I was asking the wrong question…⁉️

How my word for the year helped shape my year…and how you can do this too!

Photo by Lina Trochez

If you’re enjoying the Soul Care Mom Substack I’d be delighted if you’d consider upgrading to a paid subscription (an incredible value at less than a cup of coffee ☕️).

When you upgrade, you’ll get access to monthly Sparkle Coaching, audio coaching notes that will help you step into your most Vibrant self. Plus, get access to the transformational course, Compassionate Motherhood, that’ll help you release mom guilt, lean into deeper self-compassion, and create a life infused with self care. 💖

Hi Love,

I remember eyeing the other children's pb&js as I unpacked my tomato and sprouts sandwich on whole wheat. While they traded their Hostess snacks and cheese crackers, I sat with my apple slices and handful of almonds.

Looking back, I'm so grateful for the nourishing foods my mom prepared. What felt like standing out then has become a cornerstone of my own parenting journey. It's a gift I want to give my kids as well - not just the food itself, but the mindful intention behind each choice.

As we step into a season of whole foods, simple ingredients, and deep nourishment, I've discovered a world of incredible foods and their benefits for our bodies. But with each new superfood announcement and wellness trend, I felt increasingly overwhelmed about fitting them into our already full days.

But I was asking the wrong question...

"I don't know how people do it!" The words escaped my lips with a sigh of exasperation one evening as I scrolled through yet another perfectly curated wellness feed. I knew what I wanted for my life - the nourishing meals, the daily movement, the mindful moments - but I had no idea how to actually weave it all into the fabric of my day.

Then a gentle voice I recognized as my intuition whispered, "There's another way...just keep things simple."

"Ahhh, thank you!" I whispered back, feeling the tension release from my shoulders. A weight lifted as the truth settled in: I didn't need to do more...I needed to peel back the layers and start at the core.

“Simplicity” became my word for the past year.

I had been trying, in so many areas of life, to pile on the things I wanted, stacking new habits and expectations on top of what I was already doing. I hadn't allowed myself the spaciousness to explore and release the excess.

Maybe you've spent a day or weekend decluttering the spaces in your home. You know that feeling of overwhelm before beginning - the procrastination, the resistance to processing what already exists. But eventually, you start, because you know how good it will feel when it's done.

The process is revealing: looking at things one by one, getting curious about their place and value in your life, noticing if they're actually serving you or if you're holding on out of habit or obligation. So many things in our lives are like this. Without awareness, we accumulate physical, mental, and emotional clutter, rarely recognizing the weight we carry with us day in and day out.

Another gift I wanted to give myself was the gift of movement, but going for daily walks or getting in thousands of steps a day takes time. Where in my day was it going to fit without impeding my sleep - which is another one of my priorities?

So instead of asking, How can I fit this in?...I asked myself, How can I build my life around my values?

This question required me to back up several steps and truly see what was already taking up space in my day. When you start with your values first - examining your space, your schedule, your commitments through this lens - life becomes clearer. You can see what aligns with your vision and what doesn't serve you in this season.

Through this process, I was able to delete and delegate several things to make space for more movement in my day. The solution wasn't about squeezing more in - it was about creating space for what matters most.

Let's walk through how you can do this too...

First, find a quiet moment with your journal or a blank piece of paper. This process deserves your full attention - maybe with a warm cup of tea and a cozy corner where you won't be interrupted.

Start by writing down your core values - the non-negotiables that make you feel most alive and aligned. For me, these included nourishing food, regular movement, quality sleep, and meaningful connections with my family. Don't worry about how these will fit into your life just yet. Simply allow yourself to dream and identify what matters most.

Next, take an honest look at your typical day. Write down everything you do from morning until night, including the small tasks that fill the spaces between bigger commitments.

Be specific - instead of just writing "morning routine," break down each step. This clarity helps us see where our time is really going.

You can grab a time tracking journal to help you with this process.

Now comes the revealing part:

Compare your values list with your daily activities. Circle the activities that directly support your core values.

Underline the ones that seem to conflict with them.

What patterns do you notice?

Where are the disconnects between what you say matters and how you're spending your time?

This is where the magic happens. ✨

For each underlined item, ask yourself:

• Does this truly need to be done?

• If yes, does it need to be done by me?

• If yes, does it need to be done in this way or at this time?

You might discover, as I did, that some tasks can be:

• Eliminated completely (like scrolling social media during breakfast)

• Delegated (perhaps your partner or children can take on certain responsibilities)

• Simplified (maybe that elaborate meal prep can become more streamlined)

• Combined (could your movement practice become family time?)

The goal isn't to create a perfect schedule where everything fits seamlessly. Instead, we're looking for opportunities to align our days more closely with our values, one small shift at a time.

For example, when I looked at my own schedule, I realized I was spending 30 minutes each morning responding to non-urgent emails. By moving this task to a dedicated time block a few times a week, I opened up space for a hike with my family - supporting both my movement and connection values simultaneously.

We're not trying to squeeze more into our days - we're crafting days that reflect what matters most to us.

Take it slowly.

Choose one value to focus on first.

Make small adjustments and notice how they feel.

Celebrate the moments when your choices align with your values, and be gentle with yourself when old patterns emerge.

Think of this as a practice rather than a destination.

Your values and circumstances will shift with different seasons of life, and that's perfectly okay. The key is maintaining that gentle awareness of whether your daily choices are supporting the life you want to create.

And stay tuned!

Next week, I'll share my word for 2025 and how I'm weaving it into my year. I'll also guide you through choosing a word that helps you move intentionally through the new year, creating a life that reflects your deepest values.

Sending you Love Always,

Catherine 💖

And right now, when you upgrade to a paid subscription, you’ll receive monthly audio coaching notes from me!! These Sparkle Coaching Notes are intuitive guidance that will help you intentionally step off the hamster wheel of life and find yourself again.

Because you deserve to feel like YOU!

These coaching notes are a snippet from the transformational coaching program Vibrant Mom Life ($147/mo value). With an upgraded membership here on Substack you’ll get access to this incredible coaching guidance for less than a cuppa a month! ☕️

If this feels aligned for you, go ahead and tap that upgrade button!! 👇

I would love to support you inside! ✨

Love Notes From Soul Care Moms…💌

“This gives me feel good vibes. I just love these little nuggets you share…it makes you think and I love that!” - Kaitlin S.

“Love this note, I sure can relate.” - Paula A.

“Reading this felt like a nice exhale 🫶” - Kaitlyn R.

If you’re ready to step into more ease, joy & confidence on your motherhood journey click the button below to subscribe or upgrade!! Become a paid member to get access to monthly Sparkle Audio Coaching Notes and Compassionate Motherhood, a transformational course that will help you to release mom guilt, say “yes” to self care, and deepen your self-compassion.💖

💖 Craving MORE Soul Care Goodness & Support 💖

When you're ready, here are some ways you can continue to nourish your soul:


1) Watch The Soul Care Mom Channel
Every video is a journey into the world of mindful motherhood, self care, and invaluable tips that will help you yell less and have more fun with your kids. Simply press play to discover how you can be the calm, confident, happy mom you long to be. Press Play & Enjoy!


2) Hang Out In The Community
Do you feel alone on your motherhood journey? Every day in the Soul Care Mom Village, moms share their challenges and wins, and find inspiration from each other's experiences. It's a beautiful and uplifting space where moms support moms. Come See Where We Hang Out Every Day!


3) Get Your Copy Of ‘Reclaiming Your Inner Sparkle’
Feeling lost in motherhood? This book is your guiding light, into the transformative power of self care and how you can cultivate days filled with more calm, ease, and confidence. Every chapter brings a new perspective to help you reignite your Inner Sparkle. Reclaim Your Sparkle Here!


4) Join ‘Vibrant Mom Life’
Vibrant Mom Life is packed with everything you need to finally get out of survival mode and find yourself again in motherhood. Access transformational self care tools, strategies to find guilt-free me-time, and new themes each month that help you tap into the secrets to a calmer, happier you. Become A Vibrant Mom!

---

Posts may contain affiliate links. Please see our full disclosures for more information.

Everything shared is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. I share in the hope that it will help you feel empowered and inspired. Always seek the guidance of a trusted health professional for your unique journey.

You are loved. 💖