I can't believe I only blogged one time last week and here I am on Monday trying to find a "write a little" idea. I am going to cheat. This past weekend I spoke at a mothering convention in SLC. I was really nervous and so I was afraid to say anything on the blog because I know so many people who would have been more qualified to speak than me. Still, it was something I felt I had to do. Because I was scared witless and I believe in facing my fears, I felt I had to accept this challenge. So I pulled it off ,kind of, and today I am just going to give you a mini version of my 45 minute lecture that focused on this list of ten ways we can find joy in motherhood. My topic was "Exchanging Martyrdom for Motherhood."
10 Steps to Enjoy Motherhood
CHANGE YOUR ATTITUDE -- Spend less time indulging the "poor me" attitude and find more time to find joy and peace in your role as a mother.
1. Grow a Sense of Humor – Laugh More. Laughter always changes your perspective. Always!
2. Prioritize – When they are your priorities they are easier to swallow. Remember why you chose to become a mother.
3. Make it your Dream Job – See yourself as top management. You are not the maid you are the executive. All jobs have glamourous and non glamourous aspects -- even dream jobs.
4. Recognize your Achievements – Give yourself a high five. Recognize your awesome mom days and give yourself some credit.
5. Document your Feelings – Write it, Sing it, Blog it.
CHANGE YOUR BEHAVIOR
1. Embrace your Mothering Style – Paint by number paintings don’t get in museums so embrace your unique traits as a mother, use your own mothering style to bring beauty and joy to your family.
2. Teach Don’t Do –
“We will be more effective the less we act as managers and the more we act as coaches, consultants and guides.” James D. MacArthur, PhD – Director, counseling and Career Center, BYU
3. Take a Time Out – You are a person too so Pamper, Breathe, Learn, Escape.
4. Create a Support Circle – Accept Help, Vent for Sanity, Give Back. Don't judge other mothers in your Support Circle
5. Play – Schedule a playdate with your children. This is where we get to know and understand our children and where they get to know and understand us.
Ok there is a seriously pared down version.
Also, I forgot to tell you the answer to my word wise question a few weeks ago.
The difference between uninterested and disinterested is:
Uninterested means lacking interest
Disinterested means impartial. i.e. A district court judge must always play the part of a disinterested observer.
5 comments:
I just read on Steph blog that you spoke at a conference so I came here to find out about it. I am glad you decided to tell us about it! It sounds like you did a great job.
We had so much fun with your family this weekend. Thanks for taking us to dinner, it was fun being able to spend time with just you and Tom!
That's awesome. We need you to do a little mini-teaching group here. I'm sure there are a lot of us moms who need that. (me included at the top of the list)
I'm going to "schedule" a play date with each of my kids this next month. I love that tip. We do a lot of things together but I think planning it in advance and doing it with only one at a time will make it extra special.
Thanks for the great tips. I agree with all of them.
I wish I had been there! I can't believe you were able to speak for 45 minutes! I'm SO impressed.
I met you at the convention. I thought you did a wonderful job, and you didn't seem nervous at all. Someone once told me that "excited" and "nervous" are pretty much the same feeling in your body. kinda helped me take the edge off :)
I seriously needed to hear what you had to say that day. I have been plagued by mommy guilt lately, it's hard to feel when you're at work, "i should be at home..." etc. email me sometime :)
mari.crawford@gmail.com
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