In this episode, Dave and Jen kick off by admitting they really didn't want to record - but as often happens, their hesitation gives way to one of their most meaningful conversations.
What unfolds is a deep dive into the challenge of creating personal space while building a new life in Spain. Jen opens up about her struggle to find alone time since moving abroad, realizing her tendency to be the family "high watch" (always alert, always present) goes way deeper than their current circumstances.
They explore what happens when we hit capacity limits during major life changes, and how losing usual support systems impacts the ability to recharge. Dave challenges Jen's assumptions about what would happen if she actually took time away, leading to powerful realizations about how her wellbeing creates a multiplier effect for their whole family.
The conversation takes an interesting turn as they discuss how Jen's recent choice to stop drinking until Christmas has created unexpected clarity. They dig into the crucial difference between building true capacity and merely tolerating discomfort - a distinction that resonates far beyond just their experience.
Whether you're navigating a big life transition, trying to maintain personal boundaries while parenting, or simply wondering why it's so hard to prioritize your own needs - this conversation offers a vulnerable look at challenges rarely discussed but universally faced. Through their own messy process of figuring it out, Dave and Jen hope to offer permission for others to examine their own relationship with space, capacity, and growth.
