Making Friends Who Really Know You :: Mentor Series Wk 4 [Ep 583]

Have you ever felt lonely in a season where you actually had people around you?

I know I have.

After having my fourth child, I found myself feeling incredibly overwhelmed. I had people in my life, but I realized I wasn't truly letting them in. I wasn't being honest about what was hard, where I was struggling, or what I really needed. After experiencing a panic attack, I found myself in counseling and on a journey toward finding deeper, more meaningful connections.

In this week’s Coffee with Heather mentor series, I want to talk about community in motherhood because I know how hard it can be. As moms, we are constantly pouring out—meeting our kids' needs, managing schedules, and caring for everyone around us. Sometimes friendship gets pushed to the side because we simply don't have the energy left.

But the truth is, we were never meant to do motherhood alone.

In this conversation, I share:

• Why making and maintaining friendships can feel so difficult as a mom.
• How we can unintentionally keep people at a distance.
• The insecurity that can come when we see groups of moms who already seem connected.
• How vulnerability helps us move from surface-level relationships into real connection, and how to practically do that. 

• Practical ways to start building community, even in a busy season.

I also share an interview with Jada Edwards about the importance of remembering that our kids don't need a perfect mom—they need the mom God created us to be. We can trust Him with the gaps and allow Him to bring people into our lives who can speak truth, love, and encouragement into our children. 

God often provides a village in ways we don't expect. Sometimes we just have to be willing to ask Him to show us who those people are and take the first step toward connection.

Connect with Melanie Shankle: 

• Website: Big Mama – the big mama blog 
• Facebook: Melanie Shankle -The Big Mama Blog

Connect with Jada Edwards: 

• Website: Jada Edwards 
• Instagram: Jada A Edwards (@jada_edwards)

Links Mentioned: 

• Feelings Chart
• Needs Chart
• Don't Mom Alone: By Heather MacFadyen

Related Episodes:

• You are Qualified in Christ :: Jada Edwards [Ep 248]
• Generational Healing: Becoming the Mom You Needed :: Melanie Shankle [Ep 508]
• Navigating Friendship :: Melanie Shankle [Ep 273] 

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