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Sending a missionary out is exciting, but there are always things we realize after they leave that we wish we had covered. In this episode, I’m sharing what I missed and what I got right before sending my missionaries into the field—so you can prepare yours just a little better.

From cooking basics (trust me, pasta isn’t as foolproof as you’d think!) to packing food for long days, to the importance of reading scriptures out loud, I’m giving you all the small but essential things that will make your missionary’s transition smoother. Plus, I’ll share a few game-changing tips—like sending them with familiar spices and teaching them how to repair their suit pants (because somehow, they always split at the thighs).

And most importantly, I want you to know: Whatever you feel as you send them off—excitement, anxiety, overwhelm—it’s all valid. You’re not alone in this journey.

Resources & Takeaways:
✔️ Teach your missionary how to cook staple foods: pasta, rice, eggs, and meat.
✔️ Show them how to pack food for long days outside the apartment.
✔️ Practice basic sewing—because pants will rip!
✔️ Send them with familiar spices to make food taste like home.
✔️ Have them read scriptures out loud to strengthen confidence and pronunciation.
✔️ Write handwritten letters—they mean more than you think.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow missionary mom! And tag me—I’d love to hear how you’re preparing your missionary.

💛 You’ve got this, and you’re not alone. See you next week!

#LDSMissionaryMoms #MissionPrep #SupportingOurMissionaries

Share your missionary stories where you agree to allow me to share them:
michellesevans.coach@gmail.com

Missionary Mom Journal: https://www.amazon.com/Missionary-Mom-Chronicles-Michelle-Evans/dp/B0CFZ9GZS8/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2FMSPY3SBZMDG&keywords=missionary+mom+journal&qid=1704483351&sprefix=missionary+mom+journa%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-4

Meet with me for additional mission support. Book your free call: https://calendly.com/michellesevans-coach/consult-call

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Have you ever found yourself on a call with your missionary and hit an awkward lull in the conversation? Maybe they’re giving one-word answers, or they just want to sit in silence. It can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be!

In this episode, I’m sharing strategies to help your missionary (or any of your kids) open up and talk—while also helping you listen better. We’ll explore:
✔️ Why some missionaries seem chatty while others hold back
✔️ The role of nervous system regulation in meaningful conversations
✔️ How to prepare yourself emotionally before a call
✔️ Open-ended questions that invite deeper discussion
✔️ The power of reflective listening and creating a safe space

Plus, I’ll share insights from communication experts like The Lost Art of Listening by Michael P. Nichols and We Need to Talk by Celeste Headlee, along with real-life examples from my own experience as a missionary mom.

No matter how your missionary communicates, your presence and support matter. Tune in for practical tools to keep your calls feeling connected, supportive, and meaningful!

If you found this episode helpful, share it with another missionary mom who might need it. And as always, take care of yourself so you can show up with love and patience for your missionary. 💙

Share your missionary stories where you agree to allow me to share them:
michellesevans.coach@gmail.com

Missionary Mom Journal: https://www.amazon.com/Missionary-Mom-Chronicles-Michelle-Evans/dp/B0CFZ9GZS8/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2FMSPY3SBZMDG&keywords=missionary+mom+journal&qid=1704483351&sprefix=missionary+mom+journa%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-4

Meet with me for additional mission support. Book your free call: https://calendly.com/michellesevans-coach/consult-call

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Episode Summary:

Do you ever find yourself seeking approval from others to feel “good enough”? Whether it’s worrying about what people think of your parenting, your missionary’s success, or even your own emotions, external validation can be an exhausting cycle. In today’s episode, we’re talking about the difference between external validation and internal validation—and why shifting to internal validation is key to building unshakable self-esteem.

I’ll walk you through how to recognize when you’re relying on external validation, why it keeps us stuck, and four powerful steps to start validating yourself from within. This shift will not only help you feel more confident as a missionary mom but will also model healthy self-esteem for your missionary.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ The difference between external validation (seeking approval from others) and internal validation (approving of yourself).
✔️ Why relying on external validation keeps us stuck in people-pleasing and anxiety.
✔️ How to start defining your own success instead of waiting for others’ approval.
✔️ Four simple steps to build internal validation and lasting self-esteem.
✔️ How to help both yourself and your missionary navigate struggles without needing outside validation.

Share your missionary stories where you agree to allow me to share them:
michellesevans.coach@gmail.com

Missionary Mom Journal: https://www.amazon.com/Missionary-Mom-Chronicles-Michelle-Evans/dp/B0CFZ9GZS8/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2FMSPY3SBZMDG&keywords=missionary+mom+journal&qid=1704483351&sprefix=missionary+mom+journa%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-4

Meet with me for additional mission support. Book your free call: https://calendly.com/michellesevans-coach/consult-call

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In this episode, I share a game-changing concept called the "minimum baseline," inspired by Brooke Castillo and the book Atomic Habits by James Clear. Learn how small, consistent actions can help you and your missionary create sustainable habits, tackle big projects, and avoid the overwhelm of all-or-nothing thinking.

Highlights include:

• What a minimum baseline is and how it helps create lasting habits.
• Real-life examples of how to use this approach for goals, routines, and projects.
• Tips for helping your missionary transition home with grace and flexibility.
• How understanding your nervous system can keep you overwhelmed at bay.

I also share how she’s using this concept in her own life to achieve goals like coaching girls wrestling, organizing files, and even losing 30 pounds over a year.

Share your missionary stories where you agree to allow me to share them:
michellesevans.coach@gmail.com

Missionary Mom Journal: https://www.amazon.com/Missionary-Mom-Chronicles-Michelle-Evans/dp/B0CFZ9GZS8/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2FMSPY3SBZMDG&keywords=missionary+mom+journal&qid=1704483351&sprefix=missionary+mom+journa%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-4

Meet with me for additional mission support. Book your free call: https://calendly.com/michellesevans-coach/consult-call

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Life as a missionary mom can feel overwhelming—balancing emotions, family, and the ever-present “what ifs.” In this episode, we dive into understanding and managing your nervous system, starting with mapping where you are emotionally and physically.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How your nervous system operates and why it can’t tell the difference between burned toast and the house burning down.
• The importance of identifying your emotional “you are here” point and understanding your body’s cues.
• Simple questions to ask yourself daily to increase self-awareness and emotional regulation.
• How becoming grounded helps you show up better for your missionary, family, and yourself.
• Why observing emotions—yours and others’—is key to managing relationships and supporting growth.

Whether your missionary is thriving or struggling, understanding your nervous system equips you to offer calm, steady support without internalizing their challenges. Growth is messy, but with awareness and grace, you can navigate the chaos with confidence.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Tips for staying grounded before a call with your missionary.
• Recognizing and respecting your missionary’s emotions without jumping in to fix them.
• Why it’s okay—and helpful—to allow struggle as part of growth.

Take a moment today to pause, breathe, and ask: Where am I emotionally, and how do I feel in my body? Small steps like these make all the difference.

Follow the podcast for more weekly episodes. See you next time! 💛

Share your missionary stories where you agree to allow me to share them:
michellesevans.coach@gmail.com

Missionary Mom Journal: https://www.amazon.com/Missionary-Mom-Chronicles-Michelle-Evans/dp/B0CFZ9GZS8/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2FMSPY3SBZMDG&keywords=missionary+mom+journal&qid=1704483351&sprefix=missionary+mom+journa%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-4

Meet with me for additional mission support. Book your free call: https://calendly.com/michellesevans-coach/consult-call

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In this episode, we explore the transformative tool of a Thought Audit—a simple yet powerful way to identify and challenge the thoughts shaping your life.

What You’ll Learn

• Lessons from Wrestling: How pre-match thoughts like “I’m so tired” impact performance—and life.
• What Is a Thought Audit?: A step-by-step process to uncover hidden beliefs, challenge them, and rewrite your story.
• Real-Life Examples:
  • I share some of my thought audits and how they helped me transform how I was showing up
  • Reframing thoughts so you can let go of struggles
  • Catching subconscious thoughts, even in everyday moments.
• Why It Matters: Your brain is wired to protect you, but it can also hold you back. A Thought Audit helps you break free and create intentional outcomes.

Share your missionary stories where you agree to allow me to share them:
michellesevans.coach@gmail.com

Missionary Mom Journal: https://www.amazon.com/Missionary-Mom-Chronicles-Michelle-Evans/dp/B0CFZ9GZS8/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2FMSPY3SBZMDG&keywords=missionary+mom+journal&qid=1704483351&sprefix=missionary+mom+journa%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-4

Meet with me for additional mission support. Book your free call: https://calendly.com/michellesevans-coach/consult-call

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In this episode, we explore the challenges of cultural shock and differences your missionary might face, whether serving in a foreign country or a different part of the U.S. As moms, our role isn’t to shield them from the unfamiliar but to be a safe, nonjudgmental space as they navigate these experiences.

Learn what happens in the brain when encountering something new, how curiosity can replace judgment, and why discomfort is a natural part of growth. You’ll also discover practical tips for responding empathetically and helping your missionary (and yourself) embrace cultural differences with an open heart.

Highlights:

• What happens in the brain when facing something unfamiliar.
• Tools for staying curious instead of judgmental.
• How to validate your missionary’s feelings and encourage growth.
• Managing your own cultural shock as a parent.

Takeaways:
Cultural differences aren’t about right or wrong—they’re just different. By modeling curiosity and validation, you can help your missionary feel supported as they adapt and grow.

Share your missionary stories where you agree to allow me to share them:
michellesevans.coach@gmail.com

Missionary Mom Journal: https://www.amazon.com/Missionary-Mom-Chronicles-Michelle-Evans/dp/B0CFZ9GZS8/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2FMSPY3SBZMDG&keywords=missionary+mom+journal&qid=1704483351&sprefix=missionary+mom+journa%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-4

Meet with me for additional mission support. Book your free call: https://calendly.com/michellesevans-coach/consult-call

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As we settle into this in-between space between Christmas and New Year’s, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and realign. Today, we’ll dive into the practice of looking back at 2024—the wins, the challenges, and the lessons—and how it sets the stage for a purposeful and intentional 2025.

In this episode, I share:
🌟 The transformative power of reflecting on the past year.
🌟 A simple process to recap your 2024, including how to use your calendar, photos, and journal as tools for memory and gratitude.
🌟 My personal reflections from 2024: family milestones, hard moments, and unexpected lessons.
🌟 How reflection deepens clarity, builds gratitude, boosts confidence, and provides direction for the year ahead.
🌟 Tips for setting intentions that feel expansive, inspiring, and aligned with your true self.

A Few Highlights from My 2024:
💡 My youngest son’s senior wrestling journey and his humbling yet growth-filled second-place finish at State.
💡 Sending a missionary to Zimbabwe and navigating the emotions of farewell, home MTC, and visa delays.
💡 Personal milestones, including losing 30 pounds and embracing emotional growth through understanding my nervous system.
💡 Navigating challenges like my mom’s cancer diagnosis and stroke, and the beautiful support that surfaced from family and friends.
💡 Spiritual growth that deepened my testimony and allowed me to embrace the truth that my children have a Savior—and it’s not me.

Practical Tools You’ll Learn:
📝 The power of journaling for tracking growth, processing challenges, and celebrating wins.
🌱 How to identify patterns in your life to guide your approach to the new year.
🙏 Embracing gratitude as a tool for reframing hard moments and finding meaning in the mess.
✨ Writing letters of gratitude—to yourself, your missionary, or anyone who has impacted your journey.

Intentions for 2025:
As we look ahead, we’ll discuss setting intentions that feel aligned, inspiring, and expansive. Whether it’s focusing on personal health, deepening your spiritual practices, or exploring new possibilities (hello, “possibility walks”!), you’ll learn how to create goals that support long-term growth and joy.

This episode is all about creating a pause, honoring the year behind us, and welcoming the year ahead with open arms and a heart full of gratitude.

🎙 Listen in and take this reflective journey with me. Let’s make 2025 a year of intentional growth, meaningful experiences, and deep connection.

👉 Join the conversation: Share your reflections and intentions in my Facebook group!

Thank you for an incredible 2024, and I’ll see you next year! 💛

Share your missionary stories where you agree to allow me to share them:
michellesevans.coach@gmail.com

Missionary Mom Journal: https://www.amazon.com/Missionary-Mom-Chronicles-Michelle-Evans/dp/B0CFZ9GZS8/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2FMSPY3SBZMDG&keywords=missionary+mom+journal&qid=1704483351&sprefix=missionary+mom+journa%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-4

Meet with me for additional mission support. Book your free call: https://calendly.com/michellesevans-coach/consult-call

Follow me on social media:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/michelle_evans.life/
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