Get ready for some affirmations and unconventional presents for working moms of any cloth. You’ll be surprised – they work for pretty much ANYONE. And you can’t buy them in a store…
A Story
As we went around the discussion circle, it became apparent. Being a working mom in the summer is its own dilemma. Each woman was asked to answer this question:
What would Success look like for you this summer?
“I love spending time with my kids, but…”
“How can I keep up the momentum and stay present for my kids?”
“I am not taking on any new clients.”
“…I know I’ll never get this time back.”
“Because I’m not the primary breadwinner…”
I could see the hope and despair in every woman’s eyes. The joy and exhaustion. The guilt and the longing.
In the midwest, summer can be glorious. And it can be full of competing priorities and values. Enough to flatten any strong hard working mom and send her pleading for Sleigh Bells and Stuffed Schedules.
My turn was coming up; my head was spinning. What to say?
My logical brain started: My kids are self-sufficient. Well, in most ways. But, to be honest, my son is leaving for college soon. (insert sadness) Homelife has been (insert: stressful.) And I’m still trying to figure out what a solid foundation for my business is. (insert worry)
Though the kids are picking their own blended schedules over the summer for the first time, I felt only one answer scream at me.
“I work half time on my business and half with my kids…”
I felt guilt knocking on my door, but then I gave myself three unconventional presents – and some of the best – I’ve ever received as a working mom. Right up there with a massage and a fresh chocolate chip cookie!
3 Unconventional Presents For Working Moms
My answer?
Success to me is…
…I am gonna give myself grace to try a different schedule and see how it goes.
And I’m gonna give myself time to enjoy the weather, my kids, and my business.”
Last, I need to build my support circle and try and have some fun.
There you go, 3 unconventional presents you can give yourself or any working momma.
- Grace – May you see the gifts of who you are and the joy is happening this season.
- Time – Find additional help for you or offer it to your working mom friend. Consider kid swapping to get quiet, restorative time for you both!
- Friendship – make plans to share meaningful or fun times. Meaningful relationships are one of the only common denominators to long fulfilling, balanced lives.
#Truth
You deserve to enjoy this busy, overfull time of your life. For as much love and dedication you pour into this world, don’t you deserve to also feel the impact and joy? Yes, Yes you do.
#HerStory Prompt
Now, it’s your turn! Here’s your #HerStory journal prompt. Not only is it fun, it will help you improve your psychological flexibility, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, positive intelligence, resilience, mindfulness, and self-worth! Boom, baby!
Write to Rewire for Joy
Part 1 of the magic of Rewiring and Rewriting your story towards Joy is to write your story – one paragraph at a time.
Write for at least 3 minutes about…
…what success (or lack of it) in the summer has looked like for you in the past.
- Set the scene. Who were you with? What were you doing? Set the scene from your 5 senses.
- Describe the action. What was said or what happened?
- Deliver the stakes. Why was this important? Why did you care?
- Your action. What did you do? What was your body’s reaction? What was your mind saying? Describe any emotions and how they felt in your body (no need to name them if you don’t know)
- Now look back at your story. What did you learn from it? How did you grow? Can you let any longstanding negative energy go? Can you forgive yourself and others?
- What did you learn about your strengths and quirks, or what kind of support, boundaries, or self care you need? What are you grateful for?
Hug: Rewire
Part 2 of the magic is to forgive and accept what happened. Yes, this is the hard part.
Say it with me “I forgive myself for all I did and didn’t know. I tried my best.” envision letting go of all that did or didn’t happen. And if you know you didn’t try your best, you can make a promise to keep trying your best in the future.
If you want to share your voice and words, please email me at ho***@he*********.com or pop by our Joyfully Ever After Facebook Group! I look forward to hearing your story 🙂
The Hug
My dear, You are Brilliant, and You are Loved.
You are here for a reason.
Just like your loved one may have hugged you before school when you were little, here’s my hug to generous, hardworking You this week.
Hug yourself or look at yourself in the mirror and say…
I take care of me, in all seasons.
Who am I?
Hello beautiful! I’m Heidi Esther, certified life coach, professional relationship builder, and keynote speaker. It’s lovely to meet you!
I coach and inspire busy, generous warriors-for-good to embrace their unique brilliance while joyfully living from a full cup.
Is summer a challenge for you? I have helped hundreds of working women to break free of the struggle. If you’d like a powerful, affirming experience and a new perspective, let’s chat.
Not ready to chat but would like to know what could be in your way? Find your #1 Joy Block here
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