Archive for Reflections
January 10, 2008· Filed under Reflections
I am not a risk taker. I am not an attention seeker. I am not comfortable in front of a camera - still or video.
So when a long time client called and asked to interview me for a video piece she was doing, I was reluctant to agree. But then I thought for a moment. It is hard for me to recommend video as part of a new media strategy if I am not willing to give it a go myself. Plus, she is such a good person, I’d have a hard time saying no anyhow.
I have spent the past few days stressing about what to wear, how to do my hair, would I know what to say, would I sound goofy - you know - all the normal stuff. My husband even made a remark that he couldn’t believe I was going to do it because I don’t even like having my picture taken.
When I arrived at Sue’s office this morning, her video course instructor, Tina, was there and she immediately made me feel at ease.
For the next hour we worked on getting the lighting right, setting up at the right angle, practicing my lines, and shooting take after take. Sue was learning to use her video set up so she can take it to conferences and client events and Tina was giving both of us great tips along the way.
Originally I didn’t want to see the clip, but after 4 or 5 takes and hearing the two of them say how good it looked, I just had to see it. And you know what - it looked really good.
I was amazed at how much I learned in that hour and how amazingly empowered I felt afterwards! Stepping out of your comfort zone is definitely a good exercise.
What is something you are afraid of? I challenge you to take a step out of your own comfort zone and try something new - and soon!
PS - yes, I will share the video clip with you all - once it is ready and available for public viewing.
January 1, 2008· Filed under Reflections
The New Year has finally arrived and I am welcoming 2008 with open arms! Not that 2007 was all that bad, but because 2008 marks a new chapter in my life and I am really excited about it.
In 2008, I will enter my 40’s.
While my 30’s were all about having a family, being a new Mom, surviving diapers, toddler tantrums and preschool, my 40’s are going to be more about ME. My children are going to be going through the tweens and teens and while they will still need me on a daily basis, I can move my role with them from “babysitter, doer of all” to “coach, counselor, and parent”.
My 30’s were about putting everyone else’s needs first leaving me tired, out of shape, and somedays resentful. My 40’s will be more about balance. I will make time for myself and will even put my personal needs first without feeling guilty about it either. My children will be better for it with a Mom who values her time, health and knowledge.
In my 30’s I launched my small business as a freelance web designer and general computer skills jane of all trades. In my 40’s, I will take this business to a different level. Instead of trying to grow my client base and taking anything that comes my way, I will be my own biggest client first and will only take on new projects if they truly inspire me.
It may seem a bit selfish, but the more I read about and talk to truly successful and happy women, the more I know that going into my 40’s with confidence, passion, and purpose will result in a happier family all around.
No resolutions here! Just a new attitude. Won’t you join me? It’s going to be a great year!
September 11, 2007· Filed under Reflections
I am sitting here in my house all alone, much like September 11, 2001. I had just dropped my daughter off at preschool and on my way home I heard the news of the first airplane. I remember being glued to the TV, sobbing, angry, and worried. I remember things feeling so surreal. Phone lines were jammed and my husband was out of town. My heart broke as the rest of the day’s event started to unfold.
Last summer we took a trip to New York City. We wanted to show the kids the sights, but also have the opportunity to see Ground Zero for ourselves. The picture above is one we took at Ground Zero. Until you see it for yourself, the enormity of it just is too hard to explain.
Today (and every day), the victims, families and heroes of the 9/11 tragedy are in our thoughts and prayers.
August 27, 2007· Filed under Family, Reflections
Can you guess what today is? Yep, it is the first day of school. I am now sitting at my desk in my home office listening to … nothing but the gently hum of the dishwasher.
My son started Middle School today and he felt very confident about his schedule, opening his locker and the new independence and responsibility he will be given.
My older daughter started 4th grade with the same teacher my son had for 1st and 4th grades. She is awesome and Miss M is so ready to resume her social butterfly ways.
Little Miss N headed onto the bus with a mix of hesitation and excitement. She is more than ready for Kindergarten but not 100% sure what to expect. She’ll do fine and will be directing the class by the end of the week.
I have been looking forward to this day for 11 years, but am grateful for every day that has passed in between. I am truly grateful that I have been able to work from home so I could be there for all the milestones, tea parties, story times, preschool field trips and all.
What am I going to do with all this uninterrupted time now? Hmmm… I have a stack of work on my desk waiting to be dealt with, I want to paint Miss N’s room, I am going to start walking a few times a week with friends, and I have already been talked into volunteering at the school one morning a week. Something tells me the time will fly by!!
July 14, 2007· Filed under Family, Girl Stuff, Reflections
Motherhood is one of the biggest accomplishments and biggest challenges of my life so far. Before I was a Mom, I did lots of things - I taught gymnastics full time, I traveled to far off places (often on my own) and I spent plenty of Sunday afternoons doing jigsaw puzzles. Then there were the social things like going out to lunch with friends, taking weekend getaways with my husband, and business functions. Who says that when you become a Mom, that all these things must stop? I don’t think they have to.
I have met too many Mommies who have given it all up for Motherhood. They lose their sense of self and their often their happiness.
Here are my top 3 reasons why Moms need a life, too!Â
3. Because coffee with your girlfriends is cheaper than therapy. Just having someone to vent with and share some giggles with can go a long way to happiness and maintaining your sense of self.
2. Because your kids should not be better dressed than you. By taking the time and effort to dress in something better than sweats and t’s each day, you teach your children (by example) that taking care of yourself is important.
1. Because one day, your kids will all be grown! What do you want to be when your kids grow up? Why wait that long? Start working and living those dreams and goals now. You and your family will be better for it!
Now, I am sure we can add to this list. Give me your reasons why Moms need a life, too.
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