Episodes

  • Hello, May

    Hello, May
    May 1 2024

    April was tough. For me, it’s a month of joy and celebration that was also marked by significant loss this year. I am still feeling a bit disoriented as I navigate grief and overwhelm, while still finding gratitude in God’s blessings and in recognizing the miracle of each new day. I am learning to be more present, less perfect, and even more tethered to God in this season. And will continue to water the seeds He’s given me, in hopeful expectation of what’s to bloom.

    At the top of April, I started a series here on identity, but the final two posts in that series remain in my drafts. At the time I was set to publish them, they felt premature and undone. Like there was more that God was still working on in me before I could share. So, I chose not to release them, yet. This month, I plan to revisit those rough thoughts on personal growth and perception, and ask God how to prepare them for publication.

    I also intend to take better care of myself in May. I have spent the last several weeks, and will spend the next couple of weeks, caring for and serving others. And I realize how it’s already begun to deplete my own emotional and spiritual reserves. I share this because it might just be the reminder that you need to care for yourself first in this season. Will you join me in the pursuit of restoration and radical self-love this month? Let me know below.

    xo, m.

    The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

    — Psalm 34:18

    During life's tougher chapters—those times when grief weighs heavy and anxiety clouds our vision of the future—it's critical that we remind ourselves of the promises nestled in the words of scripture. Psalm 34:18 offers such a promise: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

    This verse is a tender assurance that in moments of sorrow or overwhelming change, we are not forgotten. It speaks directly to those of us navigating the rough terrain of loss or facing the daunting unknown of what’s next in our lives. The Lord’s closeness in these times isn't just a passive presence; it's an active engagement alongside us even in our deepest struggles.

    Embracing this promise means resting in the fact that our pain and our challenges are seen, and that help is at hand. It invites us to lean not on our own understanding but on the strength that comes from God’s divine companionship. In practical terms, this might look like giving ourselves permission to slow down, to mourn, to sit with our feelings without judgment, and to seek support when the burden feels too heavy to bear alone.

    Practicing self-care in these seasons is essential. It might be as simple as ensuring enough rest, nourishing our bodies with good food, or finding moments for activities that replenish our spirits. And as always, recognizing and documenting gratitude daily will transform our perspective—helping us to see beyond our immediate circumstances to the bigger picture of God’s ongoing work in, and through, our lives.

    So, if you find yourself feeling brokenhearted or crushed in spirit, recite this psalm. Let it remind you that you are not alone in your struggles. Allow it to inspire you to practice self-care and gratitude. In the midst of everything, remember that God is close, and His help is real. Let's hold onto that truth, together.

    I can’t stop eating fruit. All the good stuff is in season starting in May — blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, and mangoes. And all of it has gone from flavorless (bitter, even) to sweet, ripe, and juicy. And the best is yet to come because I know the berries are only getting better in the summer months, especially those raspberries, and then the peaches will be ready! I’m excited to hit up my local farmers market and get in on all the fresh and local goodness. Thank you, apples, pears, and oranges for your services, but berries are back!

    Friends, I pray that you find simple pleasures in your daily lives this week that you point you both to self care and gratitude. Until, next time, be well.

    The Self Love Letter Love, Maaden is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.



    This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lovemaaden.substack.com/subscribe
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    5 mins
  • Hello, April

    Hello, April
    Apr 4 2024
    Spring has sprung. The rain showers are pouring, the cherry blossoms are blooming, our Savior has risen, and the season of birthday celebrations is rolling in at our house. It’s a beautiful time.Thank you—by the way—for the love on my birthday; it really filled me up.I woke up on my birthday amazed by the fact that I am an adult in her forties. It’s not like I didn’t see it coming, but it’s just wild how time flies. And it seems to move even faster with age. The months and milestones roll into decades before we know it.This year, I’ve been especially reflective on my identity. There’s a card I pulled from my Self Love Practice Deck that asks, “Who am I without my titles?” I love this question for how it pushes us to go deeper. Most often, when we're asked who we are or to introduce or describe ourselves, we start with our titles—who we are to others. “I am a mother.” “I am a business owner.” “I am Christian.” “I am a Black woman.” “I am a college graduate.” But these are titles, labels, that don’t even begin to describe our identity, who we truly are.In my quiet time on my 41st birthday, I struggled to answer this question. I sat with the question a bit longer, asking myself, “Who am I really?” I started considering traits that could only be uncovered with time or from the inside out—my passion, my potential, and my personality. This led me to our April series on identity. This month, I plan to share my thoughts on how we can explore our identity from the lens of identity & purpose, identity & personal growth, and identity & perception. Let’s start by asking ourselves this question, “Who was I created to be?”As always, thank you for being here, friend. I am looking forward to walking this path with you in the month ahead.xo, m.Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. — Matthew 5:5Meek is not a word that I would use to describe myself. In fact, if someone called me “meek,” I would probably feel a way. I came across this scripture in my Bible time this morning, and it jumped out at me for that very reason. I saw “meek” but it read “weak.” My first instinct was to look up the word "meek." It didn’t help. The definition used words like quiet, gentle, easily imposed upon, and submissive. Gentle, I can work with, but the rest, not so much.I kept going, y'all, trying to figure out how this scripture could speak to me. The promise that the meek “will inherit the earth” sounded worth it. I read different translations of the original text and found other definitions, words like humble, kind-hearted, sweet-spirited, and self-controlled. I thought, okay, we’re getting somewhere. I went back and read the chapter in its entirety, studying each of the beatitudes (nine blessings recounted by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount). I sat with each piece of encouragement, measuring my identity and experience against each one. I went further, looking for context by reading the previous chapters in the Gospel of Matthew. It was becoming more clear.As I began to understand it, meekness, in the Biblical context, is not about being weak or timid. It's about demonstrating strength under control, humility, and the consideration of others. It's the quality of being gentle, not in the absence of power, but in the choice not to misuse it. Jesus embodied meekness. He has the ultimate power, yet He chose to serve, to love, and to sacrifice for others according to God’s purpose for Him.Society often measures success by how much control we exert over our circumstances and over others. But adopting meekness as part of our identity means recognizing that true strength comes from God, and manifests in our lives as gentleness, patience, and self-control. It's about knowing when to speak and when to listen, when to stand firm and when to yield. This challenged my definitions of strength and success.The promise that the meek "will inherit the earth," while still appealing, hit differently when I went back to it. Yes, those who renounce the need for control, for power, even for wealth; those who live with humility and gentleness, are the ones who will be rewarded. But this reward isn’t the material wealth or earthly power that we often consider an inheritance, it’s something much deeper—the fulfillment and peace that comes from living in accordance with God's will.Embracing meekness will require practice, for sure. For some of us, more than others, we will need to make a daily decision to submit to God, to exercise kindness and respect in all circumstances, and to be mindful to pursue peace over anything. By doing so, we offer a compelling witness to the transformative power of the gospel that allows us to lead a life of impact, not influence.This month, as I consider my true identity, I will do so with meekness as my starting point. I am asking myself what ways my identity and personality may already be aligned with meekness, and what ways I ...
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    7 mins
  • Hello, March

    Hello, March
    Mar 5 2024

    I love the springtime. For most of my life, I’ve been excited about spring in anticipation of my birthday. I am big on my birthday. And while spring birthday season is still very much a thing for all the members of our household, it’s not the sole reason for my excitement.

    My excitement grows from a lot of the same feelings you are likely feeling — the anticipation of more sunshine, the lifting of the winter blues, and just this general sense of renewal. Renewal not just in the natural but also metaphorically in the areas of my spirit, my space, and myself. I am ready for something new on all fronts, and this month I intend to focus and meditate on renewal in the same way that I centered my thoughts around love last month.

    I’d love to know how you’re feeling this month. Are you anticipating refreshment and renewal, too? Is your spring cleaning underway? (Y'all know I am full steam ahead!) Maybe you’ve given something up for the Lenten season and find yourself going inward? Or maybe you're the opposite, and just ready to be outside? Let me know! I love hearing back from you.

    xo, m.

    The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come.

    — Solomon 2:11-12 (NIV)

    There’s something about shaking off the winter chill and welcoming even just a little more sunshine that helps lift our moods and renew our minds. This scripture from the book of Solomon evokes that feeling of beauty and hope that comes with the changing seasons. And just as nature has this rebirth each spring, we too can open ourselves up to renewal.

    For a lot of us, the season that we’re coming out feels a lot like winter — long, dark, isolating. A time when things didn’t appear to be growing. But like the winter, this season must make way for the next; the frost will melt away, and those things that looked not to be growing, maybe even appeared dead, will blossom and bloom.

    As we welcome spring, I am ready to let go of the past, to release the weight of burdens, and to embrace the possibilities of new beginnings. My word for the year is ‘lighter,’ and that’s how I am entering the coming season — cleaning and clearing, purging and purifying, organizing and in order.

    I’m taking inspiration from the flowers, the birds, and bees. Immersing myself in the beauty of nature, reconnecting with people I love, and pursuing the passions that bring me the most fulfillment. In a society that says we should decide who we are early on, brand ourselves as such, and then stick to it — I want to extend an invitation to evolve, just as nature does. To embrace growth, change, and something new.

    I invite you to join me as I welcome the month of March with an open heart and open mind, ready to embrace all the beauty and blessings it has to offer. Our season of singing has come.

    I am loving all things spring — the longer days, sunshine and rain, pastel prints, and floral facades. I can’t wait to see the Cherry Blossoms in peak bloom in the city I love later this month, just before the emergence of one of my favorite flowers, tulips at the Floral Library just near the National Mall.

    And, in the spirit of spring cleaning – which I have been doing feverishly all February long – I’m also loving the Brightroom storage collection at Target. It’s reasonably priced, modern, and has modular mix & match organization for every room in the house. I’ve used it to get all the little nooks and crannies of our home organized and in order.

    The Self Love Letter Love, Maaden is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.



    This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lovemaaden.substack.com/subscribe
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    5 mins
  • Love & Motherhood

    Love & Motherhood
    Feb 27 2024
    If you know about my journey to motherhood, how it was clouded by loss, seasoned with tears, and suffocated by moments of hopelessness, then you can only imagine the intensity of my joy when our daughter was born. That intensity often comes into play in my relationship with her now as she grows into a little person.Like so many mothers, I want to smother her with my love, to shield and protect her from this world, and to give her everything her heart desires because she is my heart’s desire. But her life doesn’t exist merely as a fulfillment of my hopes and dreams.Her life doesn’t exist merely as a fulfillment of my hopes and dreams.She is a person with her own purpose, developing thoughts, hopes, dreams, and validity— kid or not. I have to be careful that our relationship doesn’t become too me-centered. She should be just as much a part of our relationship as I am. She should be heard, seen, and guided, not smothered and spoiled.This week, as we close out the month of love, I am reflecting on what it means to show up with love as a mother.xo, m.The Self Love Letter Love, Maaden is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber."Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it." — Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)Sarah Jakes Roberts described parenting in her first book, Lost & Found, as being a foster parent to this being who is, in actuality, God’s child. That’s so well stated. While our children are in our custody and care, they really do belong to God. It’s God’s purpose, protection, and plan that rules their lives, not ours.Still, we have a supremely important role in the lives of our children. While we can’t or shouldn’t live their lives for them, we do have a vital responsibility as their parents to “start children off on the way they should go”. Here are some ideas on how:Guide. On a trail, a guide is someone who has traveled the path before and can advise us on which way to go and the best route to take. Our role in "starting children off on the way they should go" requires us to be their guide. Proverbs 13:24 states, "The one who loves their children is careful to discipline them." It's our responsibility to teach right from wrong, provide structure and accountability, and correct them when they go off course.Support. Be your kids’ cheerleader. Just like in a marathon, the support you have on the sidelines can determine how far you go. Be careful that the energy you put into correcting and rebuking your child doesn’t overshadow the energy you expend to affirm, validate, and support them. Scream it at top of your lungs — value their ideas, show enthusiasm for their interests, and dedicate your time and attention to them.Model. Guiding them down this path means showing them the way. Be conscious not just of how you speak to and interact with your children, but also of how you speak about them, how you treat others, and how you talk about yourself. Demonstrate the respect that you expect, and the patience that you require. Be kind, be generous, be open to learn. They're always watching.I am grateful that God has chosen my husband and I to start our little one off on the way that she should go, and I trust that He will keep her the rest of the way!For the last nine months, I've been co-producing the Mamas In Waiting Retreat with my friend and founder, Erica Williams Simon, and it’s absolutely what I’m loving. This retreat was born from our shared experience of unexpectedly challenging journeys to motherhood, and we’ve designed it to offer what we wished we had during that time. And let me tell you, it's going to be amazing.I'm personally inviting you to attend if you're a mama-in-waiting, or to encourage someone you know to join us even if you're not. Being a mama-in-waiting isn't just about struggling to conceive; it includes so much more:* It's for the woman who has experienced the loss of a newborn, pregnancy, or pregnancies (1 in 4).* It's for the woman who has a child and is struggling to have another (1 in 10).* It's for the woman considering adoption after infertility (1 in 20).* It's for the woman who dreams of being a mother one day but doesn't see a clear path yet.* It's for the woman who feels like she's giving up or has given up on her desire.This retreat is for every one of those women and more. And it's not about "getting pregnant," giving advice, or offering encouragement. It's about creating a space for sharing, processing, and allowing ourselves to be loved and cared for amidst our unhealed grief and unanswered prayers. It will be luxurious, restorative, and nourishing. And I can hardly wait.Also, in the spirit of Love & Motherhood, I am loving the Family Connection Kit (available now in in my shop, Love Goods Co.) Our family uses the card deck during the week at dinnertime, and it has allowed us to practice vulnerabilty and ...
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    6 mins
  • Love & Friendship

    Love & Friendship
    Feb 12 2024
    Our friendships are some of the most intimate and healing relationships we can have. Our friends love us, support us, understand us, and help heal us. In my seasons of loss and grief, it’s my friends who hugged me tight, forced me to laugh, and cracked open my heart with their own vulnerability.Still, and knowing all of this, the deeper we get into our careers, families, and daily lives, we find ourselves neglecting those very friendships, or at the very least taking them for granted. Toggling calendars to get a girls' night on the books, rescheduling a coffee date for the third time, and “meaning to call” a friend that’s been on our mind for weeks. It’s one of the struggles of being grown.The Self Love Letter Love, Maaden is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Our little one, by comparison, has flourishing “friendships” that sprout up almost weekly on the playground or in the classroom. But maintaining meaningful connections—or harder still forging new ones—as adults requires a different level of intentionality. One that doesn’t come so easily. They say that cultivating friendships is like tending to a garden, that it requires our attention and care in order to bloom. Lord knows from my trail of dried up and decrepit houseplants that this far from effortless for some, but it’s possible and more than worth it.Our adult friendships, whether they are with our “day ones” or with someone new, are a reminder that we're not alone in this journey. And the one thing we can’t afford to be as we grow older, is alone. We need the ones who cheer us on when we're winning and lift us up when we're down. The ones who know our quirks, our dreams, and our fears, and love us anyway. The comforters, the co-conspirators, and the crazies that we can't live without. Whether it's grabbing coffee, hopping on a call, or making time for a girlfriends' getaway, we have to do what we have to do to keep our friendships going.So here's to friendships as adults—to the commute chats, the late night and early morning texts, the weekend adventures, and the shared memories that make life a little easier and a little sweeter. Because in the end, it's the people we share it with that make the journey worthwhile.xo, m.A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. — Proverbs 17:17 (NIV)The proverb says that a true friend will love and support us whether we’re up or down. And even more so in times of adversity, elevating themselves from friend to brother (or, in my case, sister).I’ve heard many an elder say that tough times will show you who your true friends are. I used to interpret this as meaning that those who disappear during difficult times were never real friends to begin with. However, with maturity, I understand that not everyone can walk with us into every season, and I'm okay with that. What I now take away from their wisdom, and also see in this scripture is that my closest friends— those that don’t just show up but lean in when life gets messy, scary or dark— are my also my sisters. I am so grateful to have a sister who is also a friend, and friends who have become sisters.I love a theme, so in keeping with the theme of friendship, I want to highlight some gifts that I am loving in my shop, Love Goods Co., which were created to promote connection, friendship and sisterhood. * The Friendship Connection Box is perfect for a girls night-in with a 40 card deck of prompts and practices to cultivate connection, plus a refreshing citrus + sugar scented candle, delicious herbal tea and sweet treats to share.* The Bestie Box is limited edition gift box designed for Galentine’s Day but also just a sweet gift to remind your bestie that she’s loved. It comes with a hibsicus tea, jasmine shower steamer (that smells SO good), a pink champagne lip scrub + balm duo, and a light & feminine scented candle.* The Friendship Connection Deck is a 40 card deck that leads you and a friend through a shared practice of insight, empathy and connection through love. Buy it and keep it on your coffee table for the next time you have a friend by to visit.Because you’re a friend of the Love, Maaden community, I'm offering a discount with code FRIEND for 15% off any of this week’s friendship faves! Shop lovegoodsco.com 💛Do something simple this week and phone a friend. Let them know you appreciate them, and if you can, make plans to get togther soon. The Self Love Letter Love, Maaden is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lovemaaden.substack.com/subscribe
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    5 mins
  • Hello, February

    Hello, February
    Feb 5 2024
    2023 got out of here like she stole something! Sheesh.I traveled down a rabbit hole of internet “research,” trying to understand why we all seem to feel like time is moving faster than ever before. Of course, everybody and their momma has a theory—from the end-of-the-days to collective post-pandemic PTSD. There are scientific studies that say it's linked to our diminishing ability to process visual information with age, conventional wisdom that says it’s because we have fewer "new" and novel experiences to take in, and then there’s this idea that our daily routines have us operating almost on “auto-pilot” in our day-to-day lives. Each theory lands on the idea that our lack of attention makes it feel like that days are slipping into years almost unnoticed. While I’m not sure if any of these theories are exactly it, I do agree that time tends to move faster when we don’t slow down. And I’m learning to take the feeling of time slipping by as a welcomed reminder to pause, pay attention, and be more present.One way I'm embracing this present mindset is through my reflective writing practice. The Be Still & Know 21-day challenge provided a good, grounding start to the new year. It allowed us to reflect on stillness, immerse ourselves in God’s Word, and also to connect with others in this community. The additional gift for me, though, was the opportunity to write consistently. I like it, and I want to do more of it. So, you can expect to receive more messages from me here and fewer on social. I’m also taking a break from podcasting for a season, so I plan to incorporate some of our podcast staples like “love it or leave it” and “a word with Maaden” into this format in the meantime. I shared at the top of the year that my word for 2024 is “lighter,” and that’s just how this feels—lighter. It also feels very much in line with the more/less list that I created for the year ahead. So here’s to more quiet time, creating, connecting, and reading + writing and less of the rest."Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." - 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)I talk a lot about love here, so it’s no surprise that my reflection as we open up February—a month adorned with hearts, flowers, and sweet nothings—is on the power of love. Not love as this romanticized, fleeting emotion but love as, arguably, the most profound of all human experiences.The words in 1 Peter say that, "love covers over a multitude of sins." A reminder that true love has the power to heal through forgiveness. And not just forgiveness for one thing but that this type of authentic love, extends grace that covers the broad range of our faults and human imperfections. The word multitude—translated from the original Greek "πλῆθος" (plēthos)—emphasizes the comprehensive and forgiving nature of love in dealing with the plethora or abundance of flaws that we each have. The verse invites us to practice a love that forgives, recognizing the inherent humanity in ourselves and others. It calls us to extend compassion, understanding, and grace. Consider the various relationships in your life—first, your relationship with yourself but also the bonds with family, friends, and colleagues. How can you love better? How might love, as described in 1 Peter, show up in these relationships? Can you, even in relationships that are thick with tension or thin with distance, choose love as your guiding principle? Can you allow it to cover misgivings and open you up to connection?This month, let’s practice true love, not just the fluffy idea love, but the deep love that requires forgiveness, vulnerability, and grace.I bought my first home at age 25. It was a third-story condo with a loft, super high ceilings, and spacious bedrooms with walk-in closets. I was living, y'all! Sure, I had to climb up those hot steps every day to my front door (there was no elevator); and yes, I had a curmudgeon of an old man as a neighbor (God rest his soul) who complained to me about everything I did every time he saw me; and no, it didn’t turn out to be the investment of my American dreams either because I bought in 2008 (and y'all already know how that story ended)... buuut the place was my first home, my first adult accomplishment, and I loved it.One of the things that I loved the most about it was the proximity to a grocery store that I'd never visited before then, Trader Joe's. It was love at first check-out and I was in there so often that my friends would joke that Trader Joe was my boyfriend. It was the perfect place to try new finds, pick up the makings for quick and easy meals for one, and get affordable flowers for my new place each week! Well, guess what, y'all? TJ and I are reunited. There is not one, but two Trader Joe’s within a mile from our daughter’s school, so weekly visits with my boo Joe are back on! So for this week’s “What I’m Loving,” I am sharing some of my faves from TJ’...
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    7 mins
  • Behind The Sound: Meet Marcus

    Behind The Sound: Meet Marcus
    Dec 18 2023
    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit lovemaaden.substack.com

    *Surprise!* It’s a bonus episode.

    We’ve promised long enough, and it’s finally time that we turn the spotlight on our friend and sound engineer, Marcus aka DJ SupaFlyTNT. He join us in front of the sound board this week and let’s us ask all the questions – including what he’s loving or leaving! LOL.

    Learn why he's continued to particpate as an integral p…
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    8 mins
  • Love, Laugh and Be Merry

    Love, Laugh and Be Merry
    Dec 11 2023

    NOTE: We lost audio this week and had to use a work around, so there’s an echo and the overall sound quality is diminished, but the content was too good not to share. We appreciate the grace, and hope that the episode still encourages and entertains you!

    Hey Yall Hey!

    We’re back for another heart-to-heart as we wrap up Season 7. And we’re dedicating our season finale episode to joy, laughter, and merriment.

    We opened our talk by shouting out one of our faves and her mobile massage business. Check her out at Wellness With Char. We both had holiday-themed “leave its” this week. Tennille’s had to do with e-commerce, and mine was food-related.

    Now, let's set the stage for this season finale. We wanted to focus on the joy of the season and focus on laughter and merriment this episode. Psalm 126:2 sets the tone: "Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy..." Get into for Season 7: Episode 10: Love, Laugh & Be Merry.

    In our deep-dive segment, "Digging In," we reflect on the journey of the past seven seasons – and how this show has been a source of joy in our lives, “winter break” plans and how we'll infuse merriment into this special time. From belly laughs to navigating mid-life with a sprinkle of merriment, we're leaning into more happiness.

    As always we wrap you in a comforting prayer to close out not just the episode but the season, seeking God’s guidance for embracing merriment and tapping into genuine joy. And because we always have your back, our weekly practice is all about healing through laughter. This week, dedicate a few minutes each day to a mindful laughter exercise. Start with a genuine laugh, and let it resonate. Even if it feels forced initially, it often turns into genuine laughter, boosting your mood. After all, laughter is the best medicine, right?

    Ya’ll, we’re so grateful for you and we're sending you all the love and gratitude. Until the next season, let's laugh, be merry, and soak in the joy of the season.

    Love, Maaden



    This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lovemaaden.substack.com/subscribe
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    58 mins