Greek philosopher Plato is quoted as having said “The beginning is the most important part of the work.” I often agree with this. To start a new project, chore or duty can often be the most daunting task. We procrastinate. We make excuses. We find something or someone else that “needs” our attention. Sound familiar? …
“Mommy, you’re always working. You never have time to play with me.” My oldest daughter (age 8) said these sentences to me about three weeks ago. She said it out of the blue in the middle of the day. She said it sincerely with a disappointed look. It brought me to tears almost instantly. I …
Like most people in their twenties, I had fun in those years and didn’t work too hard. I dreamed away the first thirty years of my life with no regrets. After I entered the third decade however, I began to want more. I began to contemplate less and take more action. My head floated down from the clouds and …
A few days ago I was asked to be part of a project. I said “No” right away. I’ll be honest…it felt really good to say No! I gave a strong, quick answer. I was decisive. I felt empowered. Damn, I really meant it too. I said No and Wow, I was relieved. I took myself out of the …
“Why did you call yourself a bad mommy at the doctor?” my eight year old asked me two weeks ago, sounding surprised. “Because I ignored my instincts about you being sick. I thought you might have strep and it turns out you did.” I replied back. “But why does that make you a bad mom?” she …
Eighteen pairs of eyes gazed at me as I explained the term entrepreneur. I gave a 45 minute lesson plan on business tips for second graders to Denise Moore’s class at Beulah Elementary School on April 6. I give presentations often for my employer, the Florida SBDC at UWF, but I was most nervous about …
Our family took its first real vacation in nearly a decade. We traveled to Sevierville, Tennessee (located near Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg) with another family–our very good friends. This spring break getaway was the the most relaxed my husband and I have felt in a year or longer. We rented a cabin in the Smoky …
I gave this speech (below) in my Toastmasters group. Actually it was credited as two speeches from the Competent Communicator Manual – with emphasis on vocal variety and visual aids. The total time it took me to deliver this speech was almost fourteen minutes. I received such great feedback from the presentation and I had such …
I enjoyed a lunch meeting with three other ladies on Friday. We met for work purposes but the conversation later turned to personal endeavors and lastly, one of my favorite topics: creativity. I referenced how I recently read the book Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert (author of Eat, Pray, Love) to the group. That’s when I …
As I pulled apart the now taffy-like creature from my ironing board, I once again said to myself: “Oh well, I don’t have to be the crafty mom. I am creative in other ways.” Flash back to a few days prior: my two girls had made a beaded bird, butterfly and heart with these special …
