LDS Missionary Moms

Michelle Evans

Sending a missionary out can be a harrowing experience for mothers. From the emotions of getting them ready, to dropping them off at the MTC or the airport without a phone. This podcast is dedicated to the moms who are receiving disturbing emails from their missionaries, homesickness, trying to navigate learning a foreign language and so much more.
We will be diving into the real issues MOMS face, provide some relieve that you are not alone.

read less
Religion & SpiritualityReligion & Spirituality

Episodes

18: What About Kids Who Don't Serve Missions
Apr 29 2024
18: What About Kids Who Don't Serve Missions
Hey there, friends! In today's podcast, I opened up about the whirlwind of emotions I felt when my son got his mission call to Zimbabwe Harare Mission—excitement mixed with a touch of fear of the unknown. It's been quite the emotional roller coaster, but chatting with my sister has been a huge help in processing it all.We also dove into the tough topic of supporting kids who choose not to serve a mission. It's a big deal in our church, especially for the boys, and it's not easy when expectations don't match up with reality. I shared a story about a fellow mom grappling with her son's decision and how it's crucial for us as parents to check in with ourselves. Are we showing unconditional love, or are we letting our fears get the best of us?Creating a safe space for our kids to talk about their choices is key. I've been there with my own sons, sometimes getting it right, other times... not so much. But it's all about approaching these conversations with kindness and an open heart, no pressure.To wrap things up, I've got some tips for you, and there's a supportive community waiting to help you through the mission-sending journey. Plus, I'm super excited about an upcoming class that'll give you the tools to prepare your children for missionary service. May's class on how to set boundaries, how to advocate for themselves, and when to ask for help: https://forms.gle/xqcPkJw1cF8j3ndd8Missionary Mom Journal: https://www.amazon.com/Missionary-Mom-Chronicles-Michelle-Evans/dp/B0CFZ9GZS8/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2FMSPY3SBZMDG&keywords=missionary+mom+journal&qid=1704483351&sprefix=missionary+mom+journa%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-4Trying to decide if working with me would be a good idea? Sign up for a free one-hour consultation: https://calendly.com/michellesevans-coach/missionary-momFollow me on social media:IG: https://www.instagram.com/michelle_evans.life/FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082926154445
17: Uncertainty
Apr 22 2024
17: Uncertainty
Hey everyone, as you to tune into the latest episode of the podcast, where I step into the role of host to share my personal journey as a mom in the midst of the anticipation for my youngest son's mission call. I share how my reactions and emotions have evolved over the course of sending my kids on missions.I delve into the uncertainty that looms when our missionaries are waiting for a call, or  return home, and how we navigate the mix of excitement and nerves. Drawing inspiration from the classic "Oh, the Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss,we talk about getting out of the waiting room and how much growth is available.I share a story from a few years ago when two of my boys joined the National Guard and left for boot camp. I found a new friend that we faced some challenging times together. Throughout the episode, I share actionable advice on managing uncertainty, including the power of reflection, journaling, and staying present. I also highlight insights from "Chatter" by Ethan Cross, which have been incredibly beneficial.Exciting news for all you listeners out there: I'm hosting a Zoom class focused on setting boundaries and self-advocacy for missionaries. It's a valuable resource that I'm passionate about, and I encourage you to join and share with others who might benefit.This episode is packed with relatable experiences and wisdom for anyone looking to navigate life's uncertainties with grace and courage. As a podcast host, I'm committed to bringing you content that resonates and empowers. So, don't miss out on this must-listen episode—perfect for parents of missionaries, individuals facing life transitions, and anyone seeking inspiration during times of change. Tune in and let's embark on this journey together!May's class on how to set boundaries, how to advocate for themselves, and when to ask for help: https://forms.gle/xqcPkJw1cF8j3ndd8Missionary Mom Journal: https://www.amazon.com/Missionary-Mom-Chronicles-Michelle-Evans/dp/B0CFZ9GZS8/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2FMSPY3SBZMDG&keywords=missionary+mom+journal&qid=1704483351&sprefix=missionary+mom+journa%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-4Trying to decide if working with me would be a good idea? Sign up for a free one-hour consultation: https://calendly.com/michellesevans-coach/missionary-momFollow me on social media:IG: https://www.instagram.com/michelle_evans.life/FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082926154445
13: Linking Thoughts, Feelings, and Actions
Mar 25 2024
13: Linking Thoughts, Feelings, and Actions
Hey there, friends! In this episode, I had a great time sharing a handy tool I use in my life coaching sessions. It's all about looking back at our thoughts and seeing how they shape our feelings, actions, and results. I even talked about how this approach I learned from the Life Coach School. I gave some real-life examples, like how a mom might react to her son's letter from his mission, and even shared a personal story about my son's mission call. It's all about swapping out those unhelpful thoughts for ones that empower us.I also stressed the importance of watching our thoughts – think of it like not letting a toddler run around with a knife! Plus, I'm super excited about the upcoming group sessions where we'll dive even deeper into these ideas. Can't wait to help you all feel more empowered and less overwhelmed by your thoughts. Catch you next time!May's class on how to set boundaries, how to advocate for themselves, and when to ask for help: https://forms.gle/xqcPkJw1cF8j3ndd8Missionary Mom Journal: https://www.amazon.com/Missionary-Mom-Chronicles-Michelle-Evans/dp/B0CFZ9GZS8/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2FMSPY3SBZMDG&keywords=missionary+mom+journal&qid=1704483351&sprefix=missionary+mom+journa%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-4Trying to decide if working with me would be a good idea? Sign up for a free one-hour consultation: https://calendly.com/michellesevans-coach/missionary-momFollow me on social media:IG: https://www.instagram.com/michelle_evans.life/FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082926154445
12: My Therapist, Justin Stum, Explains Trauma
Mar 18 2024
12: My Therapist, Justin Stum, Explains Trauma
In this podcast episode, I have Justin Strum, a licensed marriage and family therapist, (and my therapist) explore the complexities of trauma and nervous system responses. Justin distinguishes between trauma as a prolonged emotional response to distressing events and temporary nervous system reactions to triggers. I share my journey with trauma and EMDR therapy, underscoring the importance of a compatible therapist. Justin explains EMDR's origins and its use of bilateral stimulation for reprocessing traumatic memories alongside brain spotting and other healing modalities like yoga and breathwork. They delve into the mental discipline required to manage trauma, discussing brain gym techniques and the need for personalized healing approaches. Justin emphasizes the conscious management of thoughts and responses, using the metaphor of supervising a two-year-old with a knife to illustrate the importance of awareness and redirection. How your Nervous System Responds to Traumahttps://www.justinstum.com/how-your-nervous-system-responds-to-trauma/EMDR and Trauma Therapyhttps://www.justinstum.com/emdr-trauma-therapy-st-george-utah/EMDR by EMDRIA (video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pkfln-ZtWeYBreath Work: Balancing Your Nervous Systemhttps://justinstum.com/breath-work-balancing-your-nervous-system/Finding Yourself - 18 min. Meditation by Justin Stum, LMFThttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1RDCFyobE9H3w03weveAL9sUKKjIjP7rc/view?usp=sharingFollow Justin on IG: https://www.instagram.com/justinstum/May's class on how to set boundaries, how to advocate for themselves, and when to ask for help: https://forms.gle/xqcPkJw1cF8j3ndd8Missionary Mom Journal: https://www.amazon.com/Missionary-Mom-Chronicles-Michelle-Evans/dp/B0CFZ9GZS8/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2FMSPY3SBZMDG&keywords=missionary+mom+journal&qid=1704483351&sprefix=missionary+mom+journa%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-4Trying to decide if working with me would be a good idea? Sign up for a free one-hour consultation: https://calendly.com/michellesevans-coach/missionary-momFollow me on social media:IG: https://www.instagram.com/michelle_evans.life/FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082926154445
10: How Can Trauma from Missionary Experiences Impact Mothers?
Mar 4 2024
10: How Can Trauma from Missionary Experiences Impact Mothers?
In this episode of the podcast, I open up about the deeply traumatic experiences I went through during my sons' missionary services. I talk about how grateful I am for my better communication with my younger son, which was quite different from what I experienced when my older son was on his mission. I delve into what trauma means, pointing out that it's not so much about the events themselves but rather how our brains react to them.I share the story of my son's mission and my distress due to his companion's very concerning behavior. And the response I got from the mission president didn't help the situation. This is all about normalizing that sometimes we need outside help to help us process what has happened. Trauma isn't something we need to ignore; we can get the help we need.May's class on how to set boundaries, how to advocate for themselves, and when to ask for help: https://forms.gle/xqcPkJw1cF8j3ndd8Missionary Mom Journal: https://www.amazon.com/Missionary-Mom-Chronicles-Michelle-Evans/dp/B0CFZ9GZS8/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2FMSPY3SBZMDG&keywords=missionary+mom+journal&qid=1704483351&sprefix=missionary+mom+journa%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-4Trying to decide if working with me would be a good idea? Sign up for a free one-hour consultation: https://calendly.com/michellesevans-coach/missionary-momFollow me on social media:IG: https://www.instagram.com/michelle_evans.life/FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082926154445
8: From Helicopter Mom to Mission with Guest Erika Johnson
Feb 19 2024
8: From Helicopter Mom to Mission with Guest Erika Johnson
In this podcast episode, have a heart-to-heart with Erika, a guest who stumbled upon me through a missionary mom's Facebook group and decided to join my coaching program. Erika opens up about the rollercoaster of emotions she went through when her eldest son embarked on his mission to Brazil. She candidly shares her astonishment at the sparse communication of her son's challenging encounters with cultural clashes and a mission president who seemed more preoccupied with quotas than spiritual nourishment. Erika confesses that she had braced herself for a continual spiritual euphoria and found it hard to accept the stark reality of her son's mission life. She explains how my program helped her learn to step back and encourage her children to navigate challenges, temper her expectations, and distinguish between burned toast and the house burning down. Erika also highlights the incredible value of the supportive community she found and the vital insights she gained for when her next son would set out on his mission.May's class on how to set boundaries, how to advocate for themselves, and when to ask for help: https://forms.gle/xqcPkJw1cF8j3ndd8Missionary Mom Journal: https://www.amazon.com/Missionary-Mom-Chronicles-Michelle-Evans/dp/B0CFZ9GZS8/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2FMSPY3SBZMDG&keywords=missionary+mom+journal&qid=1704483351&sprefix=missionary+mom+journa%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-4Trying to decide if working with me would be a good idea? Sign up for a free one-hour consultation: https://calendly.com/michellesevans-coach/missionary-momFollow me on social media:IG: https://www.instagram.com/michelle_evans.life/FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082926154445
6: Understanding and Regulating Your Nervous System, with Leah Davidson
Feb 5 2024
6: Understanding and Regulating Your Nervous System, with Leah Davidson
In this episode I interview Leah Davidson, a life coach and speech-language pathologist, who shares her expertise on nervous system regulation and her journey as a missionary mom. Leah discusses the challenges she faced with her son's mission, including anxiety and the emotional impact on her work and personal life. She explains nervous system activation, hyperarousal, and hyporarousal and emphasizes recognizing and regulating nervous system dysregulation. Leah introduces a three-step process for nervous system regulation involving safety assessment, body check-ins, and relaxation techniques. She also highlights the vagus nerve's role in achieving a parasympathetic state and the need to address both body and mind for effective regulation. Additionally, Leah speaks about growing the zone of resilience through challenges and the growth opportunities for missionary moms. The episode concludes with Leah offering resources for listeners and discussing the importance of Christlike attributes and support in achieving resilience.Follow Leah on IG at: https://www.instagram.com/leahdavidsonlifecoaching/Leahs Building Resilence podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-resilience/id1546750026May's class on how to set boundaries, how to advocate for themselves, and when to ask for help: https://forms.gle/xqcPkJw1cF8j3ndd8Missionary Mom Journal: https://www.amazon.com/Missionary-Mom-Chronicles-Michelle-Evans/dp/B0CFZ9GZS8/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2FMSPY3SBZMDG&keywords=missionary+mom+journal&qid=1704483351&sprefix=missionary+mom+journa%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-4Trying to decide if working with me would be a good idea? Sign up for a free one-hour consultation: https://calendly.com/michellesevans-coach/missionary-momFollow me on social media:IG: https://www.instagram.com/michelle_evans.life/FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082926154445