Tired of “habit stacks” and “motivational morning routines” that just don't stick?

It’s not you, it’s the strategy.

In this episode, Shawna and Cara explore Gretchen Rubin's "The Four Tendencies" to help you discover more about what makes you… get and stay motivated.

Whether you're an Upholder, Questioner, Obliger, or Rebel.

This is for any mom who has ever felt like the problem can’t be "lazziness" or lack of discipline.

There has to be something else behind why she just couldn't follow generic advice into transformative life changing new habits.

In this episode we explore what might be possible if we learn how to work with our personality not against it to finally build habits that last.

TLFMTR (Too Long For Mom To Read):

• An introduction to Gretchen Rubin's Four Tendencies: Upholder, Questioner, Obliger, and Rebel, which are based on how you respond to inner and outer expectations.
  

• Why generic habit advice often fails and how understanding your unique wiring is the key to success.
  

• The power of leveraging your natural tendency as a strength rather than trying to change who you are at your core.
  

• Personal examples of how Shawna (a Rebel wanna be real life Obliger) and Cara (an Upholder) navigate motivation differently.
  

• An invitation to stop the cycle of self-judgment and instead use self-awareness to build a life that feels more authentic and fulfilling.

  
  

Instead of asking "Why can't I stick to this?", what if you gently asked, "What kind of support or structure do I naturally need to succeed?"

Remember, you are not a project to be fixed; you are a person to be understood.

If you're looking for more support on your journey, come and join our free community of moms who get it at https://joinhearttostart.com.

To learn more about Gretchen Rubin and her work and take the Four Tendencies quiz: https://gretchenrubin.com/four-tendencies/

We tried a "14 Days of Joy" challenge... And we kind of failed. Join us for a hilarious and honest chat about why it's so hard for moms to prioritize their own happiness.

From choosing chores over reading to turning "me time" into family time, we explore the mental hurdles we all face.

This episode is for any mom who’s ever felt guilty for not being “better” at self-care.

TLFMTR (Too Long For Mom To Read):

• What’s with the battle between choosing personal joy versus a productive "mom task"?
  

• Why is it "me time" so easily morphs into a "family activity"?
  

• Do we really have "no time" or did we spend it scrolling on autopilot?
  

• Why is modeling self-care for our kids is so important?
  

• Our spontaneous new plan: the "Mom Time Audit" challenge!

When was the last time you did something purely for your own joy, without it needing to be productive or for someone else?

Remember, adding joy to your life doesn't have to be another thing you get perfect. You are mom enough, and you're not alone in this.

If you're looking for more support on your journey, come and join our free community of moms who get it at https://joinhearttostart.com.

Does taking a nap or booking a massage feel less like self-care and more like a selfish indulgence now that you have kids?

In this episode, Shawna and Cara dive deep into the pervasive guilt that plagues moms when they try to take time for themselves.

From potty-training burnout to the work-from-home juggle, they share personal stories that will make you say, "I thought I was the only one."

This episode is for any mom who is tired of running on empty and ready to believe that caring for herself is a crucial part of caring for her family.

TLFMTR (Too Long For Mom To Read):

• Modeling is everything: Your children learn to care for themselves by watching you care for yourself. Making your well-being a priority is a gift to them.
  

• It's a two-part problem: Mom guilt often comes from our internal struggle to let go, which is made worse by external factors like a partner's lack of communication while we're away.
  

• Self-care is life support: True self-care isn't a selfish luxury; it's the essential practice that keeps you sane, grounded, and present for your family.
  

• Don't wait for permission: You don't need the perfect moment to take care of yourself. Just start somewhere, even if it's as small as finishing a hot cup of coffee.

What is one small, simple thing I can do just for me this week, without apology or explanation?

Remember, you are not weak for wanting more than just survival, you're human.

If you're looking for more support on your journey, come and join our free community of moms who get it at https://joinhearttostart.com.

Join Shawna and Cara as they spill the tea on their recent fitness challenge and the reality of fitting movement into a busy mom's life.

This episode is a raw, honest look at "mom possible" workouts, letting go of the pressure to "bounce back," and finding joy in movement, even when it's messy.

They share personal stories, including a hilarious one about how braless and jumping should be illegal but not for the reasons everyone thinks…

And they offer compassionate advice on how to get started, even if you feel like you've tried and quit everything.

TLFMTR (Too Long For Mom To Read):

• A "mom possible" workout is a flexible workout. It's about finding time to move whenever you can, not just first thing in the morning when babies need feeding and attention.
  

• The first five minutes are the hardest. Once you start moving, it's easier to stay in motion, and the true reward is how you feel afterward.
  

• It’s okay to not love every second of a workout. Consistent movement is about embracing the "suck" until it sucks a little less, and the feeling of accomplishment afterward is worth it.
  

• Movement doesn't have to be punishing. There are many ways to be active, and finding a joyful activity like dancing can be more effective than a high-intensity workout you dread.

What would movement look like if you redefined your expectations and focused on what's "mom possible" for you right now, without the pressure of a "bounce back" fantasy?

Remember, your kids don't need a perfect mom; they need a resilient one.

If you're looking for more support on your journey, come and join our free community of moms who get it at https://joinhearttostart.com.

And… if you’re into an e-true Hollywood story of how one mom won back her health one small step at a time… make sure to check out an earlier YME Episode 10 where Cara interviews the amazing Chevaunne who shares her story: From Grief to Grit, how one mom ran her way back to herself and lost 117 lbs

Hey Mom… Ever feel like you need a vacation from your vacation?

You're not alone. In this episode, Shawna and Cara open up about their recent family getaways and the hilarious (and sometimes stressful) reality of traveling with kids.

We're ditching the myth of the perfect family trip and getting real about why it's a "survival exercise," not a spa day.

From dealing with unexpected challenges like sunscreen allergies and forgotten gear , to finding joy in the chaos, we share our honest experiences and remind you to pack your patience and redefine your idea of a successful trip.

Plus, we challenge you to take a "mini vacation" every day with our 14 Days of Fun challenge.

TLFMTR (Too Long For Mom To Read):

• A "vacation" with kids is not about rest; it's about redefining family time.

  
  

• The goal of a family getaway is not perfection, but connection. Lower your expectations and embrace the messiness to create lasting memories.

  
  

• Packing your patience is just as important as packing your bags. Being out of your element can make you feel close to the edge of your temper, so be gentle with yourself.

  
  

• Don't forget to prioritize your own well-being. Even a brief "momcation" or a 30-minute daily activity can help you reconnect with yourself and remember who you are outside of motherhood.

  
  

What's one small, fun thing you can do for yourself today to feel a little more like "you"?

Remember, you are a great mom, and you're not alone in this.

If you're looking for more support on your journey, come and join our free community of moms who get it at https://joinhearttostart.com.

What if the best gift you could give yourself wasn’t more time online but less?

In this episode, Shawna and Cara share their 12-hour digital detox experiment and how it reshaped their anxiety, their connection with family, and even their sense of self.

TLFMTR (Too Long For Mom To Read):

• The surprising difficulty and freedom of going phone-free.
  

• How social media feeds comparison and guilt for moms.
  

• Why boredom and stillness are essential for clarity and peace.
  

• Simple ways to begin your own “disconnect” challenge.
  

How would your day feel different if you chose presence over scrolling even just for an hour?

You’re already mom enough, with or without the phone in your hand.

If you're looking for more support on your journey, come and join our free community of moms who get it at https://joinhearttostart.com.

Processed food isn’t just convenient, it's often designed to keep us craving more.

In this episode, Shawna and Cara unpack how engineered foods affect our families, why moms carry so much guilt around feeding kids, and what small, realistic steps we can take toward balance without burnout.

TLFMTR (Too Long For Mom To Read):

• Why cravings aren’t just about willpower.
  

• The difference between “processed” vs. “super processed” foods.
  

• How guilt shows up for moms around feeding kids.
  

• Practical tips for balancing convenience with nourishment.
  

How might you release guilt around food choices and instead focus on awareness and small, compassionate shifts?

You are already mom enough, just as you are.

If you're looking for more support on your journey, come and join our free community of moms who get it at https://joinhearttostart.com.

What if just 5 minutes of movement could shift your mood, ease your anxiety, and help you feel more like you?

Shawna and Cara unpack their 7 days… 30 minutes per day "simple movement" challenge.

They share what worked, what flopped, and why small, consistent actions matter so much.

Whether it’s walking, dancing, or chasing kids through a sprinkler, this episode will help you ditch perfection and move in ways that feel good.

TLFMTR (Too Long For Mom To Read):

• The magic of “movement snacks” for busy moms.
  

• How movement impacts both body and mind.
  

• Overcoming the mental hurdle of starting.
  

• Redefining exercise as joy, not punishment.
  

• Showing kids that taking care of yourself matters.
  

What’s one small, joyful way you could move your body today?

Remember, you are a great mom, and you’re not alone in this.

If you're looking for more support on your journey, come and join our free community of moms who get it at https://joinhearttostart.com.