This Grit and Grace Life

Being a woman is complicated. Our struggles in building healthy relationships, lacking self-worth, holding hurt from our family of origin, and finding our identity are common to most. We find ourselves even more confused because these struggles change as we navigate through our 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond. But here at This Grit and Grace Life we have no problem admitting it! In this week's episode we have also discovered a comforting truth, we can find help. We're bringing back our friend and family therapy expert Dr. Zoe Shaw to give practical advice to women in each of these challenging phases of life, offering encouragement for living a grit and grace life. Dr. Zoe is a licensed Psychotherapist, Life and Relationship coach for Superwomen. She is the wife of a Hollywood actor, mother of 5, writer, and radio talk show host..  She also joined us in Episode 4 "Is it Time for Counseling? A Therapist Helps You Decide" You can follow Dr. Zoe by visiting her site, or finding her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. In the app? To see full show notes, click here. Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Quote of the episode: "What would I be doing today if I didn't care about someone else's opinion?” Dr. Zoe Shaw Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife  

Two words we're pretty sure you can relate to: Mama.Drama. Can we just be honest? (a nod to last week's episode here)...every woman has a little drama with her mama, (or her stepmom or her mother-in-law). Whether you're always on each others nerves, best friends or land somewhere in between, there will be conflict with these special women in our lives! Darlene and Julie get real about how this incredibly unique relationship has shaped them into the grit and grace women they've become. Revealing some of their own mama drama, they offer insights they've gained and tips they have acquired. We're pretty sure you'll have some "me too" moments in this one, friends. Grab some coffee, sit back, you might just hash out a little of your own mama drama and even gather a few tips to save for later! In the app? To see full show notes, click on the Episode Webpage link below. Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Quote of the episode: "The best way to control mama drama is to write your own play” Darlene Brock Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest

Do you mindlessly "like" quotes on Facebook or Instagram? We realized that we do. We post them a lot too! What if we actually took a moment to ponder the intention behind the quote? Finding ways could we grow, or shoot, just relax. What if we actually applied them to our lives? In this episode Darlene and Julie talk about several quotes they really love, some are serious, thoughtful, others are just plain funny. We are taking a little bit of time to discover how each quote can teach us a lesson worth learning, not one made just for double-tapping. Here are a few we discussed: “Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.” Coco Chanel “Follow your heart, but take your brain with you.” Unknown “Both of us can’t look good at the same time. It’s either me or the house” Unknown “If I’m being honest” or “To be perfectly honest” or “honestly…” “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me'.” Erma Bombeck “Storms make trees take deeper roots” Dolly Parton “If you feel the wind blowing through your hair, it’s time to shave your legs.” Unknown "YOLO" "Anything is possible if you have enough nerve." J.K. Rowlings   In the app? To see full show notes, click on the Episode Webpage link below. Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Quote of the episode: "To be honest, I’m winging it. Life, motherhood, my eyeliner. Everything.” Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest

Teens have their own speak, using slang and lingo that can sometimes be difficult for adults to interpret. This week we are going to teach you a little bit about one of those languages, teen texting. Recently, I (Julie here) had my own encounter at a friend's house who has 3 teen daughters. As I was talking with the 17-year-old about her Snapchat communications, she shared that she hates to leave people "unread". She believes this means she saw their message but didn't reply with one. I tried to explain what the meaning of "unread" in general terms implies, that she never saw it...but she kept replying that "unread" means she saw it and didn't send a message back. After we each repeated our points multiple times, she finally shrugged her shoulders and said "I don't know, that's just what we call it". Teenagers, with the most impressive conviction, speak in a different language even when they don't really know what they are talking about. Recently, Darlene discovered a service called Bark that analyzes what teens are actually saying through their various channels: social media, texting, email, etc. There she uncovered some shocking short codes teens are using to say things you need to know about. Whether you're the parent of a teen or not, you likely have teens in your life; you're an Aunt, a teacher, a mentor or neighbor. In this episode we unpack what teens are saying and how adults can keep up to date and even practical insight on how to protect the teens in your life in this ever-changing social society. Plus, for fun, Julie quizzes Darlene on common internet slang and that's sure to make you LOL. Here are the sneaky codes we discuss in the episode for handy reference: • 53X = sneaky way to type “sex” • KMS = kill myself • LH6 = let’s have sex • KYS =  kill yourself • MOS = mom over shoulder • POS = parent over shoulder • CD9 = code 9, parents around • GNOC = get naked on camera • 99 = parents are gone • WTTP = want to trade photos? • LMIRL = let’s meet in real life • 1174 = meet at a party spot • IWSN = I want sex now • CU46 =  see you for sex • FWB = friends with benefits • ADR = what’s your address • MPFB = my personal f*** buddy • PAL = parents are listening • TWD = texting while driving • GYPO = get your pants off In the app? To see full show notes, click on the Episode Webpage link below. Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Quote of the episode: "Sometimes my children think I’m getting on their back, what they don’t understand is that I’m the only one who has their back.” Unknown Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest

How many style trends can you think of that just keep coming back, no matter how much they make us cringe? We've got to be able laugh at ourselves for continuing to buy into the idea that overalls, jellies and the mullet are chic...Darlene and Julie poke fun at some of the fashion faux pas of the last few decades and we hope you'll be laughing along with us. In the app? To see full show notes, click on the Episode Webpage link below.   In this episode we debated the half bun and the gray hair trend too... what do you think? Let us know on Facebook!   Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Quote of the episode: "Fashion changes, but style endures.” Coco Chanel Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest

Does seeking counseling indicate weakness? What are the types of issues that warrant taking a seat on the couch of a trusted professional? We are here to discuss the reality that even a strong, independent and self-sufficient woman may face challenges that become so much more manageable when we step out to find that extra help. To find out when that is and what to do about it we brought in our friend, Dr. Zoe Shaw, a licensed Psychotherapist, Life and Relationship coach for Superwomen. She is the wife of a Hollywood actor, mother of 5, writer, radio talk show host and health nut to share the common issues she sees women facing and the types of issues that couples often seek therapy for. She breaks down the difference between a life coach, a counselor, a therapist and a psychiatrist and then talks through some practical things you can do today to better your relationship with your man. You can follow Dr. Zoe by visiting her site, or finding her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.   In the app? To see full show notes, click on the Episode Webpage link below. Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Quote of the episode: "You're both right.” Dr. Zoe Shaw   Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest

No man is an island, and no woman is either! Darlene and Julie discuss the importance of healthy relationships with the other women in your life, and more importantly, how to do it! They talk about your best friend (or lack thereof), the friend you need to let go of, your sister(s) and even share why building strong female relationships will actually make you live longer. Give it a listen, girlfriend. In the app? To see full show notes, click on the Episode Webpage link below. Research and studies we mentioned: The UCLA study about how women "tend & befriend" Brigham Run Study about women living longer when they have healthy relationships (they say it's more effective than working out or quitting smoking!) Reese Witherspoon's quote “I don’t know what I would have done so many times in my life if I hadn’t had my girlfriends. They have literally gotten me up out of bed, taken my clothes off, put me in the shower, dressed me, said, ‘Hey, you can do this,’ put my high heels on and pushed me out the door!” —In Touch, April 2013 Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love Quote of the episode: "Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.” Oprah Winfrey Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest

We ladies can’t seem to stop the struggle. The one where we compare ourselves to every.other.woman.around us. We've been doing it for a very long time. But, there’s hope! In this episode, Darlene and Julie discuss three ways we compare ourselves, and real ways to stop.

Living a life of grace is very often misinterpreted. Some believe it’s an indicator of weakness. In the eyes of many, extending the truest form of grace, which is forgiveness, means giving up. Others believe grace is automatic and easy to show. Quite the contrary—living a life of grace takes an enormous amount of strength and a boatload of tenacity..

We are so excited to finally be launching This Grit and Grace Life Podcast! The “000 About Us” episode is a chance for you to meet our hosts, Darlene Brock and Julie Graham and learn a little bit about what you can expect from our weekly show. The full podcast starts Tuesday, August 29 and a new episode will be ready for download each Tuesday. Better yet Subscribe and you'll get them automatically! About This Grit and Grace Life Podcast Are you a strong woman or want to be? This Grit and Grace Life hosts, Darlene Brock and Julie Graham cross generational lines and draw from life experience to discuss all things life—from the boardroom to the bedroom, car-lines to college, being single, married or single again. Combining the two traits found in all women, grit and grace, they laugh, share insights and explore the road taken to find strength every day. Darlene and Julie will discuss everything from relationships to work-life balance, from parenting to empty-nesting and when they are stumped, bring in experts to help with these and other common issues women face. Join us, real talk for women embracing This Grit and Grace Life. #gritandgracelife About the Hosts   Darlene Brock: Darlene left home at 18, lived in a commune, spent 20 plus years in the music business and para-glided off the Bavarian Alps.; you can’t put this lady in a box, she can do it all. She recognized early that embracing grit and grace were the traits that got her through many trials and triumphs. This realization made one of her life missions to encourage other women to do the same, leading her to become the Co-Founder and President of the Grit and Grace Project with husband, Dan. Author of Help Wanted: Moms Raising Daughters, Darlene has appeared on numerous network TV shows; has been a guest columnist for CNN, Thriving Family Magazine and appeared on radio programs such as Family Life Today and Keep the Faith. Darlene raised two daughters while producing award-winning music videos, managing music groups, promoting concerts and serving as COO of ForeFront Records. This unique blend of author, mother, business woman, wife, and creative producer has shown her that it is indeed true, “life challenges should neither defeat nor define you.” And just so you know, she wears the tool belt in her family. Of course, she does. Julie Graham Julie is full of stories created from the years she was raised by her great-grandmother, in a house filled with cats (which she will never parent again). This wife and #boymom to a toddler never leaves you wondering what she’s thinking. She’s so demonstrative, Emoji is her second language. Guided by her personal mantra #beboldandjustbeyou she shares her heart, her fitness and fashion tips, and her frequent embarrassing moments willingly. Totally vivacious, stylish and real, her ability to be vulnerable and encouraging, engages you from her first words. Social media and past leadership roles at a large church have created a following of women who look forward to her wisdom and humor each day. Juggling home life with her work life she’s been a Special Events Coordinator, Assimilation Director, and now serves as the Brand Manager for The Grit and Grace Project. Where Julie feels the most comfortable is in front of the camera or behind a microphone. But remember, she’s winging it. Life, motherhood, her eyeliner, everything. Articles We Mentioned or Know You'll Love 10 Funny Things All Women Do I obviously have spent a whole bunch of years being a female, well actually my entire life (no surprise there). But something I have realized is that we are a funny bunch, aren’t we ladies? There are some things we do and say that are unique to us. I’ve done them, and I know if you admit it, you have too! So I’m just going to step up and confess to some of the funny things all women do.