Thanks, Mel

More times than I can count, friends, family and yes complete strangers have asked for show recommendations to binge watch.

Gotta’ be honest here. I am not usually the girl to ask. However, I am about to set the stage for a podcast binge you need to go on as 2023 will be here soon.

I have been a Mel Robbins fan for a while especially after being in the room, listening to her at our annual trade show.

I knew she had started the Mel Robbins Podcast and I needed to listen. As Mel says, “Here’s the thing.” The last couple of years have had challenges. I was avoiding listening because I knew Mel would tell me like it is. I mean that in a good way. Her conversations always are real and on point. Frankly, I was not ready to process the realness.

On my drive from my parent’s home right outside Memphis to Wisconsin, I decided it was time to binge listen to Mel, so it began.

Now being fifty-two, I wish I had been as strong as her daughter Kendall has become after life’s lessons. She processed something extremely hard at warped speed. Her self-awareness at such a young age mind boggling. I almost went down a path of the past, if only…yada yada yada. But then stopped, took a breath, and went STOP put the Kendall perspective on it. I reflected on “it”( meaning a collection of decisions by my younger self) and thought now look what I have learned and where I am-a better person for the good, bad, and the ugly.

I expected during my listen binge to get emotional. Maybe a bit mad (mostly at myself), laugh for sure, likely cry, and motivated to be a better me in 2023.

Here is what I did not expect about 25 miles from Springfield, Illinois I heard this full-on laughter from the back seat. My 16-year-old son who I thought was asleep was laughing at Sawyer, Kendall, and Oakley talk about connection over correction. And he was giving the biggest thumbs up. I processed that he had been listening. I said, “What is all that about? I was feeling surprisingly good about who I was as a parent until that.” His response left me feeling even better. “Mom, you worry about so much, but you have done so much right. Trust me the connection over correction thing is so true. My friends who get grounded can’t wait until they aren’t grounded to do something riskier. Are you hearing that? I love you, Mom.” Before I could speak, he said turn it back up I want to listen. So, I did.

I expected to learn about me, but I did not expect my 16-year-old son would be learning about me, about the guilt feelings moms have. I did not expect when he heard Mel say her job as a parent is to raise her kids be kind, be good humans, reach potential that he would say I have heard that a time or two.

I learned that entanglement can be a positive word. My faith, my family, my health, my values all tangle like a necklace chain sometimes tangles. I have been known to just not wear a necklace because I did not have the patience to untangle it, but boy when I take a moment and get the knot out it creates a circle, never to be broken and never ending.

I learned yep, I am not the only one who has experienced the heart ache and powerless feeling of dealing with narcissists. If you know, you know. You are NOT the problem my friend.

OK…I know I am now about to be the spoiler if I recap every podcast. So, I will end with this. I have often been told I have a sixth sense. I am person of faith. God leads me to the right or left door sometimes and while the right door may be easier, the left holds lessons that lead you to the right door eventually. I now am intrigued by synchronicities and proud to say I believe I am strong and faithful enough to see synchronicities.

My 16-year-old laughing when he did for example. All that was happening in the universe. Maybe in reality that is why I had not listened until now, instead of I was a bit scared to hear Mel’s truth.

I continued to listen until crossing in Wisconsin. There was not enough time left on the drive for another episode. A little music would be nice on the remaining drive. Instantly, I turn on classic country tunes that always make me hear my Daddy’s voice. We missed it before we had even started the journey home. (My kid and parents have a relationship-a connection that I hope everyone has a chance to experience). Here is what played first. Grandpa Tell Me About the Good Ole Days. Next, Seven Spanish Angels. I found my heart in my mind remembering my Daddy walking his six-week-old grandson down the halls of a Guatemalan hotel the first time we saw this amazing little human. My greatest blessings wonderful parents and a kid who will change this world.

Now, my friends find a quiet place and binge Mel Robbins Podcast. I think I did surprisingly good for my first binge recommendation.