Meet Holly Swenson

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Holly Swenson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Holly below.

Holly , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Finding my calling in life, or my “purpose,” began with first cultivating a deepened state of self-awareness, partnering with reflection, and ultimately walking the path of motherhood. These three practices were undeniably the foundation. I have sustained my purpose by leaning on gratitude, being disciplined in my work and writing, continuing to show up- even on days it feels hard, practicing daily self-care, and by frequently checking in with myself to make sure I am staying in alignment with my mission of being of service to others and advocating for wellness and conscious parenting.

Wellness and intentionality, especially within the construct of parenting, is so important to me; for the parents of today, as well as for the children. Being a mother of four has taught me many valuable life lessons and the learning is not through. My boys are all still at home and every day brings something new to the table. It is a constantly evolving process of growth for all of us. Learning how to better care for myself, all the while caring for four children sparked something deep within me to want to help other parents not just survive parenting, but learn to thrive. This is my why and the reason behind my desire to want to leave the current parenting platform better than I found it.

Finding one’s purpose in life can be the one thing that eludes so many and keeps people up at night wondering “why am I here?” and “what am I supposed to be doing with my life?” Having personally arrived at a point in life where I’ve hit the mark with my purpose and to know I am right on time and doing the work I was born to do, has brought an indescribable peace to my life. I wake up every morning excited to keep working on my mission, joyful to connect with others, and stoked to keep writing and adding richness to the complex, and at times, overwhelming world of parenting.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

A peek behind the curtain of who I am… I am the mother of four incredible sons, I am an author, BSN, RN, a wellness blogger, and I always like to add a perpetual student of life. I love to learn and have a very curious nature.

For a long time I wanted to write a book but I kept putting it off. I didn’t know how to really start, kept telling myself I was too busy, and that I didn’t have the time. Then I hit a point where I decided to shift this mindset. Little by little, I began to let my self-imposed restrictions fall away. I decided to change my internal dialogue, rolled up my sleeves, and took steps to put my book into motion. I took a writing course called the Soulful Author Journey with Burning Soul Press. This was a three month writing course that helped keep me accountable and on track for crafting something of worth.

At the end of this time frame I felt like what I had created was indeed worthy of being published and took steps to make this a reality. My book Stop, Drop, Grow, & Glow was born into being and has been a tremendous gateway for connecting, growing, and glowing.

This past year has been a fantastical whirlwind. Not only have I published a book and become an author, but I have won four literary awards, hit the number one best-seller list on Amazon in three different categories, made the best-seller list on Barnes & Noble, have been featured in different magazines, and have had the deep privilege to connect with people from all walks of life.

I feel like the universe has brought special people into my life at just the right moments, whom have helped me professionally, pushed me to keep expanding, and have become part of my new found community.

My three primary focuses, as of today, are to write daily, mother 24/7, and connect with other thought leaders and parenting experts to continue to bring wellness, intentional living, and joy to the forefront of the parenting landscape.

I’m also happy to share I am just about to kick-off writing book number two here in the very near future, so stay tuned!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

In reflecting back on the three qualities that have been the most impactful to me on my journey, I have to say they are:

1. Gratitude
2. Attitude
3. Having a servants heart

These three internal qualities and personal practices have been a guiding light for me without a doubt, and have helped propel me to the next level in my personal and professional life. I start every morning with gratitude and draw on it as needed throughout my day. I work to maintain my attitude and keep a positive outlook on life no matter what challenges or life asks I am presented with. I try to see them all as helping me to grow into the best version of myself instead choosing to become jaded. We always have a choice of how we receive and perceive life around us. Finally, being an author and connector, my true mission is to be of service to parents and children everywhere. I want wellness to lead the way for the current generation and all generations to come. This is what keeps me motivated to keep showing up and to keep producing the best work possible. I want to inspire, get people thinking of new ways to step into parenthood, and to champion more intentional and joyful parenting in our country, and around the world.

My advice for those early in their journey would be to enjoy the process. Don’t rush, remember to breathe, and make sure you love what you are doing, as this will help with longevity and stamina to keep at it. It’s hard to give your all when you don’t believe in the mission; so make sure there is true alignment of mind, body, and spirit. When you are aligned with your true purpose miracles begin to unfold.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

I have grown more than ever this year. I am doing things I never really anticipated I would be doing, but am fully embracing this new chapter of my life, and really enjoying it.

I went from doing quiet, internal work with writing my first book, to moving into a much more public figure role. I have flexed my external muscle so to speak, and am pushing myself to step out into the world more. I really am working to be an ambassador for conscious parenting, intentional living, and promoting my work on a larger scale.

I have connected with so many brilliant and different people this year. I have been interviewed on the news, radio, and podcasts, and have really enjoyed the professional push to take things up a notch. This has undeniably been the biggest area of growth and improvement I have ever undergone personally.

Wellness is something everyone can benefit from and lean into, and that is what I especially love about the work I am doing and the reason behind my willingness to step out and speak up more than ever.

You never know where life will take you, but I know in my heart of hearts this is the work I am meant to be doing and sharing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://liveyourglow.live
• Instagram: @hollyswenson_liveyourglow

Image Credits

Images 1 & 2: Shannon Edney Photography
Image 3: Mike Williams Photography
Images 4 & 5: Courtesy of Holly Swenson
Image 6: Shannon Edney Photography