Hello my love,

How are you? I hope the start of your year has been at least decent, and maybe even wonderful! With all that's going on in the world, sometimes things feel dark and daunting. If all we have are the glimmers to keep us going, I say we hang onto them. Anyway, in this episode I'm sharing my thoughts on New Year's resolutions, what my vision is for 2026, but mostly I'm talking about ditching nonchalance. After some failed friendships and girl trauma, I became very guarded. I've been afraid to really put myself out there and show people what they mean to me. Whether through check-ins, making plans, being thoughtful about birthdays and such-I've been holding back. And it's something I'm tired of doing as I'm in a phase of life where I realize how vital relationships are to my purpose. Is it ever hard for you to be vulnerable and connect? I think we've become so critical of each other that many of us are afraid to say or do the wrong thing, so we just say or do nothing at all. And then we wonder why we feel so lonely and distant. If you relate, then you'll probably love this episode. Check it out and let me know what you think! And let's talk again soon, okay?

Love,

Lauren

P.S. Here's the podcast episode I mentioned near the end (highly recommend giving it a listen): https://open.spotify.com/episode/6wfQRLulxxW3nfwKU0oJVz?si=9e21614545514155

In today’s episode, I’m opening up about my experience with body image during pregnancy — and it’s not just about what I see in the mirror. I’m sharing the mindset, tools, and habits that have shaped the way I’m caring for my body in this season of life, and why I think doing the inner work beforehand has made all the difference.

We talk about:

• How pregnancy has affected my body image and why this has been the most comfortable I’ve ever felt in my body

• My evolving relationship with food and movement during pregnancy

• The tools and practices that support me in honoring my body through every phase

• Why I expected pregnancy to be a body-positive experience and how that prediction turned out

• My honest thoughts about my postpartum body and mindset

• Why doing the foundational confidence and body acceptance work before pregnancy matters for a healthier, more grounded experience through pregnancy and motherhood

Whether you’re pregnant, trying to conceive, or simply working on being kinder to yourself, this episode is meant to give you permission to show compassion to your changing body and to trust yourself in every season.

In this episode of Life Talks with Lauren, I open up about the complicated, beautiful, and sometimes lonely reality of friendship during pregnancy. I share my perspective from both sides — first as someone who was childfree and never fully understood what my pregnant or new-mom friends were going through, and now as the one experiencing pregnancy myself.

I talk about the unexpected loneliness that can come with this season of life and how difficult it can be to express those feelings without worrying that it will sound like blame or criticism. I explore the disconnect that often happens between pregnant people and their friends, why it happens, and how I’m learning to understand it with more compassion now that I’m in it.

I also share how my partner has stepped in to make sure I feel seen, supported, and cared for during this time — from quality time to emotional presence — and how that has meant more than words can say.

One of the biggest shifts I’m making is learning to accept that this is a phase. It won’t be this way forever. I’m choosing to embrace this alone time, recognizing that these quiet, sacred moments with myself won’t last forever once the baby arrives. With that perspective, gratitude has become a grounding force: gratitude for the people who do show up, empathy for those who don’t know how yet, and appreciation for the lessons I’m learning about showing up for others.

I talk about how this season is teaching me to better support people in tender chapters — whether they’re grieving, navigating pregnancy, or adjusting to new parenthood. So many people hesitate to reach out because they’re afraid of saying the “wrong” thing, but truly, most of us just want to know someone is thinking of us. I certainly won’t be criticizing how anyone chooses to show up for me — I’ll just be grateful that they did.

Tune in for a heartfelt, honest conversation about friendship, loneliness, gratitude, and the unexpected emotional lessons pregnancy brings.