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Mommy Convos

Motherhood and How to Balance Life Outside It

in Guest Post, Our Favorites, What's Working Wednesday on 28/06/17

Mommy Convos is excited to have Lisa Anderson returning as a Guest Author. Choosing to enjoy motherhood is a gift, but what if you want more? Our Guest Author Lisa suggests six questions to ask yourself during those feelings of wanting “more” before taking the leap.  Take it away Lisa!

Life Outside of Motherhood: Guidelines to Make your Dreams a Reality

I believe motherhood is the most important job, but many of us desire to pursue personal dreams too. Discovering and pursuing dreams as a mother can feel overwhelming and sometimes guilt-inducing.  However, if the timing is right, your motive is pure and your priorities are in order, pursuing your dreams can add a sense of fulfillment that may enhance your experience as a mother.

I found out I was expecting my first child when I was in my third year of teaching. I found my dream school, was finally getting the hang of my job and I thought long and hard about what to do after my baby came.  After much consideration, I decided to stay at home and focus on raising my little boy. This was not an easy choice to make.  I enjoyed raising my kids and immensely grateful for the opportunity. After a while, desired to “do more”.  As I have wrestled with these feelings over the years, I learned a few things that I hope can help someone else.  If you also have the desire to “do more” here are some important points to think about that may help sort out your dreams and determine how and when to chase them.

  1. Consider your why.

In today’s day and age it is easy to feel like you HAVE to do more than motherhood alone.  It is easy to feel like you are not good enough if you are “just” staying home. Or perhaps you are drawn to the lavish perks and rewards of certain jobs.  To me, those are not valid whys.  Perhaps, you are being pushed by a force outside of yourself rather than from within.  If you feel compelled to do more because your family needs extra income, your why is helping provide for the family therefore creating a good why. You may feel that you will mentally or emotional benefit from doing something outside of motherhood- this is a good why.  Considering the root of your why will help you know you are choosing a path for the right reasons.

  1. Think about timing.

During those early years of mothering it is easy to feel lost in the sleepless nights, diaper changes and temper tantrums.  At times it feels like that phase will last forever, but it doesn’t.  Time marches on and the seasons change. What may be difficult to accomplish with a number of young kids at home, may become doable when your kids are school-aged.  True- life is short, but those golden years of motherhood when your kids need you for everything are even shorter. Do not feel pressure to do something NOW, unless your why is compelling enough.

motherhood and how to balance life outside it

  1. Consider the value of your time.

Time is a precious commodity to mothers.  There is never enough of it! Embarking on personal or career goals will use up large portions of your time.  The question is; is it worth it? Throughout the years, I had a few opportunities to bring in some extra income to our family. I could see many friends were successful in their endeavors and I seriously considered joining in.  However, none of these opportunities were enough to sacrifice my mental space and time away from my kids. Sometimes, financial needs trump all and you do what you can to take care of your family. If finances are not the driving factor, it would be wise to be choosey on how you spend your time.

  1. Make a list.

Making a list of everything that interests you as well as things you feel you do well.  This is a good exercise for those that feel ready to pursue something, but are not sure what to do.  Look for patterns and themes in your list.  Often times, especially because of social media, we think we should be doing what everyone else is doing.  This is not true!  You should to pick something that matches your strengths, skills and interests for the best chance of success

5.  Determine a path.

Write out a series of steps you believe need to happen you reach those goals.  If you can- set start and end dates to each of these steps.  The steps can be as small as you need them to be. It’s okay if your goal will take a while to reach. You will still feel a great satisfaction as you take even the smallest steps in reaching your goals.

  1. Push through discomfort.

I recently had the realization that anyone who has achieved anything had to experience some sort of discomfort. The discomfort may be putting yourself out in the world and feeling vulnerable.  It could mean sacrificing sleep or a good Netflix binge.  It could be in the form of getting out of your comfort zone and meeting new people.  The path to success is not comfortable and I people don’t stumble into greatness- they go after it!

If you have dreams beyond motherhood, they don’t always have to be shelved.  With careful thought and consideration,  you can make your dreams come true!  Plan and prepare for the future, but never forget to enjoy the now.

Lisa Anderson

life balance

Bio: Lisa Andersen is certified Positive Discipline Instructor who believes that if you are a mother, you might as well enjoy it. She tries to help other women learn to enjoy their roles as mothers by sharing ways to manage thoughts and time as well as teaching tools to help manage children as well as ideas to help keep them occupied. Outside of mothering, Lisa enjoys spending time with family and friends, exercise, sunshine, Gilmore Girls and chocolate.

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  1. How to Get What You Want from Mother's Day- 2018 Edition - Mommy Convos says:
    April 19, 2018 at 7:01 am

    […] guys! This is a great opportunity– We’ve had Lisa Anderson of Thriving Motherhood guest post for us before. She has an awesome parenting Instagram account and she recently put together a […]

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Christmas is less than a week away. And if you hav Christmas is less than a week away. And if you haven’t read any of these adorable books – I highly suggest all of them. “But it’s too late!” You might be thinking and slightly panicking.... nonsense! ⠀
•⠀
•⠀
In fact, this post is perfectly timed to prepare you for your final purchases this weekend or even, Christmas book clearance time. 🥳 When Christmas is over I’m certain many of these books will go on sale. (Insert happy deal shoppers dance here! 💃🏼 🛍) •⠀
•⠀
So, I suggest you look for these books today to add to your library for the next holiday season. 🎁🎅🏻 ⠀
•⠀
•⠀
Head to our stories to see Morgan talk about some of her favorites, click the link in our bio for the Christmas book article or to shop all of our fav books- click on the Amazon link. ⠀
•⠀
• What holiday book is your favorite to read with your kids?
Morgan here- I’m all about planning ahead, espec Morgan here- I’m all about planning ahead, especially for the biggest holiday of the year, but I forget one small detail... the stockings. 🙈😑 Please tell me i’m not the only one? 
•
•
Last night the hubby and I finished our Christmas shopping and I can finally put the wallet away. I’m certain we’re done- I hope. I should probably check my stash to be sure! 🙈
•
•
Sharing today our list of fun non-toy stocking stuffers you can snag before it’s too late! Head to our @mommyconvos bio for the details! 
•
•
So, here’s the next question: do you Christmas shop for the family by yourself? (❤️) Or do you team up with your spouse? (❤️💚) Leave the colored heart that best describes you- below!
Hi friends! We hope that you are having an amazing Hi friends! We hope that you are having an amazing week and are having a blast gearing up for the holidays ahead. With 2020 coming to an end, we can all relate to how tough this year has been. However, the initial tendency as a parent might be to overspend in an effort to compensate for whatever did or didn't happen in 2020. ⁣
⁣
LET ME GIVE YOU THIS REASSURANCE, MOMMAS- it is NOT necessary to buy more during the holidays in order to compensate for whatever you feel your children lacked this year. ❤ ⁣
⁣
Instead, we highly suggest minimizing your Christmas stress by implementing a minimalistic mindset each year, but this year in particular. This year has blessed us with the specific opportunity to tune in and be more mindful of those you love, just like our Savior does for us. So take this time to BE more present instead of spending extra cash on gifts. We promise it will be absolutely worth it. ⁣
⁣
If you are looking at enjoying a more minimalistic holiday, be sure to check out the latest from the blog for some great tips and tricks for finding balance and peace this year. Just click the link in our bio @mommyconvos ⁣
⁣
How are you prepping for the holidays that are a little different than in previous years? 🎁🎄
Recently, my social media feed is full of #givetha Recently, my social media feed is full of #givethanks gratitude posts Oh how I love the change of focus! My list of gratitude is oh so long, my faith and my family are the top of my list, but also is good literature. Goodness, life is so much better with good books!  I love discovering new holiday books, and this year I found several now books to add to our collection. 
•
•
“Thanksgiving is here”- playfully illustrates the joys and chaos of large families gathering for Thanksgiving dinner. And when company leaves- how exhausted the hosts feel. Something as a mom I totally sympathize with. 😂
•
•
Another delight Thanksgiving book addition to our library this year is, “T-is for Thankful”. @babylit has done it again! Creating the cutest illustrated book centered around all the alphabetical great and small things to be thankful for this year.
•
•
Last year I shared our review on “Bad kitty does not like Thanksgiving” and this book is hilarious! Check out our Insta-stories for the awesome video review on this and other of our favorite Thanksgiving books.
•
•
Do you have a favorite thanksgiving book? Please share below so we can continue to learn from each other! Happy holidays friends. 🦃 🥧 Morgan and Tiffaynee
Today I’ve felt anxious. I know i’m not the on Today I’ve felt anxious. I know i’m not the only one feeling this way with the impending presidential announcement... so how do we handle feeling off, anxious or depressed? One of the best things you can do -right this moment- give a hug. Cuddle close to a loved one and hold one another. Breathe deep. And hug for another breath. And hopefully you’ll slowly feel that anxiety release. And feel free to cuddle longer. 😘
•
•
Sending a warm hug your way friend. 
❤️Tiff.
“When my daughter passed away unexpectedly at 10 “When my daughter passed away unexpectedly at 10 months old, my heart shattered. I was beyond broken… I was shattered beyond repair.⁣
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They say it takes a “village” to raise a child…⁣
⁣
At that moment my “village” is what kept me alive…”⁣
•⁣
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@momma.hutch is 1 of every 4 women in the United States alone, who are affected by infertility or infant loss, or both. Mallory shares her brave story of dear Mackenzie’s passing and the journey she and her family are still going through. In this article Mallory  offers 10 invaluable and thoughtful ways to help a grief-stricken friend and we couldn’t agree more with her list. ⁣
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To read her article- click @mommyconvos link in our bio. If you are a mother currently going through the grieving process- our deepest condolences and a virtual hug sent your way. We encourage you to check out Mallory‘s amazing supportive Instagram group: ... ⁣
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When you are sad what is the one thing that cheers you up? I’ll give you a hint what mine is in the comments. 😍
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Christmas is less than a week away. And if you hav Christmas is less than a week away. And if you haven’t read any of these adorable books – I highly suggest all of them. “But it’s too late!” You might be thinking and slightly panicking.... nonsense! ⠀
•⠀
•⠀
In fact, this post is perfectly timed to prepare you for your final purchases this weekend or even, Christmas book clearance time. 🥳 When Christmas is over I’m certain many of these books will go on sale. (Insert happy deal shoppers dance here! 💃🏼 🛍) •⠀
•⠀
So, I suggest you look for these books today to add to your library for the next holiday season. 🎁🎅🏻 ⠀
•⠀
•⠀
Head to our stories to see Morgan talk about some of her favorites, click the link in our bio for the Christmas book article or to shop all of our fav books- click on the Amazon link. ⠀
•⠀
• What holiday book is your favorite to read with your kids?
Morgan here- I’m all about planning ahead, espec Morgan here- I’m all about planning ahead, especially for the biggest holiday of the year, but I forget one small detail... the stockings. 🙈😑 Please tell me i’m not the only one? 
•
•
Last night the hubby and I finished our Christmas shopping and I can finally put the wallet away. I’m certain we’re done- I hope. I should probably check my stash to be sure! 🙈
•
•
Sharing today our list of fun non-toy stocking stuffers you can snag before it’s too late! Head to our @mommyconvos bio for the details! 
•
•
So, here’s the next question: do you Christmas shop for the family by yourself? (❤️) Or do you team up with your spouse? (❤️💚) Leave the colored heart that best describes you- below!
Hi friends! We hope that you are having an amazing Hi friends! We hope that you are having an amazing week and are having a blast gearing up for the holidays ahead. With 2020 coming to an end, we can all relate to how tough this year has been. However, the initial tendency as a parent might be to overspend in an effort to compensate for whatever did or didn't happen in 2020. ⁣
⁣
LET ME GIVE YOU THIS REASSURANCE, MOMMAS- it is NOT necessary to buy more during the holidays in order to compensate for whatever you feel your children lacked this year. ❤ ⁣
⁣
Instead, we highly suggest minimizing your Christmas stress by implementing a minimalistic mindset each year, but this year in particular. This year has blessed us with the specific opportunity to tune in and be more mindful of those you love, just like our Savior does for us. So take this time to BE more present instead of spending extra cash on gifts. We promise it will be absolutely worth it. ⁣
⁣
If you are looking at enjoying a more minimalistic holiday, be sure to check out the latest from the blog for some great tips and tricks for finding balance and peace this year. Just click the link in our bio @mommyconvos ⁣
⁣
How are you prepping for the holidays that are a little different than in previous years? 🎁🎄
Recently, my social media feed is full of #givetha Recently, my social media feed is full of #givethanks gratitude posts Oh how I love the change of focus! My list of gratitude is oh so long, my faith and my family are the top of my list, but also is good literature. Goodness, life is so much better with good books!  I love discovering new holiday books, and this year I found several now books to add to our collection. 
•
•
“Thanksgiving is here”- playfully illustrates the joys and chaos of large families gathering for Thanksgiving dinner. And when company leaves- how exhausted the hosts feel. Something as a mom I totally sympathize with. 😂
•
•
Another delight Thanksgiving book addition to our library this year is, “T-is for Thankful”. @babylit has done it again! Creating the cutest illustrated book centered around all the alphabetical great and small things to be thankful for this year.
•
•
Last year I shared our review on “Bad kitty does not like Thanksgiving” and this book is hilarious! Check out our Insta-stories for the awesome video review on this and other of our favorite Thanksgiving books.
•
•
Do you have a favorite thanksgiving book? Please share below so we can continue to learn from each other! Happy holidays friends. 🦃 🥧 Morgan and Tiffaynee
Today I’ve felt anxious. I know i’m not the on Today I’ve felt anxious. I know i’m not the only one feeling this way with the impending presidential announcement... so how do we handle feeling off, anxious or depressed? One of the best things you can do -right this moment- give a hug. Cuddle close to a loved one and hold one another. Breathe deep. And hug for another breath. And hopefully you’ll slowly feel that anxiety release. And feel free to cuddle longer. 😘
•
•
Sending a warm hug your way friend. 
❤️Tiff.
“When my daughter passed away unexpectedly at 10 “When my daughter passed away unexpectedly at 10 months old, my heart shattered. I was beyond broken… I was shattered beyond repair.⁣
⁣
They say it takes a “village” to raise a child…⁣
⁣
At that moment my “village” is what kept me alive…”⁣
•⁣
•⁣
@momma.hutch is 1 of every 4 women in the United States alone, who are affected by infertility or infant loss, or both. Mallory shares her brave story of dear Mackenzie’s passing and the journey she and her family are still going through. In this article Mallory  offers 10 invaluable and thoughtful ways to help a grief-stricken friend and we couldn’t agree more with her list. ⁣
•⁣
•⁣
To read her article- click @mommyconvos link in our bio. If you are a mother currently going through the grieving process- our deepest condolences and a virtual hug sent your way. We encourage you to check out Mallory‘s amazing supportive Instagram group: ... ⁣
•⁣
•⁣
When you are sad what is the one thing that cheers you up? I’ll give you a hint what mine is in the comments. 😍
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM
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Error: API requests are being delayed for this account. New posts will not be retrieved.

There may be an issue with the Instagram access token that you are using. Your server might also be unable to connect to Instagram at this time.

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