Wow, it has been a very long time since I’ve felt like I could write, make sense and actually contribute something positive to this virtual world of ours. For a while, I was not only allowing this huge responsibility that I felt I owed to my fellow stepmothers out there to consume me, but I also gave birth to a beautiful boy and that was consuming me. So, I decided to take a step back and allow my fabulous sister-friend, stepfamily coach and business partner, Diane Greene, to navigate our ship for us and she has done an outstanding job! I am so lucky that she is the other half of my team.
While I was away, I spent time kicking postpartum depression’s butt! I think I’ve explained in a previous post that I spent 20 weeks on bed rest, with 3 of those weeks being hospital bed rest and I still delivered my son prematurely. On top of that, my husband’s volatile relationship with his ex-wife always has some effect on our overall family (no matter how much we wish it didn’t) and it was all starting to really get to me. I was so anxious I literally couldn’t sit still and wanted to jump out of my own skin. All of those realistic expectations that I preach and teach about through Today’s Modern Family were not being applied to my own life and I was losing control. I knew at that point it was time for me to regroup, refocus, recharge and renew myself. And so began my journey to apply all of the things that I know I should do and should have been doing all along.
- The word NO became one of my favorite words! No, I will not over extend mysef to the point where I increase you and deplete me. If I’m running on empty, I am no good to anyone.
- I got a hobby; one that has always been in my life. I just had to reawaken it and that hobby is photography. It is my creative outlet that is just for me and I really enjoy allowng my imagination to soar and seeing what beautiful picture results from that.
- Prayer, devotion and meditation is a daily practice for me. I not only start my day with it, but I’ve made them an intregal part throughout my day as well.
- I turned my pain into purpose by writing a book called The Joyful Mind Project. In my quest to always seek and choose joy, I decided to put the things that have helped me in a book in hopes that the information will help someone else.
- With the help of my friend over at Singing Bird Studios, I designed The Joy Collection; a collection of handmade wearable art with powerful phrases that helped get me through postpartum depression.
- I began to spend time enjoying my family WITHOUT FEELING GUILTY! I no longer consume myself with who isn’t there and why. I just enjoy the loving family and friends who are there.
- I began to eat healthier and incorporate some sort of exercise in my life on a regular basis.
- I began to choose me and realize that it’s perfectly ok, acceptable, and appropriate to do so…no matter who says otherwise.
Today, I feel so much better! I’m finally starting to feel refreshed and revived. At the same time, I realize that the lifestyle changes I’ve made are going to have to be permanent for me to continue feeling this way.
I named my photography hobby after my boys, Marc and Eli. This angelic pregnant woman is one of my favs.
Creating the illusion of an hourglass shape is the biggest step you can take in obtaining your most attractive look. This is achieved by keeping your top and bottom in proportion and having clothes cinched in, at least slightly, at the waist. Rather than wearing loose, shapeless clothes, look for tops and blouses with seams, darts or pin tucks that will provide you with some shape. Do not assume these styles will be uncomfortable. As long as they are not too tight, they should work well even for the most active woman. An easy suggestion – hold your top or blouse up on the hanger – if it is perfectly square, it is not going to provide your most flattering look. However, a top with some shape built in, will be a great choice! A small amount of lycra or spandex in the material provides structure, which can be a plus. Avoid thin material, as it tends to be clingy and can emphasize those places you don’t want noticed.
Imagine a world where both moms AND stepmoms unapologetically loved themselves on purpose! Self-love is not selfish. It is in fact quite the opposite because you cannot be good to anyone else if you're running on empty. Remember to love yourself on purpose!
I obtained a passport in less than 3 days by using Fastport Passport!
