My experiences as I learn to balance baby, business, family, home and life in general
creatively and sustainably (and have fun doing it!)
Today, I finally attended a Stroller Strides class(in Southern Colorado Springs). Stroller Strides is an indoor/outdoor workout designed for moms to do with their babies. The workout was terrific… it was challenging, but allowed for a variety of fitness levels. It was also great to be in a supportive environment where it was ok to have a crying baby. Since my little angel has been crawling around like crazy, I can no longer get my workouts done at home and this was the perfect solution for me.
It was great to have the instructor push me (I never seem to be quite as motivated on my own) and after class, there was a playgroup with even more moms and the babies got to roam free and play with balls and a parachute after being in the strollers for an hour. I was so comfortable and inspired by the moms in the class. Two were moms of new borns (one was 6 weeks and one was 3 weeks). I don’t think I was that motivated 3 weeks after birth! The class was fantastic, the playgroup was fun, but ultimately this experience meant more to me than a great workout and some fun. It reminded me of the importance of finding support of other like minded women. Motherhood is such a unifying experience among women. Regardless of your age, economic status, political views, personality, career path or even your taste in clothes or music, mothers have a way of finding common ground. Unfortunately in the frantic rush of our busy lives, we often end up feeling more isolated than connected, alone to witness the joys and struggles that our families face. I love the simple act of sympathizing with a mom who was up all night with her teething son or discussing the antics of silly babies crawling and trying to nurse at the same time. In these moments I see that these moms are me. We all go through these experiences, we face many of the same challenges and we all find a way to get through it. This comforts me. It helps keep me going when we are having a bad day. It reminds me that I am not alone.
We are not meant to be alone. Not having support of friends and family with small children, connecting with these moms is the best thing I have done for myself since the birth of my daughter. It’s not always comfortable walking into a group of strangers and trying to join the conversation, but those moments of uncertainty are well rewarded. These other moms might be a support to you in more ways than you might realize. I look forward to the future friendships that may blossom from these casual get togethers with like-minded women. I am relieved that I don’t have to wait until my daughter goes to school or joins swim team for us to find friends her age and other families to spend time with. I am so glad I have this connection to the rest of the world when taking care of the baby can feel so demanding and isolating at times. These moms keep me motivated and keep me positive, without even knowing they are doing it. My biggest recommendation to new moms is to find the time, as often as they can to get out there and try to meet other moms, especially ones with similar interests. It will change your whole baby-raising experience!
Oct 01
Perhaps overly ambitious?
Can you ever really get caught up when you have a young baby? Or when you have your own business, for that matter? I think some days, wow! She’s finally sleeping through the night, I can get some work done now that I’m rested. Then she starts teething… and we don’t sleep again for two weeks. Friends tell me that every time you feel like you are starting to figure something out or get into a routine, something with the baby will change.
As far as my newborn business is concerned, this too takes time, patience and persistence. I need to stop worrying about perfection and just do my best. Some days, I get so much accomplished… it seems that meeting deadlines and being creative is easy. Other days, when the baby has a bad day and mom and dad have not slept, returning phone calls can seem to be such a chore.
So, here I am… a mom, a wife, an entrepreneur, a long time massage therapist, wellness educator, natural living, fitness and outdoor enthusiast trying to redefine myself, my lifestyle, my health and my business following the birth of my child 3 months ago. I deal with everything most moms and business owners face, but I am passionate about healthy, natural, sustainable living and creatively solving many problems my family encounters. I look forward to sharing my experiences and many of the solutions I find along the way.
For now, my mantra is “take it day by day”. If every day you improve (or at least 4 of 7 days each week), you are heading in the right direction. Don’t get caught up with what you don’t have time for, just make the time you have count. Even if, instead of getting work done,you snuggle and love on your baby or go for a walk with your family, spend your time doing something that matters. Everything will fall into place. I just have to keep reminding myself… all the chores and errands and work will get done eventually.