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Published on:

11th Jul 2025

20. Motherhood vs. Chronic Illness

In this episode, I open up about the unique challenges of motherhood, and likening it to the unpredictability of living with a chronic illness but without the warning signs. I share my personal experiences parenting my strong-willed preteen daughter, discussing the emotional labor, boundary-testing, and anxiety-inducing messiness that come with this season of life. I explain my coping strategies, the importance of support systems, and the struggle of balancing discipline with allowing my daughter to express herself. I also reach out for advice from you, fellow moms who have navigated similar challenges, with a blend of humor and heartfelt insights.

“Because simplifying life’s beautiful bitchiness? Yeah…that starts right here.”

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✨ Mentioned in this episode:  

🧡 Choose Your Path to Calm page

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⏱️ Timestamps:  

00:00 Introduction: The Challenges of Motherhood

00:17 Welcome to Simplifying Life's Beautiful Bitchiness

01:04 Parenting a Preteen: The Struggles Begin

02:53 The Messy Room Dilemma

05:49 Embracing Her Unique Style

07:45 Seeking Support and Strategies

09:46 Conclusion: Reflecting on the Journey

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📬 Let’s connect:  

💌 Weekly pep talks + life system tools → Join My Email Fam!

🗣️ Join the Convo on community +life + systems → Swell 

📱 DM me your biggest “holy sh*t” moment → Instagram or Threads

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🥰  Just Remember::  

Inhale the calm. Exhale the fire.  

You’re doing better than you think. 🫶🏽

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About the Podcast

Simplifying Life’s Beautiful Bitchiness
Life’s a lot. Let’s make it easier.
I’m Michelle, and I help overwhelmed women simplify life’s beautiful bitchiness with simple systems that actually work for their current life, not the version they used to have.

Because here’s the truth:
Your systems didn’t fail.
They expired.

If your routines stopped working, everything feels heavier, and you’re wondering what the hell happened...you’re in the right place.

This podcast is real talk about motherhood, chronic illness, mental load, and everyday life…with simple shifts that help you stop doing it all and start building systems that actually support you.

No pressure. No perfection.
Just back pocket support for real life.

About your host

Profile picture for Michelle Martinez

Michelle Martinez

Hey, hey! I’m Michelle, your no-BS guide to making life easier with simple, stress-less Life Systems. If you’re tired of feeling like you’re constantly juggling all the things (without a single extra hand to catch what’s falling), you’re in the right place.

I’m a wife, mom, chronic illness girlie, and mental health advocate who’s been through the chaos and figured out how to navigate it without losing my sh*t 💩 (most days). I love sports, crafting, the MCU, and a solid rant about the nonsense of toxic productivity, so expect a little bit of all that in this podcast 😏.

Through Simplifying Life’s Beautiful Bitchiness, I’m here to give you real-life strategies, the occasional sports or movie reference (because why not?) to help you build a life that actually works for you, without the burnout, without the BS.

Fun Facts About Me:
Favorite MCU quote? “The arrogant never do.” ~Thanos
Best life lesson from my husband? “Take what the defense gives you.”
Preferred form of therapy? Crochet, a 90s playlist that hits just right, and a hot cup of tea.
What you won’t find here? Toxic positivity, cookie-cutter advice, or me acting like I know everything.

So grab a drink, take a breath, and let’s simplify the chaos, together. 🥰🧡