#39

Hello and welcome back to Mum Life Renewed! I'm Sylvia, and today I'm talking about something I've struggled with for years: setting boundaries in motherhood.

I've realised through my healing journey that I'm a people pleaser. I constantly seek approval from others, which means I say yes to things I don't want to do, accept last-minute requests without question, and let other people's moods and emotions dictate how I spend my time.

Something shifted in me; when I was asked at the last minute to join a work training, I said no. I put a firm boundary in place and it felt powerful.

Here's the realisation that changed everything: by saying yes to them, I'm saying no to myself. That one shift in perspective helped me understand why boundaries matter so much.

In this session, I'm exploring why boundaries are essential for Christian mothers, the areas where we need them most.

Book recommendations:

Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself by Nedra Glover Tawwab

Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life by Dr Henry Cloud and Dr John Townsend.

#38

Hello and welcome back to Mum Life Renewed Podcast. I'm Sylvia, and today I'm sharing the story I've been too ashamed to tell—my journey through separation and divorce as a Christian mother.

Trigger warning: This episode discusses suicidal ideation and abuse.

December 2019 marked the beginning of what would become the darkest season of my life. For years, I couldn't talk about this without feeling crushing shame. But I'm sharing my story now because I know there's someone who needs to hear it—someone going through this season right now, feeling alone and wondering if they'll survive.

I'm opening up about the mental health crisis, the financial struggle, the isolation, and the hard truths I had to face about my marriage and myself. I'm also sharing what I wish I'd done differently, and how God's faithfulness remained constant even when I was angry with Him.

Book mentioned: 10 Best Decisions a Single Mom Can Make: A Biblical Guide for Navigating Family Life on Your Own by Pam Farrel and PeggySue Wells.

I am cordially inviting you to the Christian Mamas Chat which is on the 26th Feburary 2026 at 9pm UK time.

Here is the link below to register:

https://mamasliferenewed.kit.com/cmc

#37

Hello and welcome back to Mum Life Renewed! I'm Sylvia, and today's episode is deeply personal. I'm talking about something I struggled with for years: losing myself in my roles and responsibilities.

For so long, my entire identity was wrapped up in being "Mrs. So-and-so" and "Mum." When someone asked who I was, I could only list what I did for others—wife, mother, employee. When my marriage ended, it truly shook me because I'd put my whole heart and soul into those roles. Suddenly, I had to ask myself: Who is Sylvia when she's not performing for everyone else?

In this episode, I'm opening up about my journey from complete identity loss to rediscovering who God created me to be—beyond my titles and responsibilities. I'm sharing the reflection questions that helped me reconnect with myself, my spiritual gifts, my passions, and the activities I loved before motherhood took over.

This isn't about abandoning your responsibilities or being a "bad mum." It's about remembering that you're a complete, whole person with gifts, dreams, personality traits, and passions that matter. You are more than what you do for others.

I'm also challenging you with one powerful question: If time or money was no factor, what would your perfect day look like? I share mine in the episode and I hope it inspires you to dream about yours too.

Whether you've lost yourself in motherhood, marriage, career, or any other role, this conversation is for you. Let's rediscover ourselves together.

Scriptures Referenced: 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, Romans 12:6-8, Ephesians 4:11

The episode where I talked about values in episode 36.

I would love for you to join me on the Christian Mamas Chat.

Here is the link below to register:

https://mamasliferenewed.kit.com/cmc