Balance

Moderation- isn't that the key here? But, sometimes that's so hard to do. Some days I feel completely out of control. There's just too much to do and not enough time. As a mom, if you can get ahead- the day can be great. If you can meal plan, pack the diaper bag, remember the emergency snacks, drink your coffee while it's hot, tell your husband that you're proud of him, go for a run, have a good conversation with a friend, listen to the news, read a good book- man, you are on it! But how in the world do you get it together every day?! Well, that's what we were hoping life coach, Lauren Capitini would tell us.
Tiffany Weiss took some great notes!
Emotional secrets to the mental shift

#1. Embrace your mess (MOPS theme in 2013!)
Being totally absorbed, fully embrace who you are right now remember your strengths
Don't forget you were a woman before you were a mother. Look at your weakness. Unless you know your weaknesses you can't recognize your strengths. And they could become a strength.
Let go of the "what ifs", it wasn't mean to be. Glance in the rear view mirror but focus on what's to come.
#2. Create confidence, you are unique and we each have our own story to tell. (MOPS theme in 2014!) We are hard wired for negativity, for each negative comment it takes 5 positives to balance. 
Jeremiah 17:7
#3 Think and then take action. Thoughts lead to beliefs to actions creating character. Be goal oriented not fear motivated. Am I doing this or not doing this because I'm afraid? Chart it, write it, Pinterest it whatever to document what you need to do to have balance

Keys to success
-Let it go. Represent structure and dependability not perfection to your children
-Self care (you are setting an example in the way you care for yourself!!!) You are a woman first, a power source. You must take time for you physical health, exercise (just move, get the endorphins flowing), sugar kills serotonin causing mood swings, make sure hobbies happen even if it's only once a month for 20 minutes! Preferably something you did before the family. Make time for date night, you have to have sex in order to want it and it keeps the bond between your spouse. Girl's night out, have fun and connect, talk about the hard stuff. Be selective don't give away your valuable time to just to be drained...don't be a savior.
-Celebrate the accomplishments daily. (MOPS theme in 2015!) If all it was was brushing your teeth then celebrate! Specify the positives, it changes you on a cellular level. Positive self talk is so crucial, start the day with 3 positive things about yourself, it really does help.

Life balance is different for everyone and is constantly changing.

Heels off, tissues out- talking about balance!

We've had a few girls nights. Last week was the Creative Grains Studio. This week was Emergency Pregnancy Services then dinner after. I can't stop thinking about how perfect this agency is for our group and all the ways we can help! 

Making awesome art at Creative Grains!

Elizabeth and friends headed to the Clay County fair for a family fun play date. It was kina far out, but they had so much fun!

Clay County Fair

And then we had our last working leadership meeting of the year. It got a little intense in planning for next year. But then we have the blessing of mentor moms. These women are our life coaches, guiding us along this crazy path of motherhood. Just being in MOPS has helped me figure out some sort of balance. With the themes, friendships, words of wisdom and just taking a break. What a wonderful group!

Jan providing a dose of grace and love and wisdom to our leadership meeting