Thoughts on a Walk by 3Milemom

“Everyday, ordinary motherhood” was a theme of my conversation with Hannah Nitz. Hannah is a wife and mom of Harvey, who recently turned one. This past spring I saw Hannah on a Panel called “Not my Plan” (she starts at minute 5:30) at Akron Women on Purpose. After I heard what she shared about everyday ordinary motherhood, I knew I wanted to bring her on the podcast. Hannah dives deep into the specific call of God on her life and how it looks different for every individual and how it looks different than she expected. She and I talk about the repetition of motherhood, yet the layers of God. We are grateful for the depth that God brings to His word, regardless of how many times you’ve read the same verse, chapter, book. She talks about how 2018 compared to 2019 has been so freeing and she talks about how she barely recognizes herself. Hannah shares about freedom, and what it means for her life and her purpose and motherhood. We also talk about how God is often asking us to do small acts of obedience, between us and God, even when it doesn’t have a HUGE impact or it doesn’t sense. She dives into faith working through love, and faith through works, and what it means for us as moms. She also talks about reading the bible for herself. She shares about what she learned over these past few months and more specifically during Lent. She talks about this book “A Call to Die: A 40 Day Journey from the World & Feasting on God.” She challenged herself to 40 days of being intentional for 30 minutes a day, and it hasn’t stopped since. We talk about doing, resting, and playing with our kiddos. A few weeks ago she went to her husband about her not feeling like she was doing enough, and his response is so good and she wishes she would have asked earlier. Hannah shares her heart on the panel and dives into it during our conversation. Another book she recommends is, A Theology of the Ordinary. And one of the verses that she shared on the panel and during the episode that has a made an impact in her season. I loved this translation of this verse. Romans 12 1 So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Romans 12:1 The Message (MSG) Check out Akron Women on Purpose and watch the videos from previous years to be encouraged from ordinary women living in faith. The entire conference challenges the women to say yes to whatever God is asking them to do, how would our city and lives be different. I love what they are doing and can’t wait to attend next year. Finally, her mom hack revolve around photos and doing something with all the million pictures on our phones! She gives us 4 practical tips for photos and I have already done a few since we’ve talked! Connect with Hannah on Instagram

I feel like Amy and I could have talked for hours. And actually even after I ended the podcast recording, we stayed and talked for probably another 30 minutes or so. She’s a brand new momma and wife and works as a financial analyst. I thoroughly enjoyed her passion of her faith and honesty of her season. I am encouraged by her commitment to herself and to her family. In the episode, she talks about how God knows what she needs to be the best mom in this season, even if it might not match her expectations. Amy also talks about how her gifting may look different than other moms she sees, but she knows that they do benefit her family. Amy also shares about comparison and gratitude – one used to combat the other. She encourages us to not look right or left of our own season. She also speaks about how sometimes she’s not ok and that’s ok. She talks about how she can still love everything about the moment, yet not be ok. Amy shares about how she considers herself an oversharer, yet she feels tension about pulling back on social media, especially when you are going through something. She talks about a specific and recent experience with her husband and how that unfolds. Amy shares about the anxiety in the midst of the everyday grind of that experience, yet she can look back and see the gifts and how faithful God was. Recently she started blogging again (read more from her at https://www.cosentinoliving.com/blog ) , as a form of rest. Amy shares about her blogging journey and how it’s been helpful for her to have something of her own, and her own space in the internet. She shares 2 mom hacks and if you are mom in need of snack ideas, you’ll love her second mom hack. It’s simple and healthy and great for one handed snacks for those nursing mommas. Follow Amy on Instagram; Read more on Amy’s Blog

I feel like Amy and I could have talked for hours. And actually even after I ended the podcast recording, we stayed and talked for probably another 30 minutes or so. She’s a brand new momma and wife and works as a financial analyst. I thoroughly enjoyed her passion of her faith and honesty of her season. I am encouraged by her commitment to herself and to her family. In the episode, she talks about how God knows what she needs to be the best mom in this season, even if it might not match her expectations. Amy also talks about how her gifting may look different than other moms she sees, but she knows that they do benefit her family. Amy also shares about comparison and gratitude – one used to combat the other. She encourages us to not look right or left of our own season. She also speaks about how sometimes she’s not ok and that’s ok. She talks about how she can still love everything about the moment, yet not be ok. Amy shares about how she considers herself an oversharer, yet she feels tension about pulling back on social media, especially when you are going through something. She talks about a specific and recent experience with her husband and how that unfolds. Amy shares about the anxiety in the midst of the everyday grind of that experience, yet she can look back and see the gifts and how faithful God was. Recently she started blogging again (read more from her at https://www.cosentinoliving.com/blog ) , as a form of rest. Amy shares about her blogging journey and how it’s been helpful for her to have something of her own, and her own space in the internet. She shares 2 mom hacks and if you are mom in need of snack ideas, you’ll love her second mom hack. It’s simple and healthy and great for one handed snacks for those nursing mommas. Follow Amy on Instagram; Read more on Amy’s Blog

I got to chat and catch up with one of my very best friends, Shelia Hail. She lives in greater Houston area in Texas, and gives us her story about how her family landed there. She’s a momma of two and wife to Matt. She has her own interior decorating business, Olivia Hail Designs. She talks about the challenges that she has in motherhood and what she’s learning and loving in the midst of it. She shares what it’s like raising kids, and parenting her kiddos out of response instead of reaction. Shelia talks about how the big emotions of her daughter and how have been a good lesson to learn, even if it is the hard way. Shelia shares about what she’s learning this past year specifically about boundaries. She says “before I say “Yes, I ask myself if I’ll will regret it later?”. Shelia’s honest about her anxiety and what it has meant for her mental health and her family. We talk a lot about control and boundaries, and if you are interested in learning more, check out Henry Cloud’s book Boundaries. Shelia also talks about how important it is to find people who can help you through life, and to be proactive instead of reactive, in mental health, leadership and in their marriage. They have mentors that they meet with and talk and work through their big and small things in these more recent seasons. She and I met in Arizona, and she talks about how she was given opportunity to pursue creative outlets of designing spaces to create community and memories. This was the beginning of her new business of interior decorating, Olivia Hail Designs. She talks about this and shares some insights, especially helpful if you are not super creative like myself. I love how she shares what she’s learning from mistakes, and how its shaping her business. Shelia’s mom hack is beautiful (see below) and helpful! I am going to try and find a place for our family to hang up and hang out.

I got to chat and catch up with one of my very best friends, Shelia Hail. She lives in greater Houston area in Texas, and gives us her story about how her family landed there. She’s a momma of two and wife to Matt. She has her own interior decorating business, Olivia Hail Designs. She talks about the challenges that she has in motherhood and what she’s learning and loving in the midst of it. She shares what it’s like raising kids, and parenting her kiddos out of response instead of reaction. Shelia talks about how the big emotions of her daughter and how have been a good lesson to learn, even if it is the hard way. Shelia shares about what she’s learning this past year specifically about boundaries. She says “before I say “Yes, I ask myself if I’ll will regret it later?”. Shelia’s honest about her anxiety and what it has meant for her mental health and her family. We talk a lot about control and boundaries, and if you are interested in learning more, check out Henry Cloud’s book Boundaries. Shelia also talks about how important it is to find people who can help you through life, and to be proactive instead of reactive, in mental health, leadership and in their marriage. They have mentors that they meet with and talk and work through their big and small things in these more recent seasons. She and I met in Arizona, and she talks about how she was given opportunity to pursue creative outlets of designing spaces to create community and memories. This was the beginning of her new business of interior decorating, Olivia Hail Designs. She talks about this and shares some insights, especially helpful if you are not super creative like myself. I love how she shares what she’s learning from mistakes, and how its shaping her business. Shelia’s mom hack is beautiful (see below) and helpful! I am going to try and find a place for our family to hang up and hang out.

Steve and I have worked together since 2012, and for awhile was on a speaking circuit sharing about Yammer and new ways of working together with technology. Him and his wife Kim did something different for Christmas 2018. They did away with their normal traditions, and did a year of experiences. Often times I hear or I read blogs about people wanting to do this, but Steve and his family lived this. Steve shares about their different experiences and what memories that he and his family are making. He also shares what it was like, giving you some practical tips, and how some things didn’t work perfectly, but they won’t be going back to what they did in years past. They’ve also noticed a difference in their boys, and what they ask for celebrations. Steve shares about his boys, and each of them finding their own place, even being so close in age. He shares about his own perspective is different as he is an only child, and what he’s been learning about sibling rivalry, something he never experienced before! Finally, I love Steve’s technology hacks for his kids. While we aren’t quite at that stage, I am tucking these away for the near future. Catch up with Steve on Twitter or LinkedIn.

My college roommate Chelsea Kim Long and I had a great conversation. We’re in completely different seasons now than we were at the University of Toledo together and I love what she had to share with me. She’s a wife, mom of three kiddos (including a set a twins!). She claims that her husband and her are the king and queen of the side hustle! She lives in the heart of San Diego and they have converted their garage into an AirBnB space. Chelsea works for Whole 30 supporting a program for Whole Mamma Club, that supports women during pregnancy, postpartum and beyond. Chelsea shares how she stays present by creating a sustainable schedule and being realistic about what she can actually accomplish. We talk about how every mom has their own unique challenges, and not compare our hardships to each other. We all have different capacity to deal with our own challenges. Chelsea also talks about how she is loving learning more about yoga philosophy, and how mindfulness, meditation and connecting with God and what it looks like in her own faith. Yoga has given her tools for how to deal with anxiety and worry, that she inspires to pass down to her children. She shares about her entry into motherhood, and how she learned the hard way about doing the hard work of healing on yourself. She speaks about in order to raise healthy kids, you need to be healthy. Chelsea and her husband take the concept of community to the next level and a great example of what true community looks like. It’s part of their story, how they met and its a core value of their lives. They’ve built a community with the people in their neighborhood, and opened up their home and create spaces for people to connect, especially for those who would never step foot into a church. Her mom hack at the end is so wise and something I am going to think about in my own life. Read more about Chelsea’s story on her blog including her journey through postpartum, infertility, and lots more. http://chelseakimlong.com/ Follow and connect with Chelsea @ChelseaKimLong Learn more about Whole Mama Club – An online roadmap and supportive community for women in all stages of motherhood, from the @whole30 team. IG @WholeMamasClub FB WholeMamasClub

I had such a fun and honest conversation with Alyssa Janis. Although we’ve only met once in person, it’s been fun to stay connected. Alyssa is married to Jeff Janis, who has played with the Green Bay Packers and practiced with the Cleveland Browns. Alyssa also talks about how she created a blog called “The Next Play with Mrs. J” as a way to express herself. She shares about how it’s been a place of healing through some of their hard times as they walked through a miscarriage. Alyssa also talks about how it has become an opportunity of connection with women in a way that she never expected. On this episode she shares about the transition out of the NFL and what her family is up to these days. You’d never guess, but she has a bow just like Katniss Everdeen! She’s expecting her second kiddo this summer and knows life is going to continue to change. Alyssa shares some great mom hacks at the end, especially if you had toddlers running around your feet while you are trying to make dinner! Follow Alyssa’s journey and read more of her story at https://nextplaywithmrsj.net/ or on Instagram at @nextplaywithmrs.j

Mother’s Day bonus episode! I sat down a few different times to interview the one who made me a mother, Harper. I compiled these super short interviews and love her little voice. Thought I would share the captured moments of this time in her life with you! Plus you’ll hear her sing a few different songs!

My mom Laura Chima and matriarch of our family joined me today on the podcast. It was so much fun chatting with her and having her share a bit about her season. Laura has four adult children who are all close in age! My mom shares a few stories of what it was like raising kids at such a young age. She shares about joining a mom’s group that helped her survive the crazy chaos of motherhood. Many of whom are still friends to this day. Laura talks about a few different seasons she’s been through. She shares about how her identity has shifted and what that looks like in the day to day hasn’t always been easy. From learning boundaries and loving the flexibility, she shares about current season and how the transition into retirement looks different than she expected. If you know Laura you know she’s the queen of hacks, she’s super thrifty and always got a DIY project in the works. She shares the two guns she thinks every mom needs – a staple gun and a glue gun. It was an honor to hear her perspective on this current season. I’m grateful for all the help and support she’s given me in all of the seasons of my life.

Andra Good and I got together to catch up and it was so good. She shares so many nuggets of truth, life, love and leadership you’ll want to pay close attention. Andra shares about people, relationships, expectations and going through adoption. I enjoyed learning about adoption and the family that God selected for her and her daughters. She talks in depth about how responding to others is our own choice, and she believes we are better together, with open minds and soft hearts. Andra uses her words to share wisdom in my own life. In the episode, she shares about leadership and the non-profit she runs, Leigh’s Mission. She shares how being teachable is a skill that’s necessary to lead. Andra shares about walking through the doors God opens, even when her own grief was still raw from the passing of her best friend, Leigh. She reminds me that God wants good things for us. I also found out she learned how to sew on YouTube! Together, Andra and I led a bible study on motherhood, and even before that I have loved learning from her. She is a beautiful example of showing Christ’s love and sharing what it looks like in her own family unit. In this episode she shares practical advice and walks us through what it looks like in her own life with her daughters. She gives an example of apologizing to her kids when she’s messed up. Andra talks about the seasons of motherhood and serving and what it looked like within her family. We laughed as she talks about her 13 year old going on a mission trip for her birthday, but I was encouraged that she was “looking past the end of her nose”, something I’d love to learn myself most days. Learn more about Leigh’s Mission’s and connect with Andra on Instagram or Facebook.

Amanda Trojan and I chatted about life and the crazy ride she’s been on with her son Rafael. You’ll hear the whole story in the episode so I don’t want to give it away. Spoiler alert – he’s a fighter! Rafael has been diagnosed with Trisomy 18 (Edwards Syndrome), Tetralogy of Fallot, and Dandy Walker Malformation. Her joy and love for life is contagious and authentic and you’ll be able to tell throughout this episode. Amanda shares about her family’s stay in the NICU and the opportunity to build an unlikely community that still stays in touch and supports each other today. She also shares about her own weight loss and health journey, how it started and where she is now. Amanda shares about how she is capable of hard things, and has gained a different perspective on life. Amanda talks about asking for help before she gets resentful and what it looks like to let go of control and expectations of motherhood. I hope you are encouraged by Amanda’s journey, her honesty and vulnerability and the story of her entry into motherhood. Connect with Amanda on Instagram @Amandatrojanfit or on Facebook !

I laughed and cried during my conversation with Heather Jones. She is a wife and mamma to 3, her youngest has the same genetic disorder as my son Mason, STXBP1. Heather’s life is full and she shares about how life has changed yet running is something is constant. Running makes her tick, its her escape. Heather is an avid runner, including a Boston Marathoner, but she shares how she has used running to bring awareness to STXBP1. Heather ran 36.5 miles to celebrate Camden’s first birthday and did not run a single step alone. She raised over $10,000 for STXBP1 and has run a handful of race since then to bring awareness to STXBP1. When she shares about her community showing up to support her family, I can barely contain myself. Heather also shares what she’s learning this season, and I know you’ll relate. She talks about running and how those people are helping heal her soul, one mile at a time. Heather confides about the reality of asking for help, for their family and their sanity. And she shares about how she swallows her pride and asked her mom for help in a really big way this past year. Heather talks about she dives head first into the things she’s passionate about and she knows its all for a reason. I am also a super fan of her #momhack too! It’s so good, and such a great time saver. Here’s the link you can use if you are interested in donate to STXBP1 research and foundation.

Emily Korosec, or Running Across Ohio, and I crossed paths on Instagram when I first started 3Milemom. She lives about 20 minutes away from me and we’ve met up a few times since I moved to Ohio. When we first met we were walking and talking like old friends, even though we’d only ever chatted on Instagram! Emily runs half marathons in Ohio and raises money for causes she cares about, raising over $19K so far. However, as you listen, this season has been one of the hardest in her life. Listen in as Emily shares about learning patience, asking for help, and literally resting, when the world around you keeps moving. This episode was fun to record but I know this season has not been fun for Emily. Sometimes in our seasons, we are in the thick of it, smack in the middle. Yet, I am glad she took a moment in the middle of a difficult season to be vulnerable about what she’s loving and learning in the midst of it. Listen to the very end to hear an update on Emily since recording this episode.

This episode is educational and informative and provides in depth details about childbirth. Be mindful who is listening around you if you are concerned about little ears! Tracy Hill, aka Movement Warrior has lots of share so listen up! My best friend and I took her class last spring and I learned SO much from her. What she shares helped improve my running and my core overall after I had my second child. Tracy talks about things women think are common, but they are not normal. Like peeing your pants when you run or jump (guilty) or painful sex after childbirth. She’s honest and gives us some hope that it’s never too late, regardless of how old your kiddos are that we can do things to impact our wellness. Her desire is to help people be well, and you can hear this come alive as she shares her own personal journey of recovery after a traumatic birth of her first child. She speaks about the importance of finding your people, and what its like to be ok with not being ok. Her honesty and helpfulness to the people around her makes this episode inspiring as well as educational. Tracy’s mom hack is #mealplanninggoals – you have to listen to how she plans her entire month of meals! It’s amazing and something I can’t wait to try. Follow her on Instagram or Facebook for lots of continue wellness and health tips. She goes live and posts videos that are super helpful. Tracy shares a few offers on the podcast as well, here’s some more details. If you are in our 3MileMom Challenge Community group, you will see that she’s shared a few videos for you and they are really helpful, including modified planks.