Episode description

Today I'm talking about how I completely changed how I experience my life and motherhood. I'll share an experience that illustrates this point and then I'll talk about how. I'll talk about the actual things that I changed how I feel about life during really hard times, as well as when things are going well.

• My third and fourth pregnancies were super hard physically, but this time (my fourth pregnancy) I am doing so much better because of the things that I've learned and been able to apply to my thinking. I'm using my time well and being the type of person I want to be despite the struggles, where I cannot say that about my third pregnancy.
• Becoming aware of my thoughts was the first step to being intentional with changing the thoughts.
• Consistently identify and shifting my thinking to more helpful and less distorted thinking has slowly shifted my natural way of thinking into a much more helpful and positive natural state.
• Recognize what phase of the Surviving to Thriving Framework you are in. Are you in Surviving, Re-Entry, Normalizing, Exploring, or Thriving? This will give you perspective on your current situation and where you get to go next.
• Teach your brain NOT to scan for negative and hard, but instead to ask "What am I grateful for?" "What were my big wins today?" and "How have I seen the hand of the Lord today?"
• Think through what your next steps on your projects are so you know what's next rather than wandering and twiddling your thumbs when you have a few spare minutes. That way, you are working consistently on moving your projects and goals forward.
• Carving out time for a spiritual connection with God has been key to my change for the better perspective.
• CONSISTENCY is key to retraining your brain. Ask the questions every day!

• Thriving in Motherhood Journal