I didn't learn until I was 40 years old that my body moves through four distinct phases every single month — and that each one of those phases affects my mood, my energy, my patience, and my ability to connect with the people I love. Which means that the version of me who felt so present and empathetic last Tuesday wasn't just "having a good day." And the version of me who snapped at everyone before dinner on Friday wasn't failing. Both of those women were showing up exactly on schedule — I just didn't have the language for it yet.

This episode is about what becomes possible when we finally have that language, and how empowering it is to understand our bodies well enough to show up the way we actually want to — and to have real grace for ourselves when that's harder.

This week's guest is Shara Jackson Harper, a licensed mental health therapist, hormone and cycle guide, and mother of five who helps women understand how their internal rhythms shape the way they show up for the people they love most.

In this episode, you'll learn:

✨ The golden conversation Shara had with her 15-year-old son — and the specific reason she believes the timing made all the difference

✨ Why most women are often carrying a "basket of shame" about their hard days, and what Shara says we can do with it instead

✨ The simple three-part formula Shara uses to talk to her own family about where she is in her cycle — and why her kids actually know what "lower bandwidth week" means

So here's to understanding ourselves a little better, giving ourselves a little more grace, and showing up for our people in the ways we actually want to.

For full show notes, including takeaways, click here.

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Announcements:

Hormone Cycle Guide: Shara has created a free handout with an overview of all four phases of the menstrual cycle plus a printable tracker to help you start noticing your own patterns. Grab it at 3in30podcast.com/cycleconnection.

March 30th is 3 in 30 Day! This year I wanted to celebrate by highlighting YOU. I'm collecting voice messages from listeners sharing your favorite episode and what about it made an impact or stayed with you, and my podcast editor is going to weave them all together into one really special episode. Prefer to write it out instead? You can do that too. Just head to 3in30podcast.com/tellrachel before March 20th. It only takes a minute, and I really cannot wait to hear from you.

Related Episodes:

410: Align Your Goal-Setting with Your Menstrual Cycle // April Davis of Haus of Vagina

314: How to Feel Like Yourself in Motherhood // Aleisha McKean

205: How to Coach Yourself Through Big Emotions // Georgia Anderson

Episode Sponsors:

Skylight: Skylight offers a 120-day guarantee—if you're not thrilled, full refund. Right now, get $30 off the 15-inch Calendar at MySkylight.com/TAKEAWAYS. That's M-Y-S-K-Y-L-I-G-H-T dot com slash TAKEAWAYS

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471: How Understanding Your Cycle Deepens Your Relationships // Shara Jackson Harper