mom panel

I get to be part of a really awesome panel of 6 mamas.  The purpose?  To encourage moms in their current season of life and give them a heads up about what's ahead.  If you're not a mom, stay with me because the material we share actually applies to all people.  Grannies, Papaws, Cousins, Godparents, Siblings, Foster Parents, Guardians, Aunts and Uncles even.  Everybody can walk away with helpful information.  Promise.

The cool thing about the panel is that it's comprised of 6 women and we're all from different walks of life.  Each mama shares ten things she is learning or has learned about her current season of life.  It's funny.  It's real.  It's encouraging.  I am on the panel and I laugh, cry and learn something new every time we speak. 

credit

Just to whet your tastebuds... here are a few juicy bits:

Raising Preschool Children 

Never bad mouth spouse, parents, in-laws to/with/in front of the chi'ren.  Save personal gripe sessions for a  confidante (not your child) who will listen to you, pray for you and then tell you to snap out of it!  

Raising Elementary Ages  

My example trumps all.  We can say what we want to our children, but they will follow what we do.  How I live matters.  

Raising Teenagers

I have learned not to overreact and jump in too early... I need to respond vs. react... I realize my child will pick up on my emotions and it can possibly make things worse.  

Raising College Age "Adults" 

You've had them 18 years... it's too late if you haven't taught them to make their bed, wash their own clothes, be responsible with money, choose their own friends and study.  Sink or swim... let them... and don't nag.  

Interactions w-Married "Children" and Grandchildren

Love grown children and their spouses unconditionally.  Encourage constantly.  Find positive character traits and offer genuine praise often.  Communicate with genuine love and respect.  

Raising children as a Single Parent

Choose to go on living rather than allow myself to be paralyzed emotionally and spiritually... living in a long-term dazed state.  I may have to make this choice repeatedly.  

And that's just an appetizer!  I hope something encouraged or inspired ya!  Pass it on or live it.  Community is a huge part of raising young'uns so don't discount yourself if you aren't a parent.  We all have a part to play  in the lives of people who are younger than we are. 

And as far as the mom panel goes, it's a full dose of laughter, truth and encouragement.  Pinky swear!  We travel and we're willing to talk to anybody who'll listen! Holler if you'd like to have us come share the full monty!  

Block Party!

Last night we had our annual block party.  Fun Fun Fun time to connect with neighbors and friends.  Kids played Redlight-Greenlight, chased each other, giggled endlessly, dog-piled, wrestled, ran, romped and wrote on the sidewalk with chalk.  Adults conversed and laughed.  Friendships formed and connections forged as we broke bread together.  


It was really beautiful to see community spirit on display.  


Do you know your neighbors?  
If not, I challenge you to reach out to one of your neighbors today.  


If you do know your neighbors, why not throw a block party to foster some community love?  You can keep it sweet and simple or make it haute and fancy.  It's totally up to you!  


Just reach out.  We need each other because we're all in this together.  


Be sweet. 

remember when we helped each other?

Today I am inspired to give and help others... more.  

When I was a little girl, I loved how neighbors gladly helped each other.  If you needed a cup of sugar, help with the kiddos, support or friendly advice, your neighbors were there to offer loving assistance.  Neighbors of long ago inspire me today.  Community spirit... it's time to bring it back, folks.  

I am very fortunate to have incredible neighbors.  One in particular (whom I affectionately call "Neighbor") has become a BFF.  We share, encourage, confide and belly laugh together. Often. Neighbor makes life sweet.  I call her right away if I need cornstarch, milk or a shovel.  We share books, shoes, ice, clothes, garden tools, a vacuum, spices, recipes... everything except the men in our lives!  Sometimes I call on her.  Sometimes she calls on me.  I adore the fact that we have this type of relationship.  I know that I can call on any of my neighbors and if they are able to help me, they will.  Absolutely.

Do you know your neighbors?  If you already do, that is fab!  Keep developing and building a friendly connection.  If you don't know your neighbors or you have labeled them (with or without reason), I challenge you to tear down those walls and be willing to try again.  Just recently I have been challenged in this very area (although it's not with my neighbors)... I choose to believe that with mutual effort, honesty and time, it is possible to rebuild and reconnect.  We are all citizens of this world and if we can't get along with the people closest to us, heaven help us all!  It takes time to get to know people, but it is so worth it.  Today I encourage you to find a way to connect with and help others.  Let's do it!  Together!  Love revolution on 3!