Resilient Parenting, Risk-Taking, and Medical Aesthetics Done Right

Episode #037

Sendy Mom Rachel Lark from Nulily Esthetics, Mother of 4 and RN

Many women reach a moment where life looks “fine” on the outside—but doesn’t feel aligned on the inside. In this episode of the Sendy Mom Podcast, Rachel Lark shares what happens when you stop ignoring that feeling and start choosing courage instead.

Rachel’s story weaves together three powerful themes: teaching children structure, recognizing when your life needs to change, and embracing beauty without losing your identity.

Teaching Kids Through Structure:

As a mother, Rachel emphasizes that structure isn’t about rigidity—it’s about giving children a framework that helps them feel safe, capable, and resilient. Teaching kids that life isn’t always fair, that failure is part of learning, and that empathy matters prepares them for the real world.

“Be a problem solver!”
Rachel Lark and children from Brooke Romney’s Book

If you’re struggling with having structure, here are a few recommendations:

Share a calendar
1. Rachel mentions using the Skylight Calendar. You can check it out here.
2. Sync Google or iOS calendars
3. Buy a wall calendar like this to write on with transparency/dry erase markers
Share a task list
- I love Reminders on the iPhone. I have many lists like packing lists, grocery lists, dinner menu lists, money chore lists, individual chore lists. I can just ask Siri to add to any of these lists for me and I share them with my kids so they can add to my grocery list or choose a money chore to do. I have a friend who used her “Alexa” for the same types of lists.
- Laminate a chore list to check off when completed to use and reuse.
- Chore charts – move a picture card when a task is completed
- Punch cards they can turn in when they have completed them for prizes. Subscribe to sendymom.com for more free resources.
- Make it a game – Decide now! is a great app. You can add tasks and spin to know which to do next, or if you’re a gamer, you can use a D&D dice like my daughter to decide what you’ll do and which room you’ll do it in.

Menu planning
1. Dinner list – Add to it when you get new ideas. Every week, choose dinners from your list of go-to dinners.
2. Grocery list – Don’t waste time at the store. Always use a list and stick to it
3. Grocery delivery – if you can afford it, this is very helpful
4. Have your kids come up with a meal to plan, shop for and make with you. It’s a great way to teach them to cook for themselves as well
Choose activities based on your priorities to plug into your calendar and teach your children to be in charge of their schedule.

Recognizing When Life Needs to Change:

Professionally, Rachel’s transition from ICU nursing to medical aesthetics required deep honesty. She recognized that while she was grateful for her career, it no longer fit the life she wanted to build. Instead of staying stuck, she chose to normalize the risk of starting something new—without having all the answers.

If you’re feeling stuck, hire a coach to help you find your power. E-mail me for information about life coaching.

Embracing Beauty Without Losing Your Identity:

Enhancing natural beauty isn’t about becoming someone else; it’s about caring for yourself while honoring who you already are.

One of the very first self-help books I read as a 12-year-old was “Psycho Cyber-Netics” by Dr. Maxwell Maltz. It was written in 1960. It is based on Positive Psychology but written from the perspective of a plastic surgeon noticing how some people gained confidence after small surgeries, while others with extensive surgeries could still only see imperfections.

“Today, I am more convinced than ever that what each of us really wants, deep down, is more LIFE… When we experience expansive emotions of happiness, self-confidence, and success, we enjoy more life. And to the degree that we inhibit our abilities, frustrate our God-given talents, and allow ourselves to suffer anxiety, fear, self-condemnation and self-hate, we literally choke off the life force available to us and turn our back upon the gift which our Creator has made.”
Dr. Maxwell Maltz

This episode is for any woman quietly asking, “Is this all there is?” The answer isn’t instant clarity—but it is permission to begin.

Mentioned in the Show: