Balanced Mom Life | time management, boundaries, self-care, guilt, decision-making, balance

This year do you want to:

But then reality hits—you feel like there’s too much to do and not enough time. Sound familiar?

In this episode of Balanced Mom Life, I share the #1 question busy moms can ask to cut through decision fatigue, get clear on what truly matters, and finally make progress—without mom guilt or overwhelm. You’ll learn how to focus on one priority, simplify your decisions, and create a realistic game plan so your...

In this insightful conversation, Aminta Geisler—mom of four and host of The MINT Podcast—shares her honest journey parenting children through the teen and early adult years.

As a fellow midlife mom navigating the messy middle, Aminta dives into real talk about parenting tweens and teens, setting healthy boundaries, navigating co-parenting disagreements, embracing teen independence, and knowing when to hold your tongue.

Together, we talk about managing overwhelm, making confident decisions, prioritizing self-care, and creating balance through better time management and strong community support.

If you’re a busy mom looking for encour...

Feeling disconnected in your marriage during a busy season of parenting? This episode shares simple, realistic ways to reconnect without adding more to your plate.

You love your spouse—but between kids, schedules, and the constant mental load, connection often gets pushed to the bottom of the list.

In this episode of Midlife Unscripted, Sarah is joined by Diane McDaniel, co-founder of Still The One, to talk about why so many couples feel disconnected during the busy midlife years—and what actually helps.

This isn’t about fixing your marriage or adding another thing...

Do you feel guilty resting—even when you’re exhausted?
Do you end the day feeling like you did everything… yet still fell short?
Are the “shoulds” stealing your peace—and your time?

If that sounds familiar, this episode will feel like a deep exhale.

So many moms don’t struggle with motivation or discipline—we struggle with the nonstop mental noise of shoulds:

You should do more

You should handle this better

You should be able to keep it all together

In today’s episode, I’m expos...

Do you feel like you can’t take a moment for yourself without feeling guilty?
Do you wonder how to pursue a small dream or self-care practice without disrupting your family’s routine?
Have you tried to “find time” for yourself but end up exhausted and frustrated?

In this episode, I’ll show you how to reclaim tiny pockets of time for self-care or personal goals, fit them seamlessly into your life, and do it without stealing from your family or feeling guilty.

You’ll learn:

How to use tiny 10–20 minute windows for se...

If you’re tired of feeling stretched, scattered, and responsible for everything, this episode is your reset. I’m breaking down one time management strategy that helps overwhelmed midlife moms create breathing room, make confident decisions, and finally feel in control of their days again.

You’ll learn how to choose one clear focus, connect it to a meaningful WHY, and build rhythms that reduce decision fatigue — all without adding more to your already full plate. If you’ve been carrying the mental load alone, this is the clarity and calm you’ve been craving.

Cheering you...

If the holidays leave you exhausted, overcommitted, and wondering when YOU get to enjoy any of it—this episode is your reset.

This week, we’re breaking down the exact micro-boundaries that help busy moms protect their time, simplify decisions, and feel more balanced during the most overwhelming season of the year.

I’m sharing the moment I realized I was running the whole holiday machine while everyone else was relaxing—and the simple shifts I made that brought my joy (and sanity) back.

You’ll walk away with:

The one boundary t...

As your kids get older, your schedule shifts in a way no one really prepares you for. Suddenly you have little pockets of time—twenty minutes here, an hour there—and instead of feeling freeing, they can feel confusing, unproductive, or even guilt-filled. In this episode, we’re talking about why that happens, what it really means and how to move forward with confidence.

Whether you find yourself overcommitting because you feel like you “should”… or wasting time because you don’t know what you actually want anymore… neither reaction is a failure. They’re clues. And today, I’m breakin...

In this episode of Midlife Unscripted, we continue our pre-empty nest series, exploring the delicate in-between stage of motherhood — that space where your kids are growing more independent, and the next season feels just around the corner.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I savoring these moments enough?” or “How can I keep growing my relationship with my kids as they change?” this episode is for you. I share a personal story about finding old keepsakes and the powerful reminder that slowing down and being present is the best way to prepare for what’s ahead.

You’ll learn...

This episode of Midlife Unscripted continues our pre-empty nest series, but even if your kids aren’t ready to leave yet, these 5 steps will help you reclaim your time, rediscover your identity, and show up as your best self.

Join Sarah as she walks you through practical, simple ways to make time for yourself, reset your energy, and embrace your purpose as a midlife mom. Whether you’re juggling kids, household chaos, and ever-changing routines, these strategies will help you prioritize self-care, strengthen your faith, and feel more grounded in your identity.

Perfect for busy moms...

In this episode of Midlife Unscripted, host Sarah Colbert, creator of West Metro Mom, explores what it really feels like to enter the pre-empty nest stage — that quiet, in-between season when your kids still need you, but not quite in the same way.

If you’re a midlife mom navigating the early signs of the empty nest, this episode will help you rediscover your purpose, reimagine your identity, and find peace in the transition. Sarah shares her personal story of noticing the subtle shifts at home, learning to let go of control, and using new pockets of time...

Hey moms—are you in that in-between season, wondering what’s next now that your kids are getting older? In this episode, I chat with Karen Johnson, a midlife mom who gave up her career to raise her kids and is now figuring out life after kids, rediscovering herself, and exploring her next chapter. If you’re navigating the pre-empty nest, feeling stuck in your mom identity, or ready to start something new, this conversation is packed with honest encouragement and practical ideas for thriving in midlife.

If you loved this episode:

Grab Karen's book: What D...

Ever feel like you’ve lost touch with the things that used to light you up? I know that feeling all too well. In this episode, I’m sharing how we, as midlife moms, can reignite passions we’ve put on pause—whether that’s painting, journaling, running, baking, reading for fun, or simply doing something that makes us feel alive again.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, unmotivated, or like you’ve lost a piece of yourself in the busyness of motherhood, I want you to know—you’re not alone. Together, we’ll walk through simple, doable steps...

Do you ever feel like if you didn’t do it, it just wouldn’t get done? The laundry, the appointments, the meals, the moods, the mental checklists that never seem to end. It’s called the mental load of motherhood — and if you’re the default parent, it can feel like you’re carrying the world on your shoulders.

In this episode of Midlife Unscripted, we’re talking about how to share the weight without losing yourself. You’ll learn how to recognize the invisible load you’ve been carrying, why resentment sneaks in when it goes unspoken, and...

I know how real the quiet grief of midlife motherhood can feel—the ache when teens don’t need us the same way anymore, the bittersweet shift when the house feels quieter, and the reminder that we’re no longer at the center of their world.

In this episode of Midlife Unscripted, I’m talking about that hidden grief, why it feels so heavy, and practical ways to move through it with hope.

My heart is that you’ll feel less alone, find words for what you’re carrying, and start to see what’s possible in th...

Have you ever wondered if it’s too late to start something new in midlife? In this episode, I sit down with Courtney Cárdenas—a fifth-generation Texan, former teacher, and now an award-winning children’s book author. Courtney has walked through the same midlife transitions so many of us face: raising kids, navigating health challenges, and figuring out what’s next when life looks different than you imagined.

Her story is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to have it all figured out to take the next step. Whether you’re dreaming of writing, starting a bu...

Have you ever thought, “It’s too late for me to start something new”?

In this episode of Midlife Unscripted, I’m breaking down the myth that opportunity only belongs to the young. Midlife is not the end of your story—it’s the launchpad for fresh dreams and renewed purpose.

Together, we’ll explore why this season is uniquely powerful for moms of teens, how to start small without overwhelm, and the faith-based truths that remind us we are right on time.

xo
Sarah

Resources & Links Mentioned:

💌 Join...

Have you ever felt like the ground beneath you suddenly gave way—through a crisis, a transition, or unexpected change?

In this episode, I share my personal story of sudden financial loss and uncertainty—and how faith, mindset, and small practical steps helped me navigate the chaos.

I truly hope that episodes encourages you that it is possible to regain footing, find courage, and embrace your next chapter in midlife.

XO
Sarah

Questions to consider:

Where in your life right now do you feel like the ground is shak...

In this honest and heartfelt episode, I open up about walking through a season marked by fear, shame, and feeling stuck—and how faith, community, and gratitude helped me find my footing again.

You’ll hear the story of how I took small, shaky steps toward resurrecting a dream I had quietly tucked away, and what I learned about courage along the way. We’ll talk about how to recognize when fear is keeping you stuck, how to lean on prayer and the people who lift you up, and how to move forward even when you don’t have i...

In this episode of Midlife Unscripted, I chat with Karey Hall, founder of Halloway Vacation Retreats, about how one family cabin sparked a fulfilling next chapter in her life. Karey shares how she tapped into her gifts and passions from before motherhood, creating meaningful opportunities in creativity, hospitality, and community—without turning her life upside down, all while still raising her kids.

If you’re a midlife mom looking to rediscover your gifts, explore what’s next, and pursue new passions while balancing family life, this episode is full of practical inspiration and encouragement.

Want more w...

Ever feel like you’re waiting for the perfect moment to finally focus on yourself? You’re not alone—so many midlife moms put their own dreams on hold while raising kids, running a household, and supporting everyone else.

In this episode, I’m sharing four powerful mindset shifts that helped me stop waiting and start saying yes to the things that make me come alive—even when life was messy and I didn’t feel ready. You’ll learn how to build confidence, embrace the imperfect middle, ask for help, and give yourself permission to evolve.

Let's...

Feeling overwhelmed, overcommitted, and just plain over it? You’re not alone, friend. In this episode of Midlife Unscripted, we’re getting honest about what happens when being capable turns into constantly doing too much.

If you’re a high-capacity midlife mom juggling growing teens, full calendars, and zero margin—you need this conversation. We’ll unpack why your exhaustion isn’t a failure, how to know when you’re carrying more than what’s actually yours, and the subtle difference between peace and pressure when making decisions.

You’ll learn:
✅ How to tell if you’re doing too...

Feeling stuck in midlife?

Learn how one simple gratitude mindset shift can help you find peace, clarity, and purpose—even in hard times. In this episode, you’ll discover realistic gratitude practices for busy moms, how to stop comparison from stealing your joy, and ways to hold space for both the hard and the hopeful.

_________________________

Ever look at your life and think, "I should be further along by now.”

Same. I’ve been there—especially in those in-between seasons where you’re not quite where you were, but not yet where you want to...

To start rebuilding your confidence and renewing your purpose in midlife, you don’t need a total life overhaul—just three simple steps to get unstuck and move forward.

If life’s felt like autopilot and you’re ready to reconnect with who you really are, this episode is your roadmap back to you and a clearer vision for what’s next.

✨ Clarity: Choose one area—marriage, health, parenting, or faith—and build a simple rhythm around it.
✨ Intentional Connection: Reconnect with yourself, your faith, or your people—even when time feels tight.
✨ Consistent Rhythms: Us...

Hey friend—
Let’s talk about the daily rhythms that actually work for midlife moms juggling teens, never-ending schedules, and the weight of being the default parent.

In this episode, I’m sharing:

✔️ Why strict routines often fall flat in midlife
✔️ The power of sustainable rhythms (and how they flex with your real life)
✔️ A simple tradition that opened the door to deeper conversations with my teen daughters
✔️ Practical rhythms that boost confidence and connection—without adding pressure

Morning quiet time (even just 5 minutes)

Gentle movement—no gym requ...

Feeling disconnected in your marriage—but waiting for things to “calm down” before doing something about it? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re tackling one of the biggest myths in midlife marriage: that connection can wait.

Whether you’re raising teens, navigating career shifts, or rediscovering yourself, the truth is—life doesn’t slow down. And waiting to reconnect with your spouse could be slowly chipping away at your confidence.

In this episode of Midlife Unscripted, I’m sharing:

3 big truths that break a common myth about marriage and timing

How to cre...

If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “I don’t even know what I want anymore,” this episode is for you.

As midlife moms, our lives are full—but our sense of direction can feel cloudy. Kids are growing up, the day-to-day looks different, and it’s easy to lose sight of ourselves in the shift. That’s where I was a few years ago—caught in the tension of being needed less, but still constantly on call... and quietly wondering, what now?

In this episode, I’m sharing how I got back to the drawing board—star...

Welcome to the first episode in my four-part series, Confidence in the Chaos, here on Midlife Unscripted.

If you’re a midlife mom feeling stuck, unsure, or like your confidence has taken a hit, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too.

In this episode, I share my own journey through the midlife motherhood shift—the confusing season when hormones change, relationships evolve, and your identity starts to feel shaky.

Several years ago, I felt lost and disconnected. But setting one small goal—a single pull-up—helped me begin rebuilding my confidence from the ins...

Feeling stuck in midlife? You’re not alone—and you’re not done.

In this episode, I’m sharing 5 things I had to quit to finally gain momentum to rediscover purpose beyond motherhood. These small mindset shifts helped me move forward with clarity, confidence, and deeper faith.

✨ We’ll unpack:

This one’s for every midlife mom ready for a fresh start. <...

Do you ever catch yourself thinking, “I’m failing at this,” or “I’m just not good enough”? In this episode of Midlife Unscripted, I'm sharing a real-life moment from a Macy’s fitting room that shook my heart—and challenged my mindset.

If you’ve struggled with mom guilt or that relentless inner critic, you are not alone. I open up about how one painful moment with my daughter revealed a deeper battle with my own thoughts. You’ll hear:

Have you ever looked around your life and thought, “What happened to me?” You're still running carpools and juggling the chaos of raising tweens and teens, but something has shifted. Your kids are growing more independent, and with that new margin comes an unexpected question: What’s next for me?

In this first episode of Midlife Unscripted, I’m sharing my raw and honest story of self-rediscovery as a midlife mom. From building a successful business and living out my dream of being a stay-at-home mom to feeling lost and unsure of my purpose—this is the behind-the...

In this quick trailer episode of Midlife Unscripted, I’m sharing the heart behind this podcast—and why it matters. If you’re a midlife mom navigating the messy shift between who you’ve been for everyone else and who you’re becoming, this space is for you.

We’ll talk honestly about motherhood in the tween and teen years, rediscovering your identity, and how to move forward with purpose—before the kids are grown and gone. Remember, you don’t have to do this alone.

Each week, I’ll bring real talk, simple strategies, and encouragement...