Starting Cycles Katherine

This engaging episode features Laura, a mother of two, who delves deep into the complexities and evolving nature of motherhood, work-life balance, and the constant journey towards becoming a "whole person." Throughout the conversation, Laura candidly shares her experiences of transitioning into motherhood, the challenges of managing personal and professional expectations, and the profound impact of vulnerability and realness in societal norms. She emphasizes the importance of being present rather than perfect, acknowledging that motherhood reshapes priorities, identity, and the definition of success.
About the Guest
Laura is introduced as a multifaceted individual navigating the intricate balance between her professional career, personal growth, and her role as a mother to two young children. With a background as a child therapist, Laura offers a unique perspective grounded in her professional expertise and personal journey. She speaks to the transformative power of motherhood on her priorities, self-view, and familial relationships. Laura's story is one of trial, error, and gradual acceptance of the fluid nature of balancing work and family life, striving for presence over perfection.
Key Takeaways
The Evolving Journey of Motherhood: Laura highlights motherhood as a continuous evolution, where adapting to changes in one's children and oneself is key. She stresses that motherhood significantly altered her views on success, balance, and identity.
Challenges of Work-Life Balance: Sharing her struggle with transitioning back to work post-maternity, Laura discusses the guilt and conflict of balancing professional ambitions with the desire to be a present mother. Her journey underscores the importance of flexibility, self-compassion, and the need to redefine societal expectations of working mothers.
Vulnerability and Realness: A recurring theme is the power of vulnerability and the necessity of real conversations about the challenges of motherhood. Laura criticizes the societal inclination for portraying perfection, advocating instead for honesty about the messy, difficult aspects of parenting. She believes this can lead to a more supportive and understanding society.
Presence Over Perfection: Laura's key message is the importance of being present with one's children, rather than striving for an unattainable ideal of perfection. She argues that modeling realness, emotional openness, and resilience in the face of challenges is crucial for both personal fulfillment and teaching valuable life lessons to children.
This episode serves as a reminder of the complexities of motherhood, the unrealistic pressures imposed by societal expectations, and the beauty of embracing the chaotic, yet profoundly rewarding journey of raising children.
Remember to subscribe to *Starting Cycles* for more episodes that explore the intersection of positive psychology and motherhood, offering insights, stories, and strategies to foster generational well-being in our families.
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In this heartfelt episode, we delve into the raw and authentic experiences of motherhood with our guest, Niki. From the very start, Niki and I touch on the unspoken challenges many parents face but seldom share, highlighting the emotional rollercoaster that comes with raising children. The conversation navigates through the pressures of societal expectations, the journey of finding one's footing in the chaotic but rewarding realm of parenthood, and the transformative process known as "matrescence" – the birth of a mother alongside her child.
About the Guest
Niki brings a unique perspective to the table with her background in special needs education and her own journey through motherhood. She openly shares her struggles and victories, offering a candid look into the complexities of applying professional knowledge to her personal life as a parent. Her honest recounting of the highs and lows she has faced is not only enlightening but also deeply relatable to any listener navigating the path of parenting.
Key Takeaways
The Complexity of Parenthood: The episode sheds light on the societal pressures and expectations placed on mothers, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and sharing the real, often challenging, experiences of parenting.
Matrescence and Identity: Niki and I explore the concept of matrescence, discussing the significant yet often overlooked transformation women undergo as they become mothers. They delve into the struggles of losing and rediscovering one's identity amidst the demands of motherhood.
The Importance of Self-Care: A major theme of the conversation is the critical role of self-care and physical exercise in improving mental health and overall well-being for mothers. Niki shares her personal journey towards incorporating these elements into her life, illustrating how small steps can lead to significant positive changes.
Finding Community and Support: The episode highlights the necessity of finding a supportive community and the power of sharing one's story. By opening up about their experiences, Niki and I emphasize how vital it is for mothers to connect, share, and support each other through the ups and downs of parenting.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking for a genuine, insightful, and encouraging perspective on the joys and challenges of motherhood. Through our conversation, Niki and I not only offer solace and understanding but also inspire listeners to embrace the journey of parenthood with all its imperfections and beauty.
Remember to subscribe to *Starting Cycles* for more episodes that explore the intersection of positive psychology and motherhood, offering insights, stories, and strategies to foster generational well-being in our families.
Visit startingcycles.com to learn more

In the debut episode of “Starting Cycles”, Katherine introduces a transformative approach to motherhood through the lens of positive psychology. This pioneering episode lays the groundwork for empowering mothers to cultivate generational well-being within their families by intertwining the principles of positive psychology with child development.
Key Highlights:
The Essence of Positive Psychology: I delve into how positive psychology, the science of well-being, acts as a crucial underpinning for mothers aiming to raise children who feel intrinsically whole. I share my personal journey of discovering positive psychology as the missing piece in applying child developmental psychology effectively.
Bridging the Gap in Child Development: I explore the current disconnect in child development research, which often overlooks the mother's mental well-being as a vital component of the child's emotional and mental development. I emphasize the symbiotic relationship between a mother's psychological state and her child's developmental trajectory.
Rewiring Generational Patterns: Highlighting the significant influence of a mother's mental and emotional blueprint on her child, I underscore the necessity of embracing positive psychology to break negative generational cycles and foster a foundation of well-being.
Comprehensive Framework for Wholeness: The discussion extends into the pillars of positive psychology, including the cultivation of positive emotions, engagement, meaningful relationships, a sense of purpose, achievement, and vitality. I outline how these elements contribute to a fulfilling and wholesome life, both for mothers and their children.
From Theory to Practice: The episode not only theorizes the importance of positive psychology but also offers insights into practical applications, helping mothers to navigate their own well-being strategies. I share the transformative potential of understanding and applying positive psychology to everyday parenting.
The Future of Mental Health and Well-Being: I passionately argue that the future of mental health lies in the widespread adoption of positive psychology principles, particularly by mothers and primary caregivers. This approach promises a ripple effect, paving the way for a future generation that innately understands how to nurture their well-being.
This episode is a must-listen for mothers and caregivers seeking to embark on a journey of personal growth and generational healing, offering the tools and insights needed to nurture a legacy of emotional and mental well-being.
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"Starting Cycles," hosted by Katherine, is more than just a podcast - it's a movement aimed at reshaping the collective psyche of the adults of our future, of her son’s future, by helping mothers break negative generational patterns and start cycles of well-being by integrating the science of well-being - positive psychology - into motherhood."
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