Episoder
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MINDSET TRAPS OF THE EMPTY NEST - Trap #6 - Personalization
Ever feel like your teenās bad mood is somehow your fault? In this episode of The Almost Empty Nest Podcast, Iām diving deep into one of the most painful and sneaky mindset traps we moms fall intoāpersonalization. Itās that gut-wrenching habit of making our kidsā struggles, choices, and emotions mean something about us. Iāve lived it, Iāve coached through it, and Iāve seen how it quietly steals our peace and strains our connection with our kids. But hereās the truth: this trap isnāt who you areāitās just a pattern your brain has learned. And once you see it, you can start to let it go. Join me for a heartfelt look at how to release the guilt, reclaim your power, and show up with the love and presence youāve always wanted to give.
Download a free Mindset Trap Detector here: https://www.thesmalljar.com/detector
If you're interested in exploring Small Jar's Mom 2.0 Coaching Program, visit https://www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0.
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Have you ever felt like you're living in two worlds at onceāstill deep in the trenches of motherhood while also staring down an almost-empty nest? I know I have. In this episode, I dive into what I call the Empty Nest Straddleāthat long, messy, emotional transition where you're constantly shifting between holding on and letting go. Itās the push and pull of still being needed while feeling your child drift into their own independence. And if youāve ever wrestled with uncertainty, control, or the fear of what comes next for you, youāre not alone. Iāll share why this transition feels so hard, the mindset traps that make it even harder, and how we can start trusting ourselves to navigate this season with more peace, confidence, and clarity.
Download a free Mindset Trap Detector here: https://www.thesmalljar.com/detector
If you're interested in exploring Small Jar's Mom 2.0 Coaching Program, visit https://www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0.
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MINDSET TRAPS OF THE EMPTY NEST - Trap #5 - Perfectionism
In this episode, Iām digging into one of the most exhausting and invisible traps so many of us fall intoāperfectionism. You might think you're just trying to do your best, but what if that constant pressure to get it all right is actually making motherhoodāand lifeāso much harder than it has to be? Iāll share how perfectionism shows up in ways you might not expect, how it affects your relationship with your teen, and how it keeps you stuck in fear and self-doubt. Most importantly, Iāll show you how to begin letting go of this impossible standard so you can step into more peace, trust, and confidence as both a mom and a woman in your next chapter.
Download a free Mindset Trap Detector here: https://www.thesmalljar.com/detector
If you're interested in exploring Small Jar's Mom 2.0 Coaching Program, visit https://www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0.
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Some moms dread the empty nest...and some of us....can't wait. Have you ever found yourself counting down the days until your child leaves home (either for the first time or after a visit)ābut then feeling guilty about it? In this episode of The Almost Empty Nest Podcast, I dive into the emotional rollercoaster of looking forward to the empty nest while still holding space for the deep love we have for our kids. Why do some of us feel relief at the thought of reclaiming our time, while others struggle with the idea of letting go? And most importantly, why do we wait to feel betterābelieving peace, joy, and purpose will come after our kids leave? What if we didnāt have to wait? Join me as we unpack these emotions and explore how you can start embracing the next chapter of your life right now.
Download a free Mindset Trap Detector here: https://www.thesmalljar.com/detector
If you're interested in exploring Small Jar's Mom 2.0 Coaching Program, visit https://www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0.
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MINDSET TRAPS OF THE EMPTY NEST - Trap #4 - Illusion of Control
Have you ever found yourself checking your kid, reminding them (again) about their responsibilities, or feeling that tight grip of anxiety when they donāt do what you ask or hope they'll do? If so, youāre not alone. In this episode of The Almost Empty Nest Podcast, I dive into one of the biggest mindset traps we face as moms of teensāthe illusion of control. For years, weāve shaped our childrenās lives, guiding them, protecting them, ensuring their happiness. But as they step into independence, we find ourselves holding on tighter, convinced that if we just say or do the right thing, we can keep them safe, successful, and happy. The truth? We were never in control to begin with. And the more we try, the more frustrated, exhausted, and disconnected we feel. In this episode, Iāll show you why letting go doesnāt mean giving upāit means finding peace, trust, and a whole new way to connect with your big kid.
Download a free Mindset Trap Detector here: https://www.thesmalljar.com/detector
If you're interested in exploring Small Jar's Mom 2.0 Coaching Program, visit https://www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0.
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Two years ago, I recorded an episode about the last 100 days before my oldest son's high school graduationāfull of emotion, nostalgia, and the feeling that time was slipping away. Now, I'm here again, counting down the last 100 days with my youngest, but this time, everything feels different. In this episode, I reflect on how much I've grown, how my perspective has shifted, and what Iāve learned about letting go, trusting the journey, and embracing this season with peace instead of fear. If youāre feeling the weight of change and wondering how to navigate it with grace, this oneās for you.
Download a free Mindset Trap Detector here: https://www.thesmalljar.com/detector
If you're interested in exploring Small Jar's Mom 2.0 Coaching Program, visit https://www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0.
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MINDSET TRAPS OF THE EMPTY NEST - Trap #3 - Comparison Trap
Have you ever found yourself scrolling through social media, seeing another momās perfectly happy family vacation, and feeling that pang of āWhy canāt I have that?ā Or maybe youāve heard about another teenās big achievement and suddenly questioned whether youāve done enough for your own child? In this episode of The Almost Empty Nest Podcast, I dive into the comparison trapāone of the sneakiest mindset traps that keeps us feeling inadequate and anxious. Iāll unpack why our brains are wired to compare, how it distorts our sense of worth, and most importantly, how to break free from this cycle so you can step into confidence, peace, and the truth that you are already enough.
Download a free Mindset Trap Detector here: https://www.thesmalljar.com/detector
If you're interested in exploring Small Jar's Mom 2.0 Coaching Program, visit https://www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0.
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I used to think self-awareness meant being brutally honest about all the ways I was falling shortāuntil I realized that what I thought was awareness was actually just self-judgment. In this episode, Iām redefining what true self-awareness really looks like and how shifting your perspective can change everything. Youāll learn why self-judgment keeps you stuck, how to recognize sneaky mindset traps disguised as "truth," and the simple but powerful shift that will help you trust yourself and move forward with confidence. If youāve ever felt like youāre your own worst critic, this episode is for you. Listen now and start seeing yourself in a whole new way!
Download a free Mindset Trap Detector here: https://www.thesmalljar.com/detector
If you're interested in exploring Small Jar's Mom 2.0 Coaching Program, visit https://www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0.
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MINDSET TRAPS OF THE EMPTY NEST - Trap #2 - All-or-Nothing Thinking
In this episode of The Almost Empty Nest Podcast, Iām diving into the second mindset trap on the road to the empty nestāall-or-nothing thinking. You know the feeling: if your teen misses a curfew, your brain leaps to worst-case scenarios, or if youāre not the 'perfect mom,' you fear youāre failing altogether. But hereās what you might not believeāyouāre not falling into this trap because youāre anxious or overreacting. In fact, your brain thinks itās protecting you. Iāll show you why this instinct to think in extremes is actually a survival mechanism, how it sneaks into your parenting without you noticing, andāmost surprisinglyāhow letting go of this mindset can make you feel more in control, not less. If youāve ever felt trapped in black-and-white thinking, this episode will open your eyes to the freedom waiting in the gray.
Download a free Mindset Trap Detector here: https://www.thesmalljar.com/detector
If you're interested in exploring Small Jar's Mom 2.0 Coaching Program, visit https://www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0.
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As moms, we're always trying our best. You pour your heart into your kids. But as they pull away, or as you approach the empty nest, it can feel really hard. In fact, during this transitional time of life, there are many things that can feel really hard. Just looking on the bright side isn't an option. In this episode, Iām sharing a deeply personal story about one of the hardest moments Iāve faced as a momāand what it taught me about love, letting go, and trusting myself. If youāre struggling with the emotional rollercoaster of raising and launching your kids, feeling overwhelmed, or just wishing this stage didnāt feel so hard, this episode is for you. You are not alone, my friend. And you donāt have to figure this out by yourself.
Download a free Mindset Trap Detector here: https://www.thesmalljar.com/detector
If you're interested in exploring Small Jar's Mom 2.0 Coaching Program, visit https://www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0.
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MINDSET TRAPS OF THE EMPTY NEST - Trap #1 - Emotional Reasoning
Are you ready to take a closer look at the mindset traps that keep us stuck as moms approaching the empty nest? In this episode of my new series on the mindset traps of the empty nest, I'm tackling Mindset Trap #1, and that is the emotional rollercoaster that so many of us moms find ourselves riding. Iāll share why we often feel like our emotions are completely out of our control and how this mindset can hold us back from peace and clarity. Youāll walk away with practical insights on how to step off the emotional rollercoaster and take control of your experience as you navigate this transition. If youāve ever felt at the mercy of your emotions, this episode will open your eyes to a whole new perspective!
Download a free Mindset Trap Detector here: https://www.thesmalljar.com/detector
If you're interested in exploring Small Jar's Mom 2.0 Coaching Program, visit https://www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0.
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Join me for a Mindset Trap 101. In this episode, I continue The Almost Empty Nest Podcast's new series on Midlife Mindset Traps by exploring what they are, how they form, and how they intertwine with our instincts as humans. Hereās what youāll learn in this episode... First, you'll learn how mindset traps are fueled by subconscious biological responses that are completely normal and natural. Second, you'll discover how our thoughts and beliefs about ourselves shape the stories we tell about who we are. And finally, I'll share how understanding this interplay between instincts and mindset offers a path to freedom. Youāll walk away with a deeper understanding of why you react the way you do and how to begin reclaiming control over your thoughts and emotional responses. Stay tuned as we set the stage to dive into 12 specific mindset traps in the episodes ahead!
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Join me as I wrap up the three-part introduction to The Almost Empty Nest Podcast's new series on Midlife Mindset Taps with a deep dive into the instinct to conserve energyāwhat I call "keeping it simple." I explore how this instinct has evolutionary roots and helps us create habits, routines, and efficiencies in our lives. But I also explore how this instinct can hold us back when life calls for change, like letting go of our teens or navigating the transition to an empty nest. You'll learn how your mindset drives both productive and unproductive habits, how to identify patterns that keep you stuck, and how to intentionally shift your perspective to create ease and confidence in this next chapter. Join me to explore how to harness your brain's natural instincts to build the life you want, starting now!
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Welcome back to Part II of the introduction to this new series on The Almost Empty Nest Podcast where I dive into the mindset traps that can hold us back as moms of teens and almost empty nesters. This week focus on our instinct to avoid pain and how this shapes the lens through which we view our role as parents and our kids' moods, behavior and outcomes. This basic instinct is a really good thing in many ways, but it can also hold us back and cause us to show up in ways that we don't really want. But hereās the game-changer: by understanding this instinct and learning to supervise our thoughts, you can free yourself from unnecessary stress and foster a deeper connection with your teen. Join me in this series to learn how to trust yourself to navigate this pivotal stage of motherhood.
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As we stand on the threshold of 2025, I invite you to join me for a journey through the lessons, growth, and pivotal moments that have defined my past five years. In this episode of The Almost Empty Nest Podcast, I reflect on the evolution of motherhood, the transition into an empty nest, and the profound realization that loving unconditionally and leading with intention is the key to thriving in every role we play. Together, weāll explore how celebrating small wins, embracing self-compassion, and letting go of fear can transform our lives in ways we never imagined. Letās step into 2025 with clarity, purpose, and the courage to be the woman weāve always wanted to be. Tune ināthis episode might just be the inspiration you need to make this year your best yet.
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This week on The Almost Empty Nest Podcast, I'm kicking off a transformative new series on Midlife Mindset Traps that keep us stuck in frustration and anxiety. If you find yourself struggling as a mom to find peace, connection, and purpose, this episode is for you. In this first episode, I dive into how our instinct to seek comfort can sometimes lead us astray, leaving us feeling dependent on external validation or stuck in unproductive habits. Youāll learn three powerful insights: the role your mindset plays in your emotional experiences, how to spot and step out of mindset traps, and most importantly, why thereās absolutely nothing āwrongā with you for feeling the way you do. Join me as I show you how to take charge of your thoughts and unlock more joy, peace, and freedom in this next chapter of life.
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10 out of 10! 5 stars! Excellent! Amazing!
Wouldn't it be nice if you could reflect on the upcoming holidays with this sentiment? In this episode of the Small Jar Podcast, I explore how...not by creating perfect circumstances, but by taking ownership of your emotional experience. Like a teacher, we have an internal "rubric" for judging our lives. But this often leads to disappointment when reality doesn't meet our expectations. Join me as I uncover how to redefine those expectations, embrace the messy beauty of life with our teens, and empower ourselves to create joy and peace this holiday season, no matter what comes our way. Tune in to discover how you can transform your holiday experience from good to truly great!
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Join me as I open up about the emotional tug-of-war that comes with parenting a high school senior as they prepare to leave the nest. Itās a time of mixed emotionsāgrappling with pride, fear, and the bittersweet realization that life is changing. I share personal stories and insights on how to let go of the expectations that often define our connection with our teens, and instead, learn to embrace unconditional love and connection, even as they grow more independent. This episode is a guide for navigating this transformative time with intention and purpose.
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The emotions of parenting teens can hit hardāwhether itās waiting for big college news, managing the quiet shift of an almost-empty nest, or navigating the bittersweet joy of watching your kids grow up. In this weekās episode, Iām sharing one of the most powerful lessons Iāve learned as a mom: how to create unconditional love, connection, and purposeāno matter the challenges or changes that come our way. This episode isnāt just about giving your teen the space to grow; itās about discovering the gift of growth for yourself.
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The holiday season is upon usāfilled with joy, love, and, letās be honest, a fair share of stress. In this episode, I invite you to consider that peace isn't something you have to earn...but instead something that you have the power to choose. Join me as I share how you can step off the hamster wheel of expectationsāyour own and everyone else'sāand truly embrace a sense of calm and connection. As you navigate the holidays, give yourself the most precious gift of allāthe ability to choose peace.
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