I opened Google Docs at 9am and just started typing. Bullet points, random thoughts, full-on word vomit. My brain was spiraling about something I actually WANTED for my son—sending him to Montessori.

I'd been dreaming about this since he was a baby. But as the start date got closer? How will I work with only 2 hours to myself? What if I can't handle being in mom mode all morning? What if I become that overstimulated, impatient version of myself I hate?

In this episode, I walk you through my actual brain dump from February—the fears, the scheduling panic, the limiting beliefs, and exactly how I used strategic journaling to process it all instead of just white-knuckling through.

You'll hear:

• Why wanting something can still feel terrifying (and what that means)
• The two things I did OUTSIDE of journaling that regulated my nervous system before the change even happened
• How to untangle "I'm excited" from "I'm overwhelmed" when they're happening at the same time

If you're staring down a major schedule change—less childcare, a new job, homeschooling, or just life throwing you a curveball—this will help you move from "I can't do this" to "okay, I can figure this out."

Next Tuesday, Part 2 drops with the real update after a month of living this new reality. Did I spiral? Thrive? Find my flow? You'll find out.

• Book a free Clarity Call → https://calendly.com/samanthasays/clarity-call
• Reserve 1:1 coaching (2 spots open) → https://www.samanthapenkoff.com/privatecoaching

Connect: Instagram | Facebook

September energy hits different, doesn't it? While everyone's making January resolutions, you're over here actually ready to change things. New routines, boundaries you've been avoiding, that business idea collecting dust - all because you keep telling yourself "when things calm down."

Plot twist: They never do. 😂

Perfect for working moms who are: Tired of waiting for permission, ready to disappoint a few people to save themselves, done putting their dreams on layaway.

Your 4 Strategic Journaling Prompts:

1. What have you been telling yourself you'll get to once things calm down?
2. Pick the biggest one - if you actually did this, the worst thing that could happen is...
3. What's the real fear underneath it all?
4. I give myself permission to _____ even if it means _____

Take action: Save this episode, grab a coffee, and work through these prompts. Then watch how different September feels when you stop waiting for perfect timing.

• Calm Mind Blueprint: https://www.samanthapenkoff.com/calm-mind-pod
• Free Clarity Call: https://calendly.com/samanthasays/clarity-call

1:1 coaching: Now accepting applications, 1 spot open. Learn More here: https://www.samanthapenkoff.com/privatecoaching

Connect with Sam on IG: https://www.instagram.com/samantha.s.says

DM Sam on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoachSamanthaHawley/

When you're used to being the person who gets things done, letting go of control feels impossible. Your kid refuses to put shoes on. Your employee questions your timeline. Your partner loads the dishwasher completely wrong. Sound familiar? What if everything actually falls apart?

Two things you'll walk away with:

1. 🎯 The Two-Part Framework that stops you from losing your mind when things don't go according to plan (works for toddler tantrums AND work meetings)
2. 💡 Why Your Default "Must Do It My Way" Response is keeping you stressed, overwhelmed, and secretly resentful that nobody appreciates how much you handle

After listening, you'll actually feel relief instead of that tight chest feeling when plans change. You'll stop redoing everyone else's "help" and start trusting that things can get done differently (and still turn out fine).

No more carrying the mental load of making sure everything happens exactly right. No more feeling like the only responsible adult in the room. This is your reminder that flexibility isn't giving up - it's giving yourself permission to breathe.

• Calm Mind Blueprint: https://www.samanthapenkoff.com/calm-mind-pod
• Free Clarity Call: https://calendly.com/samanthasays/clarity-call

1:1 coaching: Now accepting applications, 1 spot open. Learn More here: https://www.samanthapenkoff.com/privatecoaching

Connect with Sam on IG: https://www.instagram.com/samantha.s.says

DM Sam on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoachSamanthaHawley/