Tag Archives: Success

School Year’s Resolutions Part 2: Charity and Business

Author: | Category: The Art of Motherhood | Tags: ,

school booksIn my therapy practice here in California I work with a lot of mothers. That’s not all the work I do, but it is a lot of the work I do. I love working with mothers. I am passionate about it. I truly believe that helping mothers find balance, satisfaction and (dare I say it?) happiness not only improves their personal well-being, but it positively impacts their families. It greatly improves the likelihood that their children will lead happy, productive, successful lives. These are the future doctors, scientists, politicians, innovators and leaders of the world. I want them to be happy, well-adjusted people. Therefore, in the bigger picture, to help mothers achieve their potential is to make an impact on the future of the world (I know, it sounds a little dramatic).

I am only one person with limited reach, but I want to reach as far as I can. That is why I am branching out into the on-line world (School Year’s Resolution Number 1). I can not practice therapy outside of California, but I can offer my help, support, experience and passion in other ways. If you’d like more information about my on-line group click here. But even the virtual world is limited in its reach.

I am further extending my support of mothers by using my work to support a charity that also works with mothers (School Year’s Resolution Number 2). I am very fortunate in my life to have a strong support network. I have family and friends who I can count on; who will catch me if I fall; who have an unlimited supply of love and positivity to buoy me up; who would literally feed me and clothe me and provide shelter for me. I am lucky. I am grateful. And I acknowledge that others do not have it so good. I want to help those mothers too. And I want to help their children.

So I have chosen to donate $10 of every registration fee of my G.o. B.i.g. Group to a charity called “Bridge of Hope.” I do not have any personal experience with this organization nor do I know anyone who has experience with this organization. I found it when searching on-line for charities that support mothers. Based on what I know about the process of making lasting change and how this organization operates I’ve chosen it as having a likelihood of success. These were the three primary reasons that this organization stood out to me:

  1. It helps single mothers facing homelessness. As I stated before, I think mothers are a powerful resource in the world who are shaping our future through the raising of their children. I want to help mothers be the best people they can be.
  2. Building personal relationships is fundamental to how this organization operates. One woman and her family is matched with a group of 8 – 10 mentors who will form supportive relationships and friendships with her and her children. This is so important! Making lasting change in your life requires support. Love (and kindness) really does matter.
  3. This organization commits to helping a woman over an extended period of time. They help her gain financial stability through employment and budgeting and the teaching of other fundamental skills. They will provide rental assistance on a decreasing basis for 9 – 15 months. The mentoring group commits to 12 – 24 months of ongoing emotional support. It takes time to get on your feet and this organization seems to understand that.

So, I’m thrilled that September is not even finished and I’ve already moved into action on two of my goals for the year! Thanks for nudging me with your requests and questions. It has moved me in the right direction. So what are you trying to accomplish? Can I help? I truly want you to be happy and to raise happy children. The future of the world depends on it!

First Published 2013

 

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15 Nov 2013

School Year’s Resolutions

Author: | Category: The Art of Motherhood | Tags: , , , ,

Labor Day is over; the unofficial end to summer. Another school year has begun. We have new school supplies, new back packs, new shoes and new attitudes. “This year I will get my kids to school on time every single day.” “This year I will always make my son a healthy lunch – no more school lunches.”

I have always thought that New Year’s Resolutions made more sense in the fall. I’ve spent the majority of my life tied to the school year so I guess I’m programmed to think of fall as a time of new beginnings. Do you have resolutions this fall? What are you trying to do differently? What projects are you trying to get done? And what has stopped you from accomplishing it thus far?

There are lots of things that stop us from achieving our goals. Here are few of them:

1. Unrealistic Expectations – You have a to-do list that is three pages long and includes things like “re-finish the kitchen cabinets, plant a garden, read to the children every night, establish a family game night, get more sleep, make my own baby food… If you are trying to (like Mary Poppins) be perfect in every way then you are setting yourself up for failure. Choose one thing to focus on at a time and then break it down into smaller steps.

2. You Don’t Believe You Can Do It - If you don’t believe it’s possible you will sabotage your success. It’s important to get your emotional mind on board. You have achieved many things in your lifetime that have required skills and talents. Inventory your strengths and put them to use.

3. There is Never Enough Time - It’s true. There is never enough time. There will never be enough time to do all the things you want to do. But there is enough time to do some of them. If you decide to make something a priority you will do it. The tough part is that many of us habitually put our own desires (and often our needs) at the bottom of the list.

4. You’re Overwhelmed at the Thought of Adding Something Else to Your Plate - This is a sign that self-care needs to move to the top of your list. That doesn’t mean you need to leave your family for a weekend at the spa (though go for it if you can manage it!). For busy mothers, self-care sometimes means spending 2 minutes by yourself in the bathroom. Savor that cup of coffee in the morning instead of gulping it down without even noticing it. Stop to enjoy the sun on your face for a moment. Go to bed 10 minutes earlier than you did last night.

I struggle with all these issues – sometimes all at once! But I know that change is possible and I know that goals can be achieved. One of my School Year’s Resolutions is to finally start an online support group for you folks. I’ve been thinking about it for 3 years – 3 years! Do you have any projects that have been on the back burner for that long? Or worse, has your own self-care been on the back burner for that long? Are you ready take action – even a teeny, tiny action that you’re sure no-one will notice? Join me and work together in accomplishing something – anything! Watch your email for more details coming soon!

First Published 2013

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15 Nov 2013