If you don’t already know Rachel Nielson, you’re in for a treat! Rachel is the creator of the 3 in 30 podcast, a go-to resource for moms who want to be more deliberate in their mothering. One of the things I love most about Rachel is her intentional approach to motherhood. Instead of just getting by, she’s tackled the issues head-on, doing deep dives into challenges moms face and turning her research into bite-sized, actionable podcast episodes. Her focus on creating results is so inspiring—just like Life Organized, 3 in 30 is all about taking what you learn and putting it into action. You’ll get three practical takeaways in every 30-minute episode, making it both efficient and impactful. And today in this episode, you are going to love how Rachel applies three well-loved organizing tools to help you declutter one of the most important parts of your life – motherhood.

     1. Inventory Your Overwhelm

When it comes to motherhood, it’s important to declutter your mental load and focus on what truly fits you—because just like in your closet, not everything needs to come along for the ride. Getting an overview of all the responsibilities and expectations you are juggling can be eye-opening. Motherhood is not a one-size-fits-all template, and in this step Rachel encourages us to challenge our own picture of what being a good mom looks like by looking at our everyday commitments through fresh eyes.

     2. Edit Your Expectations

Drawing again up on the metaphor of organizing our closet, as we edit our expectations of motherhood we identify what no longer serves us and make plans to let it go. And while this sounds simple, the steps involved—like having tough conversations, setting boundaries, or seeking therapy—can take time and courage. It involves identifying the “shoulds” you’ve inherited from your family, culture, or personal upbringing, and acknowledging those ways they may no longer fit your life. And beware of the guilt that can arise as you consider letting go of some outdated expectations. You may feel guilt initially, but trust that it will fade as you see the positive outcomes for yourself and your family.

     3. Make Room for Joy

When you clear out the clutter in your life—whether it’s in your closet or your calendar—you create space for something beautiful: joy. Magic happens when you declutter because it opens up room for meaningful traditions, family connections, and rediscovering passions you might have forgotten. But being intentional is the key. Once the clutter is gone, think about what you want to bring into your life—whether it’s bright colors in your wardrobe or playful moments with your kids. Small, deliberate actions, like surprising your kids at school for lunch or a planning a family movie night, can become cherished memories. And note that while decluttering can be instinctive, bringing joy into your life takes deliberate planning and thought. So don’t lose momentum during this important part of the process! As we declutter outdated commitments and show our kids through our own example how to fill our lives with more of what we love, everyone wins…because when you thrive, they thrive. 

Flecks of Gold Journal

Though motherhood can feel overwhelming, it’s also filled with golden moments—if you know where to look. And Rachel has made it easy with a simple journaling practice in her Flecks of Gold Journal that is transforming the way moms experience and remember motherhood. By writing down one golden moment each day, you can train your brain to see the good as it happens. The Flecks of Gold Journal is a beautiful 3-year record of moments you would otherwise forget and can shift your focus from what’s wrong to what is wonderful. 

So What?

This week, take five minutes to reflect on what you can let go of – and would bring more joy to your life. Is there a passion you’ve set aside, a family tradition you’ve been meaning to start, or even a small way to spark fun in your daily routine? Or could the Flecks of Gold Journal be a tool to help you treasure the golden moments in your day?