EmpowerMums

08/10/2024

I’m excited to share that I’ll be speaking at an upcoming She Mentors event on Wednesday, October 23, from 6 - 8 PM NZDT at Consult Recruitment, Auckland. 🌟

I’ve been part of the She Mentors community for over a year now, and it’s been an incredible experience connecting with inspiring women across Australia and New Zealand.

This platform has helped us share knowledge, skills, and life experiences, and I’m excited to contribute with a presentation on time management strategies and 'living purposefully.'

If you're looking to gain insights on:

⏳ Making time for what truly matters
💡 How your values shape decisions
🗂️ Strategies to eliminate, delegate, and time block
🌱 Living purposefully and with intention
🦄 Discovering your ‘unicorn space’

Come along for an evening of drinks, networking, and knowledge-sharing! 🥂

Agenda:
6:00 PM: Drinks and mingling
6:30 PM: Welcome from Ali Adey (she/her), founder of She Mentors
6:40 PM: My presentation on 'Living Purposefully'
7:30 PM: More drinks and networking
8:00 PM: Wrap up

This event is open to the public - Grab your ticket via Eventbrite(link below) to join us in this empowering space! 🙌

Looking forward to seeing you there!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/auckland-meetup-living-purposefully-tickets-1012519702687?aff=oddtdtcreator

26/09/2024

✨ ✨ Happy Mental Health Awareness Week! 💫 💫

I want to take this opportunity to shine a light on the unique nuances of mental health within Asian communities.

A while ago, I read "Permission to Come Home" by Dr. Jenny Wang, a clinical psychologist based in Texas. In her book, she explores the journey of reclaiming mental health for Asian-Americans.

Although I’m not American, her insights resonate with any Asian immigrant or child of immigrants who navigates the complexities of living between two cultures.

What stood out to me is how rare it is to find a book that delves into the psychological challenges we face—whether it’s setting boundaries or feeling caught between two worlds. Jenny brings attention to the struggle of identifying and expressing emotions in healthy ways.

She also explores parentification, where many children of Asian immigrants feel the responsibility of being the adult, translating for their parents, and even managing healthcare or legal systems at a young age. This deeply resonated with me, particularly through the experiences of my older siblings.
The book encourages us to take up space, be proud of who we are, and fully embrace our identity.

As a clinical psychologist, I’ve recommended it to clients—some found it difficult because it hit so close to home, while others appreciated finally feeling seen in their childhood experiences.

As we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week, I highly recommend this book, especially if you identify as Asian or come from an Asian background. Jenny offers valuable tools and strategies for navigating emotions, boundaries, and communication, giving readers a new way to reflect on their lives.

Have you read this book or come across other works that resonate with the experience of living between "two worlds"? I’d love to hear your thoughts or recommendations—feel free to share in the comments! I’m always looking for more books to read! 📚

25/09/2024

🌿✨Happy Mental Health Awareness Week!,

I’ve been reflecting on the journey from languishing to flourishing.

Recently, I picked up "Languishing: How to Feel Alive Again in a World That Wears Us Down" by Corey Keyes, and it’s super helpful.

Keyes explains that mental health and illness are on one spectrum, while languishing and flourishing are on another.

What really resonated with me is that you can be mentally well but still feel stuck—or even struggling, yet finding ways to flourish. This feels especially relevant after the challenges of the past few years—COVID-19, recessions, and everything else we’ve faced.

Languishing, as Keyes describes it, is that sense of just “getting by”—not quite depressed but not thriving either. It often stems from a lack of close relationships, purpose, or even just plain fun.

💡 Keyes introduces what he calls the “vitamins” we need to flourish:

📖 Learning: Keeping a learner’s mindset, whether it’s a new hobby or skill.

🤝 Relationships: Staying connected with people who add meaning to your life.

🌍 Connecting with Something Bigger: Whether through nature, spirituality, or contributing to a larger cause.

🎯 Purpose: Finding meaning beyond the daily grind.

🤸‍♀️ Play: Remembering to have fun and let loose!

🌱 I’ve personally started integrating more of these into my own life through new hobbies and volunteering at a local community garden, which has been a rewarding and fun experience.

So, where do you feel you are on the languishing-to-flourishing continuum? And which “vitamins” do you feel you need more of to thrive?

👇 Let’s chat in the comments!

29/07/2024

📅 How Many Mondays Do You Have Left? ⏳

Hey Mamas 🌞,

I just listened to You Only Die Once by Jodi Wellman, and it got me thinking about time. If the average lifespan is 80 years, subtract your age from 80 and multiply by 52. For me, that’s 2,288 Mondays left! 🗓️

How many Mondays do you have left? 🤔

The good news is we control how we spend those days: doing what we love or wasting time on what we don’t. 🌟

Let’s prioritize what truly matters. Shift from a 'Time-poor' to a 'Time-rich' mindset with affirmations like:
🌼 "There is enough time for everything important to me."
🌈 "I have all the time I need."

How do you make time for what truly matters? 💬

Wishing you a peaceful and time-rich day ahead! 🌸

Warm regards,
Dr. Missy 💖

P.S. Check out my online course for mums on reducing stress and finding joy. 🌺

https://empowerment-psychology.teachable.com/p/how-to-reduce-stress-for-mums/

With so many responsibilities to juggle, it can be challenging to find enough time to complete daily tasks while also taking care of family and personal needs. Mums often feel like they are constantly running on a treadmill, trying to catch up with never-ending to-do lists. This constant pressure to...

22/07/2024

I love books and I always “prescribe” books to my clients! 📚

This is one of the books I’ve read in the last couple of weeks, and its a must read for any women.

“Hormone shift” by Dr Tasneem Bhatia, is an easy read with lots of practical suggestions geared for whatever hormonal stage you are in. I love how she combines western and eastern medicine, and provides a holistic approach to women’s wellbeing.

Did you know there are 5 hormonal shifts in a women’s lifetime?

We always think of puberty and menopause but there are 3 other shifts - the hustler shift (20-28 years old), the superstar shift (29-38 years old), and the superwoman shift (39-55 years old).

I’m in the superstar shift and Dr Bhatia’s keyword is “Frazzled” 😵‍💫. She said that stress is the main culprit for many of the hormonal issues facing Superstars as we juggle EVERYTHING from working, parenting, and everything in between.

Stress= wired and tired!

Who can relate? 🙋‍♀️

My action points from this book are:

🥑 adding a green smoothie daily

🥦 have more high gluatathione foods (helps to support mitochondrial health and improve overall energy) e.g brocolli, brown rice, cauliflower, chicken, eggs

💪🏻 Up the protein intake - I’m adding protein powder to my green smoothie

✋”Practice saying no until it’s as easy as saying hello” - practising boundaries and listening to my enery level, and what I need

🧘‍♀️ Adding as many stress busting techniques to my daily routine; yoga, exercise, cold showers and prioritizing fun and connections! Oh of course, more books! 📚

I would love to hear where you are in your hormonal journey and strategies that have supported your wellbeing!

10/06/2024

Huge congrats to the 3 lucky mums who won these fantastic books during Empowermum's Mother's Month! 🎉 Here are my top three picks:

📚 Whakawhetai: Gratitude by Hira Nathan
📚 Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
📚 Adventures with Emillie by Victoria Bruce

I absolutely love books—reading them, giving them away, and talking about them! 📖 I've always been a bookworm. Fun fact: as a kid, I read so much that one of my mum's staff joked I'd probably read the Yellow Pages if I ran out of books. 😂

Wondering how I find time to read? Check out my online course, "How to Reduce Stress, Get More Time, and Joy as a Mum." I share seven steps that help me find more time for the things I love. 💖

https://empowerment-psychology.teachable.com/p/how-to-reduce-stress-for-mums/

I'd love to hear from you—what hobby or fun activity do you wish you had more time for? Drop a comment below! 👇

Dr. Missy

31/05/2024

🌸✨ Final Week of Empowermum's Mother's Month! ✨🌸

Thank you all for celebrating with me! I've loved sharing my favorite books throughout the month, and I have one last gem to share.

Just finished reading "Adventures with Emillie" by Victoria Bruce. 🏞️ Victoria, a fellow Kiwi, embarked on the incredible 3000 km Te Araroa Trail with her 7-year-old daughter, Emillie! This story outshines even Cheryl Strayed's "Wild" in my opinion.

Victoria's journey through a tough childhood and mental health challenges, including PTSD, is a powerful testament to nature's healing power. Completing the trail in 138 days with her daughter is nothing short of awe-inspiring. As my twin daughters near six, the idea of such an adventure next year is mind-boggling!

While I might not be ready for the full Te Araroa just yet, this book has definitely inspired me to embark on more walks and tramps with my kids. 🌿👩‍👧‍👧

Haven’t read "Adventures with Emillie" yet? Here’s your chance! To wrap up Empowermum's Mother's Month, I’m giving away a copy! 📚

**How to Enter:**
1. Sign up to my email list here:
https://empowermums.co.nz/mothers-month-2024/

2. Email me with your favorite walk/hike/tramp in New Zealand. I’m eager to expand my list!

**Note:** Giveaway open to NZ residents only.

Let's inspire each other to embrace the beauty of the outdoors! 🌏💪

28/05/2024

🎉 Final Week of Empowermum's Mother's Month! 🎉

Thank you all for celebrating with me! It's been an amazing month sharing my favorite books with you.

I just finished reading the inspiring "Adventures with Emillie" by Victoria Bruce. 🌟 Victoria, a Kiwi, hiked the entire 3000 km Te Araroa Trail in New Zealand with her 7-year-old daughter, Emillie! Forget Cheryl Strayed's "Wild" – this is the book to read.

Victoria shares her journey through a rough childhood, mental health struggles, and the healing power of nature. I’m in awe of how they completed the trail in 138 days. My twin daughters are turning six soon, and I can't imagine doing this with them next year!

Reading this book has inspired me to go on more walks and tramps with my kids. 🌿👧👧

Haven’t read "Adventures with Emillie" yet? You’re in luck! To celebrate the final week of Empowermum's Mother's Month, I’m giving away a copy! 📚

How to Enter:
1. Subscribe to my email list here:
https://empowermums.co.nz/mothers-month-2024/

2. Email me your favorite walk/hike/tramp in New Zealand. I’d love to add it to my list!
Note: This giveaway is for NZ residents only.

Let’s keep inspiring each other to embrace the wonders of nature! 🌏💪

28/05/2024

What makes me happy? 😊

Good friends, great books, and always learning something new! It's been a week since the Auckland Writers Festival, and I'm still buzzing with excitement! 📚✨

Book lovers, I've got one last surprise for Empowermum's Mother's Month. Stay tuned for a special Giveaway post tomorrow! 🎁❤️

24/05/2024

🎉 It's Mother's Month and we're not stopping yet! Empowermum's 3rd giveaway is here to treat you. Get ready for my exciting Book Giveaway of one of my favourite novels - "Lessons in Chemistry".

I saw Bonnie at the Auckland Writer Festival and she was so funny and inspiring. After hearing her talk I love her novel even more!

If you're in New Zealand and want a chance to win this bestselling novel, simply sign up to my email list below, and email me what is your favourite book?

Winner announced next Monday. 🎉

Can't wait to hear from you!

Sign up for the email list here: https://empowermums.co.nz/mothers-month-2024/

23/05/2024

Had a blast at Bonnie Garmus's talk on her hit book, "Lessons in Chemistry." Bonnie, in her 60s, shared her rich storytelling journey, sparked by a sexist work incident.

Her wisdom? Forget age limits— they're an illusion.

Thrilled to get a signed copy that inspires: "Missy, you can do anything."

Want to win a copy of "Lessons in Chemistry?" NZ fans, join Empowemum's giveaway!

Sign up to my newsletter, and email me what your favourite book is and you might win one of mine!

https://empowermums.co.nz/mothers-month-2024/

Winner announced Monday, May 27.

Can't wait for your recommendations,

Missy 📚✨