Luca Firanescu Shaked: The Beauty of Imperfect Motherhood

There are conversations that leave you inspired, and then there are conversations that gently remind you to extend yourself a little more grace. My time with Luca Firanescu Shaked was exactly that. Joining us from Portugal, Luca is an author, speaker, podcaster, positive psychology coach, and most importantly, a wife and mother who has courageously chosen to share not only her successes, but also the lessons she has learned through life's imperfections. Our conversation was filled with honesty, laughter, wisdom, and the comforting reminder that we are all far more connected than we sometimes realize.

Luca's new book, 99 Mistakes I Made as a Mom (and What I Wish I Knew), is unlike any parenting book I've encountered. Rather than offering a list of impossible standards to live up to, she invites us into her own journey with remarkable vulnerability. Each chapter explores a mistake she made, the lesson she learned, what research teaches us about that experience, practical steps for moving forward, thoughtful reflection questions, and a meaningful mantra to carry with us. As we talked, I couldn't help but reflect on my own greatest mistake as a mother—not always being fully present. It was a reminder that while we often strive to do everything perfectly, the greatest gift we can offer those we love is simply our presence.

One of the themes that resonated deeply throughout our conversation was the burden of perfectionism. So many of us carry unrealistic expectations of ourselves, believing we must somehow excel in every role we hold while never showing weakness. Luca openly shared how becoming a mother caused her to lose sight of her own identity as she poured everything she had into caring for her family. It wasn't until she discovered positive psychology, coaching, and the importance of self-compassion that she began finding her way back to herself. Today, through her work withRelocate to Happiness, she encourages parents—and really anyone seeking a more meaningful life—to prioritize mental wellness, embrace personal growth, and understand that caring for ourselves allows us to care more deeply for others.

As we continued talking, another beautiful truth emerged: none of us are meant to walk this journey alone. Luca spoke with such gratitude about the people who helped bring her book to life—her family, her coach, her editor, her publisher, mentors, and friends. It reminded me once again that every meaningful dream is built with the support of others. We often celebrate individual achievement, but behind every accomplishment is a community of people who believed, encouraged, prayed, supported, and stood alongside us. Whether we're raising children, writing a book, building a business, or simply navigating everyday life, we were created for connection. As I've often said, teamwork truly makes the dream work.

One of my favorite moments in our conversation came when Luca shared a simple story about the smiling greeter at her daughters' school. Every morning, his warm welcome creates a ripple effect that reaches children, parents, and everyone who passes by. Such a small gesture, yet such a powerful reminder that we don't have to change the whole world overnight to make a difference. Sometimes our greatest work is found in offering kindness to the person standing right in front of us. A smile. A word of encouragement. A moment of patience. These everyday acts of love often become the seeds that grow into something much greater than we could ever imagine.

Luca also spoke candidly about something that so many mothers quietly carry—the belief that everyone else has motherhood figured out while they're somehow falling short. Social media has made comparison easier than ever, but behind every perfectly curated photo is a real family navigating real challenges. Her message was both freeing and reassuring: we don't need to pretend we've never struggled. When we honestly share our mistakes, we give others permission to release shame, embrace growth, and realize they are never alone. Connection grows when we choose authenticity over perfection.

As our conversation came to a close, Luca left us with a beautiful thought that has stayed with me ever since: "Learn to fail, or fail to learn." Every mistake carries within it the opportunity to grow. Every setback can become wisdom. Every difficult season can prepare us for the next chapter God has planned for our lives. None of us are called to perfection—we are called to keep learning, keep loving, and keep showing up with open hearts.

I hope you'll take the time to listen to this beautiful episode ofConversations with Carroll. Whether you're a parent, a grandparent, a caregiver, or simply someone striving to live with greater intention, Luca's story will encourage you to release unrealistic expectations, embrace the lessons found in life's imperfections, and remember that growth begins the moment we give ourselves grace. Because at the end of the day, our mistakes do not define us. They shape us, strengthen us, and often become the very stories that allow us to encourage someone else.

May this conversation remind you that you matter, your story matters, and there is always beauty waiting to be found—even in the lessons we never expected to learn.

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