Before I was a Mom

Before I was a Mom -
I slept as late as I wanted and never worried about how late I got to bed. I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.

Before I was a Mom -
I cleaned my house each day. I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby. I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous. I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom -
I had never been puked on - pooped on - spit on - chewed on, or peed on. I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts. I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom -
I never held down a screaming child so that doctors could do tests...or give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin. I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom -
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt. I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much. I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom -
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body. I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby. I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child. I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important.

Before I was a Mom -
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay. I had never known The warmth, The joy, The love, The heartache, The wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom. I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom.

-Author Unknown, mothersdaycelebration.com

I just wanted to wish all my mom readers a very special Mother's Day! I am grateful for your support and the amazing balancing act you perform everyday. Keep up the good work. It definitely pays off!

Free Mother's Day book download - 48 hours only

Beginning May 8th--for 48 hours only--readers of this blog can download a free copy of the new, award winning book, The Mother’s Guide to Self Renewal: How to Reclaim, Rejuvenate and Re-Balance Your Life by Renee Trudeau, a nationally recognized career/life balance coach (a $20 value).

Featured extensively in national media and described as “The best book on balance,” by women’s health guru Dr. Joan Borysenko, author of Inner Peace for Busy Women, this book has helped thousands of women and can help you:

• reconnect with who you are and nurture yourself
  
• manage your energy and practice saying “no”
  
• tap into the Transformative Power of Self-Care
  

Wondering... why free?! This uplifting, beautifully illustrated/photographed book was born from Renee’s personal experience of creating/leading women’s self-renewal circles—called Personal Renewal Groups--for five years, after the birth of her son Jonah in 2002. She is passionate about how transformative self-care can be for women and was moved to share this message with women around the world. Want to learn more? You can read her blog, check out her recent newsletter or watch a video about the evolution of the book/groups.

What Mother's Day Means to Me

On this eve of the 100th anniversary of Mother's Day, which is meant as a day to celebrate, honor and acknowledge your mother's contribution in your life and pay tribute to her, I am reminded how fortunate I am to have two mothers; my birth mother who I am very close with and see almost every day, and my mother-in-law who is a very special member of my extended family.

On Mother's Day, I like to remember all that I am thankful for...my mother's wisdom, love and support, encouraging words, kind gestures and faith. I will not be with my mom this Mother's Day, but will think of her often and wish her well.

For the hundreds of moms who have been in touch with me over the past few days, I wish you a very special Mother's Day as you continue to perform the amazing balancing acts that make you so special.

What does Mother's Day mean to you? Share your story!