Stop Seeking Approval: How to Trust Yourself and Shine

For so many of us, motherhood magnifies an old habit we’ve carried for years: seeking approval. We want to be the “good mom,” the “supportive partner,” the “reliable friend.” And while there’s nothing wrong with wanting to show up well for the people we love, constantly chasing validation leaves us drained, resentful, and disconnected from our own voice.
Here’s the truth: you don’t need permission to trust yourself. When you stop seeking approval and start living from your own values, you reclaim your energy, confidence, and joy. This is exactly what I share in my book, Mom Take Center Stage—because moms don’t just deserve to survive motherhood, we deserve to shine. And the first step is learning how to listen to yourself louder than you listen to the outside noise.
Hidden You: Unlocking the Parts of Yourself You Keep in the Shadows

Most of us walk through life showing only the pieces of ourselves we think are “acceptable.” We hide the messy, complicated, or misunderstood parts in the shadows—out of fear of judgment, rejection, or not fitting in. But the truth is, those hidden pieces hold incredible power. They shape your creativity, your resilience, and even your joy.
In this post, we’re diving into “The Hidden You”—how to recognize the parts of yourself you’ve tucked away and why embracing them can lead to more confidence and fulfillment. This is the heart of what I explore in my book Mom Take Center Stage: the idea that stepping into your full self—without apology—doesn’t just change your life, it creates a ripple effect in your family and community.
Authenticity After Trauma: Beyond the Sugarcoat

Trauma changes you. Sometimes in ways people can see, but often in the ways you hide. There’s a pressure—especially for moms—to “move on,” put on a brave face, and sugarcoat the hard stuff so life looks picture-perfect. But real healing doesn’t come from pretending everything’s fine. It comes from reclaiming your authentic self after trauma—the raw, unpolished, yet deeply powerful version of you.
In this post, we’ll talk about what it really means to live with authenticity after trauma, and why dropping the sugarcoat isn’t weakness—it’s strength. This is the same message at the core of my book, Mom Take Center Stage: your story, in all its truth, is not something to hide. It’s the very thing that can inspire your children and create a legacy of resilience.
Self-Care in 2025: Tips, Trends & Trusted Tools to Actually Feel Restored

Self-care has become a buzzword—but let’s be honest, most of what’s trending doesn’t actually leave you feeling restored. Moms especially know the difference between a quick distraction and true renewal. In 2025, self-care is shifting: it’s less about bubble baths and more about practical, evidence-backed tools that help you feel grounded, energized, and connected again.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the latest self-care tips, trends, and trusted tools for 2025 that can actually make a difference in your busy life. These aren’t luxuries—they’re lifelines. And they connect directly to the work I share in my book, Mom Take Center Stage: when you choose yourself without guilt, you don’t just refill your own cup, you show your family what true well-being looks like.
The Art of Becoming a People-Oriented Person (Without Burning Out)

We’ve all met those people who just get people.. They’re warm, approachable, and make others feel seen. They’re the ones everyone leans on — the glue in a group, the natural leaders. But it can be a paradoxical situation. Being a people-oriented person can be exhausting if you don’t know how to balance empathy with […]
Finding Joy After Trauma: Why Healing Isn’t a Prerequisite

That person who did you wrong… the things they said and did? They weren’t meant for you to carry forever. And yet here you are, waiting for the right moment to finally be “over it.” But what if that moment never comes? The truth is, some traumas don’t heal on our timeline. Some scars never […]
How to Find Happiness in the Middle of Everyday Life (Not Just the Big Moments)

We all chase happiness. We want to know what we can do to touch it and keep it. We think we’ll find it in the big milestones—graduations, weddings, dream vacations, or when life finally slows down. Though if we’re honest, most of our lives aren’t lived in those moments. Life is mostly lived in the […]
Mom Guilt vs. Self-Worth: How to Choose Yourself Without Shame

The Exhaustion We Don’t Talk About It’s 10 p.m. The dishwasher is humming, laundry is still in the dryer, and your teen just reminded you about the science project due tomorrow. You’re running on fumes, but your mind is already racing through tomorrow’s to-do list. Motherhood has a way of asking for 120% when you […]
The Art of Holding onto Joy in a Broken World

The world feels heavy right now. From global crises to the everyday pressures of motherhood, it’s easy to feel like joy is out of reach—or even irresponsible when so much seems broken. But here’s the truth: joy isn’t about ignoring reality—it’s about creating light in the middle of it. Learning how to find joy in a broken world doesn’t mean pretending pain doesn’t exist. It means choosing small practices, moments, and mindsets that help you hold on to hope, resilience, and love when everything around you feels uncertain.
This is something I talk about deeply in my book Mom, Take Center Stage, because as moms, finding joy isn’t just for us—it’s for the children watching how we live, love, and lead through hard times.
From Chaos to Clarity: Simple Strategies Moms Can Use to Handle the Teenage Years

The teenage years are famously tricky—but with the right strategies, moms can navigate them with patience, connection, and confidence. Welcome to the Teenage Roller Coaster One minute your teen is laughing with you, and the next they’re slamming their door so hard it rattles the house. Welcome to the teenage years—the age of eye rolls, […]