Revisit - Your Motherhood is Only as Powerful as Your Personhood.
Feb 18, 2025
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In this insightful conversation, Cleo Wade, an author and poet celebrated for her focus on self-love and recovery, shares her wisdom on reclaiming identity within the all-consuming realm of motherhood. She emphasizes the transformative power of self-love and the idea that the first change begins with a new thought. Cleo discusses the emotional challenges mothers face, from societal pressures to postpartum depression, and highlights the importance of community support and self-care as integral to the journey of rediscovering oneself amid the chaos.
Self-love is vital for new parents as it empowers them to confront struggles and shift negative thinking patterns.
Establishing a self-care routine, through simple acts of kindness and setting boundaries, helps parents reclaim their identities and well-being.
Deep dives
The Impact of Motherhood on Identity
Motherhood significantly alters a woman's identity, and the emotional landscape that accompanies this change can be overwhelming. Many women struggle to understand how they have transformed after becoming mothers, often feeling disconnected from their former selves. There's an emphasis on the importance of acknowledging these feelings instead of minimizing them, as the challenges in adapting to motherhood can be profound. Recognizing that the act of change may be easier than navigating the emotions tied to it can allow parents the space to validate their experiences.
The Role of Self-Love in Recovery
Self-love emerges as a crucial element in the journey of recovery for new parents, particularly those experiencing postpartum depression. The idea is that cultivating self-love empowers individuals to confront their struggles and redefine their inner dialogue, fostering a more compassionate view of themselves. A specific mantra, 'remember love,' is highlighted as a tool to help shift negative thinking patterns and serve as an anchor during tough moments. Emphasizing that recovery begins with how we speak to ourselves underscores the importance of nurturing a positive inner voice.
Navigating Postpartum Challenges
Postpartum depression is often marked by feelings of guilt and inadequacy, making it challenging for new parents to access gratitude. Gratitude sourced from guilt does not reflect true appreciation, as it often feels like an obligation rather than genuine acknowledgment. This distinction highlights that true gratitude arises from being present and appreciating the moment without any underlying narratives. Accepting the difficulty of postpartum experiences can open avenues for healing, as honest conversations about these feelings can validate the emotional turmoil new parents face.
Building a Practice of Self-Care
Establishing a self-care routine is essential for parents to maintain their well-being and reclaim their identities. Simple acts, such as staying hydrated or taking time outdoors, can provide tangible steps towards practicing self-care. Recognizing the need for self-kindness and setting boundaries can encourage parents to prioritize their own needs without guilt. By modeling self-love and care for their children, parents can instill the importance of these values, fostering a healthier understanding of personal well-being in the next generation.
This is a repeat of an earlier episode. Motherhood often feels all-consuming. And it's easy to lose yourself in it. But you can find your way back to yourself with self-love. The first change you make is the new thought you take. Author and poet, Cleo Wade, joins Dr. Becky to talk about reclaiming yourself when you feel lost in motherhood and her newest book Remember Love.
Get the Good Inside App by Dr. Becky: https://bit.ly/3C1m7Cc Follow Dr. Becky on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbeckyatgoodinside Sign up for our weekly email, Good Insider: https://www.goodinside.com/newsletter Order Dr. Becky's book, Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be, at goodinside.com/book or wherever you order your books. For a full transcript of the episode, go to goodinside.com/podcast To listen to Dr. Becky's TED Talk on repair visit https://www.ted.com/talks/becky_kennedy_the_single_most_important_parenting_strategy
Today’s episode is brought to you by Life360: As older kids approach their teen years, we want them to feel more independent. And this is also true: When we’re no longer the ones getting them from point A to point B, we need to know they’ve made it to their destination. So, what's one way we can keep our teens safe while validating their (developmentally appropriate) need for separation? Good Inside just teamed up with Life360, the leading family safety app that helps parents navigate this delicate balance, to bring you a FREE video series on how to talk about tough topics, like peer pressure and curfews, with your teen. With customized locations for frequent destinations like school and practice, automated arrival notifications, and even driving reports that help teach good behind-the-wheel habits, Life360 lets teens spread their wings while giving parents peace of mind. Visit Good Inside’s YouTube page—www.youtube.com/@ goodinside—to watch now! And to learn more about how Life360 can support your family’s safety journey, head to Life 360.com.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Lolleez: As a mom of three, cough and cold season can be brutal, so Dr. Becky is always on the lookout for products that make it easier. Lolleez throat soothing pops work so well to treat sore throats and since they’re a flat lollipop and taste amazing, kids will actually take them. Such a smart idea, especially for young kids who can’t gargle or have throat lozenges! The best part? Lolleez are certified organic and made with ingredients you can actually pronounce—plus, they come in fun, kid-approved flavors like Birthday Cake, Strawberry, and Watermelon! And let’s be real: if your kids have it, you’re probably next in line. So they also make Sootheez, throat soothing drops for adults – same clean ingredients, and delicious flavors like Watermelon Mint and Berry Lemonade. You can find Lolleez and Sootheez at Target and Walmart or online at TheEezCo.com.
Learn more about the upcoming Effective Alternatives to Punishments workshop: https://bit.ly/4g2tKGD
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