A Mompreneur's Life: 5 Simple Sources of Happiness

As a mompreneur, mom-entrepreneur, life is a literal hustle: constantly on the go, being pulled in multiple directions.  This being the case, I strive to find times of solace.  But with so much to do, this isn't always possible.  So what do you do with a chaotic life and a running to do list that is a mile long? I have found that my solace can be found in the simple things.

1. A child's smile:  Last week, I picked my kids up from school and when I saw them coming to the car I saw their smiles.....ahhhh.  Those smiles made me feel like all the hard work was worth it.  It gave me a sense of peace and a feeling of immense joy and happiness.  I got out of the car and gave them a big hug.  I wanted them to know how much their presence impacted my life in a positive way.


2. A Spouse's kiss:  Yes, kiss.  Not the romantic sort but a peck on the cheek or forehead.  The kind that lets me know he cares.  Such a kiss makes me feel so happy and secure.


3. Homegrown traditions:  Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving or simple traditions like bed time stories, they all are friendly reminders of the routines we have established that make my family what it is.  When we gather to perform tasks associated with our traditions, it gives me immense satisfaction.


4. A good book:  Reading a good book is all absorbing and consuming and takes me away from the pressures of my running to do list.  When I am absorbed in the melodrama of the hero or heroine, I do not worry about the dilemmas I personally face.  I recall when our family was facing financial ruin as a result of business decisions gone wrong, I think I read during those times more than any other times in my life.  Reading for me is a simple source of joy and provided the escape I needed.


5. A good friend:  Good friends are like fine wine; the friendship grows better with age. My best friend and I have been friends since college and her presence in my life is a simple source of joy. She listens to my fears, she sees my tears, she understands my circumstances. More importantly, she is not afraid to tell me when she thinks I am wrong.  I look forward to our conversations; she keeps me grounded.  When the phone rings and I know it is her, I smile.

Life is full and we have to snatch pieces of happiness but if we remember that our happiness isn't in events but in the simple things then it won't be difficult to remind ourselves of the goodness that each day brings.  Life is good!

A Mompreneur's Life: 5 Simple Sources of Happiness

As a mompreneur, mom-entrepreneur, life is a literal hustle: constantly on the go, being pulled in multiple directions.  This being the case, I strive to find times of solace.  But with so much to do, this isn't always possible.  So what do you do with a chaotic life and a running to do list that is a mile long? I have found that my solace can be found in the simple things.  

1. A child's smile:  Last week, I picked my kids up from school and when I saw them coming to the car I saw their smiles.....ahhhh.  Those smiles made me feel like all the hard work was worth it.  It gave me a sense of peace and a feeling of immense joy and happiness.  I got out of the car and gave them a big hug.  I wanted them to know how much their presence impacted my life in a positive way.
2. A Spouse's kiss:  Yes, kiss.  Not the romantic sort but a peck on the cheek or forehead.  The kind that lets me know he cares.  Such a kiss makes me feel so happy and secure.
3. Homegrown traditions:  Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving or simple traditions like bed time stories, they all are friendly reminders of the routines we have established that make my family what it is.  When we gather to perform tasks associated with our traditions, it gives me immense satisfaction.
4. A good book:  Reading a good book is all absorbing and consuming and takes me away from the pressures of my running to do list.  When I am absorbed in the melodrama of the hero or heroine, I do not worry about the dilemmas I personally face.  I recall when our family was facing financial ruin as a result of business decisions gone wrong, I think I read during those times more than any other times in my life.  Reading for me is a simple source of joy and provided the escape I needed.
5. A good friend:  Good friends are like fine wine; the friendship grows better with age. My best friend and I have been friends since college and her presence in my life is a simple source of joy. She listens to my fears, she sees my tears, she understands my circumstances. More importantly, she is not afraid to tell me when she thinks I am wrong.  I look forward to our conversations; she keeps me grounded.  When the phone rings and I know it is her, I smile.

Life is full and we have to snatch pieces of happiness but if we remember that our happiness isn't in events but in the simple things then it won't be difficult to remind ourselves of the goodness that each day brings.  Life is good!

Back to School

Back to School

It is that time of year again for kids to leave the warm sandy beaches of summer and head back to school! A bitter sweet time for the entire family.  No more care free days.  Instead, we are all back to schedules, practices, test preparation, etc. etc.  Ok yes, I am sort of happy because my grocery bill will diminish a tad bit and I won't have the constant interruptions while I work.  But the smiles and the "mommy what can I make you for lunch" will be sorely missed.

 

How do I get what has become a rowdy bunch back in gear for this upcoming engagement?  I know it happens every year, but we are never ready.  They haven't gotten back on a sleeping schedule, an eating schedule, a study schedule. All schedules were tossed this summer.

The Habit Factor

Well one thing we have decided to do is read The Habit Factor by Martin Grunburg, as a family. We started reading it before, but we only got halfway through.  We are going to start reading again with the start of the first week of school. From the little that I remember, this book speaks specifically about how habits help us to achieve beyond our wildest dreams. So I want my little ones to understand that even the simplest of habits can have a profound impact on their lives. We will not only read this book but we will take purposeful steps based on what we have learned.

The Schedule

Secondly, yes, I will create a schedule that we can follow.  I said I, but I really mean we, they are quick to say mommy I don't want anymore lessons and my husband and I have come to leave well enough alone.  As I think about it, I realize that we need schedules for so many different things:  cleaning/laundry, music lessons, church activities, leisure activities, school engagements, etc. etc.  We will remember that there is a time to work and a time to play and we will make sure that everything is done in its time.  Not to forget the time to rest.

The Plan

Thirdly we will plan.  Every year I say we are going away on spring break and every year we do not! So depressing.  Things will be different this year because we will plan.  We will take the academic calendar and plan "stay-cations" and short excursions, when there are three day weekends.  For longer breaks like spring break, we will plan out of town getaways.  I believe breaking the academic year up with fun activities will make it feel less burdensome to my precious little ones.  In addition, it will give my hubby and I an opportunity to rejuvenate.

As a mompreneur, life is exhausting enough.  I have to remind myself school is not the beginning of a no fun zone in our lives.  It can literally be summer all year if we instill good habits, create schedules and plan our activities.

 

I will let you know how things are going as the school year unfolds.  What about you?  What are you doing to get ready for back to school?  Let us know by commenting below and best wishes to you and your family for this schoolyear!

Back to School

It is that time of year again for kids to leave the warm sandy beaches of summer and head back to school! A bitter sweet time for the entire family.  No more care free days.  Instead, we are all back to schedules, practices, test preparation, etc. etc.  Ok yes, I am sort of happy because my grocery bill will diminish a tad bit and I won't have the constant interruptions while I work.  But the smiles and the "mommy what can I make you for lunch" will be sorely missed.

How do I get what has become a rowdy bunch back in gear for this upcoming engagement?  I know it happens every year, but we are never ready.  They haven't gotten back on a sleeping schedule, an eating schedule, a study schedule. All schedules were tossed this summer.

Memorial Day Reflections

Today is Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, 2014.  On this day, I can't help but to reflect on the sacrifices made by our service men and women.  Many have died as a testament to the fact that Freedom isn't free.

 

I recall my classmate who died in the 1st Gulf War.  He and I walked together during what we called Introductory Night.  This night was the first time high school seniors were introduced to the community as potential graduates of the current academic year.  He was the first of my classmates to die.  He was such a gentle fellow.  He was a marine and his demise was during his attempt to rescue fellow marines.

 

I also reflect on my Father In Law, who was a part of the U.S. Army Special Forces as a  Green Beret during the Vietnam War. Eventually Agent Orange took him, which was contracted as a result of a chemical, with the same name, being sprayed in their surroundings during the time he was on active duty.

 

As a mother, my heart mourns for those moms whose young children are lost to war.  At the same time, I understand the need to maintain a strong military force.  The young men and women who died, should be honored each and every day that we wake up with the ability to engage in our capitalist pursuits.  As an entrepreneur, I am humbled by the fact that I live in a country where I can do and be what ever I choose.

 

Praise God for this great nation and thank you for all of the service men and women who are currently serving and to those who have died....I REMEMBER YOU THIS DAY AND EVERY DAY!