Make America Happy Again

By: Wendy Benedict
  • Summary

  • Welcome to Make America Happy Again! I’m Wendy— wife to Joe, mom of two beautiful kiddos, Violet and JJ, business owner, Jesus follower, and self-proclaimed "joy junkie." This podcast is all about rediscovering the magic in our messy, everyday lives and spreading that joy around.

    Let’s face it, our world could use a little more light, especially for us moms who are navigating everything from snack time to soul-searching. Here, we’ll explore the little shifts that help us feel more balanced, more energized, and more hopeful. It’s not about politics or pushing an agenda; it’s about real conversations, practical tips, and encouragement to help us show up as our best selves — for our families, our communities, and yes, even our country.

    Whether you're laughing, crying, or somewhere in between, Make America Happy Again is here to remind you that happiness is possible, even in the chaos. So grab your coffee (or your cold, forgotten one from this morning), and join me each week as we find joy, purpose, and connection together.

    © 2024 Make America Happy Again
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Episodes
  • Staying Is Easier Than Starting: The Secret to Lasting Change
    Jan 1 2025

    In this episode, we dive deep into a truth that can transform the way you approach your goals and daily life: Staying is easier than starting. Whether it’s staying fit, staying sober, or staying patient, consistency and momentum make all the difference. We’ll explore why the hardest part of any journey is often the beginning, and how to push through those tough early moments to create lasting change.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    1. Why staying on track with your goals is easier than starting over—and how to build systems that help you stay consistent.
    2. The truth behind the phrase, “The first mile is a liar,” and how to overcome the hardest part of any journey.
    3. Why motivation doesn’t just show up and how small, intentional actions can help you create it.
    4. The power of showing up on the hard days and how consistency builds confidence and resilience.
    5. Practical strategies to meet motivation halfway and create momentum in your daily life.

    Key Takeaways and Quotes:

    • “The first mile is a liar.” The hardest part of any journey is getting started, but if you push through, you’ll find your rhythm and build momentum.
    • “Motivation isn’t waiting for you—you have to meet it halfway.” By taking small steps, you can spark the momentum that fuels motivation.
    • “Consistency is the mother of mastery.” (Robin Sharma) Showing up regularly, even in small ways, leads to transformation.

    Practical Tips from This Episode:

    1. Push Through the First Mile: Don’t let the initial resistance stop you. Whether it’s starting a workout, a new habit, or a big project, remind yourself that it will get easier as you go.
    2. Shrink the Task: On tough days, commit to the smallest possible step—like doing five minutes of movement or writing one sentence. Small actions create momentum.
    3. Set Triggers and Systems: Pair a new habit with something you already do. For example, drink water when you start your coffee or do stretches after brushing your teeth.
    4. Reflect and Realign: Regularly check in with yourself. Are your actions aligned with your priorities? What small adjustments can you make?
    5. Celebrate Small Wins: Every small step forward is a victory. Acknowledge your progress to stay motivated.

    A Personal Reflection:
    In this episode, I share personal stories from my journey—like what I learned as a cross-country coach when I told my runners, “The first mile is a liar.” I also reflect on how sobriety taught me that staying sober is easier than getting sober and how showing up for myself, even when I didn’t feel like it, became the foundation for lasting change.

    Resources and Thought Leaders Mentioned:

    • Atomic Habits by James Clear
    • The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma
    • The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins
    • Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
    • The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday
    • Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown

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    Do your kids love to splash in the bath? Do you love dry bathroom floors? I'VE GOT YOU!!

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    32 mins
  • From Overwhelmed to Aligned: Reclaiming What Is Most Important in Your Life
    Dec 25 2024

    In today’s episode, we’re diving into one of the most important—and often overlooked—questions: Are you keeping the most important thing, the most important thing?

    We’ll explore why it’s so easy to lose sight of our priorities when life gets busy, how to identify what truly matters most to you, and practical ways to realign your actions with your intentions. I’ll share some personal reflections on my own struggles with busyness and productivity, and how I’ve learned to slow down and show up for the people and things I say matter most.

    We’ll also talk about the common disconnect between our intentions and actions, particularly when it comes to health and wellness. Why do we start the day with good intentions, only to give up by lunchtime? And how can we create systems that support our goals without relying on willpower alone?

    Finally, I’ll introduce my 30-Day Mom Strong Transformation Program, kicking off on January 1st. This is your chance to start the new year with intention and clarity, building the habits and mindset that will carry you through 2024 and beyond.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    • Why distractions and busyness often pull us away from our priorities.
    • How to identify your “most important thing” and make it a daily focus.
    • The role of decision fatigue and how systems can help you stay on track.
    • How mindset shifts—like my personal mantra “Frustration is not my story”—can change the way you show up in life.
    • Why progress, not perfection, is the key to lasting transformation.
    • Practical tips for staying consistent with your health and wellness goals, even when life gets busy.

    Action Steps from This Episode:

    1. Take 5 minutes today to reflect on what’s most important to you. Write it down and think about whether your daily actions align with those priorities.
    2. Identify one small step you can take today to realign with your “main thing.”
    3. Consider joining my 30-Day Mom Strong Transformation Program to start 2024 with purpose and clarity.

    Resources Mentioned:

    • Atomic Habits by James Clear
    • Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
    • Stephen Covey’s quote: “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.”

    Join the 30-Day Mom Strong Transformation Program:
    Ready to take the first step toward a stronger, more intentional life? Join me and an incredible group of moms for the 30-Day Mom Strong Transformation Program, kicking off on January 1st. Spots are limited, so don’t wait!

    Thank You for Listening!
    Thank you for spending this time with me today. I hope this episode inspires you to realign with what matters most and take small, intentional steps toward the life you want to create. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a fellow mom who could use some encouragement, and don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps more moms find this message!

    Follow me on social!
    @keepingittogetherish

    Join my weekly newsletter!

    Do your kids love to splash in the bath? Do you love dry bathroom floors? I'VE GOT YOU!!

    www.jwvjcurtains.com

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    28 mins
  • Fit After 40: Simplify, Commit, and Thrive
    Dec 18 2024

    Life after 40 can be full of surprises—small kids, big schedules, and a constant tug-of-war with time. But what if staying fit didn’t have to feel like an uphill battle? In this episode, I’m breaking down the real secrets to maintaining your health and energy while balancing the beautiful chaos of family life.

    We’ll dive into the power of consistency and why it’s the ultimate game-changer when it comes to lasting health. I’ll share my personal rule of never missing two days in a row and how it’s kept me on track even during the busiest seasons. You’ll also hear how simplifying your habits can create massive results, and I’ll walk you through my go-to meal prep strategy using the “power of two” to keep nutrition simple, delicious, and stress-free.

    Plus, we’ll talk mindset—because staying fit after 40 isn’t just about workouts and veggies; it’s about the why behind it all. Drawing inspiration from thought leaders like Ed Mylett, we’ll explore how small decisions, taken consistently, can transform not just your health but your entire life.

    If you’re ready to find a sustainable rhythm for fitness and nutrition while still showing up for your family, this episode is for you. Let’s take one small step together, and by the end of this conversation, you’ll be ready to create lasting habits that fit seamlessly into your busy life.

    It’s time to prioritize yourself so you can show up as your best for everyone else. Tune in now and let’s get started!

    Follow me on social!
    @keepingittogetherish

    Join my weekly newsletter!

    Do your kids love to splash in the bath? Do you love dry bathroom floors? I'VE GOT YOU!!

    www.jwvjcurtains.com

    Show More Show Less
    28 mins

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