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Staying fit and getting healthy are often listed with our New Years Resolutions. Well, we're almost halfway through the year... how are you doing with your fitness goals?    In this episode, Women's Strength and Wellness Coach, Nichole Minton, shares small and simple things we can do to progress on our fitness journey. It's not about huge undertakings or overnight changes. It's about simple daily habits such as walking, getting more protein, and making time for God that will make a big difference in how we feel. When change moves at a slower pace we are more apt to stick with it and it becomes part of who we are so it's worth the effort to intentionally slow down (I know, easier said than done for moms).    We hope you will listen to Nichole's wisdom as she teaches with her heart and choose one small thing you can change today to start progressing in your fitness journey. Remember, anything you do to improve yourself blesses your family as well!    

Thriving With 8 Podcast made it to episode 100! Thanks for listening- a podcast is no good without listeners!   What if we have it wrong? What if taking 2nd place is just as wonderful as first, but for different reasons. Listen as I share what my little boy taught me about 2nd place and the value of effort, happiness, and progression.    When you fall short, because we all do, don't be afraid to apologize and don't hold on to mom guilt. Choose to celebrate the mom wins, big and small, and to be present in your life. When opportunities pass you by, create new ones. It's not 1st place or nothing, it's progession, not perfection. 

Are you bone tired and soul tired at the same time? Although exhaustion in motherhood is common, we can feel joyful and weary, excited and exhausted, grateful and tired. When we choose to walk everyday with Christ we will find His Rest.    Christ will walk by our side, just like a friend, if we let Him. He will show us what He loves about our day and about us. He will help us see the "manna" in our life. Turning our focus to Him will shift our weariness to energy and confidence.    Ashlee Miller shares insights from her life and her beautiful book, "His Rest", in this inspiring episode of Thriving With 8. It's time to reset and refocus on Christ in your motherhood journey. 

Have you stopped to think about which holiday tradititons matter most to your family? There's so much to do during this season. How much of it can be set aside without anyone caring?    While we can definitely get ideas from other families, it's important not to compare what our families do (or don't do) with others. You don't have to bake cookies with your kids just because your neighbors do or stage Elf on the Shelf if that stresses you out.    In this short episode I ask my boys what holiday traditions are their favorite. I loved hearing what really makes Christmas special in their eyes and hope you will too. Ask you kids their favorites- you may be surprised. 

"Drapers are doers"! That is the motto Melissa Draper has established with her family, both in word and example. As a lover of service, she teaches her kids to say "yes" whenever possible when an opportunity to serve occurs. She is constantly looking for ways that her family can look outside of themselves to help those around them and inspires others through her "Do Something More" podcast.    In this episode, Melissa shares some fantastic ways we can help our families serve this holiday season. We thrive when we serve and it sets a great tradition of spreading joy and light to others. Don't forget- we don't have to come up with a huge service project or raise money for a cause. Service begins in our own homes as parents care for children and siblings help one another.    #thrivingthroughserving

As we approach the holiday season, stress and overwhelm threaten to sneak in. But that doesn't need to be the case! We can have less stress and more meaning during the holidays as we focus on what matters most. As Saren Eyre Loosli says, "Less is more."   In this episode of Thriving With 8 Podcast, Saren shares some wonderful ideas and experiences regarding how we can enjoy the holidays with our families by maintaining traditions that keep the holidays simple, thoughtful, and fun.    Whether it's reading Christmas books together, opening pajamas on Christmas Eve, or caroling to the neighbors, discover what matters most to your family this holiday season and let go of the rest. Slow, down, protect family time, and enjoy this special time of year.    For more holiday resources visit poweroffamilies.com

Rachel Bonner and her husband wanted to teach kids about different aspects of life that we may never experience, but would be helpful to understand, in order to show increased kindness and love to others. They were inspired to write A Cultivate Series, which consists of 3 wonderful children's books with alternate endings to help kids develop more awareness and compassion for others.    As an inter-racial family, the Bonners have experienced first hand what it feels like not to be understood. As Rachel points out, "we only know what we know". Rachel shares her wisdom on teaching kids how to thrive through kindness including setting the example first as the adult, role playing, and having open and honest conversations with your family.  

Do you ever wonder why you think, feel or respond to the challenges and joys of motherhood the way that you do? Why don't others around you, including your kids, always see things the way you do?    In this conversation with Beth McCord, the Enneagram Coach, we discuss the importance of understanding our personalities and the core motivations within us. When we understand our "why" we are better able to view both ourselves and others with compassion and grace. As we become good, curious students of our children they will feel seen and valued. As you get to know your true internal self and dismiss the "head trash",  you will thrive in the "beautiful messiness" of motherhood. 

  Have you ever considered that moms need an "elevator pitch"? This is an intentional way of introducing ourselves to others. The purpose is not to impress, but to share and connect with someone.    As licensed health educator Stacy Goulding points out, at times it's easy for us to say "nothing" when someone asks "What's new?". But we need to be confident in sharing what we are doing right now, whether it's potty-training our toddler, reading a good book, or navigating baseball season.   As we use our elevator pitch to connect with other moms we learn to appreciate others. We begin to recognize that although we may do motherhood differently, we have so much to gain as we collaborate and learn from one another.

  Jodi Orgill Brown prayed that her children would learn to serve others, see people at their heart for who they are, and have compassion. But she had no idea how those prayers would be answered.    Jodi and her family have learned on a very personal level what it means to be served, as well as the joy that comes from serving others. What makes the journey worth it is doing it together and knowing you are not alone.    In this part 2 episode with Jodi, she shares beautiful examples of how she has been the recipient of service from family and friends over the years. She also teaches how we can bring light to others by serving in meaningful, heartfelt ways. We can do something to make the sun shine in someone else's life.   

Jodi Orgill Brown was living the perfect "white picket fence life" when the dizziness and headaches first began. Life quickly changed when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  Jodi has learned through many hard trials including multiple surgeries, hospital stays, and a variety of health challenges that thriving looks different at different stages in your life. Even if you can't always be the mom you thought you would be, you are enough for your kids. Learning to thrive is a process. But no matter what is happening in your life, the sun still shines! You get to choose everyday if you will see the light.    After listening to this episode, check out Jodi's eye-opening, inspirational book "The Sun Still Shines" to learn more about her incredible journey! And stay tuned for Thriving With 8 Episode 92 for more with Jodi!        

A thriving marriage doesn't just magically happen! Just like motherhood, marriage is an arena for growth. We must be intentional if we want to become the best spouse we can be. It is a process of becoming. Perfection is the lie that can discourage us from trying.    In this conversation with couples coach and podcaster, Julia Woods, she teaches 5 tips to develop and maintain a thriving marriage. You are probably already doing some of them, but there's always room for improvement as you partner together with your spouse. Listen as she explains the importance of growing through tension, negotiating, weekly partnering, playing and chatting with your spouse. Even better, listen together! And then commit to starting small steps to improving your marriage relationship.    IG @heyjuliawoods beautifuloutcome.com

What motivates you to be the best mom possible?   Listen to Regan Barnes, Chairmom of the nonprofit Momivate, to learn more about what it means for moms to RAISE UP society and her vision to empower and support moms.   Being a full-time mom encompasses SO much so give yourself a pat on the back for all you are doing! You're developing relationships, creating a wonderful atmosphere in your home, managing schedules, pursuing personal pursuits… the list could go on and on!!   Also... Momivate is hosting their Enrich Motherhood Convention March 9, 2024. Hope you can come join the connect with others moms and leave feeling nourished and empowered.  Use discount code: THRIVING to save some money :)   

Happy New Year! Do you have a word or phrase for the year? What will you focus on? Are you going to let the year happen to you or are you going to be intentional in your thriving?    The choice is up to you! First of all, give yourself credit for the progress you have made this past year. Second, set yourself up for success, even if your progression comes through baby steps. Thriving has nothing to do with perfection. There is no "perfect mom". Thriving comes by not giving up, being steadfast, and striving for impovement. It's all about progression, not perfection!   motherhoodtheprofession.com/podcast

Motherhood is not a solo job. We need Christ by our side in our motherhood journey. It's our ressponsibility to seek Him. As we courageously lean into this relationship and partnership with God, we will receive spiritual guidance that blesses us and our children.    Listen to Neill Marriott, mother of 11 and spiritual giant, as she shares stories and ideas of how she sought Jesus as she raised her wonderful family.  Neill is also the author of "Seek This Jesus", a book I highly recommend.