This Grit and Grace Life

So, men can be pretty great, until they are not. Has the man in your life crossed a line that you just cannot live with? Are you dating and seeing signs that he’s not the guy you thought he was? Or are you married, and at an impasse, disagreeing at every turn? When you find yourself compromising your principals, your morals, your self-esteem perhaps it’s time to tell him “enough is enough?” To discuss this difficult situation, we brought in trusted friend and Licensed Psychotherapist and Relationship Expert, Dr. Zoe Shaw to help you determine when and how it’s time to step away from an unhealthy relationship. Darlene and Julie ask the questions you have to help you figure out how to make and keep the healthy boundaries that will rebuild what is broken and lead to a relationship that will last. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here Julie mentioned going back to listen to the last episodes Dr. Zoe joined us on, "Is it Time For Counseling? A Therapist Helps You Decide (with Dr. Zoe Shaw) - 004" and "Conquering Struggles Women Will Face in Every Stage of Life (with Dr. Zoe Shaw) - 009. You can follow Dr. Zoe by visiting her site, or finding her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter as well as her podcast, Redefining Your Superwoman.     Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Quote of the episode: "Growth is painful. Change is painful. But, nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you do not belong." N. R. Narayana Murthy Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

Are you looking to enter or re-enter the workplace, is it time for a change or are you looking to make the most of the job you have? With a 50% increase of women in the workplace in the last 10 years, there’s a good chance you are one of them, arriving every day with a woman’s unique blend of grit and grace. If you’re looking for tips on how to land that new job or get ahead at the job you already have, you will not want to miss this episode. Darlene shares insights from her years of employing many in the businesses she owned and while at the helm of others. Julie asks the relevant questions you may have about handling a job interview, standing out among your coworkers and time management hacks specific to managing your job well. A perfect listen for your morning commute! Viewing in an app? Full show notes here If you're looking to get hired, be sure to post your resume at Monster.com, Simply Hired, CareerBuilder, Indeed.com and Dice. Julie mentioned going back to listen to 022 "Simple Hacks for You to Get More Done and Feel Less Stressed – 022" - do it now if you're wanting to get more done this year! You will also want to listen to another work-related episode,What You Need to Know About Sexual Harassment – 014. You might also want to get the app she suggested to protect your work time, so you can get more done!   Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Quote of the episode: "What you are will show in what you do" Thomas Edison We recommend you follow the work of our contributing writers, Jenni Catron and Christy Wright for more work advice! Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

A woman's life is stressful. There are never enough hours each day to accomplish all of the items on our list. Juggling family, home, schedules and even being so daring as to add something for just us, the list never gets done. But have we ever stopped to consider that maybe we write down too much to begin with? Hear us out! On this episode Darlene and Julie talk about simple life hacks to save you time, money and sanity as you work to simplify this year. They will even encourage you that these hacks will help you sneak in a few things for yourself while you’re at it. Viewing in an app? View full show notes here. Julie mentioned following Emily Ley (creator of The Simplified Planner) for more inspo on simplifying your life, check her out on instagram here!   Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Quote of the episode: "Guard well your spare moments. They are like uncut diamonds. Discard them and their value will never be known. Improve them and they will become the brightest gems in a useful life." Ralph Waldo Emerson We recently leaked the exciting news that Darlene's book "Help Wanted: For Moms Raising Great Girls (Now for Dads Too)" will be released in 2018! Want to be notified when it's out? Sign up here! Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

Yes, it’s 2018! You may have ended the year behind us really excited for this fresh start or perhaps you find yourself struggling, feeling stuck in an impossible rut. Every woman’s life is filled with so many transitions and challenges, that oftentimes we believe that rut has no end, there is no hope of getting out any time soon (ice cream in the closet, anyone?). In this episode Darlene and Julie talk about common things that can cause our setbacks: like job loss, toddler development, divorce or poor self-worth. Better yet, they offer fresh ways to approach these challenges with grit and grace. Regardless of how you feel about this New Year, we know it can provide that new beginning. So, join us as we explore ways to get out of the rut you may find yourself in, and offer a bit of encouragement along the way. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here Julie mentioned going back to listen to 004 "Is it Time for Counseling? A Therapist Helps You Decide (with Dr. Zoe)" - do it now if you're wondering if it's time to see a professional! You might also want to read Grasping for Control? A Counselor Explains How to Stop.    Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Quote of the episode: "Failure creates tenacity, determination to try again" Darlene Brock We recently leaked the exciting news that Darlene's book "Help Wanted: For Moms Raising Great Girls (Now for Dads Too)" will be released in 2018! Want to be notified when it's out? Sign up here! Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest

As we find ourselves at the close of 2017, we realize that for some this has been a great year, for others, it was filled with challenges. In this heartfelt episode, show hosts Darlene Brock and Julie Graham reminisce on the highs and lows of their personal lives this year, including the unexpected death of Julie’s husband. As they discuss their favorite content from dozens of The Grit and Grace Project writers from all over the world, they hope you too, will find encouragement. That you along with them will be able to close the year with grit and grace, full of anticipation for what 2018 will bring. Remembering that we will always, be given the strength we need to master each day, one at a time. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here We also suggest you go back and listen to our "About Us - 000" episode, to learn a little more about the show hosts, Darlene Brock and Julie Graham.    Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love We mentioned Darlene's three-part faith series, click the image to read each of the three articles. We also leaked the exciting news that Darlene's book "Help Wanted: For Moms Raising Great Girls (Now for Dads Too)" will be released in 2018! Want to be notified when it's out? Sign up here! And don't forget, you can always reach out to us with questions or episode suggestions by commenting on our social media pages or email podcast@thegritandgraceproject.org . Quote of the episode: "I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes. Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You're doing things you've never done before, and more importantly, you're doing something." Neil Gaiman Be sure to subscribe to the show and follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest  

Are you annoyed by the little things? The irritants we fondly refer to as pet peeves; we all have them. The problem is, we're usually just as guilty of doing the things that make us cringe as the next gal. In this LOL episode, Darlene and Julie are taking a break from the busiest season of the year to encourage us to laugh at ourselves, extend grace to those around us and offer a simple "me too" to the things we all do without even realizing it. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here   We thought you'd want to see our staff photo from our Christmas Party where Julie was a total diva, bowling in a dress!   Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Quote of the episode: "Don't sweat the small stuff" Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest  

By the time we hit middle school (and arguably, well before) women tend to have an on-going struggle with their self-worth and often lack confidence. We focus more on our shortcomings than our strengths. We zero in on our flaws forgetting to celebrate what we’re good it! Can you relate? Do you wonder why this is? Even more importantly, how do we stop this crazy struggle and gain the self-confidence we should all possess? Darlene and Julie hash this out, admitting their own distorted views and encourage one another (and you!) to be bold and just be you (Julie’s personal hashtag, yes, that’s a thing these days). Viewing in an app? Full show notes here Julie mentioned looking like a Hansen brother when she was in middle school. Imagine she's the twin of the middle brother, because she basically was. Just take her word. Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love As mentioned, be sure to check out our purpose category to help find yours! And don't forget to go back and listen to Episode 002 How You Can Stop the Struggle with Comparison and Episode 017 for struggling as a Mom: You Are “Mom Enough”: How to Stop Feeling Like a Failure Quote(s) of the episode: "Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person that you are.” Marilyn Monroe "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." Eleanor Roosevelt Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest

Your first case of motherhood insecurity may have started when you decided you wanted to be a mom, or when you found out you were pregnant, or maybe the day you took that baby home for the first time. And it doesn’t stop, right? When you finally master one season in your child’s life, you are thrown into the next. You worry you’re not feeding them, teaching them, disciplining them, encouraging them or loving them ‘enough’. Mom, you are not alone! In this episode Darlene shares her advice as a mom who has launched two grown daughters and Julie relates as a mom to a “threenager” who is currently in the trenches with you! The resounding lesson is this, you are in fact, Mom Enough! Be encouraged here! Viewing in an app? Full show notes here Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Quote of the episode: "When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child.” Sophia Loren Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest

Women are strong, empowered, independent, self-sufficient; at least that’s what we hear from social media to the news media - we are bombarded with these terms. But are we really? If so, what does a strong woman look like, how does she act, how does she live? This Grit and Grace Life Podcast is “redefining a woman’s strength.” In this episode Darlene and Julie talk about what makes us strong, encouraging each of us to discover the strength within us, living it out with grit and grace. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here Julie admitted she's a shameless selfie taker, and promised you this one, with Darlene's beloved Albert statue. Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Quote of the episode: "The kind of beauty I want most is the hard-to-get kind that comes from within - strength, courage, dignity.” Ruby Dee If you haven't yet listened to Episode 002, we think you'll relate! Listen now here: How You Can Stop the Struggle with Comparison – 002 Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest

The holidays are here and often with them comes stress, drama and financial strain. It’s our goal to apply both grit and grace to "the most wonderful time of the year" choosing to slow down, connect with loved ones and enjoy every part. Darlene and Julie admit where they struggle, then share practical ways to put the holly and jolly back into this important season. Taking a just a few minutes to be thankful for our blessings, the biggest one being the birth of our Savior. Grab a peppermint mocha, take a seat to savor the lights of your tree, and enjoy! Challenge of the episode: We asked you to share your favorite holiday traditions on social media using our hashtag #gritandgracelife so we can see and add them to our list! Viewing in an app? Full show notes here Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Quote of the episode: "Do all the good you can and make as little fuss about it as possible.” Charles Dickens Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest

Today’s headlines are filled with stories of sexual misconduct in the workplace. Whether it’s Hollywood, the news industry, politicians, or corporate executives, we are hearing about it from all fronts. What is sexual harassment and what do we do about it? Julie and Darlene take this episode to explore the current workplace climate between sexes and how to handle an unwanted advance. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Quote of the episode: "Speak your mind even if your voice shakes.” Unknown Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest

Do you find yourself joining the social media trend of creating your own “thankful list” this time of year? It is a wonderful reminder that we should be grateful for the good things in life. Several weeks ago, before Julie had to step out for a bit, Julie and Darlene came up with their own list which turned out to be just plain funny. After their laughter died down they turned the mics on to share the fun with you. So take a listen, and after you do, share your own funny things to be thankful for on social media. Tag it with #gritandgracelife so we can join the fun.   Viewing in an app? Full show notes here Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Because we promised we would, let us introduce you to.... the tata towel!     Quote of the episode: "Girls just want to have fun!” Cyndi Lauper Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest

There are some subjects we just want to avoid, especially the ones we sincerely hope to never face. Yet if that day comes, we may find we weren’t prepared. Since one of our own, Julie Graham, just found herself in this position of having lost her husband of 11 years and steps away this week, we thought it would be a good time to look at how to prepare for an unexpected loss. Darlene is joined by attorney, Leesha Crouch, to discuss in simple, relatable terms the things that every woman should do legally to safeguard her family if heartbreak should hit. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Quote of the episode: "Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans.” Allen Saunders Leesha Crouch, an attorney and mother of five in a blended family, specializes in Family Law at the Legacy Law Firm, where she focuses on Mediation and a Cooperative and Collaborative approach to dispute resolution. She also has experience in Wills and Trusts, Business Formation, and Probate. She is trained in Collaborative Law and is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator, which affords her the opportunity to approach family law in a unique and specialized manner. A Few Helpful Tools An attorney's Information Check List Estate Planning Essentials Be sure to follow The Grit and Grace Project on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest

From the workplace, to the home front—the friends in our lives, the men in our lives, the children in our lives, the life in our lives how do we balance them all? Whether we are single, married or single again we all have days it seems impossible to meet all of life's demands. So today, we are exploring that elusive life balance. We are offering a few tips, insights and maybe even a way to carve out a little bit of time just for ourselves as we learn how to balance This Grit and Grace Life. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Quote of the episode: "Some days you eat salads and go to the gym. Some days you eat cupcakes and don't put on pants. It's called balance.” Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest

Women accomplish so much, as we juggle our various roles, place in life and responsibilities. But there are some things we all do that we just need to quit and quit them right now. Join the conversation as Darlene and Julie readily admit to 7 of those pesky fall backs that they can be guilty of and suspect that you may be too. Just another conversation for all women who are embarking on This Grit and Grace Life. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Quote of the episode: "If you don't like something change it, if you can't change it, change your attitude.” Maya Angelou Be sure to follow us on social media! And share your favorite article to help us celebrate our Birthday! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest