Navigating Foster Care and Motherhood with Alysha D'Amour: Part 2

In this episode of Esthetician Eavesdrop, host Ashley continues her conversation with Alysha D'Amour. Alysha shares her diverse experiences in bonding with her three foster children, highlighting the distinct differences and challenges each child brought. She delves into her therapeutic journey, the importance of mental health, and the stigma surrounding therapy. The duo also touches on the realistic, financial aspects of foster care, debunking myths about the incentives involved. Alicia offers insights into her parenting philosophy, daily routines, and the significance of self-care. The episode is filled with heartfelt anecdotes, practical advice, and a candid discussion about the joys and trials of motherhood.

00:00 Welcome Back & Catching Up: The Journey from Part One to Two

00:25 Deep Dive into Parenting and Bonding Experiences

03:23 The Realities of Motherhood and Therapy Insights

09:49 Navigating Parenthood, Infertility, and Daily Routines

13:39 The Importance of Self-Care and Emotional Well-being

18:13 Exploring Emotions, Communication, and Family Dynamics

20:37 The Stories Behind Unique Names and Musical Inspirations

24:53 The Therapeutic Power of Tattoos

27:52 Exploring Spirituality and Instilling Values

31:08 Raising Empathetic Children

32:56 The Significance Behind Tattoos

34:43 Life Motto: Finding Happiness Beyond Conventional Paths

41:56 Debunking Foster Care Myths

46:01 The Joy of Parenthood and Social Media Presence

Join the Conversation:

Have you or someone you know been through the foster care system? We’d love to hear your stories and experiences. Share your thoughts with us on social media or leave a comment in our inbox.

Connect with Us:

• Instagram: esthetician.eavesdrop.podcast
• Email: estheticianeavesdrop@gmail.com

Where to find Alysha:

• Instagram: damourlovethebetter
• or photography.damour

In this special episode for Foster Awareness Month, we are honored to have Alicia join us to share her deeply personal and inspiring journey through the foster system. Alicia opens up about her and her husband's struggles with infertility, the pivotal moments that led them to consider adoption, and their experience navigating the often overwhelming and complex world of foster care.

Highlights of This Episode:

• Infertility Struggles: Alicia discusses the emotional and physical challenges of dealing with infertility and how it influenced their decision to look into adoption.
• Considering Adoption: The heartfelt events and realizations that inspired Alicia and her husband to open their hearts and home to foster children.
• Working with CYFD: Insights into their interactions with the Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD), including the steps and requirements involved in becoming foster parents.
• Meeting the Children: Alicia shares the poignant moments of meeting the children who would eventually become part of their family, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it.
• High Anxiety: The anxiety and uncertainty that accompany the foster process, and how Alicia and her husband coped with the lack of control over many aspects of the system.
• Family Growth: The journey of their family growing from two to five, and the love and challenges that came with it.

Why Listen?

This episode offers a raw and honest look at the foster care system from the perspective of someone who has lived it. Alicia’s story is one of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of family. Whether you are considering fostering, are a current foster parent, or just want to learn more about the system, Alicia’s experiences provide valuable insights and inspiration.

Join the Conversation:

Have you or someone you know been through the foster care system? We’d love to hear your stories and experiences. Share your thoughts with us on social media or leave a comment on our website.

Connect with Us:

• Instagram: esthetician.eavesdrop.podcast
• Email: estheticianeavesdrop@gmail.com

In this episode, we delve into the personal story of our guest as we hear about her tumultuous journey through foster care, abandonment, trauma, and ultimately finding her way through. From her early childhood memories of being taken from her drug-addicted parents by her grandmother to her experiences bouncing between foster homes and shelters, our guest bravely opens up about the challenges she faced and the impact it had on her life.

Key Points:

1. Early Childhood Trauma: Our guest recounts her memories of being taken from her parents due to their drug addiction and being raised by her grandmother. She describes the instability of constantly moving around, never knowing where home truly was.
2. Foster Care System: Our guest shares her experiences within the foster care system, from being separated from her siblings to bouncing between multiple foster homes. She discusses the feeling of being an outcast and the lack of stability and support she received.
3. Teenage Years: As our guest entered her teenage years, she rebelled against authority and sought solace in risky behaviors, including substance abuse and relationships with older men. She opens up about a traumatic experience with three teenage boys and the impact it had on her mental health.
4. Struggles and Challenges: From assault charges to being kicked out of shelters, our guest faced numerous challenges and setbacks during her teenage years. She reflects on her tumultuous relationships and the cycle of seeking validation from broken individuals.
5. Motherhood and Self-Reflection: Despite her turbulent past, our guest found strength in motherhood and made a conscious effort to break the cycle of dysfunction. She reflects on the importance of self-worth and the journey towards healing and self-improvement.
6. Reconnecting with Family: Our guest shares her experiences of reconnecting with her estranged mother and the complexities of familial relationships. She discusses the challenges of forgiveness and the ongoing journey towards closure and acceptance.
7. Moving Forward: As our guest navigates through self-reflection, she acknowledges the need for healing and growth. She discusses her plans for the future and the importance of prioritizing mental health and self-care.

If you or someone you know is struggling, there's help.

https://www.wannatalkaboutit.com/

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estheticianeavesdrop@gmail.com

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We're back with our most popular guest as she shares the latest updates on her Tinder journey.

She dives right in, recounting her recent experiences with Tinder. From canceled dates to heart-to-heart conversations, she takes us through the highs and lows of her romantic dealings. We hear about her attempts to break free from toxic situations and her struggles with ghosting and disassociation.

She then shares her excitement about a potential new connection that has her feeling optimistic about what lies ahead.

As the conversation unfolds, we delve deeper into the complexities of relationships and the blurred lines of loyalty and honesty. Our guest opens up about her past traumas and how they've shaped her approach to love and trust.

Afterwards, our guest reflects on the concept of soulmates and the fear of losing a once-in-a-lifetime connection as she grapples with the dilemma of whether to reveal a painful truth that could shatter lives.

How to Connect:

• Find us on Instagram: ooh.my.lashes_
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estheticianeavesdrop@gmail.com

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On this week's episode, our host, Ashley, invites her longtime bestie on the show to discuss the depth and importance of their friendship and the challenges they've faced individually and together. They reflect on how they met, the bond they formed, and the support they've provided each other through difficult times, including divorces and parenting struggles. They emphasize the significance of genuine friendships, mutual support, and understanding within the context of "girl code." Throughout their conversation, they touch on themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the transformative power of friendship.

How to Connect:

• Find us on Instagram: ooh.my.lashes_
• Facebook: ohmylashesllc
• TikTok: ohmylashesllc

Send us a message:

estheticianeavesdrop@gmail.com

Don't forget to subscribe for more empowering stories and conversations.

In this week's episode, our guest shares her inspiring story of leaving a toxic relationship and finding love again within a blended family.

Key Points Covered:

Breaking Free from Toxicity: Our guest opens up about her decision to leave a toxic relationship, highlighting the pivotal moment when she realized her self-worth and made the courageous choice to walk away.

Discovering Self-Worth: We delve into the process of self-discovery and empowerment as our guest recounts her journey of rebuilding her confidence and refusing to settle for anything less than she deserved.

Unexpected Love: Our guest discusses finding a partner who not only exceeded her expectations but also embraced her and her children with love and respect, reshaping her understanding of what a healthy relationship could be.

Navigating Blended Families: The conversation explores the complexities of introducing a new partner to children from a previous relationship, highlighting the fears, challenges, and ultimately, the joys of blending families together.

Insights from Her Son: We hear firsthand from her son, who shares his perspective on life in a blended family.

Maintaining Healthy Relationships: Our guest reflects on the ongoing work required to maintain a healthy relationship, offering valuable insights and advice for listeners on nurturing love and connection.

If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, there's help.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Hours: 24/7.

800-799-7233

How to Connect:

• Find us on Instagram: ooh.my.lashes_
• Facebook: ohmylashesllc
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Send us a message:

estheticianeavesdrop@gmail.com

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In this episode of the Esthetician Eavesdrop, host Ashley delves into the complexities of mental health alongside our guest, who bravely shares her recent diagnosis of OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder). Together, they explore the various stigmas surrounding mental health across different generations and cultures, shedding light on the common barriers individuals face when considering therapy. The conversation also delves into the often-overlooked impact of pregnancy and hormonal changes on mental well-being, as Ashley shares her personal journey of navigating mental health struggles while being a business owner.

Key Topics:

• Guest's recent diagnosis of OCD and her journey towards understanding and managing it.
• The stigmas faced by different generations and cultures regarding mental health.
• Common barriers individuals encounter when deciding to seek therapy.
• The impact of pregnancy and hormonal changes on mental well-being.
• Ashley's experience of balancing mental health struggles with entrepreneurship.

Key Takeaways:

• There is no shame in seeking the resources necessary to enjoy a fulfilling life, including therapy and support networks.
• It's important to break down the stigmas surrounding mental health and promote open conversations about it.
• Pregnancy and hormonal changes can significantly affect mental well-being, and it's crucial to prioritize self-care during these times.
• Being a business owner while managing mental health struggles comes with its challenges, but it's possible to find balance and support.

Resources Available:

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org/
• International OCD Foundation: https://iocdf.org/
• Postpartum Support International: https://www.postpartum.net/

How to Connect:

• Find us onInstagram: ooh.my.lashes_
• Facebook: ohmylashesllc
• TikTok: ohmylashesllcSend us a message:estheticianeavesdrop@gmail.com

Tune in to the Esthetician Eavesdrop every week for more candid conversations about mental health, beauty, and wellness.

In this episode of the Esthetician Eavesdrop, we dive into the challenges faced by new parents as they adjust to life after having a baby. From the shifting dynamics of friendships to the pressures of postpartum body expectations, we explore the realities of new parenthood many women face. Join us as we discuss the discomfort of reentering social spaces, the guilt associated with balancing career and home life, and the importance of self-advocacy in protecting oneself and one's family. We also tackle the daunting task of seeking therapy and the barriers that may arise when divulging intimate details to a stranger.

Key Points:

• The changing dynamics of friendships after having a baby.
• Pressures and discomforts of returning to fitness routines post-baby.
• Navigating public spaces and the anxiety of venturing out alone with a small child.
• Strategies for self-protection and speaking up when feeling uncomfortable.
• Balancing career aspirations with the demands of parenthood.
• Overcoming the stigma and barriers to seeking therapy as a new parent.

Stay Connected:

Find us on

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Facebook: ohmylashesllc

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Send us a message:

estheticianeavesdrop@gmail.com

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