Ep.046 - Let There Be Joy In Living And Becoming, With Sara Maier

What if joy isn't something we have to wait for?

In this episode of She Rises, I’m joined by my dear friend Sara Maier for a conversation about choosing joy, becoming, agency, and walking with Jesus through real life.

Sara and I have been friends for many years, and as our conversation unfolded, we found ourselves talking about something so many women can relate to: the feeling of being overwhelmed by life, family, church responsibilities, expectations, and the constant pressure to keep up.

Sara shares how the phrase “Let there be joy in living and becoming” became a personal theme for her—and how she began to see joy not simply as a feeling, but as something she could intentionally choose.

We talk about the difference between happiness, pleasure, and true joy; what it looks like to participate in the gospel because we want to rather than because we feel obligated; and how agency can completely change the way we approach our marriages, motherhood, callings, and discipleship.

We also talk about the beautiful—and sometimes uncomfortable—process of becoming more like the Savior. Sara shares how repentance has taken on a new meaning for her: not shame or punishment, but a loving invitation to change, grow, and become. And then we get very practical.

We talk about finding joy in simple things like reading a book, walking outside, playing, trying something new, spending intentional time with our spouse, planting flowers, noticing the smell of pine trees—and simply slowing down enough to recognize the goodness that is already around us.

Sara also shares a powerful perspective on walking with Jesus, including what it can look like to literally hand our burdens to Him when we don't know how to carry them anymore. And we talk about something I think every woman needs to hear: You cannot be something without becoming it first.

Becoming doesn't usually happen in one dramatic moment. It happens through small and simple choices, repeated over time, as we allow the Savior to refine us, soften our hearts, and fill in our gaps.

We also talk about what happens when our “pretty little package” of life unravels—and how difficult seasons can actually become some of the most important parts of our becoming. If you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, spiritually tired, or simply wondering what the next chapter of your life is supposed to look like, I hope this conversation reminds you that you don't have to have it all figured out.

You can choose. You can begin again. You can let Jesus fill in your gaps. And you can keep becoming.