Episode 175: Decmeber 5, 2024


In all the talk of Christmas being wonderful, there's also a huge sense of dread for mothers to get it all done. There are so many expectations of us during this time of the year. Carrie, Amy, and Sara discuss what lessons we have learned over the years. There are some rhythms and things we cut out in December to be more present and at peace. We want to encourage you to do the same, so listen in!

Key Moments:

[1:48] You don’t have to be a Pinterest mom

[7:21] Kids remember you being present and not stressed

[9:41] Keep things the same to minimize decision-making

[16:33] Put on Christmas music?

[27:07] Changes coming to our lives and the podcast

Resources:

The Quiet Collection

Shadow and Light: A Journey into Advent

The Christmas Donkey song

Ep. 63 Ten Tips for Thriving this Holiday Season
Invisible Challenges: Navigating Advocacy and Support While Parenting Challenging Behaviors.

Amy’s Substack

If you enjoyed the show:

• Have you purchased our new book, The Other Side of Special?
• Subscribe to our newsletter on the Take Heart Website
• Get our free resource on finding Gratitude, Peace, and Hope
• Review and like us on Apple Podcasts
• Share us with others from wherever you listen to podcasts
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• Find Amy at www.amyjbrown.com/ or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writer
• Find Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholt
• Find Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @

Sara met with the author and founder of We Are Brave Together, Jessica Patay, to discuss the beautiful things that come from being in a community of women caregivers. Jessica's community provides mentoring, meaningful conversations, and an authenticity that very few outside the caregiving community can replicate. She launched the nonprofit to support mothers of children with disabilities or mental health challenges. In her book, "Becoming Brave Together," she shares real stories of caregiving mothers to encourage understanding caregivers and their families and friends. Listen in to hear the inspiration for her nonprofit and her heart for special needs caregiving women.

Key Moments:

[8:44] Vulnerability breeds connections among caregiving women

[19:40] We hide our real emotions because of inspirational expectations.
[21:29] The book gives insight for friends of caregivers, too.
[24:55] We don’t want to be a burden so we avoid hard conversations.
[26:23] You are not meant to do this journey alone.

Resources:
Home Page: https://www.wearebravetogether.org

Book: Becoming Brave Together: Heroic, Extraordinary Caregiving Stories from Mothers Hidden in Plain Sight

Support: Connection Circles

Bite-Sized Self-Care Suggestions

If you enjoyed the show:

• Have you purchased our new book, The Other Side of Special?
• Subscribe to our newsletter on the Take Heart Website
• Get our free resource on finding Gratitude, Peace, and Hope
• Review and like us on Apple Podcasts
• Share us with others from wherever you listen to podcasts
• Follow us on Instagram @takeheartspecialmoms
• Find Amy at www.amyjbrown.com/ or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writer
• Find Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholt

Find Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @saraclime

Amy, Sara, and Carrie explore the pervasive feelings of loneliness and isolation that special needs parents experience. They discuss how their past focus on efficiency led to prioritizing tasks over relationships. Now, years into their special needs parenting lives, they need intentional connection. They discuss their strategies for pushing past isolation and loneliness towards deeper friendships and finding their worth in the Lord.

Join the conversation to learn how to nurture meaningful relationships and gracefully navigate the loneliness challenge.

Episode 173: November 5, 2024

Key Moments:
[1:44] Even 18 years later, I still feel unseen
[7:21] The loneliness of isolation prevents carefree time with friends
[19:15] Overwhelmed exhaustion keeps me from planning things
[20: 40] Being honest and continue to reach out
[24:49] Have a website to send to a friend who wants to understand
{28:56} Make an effort, especially to those who have been faithful to us

Resources:
https://www.amazon.com/Show-Up-Bring-Coffee-Disabled/dp/B0CFZKZGS8

If you enjoyed the show:

• Have you purchased our new book, The Other Side of Special?
• Subscribe to our newsletter on the Take Heart Website
• Get our free resource on finding Gratitude, Peace, and Hope
• Review and like us on Apple Podcasts
• Share us with others from wherever you listen to podcasts
• Follow us on Instagram @takeheartspecialmoms
• Find Amy at www.amyjbrown.com/ or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writer
• Find Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholt
• Find Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @saraclime