Confidence After Kids and Truly Rebuilding the Woman in the Mirror

Episode 33: Confidence After Kids and Truly Rebuilding the Woman in the Mirror

Episode Summary:

In this powerful episode of the Women of Fort Mill Podcast, co-hosts Kellie Hoover and Leah Williams tackle a topic that resonates with countless mothers: finding and rebuilding your identity and confidence after having kids. They share their personal experiences with the dramatic changes that come with motherhood—from physical shifts to changes in priorities and self-perception. Leah opens up about the "big shift" she experienced postpartum, feeling insecure and questioning, "Who am I in this role now?". Kellie explains that as women, we often put ourselves on the back burner, and our identities can become solely focused on being a mom. They discuss how this can lead to a feeling of being a "failure," especially for women who are used to being "high performing" in other areas of their life. The key, they agree, is not to lose yourself completely but to embrace the change and intentionally reconnect with who you are.

Episode Highlights:

The "Mom Identity Crisis": Leah and Kellie explore why many moms experience a hit to their confidence. Leah points out that motherhood is unpredictable and that the "formula" that often works in other aspects of life doesn't apply to raising kids. She also mentions the physical changes and the pressure to excel, which can make a new mom feel like a failure from day one.

Small Steps to Rebuild: Kellie emphasizes the importance of starting small when it comes to self-care. Her top tips include:

• Move Your Body: Physical activity, whether it's a walk with a friend, a gym class, or playing pickleball, releases endorphins and improves your mood.
• Start Your Day for You: Take just five minutes in the morning for yourself, whether it's reading, journaling, or simply sitting in silence.
• Ditch the "Head Trash": Let go of the belief that a workout has to be perfect or that you have to look a certain way to exercise.

The Power of Mindset & Community: Leah stresses the importance of curating your social circle. She explains that it's okay for your friendships to change as you grow and that surrounding yourself with people who support your journey is crucial.

Leading by Example: Kellie shares that one of the best examples she's given her teenage daughters is showing them that she prioritizes herself, demonstrating that it’s not selfish to take care of your own well-being.

Final Takeaway: Confidence after kids isn't about "reversing" who you've become, but rather about creating the best version of yourself. It's about giving yourself grace, celebrating small wins, and being disciplined about a few small habits that lead to growth. Remember, you are more than just a mom.

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