Episode 103

Why Saying “No” Can Be the Most Loving Choice - The Reality of Self-Care When Life Feels Like Too Much

Published on: 4th May, 2025

After a brief (and very human) pause, we’re back in the studio — messy, honest, and real as ever. In this episode, Jill and Linda open up about the curveballs life’s been throwing lately — from broken dryers and blind cats to Easter chaos and toddler meltdowns. You’ll hear what happens when our well-intentioned self-care plans fall apart and how we find little wins and grace in the middle of the muck.

Whether you’re navigating a season that feels "extra" or trying to meet your family’s needs without losing yourself, this episode is your reminder that it’s okay to not have it all together. We're not here to fix it all — just to talk about it, laugh through it, and walk with you in it.

 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • Why life lately has been anything but predictable — and what that’s taught us about flexibility
  • How “simple moments” are becoming our most powerful form of self-care
  • The emotional weight behind constantly needing to say “no” — and what to say “yes” to instead
  • Why planned self-care can sometimes feel heavier than it’s worth
  • A gentle reframe: self-care for your kids might actually be self-care for you
  • How to meet everyone’s needs (including your own!) without needing to do it all perfectly

 

This episode is for the human who’s in the thick of it — decision fatigue, interrupted naps, helmet battles, and all. You’re not failing if you don’t have it all figured out. You’re living, learning, and loving through the mess. Let this be your reminder that sometimes, the most powerful self-care is simply giving yourself permission to be human. Look for what’s working. Say no when you need to. And give yourself credit for showing up anyway.

For a simple way to start with self-care, send them an email or connect with Jill on socials @mamaoutspoken and mamaoutspoken.com and Linda @hellolindabonney or lindabonney.com

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Mama Outspoken Village is the Mom Community that you've been looking for!

Until next week – we hope you can unstuck your muck!

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About the Podcast

Mucked Up My Self-Care Podcast
Real, Raw and Unedited Conversations From Two Global Moms/Mums
A podcast for moms about the real, raw, and unscripted perspectives of guilt-free self-care by two moms across the globe. This unedited podcast is real life and their personal experiences told in friendly conversation style. Advocating for all moms who have mucked up their self care.

There are so many others out there that aren't successfully solving the real problem of trying to figure out what self-care is. We want to bring to light the reality of what self-care can look like for moms who struggle to fit it in, don't know what will work for them, and the ways that it hasn't worked. We want to have conversations about the guilt we feel when we are pressured to mother ourselves when we don't know how and aren't given the support to in our society today.

About your hosts

Jill Olish

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Linda Bonney

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