Episode Summary
What do you do when life doesn’t come with a map? In this vulnerable and honest conversation, Mike sits down with artist and mom of three, Mariah Smith, to explore what it looks like to navigate from the inside out. They unpack the intersection of strengths, creativity, motherhood, and identity—especially when you're in a season where everything feels both full and foggy. Mariah shares how her CliftonStrengths themes (like Futuristic, Ideation, and Maximizer) both inspire and overwhelm her, and how she’s learning to trust her internal compass, even when the future feels unclear. Together, they talk through what it means to stay creatively alive while raising a family, balancing ambition with reality, and why personal peace might just be the real win. Whether you're chasing dreams, changing diapers, or both—this one’s for you.
What You'll Hear
Why navigating life starts with knowing yourself
How strengths like Futuristic and Maximizer show up in real-time
The tension between creativity and responsibility
The role of authentic partnership in decision-making
Parenting, burnout, and the power of seasons
Creating space for self-prioritization (without guilt)
The beauty of slowing down to speed up later
Soundbites to Remember
"It's okay to navigate this."
"Your kids need to see you fully alive."
"I want to prioritize myself."
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