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I am SO excited for this upcoming instagram parent I am SO excited for this upcoming instagram parenting series I am devoting to offering simple ideas around supporting children to express and navigate their feelings. Enrollment just went live five minutes ago for my ‘OPTIMIZING RELATIONSHIPS Through Communication’ course. Parent participants will learn valuable communication & relationship skills that can help to develop an even stronger connection with their kids of all ages! . . . . #parentingjourney #parentingtips #parenting #parentingskills #parentingsupport #parentlife #positiveparenting #positiveparentingstrategies #positiveparentingskills #positiveparentingcoach #navigatingparenting #consciousparenting #consciousparentingtools #consciousparentingcoach #consciousparents #intrinsicmotivation #postmormonparenting #parentingaftermormonism #lifestyleaftermormonism #formermormon #balancedlivingwithleah #partnershipparenting
In the "beginning" of our faith transition, I thou In the "beginning" of our faith transition, I thought being misunderstood was terribly unfair. I resented it. I felt like a victim of misinformation and religious programming. In the "middle" of our faith transition, we shared or story on @mormstories . We felt welcomed, supported and loved by so many, but also got up close and personal with feeling misunderstood by many, many believers. At the "end" of our faith transition as I sat amongst 12 male leaders in our disciplinary council, I felt courageous and empowered in the midst of being misunderstood. Learning to release my expectation and longing to be "understood," has been a gift for me. I feel lighter and more free. I have developed a great sense of peace in my life, even in the midst of continuing to be misunderstood. . . . . #lifetransition #aftermormonism #mormontransformation #mormontransition #mormons #faithtransition #lifechange #mormontransitionsupport #mormontransitioncoach #lds #exmormon #thoughtfultransition #transitiontools #relationshiptools #navigatingfaithtransitions #newjourney #thebestisyettocome #balancedlivignwithleah #mormonstories #lifetransitions #transitionscoach #findhealing #healingispossible
"Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the "Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself." -unknown It's a nice saying, but it's really hard to do, especially when it comes to realizing that we simply CAN NOT change other people. One way I've 'changed myself' has been building and practicing my conscious communication skills. As I've taught these skills to my coaching clients, and in my communication course, it's amazing to hear the reported impact on peoples lives and in their relationships. My next communication course starts this Wednesday and there are TWO spots remaining! If you are interested, check out the ‘courses tab’ on my website to read about what you can expect to learn. . . . . #intentionalrelationships #relationshipgoals #relationships #relationshipcoach #relationships101 #realloveinmarriage #realloveinparenting #activelistening #proactiverelationships #selfworth #selfwork #selfgrowth #realationshiptools #selfimprovement #relationshipimprovement #selfworthjourney #balancedlivingwithleah #choosejoy #feelfreefeed #meetthemoment #seekthesimplicity
Leaving a high demand religion helped me learn tha Leaving a high demand religion helped me learn that my influence as a parent, over the long run, will always be directly correlated to the level of safe connection my children feel with me. Creating this kind of connection requires realizing that we simply cannot control them, and the more we try, the less safe we become. I never would have described myself as a "controlling" parent when I was in the Mormon church - yet along with my faith awakening journey came the realization that the religious framework I'd been given as a parent was fundamentally rooted in a conditional approval/love model - as is the relationship of the Mormon God to his children. Moving away from conformity is a doorway through which we can cultivate safe, open, vulnerable, authentic connected relationships with our children. . . . . #parentingjourney #parentingtips #parenting #parentingskills #parentingsupport #parentlife #positiveparenting #positiveparentingstrategies #positiveparentingskills #positiveparentingcoach #navigatingparenting #consciousparenting #consciousparentingtools #consciousparentingcoach #consciousparents #intrinsicmotivation #postmormonparenting #parentingaftermormonism #lifestyleaftermormonism #formermormon #balancedlivingwithleah #partnershipparenting
I’ll never forget being scolded in our bishops o I’ll never forget being scolded in our bishops office by the Stake President because of the support group we'd created for people who felt lonely, scared and unsafe at church as they navigated their transitions. In those meetings there was a picture of Jesus hanging on the wall in the room. During one of these meetings I said "So you are telling us that you are going to excommunicate us from 'God's one and only true church,' for extending love, compassion, acceptance and encouragement to people who really need it? This is the opposite of what I always learned that Jesus wanted us to do." In these meetings leading up to our excommunication, as we were threatened to either disband our support group or face excommunication, it became very clear that the Mormon church wasn't actually interested in us following the teachings of Jesus. This realization was both shocking and utterly heartbreaking to realize. The exact words I said in that meeting (and much more) were recorded and you can hear the interviews with our priesthood leaders at the time in our @mormstories podcast episodes 1098-1102. If you have gone through a faith transition, I am wondering if this quote feels true for you in your experience? . . . . #lifetransition #aftermormonism #mormontransformation #mormontransition #mormons #faithtransition #lifechange #mormontransitionsupport #mormontransitioncoach #lds #exmormon #thoughtfultransition #transitiontools #relationshiptools #navigatingfaithtransitions #newjourney #thebestisyettocome #balancedlivignwithleah #mormonstories #lifetransitions #transitionscoach #findhealing #healingispossible
A thought on judgement for my daughters, on nation A thought on judgement for my daughters, on national daughters day: The world is overflowing with an abundance of rich cultures, religions, history, art forms, ancient civilizations and so on. Your life represents the tiniest fractal of the human puzzle that unites us all. Release judgement and cultivate an expansive growth mindset as you listen to all sorts of podcasts, read a wide variety of books and, at every opportunity, sit face-to-face to learn from people who are completely different from you. Remember that judgement is often rooted in fear, it robs us from valuable growth and can separate us from our collective humanity. When we label something, we lose our ability to see it as anything else, and by doing so we minimize our capacity to grow into greater understanding and awareness. This vast, diverse and breathtaking universe is awaiting your willingness to embrace the magnificence of it all - and a really important place to start is with an attitude of openness and non-judgement! . . . . #parentingjourney #parentingtips #parenting #parentingskills #parentingsupport #parentlife #positiveparenting #positiveparentingstrategies #positiveparentingskills #positiveparentingcoach #navigatingparenting #consciousparenting #consciousparentingtools #consciousparentingcoach #consciousparents #intrinsicmotivation #postmormonparenting #parentingaftermormonism #lifestyleaftermormonism #formermormon #balancedlivingwithleah #partnershipparenting
Making consistent intentional choices in terms of Making consistent intentional choices in terms of our own mental, emotional and physical wellbeing will ultimately be the most effective way to teach our children how to care for themselves. Kids mostly learn by making observations, rather than by following even frequently verbalized recommendations. . . . . #parentingjourney #parentingtips #parenting #parentingskills #parentingsupport #parentlife #positiveparenting #positiveparentingstrategies #positiveparentingskills #positiveparentingcoach #navigatingparenting #consciousparenting #consciousparentingtools #consciousparentingcoach #consciousparents #intrinsicmotivation #postmormonparenting #parentingaftermormonism #lifestyleaftermormonism #formermormon #balancedlivingwithleah #partnershipparenting
Swipe left to read attributes of the Learning Zone Swipe left to read attributes of the Learning Zone, and what I learned as I journeyed through my "Faith Transition Learning Zone." I’m wondering what lessons you've learned as you’ve endured your Fear Zone? . . . . #lifetransition #aftermormonism #mormontransformation #mormontransition #mormons #faithtransition #lifechange #mormontransitionsupport #mormontransitioncoach #lds #exmormon #thoughtfultransition #transitiontools #relationshiptools #navigatingfaithtransitions #newjourney #thebestisyettocome #balancedlivignwithleah #mormonstories #lifetransitions #transitionscoach #findhealing #healingispossible
Since the age of 3 I’ve felt innately drawn towa Since the age of 3 I’ve felt innately drawn towards opportunities to show up in support, empathy and love for others - especially as they face difficult, challenging and lonely times in their lives. It's the feeling that motivated me to become the youngest certified birth and postpartum doula in North America. As a teen I swaddled those couples in love, encouragement and support as they brought their babies into the world. It's the feeling that compelled me to stay after the fitness classes I taught for 17 years, when women approached me after everyone else had left, to share their struggles. I was honored to be trusted by them. I loved and supported them. It's the feeling that beckoned me to publicly share my faith transition story on Mormon Stories. I knew it could help others feel not-so-alone, and that it did. It's the feeling that guided me (us) to create a local support group in Ohio, to offer love, inclusion and support for so many people who really needed it. It's the feeling that helps me show up in compassion for the ongoing emotions that my four daughters have experienced throughout their lives. I don't really know how to describe these deep rooted feelings inside me, but I am thankful for them. They’ve driven many decisions over the course my lifetime - and now they've landed me into the magnificent space of Life Coaching, which I love. As I look back, I feel like I've been preparing for this my whole life. . . . . #intentionalrelationships #relationshipgoals #relationships #relationshipcoach #relationships101 #realloveinmarriage #realloveinparenting #activelistening #proactiverelationships #selfworth #selfwork #selfgrowth #realationshiptools #selfimprovement #relationshipimprovement #selfworthjourney #balancedlivingwithleah #choosejoy #feelfreefeed #meetthemoment #seekthesimplicity
I remember the days quite well when going to the g I remember the days quite well when going to the grocery store with multiple small children Felt like a Herculean effort. Hopefully these suggestions can support parents who find themselves dreading the grocery store shuffle with wee ones. I share a story about my grocery store "ticket system" that I used with my young kids in a video that can be found on my website. To see it, head to my website (link in bio), click on "video library," and select the video titled "positive reframing." . . . . #parentingjourney #parentingtips #parenting #parentingskills #parentingsupport #parentlife #positiveparenting #positiveparentingstrategies #positiveparentingskills #positiveparentingcoach #navigatingparenting #consciousparenting #consciousparentingtools #consciousparentingcoach #consciousparents #intrinsicmotivation #postmormonparenting #parentingaftermormonism #lifestyleaftermormonism #formermormon #balancedlivingwithleah #partnershipparenting
The fear zone is scary and avoiding it can keep us The fear zone is scary and avoiding it can keep us stuck. The fear zone is a conduit, a pathway into our growth and learning zones. Just as a ship wasn't built to stay in the harbor, we aren't meant to stay in our comfort zone. When I walked directly into my “faith transition fear zone,” the world as I knew it came crashing down...BUT the magnificent new life that I continue to create has developed out of those ashes. Becoming, growing, learning, awakening - it comes as we 'brave the wilderness' by stepping into our fear zone. . . . . #lifetransition #aftermormonism #mormontransformation #mormontransition #mormons #faithtransition #lifechange #mormontransitionsupport #mormontransitioncoach #lds #exmormon #thoughtfultransition #transitiontools #relationshiptools #navigatingfaithtransitions #newjourney #thebestisyettocome #balancedlivignwithleah #mormonstories #lifetransitions #transitionscoach #findhealing #healingispossible
A thought on modesty, for my daughters: You are g A thought on modesty, for my daughters: You are growing into intelligent, compassionate, capable, driven, optimistic, creative, thoughtful, intuitive women. Remember that these character qualities you have, and that you are developing, are the most important and beautiful parts of who you are. When you make clothing choices, remember the self-respect you have, the wisdom you posses and the loving heart that lives within you. Who you truly are is priceless beyond the most expensive designer label, remember this as you allow your inner light to shine brighter than the most sparkling ball gown. When you make clothing choices ask yourself if you are embodying the values that matter to you. Do not worry about what others will think, worry about what you think - it is most important that you do not betray yourself. Stay true to your inner guide, listen to her as you face a lifetime of clothing choices. . . . . #parentingjourney #parentingtips #parenting #parentingskills #parentingsupport #parentlife #positiveparenting #positiveparentingstrategies #positiveparentingskills #positiveparentingcoach #navigatingparenting #consciousparenting #consciousparentingtools #consciousparentingcoach #consciousparents #intrinsicmotivation #postmormonparenting #parentingaftermormonism #lifestyleaftermormonism #formermormon #balancedlivingwithleah #partnershipparenting
As our children have grown we've increased their r As our children have grown we've increased their responsibility and input for their bedtime, but younger children often do best with a regular and dependable nightly routine. "Circle Up Time" is how we begin the bedtime routine in our home. This is where we come together and read together. Check out my website for lists of books that we've used during this family reading time. . . . . #parentingjourney #parentingtips #parenting #parentingskills #parentingsupport #parentlife #positiveparenting #positiveparentingstrategies #positiveparentingskills #positiveparentingcoach #navigatingparenting #consciousparenting #consciousparentingtools #consciousparentingcoach #consciousparents #intrinsicmotivation #postmormonparenting #parentingaftermormonism #lifestyleaftermormonism #formermormon #balancedlivingwithleah #partnershipparenting
In the upcoming faith transition posts, I'll be sh In the upcoming faith transition posts, I'll be sharing about four important zones: - The Comfort Zone - The Fear Zone - The Learning Zone - The Growth Zone Understanding these zones helps us identify what may be holding us back, and what we can gain by venturing into the fear zone. I'm wondering what's in your comfort zone? While this zone can feel like the "safest" place to live, it's also a place where we can end up feeling stuck and suffocated, because little growth or learning occur there. . . . . #lifetransition #aftermormonism #mormontransformation #mormontransition #mormons #faithtransition #lifechange #mormontransitionsupport #mormontransitioncoach #lds #exmormon #thoughtfultransition #transitiontools #relationshiptools #navigatingfaithtransitions #newjourney #thebestisyettocome #balancedlivignwithleah #mormonstories #lifetransitions #transitionscoach #findhealing #healingispossible
I’ve spent the weekend with 90+ brave, resilient I’ve spent the weekend with 90+ brave, resilient and wise women of all ages, who are navigating the incredibly complex transition out of Mormonism. Nearly every one of these women stood, while these questions were read today, representing their personal experiences: • I have felt pressure from my church culture to stay quiet so that I can still belong in my community and within my family. • I have felt anxiety and fear about what people would think if I live my honest truth. • I feel confident that my decision to leave was the right one for me, even though it is hard. • I love myself more now. • I feel more free to love others now. • I am committed to healing and I refuse to let the church hold me back. • I choose happiness, honesty, and truth, and I will not apologize for it. • I have felt publicly shamed in the church. • I felt like I was bad, crazy, or wrong, for thoughts and feelings I’ve had. If you are reading this and feeling alone and afraid, please know that YOU ARE NOT ALONE! There are literally tens of thousands of women who will embrace you, understand you and hold space for your experiences. . . . . #lifetransition #aftermormonism #mormontransformation #mormontransition #mormons #faithtransition #lifechange #mormontransitionsupport #mormontransitioncoach #lds #exmormon #thoughtfultransition #transitiontools #relationshiptools #navigatingfaithtransitions #newjourney #thebestisyettocome #balancedlivignwithleah #mormonstories #lifetransitions #transitionscoach #findhealing #healingispossible
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