Today we are welcoming back guest and author of the book What Do I Want to Be When They Grow Up?: And Other Thoughts From a 40-something Mom, Karen Johnson.
When not sitting at her computer, Johnson enjoys working out, walking her dog, and listening to podcasts about history, politics, or anything else that activates her brain cells. She’s also an avid reader and loves to travel with her family. Because she has three busy kids (none of whom have their license yet) her other home is her beloved mini-van that smells like hockey equipment and teenage angst.
We’ve invited her back to share more mothering wisdom with us today, particularly in terms of good mothering hygiene. Or healthy mothering.
You talk about the toxic motherhood cocktail: anxiety, perfectionism and fear of failure — how to recognize it, heal, and move forward. Tell us about that.
Resentment is a synonym for bitterness. And bitterness is described as a root that can take hold in our hearts that can grow and spread and affect not only ourselves but also those around us. (See Hebrews 12:15 and Ephesians 4:31) How have you dealt with resentment in your life? (“The Who Has It Harder Game” nearly killed my marriage, and the daily phone call that probably saved it)
We are big fans of training your brain to recognize and experience joy. On how to stay yourself during upsetting emotions and return to joy more quickly. What are your thoughts on that? ( 3 ways gratitude can help with the overwhelm of motherhood)
We would say that we both have regrets in motherhood. It’s in the tagline of our podcast: We’ve lived life, made mistakes, and learned some lessons. If you could go back and do it all over again, what would you do differently?
It is okay to want more out of life than motherhood — and how women can stop feeling guilty about that
You can find more information about Karen Johnson & order her fabulous book (!!) on her website the21stcenturysahm.com and find her on all social media as The 21st Century SAHM