We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Bonnie Lippincott. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Bonnie below.
Hi Bonnie, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
Optimism is a gift in perspective. This question makes me remember how, growing up, my dad used to teach this concept at stoplights . He would say, “red lights always turn green for me.” This is perspective 101!
Optimism comes from mindset (that the world is a kind place) experiences (past learnings or successes), and gratitude. When you look for examples of how great your life is, they become more evident!
“The most important question a person can ask is, ‘is the universe a friendly place?'” -Albert Einstein
Optimism is rooted in how interpret the world, and my belief in possibility. I know that everything in my life is happening for my own growth, even if it feels hard in the moment.
Ultimately, optimism arises from a willingness to focus on opportunities rather than obstacles. As Shelly Ehlr says, “we can choose the thoughts we follow!” This means our thoughts are like waves in the ocean, always coming in, we choose the ones to surf!
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m passionate about exploring the journey of motherhood, particularly the messy, beautiful, and hilarious moments when you’re figuring it all out for the first time.
Entry Level Mom podcast started as a way to market my book but has grown into something so much more—a community of parents who connect through shared experiences, honesty and vulnerability, humor!
What excites me most is the chance to share stories that remind us we’re not alone. Period. We have more in common than we do apart. The goal is to uplift and bring harmony. Our voices matter.
Whether it’s through podcast episodes, conversations about resilience and self-love, or relatable parenting anecdotes, Entry Level Mom has become a space to embrace imperfection and growth!
Something I’m especially thrilled about is the recent milestone of reaching 60 episodes on the podcast. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling and connection, and I’m so grateful for everyone who’s tuned in and shared their own journeys with me.
Looking ahead, I’m working on expanding the ways to uplift and encourage. My next book, This Magic Life, is in the works.
For now, I hope Entry Level Mom continues to be a source of laughter, learning, and inspiration for anyone navigating the ever-evolving adventure of parenthood.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, 3 qualities that were most impactful in my journey with Entry Level Mom were resilience, authenticity, and curiosity.
Resilience:
Learning to adapt, bounce back, and grow from setbacks has been essential in motherhood, writing and podcasting. Resilience comes from giving myself grace, seeking support when needed, and viewing challenges as opportunities to learn. I’d tell my younger self: Don’t be afraid to fail—it’s part of the process. Each misstep teaches you something valuable. (I wrote the children’s book Toad Island to teach kids about resilience!)
Authenticity: People connect with what’s real, not what’s perfect. Sharing stories and insights from a genuine place has been key to building trust and connection with my audience. For those early in their journey, embrace your quirks and vulnerabilities. They make you relatable and remind others they’re not alone.
Curiosity:
Being open to learning—whether it’s about parenting, podcasting, or a person—has helped me evolve personally and professionally. Curiosity fuels growth and creativity. My advice here is to stay open-minded and never stop asking questions. I tell my kids: the more you learn, the more you can offer and the richer your experience becomes!
For anyone just starting out on achieving a goal, I would say to focus on small, consistent steps. Find joy in the process, and don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle. Trust yourself, and as Julie Lomakka’s Inspirational line says, “Trust the Process.” It’s my favorite hat.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I feel overwhelmed, I try to lean into the principle of wu wei, which is the Taoist concept of “effortless action.” It reminds me to stop forcing solutions and instead flow with the natural rhythm of life. Sometimes, stepping back and letting things unfold without our input is the best move.
Tara Stiles, a yoga teacher and advocate of intuitive wellness, has influenced my approach with her emphasis on gentle, intentional practices. She encourages slowing down, reconnecting with your breath, and moving in ways that feel nourishing rather than depleting. These moments of mindfulness can create space for calm and perspective.
When life feels chaotic, I pause and ask, What’s one small, supportive thing I can do right now? It could be a walk, a few deep breaths, or even just sitting quietly for a moment.
Let go of the pressure to fix everything at once. Trust that balance will return when you allow yourself to align with it, not force it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://booksbybonnielippincott.com
- Instagram: @Books_by_bonnie_lippincott
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7Ig3BhDcQp61imX9YFPjjf?si=RqUEAD9yRIi0IitnOHgPMw
Image Credits
Rebecca McGough
Peace Burks
Cari Shayne
Betsy Blackard
Shelly Ehlr
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
