What day would you never want to re-live? A disastrous day that comes to my mind is when I got hug the toilet food poisoning, on my 25th birthday, in Park City and had to drive home early, disappointed and miserable. Another unfortunate day is the time my car transmission failed while heading to a college class…my car started rolling down the hill in the middle of busy traffic and class changes.
On a more serious note, I have watched people around me survive devastating moments… loss, abuse, depression. Not to mention things like daily monotony, inadequacy, insecurity, stubbing your baby toe or feeling like you just don’t have the strength to conquer your tasks. Sometimes we feel life is impossible.
However, we all have a deep down ability to overcome hard things…
After interviewing teens and personally speaking with thousands of women in different life circumstances it amazes me how strong we all are. You may not recognize how strong you when you are going through tough times, but you can do hard things.
It keeps me going to remember the strong and gracious women I am surrounded by. Last week, I’ll be honest, I was struggling. I have been getting little sleep (my infant is still not sleeping through the night). I had a pile of work to catch up on. I was getting anxiety about not having the ability to do all my tasks among some other more pressing things… It felt hard. But I took strength from each of you… I think of the teen with no family support while struggling to kick a drug abuse habit. I think of a mother who broke the cycle of abuse for her family through much sacrifice… I think of the woman who is finding balance amid a health crisis, while financially supporting her family. I think of the single woman who through no fault of her own was left with a big mess to clean up…
The list can go on. But the point is- these women have gone through really hard things. Not only are they surviving their burdens, but they have been able to take their experiences and pass on strength to another person who is struggling.
The next time you have a hard day, big or small, remind yourself… I can do hard things!
Links:
Remember you can check out www.todayilive.com for the book and the PASS ON STRENGTH campaign
Also, if you have daughters, sisters, or friends in need of a network/education/outreach check on the non-profit organziation www.cauliflowerretreat.org
Also, if you have daughters, sisters, or friends in need of a network/education/outreach check on the non-profit organziation www.cauliflowerretreat.org
Why Everyone Should Have a Dance Party…
I would never survive life without crazy multi-tasking. Lets face it running a household, overseeing a non-profit, promoting a book with a self esteem campaign, and still getting up in the middle of the night with a baby can make a person crazy without multi-tasking and relaxation. The secret to my sanity is having a DANCE PARTY with my two kids. Music offers me powerful feelings of motivation. I can turn up the volume loud enough so that I can’t hear the phone ring. My son laughs and feels quality time with his Mom. Finally, jumping around for an hour with a four year old (and another 13 pound child in my arms)is like having a personal trainer forcing you to do lunges until it burns.
At my house, the sprinkler is the favorite move on a beat with U2’s Beautiful Day… Don’t Let it Get Away. Add a little running man. The funniest thing in the world is watching a kid do the robot. Of course everyone should just jump and spin to Smoke on the Water. About the time the kids get tired, I get to scoop them in my arms to slow dance along with Jack Johnson’s always better when we’re together.
I have heard the saying that we should “Dance like no body is watching.” It inspires me. I love finding moments to live life to the fullest and celebrate what my body can do verses focus on why my thighs are too big. So many women struggle with a negative body image. We don’t like our booty, our mid section, our cottage cheese, lanky ankles, and more. What ever your insecurity may be let them go. Focus on health and happiness verses why you don’t look like the airbrushed model featured in the gossip magazine.
The next time you are feeling down about your body, need to spend more quality time with your kids, or need to relax, here is a solution.
Pull down your blinds. Play your favorite music. If you are not comfortable dancing just sit on the floor with your feet out and wiggle your toes and remember how cool, amazing, and fantastic your body is.
At my house, the sprinkler is the favorite move on a beat with U2’s Beautiful Day… Don’t Let it Get Away. Add a little running man. The funniest thing in the world is watching a kid do the robot. Of course everyone should just jump and spin to Smoke on the Water. About the time the kids get tired, I get to scoop them in my arms to slow dance along with Jack Johnson’s always better when we’re together.
I have heard the saying that we should “Dance like no body is watching.” It inspires me. I love finding moments to live life to the fullest and celebrate what my body can do verses focus on why my thighs are too big. So many women struggle with a negative body image. We don’t like our booty, our mid section, our cottage cheese, lanky ankles, and more. What ever your insecurity may be let them go. Focus on health and happiness verses why you don’t look like the airbrushed model featured in the gossip magazine.
The next time you are feeling down about your body, need to spend more quality time with your kids, or need to relax, here is a solution.
Pull down your blinds. Play your favorite music. If you are not comfortable dancing just sit on the floor with your feet out and wiggle your toes and remember how cool, amazing, and fantastic your body is.
BOOGERS or SWEETNESS?
My little four year old suddenly thought it would be funny to start sniffing my arm. He would stick his little nose right up to my elbow, take a deep breath in, and belly laugh. One day he decided to get more adventurous and smell my cheek. He smashed his nose against my face and took the snottiest snort in…and out.
My first reaction was ewwww. Boogers! As I went to wipe the residue off my cheek he put his little hands under my chin, looked me in the eyes and said, “MOM, you smell like sweetness.” This of course was follow by another belly laugh which I joined in on.
I was about to miss out on a awesome memory with my son because I was focused on the negative stuff. Lets face it, the 4 year old slime lingering on my face wasn’t exactly pleasant but I will always remember what he told me after. How many times do things like that happen in life? We all have moments around us where perspective can either make us feel a little annoyed or full of joy.
We can focus on the sticky boogers of life OR we can focus on the SWEETNESS.
My first reaction was ewwww. Boogers! As I went to wipe the residue off my cheek he put his little hands under my chin, looked me in the eyes and said, “MOM, you smell like sweetness.” This of course was follow by another belly laugh which I joined in on.
I was about to miss out on a awesome memory with my son because I was focused on the negative stuff. Lets face it, the 4 year old slime lingering on my face wasn’t exactly pleasant but I will always remember what he told me after. How many times do things like that happen in life? We all have moments around us where perspective can either make us feel a little annoyed or full of joy.
We can focus on the sticky boogers of life OR we can focus on the SWEETNESS.
Thank You!!! This book is for you...
Dear Friends and Family:
I am very excited to report that my book is published!! All the hard work has paid off as I was able to see the first images launch from concepts in my mind, to design supported by amazing computer technology, all the way to the printing process on the giant Web Press down at Hudson. There were late nights, multiple drafts, and a great support network. I now get excited to think that this is actually in print and it has the potential to help women recognize their own worth and purpose.
As I reflect on the final product there are many people I wanted to thank…
It all started with my parents (and family). I would not have the knowledge, the passion, or the character to do something like this without them spending years devoted to my upbringing. I guess the noogies from Kevin and the sneaky journal reading from Janeal also helped build my character so thanks guys! And then of course I have all my in-laws to thank for their support and their goodness in teaching Cory. This book would still be a sketch on the back of the shelves if it were not for Cory believing in me and flat out telling me I can do things. You’ve always helped me be a better person Cory and I love you forever.
I need to thank the Cauliflower Retreat Board of Directors, our partners, the mentors, and the girls who have gotten involved in the self esteem programs. You have each given me glimpses for the content of this book. I appreciate your hard work and dedication to the “worth and purpose” cause. And I am joyful to report it has only just begun…
I also think about my BEHS cheerleaders who showed me strength, hard work, leadership, and reminded me about the big issues girls face. (and you taught me how we can all better deal with “drama” and “roller coasters”J) I will always call you my kids even though I see you going to college, making a difference in your adult lives and getting married. You each have a special place in my heart and hope if you ever need anything you will let me know.
Now, I had no prior book experience and I offer deep gratitude for my mentor Lori for taking time out of her busy schedule to teach me about the publishing process-you are truly a talented person. Then we have Michelle P, who I look up to, and who took time to help in the editing process. If anyone still sees grammatical errors in it, I take full responsibility due to my last minute changes. Thank you Chelsey C who took some time to share her art and computer skills (and pinpoint my girls legs were cut off on page 32) Thank you Mary for letting me interview you on your life experiences. And of course all my good friend who listened to me spout off thoughts and the girls who let me do “market research” with their opinions. Finally, I offer deep gratitude to my Heavenly Father for the inspiration… I could not have done this on my own.
I invite you all to celebrate with me!!! Again, I offer deep gratitude to you all for your support, example and friendship!
-Karen
I am very excited to report that my book is published!! All the hard work has paid off as I was able to see the first images launch from concepts in my mind, to design supported by amazing computer technology, all the way to the printing process on the giant Web Press down at Hudson. There were late nights, multiple drafts, and a great support network. I now get excited to think that this is actually in print and it has the potential to help women recognize their own worth and purpose.
As I reflect on the final product there are many people I wanted to thank…
It all started with my parents (and family). I would not have the knowledge, the passion, or the character to do something like this without them spending years devoted to my upbringing. I guess the noogies from Kevin and the sneaky journal reading from Janeal also helped build my character so thanks guys! And then of course I have all my in-laws to thank for their support and their goodness in teaching Cory. This book would still be a sketch on the back of the shelves if it were not for Cory believing in me and flat out telling me I can do things. You’ve always helped me be a better person Cory and I love you forever.
I need to thank the Cauliflower Retreat Board of Directors, our partners, the mentors, and the girls who have gotten involved in the self esteem programs. You have each given me glimpses for the content of this book. I appreciate your hard work and dedication to the “worth and purpose” cause. And I am joyful to report it has only just begun…
I also think about my BEHS cheerleaders who showed me strength, hard work, leadership, and reminded me about the big issues girls face. (and you taught me how we can all better deal with “drama” and “roller coasters”J) I will always call you my kids even though I see you going to college, making a difference in your adult lives and getting married. You each have a special place in my heart and hope if you ever need anything you will let me know.
Now, I had no prior book experience and I offer deep gratitude for my mentor Lori for taking time out of her busy schedule to teach me about the publishing process-you are truly a talented person. Then we have Michelle P, who I look up to, and who took time to help in the editing process. If anyone still sees grammatical errors in it, I take full responsibility due to my last minute changes. Thank you Chelsey C who took some time to share her art and computer skills (and pinpoint my girls legs were cut off on page 32) Thank you Mary for letting me interview you on your life experiences. And of course all my good friend who listened to me spout off thoughts and the girls who let me do “market research” with their opinions. Finally, I offer deep gratitude to my Heavenly Father for the inspiration… I could not have done this on my own.
I invite you all to celebrate with me!!! Again, I offer deep gratitude to you all for your support, example and friendship!
-Karen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
