Counting Our Blessings

The Thanksgiving holiday came and went, and yet I never got around to compiling my list of all that I am thankful. In the rush to decorate, coordinate, and host Thanksgiving my thoughts simply veered elsewhere, but make no mistake about it; my appreciation is alive and well.

I have always loved Thanksgiving for the fabulous food, time with family, and the perfect timing of the occasion, but also for all that it represents – a national holiday about giving thanks - such a simple yet profound concept. As much as I adore Thanksgiving, the truth is that I recognize the large and small blessings of my life more often than once a year.

Here are a few often overlooked things that I appreciate: comfortable sweaters, snuggling under a warm blanket on a cold night, Eskimo kisses from my children, a flattering pair of jeans, early morning runs on a beautifully crisp day, a good book and an afternoon with nothing on the agenda but time to read it, the smell of fresh brewed coffee, a husband that cooks, fresh cut flowers, sharing a meal with close friends, open prairies, courteous people, President Obama, my best friend, belly-aching laughter, beautiful music, snowcapped mountains, happy customers, and a whole host of other joys.

But what I’m intensely and overpoweringly grateful for are my two remarkable, caring, intelligent, happy, and healthy children, my considerate, funny, and deeply loving husband, my devoted and kind parents, my sweet sister – who is expecting her first child in April - as well as having a job that I both appreciate and adore every day. These are my blessings. These are my joys, and today as well as on Thanksgiving, I am profoundly thankful.

Embrace Your MOMentum  

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Giving Yourself Permission to Recharge

I run through my mental checklist: both kids have been bathed – check. By now, they’re sound asleep – check. The dishes are done - check. I smile to myself realizing that the next hour or so is truly my own. My first thought: bubble bath. The hot water drips down my fingers almost instantly transforming my mood. I drip the bubble bath into the water with close to expert precision and slide gingerly into the tub. The bubbly water smells like lavender, and in the interest of indulgence, I light a few tea candles around the parameter of the bathtub. Now the ambiance of relaxation is complete.   I hear myself exhale deeply and slip deeper into the calming waters.

I don’t know what is it about a bubble bath, but by the time I climb out of the tub, my world has been blissfully altered. I feel composed, tranquil and refreshed. I seek out my most comfortable pajamas and navigate the wine rack looking for something light and tasty. It is too late to drink a glass, but I’m pampering myself so once again I indulge.

Earlier in the day, I felt anxious. I had asked myself, am I giving everything and everybody my best? Do my children feel like my top priority? Does my husband feel supported? It was a one-sided conversation that I have had with myself countless times. It is not that I beat myself up necessary (although I have my moments), but like most moms, I feel that I must be superhuman – able to be everything to my children, my spouse, and my work.

There are times when I actually try to convince myself that a little down time or rejuvenation is not deserved. The imaginary devil on my shoulder makes a forceful case: There is too much to do and too many other priorities to tackle. Then the angel on my other shoulder speaks up, reminding me that when you refuse to take care of yourself, you’re not at your best. You’re not able to be all that you aspire to be because you haven’t given yourself permission to recharge.

As I head to bed I feel light, centered, and balanced. I feel like tomorrow is a new day with endless possibility. I remember that women everywhere fight the same battles. They feel unworthy of rest and relaxation. They feel that taking care of themselves means that they're not taking care of others. They forget that their ability to care for others ends when they neglect themselves. The truth is that they not only need it, they deserve it!

Embrace Your MOMentum

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Made in the USA

There is no doubt about it; the US economy needs some assistance. Many Americans are struggling to find jobs and small businesses around the country are working feverishly to keep their doors open. There are certainly many things that could help the economy, but there is one simple thing that each of us can do; we can buy American.  We can buy items that are Made in the USA. While the poor economy may seem like a fact of life right now, the truth is that as consumers we have more influence on our country’s prosperity than we realize.

It is after all the American consumer that has created the insatiable demand for low cost, low quality items (food, toys, clothing, and otherwise). We have fostered the notion that price is the only area of import, and as such, we have become comfortable with purchasing inferior merchandise. In pursuit of the cheap, consumer choice has forced many U.S. companies to shut their doors because U.S. wages, environmental standards, and the use of superior materials have greater expense associated. As a result, most of the products that American consumers purchase come from countries that offer very low wages, poor quality materials, and substandard environmental practices. In fact, almost daily there seems to be another news story exposing contaminated or toxic food or merchandise being imported to this country, and without fail, the item was inexpensive to produce and export.

Is it any wonder that so few things are made in the USA today? And somehow, there is a gigantic disconnect between the state of our economy and the products that consumers chose to buy. American jobs continue to be moved abroad or are eliminated all together, and we continue to express dismay about the state of the economy. Instead of scratching your head about the economic environment while buying yet another cheap import that will last only one season, buy something of quality. In earnest, they are easy to spot. Once you find a high-quality item, read the label, chances are it was made right here in the USA. Now here comes the hard part, look past the price and look at the duration of the investment. Look closely at the item and realize that it was made by an American worker, right here, and distributed by an American company that hires your friends, neighbors and maybe you. Then look deeper and remember how it feels to buy something well-made and long-lasting - that comes from the country that you love – and realize that it’s worth the price.

Think about how you can support an American manufacturer and how you can move the economy forward. Think about the pride that comes from seeing small businesses in your community and elsewhere thrive. Think about the dignity that comes from supporting American jobs, the pleasure that comes from purchasing superior merchandise that will last, and the honor you’ll feel knowing that you did your part.  Think about Made in the USA.

Embrace Your MOMentum

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Life Less Seriously

"Yeee!” my daughter squeals as she runs - on her tiptoes - in a gigantic circle, through the kitchen and into the living room. I drop my Devyn Bag sluggishly by the door, and surprisingly find the energy to chase after her. This is our evening ritual. I arrive home after a long day at work with a million thoughts and pressures running through my head.  As I peek my head in the door I’m instantly greeted by her beaming smile, a high-pitched expression of delight, and the clamoring of her little feet as she scampers across the floor.  My work preoccupation flees from my mind as I look at her sweet face.

She is a happy little girl with a willfulness that I know she has inherited from her Dad and me. She is determined but carefree all at once, and there is something about this unique blend that keeps me perpetually and pleasantly amazed. Tonight is no different. I find myself once again in a moment of wonderment, as I watch her gleefully entertaining herself with toys, shoes, Tupperware and anything else she can get her tiny hands on. Her genuine joy, interest and satisfaction are reflected in her frank expression.

I sneak upstairs and slip into my happy clothes – Victoria Secrets flannel pajama bottoms and a T-shirt – within seconds my daughter is holding onto my legs and looking up at me with one of her massive smiles. I smile back at her, slide down so my arms are around her petite back, and feel my love for her push out the last remaining thought of work. The earlier stresses of the day disappear as I look into her huge hazel eyes, and say to myself, this is what its all about. This is one of the many unsung joys of motherhood. It is about the unabashed, indisputable, and overpowering love that catapults us into another reality. It is about acknowledging that the most important things in life are standing right in front of us, holding onto our legs, and reminding us to take life less seriously.

Embrace Your MOMentum

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