Welcome to this episode all about what I got out of my time in personal therapy over the last year. It's taken me a while to gather all my thoughts and select what I feel like were the most significant lessons I learned. I also share my most recent occurrence of "The Jessica Curse" for those of you who know what I'm talking about- if you don't, have a listen to "The Jessica Curse" episode. It's a fun one!  Content Warning- general discussion of abuse for a portion of the episode.  As always, thanks for listening. Find me on Instagram @lifeaccordingtojesspodcast   Music: "Summer Walk" by Olexy on Pixabay

This week I recount my adventures from the last few weeks. Life never seems to slow down... sometimes we have to intentionally choose to slow down so that we can reflect on what we've learned and how we feel. Then we can focus on what's most important and regain our energy and drive.      Instagram: @lifeaccordingtojesspodcast Music: "Summer Walk" by Olexy on Pixabay

Today I'm joined by my husband, Nick, to talk all about his experience having ADHD. (Hence the many chair noises you'll hear in this episode!) We talk about coping skills, the struggles, and what we see as the benefits to thinking differently.    YouTube channel mentioned in episode: How to ADHD Mindfulness apps mentioned in episode: Calm & Headspace Instagram: @lifeaccordingtojesspodcast   Music: "Summer Walk" by Olexy on Pixabay

*Content warning- brief use of the word "abuse".    Have you ever heard someone say something like "You don't say no to your parents!" Is that really a good principle to teach our kids? How much more important is it that they learn that they can say no and make their own choices? In this episode I talk about why my focus isn't so much on not letting my kids say "no" and more about the natural consequences of their actions, as well as why I feel so passionately about them exploring the use of the word "no".    Instagram: @lifeaccordingtojesspodcast Music: "Summer Walk" by Olexy on Pixabay

It's ironic how I've done this episode on motivation and yet I felt so unmotivated to finish editing and publish it. I have struggled with motivation at many different times and it's a topic I've discussed many times over the last year in therapy. In this episode I share with you my personal hacks for when I'm feeling a lack of motivation and the internal dialogue I've had to fight when I'm feeling that way.    If you have any of your own tips and tricks for motivation, I'd love to hear them! Instagram: @lifeaccordingtojesspodcast   Music: "Summer Walk" by Olexy on Pixabay

Happy New Year everyone! It has been... quite the ending to the year.  In this episode, I tell a few stories from the past couple of weeks (including the reason behind my unplanned holiday break!) and also talk about why I don't really make or like "New Year's Resolutions" despite the overwhelming focus on them by so many people.    Music: "Summer Walk" by Olexy on Pixabay

There's such a stark difference (for me anyway!) between dating when I was younger and dating in a long term relationship/marriage. Then throw kids into the mix and it can be so difficult to figure out how to keep your romantic relationship alive and healthy! In today's episode I give a glimpse into what that's been like for my husband and I who have small kids and have been together for seven years. I talk about what we've done for dates and the different phases of our dating life.    Game mentioned in the episode for the Nintendo Switch- Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics Instagram: @lifeaccordingtojesspodcast Music: "Summer Walk" by Olexy on Pixabay

This week I'm discussing my opinion on the popular phrase "Money doesn't buy happiness." From being on food stamps to actually having some money to put aside in savings, I've experienced a lot and I've noticed a big difference in my mental, emotional, and even physical state depending on whether or not I'm able to meet my basic needs. I know so many of us have struggled or are currently struggling, especially around the holiday season. This episode is just to share the load a little bit and to let you know that though it may feel like a lonely road you're walking, you aren't alone in your struggles and stress.    Instagram: @lifeaccordingtojesspodcast   Music: "Summer Walk" by Olexy on Pixabay

This is Year Two for me on my decluttering journey. I've learned a lot (and there's a lot I'm still learning), but it's been a rewarding venture. In this episode I go through some of my successes, the parts that have been hard, and my process for counting what I've decluttered from my house.    My favorite Instagram account that I've adapted decluttering tips from: @that.minimalist.mom   Music: "Summer Walk" by Olexy on Pixabay

This is my absolute favorite Christmas tradition that only began two years ago, during a really difficult time. It was such a wonderful way for us to focus on the good things we had experienced and what matters the most to us during this special time of year, despite not being able to gift each other anything. If you want to give it a try, we usually begin at Thanksgiving, so we have about a month to build up our jar!   Let me know some of your favorite traditions in the comments on Instagram @lifeaccordingtojesspodcast   Music: "Summer Walk" by Olexy on Pixabay

Life gets busy, especially at this time of year. What's one of the first things to be trashed from the schedule when we're busy? Rest. Or maybe we think we have to "earn" our rest by being busy. But you know what that leads to? Burnout. Let's take some time to prioritize rest and maybe slow down our pace so we have the capacity for what's most important to us.    Music: "Summer Walk" by Olexy on Pixabay   Follow me on Instagram @lifeaccordingtojesspodcast

Video games are for the boys... right? Wrong. They're for everyone! Unfortunately that's not the opinion I come across a majority of the time. Just the other day another mom said "I just don't get it!". I'm here to give a little insight on my opinion and what made me label video games as one of my favorite hobbies because guess what? I used to think they were mostly for the boys, too! And that the majority of them were violent... (Spoiler alert: also wrong!)   List of my favorites (in no particular order): Splatoon 3SpiritfarerHollow KnightMinecraftStardew ValleyVampire SurvivorsPuyo Puyo TetrisAnimal CrossingHadesPikmin 4Zelda Breath of the Wild & Zelda Tears of the Kingdom   Music: "Summer Walk" by Olexy on Pixabay

I recently got to see The Eras Tour film in theaters... and it was AMAZING. Being an old Taylor Swift fan (from her early days), but not being as familiar with her newer albums, I thought maybe I'd missed the Swiftie train. But Taylor really knows how to rally all of her fans together and cultivate a feeling of love and appreciation. It was hard to come down from the magic and fun of the night... who knew you might need coping skills coming down from happiness?    Music: "Summer Walk" by Olexy on Pixabay

Having a husband who has ADHD, I felt like I had to take a crash course on it... and it was a little bumpy at first. Luckily with a little perseverance, hard work, learning, and a lot of patience (from both of us), we've been able to make the journey a little smoother.    Music: "Summer Walk" by Olexy on Pixabay

I've had migraines as long as I can remember. In today's episode I go over what that looks like for me and even share a couple of stories- including my worst date ever- that included a migraine. We all have things that keep us down from time to time, and that means that we have to make decisions that make the most sense for us.  Thanks for listening!    Music: "Summer Walk" by Olexy on Pixabay

How can something so amazing also be so incredibly difficult? In Part 2 of my first pregnancy and postpartum journey, I share all about the craziness that ensued after delivery, including my daughter's need for surgery.    Music: "Summer Walk" by Olexy on Pixabay

I could've never guessed what my first pregnancy had in store. It was an uphill battle until the very end. If you're currently pregnant, this may not be the episode for you. (Good vibes and happy thoughts to you.) But for those of you who have experienced or seen a tough pregnancy, maybe you can relate. I thought for sure I'd be the mom with a bunch of kids... but life had other plans.  Coming soon is Part Two where I'll cover postpartum... including finding out right after delivery that my daughter needed surgery.    Music: "Summer Walk" by Olexy on Pixabay

Does "Therapy isn't for me" sound familiar? I felt that way, too. At least until I finally found the right therapy for me and was able to work through my problems in a productive way. In this episode I tell all about my journey with therapy that started when I was a child up until now.    Music: "Summer Walk" by Olexy on Pixabay

Most of us have at least one bad apartment or renting story... here's the one about the first apartment my husband and I had together. At the time it really sucked, but looking back on it now we get some good laughs. I can't wait to tell these stories to my kids a million times...   Music: "Summer Walk" by Olexy on Pixabay

I wouldn't consider myself "lucky" in most areas of my life (except for maybe when I play games), but this is one area in particular where I'm unbelievably unlucky.      In fact, as I was editing this episode, I sent my husband out to pick up food for date night not only with a Plan A, but a Plan B and they had NEITHER. We laughed so hard at the irony. I guess next time I'll try a Plan C as well.    Music: "Summer Walk" by Olexy on Pixabay