Lisa Olivera is a writer, therapist, and creative who shares work centered around radical acceptance, cultivating compassion, and integrating our stories and full humanity. She is also a new mother, just five months postpartum at the time we recorded this episode.
Together we talk about the pressures and expectations of motherhood, the deep joy and grief of becoming a parent, and how having two tiny eyes on you all the time invites you to embody your values and step into your integrity. We also share our experiences of how becoming a mom made us change plans, say no, and honor our energetic capacities — even if it means disappointing people or ourselves in the process.
Our conversation is an invitation to love your life, grieve your dreams, feel the depth of each moment, and be fully human. Listen as we rewrite the story of motherhood together.
“I shouldn’t have to feel guilty for saying no to something I didn’t have space for. I shouldn’t have to feel like I’m supposed to be able to do all of this on my own. I shouldn’t have to feel like I’m doing something wrong because I can’t do it all. Just noticing all the ways we’ve been programmed to distance ourselves from our own humanity.” – Lisa Olivera
Resources:
- Belonging Episode #54: Finding Connection in Isolation with Lisa Olivera
- “Matrescence” is a term coined by Dr. Alexandra Sacks. Learn more in her TED talk
- Belonging Episode #78: Non-Linear Reciprocity and Skills to Traverse Change with Jessie Harrold
- “From the time of birth to the time children are 3 years old, one MILLION neural connections are made in their brain each SECOND.” from Rachel Garcia Seliga @innatetraditions
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