It’s that simple.
The ‘old’ me would’ve said, “I wish it were that simple”. But now, when I see this, I get a big smile on my face and I can say, without a second of hesitation: “It’s that simple.”
Inspiration in its truest form…
You know, if I had to choose one thing to hold onto forever & ever–one thing that I look forward to each and every day–it would be Mason’s sleepy grin and greeting first thing in the morning.
He and I co-sleep (proudly). He’s always been a night-owl like his Momma, so he naps in the evening, rallies from about 8p-10p or 11p, then crashes. He wakes up for the day between 10a and 11a (yes, I count my blessings everyday for this; especially since it’s been his routine since he was about 6wks old). And the best part is…wait for it…he wakes up HAPPY!
Some days I wake up several hours before him, go about starting my day, then check in a few times around his usually waking hour. Other days, when I’ve been up until 2a or 3a working (or playing) on the computer, he wakes me.
On the days when I wake first, I’ll open the door and (if he’s near a waking state) he’ll pop up, give me a sleepy grin and say, either ‘More?’ (while signing ‘more’, which, for him means milk), ‘Hi!’, or ‘Go?’ (pointing his finger at the door to go into the living room). I always ask him for a kiss. Believe it or not, this AM smooch is the one and only time I can count on not being shot down; most of the time during the days he’ll shake his head ‘no’, as if I’ve got cooties. Love it!
On the days when I sleep in, I usually wake to a sweet little ‘Hi!’. Sometimes, it’s prefaced by a pat on my arm or belly. When I stir and open my eyes, always, and I mean ALWAYS, I am greeted by a huge smile (immediately followed by either a second ‘Hi!’ or ‘More?’).
I can’t think of a better way to start my day. It makes whatever happened the day before non-existent; and whatever I’ve got ahead of me completely tolerable. No matter how tired I am (and I am NOT a morning person by nature), because of this sweet little angel, I now have the privilege of waking up and starting my day HAPPY…I am truly blessed.
These are the moments I’m pretty sure I’m going to miss most once he’s outgrown them. (*sigh*)
Sorority Of Moms | By Maternal Endeavors
Hey, Mommas! I’ve launched a brand new Facebook page! Sorority Of Moms | By Maternal Endeavors. The idea is to bring Moms from across the country together to pledge their support for each other and all of their entrepreneurial endeavors.
I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel, by any means…I know there are tons of other Mompreneur pages and sites out there designed to promote Mom-Owned businesses (including Maternal Endeavors – where the focus is more on promoting local Mom-Owned businesses). I’m just trying to tap into the nurturing nature of Moms and encourage them all to redirect their energy and effort from the grueling task of promoting themselves to the more charitable and fulfilling task of promoting each other; if we all band together, everyone wins.
You DO NOT have to own a business to support Mom-Owned businesses! Whether you own a business, stay at home, or work full-time/part-time for a larger company, as a Mom, you can understand and sympathize with the women who are working hard to create financial independence, a flexible schedule so that they can enjoy more time with their children, and a sense of purpose and self-worth in doing something they are passionate about. So by supporting and helping to promote Mom-Owned businesses, you’re helping a Mom create a better more enriching life for herself and her children.
My vision for Maternal Endeavors Mom-Entrepreneur Network is to create the ultimate Sorority Of Moms – “Transforming the concept of Networking into one of Sisterhood!”, therefore, the Sorority Of Moms | By Maternal Endeavors page is simply an extension of Maternal Endeavors to help raise national awareness for the cause and to rally support from Moms all over the country to make that vision a reality.
If you’re a Mom, take the pledge to support Mom-Owned businesses by ‘Liking’ the page and sharing it in your Mom circles.
The next big step in helping to build this Sorority Of Moms will be in contacting my out-of-state Mommas to discuss the potential launch of a Maternal Endeavors Mom-Entrepreneur Network help promote local Mom-Owned businesses in your area. Let me know if you’re interested, and I’ll put you at the top of the list for becoming a Network Advocate! Moms Unite!
Love to you all!
Take risks…
Are you a risk taker? Or do you play it safe? I used to play it safe, always. But I found myself in a huge rut because of it. I was always saying things like, “I wish I could…” or “It would be great if I could…” or “If only I had more time to…”. Then one day, life gave me a swift kick in the rear. I realized that nothing and nobody was holding me back…except me.
So I decided (and yes, it’s as simple as making the decision) to do away with the wishes and if only’s. I realized the only real risk in taking a risk is discovery…discovery of what works and what doesn’t…discovery of what makes me happy and what doesn’t…discovery of the things I excel at and the things I should maybe just recruit help on…discovery of my true potential.
So take risks, within reason, of course. For, with any risk you take–whether you succeed or fail–you discover, you learn, and you grow.
~Amber~
Auction #1: Thursday 5.17.12 (6p-9p) to benefit Joyce A. Thompson
Auction #1 has begun! Please consider either donating to the cause directly or taking advantage of our auction deal! I have offered up over $250 worth of services…and if you’re the only bidder, you can get it all for as little as $20, while helping to save a woman’s life.
Promote Your Business & Make a Difference – Joyce A. Thompson Benefit
Every day until May 31st, I will be auctioning off 1 FREE MONTH OF ADVERTISEMENT AND/OR AD SPACE, with ALL proceeds going to Joyce A. Thompson. Here’s how it’s going to work:
1.) I will post notice of the auction hours approximately 1 hour before it will begin.
2.) Any and all Network Fans may place bids, including: Non-Members, Out-of-State Etsy Moms, and others who are willing to ship their products.
3.) Bidding will start at $20 for each auction. Make your bids in whole dollar increments.
4.) Once you’ve received notification of a winning bid, you will no longer be eligible for any other auctions (meaning, no one individual will be able to win more than once).
5.) Winners will receive:
*1 business page shout-out per week for 1 month.
*A Front Page (650px by 200px – Approx. the same size as the banner above) Web Ad on the main website for 1 month.
*$25 Ad Design (upon request) – Normally $55.
*A 1/2 page Print Ad – NOTE: Print ads will be placed as Directories go to print, and only if we have enough paid ads to cover printing cost; therefore, there is no guarantee as to which month your ad will appear, only a guarantee that once it goes to print, your ad will appear and be distributed for 1 to 2 months (minimum). You will be notified when your ad is placed and in which Directory.
*Logo placement on the June Cover Image of the Maternal Endeavors Facebook page (to remain in place for 1 month – All winners will be featured on the same Cover)…Due to the new FB guidelines, your contact info will NOT appear on the image; only your name, business name, and company logo will be appear to remain in compliance. I will attach links to your pages in separate comments in the Cover Image Album (next to the image).
PLEASE DO NOT PLACE BIDS UNLESS YOU HAVE THE FUNDS TO MAKE PAYMENT.
You will have 24 hours to make payment upon receiving notification of your winning bid. If payment is not received, the next highest bidder will be contacted and will have 24 hours to claim their winnings.
PAYMENTS MUST BE MADE VIA PAYPAL.
Make payments in the form of a ‘Gift’ via PayPal to the following email address: payments@maternalendeavors.com
I will then make payment to Joyce on June 1st, in one lump sum, listing each person and business responsible for the donations so that she may contact you individually (provided she is able) to offer her ‘Thanks’.
I am still offering the following special for Standard Members, as well:
For Standard Members Only: I am willing to provide HALF PRICED ad space for all those who donate $50 or more to the cause BEFORE May 25th! (You must forward me a copy of your PayPal receipt showing your gift was sent to joyce@emotionaljourney.org in to receive this discount. This very special limited time offer may only be applied to Standard Ad Rates & cannot be combined with any membership associated discounts, as it will prevent my ability to cover printing costs.) Ads will appear in the next issue that goes to print.
Courage is…
This is SO me! I’ve never been one to give in to fear. In fact, my biggest motivators are people who try to induce fear or self-doubt in me by insulting me, putting me down, or simply telling me I can’t do something.
In times of stress, I throw myself into a whirlwind of productivity and dive into new projects to maintain (or regain) focus on my goals. When people say to me, “I don’t know how you do it”, my reply is always this:
I don’t have time to feel sorry for myself. Life is short; worry, fear, and doubt are counterproductive emotions that serve no other purpose than to evoke sympathy from others and to pass or fill time; I’ve got far too much to accomplish and don’t believe in self-pity. I just keep pushing forward until the unpleasantness has passed; it’s a method of coping that has always served me well.
So the next time life throws an obstacle your way– and you’re feeling down or slightly intimidated by the situation — take a deep breath, stand up, shake it off, and say: ”Get the hell out of my way! I’ve got things to do.” And keep pushing forward.
Have a wonderful day, Mommas!
~Amber~
Source: maternalendeavors.com via Amber on Pinterest
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