Podcast: How it Feels to Find Yourself with Meera Lee Patel

Brave Writer Podcast

We know that parents and home educators often feel like they aren’t living up to their own ideals, which can lead to a crisis of self-esteem. As we face new seasons in life, our previous skillsets might not always be adequate for the task at hand, leaving us feeling frustrated, lonely, and sometimes like we’re failing.

So, how do we move forward with courage and clarity?

We’re delighted to have Meera Lee Patel on the Brave Writer podcast today to help us chart a course through the winding maze of adulthood. Meera is a best-selling author, known for her book “Start Where You Are,” and uses her colorful artwork and perceptive essays to help us navigate each stage of life and the emotions that come with it.

Meera Lee Patel
Meera Lee Patel

Our conversation with Meera is insightful and uplifting, as she shares her wisdom on embracing the journey of self-discovery and growth with grace and resilience.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • Meera’s personal journey and the inspiration behind her books
  • How to embrace change and adapt to new stages in life
  • The power of self-compassion and forgiveness in overcoming setbacks
  • Practical tips for maintaining mental and emotional balance during challenging times

Join us in welcoming Meera Lee Patel to the Brave Writer podcast and explore her wisdom on finding your way through the maze of adulthood.

Show Notes

Letting Go of Productivity Guilt

It may come as no surprise to those who know her, but Meera is a self-professed workaholic. She shared her personal struggle with productivity guilt, which was rooted in the intersection of American and immigrant cultures. Becoming a parent helped her gain perspective and prioritize what truly matters, as she found herself focusing on her child’s needs and valuing the time spent with her. Parenthood provided her with a filter to distinguish between work that was important and what could be set aside in favor of more meaningful experiences.

One key takeaway from our conversation with Meera is the importance of focusing on what’s in front of us, rather than getting bogged down in the endless cycle of what we could or should be doing. Children, by nature, are not oriented towards productivity but are more focused on the process of learning and discovery. By leaning into the freedom that children embody, parents can find inspiration to challenge the harmful mindset of productivity guilt and instead embrace the value of the journey.

As we strive to create a nurturing environment for our children, it’s essential to recognize the cultural values that have shaped our beliefs and practices. By acknowledging the ways we’ve been indoctrinated and identifying the values we disagree with, we can raise our children in a culture that, instead of the constant pursuit of productivity, prioritizes:

  • personal growth,
  • self-worth,
  • and the joy of learning.

Check out Meera’s new book, “How It Feels to Find Yourself,” releasing on May 23rd, 2023.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights on navigating the various stages of life with courage, clarity, and a strong sense of self.

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Brave Writer Podcast

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