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Kelly Zugay is a Minnesota lifestyle blogger sharing motherhood reflections, home organization tips, and cozy home décor inspiration — all designed to help you create a meaningful, intentional life you love.

Episode 050: From Surviving to Thriving: Small Shifts That Changed Everything

Below, you’ll find the show notes for Episode 050 of The Made by Motherhood Podcast. The Made by Motherhood Podcast is a warm, encouraging space for moms building businesses while raising families — with gentle guidance for business, home, and motherhood. Subscribe on Spotify Podcasts, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, or subscribe anywhere podcasts are available.

Motherhood and small business ownership can sometimes feel like survival mode. Long days, sleepless nights, never-ending to-do lists, and the constant pull between being present at home and productive in business — it’s a lot. If you’ve ever felt like you’re just getting by, you’re not alone.

In this week’s episode of the Made by Motherhood Podcast — Episode 050! — we’re celebrating a milestone and diving into what it really means to move from surviving to thriving. Spoiler: it doesn’t happen overnight. It happens through small, intentional shifts that can change everything about how you approach motherhood, business, and life.

Why Small Shifts Matter

It’s easy to think thriving requires a total overhaul — a new routine, a new system, or a major life change. But most often, the most powerful transformations happen in the small, daily choices we make. By giving yourself permission to do less, to build in margin, and to choose joy right where you are, you can start feeling lighter and more aligned — without burning yourself out.

5 Small Shifts That Can Change Everything

Here are a few of the shifts I’ve made in motherhood and business that helped me move from simply surviving to truly thriving:

  1. Do less with more presence. Focusing on fewer tasks and showing up fully for them is more effective than spreading yourself too thin.
  2. Build in margin. Even 15 minutes of breathing room between commitments can make your days feel calmer.
  3. Redefine productivity. Success isn’t how many boxes you check off — it’s showing up for what matters most in the season you’re in.
  4. Ask for help. Sharing the load — at home or in business — creates more space for peace and presence.
  5. Choose joy on purpose. Don’t wait for life to get easier to enjoy it. Small daily joys can transform your outlook.

A Gentle Reminder

Thriving isn’t about doing more — it’s about approaching your days with intention, balance, and grace. These shifts may seem small, but they can bring clarity, calm, and joy into both your motherhood and your business.

Listen to Episode 050

In this week’s episode, I’m sharing more about these small shifts, how they’ve impacted my journey, and encouragement for creating your own. If you’ve been feeling like you’re in survival mode, I hope this episode reminds you that thriving is possible — one small shift at a time.

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