Mom love
I’ve learned very quickly how much running a successful small business requires a village to support my family. I was quick to get over the discomfort of asking for help, and instead now lean into gratitude for what’s so lovingly offered and given.
It’s been a learning curve for sure to be able to keep my focus on him on our days off together—because the urge to be glued to my phone for admin, follow-ups, product research, etc., is strong, and those dings notifying me of a new message or comment are enticing AF. But I learn. And I practice leaving my phone on a different floor or room. And I give him warning when I have a task I need to attend to, and I tell him how long I’ll need and we set a timer. And I hold my boundaries. Or, at least, I’m improving on that front.
And a really tricky thing for moms who have paying jobs outside the home is the curveball of sick days, of school randomly being closed on a Wednesday for an inservice, of a parent-teacher conference smack in the middle of a client session. We need our village. And mine is bountiful and deserving of recognition.
On this Mother’s Day, I want to shout out my own mom, Laura. I literally couldn’t do this meaningful work without her unwavering assistance. She shows up when I’m in a bind, she gushes over how proud she is, she finds sweet ways to simplify my life, she takes excellent care of my son while I am pouring into my work cup. My whole life she has modeled service to others, compassion, and kindness. The bar was set so, so high for me and I work hard to be even half the mom she is.
I need to shout out my mother-in-law, Josie. She has been there for us in a pinch, she has rearranged her schedule and helped when we needed a quick save. She is generous in helping with our child and showing love to Jess and I with encouragement, curiosity and interest in our work, and actions like tidying up my own home.
It’s been a transitional year for my stepmom, Karen, and she too has come through for my family despite her own major life changes and the distance. She is a strong social media support, she cheers me on, she keeps me grounded, and she is more than happy to help with her grandson. Her mother and aunt have also been part of our support system and bring joy and fun to our lives.
My own wife, my baby-mama-without-the-drama, the #1 coparent, Jess, is really the everyday rock that helps me keep my priorities in check while pushing me to be my best self as a businesswoman. She believes in me, she sees me and how exponentially I’ve grown in this past year. And she knows I’m unstoppable and reminds me when I forget. Gosh, I feel like the luckiest.
As for me, being Mama to my little honey is without a doubt the most profound joy of my life. I am lucky to be home with him 3 days a week and booked solid when he’s in preschool. He actually thinks I’m cool and funny, and he loves going on adventures, playing superheroes and princesses with me, and cuddling up to read.
I’m working through mom guilt and considering balance and harmony regularly. I’m building in rest for myself, modeling self-care. I’m doing the best I can in this wild, busy, blissful season of life.
I had kind of a rocky day, and nonetheless, I am wrapping up in gratitude. I wish for you all a good night and to use and appreciate your support system, whatever that looks like. I like to say that people want to help each other and don’t know how—ask for help in the most tangible, clear-cut, concrete way to ensure that your needs are met and the person giving the relief is feeling good about contributing.