148: Finding Joy When Motherhood is Hard with Libby Ward
Summary
Host Shannon Laco welcomes Libby Ward, author of *Honest Motherhood*, to discuss finding joy amidst life’s difficulties. Ward shares her journey from postpartum depression to becoming a viral advocate for authentic parenting, emphasizing the importance of accepting negative emotions. They explore how societal pressures and social media distort motherhood, arguing that acknowledging hardship is essential for genuine connection and self-care.
Topics discussed
Sponsors: Zenni, K-12, and Google Health
Intro: Finding joy in motherhood with Libby Ward
Libby's background and sharing the hard parts of motherhood
Allowing negative feelings and the pressure to be perfect
Social media highlight reels vs. reality
Sponsors: Zazzle, Boll & Branch, Quince, Green Chef
The importance of authentic friendships
Childhood trauma, church culture, and bitterness
Grieving losses and finding empathy for others
Practical tips for finding joy and capacity
Outro and final sponsor reads
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