ATTENTION PERIMENOPAUSAL LADIES! In this episode, we’re stepping into the ring—because let’s be real, midlife hormone shifts? They don’t play fair.

I’m breaking this one down into three intense rounds of unexpected symptoms that hit like a punch to the gut (sometimes literally):

🥊 Round One: Fatigue & Energy Crashes

• Why I suddenly feel like crying at 4 p.m.
• What I’ve changed in my workouts (RIP burpee vomit sessions)
• How water, electrolytes, and rest are becoming my secret weapons

🥊 Round Two: Mood Swings & Anxiety

• My recent journey with antidepressants (and why I switched paths)
• Daily habits that bring peace: prayer, journaling, and movement
• How I'm using nutrition and connection to support my mental health

🥊 Round Three: Nutrition Tweaks That Actually Work

• Upping protein and fiber without losing my mind
• Ditching the sugar (kind of…) and embracing homemade snacks
• Why fasting has been a spiritual and physical game-changer for me

And in the final few minutes, I’m sharing what I want every woman to know during this wild transition:
✨ You are NOT alone
✨ Small changes = big wins
✨ We don’t have to suffer through—we can fight smarter, not harder

Whether you’re deep in this season or just starting to feel the shift, this one’s for you.

🔗 Listen now and share this episode with a friend who needs to know she’s not crazy—she’s just entering a new round. And she’s not in it alone.

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🌟 Sponsor Spotlight: Hiya Health 🌟
As moms, we want the best for our kids—including their nutrition! That’s why I love Hiya Health—a pediatrician-approved, super clean kids' multivitamin with zero added sugar and all the essential nutrients growing little ones need. Ditch the junk and give your kids a healthier start! 💛 Grab yours today at https://hiyahealth.com/WENDYBENEDICT

On this week's episode, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Andrea John, the warm and insightful author, speaker, and host of the "Destiny Awaits" podcast.

Our Heart-to-Heart

Andrea and I dove into a refreshing conversation about what it really means to be a modern woman trying to balance it all. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by expectations (and honestly, who hasn't?), this episode is for you!

We started by chatting about Andrea's popular 31-day devotional on the Proverbs 31 woman (which is how I found her!). What I love about Andrea's approach is how she takes this ancient wisdom and makes it feel completely relevant to our lives today. No more feeling intimidated by some impossibly perfect biblical superwoman!

Andrea opened up about her own journey of discovering identity beyond titles and roles. We talked about those messy, beautiful moments of motherhood that transform us in unexpected ways. She shared some really vulnerable stories about times when life didn't go according to plan, and how those detours often led to her greatest growth.

Real Talk for Real Life

One of my favorite parts of our conversation was when we explored what success actually looks like for women today. Andrea offered such practical wisdom about setting boundaries and protecting your energy while still showing up for the people you love.

We also talked about those "pause seasons" in life - you know, when you feel stuck or in transition? Andrea shared how these times can actually be incredibly fertile ground for personal growth if we approach them with the right mindset.

Connect With Andrea

If you enjoyed this episode (and I know you will!), you can find more of Andrea's wisdom:

• Check out her 31-day devotional on the YouVersion Bible app
• Listen to her podcast "Destiny Awaits" on all major platforms
• Visit her website at www.andreajohn.com
• Follow her on Instagram @andreajohnofficial

This conversation left me feeling so inspired and grounded. I hope it brings a little brightness to your day too!

Follow me on social!
@keepingittogetherish

Join my weekly newsletter!

Do your kids love to splash in the bath? Do you love dry bathroom floors? I'VE GOT YOU!!

www.jwvjcurtains.com

🌟 Sponsor Spotlight: Hiya Health 🌟
As moms, we want the best for our kids—including their nutrition! That’s why I love Hiya Health—a pediatrician-approved, super clean kids' multivitamin with zero added sugar and all the essential nutrients growing little ones need. Ditch the junk and give your kids a healthier start! 💛 Grab yours today at https://hiyahealth.com/WENDYBENEDICT

In today’s episode, I’m getting real about something we all struggle with—waiting on God. Whether it’s hearing ‘no’ when we really wanted a ‘yes,’ feeling like we’re stuck in a season of waiting, or throwing a full-on tantrum when things don’t go our way, I’m unpacking the ways we are just like our kids when it comes to our relationship with our Heavenly Father.

I share some personal stories—like when God took away a relationship I thought was my reward for getting sober, and how I wrestled with that heartbreak, only to realize years later that His ‘no’ was actually making way for something so much better. I also open up about my journey with my Amazon business—something I started a year ago that hasn’t turned out the way I had hoped… yet. But instead of giving up, I’m leaning into His promises and trusting that when He puts a dream in our hearts, He will be faithful to see it through.

If you’ve ever struggled with waiting, with trusting God’s plan, or with accepting a ‘no’ when you were hoping for a ‘yes,’ this episode is for you. Let’s dive into what it really means to trust, to be patient, and to believe that God’s timing is always perfect—even when it doesn’t feel like it.

Key Takeaways:

💡 Why We Struggle With ‘No’ from God:

• How we react when God takes something away from us, just like our kids react when we take away a toy.
• The heartbreak of losing something we thought was good for us, only to later realize it wasn’t God’s best.

💡 The Power of Waiting Well:

• My Amazon business journey: How I’ve had to trust and wait when things didn’t go as planned.
• God’s timing isn’t our timing, but His plans are always greater.
• Encouragement for anyone in a season of waiting—your ‘yes’ is coming, in His perfect timing.

💡 Three Ways to Wait on the Lord with a Patient Heart:

1. Reflect on His Faithfulness – Look back at past seasons where He has shown up for you.
2. Serve While You Wait – Shift the focus off yourself and onto how you can be a blessing to others.
3. Stay Rooted in His Promises – Read scripture, pray, and remind yourself of God’s truth over your feelings.

💡 Final Encouragement:

• God’s ‘no’ is never rejection—it’s redirection.
• Choosing patience and trust is hard, but it leads to greater peace and joy.
• Whatever you’re waiting on—trust that God is working behind the scenes.

Scriptures Mentioned in This Episode:

📖 Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength…”
📖 Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…”
📖 Psalm 27:14 – “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”

Follow me on social!
@keepingittogetherish

Join my weekly newsletter!

Do your kids love to splash in the bath? Do you love dry bathroom floors? I'VE GOT YOU!!

www.jwvjcurtains.com

🌟 Sponsor Spotlight: Hiya Health 🌟
As moms, we want the best for our kids—including their nutrition! That’s why I love Hiya Health—a pediatrician-approved, super clean kids' multivitamin with zero added sugar and all the essential nutrients growing little ones need. Ditch the junk and give your kids a healthier start! 💛 Grab yours today at https://hiyahealth.com/WENDYBENEDICT