Life under military curfew in Sri Lanka has been one of the most intense things I've ever experienced. This episode gives you a peek into what it's been like being in a developing country during COVID, where we weren't even allowed to leave our homes.  Now that I'm coming out of the experience, I can look back and share, "Wow, that was some sh*t!!!"  This episode is dedicated to all the parents who are wrapping up a school year... you rock! Thanks for listening :) Hugs, Melissa PS: All my 2020 goals went out the window and are being rewritten--rewrite yours too with a Passion Planner from bit.ly/passionplan2019

At the end of each month, I sit down to assess how the month went, which is an exercise in my Passion Planner. But today as I reflected upon April, I was like, “Wow, that kinda blew!” While it's important to recognize what went well each month and decide what you may want to do differently going forth, it's also okay to completely toss out goals that just aren't working for you. Join me for a 2020 Do-Over, and consider participating in my live goal-setting sesh on Wednesday, May 6th at 6:30 AM Pac/9:30 AM Eastern/7:00 PM India via Zoom (email for deets: [email protected]) Hugs, melissa ___ Today's episode is brought to you by the Passion Planner, which you can check out at bit.ly/passionplan2019 Grab my free Supermom Survival Guide now with Quarantine Bonus! at https://www.MelissaMcCloud.co/

We’re all in a race for time (or, we were before we found ourselves stuck at home, perhaps…) and the disease of busy-ness and being overscheduled isn’t even relegated to the Western world anymore. (I should know, I live in South Asia!)  We are a slave to our overbooked schedules, our pursuit of success, other’s expectations, and our kids’ extracurriculars. We may do things because we think we should, then lose sleep over it, wake up early and/or stay up late in an attempt to accomplish them. The “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” philosophy costs us much more than, well, sleep! You’ve heard that we should aim for 8 hours of sleep. According to the CDC, the average American sleeps fewer than 7 hours a night, and almost half of us sleep fewer than six hours per night. In today's episode, I lay out the argument for sleep, which has been well-document and earnestly written about by Arianna Huffington of the Huffington Post. Hugs, Melissa PS: Can you hear my family making a ruckus in the background? Geesh! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Your spouse isn’t more annoying than you thought. You’re just around them a LOT more! It’s not often that I discuss the same topic in two consecutive pods, but desperate times call for desperate measures.  If you are homebound with your family and learning to adjust to the new routines of being all together in a confined space, then you understand that it ain't all rainbows and unicorns...  And let’s get real: not all of our marriages are gonna make it! Listen in as we discuss why you're partner is sending you over the edge (and how to deal)! My free class on communication with your partner under stress is at www.HusbandWebinar.com ... check it out, I know you have the time. Hugs,  melissa  Grab my free Supermom Survival Guide at https://www.MelissaMcCloud.co/

I recently saw a post that said, "Nine months from now, there will be a baby boom."   But with all the time spent with our loved ones right now, I predict another outcome over the next year: divorce. This week marks 14 days on home isolation, and I was about to lose my mind last week as we were just getting started. This episode is how to keep your sanity, and your family unit, intact! For those struggling with their spouses during this time, check out my free class on how to communicate during a crisis at https://youtu.be/qWaUZwiqanM Hugs, melissa

Anyone else dealing with emotional eating this month? Many of us are practicing social distancing and adapting to our newly-homebound lifestyle, and it’s easy to find ourselves wandering into the kitchen looking for something to eat to take our minds off the mayhem.  Since I cut my teeth as a coach in health coaching, I know the emotional-eating (and drinking!) space well and would love to share how I help clients navigate these episodes...  Check out this timely pod to know how to not get carried away in times of stress (and it doesn't involve willpower, PHEW)!\ Grab my free Supermom Survival Guide at https://www.MelissaMcCloud.co/ Hugs, Melissa

All the newly-initiated homeschooling moms, please raise your hands! The coronavirus crisis is enough to put anyone over the edge... We don’t know what the next month will look like, how many new cases we will have, or if we have enough toilet paper to last a home quarantine… And it’s the “not knowing” that is so tough for me. I bet the uncertainty of the entire coronavirus situation is unsettling for you, too. In this podcast you'll understand why the current COVID-19 climate is so challenging, and what you can do to manage your state. Grab my free Supermom Survival Guide at https://www.MelissaMcCloud.co/ Hugs, Melissa

At the beginning of the year, I asked The Trophies what they wanted to focus on.  “Health & Fitness” was overwhelmingly one of the top topics of interest, and how can I deny my past? For over 16 years I’ve worked as a wellness coach, so this is in my wheelhouse! But instead of sending another diet culture message to the group (which is the last thing you need to hear!) I am going to put my own spin on the topic… Coming off of FOCUS FEBRUARY, where we learned how to “do more by doing less”, I am having the Trophies choose just one thing they want to narrow in on that will have the biggest impact on their health and fitness.  My intention is not to help The Trophies lose weight; it is to help these wonderful women set a goal and see it through to completion.   Hugs,  melissa  www.MelissaMcCloud.co

Procrastination chips away at our self-esteem and prevents us from being our best... and it affects us all!  Even the best of us suffer from delaying action, whether it's due to overthinking, analysis paralysis, or just laziness. When you procrastinate, you waste time that you could be investing in something meaningful.  If you can learn to overcome this fierce enemy, you'll feel so much better about yourself, you will be able to increase your effectiveness, and take the steps you need to achieve your goals, dreams, and desires.  Muah, Melissa ___ Today's episode is brought to you by the Passion Planner, which you can check out at bit.ly/passionplan2019

My "Mom in the Hot Seat!" Series continues with Robin Meckley, a "mentor mom" of mine whom I've known for the past 16 years.  She has an incredible relationship with her husband and two 20-something boys.   In this Podcast, Robin talks about what she would have done differently as a mom, how she spoke to her kids about sex, how she built intimacy with her husband after having babies, how she instilled religion at home, and how Empty Nest life is way different than she expected it to be!  Younger moms won't want to miss this episode...! Hugs, Melissa ___ Today's episode is brought to you by the Passion Planner, which you can check out at bit.ly/passionplan2019