The Natural, Organic Way

Travelling the au natural path as a mama is a job in and of itself. There are so many products out there that claim to be "healthy" and "safe", and yet you can still find articles and books warning you against it. I've gone to several stores in search of the safest bath toys, alone, for my daughter. She so enjoys the bath, and loved her rubber ducky. Now that she is able to grab and pick things up, everything goes into her mouth. I would cringe when she chewed on her increasingly grubby rubber ducky. Since then, I have gone through a few iterations of bath toys, continuing to find ones that make me feel more comfortable. Its very important to me that she has fun, and is able to explore her world, and that I make the best choices possible to support her exploration. To me, that means reducing the toxins and chemicals and God-knows-what-else that are hidden within the not-so-goodies we consume and use.
This Saturday, we are starting her on "real food". I am very excited for this ongoing adventure of feeding my little girl, though aware that it will be a commitment and more work. We are going to start her on avocados. Why? I love them, I've read that they are a good food starter, and, mostly, they seem like more fun than a basic rice cereal.

I am still researching all that goes into making, storing and "serving" (if that's what you call this messy adventure) healthy baby food. Let the games begin!

The Fools in Us

This weekend, I connected with some friends of mine at a 1st (adorable) birthday party. A few of us were talking about how the road of motherhood is paved with questions and not knowing (are we making the best choices for our children? What are the impacts??). I was reminded of this quote:
"I must learn to love the fool in me - the one who feels too much, talks too much, takes too many chances, wins sometimes and loses often, lacks self-control, loves and hates, hurts and gets hurt, promises and breaks promises, laughs and cries. It alone protects me against the utterly self-controlled, masterful tyrant whom I also harbor and who would rob me of human aliveness, humility, and dignity but for my fool." Theodore Rubin
We call those tyrants "gremlins" in coaching - our inner voices that express self-doubt, insecurity, comparisons, judgements. How can we expect to know it all when we often don't know what we don't know? When we find ourselves in new territory with no reliable map? When we never can know how the chapter will end until we live it?
Ah, we must have patience with ourselves and know that we are, always, human. When we know that what we're doing is not working, then we must readjust. In the meantime, the more forgiving we are of ourselves, the sooner we will learn, the more loving and available we are to our children, and the more we will enjoy the journey...

Daily Rituals

Here's a confession: Before my daughter's birth, I never made my bed. It seemed unnecessary to me. Why spend my time making a bed that will just be slept in again that night? And who will see it anyways?? Basically, what's the point?? My house is organized and generally clean, and I have very little clutter. An unmade bed was not a big deal.

After Amelia was born, my home became more than my haven. It was where I was spending nearly all of my time. My tolerance for mess and disorganization became even less than beforehand (and my husband would say it was low to begin with!) I focused on the downstairs first. I asked my husband to straighten out the pillows on the couch, and fold the blanket, before going to bed. With a newborn, the couch is where I spent a lot of my time. I explained to my husband that I felt 'weighted' if I came downstairs in the a.m. to pillows and blankets strewn about, remotes hidden in the pillows, etc. It felt as if yesterday's mess carried into today. As a new mom who often felt secluded in the middle of winter, it really affected me. I needed some refreshment, so that each day did not feel like "groundhog day".

One morning, soon after, I decided to make my bed. I spent a few minutes hemming and hawing over the use of this precious nap-time, but felt compelled to make it.

That day, I noticed how good it felt each time I passed by my bedroom and saw my bed. I pulled down the covers that evening and gratefully climbed into my snug covers. It felt special to me. Like a treat.

The next day, I made my bed again before taking my morning shower. I did it again the next day. It has since become a daily ritual. I do it because it feels good. It is a way of taking care of myself, like brushing my teeth. And, in response to the question of "who sees it anyways??" ~ ME! That's the point.

I would naturally make my bed if I were staying at anyone else's house. It is a sign of respect and consideration. Now, it is something that I do to honor myself and the beginning of a new day and a fresh start. It is a small act that has a significant impact on my day.

I am in the process of creating other "daily rituals" that refresh and fuel me for the day ahead. As these behaviors become rituals and habits, they contribute to an overall sense of self-respect and trust.

What daily rituals would positively affect your life?? What commitments or behaviors would contribute to greater balance and fulfillment??

Welcome.

Greetings,

I am creating this blog with the intention of connecting with women worldwide as we strive to find balance and real fulfillment amidst our busy lives. I started a coaching practice in January 2007, focusing my coaching on women in career and life transitions. I am so often in awe over my clients - these women are so creative, loving, insightful, brilliant. And yet, these women share similar struggles as they long for connection, meaning, energy and balance, and to feel truly alive! I have come to believe that we are all seeking our place in the universe, the place where we can meet others as fully ourselves and make our unique contribution to the world. And, yet, the pathway to this place begins with small steps. Steps towards greater self-care and integrity, and a willingness to be bold ~ to try on new adventures and perspectives ~ and to risk being messy, silly, wrong, etc..

This past November, I gave birth to a beautiful and fiesty daughter, Amelia. As I began the oft-akward dance of motherhood (where is the instruction manual??), I began to see myself through Amelia's eyes. How am I living my life? What am I teaching her? What lessons, beliefs, traditions will I pass along to my daughter? How do I raise a confident, powerful and conscious daughter? I believe that the answer is to BE a confident, powerful and conscious woman.

I know through coaching that change and growth begins with consciousness. Before we can make new, more empowering choices, we must become aware. I am hoping that you will join me as I explore, offer insights, reach out, play...

And please don't be a silent observer. Share your voice. Pose questions, post comments, share insights. Let's begin...