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Do you ever want to feel grateful… but you’re just too tired?
You’re not alone. In this episode, we’ll talk about what’s really happening in your brain when gratitude feels out of reach and how small, intentional shifts can help you rediscover peace and appreciation — even in the middle of the messy.

You’ll learn why gratitude isn’t about pretending everything’s fine, how it helps calm your body and rewire your thinking, and the surprising research showing how gratitude transforms both your mood and your family connections.

Plus, I’ll introduce The Goodness Challenge: 7 Days to Notice What’s Right in Your Life — a simple, encouraging email series designed to help you gently retrain your brain to see what’s good, one small moment at a time.

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Ever feel like your thoughts won’t stop looping—worrying, criticizing, replaying mistakes? You’re not alone. In this episode, we explore how to handle the thoughts that won’t let go—and why “just think positive” doesn’t work. Leigh Germann, therapist and mom of five, shares how to build real mental resilience using her LIFT method to calm racing thoughts, ground your body, and shift toward compassionate self-talk. Learn how neuroscience, glimmers, and daily rituals can help you reclaim steadiness when your mind feels out of control.

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Ever wonder why some people can face the same challenge and bounce back faster?
In this episode, we break down the real science of optimism — not the “just think positive” kind, but the kind that changes the way you explain what’s happening in your life. You’ll learn how your explanatory style shapes your resilience, your mood, and even how your kids learn to handle hard things.

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When emotions run high, it’s so easy to get swept into the storm—especially when it’s your child, your teen, or even your partner who’s upset. In this episode, I talk about how to stay grounded and calm when the people around you aren’t. I’ll walk you through how co-regulation really works, how to respond instead of react, and why your calm body is one of the most powerful tools you have to teach emotional safety.

These ideas don’t just apply to parenting—they work in every relationship, because emotional regulation isn’t just a skill for kids, it’s a human skill. I also created a free companion resource, The Calm Connection Sheet, to help you put this into practice. You can grab it through the link in the show notes and learn how to decode emotions, find the right words, and calm both yourself and others when feelings get big.

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Halloween gives us a rare opportunity to explore emotions through play.
In this short and meaningful Leadership Parenting episode, we look at how the thrill of being scared — the racing hearts, the laughter, the pretend monsters — becomes powerful practice for resilience. We’ll talk about why kids love spooky fun, how dressing up helps them experiment with courage and identity, and simple ways to turn Halloween night into a playful exercise in emotional regulation for the whole family. It’s a joyful reminder that sometimes, the best lessons in bravery come wrapped in costumes and candy wrappers.

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Have you ever had a thought so disturbing that you instantly felt fear or shame? Intrusive thoughts can show up out of nowhere—especially when you’re stressed, exhausted, or caring deeply for others—and they can make you question your sanity or goodness. But here’s the truth: these thoughts don’t mean anything about who you are. In this episode, we’ll unpack what intrusive thoughts really are, why your brain produces them, and how to calm your body so they lose their power. You’ll learn gentle, evidence-based ways to meet these thoughts with compassion instead of fear, regain a sense of safety in your body, and remember that you are not your thoughts—you are the steady observer behind them.

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Comparison is sneaky—and in motherhood, it’s everywhere. From social media feeds to the carpool line, it’s so easy to look at what other moms are doing and feel like you’re falling behind. But comparison isn’t just an annoyance; research shows it’s linked to higher stress, depression, and lower satisfaction for moms.

In this episode of Leadership Parenting, I break down the science of why we compare, why moms are especially vulnerable, and how social media has amplified comparison in our daily lives. Then I walk you through my simple three-part method—Edit, Establish, Embrace—that will help you recognize unhealthy comparison, set wise boundaries, and reconnect with your own values. You’ll walk away with practical steps to protect your peace and return to joy.

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Punishment might stop misbehavior in the moment, but it doesn’t help kids learn better choices—and it often chips away at connection. In this episode, we’ll look at a simple formula to help you find the right way of teaching and correcting that works for your family. You’ll also learn three research-backed strategies that offer a better path than punishment or permissiveness: encouraging positive behavior, setting kids up for success, and seeing behavior as communication. These tools make discipline less of a struggle and more of a guide, leading to cooperation, growth, and stronger relationships.

If you'd like to get the show notes for this episode, head to:

https://leighgermann.com