In this episode, you are going to learn how to navigate the messy, beautiful collision of recovery and motherhood while understanding that healing isn't a destination, but a lifestyle of radical self-awareness.

Recovery isn’t a "one and done" event; it is a continuous integration. Mwaiwathu explains that staying sober—especially under the pressure of single motherhood—requires moving past the "tools" you learned in rehab and instead "marinating" your mind daily in wellness, deep therapy, and healing content.

The "High-Functioning" Trap is real. Even with a career in HR and a background in wellness, the internal struggle with substances like alcohol and codeine proves that addiction doesn't have a specific "look." It requires a constant, honest audit of how your brain operates under stress.

Motherhood is a massive transition that demands a new strategy. Relapse often stems from an inability to "adjust" to the weight of being a parent. You’ll learn why struggling to handle life's shocks isn't a lack of love for your child, but a signal that your support system and coping mechanisms need an upgrade.

Vigilance is your greatest superpower. Mwaiwathu shares a chilling reminder of how a simple hospital visit for a physical illness can trigger "extreme cravings." You’ll learn how to advocate for yourself in medical settings and recognize the subtle signs that you might be falling back before it actually happens.

Labels don't define your future. While the brain may "operate in a specific way," you have the power to choose how you identify. Shifting the focus from being "an addict" to being "someone in recovery" allows you to lead with your growth rather than your past mistakes.

In this episode, you are going to learn how to design a vision board and create a strategy to realise your vision, while understanding the importance of intentionality and grace in motherhood."

• A vision board isn't just a "wish list" of pictures; it is a tool for reminders of where you are going, requiring a concrete action plan to bridge the gap between dreams and reality.

• Using the "Reticular Activating System," Sarah explains that when we decide what we want, our brains naturally start noticing the resources and opportunities needed to get there.

• Motherhood shouldn't just be a checklist of tasks (feeding, changing, providing). It involves being intentional about the legacy, skills, and values you want to impart to your children within the limited time they are in your home.

• One of the greatest gifts a mother can give a child is letting them see her navigate "oopsies" and setbacks. This builds resilience and teaches children how to absorb life's shocks.

• Whether it’s meal planning or life goals, Sarah emphasises that if a plan fails, it’s not necessarily a lack of discipline. It requires "zooming in" to understand the underlying factors—like hormonal cycles, stress, or habits—to find a "shoe that fits" for your specific life.

Motherhood confession:

The Lord is with me in every season of motherhood, therefore, I shall neither fear nor be dismayed (Isaiah 41:10).