of time to reflect and let go of a lot of expectations I placed on myself. I started to allow myself to go with the flow of the slowdown season my 3rd pregnancy put me in.

This episode is a reminder that it's okay to accept the pace of your expansion as your own. Whether it's one that you're deciding the pace or one where the pace may not be as much in your control. Remember that there is no race, there is only your divine path. The pace may change along the way, and it may change often, but that's okay. It's all working for you and not against you.

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Y'all I recorded this about a week ago as I realized we were getting closer and closer to June. The halfway point of the year, of 2023 already. My usual mindset for being halfway through the year was let's get it, we made it through 6 months and accomplished so much. Let's crush the rest of this year.

I don't know if it's because I'm really embracing my 30s or embracing the wisdom that comes with age. But if you're like me and you've been crushing it this year. Instead of tell you to keep pushing, I want to remind you that rest can be productive too. Just because we're halfway through doesn't mean that we have to sprint to the end. It's a marathon y'all… you get to slow down when necessary.

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Happy Season Finale of the Thrive Like a Mother podcast loves!! I'm so eternally grateful for each and every one of you who has listened in and supported me in this first season. I'm so excited for the things I have in store for you in season 2, but for now enjoy this episode where I chat with you about being intentional about making time for joy in our lives. Why? Because we deserve it!

Not only does experiencing joy give you:

• a better mindset
• improved sleep
• lower blood pressure

It also helps us fight the daily stressors of life. Because life really isn't easy, right? Joy should be as much of a priority in our lives as any other thing on our to-do list. I hope that you walk away from today's episode feeling empowered to do exactly that and to THRIVE in your JOY.

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Sending you light and love always!

I believe in myself, my talents, and my abilities. I walk in His purpose for me.

It can be easy to have doubt in yourself when it's a hard season. I hope today's affirmation is a continual reminder for you to keep walking in the purpose He has given you. The seasons won't always be hard, but they will always be worth it. Because fully embracing your purpose means He is always walking with you.

Have a great week y'all!

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Sending you light and love always!