logo
episode-header-image
Jun 10
43m 13s

209 - What is the Meaning of Life? – Ali...

Michelle Maros & Barb Schmidt
About this episode

✨We’re on YouTube✨⟶ Watch our episodes here: @lifehappensthepodcast

Redefine how you view life’s purpose with this eye opening episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle. In a world that glorifies big achievements, Barb and Michelle offer a refreshing perspective: that true fulfillment often lives in the small, everyday moments. Join us as we explore how letting go of society’s pressure to do more can open the door to a more authentic, purpose-driven life—rooted in presence, connection, and values that truly matter. ⬇️


✨ Pre-order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌

⟶ https://thedearfriendbook.com

Purpose isn’t about fitting into a box or meeting society’s predefined notions of success. It’s not limited to titles or grand milestones. Instead, purpose is about trusting your unique path—showing up as your most authentic self and living from a place of alignment and intention.

In today’s episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle, we have a candid conversation about discovering purpose and meaning in life. With so much pressure to define success through external accomplishments, it’s easy to feel like purpose has to be something extraordinary or dramatic. But what if the most meaningful life is built through small, intentional choices rooted in your values?

Barb shares her wisdom on living with purpose, even amid uncertainty and societal expectations. Michelle opens up about her own journey of struggling to find meaning—and how she ultimately found clarity and alignment by embracing her truth.

From their unique mother-daughter perspective, Barb and Michelle explore how their understanding of purpose has shifted over time—moving away from hustle and pressure and toward ease, presence, and self-compassion.

Purpose isn’t a fixed destination—it’s fluid, evolving as we grow. This episode is an invitation to stay curious, stay open, and trust what’s calling you in each moment.

Here's what we’re exploring in this episode:

Follow the Breadcrumbs of Life

Start noticing the small actions or interactions that spark curiosity, light you up, or leave you feeling inspired. These seemingly simple moments are breadcrumbs—clues that can lead you toward a more purposeful, aligned life.

Find Your Teachers

There's a deep purpose in growth. Stay open to the wisdom and lessons that come your way—whether through books, conversations, experiences, or people who speak to your soul.

Be Open to the Unexpected

Let go of the rigid idea of how your life should look. When you release expectations, you create space for your true path to reveal itself—one that’s uniquely yours.

Your Purpose Doesn’t Have to Be Grandiose

You don’t need a single, defining achievement to live a meaningful life. Purpose is woven through small, everyday moments. Whether it’s holding the door for someone or contributing your gifts at work, these acts matter. You are already enough—just as you are.

💗 A Gentle Reminder:

Purpose often reveals itself in the quiet, ordinary moments. The key is learning to notice and honor them.

We’re so grateful you’re here with us! As a mother-daughter duo, we’re passionate about sharing the real-life lessons that have shaped us—so you can feel empowered to build confidence, prioritize self-care, manage our mental health and navigate life’s challenges with emotional strength and resilience.

This month, we dive deep into building confidence and advocating for yourself. Every episode this June is devoted to helping you connect with your purpose and trust your inner voice—with powerful practices, heartfelt reminders, and real talk to support you every step of the way.

Join us next Tuesday for another heartfelt and healing episode of Life Happens with Barb Michelle! 💕


Join our community:

YouTube: @LifeHappensThePodcast

Instagram: @LifeHappensThePodcast

Substack: lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com

TikTok: @LifeHappensThePodcast



Our Sponsors:
* Check out Moon & Skin and use my code LIFEHAPPENS for a great deal: https://moonandskin.com
* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code LIFEHAPPENS for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.com
* Check out Washington Red Raspberries: https://redrazz.org


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Up next
Yesterday
219 - Cultivating Mental Resilience as an Athlete and Student
Your mental health is your competitive advantage. Learn how to integrate mindfulness and emotional wellness into your daily life—especially when you’re navigating high expectations, constant pressure, and a packed schedule. ⬇️In this special episode, we sit down with former NFL a ... Show More
1h 8m
Aug 12
218 - Acceptance is a Journey: Navigating Life’s Unexpected Losses & Changes
Life is unpredictable—and learning to navigate change with grace isn’t always easy.In this heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle, we dive into the emotional realities of unexpected loss, transition, and the journey toward acceptance.Barb opens up about the grie ... Show More
1 h
Aug 5
217 - Emotional Wellness for Teens: How to Parent in the Age of Anxiety
This generation is growing up more stressed, isolated, and overwhelmed than ever before— here’s how parents can help bridge the gap and support youth mental health. ⬇️In this eye-opening episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle, we dive into the realities of parenting in to ... Show More
51m 38s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2023
162. Don’t Get Mad, Get Everything You’ve Ever Wanted
You can get mad... or you can get everything you've ever desired... pick your adventure. This episode is the PEP TALK you didn't know you absolutely needed. If you want to learn how to deal with catty co-workers, jealous friends, or people who throw hate your way, this is the per ... Show More
36m 36s
Sep 2024
711. Overwhelmed? Here's what to do about it.
It’s no secret that women in this community are stressed out and doing the most! In this eye-opening solo episode, Krista addresses one of the most potent problems faced by women today: overwhelm. Learn how you can finally beat your burnout and feel rested + inspired again! Ahead ... Show More
50m 16s
Jan 2021
Daily Dad and Emily Oster on Rational Parenting
On today’s episode, Ryan has a wide-ranging conversation with professor and economist Emily Oster. They talk about how to balance your life with children, how to communicate positive messaging, how the American government handled the pandemic, and more.Emily Oster is a professor ... Show More
53m 1s
Feb 2024
Ep 53: The Reality of Real Friendships and Seeking Wellness with Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo
This week, Melissa is joined by Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo, co-hosts of the "Giggly Squad" podcast and best friends from Bravo's 'Summer House.' In this laughter-filled episode, Hannah and Paige discuss how to embrace imperfections as a source of strength rather than weaknes ... Show More
1h 17m
Dec 2023
Accountability and Discipline: The Duo For Success in 2024
Before kicking off the new year, we highly encourage you to reflect on this year’s progress, experiences, highs and lows. We did an episode last year, December 2022, called “How To Reflect on Your Goals” if you want to listen as we share our progress for going through your year f ... Show More
51m 17s
Nov 2024
The Unexpected Value of Regret & The Evolution of Creative Thought
Most refrigerators come with a light inside. It goes on when you open the door. It’s very helpful. So why doesn’t the freezer have a light too? This episode begins with the interesting explanation. https://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2012/07/why-is-there-a-light-in-the-refri ... Show More
55m 4s
Mar 2024
Ep 55: Giving all the Juice with my BFF Chrissy Godwin
Chrissy Godwin is a personal stylist and Melissa’s best friend of 30 years. In this episode, Melissa and Chrissy delve into the highs and lows that have shaped their lives and defined their friendship - from navigating challenging family dynamics to breaking free from toxic relat ... Show More
1h 13m
Nov 2024
Ep 89: Let’s Talk About Uncomfortable Topics with Our Kids with Dr. Becky Kennedy
In this episode, Melissa dives into the world of parenting with Dr. Becky Kennedy, exploring what it means to raise kids with compassion and firmness. They unpack the cultural trend of mocking gentle parenting and instead talk about the strength it takes to parent with steady gui ... Show More
1h 18m
Feb 2025
Boundaries
Today Colter, Lauren and Cayla dive into boundaries, emphasizing their importance in maintaining personal energy, trust, and healthy relationships. The hosts delve into the pitfalls of rigid or non-existent boundaries, offering strategies to navigate requests thoughtfully while p ... Show More
48m 2s
Dec 2024
E355 | Mind Games: How the Content You Consume is Controlling You
This is not a “social media is bad” episode.  That conversation has been talked to death. The truth is, very few things are inherently good or bad—it’s all in how you use them. But today’s episode is about how they use you. If “they” were writing this, they’d correct me and say, ... Show More
37m 54s