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in Episodes on March 15, 2016 by The Mom Hour

Hobbies & Passions Outside Motherhood: Episode 43



It’s easy to let creative pursuits and hobbies fade into the background during the hectic years of early parenting. And when the time comes to make room for them again, we’re sometimes left with questions: Am I too old? Is this still something I love to do? Maybe I should pick up something new? And how do I fit it all in?

Whether you’re looking to bring some “not-mom” activities back into your life or just continue to challenge yourself to remain curious and creative, Episode 43 is all about passions and hobbies. We’ll share our own stories and give you ideas for finding out what inspires you and making room for it in your life.

Birthday buckets

(We also chatted about what’s going on in our lives, including Meagan’s uncharacteristic foray into the world of party favors – see above. 😉 )

Links we mentioned (or should have!) in Episode 43

  • How to find inspiration when you’re uninspired (The Art of Simple)
  • This video from The Happiness Project shows Gretchen Rubin talking about using envy or jealousy as a tool to find out what you’re looking for in your own life
  • The Audition: On beating fear and taking changes (Meagan for The Happiest Home)

What are your hobbies and passions outside of motherhood? How do you manage to keep them alive? Leave us a comment!

Related

Filed Under: Episodes Tagged With: more than mom, self

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« Parenting Through Hard Times: Episode 42
What Are Your “Mom Superpowers”?: Episode 44 »

Comments

  1. Kim says

    March 16, 2016 at 4:08 pm

    Great advice! I used to love to read and when my kids were babies I gave up reading because I was just too tired at night. I’ve recently started to read again and forgot how much I enjoyed it. It’s a small thing but has made a big difference. Also have totally become obssesed with cooking blogs now that I have slightly more time to cook, kids are 6 and 4.

    Reply
    • Sarah Powers says

      March 16, 2016 at 4:13 pm

      Kim, I was the same way with reading! I’m totally back into it after probably a DECADE off. It’s the little things! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Kristi says

    March 20, 2016 at 11:08 pm

    Thanks for your podcast! I don’t know how you think of such great topics to discuss. I have four daughters ages 7-17 and relate so much to your discussions. I find myself nodding or laughing along with you.

    As someone who has never created beautiful table settings, I’d love to learn more about this from Sarah. What elements make up a great table scape? Where do you look for inspiration or resources? This would be fun for me to explore now that my kids are getting older.

    Thanks again for all the great episodes!

    Reply
  3. Elizabeth says

    August 23, 2018 at 10:23 am

    I am new to podcasts and I love yours! This episode really made me realize that I need to start doing things I used to love. It’s very hard to find the time with an almost one year old. But I have started doing yoga at least once a week. It feels amazing to have some ME time! I have also been thinking about starting a blog to help guide other new moms!

    Reply
    • Sarah Powers says

      September 23, 2018 at 8:42 am

      Thanks, Elizabeth! We’re so glad you’re enjoying the show!

      Reply
  4. Amanda B says

    September 25, 2018 at 11:21 am

    I have been binge listening to your podcast for a few weeks while im at work. I started from episode one and I am loving literally every episode. I feel a breath of fresh air knowing that 1. I am not alone in this crazy mom life 2. I am learning SO much for parenting my littles (2.5, 5.5) and a lot of your experiences I have been able to apply to our home and make some small shifts that have made life a little easier around the house. Can’t wait to be caught up!

    Reply

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New episode! Being a mom in 2023 means having a d New episode!

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Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

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Processionals, promotions, caps, gowns, and more! Today Meagan and Sarah dig into graduations of all kinds from our perspective as moms in the audience experiencing all the feels. We have some strong opinions about how promotion ceremonies can be incorporated thoughtfully (or not) into kids' younger years, and very different experiences when it comes to high school graduations. Find out what brings tears to our eyes almost instantly, what makes us roll our eyes, and how our own kids are "leveling up" as this school year comes to a close.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Happy kickoff to a long holiday weekend for many! Happy kickoff to a long holiday weekend for many! It's time for our monthly roundup of sponsors and affiliate partners, where we thank the brands who help support our show and remind YOU of their great deals. For our unique promo codes and links, just tap our saved "Sponsors" highlight. We also collect ALL our active promo codes on our Deals & Offers page on our website. Just tap on this image at the link in our bio to check it out!

Thank you for checking out our partners and using our links + codes!

Shoutout to our new & featured partners:
🎙️ @amazonmusic (listen to all your favorite podcasts!)
🎧 @pinnaaudio (50% off safe podcasts, stories, and music for kids!) 
👗 @stitchfix ($20 off your first purchase of styles you'll love!)
🤖 @kiwico_inc (50% your first month + free shipping!)

And welcome back . . .
⭐ @hellofresh (50% off America's #1 meal kit!)
⭐ @rakuten (save $ when you shop!)
⭐ @scholasticinc (books for kids of all ages!)
⭐ @minted (art, cards, decor & more!)
⭐ @chatbooks (the easiest photo books ever!)
⭐ @fabletics (2 workout bottoms for $24!)
⭐ @todoistofficial (2 mo. free of Todoist Pro!)
⭐️ @theessentialcalendar (10% off calendars!)
⭐️ @hiyahealth (50% off 1st order!)
⭐️ @athleticgreens (1yr of Vit.D + 5 travel packs!)
⭐️ @vionicshoes (free shipping on comfy shoes!)
⭐ @ritual (10% off your 1st 3 mo.!)
This week's episode has elicited more comments and This week's episode has elicited more comments and emails than we've gotten in a LONG TIME. We're so glad the topic touched a nerve and appreciate every one of the notes we've received.

Speaking of "doneness" and all the feels about moving out of the baby-having years, this result from our listener survey surprised us. 72% of listeners who responded to the question about plans to grow their families said they are totally done. This is a big jump from previous surveys where we asked the same question (in 2021 59% said they were done; in 2019 47%).

If you haven't taken our survey yet, please do! Click this image at the link in our bio, or type themomhour.com/survey into any browser. Thanks, friends!
Did you know we have travel guides on our website Did you know we have travel guides on our website for NINE different U.S. cities (and counting!)? Our contributors hail from all over the country and know the best playgrounds, coffee shops, and family-friendly activities to make your summer travels more joyful and less stressful.

Our Chicagoland guide comes from @thepaperdart, who lives in SoCal now but hails from the Windy City originally. She has a guide FULL of mom-tested ideas for bringing kids to Chicago and surrounding areas. Click this image at the link in our bio to read Katherine's post, and get all the guides at themomhour.com/travel!

#chicagowithkids #travelwithkids #summer2023 #summertravel #windycitykids #windycitymoms #chicagolandwithkids #chicagomoms #chicago
New episode, based on this letter we received from New episode, based on this letter we received from listener Sarah (swipe to read). We're guessing more than a few of you can relate...

"Done having babies" and "Sad about the end of the little years" are two completely different mom-emotions, as Meagan and Sarah get into today, with the help of a thoughtful listener question. We look at how it's possible to be at peace with your family size and still experience grief at the identity shift that happens as your last babe gets big (and your bigs get huge). We reflect on what pangs us most about small kids growing bigger, how to accept the unfamiliar role of being (slightly) less needed, and what it means to embrace the season you find yourself in - whatever it is.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Summer’s almost here, but Florida’s a place wh Summer’s almost here, but Florida’s a place where you can enjoy the season’s fun and relaxation year-round.  #ad

Escape your busy routine and spread out along 825 miles of beaches, 700 freshwater springs and over 1300 trails with breathing room to run and play. Discover new experiences in the most comfortable place to get out of your comfort zone, only on a family vacation in Florida. (It’s just the best.)

Start planning your Florida vacation and learn more about all the places to go by clicking on this image at the link in our bio. 🏝️ And thanks for supporting the brands that support our show! @visitflorida #VisitFlorida #LoveFL
New episode! A parent of three is exhausted by di New episode!

A parent of three is exhausted by dinnertime sillies and wants help steering conversation at the family table. A stay-at-home mom asks what to do when her child says, "don't tell dad I got in trouble at school!". And a parent of a tween who wants acrylic nails asks a bigger question about letting kids alter their appearance in general. Meagan and Sarah tackle tricky parenting challenges with our best attempts at nuance, compassion, and humor in today's episode.

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Looking to enrich your home library with nature-in Looking to enrich your home library with nature-inspired children's books? Sandy Hsu (@hopefulsmiles) has a roundup on the blog this week with beautiful book series that bring science and nature to life with compelling visuals. Check it out by clicking this image at the link in our bio!
New episode! Happy Mother's Day! Meagan thought i New episode!

Happy Mother's Day! Meagan thought it would be fun to surprise Sarah with an episode full of lightning-round-style "this or that" questions and "would you rather" head-scratchers. Join us for lots of laughs, silly questions and tons of fun! If you've been listening for a while you know that we're chronically lightning-round-challenged. Find out if we answer all the questions before the buzzer goes off! 

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast#podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast#podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts

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