Episode 2: Rediscovering Yourself After Motherhood: Embracing the New Chapter

Rediscovering Yourself After Motherhood: Embracing the New Chapter 

Insights from 'Top Down, Heart Open' with Kimberly Maturin 

In this heartfelt episode of Top Down, Heart Open, host Kimberly Maturin delves deeply into the transitional phase women face when their roles as mothers evolve, leaving them to rediscover their identities. Kimberly shares her own journey, emphasizing the importance of embracing change, finding new passions, and taking small steps toward personal growth. She encourages listeners to honor their feelings, seek moments of stillness, and remember that it is okay to not be okay. Through candid conversations and relatable anecdotes, Kimberly offers support and motivation for women navigating this "magic middle" of life. 

Episode Overview 

• Host: Kimberly Maturin 
• Podcast: Top Down, Heart Open 
• Episode: Motherhood was my Identity.....Now What? 

Episode Timeline 

• 00:00 – Episode 2: Motherhood was my Identity.....Now What? 
• 01:09 – Rediscovering Yourself After Motherhood 
• 02:18 – Embracing the Silence and Finding Hope 
• 05:25 – Small Steps to Reconnect with Yourself 
• 06:42 – Realistic and Doable Steps for Healing 
• 09:05 – Finding Joy in the Little Things 
• 10:54 – Shoutout Segment 
• 11:44 – Stay Connected and Keep Your Heart Open 

Episode Highlights 

• Exploring the journey of women moving beyond the central role of motherhood to reclaim their sense of self. 
• Kimberly shares personal stories and honest reflections about identity, change, and hope after motherhood. 
• Practical, realistic steps for healing and self-rediscovery, encouraging listeners to take action, no matter how small. 
• The importance of embracing imperfection, finding joy in little moments, and building community is emphasized throughout the episode. 
• Special shout-out to Kimberly’s cousin Beth and her family, honoring their strength and resilience. 

Key Takeaways 

• Honor the feelings that come with major life transitions, it's normal to feel a sense of loss and uncertainty. 
• Small, realistic steps forward can lead to meaningful self-discovery and growth. 
• Embrace the magic middle as a time of possibility, humor, and new beginnings. 

Connect & Participate 

• Listeners are invited to connect on social media and share their own stories of transformation. 
• Join exclusive podcast giveaways in celebration of the show’s launch. 

 Kimberly concludes the episode with a call to action, inviting listeners to connect, share their own stories, and participate in exclusive podcast giveaways. This episode serves as a warm reminder that rediscovering yourself and nurturing your own passions is not only possible, but a vital and beaut

Chapters

• 0:00 Motherhood was my Identity.....Now What?
• 1:09 Rediscovering Yourself After Motherhood
• 2:18 Embracing the Silence and Finding Hope
• 5:25 Small Steps to Reconnect with Yourself
• 6:42 Realistic and Doable Steps for Healing
• 9:05 Finding Joy in the Little Things
• 10:54 Shoutout Segment
• 11:44 Stay Connected and Keep Your Heart Open

Transcript

Episode 2: Motherhood was my Identity.....Now What? 

 [00:00:00] Welcome to Top-Down Heart. Open a podcast for women in the magic middle, navigating what is next with the wind in their hair and their hearts wide open. Here we talk about starting over, rediscovering ourselves, new adventures, and living life on our own terms. It's about finding your voice and living fully, even when it is uncomfortable. 

No filters, no perfection, just honest conversations. I am your host, Kimberly Maturin, and I am on a journey to rediscover life, love, freedom, and joy. I am not a celebrity, nor am I an expert. I am a woman navigating this magic middle, one step at a time, one open road at a time. If you are ready for real top, fresh starts and learning how to dream again, you are in the right place because life is not over.  It is just changing and so are we. [00:01:00] I am so glad you are here. Buckle up. The next chapter is waiting. 

Rediscovering Yourself After Motherhood 

Hey there. Welcome back. This is episode two of Top Down, Heart Open. 

If you are listening, you might be in a space. I know all too well that quiet, complicated moment. Where the title of mom or spouse no longer takes up your entire day, and you are left asking, who am I without that role, motherhood was my identity. I poured everything I had into it. My days, my dreams, my heart, and my energy. The schedules, the school projects, the scraped knees, boy scout camp outs, late night talks. I wore a mom like a badge of honor, and I still do, but no one tells you how easy it is to lose yourself in that role. How over time you trade, what do I want for? What do they need? What parts of me [00:02:00] did I set aside? Who was I before I became mom and who do I want to be now? How your hobbies, your voice, even your name starts to fade, and you are just so-and-so's mom. If you are asking yourself those questions, you are not lost. 

Embracing the Silence and Finding Hope 

You're becoming, you are still needed, and you are still valuable. If your kids are growing up or gone, if you are sitting in that silence wondering what is next? If you feel invisible, tired, unsure, just know you are not alone. And you get to rediscover who you are. 

We celebrate becoming mothers with baby showers, sprinkles. And then one day they grow up. They don't need help picking out clothes. They do not need your approval for every decision. When they go off to college, move out. Get married, live their own [00:03:00] lives, and suddenly the world asks you, what do you do? Suddenly there's space. And in that space, confusion, grief, guilt. And yes, sometimes a whisper of hope, but no one prepares us for that shift when the role evolves. And no, not everyone understands that inner shift. Sometimes the people closest to us, a partner, a friend, even our children say, you will be fine, but inside you're not. I know what it feels like when people say, you should get out. Come to this. Let's meet up. And every part of you finds a reason to say no. 

Because you're tired, you're still adjusting to that quiet after the last kid left for college. You don't feel like answering the question. How are you doing? There's a storm no one else can see. If you're sitting in that silence right now, [00:04:00] not knowing who you are anymore, I want you to hear my voice and know you're not alone, you're not broken, and it's okay to not be okay as long as we keep reaching for moments that help us feel whole again. You know what I want to remove from this conversation, the stigma, the pressure to always say, I'm fine to smile and nod and pretend everything is okay, even when it's not, because sometimes it's not okay. 

And that's okay too. Whether it's your last child leaving home the silence after a loss, a divorce she never saw coming. It changes you. Mother is not your only role, but it has been your main one for so long. Let me be clear. I will always be a mom. It's my absolute favorite role, but it's not the only thing that defines me. 

I am [00:05:00] learning that motherhood can be part of my identity, not all of it. So now I'm asking what else lights me up. Every tiny step forward deserves recognition. Be kind to yourself during this process. You're not just starting over, you're evolving. Remember, the journey is uniquely yours and there's so much beauty waiting to be uncovered. 

Small Steps to Reconnect with Yourself 

When I was little, my mom, a single mom used to take us to state parks. It didn't cost much. A packed lunch and a tank of gas. We'd spend the day outside and just be, we still have those places. If you're in Louisiana like me, and if you're not, every state has a space like that. Huge shout out to Cypremont Point state Park, Lake Fausse Point State Park from my childhood and Fountain Blue State Park from my adulthood. 

Let me challenge you with something today. Start [00:06:00] small, get out of the house. Not a big trip, not a major makeover, just a small step. So here's your step. Get in the car, drive through a park, roll the windows down. Let the breeze touch your skin. 

You don't have to hike. You don't have to swim. Just go sit, breathe. Feel the sunrise or the sunset on your face. Sit in stillness. Notice the trees. Hear the sound of the waves crashing on the sand. Stay in the car if you want to then go home. That's enough. That's a start.  

Realistic and Doable Steps for Healing 

Small steps because this show isn't about pushing you into some picture-perfect version of healing. 

It's about realistic, doable steps. That bring you gently out of your comfort zone. No pressure, just presence. [00:07:00] You may not have the time, energy, or money to book a trip of a lifetime every year, and that's okay. But you can afford to remember that there is still life in you, and that's something every woman can do. 

One of the first moments I began to feel like me again was during a Jeep ride. My top off doors, off the wind in my face, and for just a few moments, my mind went quiet, no overthinking, just presence. That ride reminded me that I'm more than just a mom, and I love my children deeply, but there is a woman inside of me that still needs space. 

Another thing that helped talking into the note's app on my phone, just rambling, transcribing what I felt. I look back on those and remember the exact ache, the hope, the confusion, and that is why I started this podcast. 

While I'm sitting behind this mic [00:08:00] with my heart wide open, this show is my Jeep ride, and maybe it'll be yours too. Motherhood has shaped you beautifully, but it's not where your story ends. It's just the beginning of a new chapter. As we walk this road together, as we move through this journey, we will gain new perspective, not just from the joyful moments, but from the hard ones too. We've gotta walk through those valleys to truly appreciate the peaks. And yes, we're gonna have fun while we do it. This is your space, our space to explore everything from midlife glow up to rediscovering your style after 40. 

Makeup or no makeup? What happens when the kids leave and when they come back? Watching our parents age and learning to prioritize you again. We're navigating it all together, raw, real, and with a whole lot of heart. 

And [00:09:00] yes, we're going to have fun while we do it. This isn't a trend. We're building a tribe. 

Finding Joy in the Little Things 

 So I've always promised to keep it real on this podcast, and today I'm delivering on that double chin and all. 

So here I am filming little videos to share on the podcast, and I start getting in my head like most of us do. I'm noticing the chin, the double chin, the way I keep resting my hand on it. You know the drill. Like any rational woman in her forties on a mission, I go to Amazon, I find this thing called a chin lifting mask. 

Basically, it's a chin strap, a fancy, stretchy face hugging contraception that's supposed to sculpt the jawline. So I ordered that baby, it arrives. I'm very optimistic. I open up the package and I swear it had more twists, loops, and instructions than IKEA furniture, [00:10:00] but I'm determined. I get it on, look up in the mirror and y'all, I lost it. I looked like an extra from a sci-fi movie. Like I was prepping for a space mission does not rejuvenate in my face. I laughed until I cried. But I'll tell you this, even if that chin strap doesn't lift a thing, the laugh it gave me was worth every penny. So here is to  being real looking ridiculous sometimes and doing it anyway with love, with humor, and with our whole hearts. I'm making it a point to do things that take me out of my comfort zone. 

Even if it's something small, like a chin lift strap, a new set of makeup brushes, or something big like starting this podcast because every little stretch is giving me the strength to grow. And honestly, I owe it to myself to try.  

Shoutout Segment 

This is our shout out segment today. I want to send a very special [00:11:00] shout out to my cousin Beth, and her two amazing girls, Beth, I see you've been carrying so much, navigating life, motherhood, and the deep grief of losing your mom and our beloved grandmother. 

Through it all, you've shown such grace, strength, and love. Your girls are a reflection of that strength, and I know your mom would be so proud of the woman and mother that you are. Your light and joy are so needed in this world. Keep shining. Your family legacy is strong. 

This podcast community is built on real stories, real life, and real love. And today I just want you to know we're holding space for you. 

Stay Connected and Keep Your Heart Open 

 [00:12:00] So stay tuned, stay open, and if this episode spoke to you, here's what I'd love for you to do. Share this podcast with a friend who's navigating this same season. Follow the show so you never miss a weekly dose of realness. Leave a review. Let me know what's resonating. Your words. Help others to find us. Come stay. Hi on Instagram @TopDownHeartOpen. 

Follow, subscribe, and don't be shy. Send us an email. Tag us on social media. I'd love to hear your story. To celebrate the launch of Top-Down, Heart Open, we're giving away some exclusive podcast merch. To our listeners, email us topdownheartopen@gmail.com and include your name, mailing address, and a little bit about yourself and what brought you here. 

The first five to email us will receive a gift who knows? You might get a little something extra or a shout from me, your [00:13:00] host. Let's stay real. Stay open and ride this next chapter together. Wherever you are today, take a deep breath. 

Remember, it's never too late to rediscover yourself, to dream new dreams and to live the life you were meant for. Roll the windows down and keep your heart open. You are exactly where you're meant to be. This is our road now and we don't have to drive it alone. Thank you so much for listening today. 

Until next time. 

Privacy Policy for Top Down Heart Open  

Effective Date: May 7, 2025 

Top Down Heart Open  (“we,” “us,” or “our”) values your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect information through our Facebook Page and related digital content platforms. By engaging with our content, you agree to the practices described in this policy. 

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• To exercise these rights, contact us at: topdownheartopen@gmail.com 

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• We may update this Privacy Policy occasionally. Updates will be posted on this page with the revised date. 

9. Contact Us 

• If you have questions or concerns about this policy, contact us at: 

Top Down Heart Open 

Click to visit our website 

topdownheartopen@gmail.com 

Mandeville, Louisiana 

Disclaimer  

This podcast "Top Down, Heart Open" and website represents the opinions of Kimberly Poirier-Maturin, and her guests to the show and website. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions. Views and opinions expressed in the podcast and website are our own and do not represent that of our places of work. While we make every effort to ensure that the information we are sharing is accurate, we welcomeany comments, suggestions, or correction of errors. 

Acknowledgement & Credits 

Apple and Apple Podcasts are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. 

Soundstripe (tracks used in Broadcast) 

 
      Track Title: Sunshine Drive 
      Artist Name(s): LNDO 
      Writer Name: Landon Bailey 
      Writer IPI Number: 805181264 
      Publisher Name: Boss Soundstripe Productions 
      Publisher IPI Number: 886235500 
      |  
      Track Title: Magical oomerang 
      Artist Name(s): Wayfair 
      Writer Name: Aaron Sprinkle 
      Writer IPI Number: 179772610 
      Publisher Name: Boss Soundstripe Productions 
      Publisher IPI Number: 886235500 
     

Copyright Notice 

All content, including audio, text, images, and other materials provided on the podcast “Top Down, Heart Open” and its associated website, are the intellectual property of Kimberly Poirier-Maturin and contributors, unless otherwise stated. These materials are protected under copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise utilized without prior written permission from the copyright holder.The unauthorized use or duplication of this material without express and written permission from the owner is strictly prohibited. Exceptions include brief quotations for reviews or scholarly articles, provided proper credit is attributed to the original source.For permissions, inquiries, or licensing requests, please contact: [topdownheartopen@gmail.com](mailto:topdownheartopen@gmail.com)