Ep. 15 | Embracing Rhythms: Navigating Mom Life, Faith, and Work with Laurel Donahoo, Social Media Manager + Influencer

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In the whirlwind of motherhood, juggling faith, family, and wellness can seem like an insurmountable task (it’s not just me, right?). Join me as I chat with Laurel, a fellow mom, about her journey in maintaining balance in the midst the chaos.

The Rhythm of Motherhood 

In our conversation, Laurel expressed a distinctive viewpoint when it comes to managing the various aspects of her life as a mom, wife, and part time employee of two jobs. Rather than subscribing to the traditional notion of achieving "balance," Laurel prefers the term "rhythm" to describe the way she navigates through the demands and responsibilities of her daily life.

The concept of rhythm, as Laurel sees it, is more about embracing the natural ebb and flow of life's circumstances. Unlike the rigid and often elusive nature of balance, rhythm allows for a certain level of flexibility and adaptability. Laurel explained that life doesn't always adhere to a perfect equilibrium, especially for moms with dynamic and ever-changing responsibilities.

By aligning with the rhythm of life, Laurel finds that there is room for movement and adjustment. Life's challenges and opportunities can be approached with a mindset that accommodates the changing tempo of responsibilities, creating a sustainable approach to managing her roles as a mom, social media manager, and influencer.

This perspective acknowledges that certain seasons may require more focus on specific areas of life, and instead of striving for an unrealistic balance at all times, Laurel finds value in recognizing and embracing the inherent variability of life's demands. In doing so, she can adjust her priorities and energy levels to match the rhythm of the moment, creating a more harmonious and sustainable approach to daily living.

Faith as a Foundation 

During our conversation, Laurel emphasized the central role that faith plays in shaping her approach to wellness. For her, wellness isn't just about physical health; it extends to the spiritual and emotional aspects of life. Prioritizing time with the Lord and seeking divine guidance are integral components of her holistic well-being strategy.

Laurel sees her faith as a guiding force that informs her choices and actions. Starting her day with dedicated time for prayer, Bible study, and reflection allows her to ground herself in a spiritual foundation. This intentional practice not only fosters a deeper connection with her faith but also sets a positive tone for the day.

In times of challenge or uncertainty, Laurel turns to her faith as a source of strength and resilience. This reliance on spiritual grounding enables her to navigate the complexities of life with a sense of purpose and a perspective rooted in her beliefs.

In essence, Laurel's approach to wellness integrates faith as a vital pillar. By prioritizing time with the Lord and seeking divine guidance, she not only enhances her spiritual well-being but also experiences a profound impact on her overall wellness. This holistic approach underscores the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions in the pursuit of a fulfilling and balanced life.

Navigating Seasons of Life 

Laurel's journey is marked by a profound understanding and acceptance of the various seasons life presents. She acknowledges that life unfolds in different chapters, each with its unique challenges, joys, and demands. Diving into her experiences, Laurel provides valuable insights into the wisdom of recognizing and embracing these distinct seasons.

One key aspect of Laurel's perspective is the recognition that life is dynamic and ever-changing. Instead of resisting the natural ebb and flow, she emphasizes the importance of adapting to the specific demands of each season. This adaptability, she suggests, is a source of resilience and strength.

By prioritizing and adapting to the changing demands of each season, Laurel has found a way to navigate life's complexities. For example, during a season that required her full attention as a mother to a child with special needs, she made the intentional decision to step away from work. This act of prioritization allowed her to channel her energy into providing the necessary support for her child.

The wisdom in recognizing different seasons also lies in understanding that certain aspects of life may take precedence during specific times. Laurel's experience highlights the importance of aligning priorities with the prevailing season, whether it be focusing on family, career, personal growth, or other areas.

Embracing these seasons doesn't necessarily mean always having a perfect balance; rather, it involves a mindful awareness of where one's energy and focus are needed most at a given time. This intentional approach to recognizing and adapting to the changing seasons contributes to a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

In essence, Laurel's journey underscores the wisdom in navigating life's diverse seasons with grace and adaptability. By recognizing the unique demands of each chapter and adjusting priorities accordingly, she demonstrates how individuals can thrive and find fulfillment in the ever-evolving tapestry of life.

Scheduling Rest for Renewal 

Laurel's struggle with embracing rest mirrors a common challenge in a society that often places a high value on constant productivity. In a world that celebrates busyness, finding moments to pause and recharge can be challenging, and Laurel candidly opens up about this aspect of her journey.

The conversation around rest is particularly relevant as Laurel emphasizes her identity as a "go, go, go" person. This description resonates with individuals who thrive on productivity and may find it difficult to step back from the demands of daily life (hello, ALLISON!). Laurel's honesty about this struggle creates a relatable narrative for others who may face similar challenges.

The term "schedule rest" takes center stage in Laurel's approach. This intentional act of planning moments of rest signifies a conscious effort to prioritize self-care amidst a busy schedule. By scheduling rest, Laurel recognizes the necessity of carving out dedicated time for rejuvenation, both physically and mentally.

The acknowledgment of the need to recharge is a crucial aspect of Laurel's narrative. It reflects a deep understanding of the toll that constant activity can take on one's well-being. In discussing her approach to rest, Laurel invites listeners to reconsider societal expectations around productivity and embrace the idea that rest is not only acceptable but vital for facing life's demands with resilience.

By sharing her personal struggle with embracing rest and the deliberate steps she takes to schedule these moments, Laurel contributes to a broader conversation about the importance of self-care. In a culture that often glorifies the hustle, Laurel's perspective stands as a reminder that true productivity and success are intricately linked to a balanced and sustainable approach to life—one that includes intentional periods of rest and rejuvenation.

Faith, Family, and Wellness 

Laurel's journey serves as a compelling testament to the intricate dance of faith, family, and holistic wellness. It is a source of inspiration for listeners to embrace their unique circumstances, recognizing that, like a symphony, life is a continuous process of 

Takeaway Tips:

• Prioritize faith as a foundation for overall well-being.
• Embrace the rhythm of life, allowing flexibility in the pursuit of balance.
• Recognize and adapt to the different seasons of motherhood.
• Schedule moments of rest for renewal and recharge.

Resources from this episode:

The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands by Lysa TerKeurst

The Bible Recap: A One-Year Guide to Reading and Understanding the Entire Bible by Tara-Leigh Cobble

Connect with Laurel:

• Instagram: @laurel_at_thehive 
• Blog: www.thehiveblog.com

Connect with Allison:

• Instagram: @allison_and_wellness
• Facebook: allisonandwellness
• Website: www.allisonandwellness.com

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WELCOME TO WHAT THE GUT

Are you a busy mom seeking balance and wellness? Join me on this journey towards vitality and holistic health. I understand the challenges of juggling endless tasks while striving for a healthier life.

In this podcast, we dive into the nitty-gritty of everyday struggles. From battling fatigue to navigating gut health, I'm here to offer holistic solutions. Say farewell to feeling overwhelmed and let's bring in that vibrant life you've been craving.

I'm Allison, a Holistic Health and Wellness Coach. I've been right where you are, facing the same hurdles. Through faith and functional medicine, I reclaimed my gut health, energy, and well-being. Now, I'm on a mission to help other moms break free from exhaustion and prioritize their health.

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