EP 1: Navigating Crossroads and Cultivating Growth

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Hello, helloo, helllooo and welcome to Flourish Ma! I am so glad you are here, joining me for the first episode of Flourish Ma! I’m your host Zenia Odunwo, and I started this podcast as a way to almost have a diary as I am on my journey of becoming a better me inside and out as God leads me. This is a place for mothers and women to have conversations around family, faith, wellbeing, and life, and to have authentic, encouraging conversations that inspire intentionality and hopefully leave you feeling encouraged.

In this first episode, I give you some insight into where I currently am in my life, which feels like a crossroad between pressing forward or staying stagnant. As a mother to 3 young children, my time is mostly occupied with taking care of them, which is my greatest joy and challenge all at the same time (I know you Mamas know what I mean!) However, it has been difficult to always be intentional about my time alone with God, my health, and personal goals. I’m sure I’m not the only one who has felt this way, but God’s mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23) and you can always turn to Him for forgiveness, guidance, and grace.

Here are a few key takeaways from this episode, followed by specific prayer points and reflective questions that you can take away an ask yourself in your own time.

Key Takeaways

What does it mean to ‘flourish’?

Verb:(of a living organism) grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way, especially as the result of a congenial environment.

To achieve success; prosper.

When we talk about flourishing as individuals, we are essentially being intentional about growing in areas like our body, mind, soul, and spirit. Just like a flower needs sunlight, water, and the right soil, we need the right environment to grow into who God made us to be.

Building Strong Roots

Any plant without strong roots will eventually wither and die. For the believer this, starts with being rooted in Christ. Seeking first His kingdom (Matthew 6:33) will install in us an unshakeable truth and equip us to go about life, our call and our responsibilities with grace. We will find we will be able to go about taking on the right mindset, discipline, patience, and self-control when we start from the right place. Life can be busy and stressful, but getting your cup filled up from Jesus will give you the grace and His joy will be your strength (Nehemiah 8:10)

A Word of Encouragement

Know that God has not brought you this far to leave you where you are (Philippians 1:6). You are here for a reason! God has a plan and purpose for your life (Jeremiah 29:11). He has made you for such a time as this (Esther 4:14) and will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). You are not alone in your motherhood, the wilderness, the valley and even high mountain tops. Take courage that if you draw near to God, He will draw near to you (James 4:8). No matter what season you find yourself in right now, Your Father is watching over you and with you every step.

Reflective Questions

These questions can be used as journal prompts to come alongside you digging a little deeper and questions you ask God too!

  1. What kind of person do I see myself being when I am flourishing? Think about your day-to-day interactions, how you take care of yourself, what are you spending your time doing?
  2. .Ask God what areas do you want to see me flourish in? Where do you want to see me grow?
  3. What do I feel is hindering me from flourishing? (For example: imposter syndrome, lack of confidence, unforgiveness, your environment, perfectionism, sin, language use, mindset shift).
  4. What small step can I take to move towards flourishing in the areas identified? When will I start this?
Prayer Points

Pray for God to refresh you with His living waters and give you energy and vigor for life. That you will be planted firmly by His streams and have a fresh desire to know and walk with Him.

For the right environments, people, and relationships to enter your life and and the discernment to know the difference.

The courage and strength to lay down whatever is hindering your growth or keeping you stagnant.

That God would increase your faith, give you wisdom, and align your purpose with His grace

A Final Word

Remember, you are capable of flourishing as the woman God placed you on this earth to be. You and your family have so much ahead of you, do not even think about giving up.

You can listen to the full podcast on all streaming platforms are access it right here.

Feel free to reach out to me on Instagram @ZeniaOdunwo or email hello@FlourishMama.com.

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