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Still Being Molly

The Non-Linear Timeline of Life, Swedish Death Cleaning, & Minimal-ish Lifestyle w/ Shannon Leyko #380

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  • The Non-Linear Timeline of Life, Swedish Death Cleaning, & Minimal-ish Lifestyle w/ Shannon Leyko #380
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Today we’re joined by my good friend, Shannon Leyko. Shannon is an author, podcast host, mother of three, and a military wife who recently moved from Alaska to Florida with her family. 

As a former Miss New York for the Miss America Organization, classically trained vocalist, and reality television development producer, Shannon has worn many hats throughout her life. Along with this, her book, You’re Completely Normal, achieved recognition as one of the Top 50 Hot New Releases in Self-Development on Amazon in 2020.

Shannon currently works as a ghostwriter and content creator for a world-renowned psychologist and is the host of the podcast Paring Down, where she helps listeners live a more intentional, decluttered life. 

Stay tuned for a powerful conversation on embracing the non-linear path, cherishing the present, and being mindful of what truly matters. I know you’re going to love it!

7:31 – Shannon 101

  • Becoming Miss New York after college
  • Moving to DC and Virginia Beach
  • Becoming a military wife and moving to Alaska
  • Writing a book, moving to Florida, and starting a podcast

13:08 – A Non-Linear Path

  • Societal pressure to follow a linear life trajectory
  • The inspiration behind Shannon’s book, “You’re Completely Normal”
  • Guiding children to be content with their individual paths
  • Nonlinear paths leading to personal growth and wisdom

26:22 – The Power of Patience

  • Taking your next step in faith
  • The human tendency to take matters into your own hands
  • Peace through trusting in God’s plan

32:54 – Decluttering and Slowing Down

  • How living in Alaska inspired the Paring Down Podcast
  • The power of intentionality and gratitude
  • The sentimental aspect of decluttering
  • Swedish death cleaning 

54:07 – Don’t Save the Good Wine 

  • Living intentionally and for the now
  • Wear the sequin pants 
  • The frailty of life 
  • Creating a calm home environment

FEATURED QUOTES

“It will all come together if you just continue to pursue the things that God calls you to that bring you joy, and not always just move through with urgency.”

“If I remove this urgency from my life, this idea of where I want to go, what success means to me…remove all of that and just put on God’s lenses and say, ‘I trust in His will. Let me sit back and listen to what He wants from me.’ That… makes our lives so much better.”

“Be mindful and present right now, because today matters. Use the good things. Don’t put the quilt that your grandma sewed for your child in the closet because you don’t want anything to spill on it. Put it on their bed. Let them use it.”

Learn more about Shannon:

https://www.theexpertbeginner.com/

Shannon on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/paringdownpodcast/

The Paring Down Podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/paring-down-realistic-minimalism-to-live-more-intentionally/id1713108995

Shannon’s Book, You’re Completely Normal:

Connect with me: 

http://www.stillbeingmolly.com 

http://instagram.com/stillbeingmolly

http://instagram.com/canilaughpod

http://twitter.com/stillbeingmolly

http://facebook.com/stillbeingmolly

http://facebook.com/canilaughpod

http://tiktok.com/@stillbeingmolly

Preorder my book: 

PREORDER YOUR COPY TODAY:

Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/IIDLICbn 

Amazon: https://amzn.to/48VYFkG 

ChristianBook: https://bit.ly/IIDLICcb 

Target: https://bit.ly/3Shh3Q2

Walmart: https://bit.ly/3MmGVpJ

Indie Bound: https://bit.ly/IIDLICib

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Can’t stop won’t stop.

#galileejoy #newbornlife #babyhumor

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Can’t stop won’t stop. 

#galileejoy #newbornlife #babyhumor

Just got our maternity pictures back and I love them so much. And so thankful we got them taken in the nick of time. Grateful doesn’t cut it. 📸 @stellaandbirdiephotography //

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Just got our maternity pictures back and I love them so much. And so thankful we got them taken in the nick of time. Grateful doesn’t cut it. 📸 @stellaandbirdiephotography //

Extra extra thankful this year. Happy Thanksgiving from the fab-5 Stillman crew. 🦃🍁🍽🧡

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Extra extra thankful this year. Happy Thanksgiving from the fab-5 Stillman crew. 🦃🍁🍽🧡

Two weeks with this punkin’ and I’m wondering if there’s some sort of serum we could give her to keep her this precious and tiny forever. Also, this is a Galilee fan account now. #galileejoy

(sweater from her seminary auntie @13buttercreamstreet)

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Two weeks with this punkin’ and I’m wondering if there’s some sort of serum we could give her to keep her this precious and tiny forever. Also, this is a Galilee fan account now. #galileejoy 

(sweater from her seminary auntie @13buttercreamstreet)

On #worldprematurityday, our preemie, Galilee Joy, would like to say: “Already this household is bending to my every will! Muahahahahaha.”

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On #worldprematurityday, our preemie, Galilee Joy, would like to say: “Already this household is bending to my every will! Muahahahahaha.”

World, meet the miracle we never knew we’d witness… our daughter, the best surprise of our lives: Galilee Joy Stillman.

I’ve wrestled with how I’d even begin to write a post like this, but at this point, this is my imperfect attempt. For those that have followed along, in 2018, we lost our sons Elijah and Malachi in back-to-back second trimester losses. After that, we essentially were told we couldn’t have more children and so we’d grieved, but accepted the reality, and trusted God in it all.

Fast forward to April of 2025, and I find myself with the surprise of a lifetime - a positive pregnancy test. We chose to keep the news close to ourselves and just our close friends and family… this pregnancy was not without its complications (pregnant at 40 is NO JOKE 🥴), but God’s hand was in every detail. Also, hiding this from the internet was a challenge! 😂

This past Monday, I went in for a routine OB checkup at 35 weeks and, long story long, ended up in the hospital, diagnosed with severe preeclampsia and sent into an emergency c-section. Our miracle was born at 5:25pm and the sound of her cry filled the room with JOY. We didn’t find out her gender until birth so hearing “it’s a girl!” was such sweet news!

This week has not been without its challenges for us both and we’re not out of the hospital yet, but we’re thankful that God’s been protecting us all along. I’m at a loss for words at how the people in our lives have showed up for us this week and beyond. There aren’t enough thank yous to adequately express our gratitude.

I’ll share her full birth story at some point because it’s a doozy.

For those who pray, we will gladly accept any you would like to send our way.

For now, enjoy a few pics of our Galilee Joy. 💕 #galileejoy

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World, meet the miracle we never knew we’d witness… our daughter, the best surprise of our lives: Galilee Joy Stillman. 

I’ve wrestled with how I’d even begin to write a post like this, but at this point, this is my imperfect attempt. For those that have followed along, in 2018, we lost our sons Elijah and Malachi in back-to-back second trimester losses. After that, we essentially were told we couldn’t have more children and so we’d grieved, but accepted the reality, and trusted God in it all. 

Fast forward to April of 2025, and I find myself with the surprise of a lifetime - a positive pregnancy test. We chose to keep the news close to ourselves and just our close friends and family… this pregnancy was not without its complications (pregnant at 40 is NO JOKE 🥴), but God’s hand was in every detail. Also, hiding this from the internet was a challenge! 😂

This past Monday, I went in for a routine OB checkup at 35 weeks and, long story long, ended up in the hospital, diagnosed with severe preeclampsia and sent into an emergency c-section. Our miracle was born at 5:25pm and the sound of her cry filled the room with JOY. We didn’t find out her gender until birth so hearing “it’s a girl!” was such sweet news!

This week has not been without its challenges for us both and we’re not out of the hospital yet, but we’re thankful that God’s been protecting us all along. I’m at a loss for words at how the people in our lives have showed up for us this week and beyond. There aren’t enough thank yous to adequately express our gratitude. 

I’ll share her full birth story at some point because it’s a doozy. 

For those who pray, we will gladly accept any you would like to send our way. 

For now, enjoy a few pics of our Galilee Joy. 💕  #galileejoy

Six years ago I felt God calling me to go to Seminary. I ignored that call, coming up with excuse after excuse as to why I shouldn’t or why I *couldn’t* do it. Then in 2024, God swung the door to attend @denverseminary wide open to join the Women’s Leadership Cohort and practically shoved me through.

I’m finishing my first full year and just completed my first residency week on campus studying the Epistles and Revelation. I didn’t know what to expect walking into this week, but any expectation I COULD have had was completely blown away.

To study under the brilliant Dr. Joey Dodson (@jrrdodson) and guests like @preston.sprinkle, @madisonpiercephd, @studies_in_revelation, and more was incredible. To learn alongside some of the most brilliant women I’ve ever met was a gift.

I’m leaving with even more questions than I arrived with, but also more assurance that I am PRECISELY where I am supposed to be. I can’t help but smile thinking about the Apostle Paul learning that in 2025 a group of WOMEN are studying the Word of God and how much that would delight him. I pray I steward this responsibility well. #womeninseminary #densem #denverseminary #seminary #densemwlc #womensleadershipcohort

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Six years ago I felt God calling me to go to Seminary. I ignored that call, coming up with excuse after excuse as to why I shouldn’t or why I *couldn’t* do it. Then in 2024, God swung the door to attend @denverseminary wide open to join the Women’s Leadership Cohort and practically shoved me through. 

I’m finishing my first full year and just completed my first residency week on campus studying the Epistles and Revelation. I didn’t know what to expect walking into this week, but any expectation I COULD have had was completely blown away. 

To study under the brilliant Dr. Joey Dodson (@jrrdodson) and guests like @preston.sprinkle, @madisonpiercephd, @studies_in_revelation, and more was incredible. To learn alongside some of the most brilliant women I’ve ever met was a gift. 

I’m leaving with even more questions than I arrived with, but also more assurance that I am PRECISELY where I am supposed to be. I can’t help but smile thinking about the Apostle Paul learning that in 2025 a group of WOMEN are studying the Word of God and how much that would delight him. I pray I steward this responsibility well. #womeninseminary #densem #denverseminary #seminary #densemwlc #womensleadershipcohort

“Let the strength of your passion match the depth of your study.”
-Preston Sprinkle

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“Let the strength of your passion match the depth of your study.”
-Preston Sprinkle

Two days in to my seminary residency week at @denverseminary and I feel like I’ve aged 1,000 years in oddly the best way.

What a gift, what a joy, what a PRIVILEGE to study God’s word under some of the greatest scholars of our day alongside the most brilliant group of women.

We are being stretched, challenged, affirmed, convicted, and shaped. Nary a one of us will leave this place the same.

But isn’t that the goal? To encounter Christ and walk away different every single time.

To God be the glory. #denverseminary #womeninseminary #womensleadershipcohort #densemwlc

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Two days in to my seminary residency week at @denverseminary and I feel like I’ve aged 1,000 years in oddly the best way. 

What a gift, what a joy, what a PRIVILEGE to study God’s word under some of the greatest scholars of our day alongside the most brilliant group of women. 

We are being stretched, challenged, affirmed, convicted, and shaped. Nary a one of us will leave this place the same. 

But isn’t that the goal? To encounter Christ and walk away different every single time. 

To God be the glory. #denverseminary #womeninseminary #womensleadershipcohort #densemwlc

Our girl graduated fifth grade today and sang the National Anthem 🥹 And yes, I was a blubbery mess. I’m so grateful God saw fit for me to be her mama. We are so proud of the amazing young woman she’s becoming. #lillstillhomemovies

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Our girl graduated fifth grade today and sang the National Anthem 🥹 And yes, I was a blubbery mess. I’m so grateful God saw fit for me to be her mama. We are so proud of the amazing young woman she’s becoming. #lillstillhomemovies
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  • Home
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