Motherhood has a way of shifting everything including how we see ourselves. Whether you're in the thick of little-kid chaos, considering a return to work, or entering a brand-new season like the empty nest, it’s easy to feel like you’ve lost a piece of who you are. In this episode, I’m joined by Christine Fruehwirth, mom, career consultant, life coach, and author of The Four Stages of Living. With over 20 years of experience supporting moms through major life transitions, Christine brings both practical tools and deep empathy to this conversation. We talk about identity loss in motherhood, why going back to work can feel more emotional than expected, and how to create balance without chasing perfection. Christine also shares her SSET framework—Survive, Stabilize, Emerge, Thrive, and how it can help you move forward when you feel stuck. This episode is honest, validating, and full of those “me too” moments every mom needs. In this episode, we cover: Why identity loss is so common in motherhood The emotional reality of returning to work Common fears moms face when re-entering the workforce What balance actually looks like (hint: it’s not perfect) Why self-care is essential, not selfish Christine’s SSET framework and how to apply it Small steps to take when you feel stuck in survival mode Navigating identity shifts in the empty nest stage Connect with Christine: Book - "The Four Stages of Living: Your Guide to Surviving Life's Storms and Thriving in the Aftermath" - https://amzn.to/4uxS22X FlexCareers Consulting - flexcareersconsulting.com 📺 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOpw5ui4uxJHx0tLFVtpnfSkpObfc4d-K You can find Katie at: website: burntpancakes.com YouTube: @burnt.pancakes Instagram: @burntpancakeswithkatie Email: katie@burntpancakes.com 🚽 Did you know Katie is also a Certified Potty Trainer? 🚽 ☎️ Schedule a 1:1 chat today: Schedule Here 💻 Digital Potty Training Course HERE 📖 Potty Training E-Book HERE 🆓 FREE potty training resources HERE Instagram: @itspottytime Tiktok: @itspottytime_ Some episodes include affiliate links at no cost to you.