Free to Be Mindful Podcast | Helping Professional Moms Find Calm in a Busy World

August 8th is known as “Happiness Happens Day.” My question to you is, does happiness “just happen” Also, when it doesn’t happen, how do you mindfully manage intense feelings?  Join in for this real-talk conversation on personal growth, mindful living, and a short meditation at the end. ABOUT the SHOW: The Free to Be Mindful Podcast provides bite-sized tips for parents, educators and anyone intere...

This episode shares mindful vacation tips for traveling with children and the benefits for traveling without children, while also discussing privilege and importance of connection.  Join in for this real-talk conversation on personal growth, mindful living and a short meditation at the end.  ABOUT the SHOW: The Free to Be Mindful Podcast provides bite-sized tips for parents, educators and anyone i...

July 24th is National Parents Day - who knew?! Parenting is the hardest job in the world, and doesn’t come with a manual. Our parenting styles have an impact on how secure our kids grow up to be - within themselves and in their own friendships and future relationships.  Join in for this real talk conversation on personal growth, mindful living and a short meditation at the end.  ABOUT the SHOW: Th...

This episode discusses the intersectionality and potential alignment between our careers, passions and hobbies. Vanessa reflects on the idea of hobbies outside of work and how much we engage in things that bring us joy.  ABOUT the SHOW: The Free to Be Mindful podcast provides bite-sized tips for parents, educators and anyone interested in Mindful Living. All episodes are under 20 minutes with a gu...

Many of us take vacations in the summer, and sometimes by the time we get back, we may feel as though we need a vacation from the vacation. In this episode we discuss the importance of learning to rest; strategies are shared on how to do so, and how that intertwines with the concept of mindfulness.  ABOUT the SHOW: The Free to Be Mindful podcast provides bite-sized tips for parents, educators and...

With the wave of graduations across the nation coming to an end, many families are thinking of what’s next. In this episode Vanessa focuses on the importance of celebrating each step of life, of feeling fulfilled in our career choices, and of reflecting on the goals we have for our kids and for ourselves.  ABOUT the SHOW: The Free to Be Mindful podcast provides bite-sized tips for parents, educato...

In this episode Vanessa shares a personal story about her recent first 5K experience, pushing herself outside of her comfort zone, and overcoming many challenges that took place on that day, through the power of mindfulness. ABOUT the SHOW: The Free to Be Mindful podcast provides bite-sized tips for parents, educators and anyone interested in Mindful Living. All episodes are under 20 minutes with...

Adults often teach kids to consider their wants and needs, but there are times where we place more emphasis on one over the other, pending on our motives, priorities, budget and more. Join in for this real-talk conversation on personal growth, mindful living, and a short meditation at the end. ABOUT the SHOW: The Free to Be Mindful podcast provides bite-sized tips for parents, educators and anyone...

Ever feel as though you are expected to play the part of a main character in a book or movie? Sometimes we play parts, especially during big life transitions, instead of being our most authentic selves. Listen in as Vanessa provides questions for you to reflect on, along with a short guided meditation.  ABOUT the SHOW: The Free to Be Mindful podcast provides bite-sized tips for parents, educators...

The “Consult a Counselor Series” is a segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, which answers parenting related questions to help caregivers live life mindfully.  Today’s question is: “It’s been a week and my kids are still feeling the aftermath of the Texas tragedy. They’re super scared to go to school. What can I do? FREE GIFT for YOU: Do you find yourself repeating yourself 97234920 times? Do...

In this episode Vanessa discusses the importance of creating the space and time to enjoy our families and our lives in the present moment instead of waiting until we run out of time and it’s too late.  ABOUT the SHOW: The Free to Be Mindful podcast provides bite-sized tips for parents, educators and anyone interested in Mindful Living. All episodes are under 20 minutes with a guided meditation at...

The “Consult a Counselor Series” is a segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, which answers parenting related questions to help caregivers live life mindfully. Today’s question is: “How on earth do I talk to my kids about all of these tragedies happening.” FREE GIFT for YOU: Do you find yourself repeating yourself 97234920 times? Do your kids only take actions once you’ve flipped out? This is f...

Free to Be Mindful turns 3! In this episode Vanessa shares Free to Be Mindful’s journey - the ups and the downs - in addition to providing motivation to achieving goals. Join in for this real-talk conversation on personal growth, mindful living, and a short meditation at the end. ABOUT the SHOW: The Free to Be Mindful podcast provides bite-sized tips for parents, educators and anyone interested in...

The “Consult a Counselor Series” is a segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, which answers parenting related questions to help caregivers live life mindfully.  Today’s question is: “There is this kid who has made my daughter’s life absolutely impossible this year. I’m part of the same parent group, which makes it tough, but I don’t want my kid in classes with her next year. What can I do?” DIS...

Mothers have very complex roles and endless responsibilities. However, it seems that some enjoy swimming in the space of to-do’s and stress, instead of carving out space for self-care. This episode challenges mothers and caregivers to be selfish with their time, put themselves first, and create support networks to help keep a healthy balance within motherhood. Join in for this real-talk conversati...

The “Consult a Counselor Series” is a segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, which answers parenting related questions to help caregivers live life mindfully.  Today’s question is: " My son is an only child and is awful at communicating. He doesn’t make eye contact with others, he doesn’t know how to initiate play or conversation with other kids, and just doesn’t know how to socialize. Wh...

April is Stress Awareness Month and Counseling Awareness Month - ironic, isn’t it! How do we know when our experienced stress needs professional help? And how do we go about seeking therapy? This episode answers those questions and more.   Join in for this real-talk conversation on personal growth, mindful living, and a short meditation at the end. ABOUT the SHOW: The Free to Be Mindful podcast pr...

The “Consult a Counselor Series” is a segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, which answers parenting related questions to help caregivers live life mindfully.  Today’s question is: “Recently I was criticized about my child being in a lot of activities. How much is too much?” DISCLAIMER: Videos on this channel are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for...

Ever notice how when we’re stressed and overwhelmed our kids begin to act up too? What can we do when there is a lot on our plate? Listen in and watch your kids’ behavior change.  Join in for this real-talk conversation on personal growth, mindful living, and a short meditation at the end. ABOUT the SHOW: The Free to Be Mindful podcast provides bite-sized tips for parents, educators and anyone int...

The “Consult a Counselor Series” is a segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, which answers parenting related questions to help caregivers live life mindfully.  Today’s question is: “Lately I’ve been super triggered by my kids. I’m super annoyed by everything they do. How can I help them stop bothering me?” DISCLAIMER: Videos on this channel are for educational purposes only and should not be c...

Time is our most nonrenewable resource. What are you doing with the time you have?  What is stopping you from achieving that? This episode of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast has listeners reflect on how precious time is, think of the road blocks that may be in the way, and make plans to achieve set goals. Join in for this real-talk conversation on personal growth, mindful living, and a short medita...

The “Consult a Counselor Series” is a segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, which answers parenting related questions to help caregivers live life mindfully.  Today’s question is: “My child always says things like, ‘I’m so stupid,” and ‘I hate myself.’  What can I do to help her see how awesome she is?" DISCLAIMER : Videos on this channel are for educational purposes only and should not...

March 8, 2022 celebrates International Women’s Day. This is must-hear for all women, especially mothers, to obtain gentle reminders challenging them to let go of things that no longer serve them, to be the best woman for themselves.  Don’t identify as a woman? Join in to gain further insight on how women work - specifically mothers.  Join in for this real-talk conversation on personal growth, mind...

The “Consult a Counselor Series” is a segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, which answers parenting related questions to help caregivers live life mindfully.  Today’s question is: “How can I prepare my kid as the mask mandates are lifted in schools?” DISCLAIMER: Videos on this channel are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional...

Disney’s Encanto has stolen our hearts with its beautiful story on the Latinx Madrigal family. This episode reviews the movie’s characters and themes, as they are seen through the eyes of a Latina therapist. Join in for this real-talk conversation on personal growth, mindful living, and a short meditation at the end. ABOUT the SHOW: The Free to Be Mindful podcast provides bite-sized tips for paren...