Post It and Believe it!

It is important to have a healthy dialogue with yourself. I struggle with this sometimes, as I think we all do. So, to help me remember what is important I like to write messages and reminders on post it notes. I stick them on my computer, in my note book or my reading book. Here are just a few phrases I like to say to myself.

1

The Importance of a Nap

I have been known to do a little too much, to put too much on my plate. I try to fit too much in to my day. Sound familiar? I work evenings in the media so it is like I have two full time jobs - the family during the day and radio news at night. Oh and I forgot to mention that I write freelance sometimes and I teach at a local college sometimes too! See where I have a problem?

Well, today was no different from any other day. I have been running around doing errands trying to get the house ready for my daughters birthday party next weekend, and that includes getting the yard ready for a bunch of kids. I had a bunch of things to get this morning, including mulch and sod but what I really wanted to do was watch movies and sleep on the couch. SOOooooooooooooooooooooooo.....I did the yard work and then I watched movies and napped on the couch with the puppy. I don't do it often enough. I often find it hard to actually put my feet up and relax. There is always something to do BUT today I decided that I just needed to let it go and take care of myself for a little while. And boy was it worth it. I had a great time snuggling with the puppy who clearly needed some me time too!

I know it is important to take care of myself but sometimes I just let life get in the way of what I know is true and necessary. It is important to slow down, take a load off and take care of you!


What do you do for yourself? What do  you do to recharge your batteries?

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY - Sweetness

Being A Mom Can Be Hard - MumsnChums post

(as seen on MumsnChums)

You are embarking on a brand new life with a brand new life. Not too scary right? It doesn’t have to be a journey you take on your own. There is an entire community of Mothers waiting out there to share their thoughts, wisdom, tips and tricks. You just need to get out there. *Finding a solid support network is so important (especially when you are a new mother), and it isn’t as hard as you might think.
Here are just a few things you can try to help you find Moms in your area who can help guide you on one of the most important journeys of your life.

1. Get Out There!
This one may seem simple and obvious but when it comes to actually doing it with a new baby it can be hard, but it is so important. Part of that feeling of isolation is because when we are new moms we don’t leave the house for days on end. It can be hard to actually do all that you need to do for your baby and still squeeze in a shower and throw some clean clothes on. It is so important though to actually leave your house. You might be surprised about how different life looks outside your front door and you might be surprised who you might meet too. The easiest thing to do is head for a walk to the park. It is the best place to meet other mothers. Talk to them. I still connect with a couple of women I met at a nearby outdoor space near my house when both of us had young kids. The kids are still friends too!

2. Join Mommy and Me Groups
There are so many groups out there, just look and you will find one that is the right fit for you and your baby. There is so much power in sharing your experience with others who understand what you are going through. They understand you, they can empathize with you, they can offer help and wisdom, they are just there for you in a way that many others can’t be. I found Ontario Early Years Centers so helpful.

3. Join a Fitness Group (something just for you!)
This one can be hard for a lot of women. How do you find time, away from your baby, to do something for yourself? I think it is important for your physical and emotional well being. You need to find time for you. Maybe this is something you do with other Moms or you partner up with another Mom you know so that you can help each other with child care. You get to go to a workout class while the other Mom watches your child, and then the next time you swap. It is a great way to support each other, share your experiences and get fit too.

4. Find All the Community Drop Ins
Many community centers have drop in programs. They are a great resource for you. These programs offer a great opportunity to get out with your baby, find other parents in your community and discover resources in your neighbourhood. Many are free or offered at a small fee.

5. Create Your Own Group
Get creative and resourceful and create your own group of moms. This is great if you have a few friends who have just had a baby or if you have seen a few other moms at the park with new babies. Find somewhere that is easy for everyone to get to and meet once a month for starters. You could maybe use a community meeting room at your local community centre or library. Be as casual or formal as you want. You could pick topics for each get together or even have guest speakers, like public health nurses or lactation consultant.

6. Get Online
There are so many resources online, the best ones often have forums (or chatrooms like Mums ‘n Chums). Forums and chatrooms offer you the chance to connect with people like you without leaving the comfort of your couch. You can ask questions, meet other moms and feel connected with people who are also in the same baby boat as you.

Being Present ... Is Such A Gift

"The most important time in your life is right now"
Deepak Chopra

"Now is the moment that never ends"
Deepak Chopra


I am growing to realize how important today is. Since becoming a Mom I have spent a lot of time looking back and looking ahead. I am a bit of a worrier and when I let it get hold I spend too much time in the past and in the future. Through my journey I am learning to live in the present. It is truly a gift.

I think what really got me thinking about how important it is to live in the present is my children. Over the past year I have come to see the impact of not living in the present. All of a sudden my kids are older. Well, not really all of a sudden but that is how it feels. By spending so much time looking back and forward I wasn't seeing the greatness and blessings of the present moment. There is so much beauty in the joy of every day moments. Kids grow up so quickly and I was letting the days slip away. We would be at the park and while the kids were having a great time I was think about something else -- like the dishes that needed to be done, the laundry that was waiting for me at home, the bills that need to be paid, the work that needed to be done. So many great moments have passed me by because I wasn't looking.

Today I work hard every single day to live in the present. Sometimes it can be hard. I need reminders but living in the present is truly a gift! It is living in the magic of life

Another Amotherworld.com post!

Five Things You Should Do Every Day That Are Free

Posted on Mar 1, 2012 

www.amotherworld.com

by Christy Laverty

The best things in life are free.

There I said it.

When you think about it you know it is true. I am talking about simple, everyday things that we often take for granted but when we embrace them they enrich us and make us happier. And being in a state of happiness will do wonders for you.

The happier you feel the better you feel. Just think about some of the best days of your life; your wedding, birth of your child, celebrating your birthday. Remember how happy you felt. Just thinking back to those days probably makes you feel happy.

There are simple things we can do every day that will enrich our daily lives; simple things. I am all about simple. I have enough craziness in my life on most days, just like a lot of Moms! We have enough on our plates, we don’t need complicated or difficult. Easy and simple are perfect for me.  And if you add free to the pot and stir in a little happiness that is one tasty soup in my mind.

So here we go. Just five simple things you can do every day to bring a little more happiness into your life!

1. Soak up the Sun
I am not talking about sun tanning. What I am saying is when the sun is shining take advantage, soak it up. Get outside.  There is nothing better for the body than some Vitamin D. It is a sure fire cure for the winter blues and blahs. It just makes you feel good to have the warmth of the sun shine down on your face. It puts a smile on my face that’s for sure.

2. Look at the Stars
I work evenings and so I don’t get home from work until about 1 a.m. Every time I pull up in my driveway and get out of my car I look up to the night sky. I love to take a few seconds to wonder at the stars. It is just so beautiful. If you are lucky enough to live somewhere you can actually see the stars in the sky at night, you should do it. It is awe inspiring.
When I get a chance to get up to our family cottage it is jaw dropping. There are so many stars I can hardly see them all. I am speechless whenever we sit by the fire or sit on the dock and stare up at the night sky. It is truly something everyone should see just once in their lives. It makes me happy. It costs nothing to take a few minutes to look up to the stars but it’s value is priceless for the soul.



3.         Take a Walk
Firstly, the exercise will do you good. It also gives you a great opportunity to see what is around your neighbourhood, around your house or work. You might even get the chance to discover some hidden gems. It also offers you a chance to be by yourself and think.  I think we all need time to be with ourselves, it does the body and mind and spirit good.

4.     Reach Out and Touch Someone
We are social creatures. There is nothing more important than the connections we have in our lives; they support us, they inspire us, they nourish us, they love us.  So do something that will bring you happiness and will give happiness to someone else and take a few moments to call, write or email a friend or loved one.  It is often something we forget to do as our lives get busy.
I have a childhood friend that I don’t talk to very often. She isn’t on Facebook or Twitter and doesn’t really use email so the phone is the best way to get in touch.  I have let that connection slide a bit. I miss her. So this week I am going to call her. You should do the same, call a friend, reconnect. It is important. It will nourish your soul and spirit. Let’s face it talking to friend can make you so happy!

5. Stop and Smell the Roses
Yes, if there are roses, or any other flower, you should stop and smell them. Flowers are meant to be enjoyed not just by the eyes but also by the nose BUT that isn’t all I am saying. This is a reminder to enjoy the beauty in your life every day. Slow down. Take a few minutes for yourself every day. You deserve it and it will nourish your mind and your spirit.

What simple things make you happy?

Christy Laverty is a mother and an editor for a Toronto all news radio station. She also does freelance writing for several parenting magazines. Visit Christy’s blog where she updates the trials, tribulations, and fun of being mom of two beautiful girls.

Five Tips for Me Time: My www.amotherworld.com post

5 Tips for Me Time

Posted on Mar 19, 2012

www.amotherworld.com

by Christy Laverty

There is no doubt Moms work hard. We work outside the home, we work inside the home, we take care of our kids and our husband or partner,  we take care of the kids at the school, friends and somewhere near the bottom (at the actual bottom), we find ourselves.
Moms are notorious for putting themselves last and that is just not good. It is important to take care of you. Moms have a lot on their plates and in order to get it all done we need to take care of ourselves!
Here are just a few tips on how I think we Moms can take a few minutes of ME time to relax and feed our minds, bodies and spirit. And what is great is everything on this list is no cost or low cost. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to nourish yourself.
1.  Put Your Feet Up
With all that we do every single day, finding time to actually take a load off and put up your feet can be hard but it is necessary. I know I can go, and go and go and by late afternoon I realize I haven’t sat down all day. It is a simple thing to do but so important to slow down and sit and relax. Find 15 minutes every day to relax, grab a coffee, tea or cold glass of water and just RELAX. The dishes and laundry can wait 15 minutes for you to take a breath.
2.  Read a Book
This is a good one to go hand in hand with putting your feet up. I love to read and don’t do it enough. I don’t steal enough time for me to read. Reading always takes me away and helps me relax.
3.  Take a Walk
This is important to do. I am guilty of forgetting to do this but exercise is so essential for all aspects of mind, body and spirit. I say walk because it is something just about everyone can do, no matter your fitness level. It will get you out of the house, out in the fresh air and will get you moving. You don’t need to walk for hours but a short walk is a great place to start. Instead of driving to mail a letter or go to your neighbourhood bank branch walk!
4.  Take a Bath
This will give you a chance to actually close that bathroom door and have a few moments all to yourself. Toss in a little bubble bath and pamper yourself. You deserve it for all that you do for everyone in your life.
5.  Find a Friend
Everyone needs a friend or two in their lives. A solid support system or network is priceless. I just had brunch with two girlfriends I have known since high school (for anyone who is counting that is over twenty years). It is so great to meet up with them and talk, share and commiserate with them. I always feel lighter, happier and more joyful after meeting with friends. Take a few minutes to call a friend, email a friend, have coffee or even lunch with a friend. Not matter how you do it just connect with friends, the love you share will lift you up and support you in your busy life.

Christy Laverty is a mother and an editor for a Toronto all news radio station. She also does freelance writing for several parenting magazines. Visit Christy’s blog where she updates the trials, tribulations, and fun of being mom of two beautiful girls.