The Motherhood Process
Welcome to The Motherhood Process—the podcast for moms who are ready to trade stress and anxiety for peace and purpose. I’m your host, Autumn Akins, and if you're juggling the challenges of motherhood, struggling with your identity, or feeling overwhelmed by daily life, this show is for you. Each episode offers practical strategies for building intentional routines, shifting your mindset, and finding alignment in motherhood so you can thrive, not just survive. As a boy mom navigating pregnancy and the everyday chaos of parenting, I’ll share personal experiences and proven techniques that have helped me reclaim peace and productivity.
Have you ever asked yourself questions like: “How do I shift my mindset from perfectionism to progress?” “What can I do to feel more fulfilled in my role as a mother?” “How do I find my identity outside of being a mom?” or even “What strategies can I use to create intentional routines that work for my family?”
If this sounds like you, then join me on this journey to discover how you can live a full life in motherhood that you truly love. From tackling stress to building a purposeful, joy-filled life, you’ll walk away from each episode with tools to create more balance and fulfillment. Subscribe for weekly insights on motherhood, productivity, mindset, and more—and don’t forget to follow me on social media and sign up for my newsletter for even more support.
Tune in and start thriving in motherhood today!
Visit autumnakins.com for show notes and additional helpful resources. And be sure to rate, review and subscribe to the show so you never miss a single episode!
The Motherhood Process
19: You Don't Have to Say Yes to Everything: Learning the Power of No
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Are you constantly saying yes only to look back on your week feeling tired, overwhelmed, and resentful? In this episode, host Autumn Akins walks through a powerful, real-time lesson she is learning: the importance of saying no more often.
Autumn dives into the common reasons why moms feel compelled to overcommit—from guilt and the fear of missing out to a simple craving for connection. She shares her own pattern of "one small yes" snowballing into an overstuffed week and offers a clear reminder: "Everything that you say yes to is a no to something else, usually your energy or your rest or your peace".
This episode is a gentle but firm guide to breaking the cycle of living in "reaction mode" and starting to live intentionally. Autumn provides five practical steps for strengthening your "no muscle," including setting weekly limits, pausing before you respond, and remembering that you are the one who carries the consequence of every overcommitment. The ultimate takeaway? You don't need a packed calendar to be a good, present mom—sometimes, the holiest thing you can do for your family is simply protect your peace.
What You’ll Hear:
- Why "yes" often feels like a default for moms, driven by guilt, loneliness, or not wanting kids to miss out.
- The difference between being a "good mom" and a "tired, stretched thin mom".
- Autumn’s personal confession about how she over-fills her own week with things like quick grocery runs that turn into multi-store errands.
- The reminder that saying yes to one thing means saying no to your peace, rest, or energy.
- Why the "invisible race" to do the most is a myth with no prize for the winner.
- Book recommendations that have shaped Autumn's perspective on slowing down: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry and Essentialism.
- Signs that your "yes muscle" is overdeveloped, such as resenting plans or feeling tired before the day begins.
- How saying no more often surprisingly makes your life feel fuller, not emptier, because it creates space for presence and calm.
Key Takeaways:
- Less but Better: This motto from Essentialism applies beautifully to motherhood, resulting in better energy and connection with those who matter most.
- Protection is Power: Sometimes, the most important thing you can do for your family is simply protect your peace.
- Your Value is Not Your Productivity: Stop living as if your value is tied to what you can produce.
- The Holiday Challenge: Say no to one thing that drains you each week leading up to Christmas and watch the space it creates.
Resources:
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Come
Essentialism by Greg McKeown
https://autumnakins.com/reclaim
Connect with Me:
Let’s continue the conversation! Follow me on Instagram at @whatautumndoes for more tips, encouragement, and personal reflections on motherhood.
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Join Me Next Week:
Next week, we’re diving into creating intentional routines that simplify life and bring more peace to your home. Don’t miss it!