#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

#36

Hello and welcome back to Mum Life Renewed! I'm Sylvia, and in today's episode, I'm sharing something deeply personal: what it's like to spend years stuck in survival mode without even realizing it.

For most of my 20s, I was just going through the motions—every day felt the same, boring and mundane. It wasn't until I turned 30 that I finally stopped and asked myself: What am I actually doing with my life? That wake-up call changed everything.

If you've ever felt like you're just getting by, overwhelmed by daily demands, or uncertain about your life's direction, this conversation is for you. I'm opening up about my own journey, the barriers that keep us stuck, and practical steps you can take to move from surviving to thriving—rooted in biblical wisdom and real experience. The best part? You don't need to overhaul your entire life. Just one intentional step can begin the shift.

Whether you're scrolling endlessly through social media, feeling like you've lost your purpose, or simply know something needs to change, this episode offers encouragement and a gentle reminder: you're not failing, you're just ready for the next step.

Scripture Referenced: Galatians 6:4, Proverbs 23:7

Link to join the February 2026 Christian Mamas Chat

https://mamasliferenewed.kit.com/cmc

Link for a values test:

https://personalvalu.es/

#35

As mothers and women of faith, many of us have learned to suppress our needs, emotions, and struggles — often in the name of strength, gratitude, or faith. But what happens when everything stays bottled up?

In this episode of the Mum Life Renewed Podcast, I explore why expressing yourself is essential for your emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. I share my personal reflections, practical ways to express emotions healthily, and encouragement for Christian mums who feel guilty, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start.

This episode is a gentle reminder that caring for yourself is not selfish, and that faith, expression, and healing can coexist.

Resources: Samaritans helpline (UK): 116 123

Get your FREE copy of the How are you really workbook.

https://mamasliferenewed.kit.com/howareyoureallyworkbook

Website to find mental health support worldwide:

https://findahelpline.com/

#34

Please note a trigger warning as there is mention of suicidal ideation in this episode.

Motherhood can feel incredibly isolating — especially during painful or life-altering seasons. In this heartfelt episode of the Mum Life Renewed Podcast, I share my personal story and reflect on the role that God-aligned community has played in my healing, growth, and restoration after going through a divorce in 2021.

This episode explores why Christian mothers were never meant to walk through life alone, the power of faith-filled support, and how safe community can help you rebuild after loss, transition, or overwhelm.

If you’re longing for connection, encouragement, and Christ-centred support in motherhood, this episode is for you.

The episode I referred to about not crying for years is Episode 26, which is on Emotional Well-being.

You’re also invited to CMC – Christian Mamas Chat, a safe space to connect and reflect with other mums. Use the link below to register.

Register using this Link: https://mamasliferenewed.kit.com/cmc

Happy Listening.

#33

Are you feeling tired no matter what you do? In Part 2 of this episode, Sylvia continues the discussion on exhaustion in motherhood. She explores how everyday habits, unmet needs, emotional strain, and overloaded schedules can quietly drain your energy as a mum.

You’re also invited to CMC – Christian Mamas Chat, a safe space to connect and reflect with other mums. Use the link below to register.

Register using this Link: https://mamasliferenewed.kit.com/cmc

#32

In this episode, I reflect on why so many Christian mums feel constantly tired and worn down. This gentle conversation offers encouragement, spiritual reassurance, and space to reflect on exhaustion without guilt or shame. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, depleted, or struggling to find rest, this episode will remind you that God sees you and cares deeply about your well-being.

Here is the link to the Lighten Your Load Worksheet which I discussed during the episode.

https://mamasliferenewed.kit.com/lightenyourload

I would also love to invite you to the Christian Mamas Chat where you can connect with yourself and fellow mothers.

Register using this Link: https://mamasliferenewed.kit.com/cmc