Do you find it difficult to trust your own judgment? Are you uncertain about what you truly believe? How do you make the tough decisions about whether to stay or move on? Is the idea of closure just a myth? Join Dawn as she talks with Emily P. Freeman, a Wall Street Journal bestselling author of five books, including her latest, “HOW TO WALK INTO A ROOM: The Art of Knowing When to Stay and When to Walk Away,” about spiritual decluttering, and the connection between simple living and spirituality.

IN THIS EPISODE

3:01 How do you build trust with yourself?

5:35 Decluttering your inner life

6:50 How to find safe relationships

8:09 Just pick what you like and see how it grows.

10:37 How to walk into a room

11:42 Our lives are a house, and every room is a story.

15:40 How do you decide what you and your family REALLY believe (without outside pressure)?

17:32 Spiritual decluttering

19:50 It’s OK to investigate

21:15 When it's better to leave, than to stay.

24:58 Is closure a myth?

29:13 Breathe prayers

30:02 “For now…”

32:19 Decluttering is to our home, as silence,stillness, and solitude is to our souls.

Resources Mentioned:

“Start with Hello,” by Shannon Martin

Natalie Hoffman -FlyFree Podcast on YouTube

Emily P. Freeman is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of five books, including The Next Right Thing: A Simple, Soulful Practice for Making Life Decisions. As a spiritual director, workshop leader, and host of The Next Right Thing podcast (more than 25 million downloads), her most important work is to help create soul space and offer spiritual companionship and discernment for anyone struggling with decision fatigue. Emily holds a master’s degree in spiritual formation and leadership from Friends University. She lives in North Carolina with her family.

https://emilypfreeman.com/

https://www.instagram.com/emilypfreeman/

I don't generally like to draw attention to negative comments, but I think I felt misunderstood when it cam to a recent video I did on home organization. Was it plastic junk and unnecessary, or the icing on top of all of my hardworking decluttering!?!

MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

Testing Out New Organizing Products Video: https://youtu.be/BAvWKtVwbY8 Minimal Mom Mentorship Group: https://cli.re/minimal-mom-private-group Clear Trash Bag Organizer: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/trashbags Small Acrylic Containers: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/small Ikea Acrylic Containers: https://urlgeni.us/ikea/ikea-bathroom Large Spice Jars: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/spice-jar-lg Small Spice Jars: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/spice-jars-sm Spice Shelf: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/spice-shelf Seasoning Packet Organizer: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/packet-organizer Ikea Shoe Bench: https://urlgeni.us/ikea/shoe-bench Wall Mount Shoe Racks: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/wall-rack Car Trash Bag Holder: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/car-garbage

IN THIS PODCAST: 0:00 Are these organizing products wasteful? 2:30 My most controversial video 2:32 Addressing the negative comments and feeling misunderstood 5:05 If it’s not a definite yes, it’s a no. 6:50 Spice cabinet debacle 9:42 I felt like such a loser at keeping home and organizing 10:50 Solutions vs. upgrades 11:43 Look at the data 14:00 Shoe rack pushback 14:38 3 parts to keep a home maintained 15:38 Plastic, inventory, and gadget girl 17:25 We get to decide 18:35 Feeling discontent? Do this first. 22:10 It’s about function, not just looks. 25:00 Give your mom some grace! (Lessons learned from my mom)

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Welcome to The Official Minimal Mom Podcast.

ABOUT THE MINIMAL MOM: Hi, I'm Dawn, if we haven't met before, I'm married to Tom and we have four kids ages 9-14. We live outside of the Twin Cities in MN and have called ourselves minimalists for 8 years now. We got rid of 85% of our stuff and don't miss ANY OF IT! If you'd like to see more instructional videos about minimalism and decluttering, be sure to check out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMinimalMom

Get your Early Bird Brave Conference Ticket Here (just $37 until Monday at midnight!): https://www.made2homeschool.com/bravetickets Whether this is your first year or your 10th year of homeschooling, the Brave Conference is designed just for you! Join in to find encouragement, gain fresh inspiration and new ideas, build a supportive network, and prepare for the future with purpose. The sessions are tailored to meet you where you are in your homeschooling journey. Don't miss out on our early bird sign-up for only $37! Secure your spot today and take the next step toward a fulfilling and successful homeschooling experience.

Find the speaker line-up and more details here: https://www.made2homeschool.com/bravetickets ......................................

ABOUT THE MINIMAL MOM: Hi, I'm Dawn, if we haven't met before, I'm married to Tom and we have four kids ages 8-13. We live outside of the Twin Cities in MN and have called ourselves minimalists for 9 years now. We got rid of 85% of our stuff and don't miss ANY OF IT! If you'd like to see more instructional videos about minimalism and decluttering, be sure to check out my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@TheMinimalMom

Ever feel like, "this isn’t the life I signed up for?" Wondering if it’s OK to want a better life? Struggling to simplify while managing ADHD? Join Dawn and Dr. Leonaura Rhodes—a physician, counselor, coach, relationship strategist, and neurotherapist—as they discuss how to navigate unexpected life challenges, understand neurodiversity, embrace identity changes, and develop a clear strategy for creating the life you desire.

In this episode: 1:29 I hated my “dream job.” 2:55 Unexpected life challenges 5:15 Death bed epiphany 6:05 This isn’t what I signed up for 7:00 Simplifying with ADHD 8:20 Neurodiversity in kids 9:09 Object Permanence 9:53 “Your house is SO messy!” 10:55 Tips for those with ADHD 12:09 What’s in it for you? 13:28 You are NOT here to be a martyr 14:20 “Women are REALLY selfish these days.” 17:30 Neurofeedback therapy 19:43 Mindfulness practice 24:04 Take identity inventory 25:18 We CAN want a better life for ourselves 25:56 Invest 30 min a day in YOU! 26:30 Imagine, what would it be like to say no? 28:18 Identity changes 29:02 Do a “life audit.”

Resources Mentioned:

Beyond Soccer Mom by Leonaura Rhondes

About: Dr. Leonaura Rhodes has spent over 30 years helping people just create extraordinary lives on their terms. Her career began as a physician in the UK, then went on to become a counselor, coach, relationship strategist, and neurotherapist. She guides people who are committed to getting the most out of life, by helping them get clarity on the life they desire and help them create a solid strategy for change.

https://www.drleonaurarhodes.com/

Leonaura Rhodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC2IIJj_hnHZJO8BwcKPqInQ ............................................

ABOUT THE MINIMAL MOM: Hi, I'm Dawn, if we haven't met before, I'm married to Tom and we have four kids ages 8-13. We live outside of the Twin Cities in MN and have called ourselves minimalists for 8 years now. We got rid of 85% of our stuff and don't miss ANY OF IT! If you'd like to see more instructional videos about minimalism and decluttering, be sure to check out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMinimalMom/

Are you experiencing more anxiety than relaxation this summer? Are your expectations realistic? Do you feel stuck or broken? What is anxiety doing to you? How can we maintain momentum when we don’t feel like it? Join Dawn and Britt Frank- a licensed neuropsychotherapist and author of The Science of Stuck and her newest release The Getting Unstuck Workbook- as they talk about seasonal summer anxiety, setting expectations, and getting “unstuck.”

IN THIS EPISODE:

2:36 Seasonal summer anxiety

3:51 Reset expectations

4:06 #Chuckthebucket

4:29 Don’t worry about the why.

5:14 My brain is on my side.

8:10 How do we help our kids?

10:17 It’s ok to need time.

11:32 Stimulation requires down regulation.

12:40 Boredom is NOT a problem to solve.

16:00 Microdose relaxation

18:42 Name it and own it.

22:25 Better done than good

23:01 How do we keep momentum going when the “pink cloud” goes away?

27:10 There is no such thing as a broken person.

27:35 Getting unstuck

32:20 Brains CAN change.

Resources Mentioned:

The Science of Stuck

The Getting Unstuck Workbook

The interruption of stuff (Podcast Ep. 24)

Bio/Her links: Britt Frank, LSCSW, SEP is a licensed neuropsychotherapist and author of The Science of Stuck (Penguin Random House), named by SHRM, Esquire, New York Magazine, and The Next Big Idea Club as a must-read as well as her new release, The Getting Unstuck Workbook. Britt received her undergraduate degree from Duke University and her master’s degree from the University of Kansas, where she later became an award-winning adjunct instructor. Britt is a contributing writer to Psychology Today and her work has been featured in Forbes, NPR, The New York Times, Fast Company, Psych Central, SELF, and Thrive Global.

www.scienceofstuck.com

IG: @brittfrank

Today I'll answer your questions like: How do I stop feeling overwhelming fear and guilt when letting go of things people have gifted me, even though I don’t want them anymore? I’m a homesteader, do I keep EVERYTHING in hopes of using it “someday?” My 3 kids share a room. Is there a better way to manage toys for older kids so the youngest doesn’t get into everything (or do I need to be reminded this is just a season)?

If you'd like to leave a voicemail with your own question, you can do so here: https://www.speakpipe.com/MinimalMom

In this episode: 1:30 I’m a homesteader, do I keep EVERYTHING? 4:58 How do I know when to stop decluttering a room? 7:58 Hoarder, feeling fear and guilt when letting go of things 14:46 What’s the longest amount of time you’ve gone without cleaning? 18:38 Decluttering with special needs 22:57 My 3 kids share a room. Is there a better way to manage toys for older kids so the youngest doesn’t get into everything (or do I need to be reminded this is just a season)?

Resources mentioned:

Natalie Hoffman Podcast Episode

A Monk's Guide to a Clean House and Mind

Laurie from Simply B Organized Podcast Episode

What are some of the biggest design mistakes? What is the #1 design tip? How can you avoid making this $10,000 design mistake? Today Dawn visits with Melanie Zaelich, an interior designer and owner of Home Stylist - a company that uses the power of design to bring more happiness to people. Melanie shares insights on how to avoid the biggest design mistakes and how she got started in design after being on HGTV.

IN THIS EPISODE:

1:18 Melanie's start on HGTV

3:37 Conventional vs. unconventional design

4:48 Biggest designs mistakes

5:00 #1 Design tip (get rid of your stuff!)

5:43 Save $10,000 with this one tip

12:21 Bring life into your space

14:58 Architectural Design vs. Minimalism

18:24 How do I discover my own style?

23:35 Get an outside perspective

24:05 Newest design trends

Resources

Plant watering globes

ABOUT MELANIE:

Melanie is the owner of Happy Place Interiors. She loves seeing people light up when they enter a space that has been transformed. Melanie believes that your environment impacts your well-being and it can bring joy to your life and allow you to spend your time and energy on the things that are important to you — like, life. Happy Place Interiors puts a fresh spin on what you’d expect from an interior design company. Rooted in the belief that everyone deserves a happy home, our flexible and collaborative consultation-based, à la carte business model keeps high-quality interior design accessible. Learn more here: https://www.happyplaceinteriors.com/

Is my child addicted to video games? How do I know? What is a healthy amount of video game playing? Today Dawn visits with Dr. Alok Kanojia, also known as Dr. K, to discuss practical steps for preventing video game addiction. Dr. K, a former gaming addict and Harvard-trained psychiatrist, shares insights from his book "How to Raise a Healthy Gamer" on how to identify and manage gaming addiction in children.

How to Raise a Healthy Gamer Book: https://amzn.to/3x3zJdP

IN THIS EPISODE

00:00 Welcome Dr. Alok Kanojia 01:13 Can we REALLY raise a "healthy" gamer? 03:58 What about gaming addiction? 04:59 How have video games changed over time? 10:00 Sense of virtual identity 13:46 Are there actually benefits to playing video games? 15:47 Practical steps to getting video games under control 16:50 Get on the same team 22:09 25% rule 24:52 Can kids learn to manage video games on their own? 26:20 Ideal age to start playing 31:06 What if my spouse is the addicted gamer? 33:15 Do first person shooter games desensitize kids to real life? 36:04 Is there hope if I feel like I've ruined my child?

MORE ABOUT DR. K:

Follow Dr.K's podcast HealthyGamerGG https://open.spotify.com/show/6VaJwyS2KXxiXqR77jqzmP

Healthy Gamer Website https://www.healthygamer.gg/

- Instagram: @healthygamergg

- X: @dralokkanojia

- YouTube: @HealthyGamerGG

- TikTok: @healthygamer.gg

ABOUT THE MINIMAL MOM:

Hi, I'm Dawn, if we haven't met before, I'm married to Tom and we have four kids ages 8-13. We live outside of the Twin Cities in MN and have called ourselves minimalists for 8 years now. We got rid of 85% of our stuff and don't miss ANY OF IT! If you'd like to see more instructional videos about minimalism and decluttering, be sure to check out my YouTube channel!