If you’ve been following along this little ol’ blog of mine, you’ll probably know that I am a pretty positive person. And although I would have apologized for it in the past (I know, that sounds whack but it’s true!), I am mostly bubbly + really interested in living my life as positively as I can. Naturally, I see the positive in most situations but as many of you know, I work tirelessly on improving myself + showing up as the very best version of myself.
And as trendy + relatively confusing that statement may be, it’s true. I have always reached to be better in my life in all aspects. There were definitely years of my life where my attention was more career-driven and there were totally years in my life where I wrongly focused on the wrong things–but wanted to be the best in those spaces too.
Becoming a mother was the biggest change I have ever experienced. It was completely life-altering in the most incredible + humbling way. Navigating my life + what sparks joy for me, as Holly–separate from mommy–has been challenging. I am still learning what I love to do, what I am willing to put my energy towards, and how to prioritize all the things. I think it will be a constant work in progress + when I finally think I have it all figured out, my children will be off to college or university and I’ll be crying in a corner because I miss them so. And I won’t even for a minute try + justify why it works for our family that I stay home + raise up our babies. It works for us and I have a deep gratitude for this season of my life, despite the tears that I shed + the loss I sometimes feel for my pre-baby life. Those moments don’t come often, but being as transparent as possible, when they come it feels like a tsunami. Anddd sometimes I feel like I am drowning.
I am grateful to have a wonderful husband who is the person who I can speak to about these moments + who I have the pleasure of sharing my goals and dreams with. We are an incredible team that I count my lucky stars for every dang day. Additionally to my darling Hubs, I choose to spend my days consuming podcasts, audiobooks, and books that help me focus + stay motivated towards my goals. I am a total personal development junkie + it matters to me that I am the very best version of myself for my husband, for my kids, my friends, and ultimately, myself. It really matters that I am setting an example for my children that one can always strive to be better, work harder, and be kinder. It is my mission as a mother to ensure that my kids know themselves, are certain in who they are, and that they work hard for what they want while being kind to everyone. It may seem like a tall order but I can’t think of a single parent who intrinsically does not want those things for their littles.
ANYWAY.
As I am home all day with my kiddos, I have to carve out the time to do work, listen to my audiobooks/podcasts, and read (and highlight like a crazy person!). I try my hardest to be as intentional with my children during the day + leave the “quiet” times in the morning (I haven’t been able to get up an hour earlier than everyone because, #eloisebellebowman but I hope one day to add that to my daily routine!) and after lunch. Oh, and once the kids are in bed–I try to not fall asleep with them + either do some work/clean up from the day/hang with the hubs/get some yoga in/DOING ALL THE THINGS–I am trying so hard, ha.
Okay, so I’ve been listening to some incredible podcasts that I really need to share them with you. I’m compelled to share because as a busy stay at home and work from home mama, I can squeeze a podcast in while I am walking my kids in the stroller. There are just so many gems in these podcasts + listening to one a day has become a total habit for me.
RISE PODCAST by Rachel Hollis.
Rachel is everywhere + totally dominating the personal development space. Her book Girl, Wash Your Face (a NYT bestseller!) is so good that I listened to it on audiobook AND I bought the hardcover so I could highlight because girlfriend shares so much truth, that it deserves to be read/listened to over + over again. Her podcast is full of workable + tangible advice to get outta your own way and reach your goals. The RISE podcast also features awesome interviews between Rachel and some really inspiring guests. Highly recommend.
RISE TOGETHER by Rachel + Dave Hollis.
I’m not lying when I say that I am drinking the Hollis Co Koolaid, but I’m not mad about it one bit. This podcast is so entertaining as this husband + wife dynamic duo is not only super fun but they share real workable advice for intentional relationships. I feel very strongly that my marriage with Aaron is tiiiiiight but gosh, sometimes, it’s nice to surround myself with new great ideas + tools for me to show up as the best wife I can be. Anddd gosh, these two are so funny.
THE BRENDON SHOW by Brendon Burchard.
I shared it on my Instagram a month ago, but I have been reading Brendon’s book High Performance Habits (and LOVING IT) and I decided to accompany my reading with his podcast. I’ve only started to listen to it but it gives more insight into habits of high performers and how we can all be more intentional with our time + really lean into the habits that we want to form and strengthen. He is so likeable and is full of wisdom. If you’re a fan of creating new habits–don’t stop, get it get it.
THE SCHOOL OF GREATNESS by Lewis Howes.
Lewis is a total GIANT in the business + personal development world. I really enjoy how transparent he is and he has an incredible mindset when it comes to being great and living your best life. He is a former pro-athlete, NYT bestseller, and a lifestyle entrepeneur. This podcast is a new one for me but I have been listening frequently + I’ve really been loving the guests that he has hosting. Although women can totally relate to the content in this podcast (I mean, helloooo I do!), I think this is a great one for men who may feel like personal development isn’t a thing. Highly recommend.
Additional personal development + business podcasts that I dabble in:
- The Tony Robbins Podcast by Tony Robbins
- Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher
- Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations by Oprah Winfrey
You can find all these podcasts on the Apple Podcast App + Soundcloud, Stitcher, and Spotify!
Are you a podcast-junkie?! I’d love to know what you love to listen to!
XO