I have been asked to define what being a thriving mom means to me. I would love to say my definition of thriving is a daily yoga practice, clean eating, long walks on the beach with my three always happy [and obedient, of-course] daughters and an amazing love life with my husband and that I already have it all. This may sound magical, but it’s not quite my reality.
First I want to tell you about the Thriving Moms event in April by the Conscious Divas. You can win tickets below or grab one of the few remaining here (I believe there are only a few handfuls left!)
The magical albeit not realistic description above is fine, but here is my true thriving mom reality:
Forgiving Myself
It’s that mom-guilt coming around to kick my butt every so often (more often than I’d care to admit). I feel guilt when I yell too loudly at one of my daughters. I feel guilt when I have to work some evenings and weekends. I feel guilt when I don’t provide a well-balanced meal. And the list goes on and on. Forgiving myself will allow me to thrive.
Letting Go of my Own Expectations
I usually do the big grocery shop on Monday mornings. This week I just wasn’t feeling it. I was tired and just having a blah day. So I let go of that expectation, picked up a roasted chicken for dinner, threw together a half-homemade soup and reminded myself that it was completely fine,I would get the big shop done another day. I don’t have to check every box every single day. Letting go of the expectations I place on myself, sometimes, will allow me to thrive.
Getting Active
I actually dislike exercise. I have tried to do yoga for 40 days in a row to attempt to create the habit of loving it (didn’t work). I have tried to join a gym to do spinning or aerobics regularly (didn’t work). My new goal is to just get on the elliptical several times a week and do yoga at home with my online membership twice a week. It’s about putting it on my calendar and sticking with it. Exercising 3-5 times per week will allow me to thrive.
Focusing On My Marriage
I know that when I put my marriage near the top of the priority list I am happier and so is my husband. We have been married for nearly fifteen years so we have a pretty good idea of the types of things that make each other happy. The work is actually doing those things. Putting my marriage near the top of my to-do list with regular date nights, setting aside time to talk, and openly communicate with my husband will allow me to thrive.
Doing Fun Things with my Kids
We get busy and I kind-of get into auto-pilot mode during the week. Breakfast, lunch-making, rushing out the door, pick-ups, drop-offs, friends, activities, homework, cooking and the list goes on and on. It doesn’t seem like we make time for fun family time during the week, with the exception of the occasional movie night. I love looking forward to weekend breakfast out, lazy lunch dates at the beach or a weekend getaway or vacation with the whole family. Regular family-fun time will allow me to thrive.
Using My Creativity Daily
I love running my business and using my creative brain every single day. This is one thing I have no problems checking off daily. Being creative through my business every day will allow me to thrive.
