If you’ve ever eaten a rushed lunch on a Zoom call, sighed at the amount of unread texts on your phone, or over-explained your “no,” this episode is for you.
In this week’s episode, we’re talking about principled living and what it looks like to make decisions from your values instead of every demand, meltdown, or email ping.
Meredith calls it building your “internal operating system.” Hannah frames it as trusting your intuition. Together, we unpack what it means to decide before the moment so that when life gets chaotic, we can show up grounded and confident—whether that’s in the boardroom, the playroom, or the carpool line.
Tune in to hear:
• Why principled living starts with knowing yourself (and why that takes practice)
• How boundaries really work: they’re about what you will do, not forcing others to change
• Detaching from reactivity, not from people—staying connected while staying calm
• The “walking out of myself” test: how to tell when you’re betraying your own values
• Why disappointing others is sometimes the most principled thing you can do
Things We Love (and Mentioned)
• Boundaries by Henry Cloud & John Townsend - The OG “say no without feeling like the worst human” book. We unpack how boundaries aren’t about controlling others—they’re about deciding what you will do.
• Extraordinary Relationships by Roberta Gilbert - An oldie (with a very 80s cover) but a mind-blower on living from your values instead of reactivity. Meredith says it’s the book you’ll throw across the room and then pick back up.
• Pediped (sponsor): Use code MOMREADY for 20% off your first order at pediped.com. Iris picked the orange-and-pink Flex this week and we’re obsessed.
Quick & Actionable Steps From the Episode:
When did I feel most “reactive” this week? What value of mine felt threatened in that moment?
What are the top 3 values I want to lead with this season (e.g., presence, honesty, margin, generosity)? Why these three?
Where am I walking out of myself? (Look for the pit-in-your-stomach, procrastinated text, or over-explaining “no.”)
What is one place I’m outsourcing decisions to “shoulds” (internet, relatives, group chat) instead of my own discernment?
What disappointment am I willing to tolerate in others so I can stop disappointing myself?
Hannah created this Principled Living Guide for our paid subscribers to have a practical list of questions they can work through to build their own list of principles they want to live by.
Scripts You Can Steal
Capacity-honest no: “I wish I could. I’m at capacity this week, so I’ll pass. Let’s try for next month.”
Boundary-in-action (not control): “If the conversation turns disrespectful, I’m going to end the call and we can try again later.”
Lunch on Zoom: “I’m eating so I can stay focused—I’ll mute while I chew.”Parenting pause: “I’m not ready to answer. I’ll think about it and circle back after dinner.”
Friend disappointment (and it’s okay): “I know this is a bummer. I’m choosing rest tonight so I can show up well tomorrow.”
Come hang with us:
• Upgrade to the paid community at GetMomReady.com for behind-the-scenes content, reflection prompts, and practical templates we’re creating.
• Join us on Instagram @GetMomReady—we’d love to hear the principles you’re living by this fall
