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Our friendships are some of the most intimate and healing relationships we can have. Our friends love us, support us, understand us, and help heal us. In my seasons of loss and grief, it’s my friends who hugged me tight, forced me to laugh, and cracked open my heart with their own vulnerability. Still, and knowing all of this, the deeper we get into our careers, families, and daily lives, we find ourselves neglecting those very friendships, or at the very least taking them for granted. Toggling calendars to get a girls' night on the books, rescheduling a coffee date for the third time, and “meaning to call” a friend that’s been on our mind for weeks. It’s one of the struggles of being grown. The Self Love Letter Love, Maaden is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Our little one, by comparison, has flourishing “friendships” that sprout up almost weekly on the playground or in the classroom. But maintaining meaningful connections—or harder still forging new ones—as adults requires a different level of intentionality. One that doesn’t come so easily. They say that cultivating friendships is like tending to a garden, that it requires our attention and care in order to bloom. Lord knows from my trail of dried up and decrepit houseplants that this far from effortless for some, but it’s possible and more than worth it. Our adult friendships, whether they are with our “day ones” or with someone new, are a reminder that we're not alone in this journey. And the one thing we can’t afford to be as we grow older, is alone. We need the ones who cheer us on when we're winning and lift us up when we're down. The ones who know our quirks, our dreams, and our fears, and love us anyway. The comforters, the co-conspirators, and the crazies that we can't live without. Whether it's grabbing coffee, hopping on a call, or making time for a girlfriends' getaway, we have to do what we have to do to keep our friendships going. So here's to friendships as adults—to the commute chats, the late night and early morning texts, the weekend adventures, and the shared memories that make life a little easier and a little sweeter. Because in the end, it's the people we share it with that make the journey worthwhile. xo, m. A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. — Proverbs 17:17 (NIV) The proverb says that a true friend will love and support us whether we’re up or down. And even more so in times of adversity, elevating themselves from friend to brother (or, in my case, sister). I’ve heard many an elder say that tough times will show you who your true friends are. I used to interpret this as meaning that those who disappear during difficult times were never real friends to begin with. However, with maturity, I understand that not everyone can walk with us into every season, and I'm okay with that. What I now take away from their wisdom, and also see in this scripture is that my closest friends— those that don’t just show up but lean in when life gets messy, scary or dark— are my also my sisters. I am so grateful to have a sister who is also a friend, and friends who have become sisters. I love a theme, so in keeping with the theme of friendship, I want to highlight some gifts that I am loving in my shop, Love Goods Co., which were created to promote connection, friendship and sisterhood. * The Friendship Connection Box is perfect for a girls night-in with a 40 card deck of prompts and practices to cultivate connection, plus a refreshing citrus + sugar scented candle, delicious herbal tea and sweet treats to share. * The Bestie Box is limited edition gift box designed for Galentine’s Day but also just a sweet gift to remind your bestie that she’s loved. It comes with a hibsicus tea, jasmine shower steamer (that smells SO good), a pink champagne lip scrub + balm duo, and a light & feminine scent

2023 got out of here like she stole something! Sheesh. I traveled down a rabbit hole of internet “research,” trying to understand why we all seem to feel like time is moving faster than ever before. Of course, everybody and their momma has a theory—from the end-of-the-days to collective post-pandemic PTSD. There are scientific studies that say it's linked to our diminishing ability to process visual information with age, conventional wisdom that says it’s because we have fewer "new" and novel experiences to take in, and then there’s this idea that our daily routines have us operating almost on “auto-pilot” in our day-to-day lives. Each theory lands on the idea that our lack of attention makes it feel like that days are slipping into years almost unnoticed. While I’m not sure if any of these theories are exactly it, I do agree that time tends to move faster when we don’t slow down. And I’m learning to take the feeling of time slipping by as a welcomed reminder to pause, pay attention, and be more present. One way I'm embracing this present mindset is through my reflective writing practice. The Be Still & Know 21-day challenge provided a good, grounding start to the new year. It allowed us to reflect on stillness, immerse ourselves in God’s Word, and also to connect with others in this community. The additional gift for me, though, was the opportunity to write consistently. I like it, and I want to do more of it. So, you can expect to receive more messages from me here and fewer on social. I’m also taking a break from podcasting for a season, so I plan to incorporate some of our podcast staples like “love it or leave it” and “a word with Maaden” into this format in the meantime. I shared at the top of the year that my word for 2024 is “lighter,” and that’s just how this feels—lighter. It also feels very much in line with the more/less list that I created for the year ahead. So here’s to more quiet time, creating, connecting, and reading + writing and less of the rest. "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." - 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV) I talk a lot about love here, so it’s no surprise that my reflection as we open up February—a month adorned with hearts, flowers, and sweet nothings—is on the power of love. Not love as this romanticized, fleeting emotion but love as, arguably, the most profound of all human experiences. The words in 1 Peter say that, "love covers over a multitude of sins." A reminder that true love has the power to heal through forgiveness. And not just forgiveness for one thing but that this type of authentic love, extends grace that covers the broad range of our faults and human imperfections. The word multitude—translated from the original Greek "πλῆθος" (plēthos)—emphasizes the comprehensive and forgiving nature of love in dealing with the plethora or abundance of flaws that we each have. The verse invites us to practice a love that forgives, recognizing the inherent humanity in ourselves and others. It calls us to extend compassion, understanding, and grace. Consider the various relationships in your life—first, your relationship with yourself but also the bonds with family, friends, and colleagues. How can you love better? How might love, as described in 1 Peter, show up in these relationships? Can you, even in relationships that are thick with tension or thin with distance, choose love as your guiding principle? Can you allow it to cover misgivings and open you up to connection? This month, let’s practice true love, not just the fluffy idea love, but the deep love that requires forgiveness, vulnerability, and grace. I bought my first home at age 25. It was a third-story condo with a loft, super high ceilings, and spacious bedrooms with walk-in closets. I was living, y'all! Sure, I had to climb up those hot steps every day to my front door (there was no elevator); and yes, I had a curmudgeon of an old man

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit lovemaaden.substack.com *Surprise!* It’s a bonus episode. We’ve promised long enough, and it’s finally time that we turn the spotlight on our friend and sound engineer, Marcus aka DJ SupaFlyTNT. He join us in front of the sound board this week and let’s us ask all the questions – including what he’s loving or leaving! LOL. Learn why he's continued to particpate as an integral p…

NOTE: We lost audio this week and had to use a work around, so there’s an echo and the overall sound quality is diminished, but the content was too good not to share. We appreciate the grace, and hope that the episode still encourages and entertains you! Hey Yall Hey! We’re back for another heart-to-heart as we wrap up Season 7. And we’re dedicating our season finale episode to joy, laughter, and merriment. We opened our talk by shouting out one of our faves and her mobile massage business. Check her out at Wellness With Char. We both had holiday-themed “leave its” this week. Tennille’s had to do with e-commerce, and mine was food-related. Now, let's set the stage for this season finale. We wanted to focus on the joy of the season and focus on laughter and merriment this episode. Psalm 126:2 sets the tone: "Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy..." Get into for Season 7: Episode 10: Love, Laugh & Be Merry. In our deep-dive segment, "Digging In," we reflect on the journey of the past seven seasons – and how this show has been a source of joy in our lives, “winter break” plans and how we'll infuse merriment into this special time. From belly laughs to navigating mid-life with a sprinkle of merriment, we're leaning into more happiness. As always we wrap you in a comforting prayer to close out not just the episode but the season, seeking God’s guidance for embracing merriment and tapping into genuine joy. And because we always have your back, our weekly practice is all about healing through laughter. This week, dedicate a few minutes each day to a mindful laughter exercise. Start with a genuine laugh, and let it resonate. Even if it feels forced initially, it often turns into genuine laughter, boosting your mood. After all, laughter is the best medicine, right? Ya’ll, we’re so grateful for you and we're sending you all the love and gratitude. Until the next season, let's laugh, be merry, and soak in the joy of the season. 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 girl, hey! Welcome back, y'all. We’re rounding out season 7 with some important topics to explore, especially during the holidays (namely, grace and forgiveness). But first, we have to talk to about how we’ve been and what we’re loving and/or leaving. In this week’s "Love It or Leave It" segment, I have a superior alternative to the uber-popular Stanley tumbler for all our girls who want to stay hydrated and save a little coin. And Tennille is looking for a change this season with a personal “leave it” this week. Any guesses? While the holiday season is filled with love and connection, it's also a time when unresolved feelings can surface. This week, we explore why grace and forgiveness are essential, how they bring healing in relationships, and ways to practice forgiveness –especially self-forgiveness. Welcome to Season 7: Episode 9 – "Let It Go." We set the table around a guiding passage from Ephesians 4:32 that says: “And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." From there we dig into conversation, discussing whether we find it easy to forgive, and unpacking just how we’ve forgiven ourselves and others. Ephesians 4:32 calls us to forgive as God in Christ forgave us. The last part was especially heavy for us to consider. We pull from the wisdom in Matthew 18:21-22 and discuss the challenge and importance of forgiveness without reconciliation. It's tough, but we've got strategies and mindset shifts that have helped us do this. Our closing prayer this week honors the grace and forgiveness God has extended to us all. We seek strength to embody kindness and forgiveness in our relationships, especially during times of more connection and gatherings with those we may have been estranged from. And we reflect on Ephesians 4:32, understanding that forgiveness is a powerful calling, even when it's not easy. We close, as always, with our weekly practice. This week, we commit to practicing 'Daily Forgiveness Moments.' Take a few minutes each day to engage in this practice and experience the healing power of forgiveness. Set a specific time, reflect on a siuation that requires your grace, visualize releasing bitterness, and offer up forgiveness. Try using gratitude reminders, breathing exercises, positive affirmations, and journaling to enhance your forgiveness moments. Again, thank you all for being on this journey with us. Your comments and feedback make this podcast so worthwhile, and we're grateful for you. As we navigate the transformative power of grace and forgiveness, may this episode bring healing and light to your life. 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 girl, hey! Welcome back to another heart-to-heart session with your favorite co-hosts. We've missed you, and we can't wait to share the good vibes of Season 7: Episode 8 – 'Tis The Season. As always, we open with come love it or leave it moments. I'm feeling these Jalapeno Ranch potato chips by Ruffles they have just a hint of spice, and are a nice little crunchy snack. And Tennille shared that she’s missing going to Wegman’s now that she lives further out, but she’s loving their fruit and custard tart. Clearly we were hungry last week (lol) From there we set the table. This episode's guiding passage is a powerful reminder from Ecclesiastes 3:1: "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven." Life is full of changes, just like nature's seasons, so we spent the hour exploring the significance of trusting the timing of our lives. We answer questions like, “How do you think about the different seasons in your life?” and “Do you struggle with trusting the timing when things don't go as planned?” And we get real about embracing waiting seasons, maintaining faith through unexpected turns, and reflecting on our personal winning seasons. Our prayer today is a beautiful acknowledgment of God as the master of time and the orchestrator of our seasons. We seek His guidance, patience, and unwavering faith in His divine plan. The we close with our weekly practice by inviting you to join us in a 'Seasons Reflection' exercise. Take a moment this week to reflect on your current season. Breathe, contemplate, and pray for understanding. Reinforce your trust in God's divine timing with a serene breathing exercise. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. You are cherished, and your presence makes this podcast truly special. As we navigate the seasons of our lives together, may we find peace in knowing that God is with us every step of the way. 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 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’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’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lovemaaden.substack.com/subscribe

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’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lovemaaden.substack.com/subscribe

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’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lovemaaden.substack.com/subscribe

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’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lovemaaden.substack.com/subscribe