225: How to redefine your identity as a new mother – with Nicole Lawrence (PART ONE)

How do you redefine your identity as a new mother? I’m stating the obvious when I say this, but when you become a new mother (or parent), everything changes. I know, my children are now 11 and 13 years old and I remember those early years of juggling a thriving business, a full team on payroll, and also grappling with redefining my identity as a new mother. This stuff ain’t easy and it certainly isn’t as pretty as everyone makes it out to be in their ultra-filtered lives on Instagram. So, where can you find the truth in a sea of big, massive change?

My special guest today is podcaster Nicole Lawrence and she’s simplifying how to redefine your identity as a new mother. If you’ve brought a new baby into your home in the last 12 months, you know that the whole world turned upside down in one way or another. And if you did it during a pandemic, friend… you deserve a trophy!

Some days (ney, hours) are brilliant… and the next, you’re trying to wipe off baby spit-up that’s caked in your hair and desperately trying to remember the last time you had an adult conversation with someone. (Wait, was it last week? The week before?) And how in the world do I sneak a shower in as well? Girl, I feel ya. Nicole shares some deep insight from the first year of her own very messy journey with her baby Rhodes and how she is re-emerging with a new identity and a new spirit as an ever-evolving woman.

Here’s how. 

My special guest today is Nicole Lawrence and she’s simplifying how to redefine your identity as a new mother.

We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including:

• Identity seems like such an integral part of being human and there are so many stories in our lives… how do we distinguish what is true – and what isn’t serving us any longer? 
• Nicole shares a glimpse into her birth story with Rhodes – what she learned about herself before, during the birth, and afterwards that could help other expecting parents and new mothers
• How she meets BIG transitions in life with grace
• What childbirth taught her about  “the rules you set for yourself in life” and your identity
• …and ultimately, it seems like we’re in an interesting time in history where gender roles and responsibilities in work and life are shifting – how does this play into redefining your identity?

All this month, we’ve been focused on the topic of re-emergence. And my goodness, what a whirlwind it has been! It’s been a brilliant focus for me, personally and professionally… and very timely given it’s spring in this part of the world right now.

The weather is slowly getting warmer, the new shoots of flowers are starting to pop up out of the ground, and many of us are starting to re-emerge back IRL in our work and lives.

If you’re a new parent, I really hope this vulnerable conversation with Nicole helps you remember that you are not alone. 

The first couple of years with a new baby can be SUPER tricky as you not only adjust to this new way of living, but also your child learns the rhythms of life outside the womb. Go slow, get outside for some vitamin D (with a little sunscreen) and remember that you’re doing a fantastic job, no matter how messy it may seem, at times.

I hope today’s conversation with Nicole helps you feel more connected with others around you.

Q: Are you ready to learn how to redefine your identity as a new mother? If yes, this one is for you.

It’s time to #DoTheThing!

<What’s catching my eye this week>

• 8 Lessons I’ve Learned in the First Year of Motherhood – Laura Adom – The EveryMom
• 50 powerful questions to help you reflect – The Institute of You
• Gain clarity in 90 minutes: Mary is offering 1-1 brainstorming sessions for those looking to get unstuck as the world reopens, post pandemic

Links, books and apps mentioned:

Book: Stop Missing the Point – Peta Kelly

Podcast: Re:birth podcast for Mamas raising themselves again and growing through motherhood – Nicole Lawrence

Podcast: What is conscious parenting all about? featuring Carrie Contey – The Simplifiers Podcast

Podcast: How to squash your limiting self-beliefs – The Simplifiers Podcast

About Nicole Lawrence

Nicole Lawrence – She is a mother, teacher, and holder of space. For 5+ years, she has facilitated embodiment workshops for women to claim their voice, visibility and boundaries. 

She now blends her diverse background in somatic trauma resolution with a focus on where our language & story meet the physical body. She is the host of the podcast, Re:birth, with a mission to alchemize birth stories & the stories we bring to motherhood into fertile soil for evolving our mothering and our lineage.