March 23, 2025 ā¢ 23 mins
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
You're the nurturer, the provider, the schedule
keeper, the boo-boo kisser, thebedtime story reader.
But who are you underneath allthose hats?
Somewhere between diaperchanges, work meetings, school
pickups and late-night laundrymarathons, your name got lost.
Your dreams got quiet.
Your spirit started whisperinghey, remember me.
(00:20):
And yet, within the chaos ofmotherhood, there is a hidden
power that many of us overlookFemale friendships, that sacred
sisterhood that sees you, knowsyour soul and reminds you that
you are more than just someone'smom.
You are still the woman withpassions, potential and a
personal identity that matters.
(00:41):
So let me ask you when was thelast time you felt seen, not
just needed?
Before we dive in, I want toremind you to subscribe to the
podcast so you never miss anepisode that speaks to your soul
.
And if this topic resonateswith you, or if you know a mama
who's juggling it all and mightneed this message, share this
(01:01):
episode with her.
Let's keep building thisbeautiful community of support
and sisterhood.
And don't forget, you canalways connect with me across
all platforms at Life Pointswith Rhonda, that's, youtube
Life Points with Rhonda 2968.
Instagram, facebook and TikTok.
(01:22):
Life Points with Rhonda Podcaststreaming on all major
platforms, or visit my website,wwwlifepointswithrhondacom, if
you'd like to work with meone-on-one or need a safe space
to unpack life's challenges.
I offer coaching andconsultations too.
Just reach out via the contactpage on my site or email me at
(01:45):
lifepointswithronda at gmailcom.
Now let's get into it, becausetoday we're going to talk about
reclaiming you, leaning intoyour tribe and finding that
sacred balance betweenmotherhood and identity.
Welcome back, beautiful souls,to another episode of Life
Points with Ronda, the podcastwhere we have real, honest
conversations about life, love,purpose and everything in
(02:08):
between.
I'm your host, rhonda, andtoday we're diving into a topic
that touches so many women atthe deepest level balancing
personal identity with the rolesof motherhood.
Now, whether you're afirst-time mom, a seasoned
parent or even a caregiver,raising others while still
trying to raise yourself, youknow exactly what I mean when I
(02:31):
say it's easy to lose yourselfin the giving.
It's beautiful, sacred work,yes, but it can be all-consuming
and, before you know it, youforget what lights you up
outside of the needs of others.
But here's the truth you arestill a whole person, you still
matter, even when your to-dolist says otherwise.
(02:53):
In this episode, we're going toexplore how motherhood can be
both a role and a relationship,not an identity that replaces
your own.
And, more importantly, we'lltalk about how female
friendships, those ride-or-diesisters, soul tribes and sacred
circles can help anchor us backto ourselves when we start to
(03:13):
drift.
Because the truth is, you don'thave to do this alone and you
were never meant to.
So grab your tea, take a deepbreath and let's get into this
heart-centered conversationabout remembering who you are
and who's walking this journeywith you.
Rediscovering identity aftermotherhood.
Motherhood is a sacred calling,but let's be honest, it can
(03:36):
also be an identity thief ifwe're not careful.
So many women enter thischapter with dreams, goals and a
solid sense of self.
Women enter this chapter withdreams, goals and a solid sense
of self.
Then, suddenly, life becomes aseries of routines Feedings,
school pickups, managing thehousehold, maybe balancing a job
or a business.
And in the middle of all of it,your name fades into mom.
(03:57):
And while mom is one of themost honorable titles in the
world, it was never meant toreplace your name or your story.
Rediscovering your identitydoesn't mean stepping away from
your role as a mother.
It means reclaiming the womanwithin the role.
It's asking yourself whatbrings me joy outside of
motherhood.
What did I love before?
(04:17):
My life revolved aroundschedules and sippy cups.
What am I passionate about thatI've put on pause.
Who am I becoming?
Not just for my children, butfor myself, and I want you to
know something deep in your soulit is not selfish to want more
for yourself.
In fact, your children benefitfrom seeing you thrive.
They benefit from watching youchase dreams, honor your
(04:39):
passions and prioritize youremotional and spiritual
well-being.
That's not just parenting,that's modeling self-worth.
Your identity matters, youmatter, and the most
revolutionary thing you can doas a mother is to remember who
you are and give yourselfpermission to show up as her
again.
The role of female friendshipsin reclaiming yourself.
(04:59):
Let me tell you something I'velearned through both experience
and observation One of thegreatest lifelines for a woman,
especially a mother, is anotherwoman who sees her.
Now, I'm not talking aboutcasual friendships that are
built on small talk at the PTAor waving at each other during
soccer practice.
I'm talking about thosesoul-stirring, spirit-anchoring,
(05:20):
deeply nourishing connections,the kind of sisterhood that
reminds you of who you are whenyou've forgotten.
The kind that looks you in theeye and says you are still you,
even if you haven't said yourown name out loud in weeks.
Female friendships are powerful, they are healing, they are
sacred.
And for mothers who feel likethey're drowning in diapers,
(05:41):
dishes or decision fatigue,those relationships are more
than just nice.
They're necessary Becausehere's the truth Motherhood can
be isolating, especially whenyou're silently carrying the
emotional labor of everyone inthe household.
You may be surrounded by noisebut still feel completely alone.
And that loneliness doesn'talways come from lack of love.
(06:03):
It often comes from the lack ofbeing understood.
That's where strong, conscious,intentional female friendships
come in.
Imagine a friend who remindsyou to chase your dreams while
you're busy folding laundry.
A sister who tells you take thenap, leave the dishes.
Someone who says let's go forcoffee.
Just you and me, no kids, noschedules, just space for your
(06:27):
spirit to breathe.
And I want to be clear herethese friendships don't always
have to be deep from day one.
Sometimes they start in thesmall moments the mom you bond
with at school drop-off, thewoman at work who always makes
you laugh, the sister-cousinfriend who shows up when you
don't even ask.
But what makes thesefriendships powerful isn't just
time, it's intention, it'svulnerability, it's safety, it's
(06:51):
showing up for each other inboth the messy and the magical.
And when these friendships arenurtured, they become a mirror,
a reflection, a reminder thatyour story still matters, that
your voice deserves space, thatyour laughter, your needs, your
truth have not disappeared.
Sisterhood is the balm thatheals the identity wounds that
(07:13):
motherhood sometimes inflicts.
It's not about neglecting yourrole.
It's about restoring yourwholeness.
With women who are also walkingthe tightrope between nurturing
and becoming, you gain a tribethat cheers when you rise,
listens when you break and holdsspace when you're just figuring
it all out.
These friendships help youremember you are not just a mom.
(07:35):
You are a woman with power, youare a soul with purpose and you
deserve to be poured into justas much as you pour into others.
You deserve to be poured intojust as much as you pour into
others.
So today, ask yourself who aremy women?
Who fills me up?
Who reminds me of me?
And if you don't have thoserelationships yet, don't worry.
You are worthy of thatconnection and it's never too
(07:57):
late to cultivate it.
Start small, reach out, be open, be vulnerable, because
sometimes the greatest versionof yourself is waiting on the
other side of a good, deepconversation with a friend who
gets it, letting go of guilt andreclaiming space for yourself.
Let's talk about the elephant inthe room, mom.
Guilt, that creeping, gnawingfeeling that whispers you're not
(08:21):
doing enough, even when you'rerunning on fumes and still
showing up for everyone else.
It shows up when you take 20minutes to yourself.
It speaks up when you thinkabout pursuing that dream you
shelved years ago.
It screams when you choose anight out with your girlfriends
instead of bedtime stories andlast-minute science projects.
And I'm here to tell you thatguilt is a lie.
(08:41):
You were not created to be amartyr.
You were not meant to live inconstant sacrifice.
Motherhood is not supposed tobe a cage.
It's supposed to be a part ofyour wholeness, not the sum
total of who you are.
Now let me be clear.
It's okay to love your childrenwith every fiber of your being.
It's okay to rearrange yourlife for them, to show up for
(09:02):
them, to prioritize them.
That is a sacred and beautifulthing.
But it is not okay to disappearin the process.
Reclaiming space for yourself isnot selfish.
It's survival and, more thanthat, it's soul work.
It is choosing to honor yourdivine existence beyond your
titles.
It's deciding that you matter,even if the world has
(09:24):
conditioned you to believe thatyour worth is measured by
productivity and sacrifice.
So how do we begin to let go ofthat guilt?
First, we recognize where itcame from.
Guilt is often inherited, it'smodeled, it's reinforced by
social media perfectionism,generational beliefs and
unrealistic expectations.
(09:44):
Many of us watched our mothersand grandmothers work themselves
to the bone, rarely stopping,rarely asking for help and never
prioritizing themselves withoutshame.
And now here we are,unknowingly repeating that same
story.
But guess what?
You have permission to breakthe cycle.
You have permission to say nowhen you're overwhelmed.
(10:08):
Take a nap instead ofoverworking.
Ask for help without apology,leave the house for a breath of
fresh air with no agenda.
Book that massage, finish thatdegree, start that business or
go dancing with your girls,simply because it brings you joy
.
Because here's the truth whenyou pour into yourself, you
parent from overflow, notdepletion.
(10:29):
Truth when you pour intoyourself, you parent from
overflow, not depletion.
You become a living example foryour children of what self-love
, boundaries and wholeness looklike.
You teach your sons to respecta woman's needs.
You teach your daughters thatself-sacrifice is not the only
love language.
You teach your children thattheir future relationships
should be rooted in balance andmutual care.
And let me say this for themoms who feel too far gone.
(10:52):
It's never too late.
Whether your children aretoddlers or grown with kids of
their own, you are still worthyof rediscovery.
You are still allowed toreimagine who you are and
reclaim the parts of you thatgot buried along the way.
This is your time, this is yourwake-up call, not to abandon
motherhood but to expand beyondit, to make space for your
(11:13):
identity, your friendships, yourhealing and your happiness to
be more than who you are forothers, but who you are for
yourself.
How to cultivate and maintaindeep female friendships during
the demands of motherhood.
Here's the truth when life getsbusy, friendships often get
placed on the back burner, notbecause we don't love our
(11:33):
friends, but because we feellike there's no time to water
anything that doesn't scream forour attention.
But here's something everymother needs to remember the
friendships that fill your souldeserve to be nurtured, even in
the chaos, especially in thechaos.
And no, it doesn't requirehours of free time, grand plans
or perfect alignment.
(11:54):
What it does require isintention, because intention is
how we keep love alive, evenwhen life gets loud.
Let's talk about some practicalways to cultivate and maintain
those deep, soul-nourishingfriendships, without guilt and
without the pressure ofperfection.
One start small, stay consistent.
(12:15):
You don't need marathonhangouts to stay connected.
A five minute voice note, aquick thinking of you text or a
meme that made you laugh can bea lifeline.
These small gestures say youstill matter to me and sometimes
that's all a sister needs tofeel seen.
Consistency builds trust.
It keeps the thread strong evenwhen schedules don't match.
(12:37):
Two schedule friendship the wayyou schedule everything else.
We make appointments foreverything Doctor visits, school
conferences, zoom meetings sowhy not friendship?
Schedule time with yourgirlfriends.
That could be a monthly lunch,a quarterly self-care day or
(12:58):
even a weekly FaceTime callafter the kids are asleep.
If it's on your calendar,you're more likely to honor it.
Friendship is not extra, it'sessential wellness.
Think of it like therapy,laughter and healing all wrapped
into one.
Three be honest about where youare.
Sometimes the best way to growcloser is to be real about how
(13:21):
far away you feel.
Say I know I've been distantlately, but I'm overwhelmed.
I miss you, but I'm strugglingto balance everything right now.
Vulnerability deepensconnection.
Let your sisters into the truthof your season, because chances
are they're navigatingsomething similar, and in that
honesty you'll often find moregrace and support than you
(13:47):
imagined.
Four let go of the idea thatfriendship has to be perfect.
There will be missed calls,forgotten texts and plans that
fall through.
Life will get in the way, andthat's okay.
True friendships aren't basedon perfection.
They're built on grace, ontrust, on picking up where you
left off.
Without judgment, it's okay ifyou go weeks without talking.
What matters is how you show upwhen you can.
(14:12):
Five choose your inner circlewith intention.
In motherhood, your time andenergy are precious, so guard
them with wisdom.
Surround yourself with womenwho cheer you on without
competition, pray for youwithout asking, hold space for
your hard days without trying tofix you.
Celebrate your wins likethey're their own.
(14:33):
Call you out when you're losingyourself and call you back into
your purpose.
These are the friendships thatwill keep you rooted.
These are the women who willhelp you remember who you are
when life tries to make youforget At the heart of it all.
Cultivating female friendshipsduring motherhood is about
creating space not just in yourschedule but in your heart.
(14:53):
You don't need to do it alone.
You were never meant to, andwhen you find your tribe, when
you pour into and receive fromwomen who truly see you, you
will realize that your identityis not something that gets lost
in motherhood.
It simply expands, it evolves,it deepens and with the right
women by your side, you willrise even stronger, modeling
(15:16):
identity and connection for thenext generation.
Let's pause for a moment andreflect on this powerful truth.
Our children learn more fromwhat we live than what we say.
They're watching us.
They're absorbing how we movethrough the world, how we care
for ourselves and how we show upin our relationships.
And when it comes to identityand friendship, we are the
(15:39):
blueprint.
So let me ask you this what areyour children learning from how
you treat yourself?
Are they seeing a mother whogives endlessly but forgets
herself?
Are they witnessing a woman whonever asks for help, who denies
herself rest, who believes herworth is measured by how much
she sacrifices?
Or are they seeing a mother whoknows her name, honors her
(16:00):
boundaries, nurtures herpassions and embraces community?
When we reclaim our identity,we're not just healing ourselves
.
We're breaking generationalpatterns.
We're teaching our childrenthat love does not require you
to disappear, that it's okay totake up space, that you can be a
mother and be a whole person atthe same time.
For our daughters, we aremodeling self-worth.
(16:22):
We're showing them that theydon't have to lose themselves to
love someone else.
We're teaching them thatsisterhood is sacred and that
strong women support each other,not compete.
And for our sons, we areshaping how they'll view women,
what they'll expect in a partner, how they'll value emotional
expression and whether or notthey'll normalize women being
(16:45):
more than caretakers.
And let's not overlook thesubtle ways we model female
friendships when your childrensee you laugh with your
girlfriends more than caretakers.
And let's not overlook thesubtle ways we model female
friendships when your childrensee you laugh with your
girlfriends, cry with them,support them.
They're witnessing emotionalsafety.
They're seeing what healthyconnection looks like.
They're learning that communityis a gift, not a weakness, that
vulnerability is strength, thatlove comes in many forms and
(17:07):
all of them matter.
So when you choose to prioritizeyour friendships, when you make
time for yourself, when yourefuse to wear burnout like a
badge of honor, you're not beingselfish.
You are sowing seeds.
You're raising a generationthat knows how to love without
losing themselves.
You're raising a generationthat values both self and
service.
You're raising a generationthat will grow up remembering a
(17:31):
mother who is full of life, notjust full of lists.
And let me say this for themothers who feel like they've
missed that chance, who worrythat maybe it's too late to
model something different.
It's not too late.
It's never too late to become anew version of yourself.
And it's never too late foryour children to watch you rise,
because when they see youreclaim your identity, build
(17:56):
sacred friendships andprioritize your joy, they are
witnessing transformation.
They are witnessing resilience,they are witnessing love in its
most honest and liberating form, and that beloved is the legacy
that lives far beyond anythingyou say.
Your identity matters, and sodoes your sisterhood.
Mama, you are more than themeals you cook, the schedules
you manage, the noses you wipeand the endless tasks that keep
(18:18):
a home and family running.
You are a soul, a woman, adreamer, a divine creation with
purpose, far beyond what you dofor others.
And yes, motherhood is holy,it's powerful, it's
transformational.
But it was never meant toreplace your name, it was never
meant to erase the parts of youthat dance before diapers, laugh
(18:38):
before lullabies or dreambefore deadlines.
It's time to remember who youare, it's time to dust off the
pieces of you that got buriedbeneath the responsibilities,
and it's time to let the lightof you that got buried beneath
the responsibilities, and it'stime to let the light of female
friendships remind you of yourbeauty, your depth and your
voice.
Because when women cometogether without judgment,
(18:59):
without competition and withopen hearts, something sacred
happens.
We heal, we rise, we remember.
So to every mother listeningright now take a moment for
yourself today, breathe, reflect, reach out to that friend you
miss, say yes to that invitation, make that space for your soul
(19:19):
to stretch.
You don't have to do it allalone.
You were never meant to Leaninto the strength of your
sisterhood.
Lean into you.
Final call to action If thisepisode spoke to your heart,
please share it with anotheramazing woman who needs to hear
this message.
Let's keep building thisvillage, this sacred circle of
women who hold space for eachother, lift each other and grow
(19:43):
together.
Be sure to subscribe so younever miss an episode that pours
into your life with love andrealness.
Connect with me across allplatforms at LifePoints with
Rhonda, youtube.
Lifepoints with Rhonda 2968.
Instagram, facebook and TikTok,lifepoints with Rhonda Podcast
(20:05):
streaming everywhere.
Just search LifePoints withRhonda Website
wwwlifepointswithrhondacom.
Email lifepointswithrhonda atgmailcom.
And if you're ready to do thedeeper work of reconnecting to
your identity, your vision andyour relationships, I'm here for
you, book a session, join thetribe or simply say hello.
(20:27):
Until next time, be gentle withyourself, stay rooted in your
truth and always remember youare not just a mother, you are
you, and that's more thanno-transcript.
You're the nurturer, the provider, the schedule
keeper, the boo-boo kisser, thebedtime story reader.
But who are you underneath allthose hats?
Somewhere between diaperchanges, work meetings, school
pickups and late-night laundrymarathons, your name got lost.
Your dreams got quiet.
Your spirit started whisperinghey, remember me.
(00:20):
And yet, within the chaos ofmotherhood, there is a hidden
power that many of us overlookFemale friendships, that sacred
sisterhood that sees you, knowsyour soul and reminds you that
you are more than just someone'smom.
You are still the woman withpassions, potential and a
personal identity that matters.
(00:41):
So let me ask you when was thelast time you felt seen, not
just needed?
Before we dive in, I want toremind you to subscribe to the
podcast so you never miss anepisode that speaks to your soul
.
And if this topic resonateswith you, or if you know a mama
who's juggling it all and mightneed this message, share this
(01:01):
episode with her.
Let's keep building thisbeautiful community of support
and sisterhood.
And don't forget, you canalways connect with me across
all platforms at Life Pointswith Rhonda, that's, youtube
Life Points with Rhonda 2968.
Instagram, facebook and TikTok.
(01:22):
Life Points with Rhonda Podcaststreaming on all major
platforms, or visit my website,wwwlifepointswithrhondacom, if
you'd like to work with meone-on-one or need a safe space
to unpack life's challenges.
I offer coaching andconsultations too.
Just reach out via the contactpage on my site or email me at
(01:45):
lifepointswithronda at gmailcom.
Now let's get into it, becausetoday we're going to talk about
reclaiming you, leaning intoyour tribe and finding that
sacred balance betweenmotherhood and identity.
Welcome back, beautiful souls,to another episode of Life
Points with Ronda, the podcastwhere we have real, honest
conversations about life, love,purpose and everything in
(02:08):
between.
I'm your host, rhonda, andtoday we're diving into a topic
that touches so many women atthe deepest level balancing
personal identity with the rolesof motherhood.
Now, whether you're afirst-time mom, a seasoned
parent or even a caregiver,raising others while still
trying to raise yourself, youknow exactly what I mean when I
(02:31):
say it's easy to lose yourselfin the giving.
It's beautiful, sacred work,yes, but it can be all-consuming
and, before you know it, youforget what lights you up
outside of the needs of others.
But here's the truth you arestill a whole person, you still
matter, even when your to-dolist says otherwise.
(02:53):
In this episode, we're going toexplore how motherhood can be
both a role and a relationship,not an identity that replaces
your own.
And, more importantly, we'lltalk about how female
friendships, those ride-or-diesisters, soul tribes and sacred
circles can help anchor us backto ourselves when we start to
(03:13):
drift.
Because the truth is, you don'thave to do this alone and you
were never meant to.
So grab your tea, take a deepbreath and let's get into this
heart-centered conversationabout remembering who you are
and who's walking this journeywith you.
Rediscovering identity aftermotherhood.
Motherhood is a sacred calling,but let's be honest, it can
(03:36):
also be an identity thief ifwe're not careful.
So many women enter thischapter with dreams, goals and a
solid sense of self.
Women enter this chapter withdreams, goals and a solid sense
of self.
Then, suddenly, life becomes aseries of routines Feedings,
school pickups, managing thehousehold, maybe balancing a job
or a business.
And in the middle of all of it,your name fades into mom.
(03:57):
And while mom is one of themost honorable titles in the
world, it was never meant toreplace your name or your story.
Rediscovering your identitydoesn't mean stepping away from
your role as a mother.
It means reclaiming the womanwithin the role.
It's asking yourself whatbrings me joy outside of
motherhood.
What did I love before?
(04:17):
My life revolved aroundschedules and sippy cups.
What am I passionate about thatI've put on pause.
Who am I becoming?
Not just for my children, butfor myself, and I want you to
know something deep in your soulit is not selfish to want more
for yourself.
In fact, your children benefitfrom seeing you thrive.
They benefit from watching youchase dreams, honor your
(04:39):
passions and prioritize youremotional and spiritual
well-being.
That's not just parenting,that's modeling self-worth.
Your identity matters, youmatter, and the most
revolutionary thing you can doas a mother is to remember who
you are and give yourselfpermission to show up as her
again.
The role of female friendshipsin reclaiming yourself.
(04:59):
Let me tell you something I'velearned through both experience
and observation One of thegreatest lifelines for a woman,
especially a mother, is anotherwoman who sees her.
Now, I'm not talking aboutcasual friendships that are
built on small talk at the PTAor waving at each other during
soccer practice.
I'm talking about thosesoul-stirring, spirit-anchoring,
(05:20):
deeply nourishing connections,the kind of sisterhood that
reminds you of who you are whenyou've forgotten.
The kind that looks you in theeye and says you are still you,
even if you haven't said yourown name out loud in weeks.
Female friendships are powerful, they are healing, they are
sacred.
And for mothers who feel likethey're drowning in diapers,
(05:41):
dishes or decision fatigue,those relationships are more
than just nice.
They're necessary Becausehere's the truth Motherhood can
be isolating, especially whenyou're silently carrying the
emotional labor of everyone inthe household.
You may be surrounded by noisebut still feel completely alone.
And that loneliness doesn'talways come from lack of love.
(06:03):
It often comes from the lack ofbeing understood.
That's where strong, conscious,intentional female friendships
come in.
Imagine a friend who remindsyou to chase your dreams while
you're busy folding laundry.
A sister who tells you take thenap, leave the dishes.
Someone who says let's go forcoffee.
Just you and me, no kids, noschedules, just space for your
(06:27):
spirit to breathe.
And I want to be clear herethese friendships don't always
have to be deep from day one.
Sometimes they start in thesmall moments the mom you bond
with at school drop-off, thewoman at work who always makes
you laugh, the sister-cousinfriend who shows up when you
don't even ask.
But what makes thesefriendships powerful isn't just
time, it's intention, it'svulnerability, it's safety, it's
(06:51):
showing up for each other inboth the messy and the magical.
And when these friendships arenurtured, they become a mirror,
a reflection, a reminder thatyour story still matters, that
your voice deserves space, thatyour laughter, your needs, your
truth have not disappeared.
Sisterhood is the balm thatheals the identity wounds that
(07:13):
motherhood sometimes inflicts.
It's not about neglecting yourrole.
It's about restoring yourwholeness.
With women who are also walkingthe tightrope between nurturing
and becoming, you gain a tribethat cheers when you rise,
listens when you break and holdsspace when you're just figuring
it all out.
These friendships help youremember you are not just a mom.
(07:35):
You are a woman with power, youare a soul with purpose and you
deserve to be poured into justas much as you pour into others.
You deserve to be poured intojust as much as you pour into
others.
So today, ask yourself who aremy women?
Who fills me up?
Who reminds me of me?
And if you don't have thoserelationships yet, don't worry.
You are worthy of thatconnection and it's never too
(07:57):
late to cultivate it.
Start small, reach out, be open, be vulnerable, because
sometimes the greatest versionof yourself is waiting on the
other side of a good, deepconversation with a friend who
gets it, letting go of guilt andreclaiming space for yourself.
Let's talk about the elephant inthe room, mom.
Guilt, that creeping, gnawingfeeling that whispers you're not
(08:21):
doing enough, even when you'rerunning on fumes and still
showing up for everyone else.
It shows up when you take 20minutes to yourself.
It speaks up when you thinkabout pursuing that dream you
shelved years ago.
It screams when you choose anight out with your girlfriends
instead of bedtime stories andlast-minute science projects.
And I'm here to tell you thatguilt is a lie.
(08:41):
You were not created to be amartyr.
You were not meant to live inconstant sacrifice.
Motherhood is not supposed tobe a cage.
It's supposed to be a part ofyour wholeness, not the sum
total of who you are.
Now let me be clear.
It's okay to love your childrenwith every fiber of your being.
It's okay to rearrange yourlife for them, to show up for
(09:02):
them, to prioritize them.
That is a sacred and beautifulthing.
But it is not okay to disappearin the process.
Reclaiming space for yourself isnot selfish.
It's survival and, more thanthat, it's soul work.
It is choosing to honor yourdivine existence beyond your
titles.
It's deciding that you matter,even if the world has
(09:24):
conditioned you to believe thatyour worth is measured by
productivity and sacrifice.
So how do we begin to let go ofthat guilt?
First, we recognize where itcame from.
Guilt is often inherited, it'smodeled, it's reinforced by
social media perfectionism,generational beliefs and
unrealistic expectations.
(09:44):
Many of us watched our mothersand grandmothers work themselves
to the bone, rarely stopping,rarely asking for help and never
prioritizing themselves withoutshame.
And now here we are,unknowingly repeating that same
story.
But guess what?
You have permission to breakthe cycle.
You have permission to say nowhen you're overwhelmed.
(10:08):
Take a nap instead ofoverworking.
Ask for help without apology,leave the house for a breath of
fresh air with no agenda.
Book that massage, finish thatdegree, start that business or
go dancing with your girls,simply because it brings you joy
.
Because here's the truth whenyou pour into yourself, you
parent from overflow, notdepletion.
(10:29):
Truth when you pour intoyourself, you parent from
overflow, not depletion.
You become a living example foryour children of what self-love
, boundaries and wholeness looklike.
You teach your sons to respecta woman's needs.
You teach your daughters thatself-sacrifice is not the only
love language.
You teach your children thattheir future relationships
should be rooted in balance andmutual care.
And let me say this for themoms who feel too far gone.
(10:52):
It's never too late.
Whether your children aretoddlers or grown with kids of
their own, you are still worthyof rediscovery.
You are still allowed toreimagine who you are and
reclaim the parts of you thatgot buried along the way.
This is your time, this is yourwake-up call, not to abandon
motherhood but to expand beyondit, to make space for your
(11:13):
identity, your friendships, yourhealing and your happiness to
be more than who you are forothers, but who you are for
yourself.
How to cultivate and maintaindeep female friendships during
the demands of motherhood.
Here's the truth when life getsbusy, friendships often get
placed on the back burner, notbecause we don't love our
(11:33):
friends, but because we feellike there's no time to water
anything that doesn't scream forour attention.
But here's something everymother needs to remember the
friendships that fill your souldeserve to be nurtured, even in
the chaos, especially in thechaos.
And no, it doesn't requirehours of free time, grand plans
or perfect alignment.
(11:54):
What it does require isintention, because intention is
how we keep love alive, evenwhen life gets loud.
Let's talk about some practicalways to cultivate and maintain
those deep, soul-nourishingfriendships, without guilt and
without the pressure ofperfection.
One start small, stay consistent.
(12:15):
You don't need marathonhangouts to stay connected.
A five minute voice note, aquick thinking of you text or a
meme that made you laugh can bea lifeline.
These small gestures say youstill matter to me and sometimes
that's all a sister needs tofeel seen.
Consistency builds trust.
It keeps the thread strong evenwhen schedules don't match.
(12:37):
Two schedule friendship the wayyou schedule everything else.
We make appointments foreverything Doctor visits, school
conferences, zoom meetings sowhy not friendship?
Schedule time with yourgirlfriends.
That could be a monthly lunch,a quarterly self-care day or
(12:58):
even a weekly FaceTime callafter the kids are asleep.
If it's on your calendar,you're more likely to honor it.
Friendship is not extra, it'sessential wellness.
Think of it like therapy,laughter and healing all wrapped
into one.
Three be honest about where youare.
Sometimes the best way to growcloser is to be real about how
(13:21):
far away you feel.
Say I know I've been distantlately, but I'm overwhelmed.
I miss you, but I'm strugglingto balance everything right now.
Vulnerability deepensconnection.
Let your sisters into the truthof your season, because chances
are they're navigatingsomething similar, and in that
honesty you'll often find moregrace and support than you
(13:47):
imagined.
Four let go of the idea thatfriendship has to be perfect.
There will be missed calls,forgotten texts and plans that
fall through.
Life will get in the way, andthat's okay.
True friendships aren't basedon perfection.
They're built on grace, ontrust, on picking up where you
left off.
Without judgment, it's okay ifyou go weeks without talking.
What matters is how you show upwhen you can.
(14:12):
Five choose your inner circlewith intention.
In motherhood, your time andenergy are precious, so guard
them with wisdom.
Surround yourself with womenwho cheer you on without
competition, pray for youwithout asking, hold space for
your hard days without trying tofix you.
Celebrate your wins likethey're their own.
(14:33):
Call you out when you're losingyourself and call you back into
your purpose.
These are the friendships thatwill keep you rooted.
These are the women who willhelp you remember who you are
when life tries to make youforget At the heart of it all.
Cultivating female friendshipsduring motherhood is about
creating space not just in yourschedule but in your heart.
(14:53):
You don't need to do it alone.
You were never meant to, andwhen you find your tribe, when
you pour into and receive fromwomen who truly see you, you
will realize that your identityis not something that gets lost
in motherhood.
It simply expands, it evolves,it deepens and with the right
women by your side, you willrise even stronger, modeling
(15:16):
identity and connection for thenext generation.
Let's pause for a moment andreflect on this powerful truth.
Our children learn more fromwhat we live than what we say.
They're watching us.
They're absorbing how we movethrough the world, how we care
for ourselves and how we show upin our relationships.
And when it comes to identityand friendship, we are the
(15:39):
blueprint.
So let me ask you this what areyour children learning from how
you treat yourself?
Are they seeing a mother whogives endlessly but forgets
herself?
Are they witnessing a woman whonever asks for help, who denies
herself rest, who believes herworth is measured by how much
she sacrifices?
Or are they seeing a mother whoknows her name, honors her
(16:00):
boundaries, nurtures herpassions and embraces community?
When we reclaim our identity,we're not just healing ourselves
.
We're breaking generationalpatterns.
We're teaching our childrenthat love does not require you
to disappear, that it's okay totake up space, that you can be a
mother and be a whole person atthe same time.
For our daughters, we aremodeling self-worth.
(16:22):
We're showing them that theydon't have to lose themselves to
love someone else.
We're teaching them thatsisterhood is sacred and that
strong women support each other,not compete.
And for our sons, we areshaping how they'll view women,
what they'll expect in a partner, how they'll value emotional
expression and whether or notthey'll normalize women being
(16:45):
more than caretakers.
And let's not overlook thesubtle ways we model female
friendships when your childrensee you laugh with your
girlfriends more than caretakers.
And let's not overlook thesubtle ways we model female
friendships when your childrensee you laugh with your
girlfriends, cry with them,support them.
They're witnessing emotionalsafety.
They're seeing what healthyconnection looks like.
They're learning that communityis a gift, not a weakness, that
vulnerability is strength, thatlove comes in many forms and
(17:07):
all of them matter.
So when you choose to prioritizeyour friendships, when you make
time for yourself, when yourefuse to wear burnout like a
badge of honor, you're not beingselfish.
You are sowing seeds.
You're raising a generationthat knows how to love without
losing themselves.
You're raising a generationthat values both self and
service.
You're raising a generationthat will grow up remembering a
(17:31):
mother who is full of life, notjust full of lists.
And let me say this for themothers who feel like they've
missed that chance, who worrythat maybe it's too late to
model something different.
It's not too late.
It's never too late to become anew version of yourself.
And it's never too late foryour children to watch you rise,
because when they see youreclaim your identity, build
(17:56):
sacred friendships andprioritize your joy, they are
witnessing transformation.
They are witnessing resilience,they are witnessing love in its
most honest and liberating form, and that beloved is the legacy
that lives far beyond anythingyou say.
Your identity matters, and sodoes your sisterhood.
Mama, you are more than themeals you cook, the schedules
you manage, the noses you wipeand the endless tasks that keep
(18:18):
a home and family running.
You are a soul, a woman, adreamer, a divine creation with
purpose, far beyond what you dofor others.
And yes, motherhood is holy,it's powerful, it's
transformational.
But it was never meant toreplace your name, it was never
meant to erase the parts of youthat dance before diapers, laugh
(18:38):
before lullabies or dreambefore deadlines.
It's time to remember who youare, it's time to dust off the
pieces of you that got buriedbeneath the responsibilities,
and it's time to let the lightof you that got buried beneath
the responsibilities, and it'stime to let the light of female
friendships remind you of yourbeauty, your depth and your
voice.
Because when women cometogether without judgment,
(18:59):
without competition and withopen hearts, something sacred
happens.
We heal, we rise, we remember.
So to every mother listeningright now take a moment for
yourself today, breathe, reflect, reach out to that friend you
miss, say yes to that invitation, make that space for your soul
(19:19):
to stretch.
You don't have to do it allalone.
You were never meant to Leaninto the strength of your
sisterhood.
Lean into you.
Final call to action If thisepisode spoke to your heart,
please share it with anotheramazing woman who needs to hear
this message.
Let's keep building thisvillage, this sacred circle of
women who hold space for eachother, lift each other and grow
(19:43):
together.
Be sure to subscribe so younever miss an episode that pours
into your life with love andrealness.
Connect with me across allplatforms at LifePoints with
Rhonda, youtube.
Lifepoints with Rhonda 2968.
Instagram, facebook and TikTok,lifepoints with Rhonda Podcast
(20:05):
streaming everywhere.
Just search LifePoints withRhonda Website
wwwlifepointswithrhondacom.
Email lifepointswithrhonda atgmailcom.
And if you're ready to do thedeeper work of reconnecting to
your identity, your vision andyour relationships, I'm here for
you, book a session, join thetribe or simply say hello.
(20:27):
Until next time, be gentle withyourself, stay rooted in your
truth and always remember youare not just a mother, you are
you, and that's more thanno-transcript.
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