You're Mom Enough: Real Talk for Moms Ready to Rediscover Themselves

You're Mom Enough with Cara and Shawna
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Love being a mom—but kinda miss yourself? You’re not broken. You’re just in the middle of the biggest identity shift of your life. Join Shawna & Cara, two cousins, later-in-life moms, and real women fumbling forward through the missteps and milestones of motherhood—without pretending to have it all figured out. We talk Momposter Syndrome, self-doubt, joy, identity loss (and recovery), body stuff, mom guilt, and everything else you wish more people were honest about. Each cat-nap-length episode is like a voice note from a friend who gets it. We’re not here to fix you. We’re here to walk with

  1. Episode 32: The Guilt Card – Working Moms vs Stay-at-Home Moms (Why We Can’t Win Either Way)

    FEB 15

    Episode 32: The Guilt Card – Working Moms vs Stay-at-Home Moms (Why We Can’t Win Either Way)

    Are you a working mom who feels guilty for not being present enough?Or a stay-at-home mom who feels guilty for not “contributing” financially? Yeah. Same. In this episode, Shawna and Cara—one a working-from-home mom, one a stay-at-home mom—have an honest, unfiltered conversation about mom guilt, money, identity, and the impossible standards placed on mothers no matter what choice we make. We talk about: Why moms feel guilty either way The invisible labor no one prepares you for Money guilt, contribution guilt, and “the story I’m telling myself” Why presence matters more than perfection How guilt steals joy—at work and at home If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I doing this wrong?”—this episode is for you. 💗 You’re not failing. You’re mom enough. 👉 If this episode gave you even a little relief, share it with a mom who’s questioning herself right now. 🧠 Free Guide: yourmomenough.com/stop

    29 min
  2. YME Episode 30 - The secret to chasing big goals when motherhood leaves you feeling spent

    FEB 8

    YME Episode 30 - The secret to chasing big goals when motherhood leaves you feeling spent

    Feeling like your personal goals are on the back burner? In this episode, Shawna and Cara share their secrets for finding time and energy to pursue your ambitions, even in the busiest seasons of motherhood. From middle-of-the-night work sessions to the power of a 10-minute timer, learn practical ways to make "micro-progress" on your dreams without adding more guilt to your plate. TLFMTR (Too Long For Mom To Read): Discover "Parkinson's Law," the idea that work expands to fill the time you give it, and why moms are often the most efficient people. Your dreams stay alive when they're touched daily, even in small ways; five minutes of "micro-progress" is still progress. Instead of waiting to "find" time, you have to "borrow" it by creating hybrid activities, like working out while your child plays nearby. It's okay if your ambition is simply being the best mom you can be; that is a mission worthy of your energy and focus. What if your ambition hasn't disappeared, but has just changed shape? What's one tiny, five-minute step you can take today to honor the part of you that has dreams outside of motherhood? Remember, you're not falling behind; you're just rewriting what ambition looks like in this season.  If you're looking for more support on your journey, come and join our free community of moms who get it at https://joinhearttostart.com.

    34 min
  3. YME Episode 29 - That Wasted Hour on Your Phone Here’s Why It’s Actually Necessary

    FEB 1

    YME Episode 29 - That Wasted Hour on Your Phone Here’s Why It’s Actually Necessary

    Do moms really have no time, or are we just scrolling it all away?  In this episode, Shawna and Cara put this question to the test with a personal time audit.  They uncover surprising truths about "wasted" time, the psychology behind mom guilt, and why choosing to rest can feel so impossible.  This episode is for any mom who’s ever felt guilty for choosing her phone over the laundry pile or any mom who secretly super cleans for 30 minutes before their partner gets home because they don’t want them to discover… what didn’t get done in the day.  TLFMTR (Too Long For Mom To Read): Scrolling isn't always wasted time; sometimes it's a necessary mental break. The pressure to be constantly productive is often rooted in our upbringing and societal expectations. Understanding your personality tendencies (like being an "obliger") can help you reframe and prioritize self-care. We challenge the default notion that spare moments must be filled with chores instead of activities just for you. When you find an unexpected moment to yourself, what is your default activity, and how can you offer yourself more grace in that choice? Remember, you are doing enough, and your need for rest is valid.  If you're looking for more support on your journey, come and join our free community of moms who get it at https://joinhearttostart.com.

    30 min
  4. YME Episode 28 - Habits Don't Stick You not Lazy, You Just Need the Right Strategy Mom

    JAN 25

    YME Episode 28 - Habits Don't Stick You not Lazy, You Just Need the Right Strategy Mom

    Tired of “habit stacks” and “motivational morning routines” that just don't stick?   It’s not you, it’s the strategy.   In this episode, Shawna and Cara explore Gretchen Rubin's "The Four Tendencies" to help you discover more about what makes you… get and stay motivated. Whether you're an Upholder, Questioner, Obliger, or Rebel. This is for any mom who has ever felt like the problem can’t be "lazziness" or lack of discipline. There has to be something else behind why she just couldn't follow generic advice into transformative life changing new habits. In this episode we explore what might be possible if we learn how to work with our personality not against it to finally build habits that last. TLFMTR (Too Long For Mom To Read): An introduction to Gretchen Rubin's Four Tendencies: Upholder, Questioner, Obliger, and Rebel, which are based on how you respond to inner and outer expectations. Why generic habit advice often fails and how understanding your unique wiring is the key to success. The power of leveraging your natural tendency as a strength rather than trying to change who you are at your core. Personal examples of how Shawna (a Rebel wanna be real life Obliger) and Cara (an Upholder) navigate motivation differently. An invitation to stop the cycle of self-judgment and instead use self-awareness to build a life that feels more authentic and fulfilling. Instead of asking "Why can't I stick to this?", what if you gently asked, "What kind of support or structure do I naturally need to succeed?" Remember, you are not a project to be fixed; you are a person to be understood.  If you're looking for more support on your journey, come and join our free community of moms who get it at https://joinhearttostart.com. To learn more about Gretchen Rubin and her work and take the Four Tendencies quiz: https://gretchenrubin.com/four-tendencies/

    23 min
  5. YME Episode 27 - The Mom Joy Challenge and Why We Failed

    JAN 18

    YME Episode 27 - The Mom Joy Challenge and Why We Failed

    We tried a "14 Days of Joy" challenge... And we kind of failed. Join us for a hilarious and honest chat about why it's so hard for moms to prioritize their own happiness. From choosing chores over reading to turning "me time" into family time, we explore the mental hurdles we all face. This episode is for any mom who’s ever felt guilty for not being “better” at self-care. TLFMTR (Too Long For Mom To Read): What’s with the battle between choosing personal joy versus a productive "mom task"? Why is it "me time" so easily morphs into a "family activity"? Do we really have "no time" or did we spend it scrolling on autopilot? Why is modeling self-care for our kids is so important? Our spontaneous new plan: the "Mom Time Audit" challenge! When was the last time you did something purely for your own joy, without it needing to be productive or for someone else? Remember, adding joy to your life doesn't have to be another thing you get perfect. You are mom enough, and you're not alone in this.  If you're looking for more support on your journey, come and join our free community of moms who get it at https://joinhearttostart.com.

    28 min
  6. YME Episode 26 - Mom Burnt Out Why Taking Care of Yourself is the Best Thing for Your Kids

    JAN 11

    YME Episode 26 - Mom Burnt Out Why Taking Care of Yourself is the Best Thing for Your Kids

    Does taking a nap or booking a massage feel less like self-care and more like a selfish indulgence now that you have kids? In this episode, Shawna and Cara dive deep into the pervasive guilt that plagues moms when they try to take time for themselves.  From potty-training burnout to the work-from-home juggle, they share personal stories that will make you say, "I thought I was the only one."  This episode is for any mom who is tired of running on empty and ready to believe that caring for herself is a crucial part of caring for her family. TLFMTR (Too Long For Mom To Read): Modeling is everything: Your children learn to care for themselves by watching you care for yourself. Making your well-being a priority is a gift to them. It's a two-part problem: Mom guilt often comes from our internal struggle to let go, which is made worse by external factors like a partner's lack of communication while we're away. Self-care is life support: True self-care isn't a selfish luxury; it's the essential practice that keeps you sane, grounded, and present for your family. Don't wait for permission: You don't need the perfect moment to take care of yourself. Just start somewhere, even if it's as small as finishing a hot cup of coffee. What is one small, simple thing I can do just for me this week, without apology or explanation? Remember, you are not weak for wanting more than just survival, you're human.  If you're looking for more support on your journey, come and join our free community of moms who get it at https://joinhearttostart.com.

    22 min
  7. YME Episode 25 - The Mom Possible Movement Challenge

    JAN 4

    YME Episode 25 - The Mom Possible Movement Challenge

    Join Shawna and Cara as they spill the tea on their recent fitness challenge and the reality of fitting movement into a busy mom's life. This episode is a raw, honest look at "mom possible" workouts, letting go of the pressure to "bounce back," and finding joy in movement, even when it's messy.  They share personal stories, including a hilarious one about how braless and jumping should be illegal but not for the reasons everyone thinks… And they offer compassionate advice on how to get started, even if you feel like you've tried and quit everything. TLFMTR (Too Long For Mom To Read): A "mom possible" workout is a flexible workout. It's about finding time to move whenever you can, not just first thing in the morning when babies need feeding and attention. The first five minutes are the hardest. Once you start moving, it's easier to stay in motion, and the true reward is how you feel afterward. It’s okay to not love every second of a workout. Consistent movement is about embracing the "suck" until it sucks a little less, and the feeling of accomplishment afterward is worth it. Movement doesn't have to be punishing. There are many ways to be active, and finding a joyful activity like dancing can be more effective than a high-intensity workout you dread. What would movement look like if you redefined your expectations and focused on what's "mom possible" for you right now, without the pressure of a "bounce back" fantasy? Remember, your kids don't need a perfect mom; they need a resilient one.  If you're looking for more support on your journey, come and join our free community of moms who get it at https://joinhearttostart.com. And… if you’re into an e-true Hollywood story of how one mom won back her health one small step at a time… make sure to check out an earlier YME Episode 10 where Cara interviews the amazing Chevaunne who shares her story: From Grief to Grit, how one mom ran her way back to herself and lost 117 lbs

    34 min
  8. YME Episode 24 - When a Family Gateaway is just Parenting in a New Place

    12/28/2025

    YME Episode 24 - When a Family Gateaway is just Parenting in a New Place

    Hey Mom… Ever feel like you need a vacation from your vacation? You're not alone. In this episode, Shawna and Cara open up about their recent family getaways and the hilarious (and sometimes stressful) reality of traveling with kids. We're ditching the myth of the perfect family trip and getting real about why it's a "survival exercise," not a spa day. From dealing with unexpected challenges like sunscreen allergies and forgotten gear , to finding joy in the chaos, we share our honest experiences and remind you to pack your patience and redefine your idea of a successful trip.   Plus, we challenge you to take a "mini vacation" every day with our 14 Days of Fun challenge. TLFMTR (Too Long For Mom To Read): A "vacation" with kids is not about rest; it's about redefining family time. The goal of a family getaway is not perfection, but connection. Lower your expectations and embrace the messiness to create lasting memories. Packing your patience is just as important as packing your bags. Being out of your element can make you feel close to the edge of your temper, so be gentle with yourself. Don't forget to prioritize your own well-being. Even a brief "momcation" or a 30-minute daily activity can help you reconnect with yourself and remember who you are outside of motherhood. What's one small, fun thing you can do for yourself today to feel a little more like "you"? Remember, you are a great mom, and you're not alone in this.  If you're looking for more support on your journey, come and join our free community of moms who get it at https://joinhearttostart.com.

    26 min
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Love being a mom—but kinda miss yourself? You’re not broken. You’re just in the middle of the biggest identity shift of your life. Join Shawna & Cara, two cousins, later-in-life moms, and real women fumbling forward through the missteps and milestones of motherhood—without pretending to have it all figured out. We talk Momposter Syndrome, self-doubt, joy, identity loss (and recovery), body stuff, mom guilt, and everything else you wish more people were honest about. Each cat-nap-length episode is like a voice note from a friend who gets it. We’re not here to fix you. We’re here to walk with

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