Fight Back Motherhood: Recent Episodes
Kelsey Smith
Hey momma, I'm glad you found yourself here.The truth is, this podcast has been on my heart for a long time now. I am a woman who has faced infertility, finally got pregnant with our miracle, faced postpartum depression, got pregnant again by the grace of God- only to miscarry. My husband and I have been through the ringer- but I keep hearing the Lord whisper to me: "Make your mess your message."So my former podcast, Control Freak, is now transitioning to a new name called "Fight Back Motherhood" and my goal is to create a community where aspiring and new mamas can feel a little less alone. Nothing is off the table here. This podcast is for you. It's for me. It's for us. We will come out of this STRONGER and understand the importance of taking care of ourselves first so we can be the best mommas for these beautiful babies. We are in this together. It's time to fight back.
In this heartfelt episode of Outnumbered, we explore the transformative role that prayer can play in parenting.
Raising children comes with countless challenges, from sleepless nights to difficult decisions, and it can often feel overwhelming. But what if we leaned into the power of prayer to guide us through these moments?
Join me as I share my story and we dive into how prayer can bring peace, wisdom, and strength to your parenting journey. Whether you’re struggling with discipline, seeking patience, or simply wanting to connect with God on a deeper level for your family, this episode offers practical insights and biblical wisdom to help you parent with intention and grace.
Tune in and discover how prayer can be the anchor you need in the beautiful, chaotic world of raising children.
Resources for YOU:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Fight Back Motherhood Course
- Nurturing Your Time Course
- 8 Week Family Meal Plan
- Hormone Safe Supplements
Let's dive into one of the most challenging aspects of parenting—sibling rivalry and constant fighting. If you're tired of playing referee in your own home, this episode is for you. We’ll explore the reasons behind sibling conflict, how to identify the root causes, and practical strategies to bring more peace to your household.
Resources for YOU:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Fight Back Motherhood Course
- Nurturing Your Time Course
- 8 Week Family Meal Plan
- Hormone Safe Supplements
Today we are tackling a topic that so many moms struggle with—postpartum weight loss and the frustrating plateau that often comes with it. If you’ve been working hard to shed those extra pounds after having a baby but feel like your body just isn’t cooperating, you’re not alone. We’ll explore how your hormones play a crucial role in weight loss, especially after childbirth, and why those hormonal imbalances might be keeping you stuck.
PS. Grab the Hormone Safe Supplements I mention in the podcast here.
Resources for YOU:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Fight Back Motherhood Course
- Nurturing Your Time Course
- 8 Week Family Meal Plan
- Hormone Safe Supplements
Today on Outnumbered, we’re diving into ROUTINES.
Do you ever feel like you’re living in a whirlwind of toddler tantrums and never-ending tasks? Trust me, mama, you’re not alone! This episode is all about how establishing simple routines can bring peace, predictability, and a bit more sanity into your day.
Tune in as I share practical tips for creating routines that work, personal stories of how routines saved my sanity, and a little faith-based wisdom to guide us through it all.
Resources for YOU:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Fight Back Motherhood Course
- Nurturing Your Time Course
- 8 Week Family Meal Plan
- Hormone Safe Supplements
Let’s talk toddler tantrums—those epic meltdowns that can turn even the calmest day into a whirlwind of chaos.
In the latest episode of Outnumbered, we’re diving deep into the world of toddler tantrums and sharing tips to help you keep your cool when your little one loses theirs.
From understanding what triggers these outbursts to strategies that actually work (most of the time!), this episode is packed with practical advice and a little bit of humor—because sometimes all you can do is laugh, right?
Resources for YOU:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Fight Back Motherhood Course
- Nurturing Your Time Course
- 8 Week Family Meal Plan
- Hormone Safe Supplements
The Wait is Over!
I’m thrilled to share the very first episode of Outnumbered with you all! As a mom of three kids under five, I know firsthand how crazy, messy, and beautifully chaotic life can get. But guess what? You’re not alone!
In this debut episode, I’m opening up about why I started Outnumbered—to create a space where we can share the highs and lows of motherhood, laugh at the craziness, and lean on our faith to get through it all. From surviving toddler tantrums to finding those rare moments of peace, we’ll cover it all with a dose of humor and a whole lot of love.
Resources for YOU:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Fight Back Motherhood Course
- Nurturing Your Time Course
- 8 Week Family Meal Plan
- Hormone Safe Supplements
Let's continue our series by talking about the connection between wellness, health, and happiness. In this podcast, we will dive into the things that shape our overall well-being.
This episode includes personal stories and practical tips to help you lead a happier, healthier life. Learn how maintaining good physical health, nurturing mental and emotional wellness, and reducing stress are key ingredients in the recipe for happiness.
Resources for YOU:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Fight Back Motherhood Course
- FREE 5 Day Self Care Email Series for Moms
In this episode, we'll explore the transformative power of gratitude, mindfulness, and meditation, offering practical tools, real-life examples, and actionable tips to help you become a happier and more resilient mom.
You'll discover how gratitude can change your perspective, how mindfulness can help you savor the precious moments with your children, and learn how meditation can reduce stress and boost emotional well-being.
Whether you're a new mom, a seasoned pro, or somewhere in between, this podcast is your go-to resource for finding joy in motherhood, reducing stress, and creating a greater sense of contentment.
Resources for YOU:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Fight Back Motherhood Course
- FREE 5 Day Self Care Email Series for Moms
How can you experience MORE happiness every single day?
That's exactly what we are going to talk about it in this episode.
Last week, I had you do a happiness audit and write down ALL of the things that brought you joy and happiness. It could be as small as the way you prepare your coffee, to doing your makeup in the morning, or taking a walk outside with the kids. If it made you happy, then it counts. I hope you did the assignment because now we get to BUILD on it in this weeks Monday Mindset.
If you're waiting for more happiness to just show up in your life, you're going to be waiting a really long time. It's your job to create it. So lets move on to Step 2, where I show you how to do MORE of the things you wrote in your happiness audit.
Resources I reference:
Monthly Habit Tracker
Resources for YOU:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Fight Back Motherhood Course
- FREE 5 Day Self Care Email Series for Moms
We are BACK baby!
Welcome to Season 2 of the Fight Back Motherhood Podcast!
After a few months off, I am BACK on the air bringing you fresh content that is going to be better than ever.
Not only will our regularly scheduled episodes start again on October 10, but you can now expect a "Monday Mindset Quick Hit" weekly, beginning TODAY. These mindset videos will align with a monthly theme, will run 8-10 minutes and will give you actionable steps to take in your week to create a positive mindset.
Our theme October is Cultivating MORE Happiness.
Here is the reality: I believe that happiness is not just a fleeting emotion but a lifelong pursuit. This month, let's be dedicated to exploring ways to increase happiness in our lives, enhance our well-being, and spread positivity to those around us.
Subscribe to the Fight Back Motherhood Podcast on Spotify or Apple!
Resources for YOU:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Fight Back Motherhood Course
- FREE 5 Day Self Care Email Series for Moms
If you want to eat better, you need to be honest with yourself and you need to be prepared.
What do I mean by that?
I will only commit to a nutrition plan that I can handle. For 8 years, I've been following a nutrition plan that involved portion control and it worked so well for me... until it suddenly didn't. With two small kids, hormonal changes, and with the way my life was- I didn't stick to it. So I decided to change it up and now im doing a high veggie, high protein meal plan that focuses more on what your plate looks like rather than how much you can have.
It's way easier for me in this season to build my plate rather than making sure im tracking every container.
Second, being prepared is the battle. Every Thursday, I've been writing out a super simple meal plan. I pick 2 breakfast options for the week, 2 lunch options, and then a different dinner every night. I compile the ingredients into a grocery list, order via Instacart & they are delivered to my door. I know what we are eating every night and I have no reason to stick to the plan because every ingredient is in the house.
Nutrition doesn't have to be hard. This is the easiest it's been for me in YEARS and my results don't lie.
This podcast breaks down everything you need to know about diet culture and how to find a plan that works best for you.
If you're interested in my mentorship, apply here.
Resources for YOU:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Fight Back Motherhood Course
- FREE 5 Day Self Care Email Series for Moms
I am so excited about today's guest on the Fight Back Motherhood Podcast.
Allyson Luna is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia who specializes in anxiety, relationship issues, depression, grief/loss, boundaries, assertiveness, life transitions, and stress management.
As a mama herself to two small boys, she knows first hand the impact anxiety can have on women- especially moms.
On today's podcast, Allyson shares her top 5 tools for conquering anxiety.
You can find Allyson at https://www.lunacounselingva.com/.
Download her Top 5 Tips here.
Resources for YOU:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Fight Back Motherhood Course
- FREE 5 Day Self Care Email Series for Moms
The other day when I was on a walk with Saylor, I put on a random John Maxwell podcast about momentum.
As a leader to a team of my own, I found myself thinking about what I was learning and how I could apply it build momentum there. But one line hit me like a ton of bricks:
"Momentum begins with the individual leader."
I stopped.
I thought about it.
Then I asked myself a question...
"Kelsey, where did YOUR momentum go?"
I quite literally sprinted home and pulled out every John Maxwell book I had, found pages on momentum, and started reading. John says momentum comes from vision, passion, and energy.
When was the last time I poured into my vision?
When was the last time I was passionate?
My energy? LOL, that's tanked.
In that moment, I realized my focus right now needs to be inward. I shut everything down that afternoon, pulled out a google document and started writing down my vision. I wrote down IN DETAIL who I wanted to be in all areas of my life. I asked myself what I needed to do to be more passionate, IGNITE more energy. Within one hour, I came up with my plan.
I am committing to a 100 Day Momentum Challenge beginning Monday.
If I want my life to change, I need to take small actions every single day to ensure it happens.
I'll be sharing more about this tomorrow and what it looks like, but I have NEVER been so serious about anything in my life and I know when 100 days go by... I am going to be in a completely different place personally, financially, with God, in my career, in my marriage, with my health, in my friendships, and as a mother.
Listen to this update for information on the challenge and tag me on Instagram at @allthingskelsey if you decide to jump in!
Resources for YOU:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Fight Back Motherhood Course
- FREE 5 Day Self Care Email Series for Moms
- 5 Tips to help you THRIVE, not survive, when your kids are home for Spring Break
There are a LOT of perks of social media. But the truth is, there are a lot of negatives too as a mom.
Studies are showing that it can increase anxiety, depression, and even affect your quality of sleep. Paired with postpartum hormones, you can be in a mess of comparison and inadequacy in just one scroll.
On today's episode, I break down why I believe social media breaks can be a good thing, tips on how navigate our feelings around the "perfect" lives that are being portrayed, and how to really look inward.
Resources for YOU:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Fight Back Motherhood Course
- FREE 5 Day Self Care Email Series for Moms
- 5 Tips to help you THRIVE, not survive, when your kids are home for Spring Break
Coming off of National Infertility Awareness Week, I wanted to go back to 2017 and share my own personal experience with infertility.
Infertility isn't over the moment you get a positive. Your heart isn't magically healed, the pain doesn't disappear overnight, and the depression and sadness you felt over the past two years isn't just magically replaced with rainbows and butterflies. You don’t just get to escape the statistic of ‘1 in 8’. It just becomes a part of your story.
I remember trying to PUSH it away and put all of my attention into the amazing news I had. It was OVER, right? We finally received what we PRAYED FOR and everyone was telling me how GRATEFUL and HAPPY I should be. I was and I am. Holding my babies in my arms is the most incredible thing to have ever happened to me.
Bringing Sutton into the world after multiple IUI'S and years of no answers is a MIRACLE.
Having Saylor after miscarriage and multiple medicated cycles is a MIRACLE.
But the truth is that I am still a work in a progress, I'm still healing and very much aware of the trauma that came from this process.
I know now that God put me through it so I could GROW through it. There was a purpose behind my pain and I have the ability to impact so many women facing it as I type. But the truth is, I'm still one of them. I don't want to forget the struggle, because that brought us here. God doesn't bring us through a valley with the intention of bringing us out & us FORGETTING what it took to get there.
The test is the testimony.
The mess becomes the message.
This podcast is my story.
Talked about in show:
- Baby Beach Packing List
Resources for YOU:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Fight Back Motherhood Course
- FREE 5 Day Self Care Email Series for Moms
- 5 Tips to help you THRIVE, not survive, when your kids are home for Spring Break
The biggest struggle I faced as a new momma was trying to do EVERYTHING. It led to overwhelm, burnout, and constant anxiety.
Having a baby changes you.
Your priorities change. You are different and that is OKAY.
The moment I had my daughter, I knew I needed to draw a line in the sand. Not only did I have to stop living my life for everyone else, but it was now my job to raise a tiny human who put HER needs first too.
In this podcast, we will talk about how you are not imagining your burnout and the reasons why your burnout is not your fault.
This is a MUST LISTEN for the woman who feels overwhelmed, exhausted, and worn down. I promise, there is ONE thing that can change everything for you.
Resources for YOU:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Fight Back Motherhood Course
- FREE 5 Day Self Care Email Series for Moms
- 5 Tips to help you THRIVE, not survive, when your kids are home for Spring Break
Welcome to LIFE UPDATE #4!
These episodes are laid back, feet up on the chair, let's chat back and forth types of episodes. I update you on where I currently am in my motherhood journey and all of juicy details on what I am experiencing right now.
In "The truths revealed during Potty Training", I talk about the impact it had on me and what was revealed in some of my weakest moments.
It's honest, it's raw, and honestly? It's pretty emotional.
Resources for YOU:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Fight Back Motherhood Course
- FREE 5 Day Self Care Email Series for Moms
- 5 Tips to help you THRIVE, not survive, when your kids are home for Spring Break
I’m sure you’ve witnessed this, right?
Somehow, it’s been six months since you saw your friends. You haven't been on a date night in a year. When is the last time you took a vacation?
I know scheduling fun doesn’t feel particularly sexy. Fun should be spontaneous! Wonderful experiences should fall into your lap! That would awesome. And it might even happen sometimes- but the reality is, it won't happen a majority of the time.
Motherhood has the ability to consume every ounce of your being. So let me say this:
You're a lot more likely to have fun if you make time for it. Oh, and if you actually commit to making it happen.
On today's podcast, we will talk about how to make that happen.
Resources for YOU:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Fight Back Motherhood Course
- FREE 5 Day Self Care Email Series for Moms
- 5 Tips to help you THRIVE, not survive, when your kids are home for Spring Break
There is an attitude floating around out there that a mom who can’t do it alone is failing as a parent.
It’s ridiculous, of course, but that doesn’t change the fact that it happens all the time. A new mom will fear reaching out for help because she’s worried that she’ll be judged for it, or that she is failing her baby by needing a second for herself to regroup. So many first time moms set impossibly high standards for themselves and when things go off the rails, they feel they have failed.
Anyone feel me?
Here's the truth though. We can't feel bad for asking for help. It DOES take a village. Whether you have a spouse, or family and friends, it does take a village to raise a child. And you know what? It’s better for the child if there is a village. Parents who refuse to let anyone care for their child except them are setting their kids up to mistrust anyone but mom. (I hate even typing this, because it's my BIGGEST fault.)
So where do we start? How do we ask for help? This podcast will help.
FREE RESOURCE: Making time for the things and people you love
Resources for YOU:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Fight Back Motherhood Course
- FREE 5 Day Self Care Email Series for Moms
- 5 Tips to help you THRIVE, not survive, when your kids are home for Spring Break
For the LONGEST time, I thought a gratitude practice just consisted of writing down a couple of things going right in my life.
Guess what I learned? There is a BIG difference in living in gratitude and just writing a couple of things down every day.
Teaching children an attitude of gratitude, in a nutshell, is helping them look at different situations from a positive point of view instead of a negative one.
The bottom line: Gratitude is believed to be one of the healthiest emotions that humans can practice.
In today's episode, I break down exactly how I express gratitude every single day to TRULY feel it and how I incorporate the exact same practice with my toddler.
DOWNLOAD THE FREE FAMILY GRATITUDE CHALLENGE HERE.
Resources for YOU:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Fight Back Motherhood Course
- FREE 5 Day Self Care Email Series for Moms
- 5 Tips to help you THRIVE, not survive, when your kids are home for Spring Break
Is it possible to be a present mom, thrive in your career, pursue passion projects, and keep up with everything else on your plate?
It sounds exhausting just typing it all out.. but IT IS POSSIBLE and Kenzie Clark is proof.
In today's BESTIE CHAT, Kenz and I talk about how she makes it all work. She is a full time teacher, mama, wife, network marketing professional, TikTok creator, and just recently opened an Etsy shop. She has a lot on her plate and it would be enough to overwhelm anyone, but instead she finds JOY in every aspect of her day.
In today's chat, hear Kenzie's tips on not only how she makes it all work...but how she stays cool, calm, and collected in the process.
Follow Kenzie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenziejo_clark/
Resources for YOU:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Fight Back Motherhood Course
- FREE 5 Day Self Care Email Series for Moms
- 5 Tips to help you THRIVE, not survive, when your kids are home for Spring Break
Spring Break is RIGHT around the corner and that means the kids are home. As a mama of a three year old and infant, I haven't experienced my kids being out of the house for 5 days a week quite yet. But with my toddler at Montessori School twice a week, I can truly say that I have ALREADY developed a routine and when she comes home I need to make adjustments. ESPECIALLY as a stay at home WORKING mom who counts on those hours to get my work done.
I wanted to provide you a quick and simple resource that allows you to THRIVE with your kids home for the week, not just survive. If you're reading this, you have your hands on it right now.
I'm all about perspective. If you are DREADING your kids coming home because it's a disruption to your routine, guess what? You're going to dread the whole damn week. I don't know about you, but I LOVE my time with my kids. I want to be present in their lives, I want to soak in every second and every memory, so I am choosing to get AHEAD of this and make sure everything is planned to a T so we both can experience this "vacation" of a week together.
Look, your kids are excited. NO FREAKING SCHOOL. They can sleep in, relax, hang out with mom, play with their toys, hang out with friends. Heck, maybe you're even a family who is traveling. Let's make the most out of this.
Download my FREE Resource here.
Resources for YOU:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Fight Back Motherhood Course
- FREE 5 Day Self Care Email Series for Moms
- 5 Tips to help you THRIVE, not survive, when your kids are home for Spring Break
You want to know how to feel more like yourself in FIVE simple steps?
-
Think of the women in your life that bring you joy, laughter, community, and fun. Send them a message, tell them to come visit you, and give them two options of weekends. Watch as they immediately drop everything to figure out how to get there.
-
Figure out child care, pick a house to stay at, and book transportation.
-
Purchase matching shirts and pajamas.
-
Unplug from social media for the weekend and follow no sort of schedule.
-
Connect, drink, laugh, eat, cry, and listen.
Repeat yearly.
Moms trip 2023 is a wrap and on today's podcast, I share what this weekend meant to me and why I think you need to get yours scheduled STAT!
Resources for YOU:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Fight Back Motherhood Course
- FREE 5 Day Self Care Email Series for Moms
- 5 Tips to help you THRIVE, not survive, when your kids are home for Spring Break
Welcome to LIFE UPDATE #3!
These episodes are laid back, feet up on the chair, let's chat back and forth types of episodes. I update you on where I currently am in my motherhood journey and all of juicy details on what I am experiencing right now.
In "I'm literally not sleeping", I talk about sleep regressions and the impact it's having on ME + how I navigate the seasons where I'm lacking rest.
It's honest, it's raw, and honestly? It's pretty emotional.
Resources for YOU:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Fight Back Motherhood Course
- FREE 5 Day Self Care Email Series for Moms
- 5 Tips to help you THRIVE, not survive, when your kids are home for Spring Break
I believed that my low self confidence was normal since I just had a baby.
While the deflated belly, sleepy eyes, and hormones surely played a role, the truth is that my self confidence was probably an issue WAY before my babies came into the world.
I remember talking to a therapist about it and he mentioned something to me that changed my life.
"Having a growth mindset increases confidence."
I've been doing personal development for 8 years now, but there is a difference in reading a book every single day and then actually LIVING the principles that you're reading about.
So instead of checking off the box that I read today, I started changing my focus entirely toward my mindset and my struggles so that I could identify the type of growth I ACTUALLY needed.
Here is the reality: when we stop improving ourselves, we are in danger of falling into a rut and becoming unhappy with life.
So even in the MIDST of the chaos, making time for your mental growth and development is so key and I believe there are FIVE areas that mamas should be working to improve every day. You'll learn about them in this podcast.
Resources for YOU:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Fight Back Motherhood Course
- FREE 5 Day Self Care Email Series for Moms
- 5 Tips to help you THRIVE, not survive, when your kids are home for Spring Break
With our babies, it's monkey see and monkey do. They are watching our EVERY MOVE as well as the way we handle situations. I'm slowly learning that the best way to ensure I'm raising my babies right is to continue to focus on becoming the best version of ME.
In this episode, I share the five examples we need to set as mamas that will in turn, ensure we raise mentally strong kids.
Resources for YOU:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Fight Back Motherhood Course
- FREE 5 Day Self Care Email Series for Moms
- 5 Tips to help you THRIVE, not survive, when your kids are home for Spring Break
Spit-up, dirty diapers and colic are the exact opposite of romantic. A screaming baby at a restaurant makes your night out less than appealing. I get it. You don't THINK you have the time for date nights. You think you can't get a sitter.
Zach and I had Sutton in a pandemic. Date nights were extinct. But now that the world is picking up again, date nights are a non-negotiable. And for us, they rarely involve leaving the house.
By dating your spouse, you're telling him or her that he or she is a priority in your life. Obviously there are things that take up our time – good things. ... By dating each other on a regular basis, your marriage will be strengthened. You'll feel loved.
Your spouse isn't just there for you for the tough times, but for enjoyable times too. Relax together. Enjoy each other. Make memories together.
Use Valentines Day as a way to reconnect. Here are some ideas in this podcast.
Resources for YOU:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Fight Back Motherhood Course
- FREE 5 Day Self Care Email Series for Moms
- 5 Tips to help you THRIVE, not survive, when your kids are home for Spring Break
Welcome to LIFE UPDATE #2!
These episodes are laid back, feet up on the chair, let's chat back and forth types of episodes. I update you on where I currently am in my motherhood journey and all of juicy details on what I am experiencing right now.
In "Being present where your feet are", I talk about some realizations I had coming out of 2022 and all of things I wanted to change to be the best mom I could be.
It's honest, it's raw, and honestly? It's pretty emotional.
Resources for YOU:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Fight Back Motherhood Course
- FREE 5 Day Self Care Email Series for Moms
- 5 Tips to help you THRIVE, not survive, when your kids are home for Spring Break
The truth is, there's an enormous pressure put on postpartum women to return to their pre-pregnancy shape and it's unrealistic. Most postpartum women are getting little sleep, experiencing hormonal shifts and still healing after a vaginal or surgical birth. And, it's still unrealistic for some postpartum women a year, two years or more postpartum.
Your body was put under a huge stress and load to carry and nurture your baby or multiples, then you went through childbirth. Of course, your body has changed. Your body is fierce and strong and what it went through is pure magic.
This podcast talks about how you how to start your postpartum fitness journey on YOUR terms and the most important things you need to consider before diving back in.
*As always, consult with your doctor for individual recommendations.
Download my 5 Steps to starting a Postpartum Fitness Journey PDF here.
Pre&Postnatal Barre Sample Workout
Resources for YOU:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Fight Back Motherhood Course
- FREE 5 Day Self Care Email Series for Moms
- 5 Tips to help you THRIVE, not survive, when your kids are home for Spring Break
FIRST BESTIE CHAT!!! I am SO excited for you to meet one of my best friends, Stephanie Lamson. This podcast will have the occasional "expert" or two, but I think it's much more fun to chat with mamas RIGHT in the trenches with you who just GET IT.
I couldn't think of a MORE PERFECT person to talk about today's subject with than Steph.
Some of you are literally going to roll your eyes the MOMENT you see today's topic. But I told you that I was going to help you better manage your time and I wasn't kidding.
Momma, you HAVE to get up before the kids.
I KNOW. You're tired. I KNOW. Believe me, I'm tired. I am the FARTHEST thing from a morning person and every morning my alarm clock goes off- I want to throw it through a window. But I adopted this mantra and I say it every single morning: "If you don't get up now, your entire day is off." I say it because it's true. Every single part of that is true.
I want to tell you guys the truth. I HAD to become a morning person. When we get up with our babies, we are already screwed and they OWN US lol. You feel flustered, behind, agitated, worried. You're a mess. The BEST thing you can do for yourself is WIN the day before those little boogers are even awake.
NOTE: If your baby isn't sleeping through the night or is still under 7 months old, this MAY not be for you just yet. You need REST. BUT I do still encourage you to add these habits I'm sharing with you today into your daily routine during a nap. Remember, if you are the last person on your priority list- something is wrong.
Enjoy todays chat!
**
Stephanie's Contact Info & Tools:
- Instagram: @stephaniemlamson
- 5 Steps to Becoming a Morning Person PDF
- Morning Checklist
Resources for YOU:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Fight Back Motherhood Course
- FREE 5 Day Self Care Email Series for Moms
- 5 Tips to help you THRIVE, not survive, when your kids are home for Spring Break
If there is ONE thing we need as new moms, it’s more energy.
Sure, we are sleep deprived. Some of us have a toddler draining us. The house is a mess, there is an endless to do list, there are little people and a spouse that need us. Meals need to be cooked, errands need to be ran, showers need to be had.
We are barely sleeping at night and on the go all day long.
So while postpartum energy feels like a foreign topic, there is one thing that can re-energize us from the inside out. Ready for it?
Food.
Proper nutrition is KEY for energy. In fact, when we eat poorly we are actually hurting the recovery process and even MORE tired.
This episode dives into some little but effective tweaks you can make for additional energy.
Resources for YOU:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Fight Back Motherhood Course
- FREE 5 Day Self Care Email Series for Moms
- 5 Tips to help you THRIVE, not survive, when your kids are home for Spring Break
A brand new year full of exciting possibilities, goals, and dreams for us to go and accomplish. I’ve been sitting here thinking about the message I wanted to lay on your heart as you start this next chapter and I felt like it was important to keep it simple.
If you’ve been hanging out around here for a while. You know I am ALL about intention. I believe in setting goals and creating a roadmap for your year because if you don’t, you have NO idea where you’ll end up. But I think this year, it’s even more important for me to remind you of a second piece of that puzzle.
Not only do we have to set the goals, we need to keep our plans and intentions in front of our face all year long.
Here are my SIX main focuses for the new year and why they are so important to me.
Resources for YOU:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Fight Back Motherhood Course
- FREE 5 Day Self Care Email Series for Moms
- 5 Tips to help you THRIVE, not survive, when your kids are home for Spring Break
Welcome to your 2023 Breakthrough! I'll be the first person to tell you that I think New Years Resolutions are bullshit.
It's the same thing every year right? We sit down and talk about all of the things we want to change and then none of it happens. It's not because we can't or are unworthy of those things. The truth is, it's because a majority of us don't know how to execute on the goals we have. Friend, if the goal was placed on your heart, then it is meant to be yours.
So why should you listen to me and take my advice? You're right. I'm not an expert and I don't have 47 credentials next to my name. But what I do have is experience. Ever since implementing the system I am going to teach you in this workbook, I can confidently and proudly say that I have been in complete control of my year. Has every single goal I had written down come to fruition? Nope. But a lot of them have and it's all because I realized something VERY important:
If you don’t have any sort of vision or clarity on what you’re trying to achieve in the new year, guess what’s going to happen? Well, to say it bluntly: Absolutely nothing.
The last thing I want for you is for you to open your eyes on the morning of December 31 and realize that absolutely nothing has changed. That you’re in the EXACT same spot as you were the year before, heck maybe even the year before THAT for that matter. I don’t know about you, but it scares me to DEATH to think that I could just be coasting through life, not making any sort of impact in the world or those around me, and that 60-70 years from now I have absolutely nothing to be proud of and instead, a life full of regret. Yuck, right?
We ALL have the potential to be something GREAT. We all have something buried deep inside of us that is LONGING to be exposed. We have creative ideas, unlimited potential, and this power buried so deep within that if we could just reach a TINY part of it, well, it could change our entire lives.
PDF to grab that goes along with this podcast on Etsy!
Resources for YOU:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Fight Back Motherhood Course
- FREE 5 Day Self Care Email Series for Moms
- 5 Tips to help you THRIVE, not survive, when your kids are home for Spring Break
I am hosting my FIRST EVER FREE masterclass on December 28, 2022 and I am talking about: THE 3 LIFE CHANGING HABITS OF A HAPPY AND HEALTHY MOM!
REGISTER HERE: https://www.kelseysmithfitness.com/life-changing-habits-of-a-healthy-mom
Fight Back Motherhood is going through some BIG and exciting changes in 2023 and I can't wait to share them all with you! But before any of that, I want to share the three life changing habits I have adopted that have completely transformed my life since becoming a mom.
Let’s start with the elephant in the room. Who the heck are you and why should I listen to what you have to say?
The truth is, this entire call is based on the things I wish I would have known when I first became a mom and instead learned along the way.
I’ve lived it. I am living it right now in the trenches with a toddler and a four month old. I’ve done therapy, I’ve been on antidepressants, I’ve read all of the books.
In my pursuit of healing, I started to write down what I was learning. I applied those things to my life and those lessons are what you are here to learn about tonight.
Let me paint you a picture…
-How would it feel to feel as if you're in control again?
-To smile when you see yourself in the mirror?
-To have your day planned out to a T where you’re accomplishing everything on your list?
-How would it feel to have passion in your marriage, to be present with your kids and thriving in your career?
-How would it feel to have 20, 30, or 40 minutes a day to yourself where you can focus on being a better you?
-What would it be like to feel like YOURSELF again?
Because that’s what the three habits I am going to pass on to you in this FREE masterclass are designed to help you do.
I hope to see you in class, my beautiful friend. Remember, you can look back at this in THREE months and be so proud of the things you've accomplished and the woman you've become.
REGISTER HERE: https://www.kelseysmithfitness.com/life-changing-habits-of-a-healthy-mom
Resources for YOU:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Fight Back Motherhood Course
- FREE 5 Day Self Care Email Series for Moms
- 5 Tips to help you THRIVE, not survive, when your kids are home for Spring Break
Mama, PLEASE don't wait until the holidays are over to begin an exercise routine. You need to start NOW.
In the happiest, yet also most stressful time of the year, you need endorphins to help you improve your physical and mental wellbeing. Plus, eating food that’s good for you will help you recover, give you energy, and is especially important if you’re breastfeeding.
Why would you want to wait WEEKS to feel good?
Sure, you're going to be tempted by cookies, sweets, and holiday treats, but that doesn't mean you have to give into every single temptation that is thrown at you.
This podcast breaks down my holiday wellness plan and things you can do NOW to get into the routine of self care.
Resources for YOU:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Fight Back Motherhood Course
- FREE 5 Day Self Care Email Series for Moms
- 5 Tips to help you THRIVE, not survive, when your kids are home for Spring Break
Welcome to LIFE UPDATE #1!
These episodes are laid back, feet up on the chair, let's chat back and forth types of episodes. I update you on where I currently am in my motherhood journey and all of juicy details on what I am experiencing right now.
In Holly Jolly Toddlers, you hear about the transition from 1-2 kids, what my first born is experiencing, and how I am dealing with all things toddler right now.
It's honest, it's raw, and honestly? It's pretty emotional.
Resources for YOU:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Fight Back Motherhood Course
- FREE 5 Day Self Care Email Series for Moms
- 5 Tips to help you THRIVE, not survive, when your kids are home for Spring Break
If you are anything like ME, you're running ragged right now. As a full time CEO, wife, + mom of two- I need 54 hours in a day to get it all done. I'm up at 5:30 AM and nonstop until my head hits the pillow at 10 PM. I love this beautiful, crazy life- but my goodness, it's so easy to lose myself in it.
Throwing the holidays into the mix can make a girl go CRAZY. Festivals, Christmas parties, gift wrapping, travel... it's a lot.
With everything you're probably in charge of coordinating, you’ll want to be sure that you take some MUCH NEEDED time for yourself. If you're unhappy during the holidays, it is going to defeat the purpose of what the season is all about.
Your family needs you happy and energized in this season. Your littles are EXCITED. Now more than ever, it's important that you don’t put your own health and wellness on the back burner.
This episode is all about the things you can do this holiday season to keep you sane and healthy!
Resources for YOU:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Apply for the Fight Back Motherhood Course
- FREE Holiday Self Care PDF
Resources for YOU:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Fight Back Motherhood Course
- FREE 5 Day Self Care Email Series for Moms
- 5 Tips to help you THRIVE, not survive, when your kids are home for Spring Break
We are BACK, BABY! Welcome to the Fight Back Motherhood Podcast!
Imagine me sitting at my kitchen island with a cup of coffee, spit up on my shirt, and bags under my eyes chatting with you.
That's the vibe.
With thousands of books written on how to raise babies, we need something that teaches us how to fight back to the women we know we are capable of being after having babies.
So since I couldn't find it in my lowest moments after having my first daughter, I created it. This podcast, my course, and my growing community is the product of a dream.
Here, we are all about being the best version of ourselves so we can be the best moms to our littles. Ill help you rediscover a love for yourself by helping you prioritize yourself in health and wellness, mindset, and self care.
Each week will include tactical tips, bestie chats, real life talks, and so much more. So go pour yourself a cup of coffee and get ready to listen in.
It's time to Fight Back!
Resources for YOU:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Apply for the Fight Back Motherhood Course
- FREE Holiday Self Care PDF
Resources for YOU:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Apply for the Fight Back Motherhood Course
- FREE Holiday Self Care PDF
You understand making time for self-care is important. But that doesn’t change the fact that it’s not easy to do. It’s frustrating when people throw advice out at you like, “Just make time for yourself,” or “You need to sleep when your baby sleeps!”
So I'll be specific for you. Lets chat about the SIX KEY AREAS of focus in this department. Ready?
Is Time Management even a thing as a mom? Can we actually manage our time? Can we take back our schedules, still find ways to prioritize ourselves, and get enough sleep? Can we find ways to stop skipping meals, do things that bring us joy, get us out of a house... maybe even take an hour or two BREAK? Ladies, I need you to understand something. Yes. You can. It's possible. It takes practice, it takes flexibility, and it takes putting any sort of Type A behavior on the back burner.
It's not only possible. But it's NECESSARY.
Not to toot my own horn, but this is my PASSION. I am obsessed with all things organization and ways to make your life easier. I am the queen of trial and error, things not going my way meltdowns, but standing back up and figuring it out again. I love planners, calendars, and morning routines. I truly believe that the only way to be the best mom I can be is to ENSURE that there is time for me within every single day.
So this week, I am going to teach you. I am going to share with you what I have learned and hey, maybe they will be helpful. Maybe they won't. But I am telling you, this will change your life if you allow it to.
Follow me and tag me on Instagram: @allthingskelsey
Also- don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!
Somewhere between the excitement of your pregnancy announcement and your child’s first steps, there can come a breakdown in communication. Makes total sense: You’ve both had a massive life change, and your priorities changed overnight.
This doesn't mean everything is falling apart. It just means that gone is spontaneity and doing whatever you want together. Replaced by it is burp clothes, midnight wakings, and all things children. Communication is KEY. And today, I want to give you some ways to re-spark the talk and clear the air with your spouse.
Follow me and tag me on Instagram: @allthingskelsey
Also- don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!
It’s human nature to want to make sure you’re in the "norm," especially when you’re entering a new, unknown season of life that comes with a steep learning curve.
But in our current culture, the "norm" has become a very specific mould that many of us don’t fit into, making a lot of parents feel subpar and discouraged.
Today's subject... you got it. COMPARISON.
Follow me and tag me on Instagram: @allthingskelsey
Also- don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!
You NEED to change your mindset that you're a BAD MOM for putting yourself first. I don't know about you, but I don't want my daughter to grow up witnessing a mom who is constantly exhausted, worn out, and stressed 24/7. I am setting the tone for her life RIGHT NOW. You're doing the same for your babies too. When they see you take care of yourself, it shows them that they need to prioritize their self care too.
So here are some things YOU MUST prioritize, especially now that you're a momma. THINK SNOWBALL:
-
S is for SLEEP. Make sure you’re getting enough rest. When you’re tired you aren’t thinking clearly and your mood may suffer.
-
N is for Nutrition. Eating food that’s good for you will help you recover, give you energy, and is especially important if you’re breastfeeding.
-
O is for Omega 3 Fatty Acids. Fish oils have been proven to reduce anxiety and depression in new moms.
-
W is for Workout. Exercise will improve your mood and help your body recover from giving birth. Plus it's an energy booster.
-
B is for Baby Breaks. Take some time away from your baby. It can help you feel more like yourself again!
-
A is for Adult Time. Spending time with other adults—your partner or your friends will help you maintain important relationships.
-
L is for Liquids. Try to drink at least two quarters of water daily. EVERY. DAY.
-
L is for Laughter. Remember to laugh and give yourself a break. Life with a new baby requires a sense of humor.
Follow me and tag me on Instagram: @allthingskelsey
Also- don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!
I didn’t lose myself when I became a mom. I didn't lose myself through infertility and I didn't lose myself through miscarriage.
Instead, some of the hardest and most beautiful moments of my life have been the start of the most incredible transformation of my life. I am unrecognizable in the most beautiful ways.
And here is the thing. So are you.
Mama, welcome to Fight Back Motherhood. This podcast isn't meant to change you. It's meant to help you discover yourself. The new you buried underneath spit up, tired eyes, and a love thats so heavy you can't even describe it. The new you who is facing the biggest battle of her life through infertility and miscarriage.
I'm Kelsey Smith and my job is to help you understand the importance of taking care of ourselves physically and mentally first so we can be the best mommas for these beautiful babies. We are in this together. It's time to fight back.
Follow me on Instagram: @allthingskelsey.