How to Feel Strong, Confident, and Fully Alive
This year, something inside me shifted.
As I started approaching my 40s, I realized I didn’t want to chase youth. I wanted to savor life again. Not in the way I did at 25, but in a way that feels grounded, strong, and deeply connected to who I am now as a woman, a mom, and a partner.
After three kids, my energy, body, and priorities all changed. But something beautiful happened too. I started craving more downtime, savoring the little things, and feeling more present in the moment. I missed the version of me who laughed easily, loved fully, and felt confident in her skin.
So I’m calling this new chapter my Hot Mama Era, not because it’s about looking a certain way, but because it’s about feeling vibrant, confident, and whole. It’s about embracing who you are in this phase while still giving your heart to others, claiming the time and energy you need for yourself. Life is one wild ride, and you deserve to live it fully, fiercely, and deliciously.
If you’re standing at this same crossroads and ready to reclaim your energy, confidence, and joy, here are the practices that are helping me step into this next season feeling strong, centered, and fully alive. I hope you’ll join me in this journey too.
Prioritize Connection
In my 30s, I was constantly busy: work, kids, schedules, repeat. Somewhere along the way, I realized I was losing touch with the people and parts of myself that made me feel whole.
Now, connection is everything. It’s about choosing depth over busy.
I make time for the people who fill my cup: dinners with family, walks with a friend, or calling my best friend on the way to pick up my kids. I’ve also been scheduling one-on-one time with each of my kids, even if it’s just grabbing ice cream or going for a walk. Those little moments remind me how much joy lives in the everyday.
With my husband, we’ve learned that connection doesn’t always mean big date nights, but we’re adding more of those too. Sometimes it’s lunch during the workday or a quiet day off together while the kids are in school.
Connection also means time with yourself. Sit in silence. Journal. Enjoy your coffee while it’s still hot. Ask yourself: What do I need today?
Mindfulness and Faith for the Modern Mom
When life feels like too much, and it often does, I’ve learned to pause, not push through.
I’ve been trying this: close your eyes. Breathe in for four counts, hold for two, and exhale for six. Do that three times. It’s such a small thing, but it resets everything.
Most mornings, I spend a few minutes meditating, doing affirmations, or simply listening to nature sounds on Insight Timer, a free app. Sometimes I do it on a walk later in the day. I remind myself that I don’t need to rush and that slowing down creates more time.
Finding a church, temple, or spiritual community that fits your family’s values can be deeply nourishing. For us, that search took time, but when we found one that felt right, it brought meaningful conversations and connection.
And if organized religion isn’t for you, your spirituality might live elsewhere, in nature, quiet reflection, or a solo walk. What matters most is creating space to connect to something bigger than the noise.
Simple Fitness That Fits Real Mom Life
For years, I believed I needed an hour-long workout or a gym membership to stay fit. Motherhood taught me flexibility, and that movement doesn’t have to be perfect to count.
Most mornings, I start my day in the garage with Grow With Jo workouts on YouTube. They’re short, fun, and perfect for busy moms. Now that the baby’s older and sleeping through the night, I’ve added a three-day weightlifting routine and the occasional hot yoga class when I can sneak away.
I also started using the Noom app, free through my insurance, to focus on my health after baby number three. My metabolism has slowed down, and the weight isn’t coming off like it used to. Noom and working with a coach helped me shift my mindset around food and focus on how I feel after eating. It even connects with FitOn, where I find quick strength and yoga sessions I can squeeze in between naps or calls.
Movement doesn’t have to be perfect. Take the walk. Stretch in your living room. Do five minutes and be proud of it. Small steps and consistency add up.
Self-Care Isn’t Selfish
I used to feel guilty for taking time for myself. But I’ve learned that when I’m depleted, no one wins.
Now, I think of self-care as energy management. It’s not just bubble baths, though I love those too. It’s the simple, everyday rituals that help you feel like you.
Drink your morning coffee without multitasking. Step outside for a few minutes of sunshine. Take a deep breath before walking into the next room.
When you can, plan bigger moments too: yoga classes, massages, a solo TJ Maxx run, or reading in bed with your phone on Do Not Disturb. The more you fill your cup, the more patient, loving, and present you can become.
Reignite Your Spark and Sensuality
After kids, it’s easy to feel disconnected from your body. You’re touched out, tired, and constantly needed. Your sensuality didn’t disappear; it’s just waiting for your attention.
Reconnecting with your spark isn’t just about your partner; it’s about you too.
Take a hot bath. Listen to music that makes you move. Read a steamy book. Wear clothes that make you feel beautiful.
Confidence comes when you start tending to your own pleasure and joy again. Give yourself permission to feel radiant, playful, and alive, and then grab your partner to join in.
Permission to Rest
I used to think rest was being lazy. Now I see it as something sacred.
Yin yoga has become one of my favorite practices: slow stretches, deep breaths, soft music. It feels like a spa for your nervous system.
On weekends, we hold a quiet time for everyone: naps for the littles, downtime for us. Sundays are our recharge days, with no plans and no guilt.
Rest isn’t lazy. It’s necessary. It gives you the energy to live with more ease, intention, and joy.
Keep Growing Through Your Values
Growth isn’t about becoming someone new. It’s about coming home to yourself.
I’ve found that when I make decisions through my six core values — Family, Health, Connection, Faith, Growth, and Experience — everything feels simpler and more aligned.
Ask yourself: What values guide you right now? Let them be your compass as you create your version of the Hot Mama Era, one built around what truly matters.
Your Hot Mama Era Starts Now
Entering this new phase of life isn’t about holding onto the past. It’s about stepping fully into your power, wisdom, and joy.
Take care of your body. Nourish your spirit. Laugh often. Love deeply. Savor your life, exactly as it is and as it’s becoming.
This is your time to feel strong, grounded, and unapologetically you.
If you’re ready for support, guidance, or a little accountability as you design your own Hot Mama Era, I’d love to help.
✨ Book a free discovery call today and start building the vibrant, balanced life you deserve.
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