There is an art to staying home. Ask most stay at home moms and you will quickly learn that while it is a blessing to be at home there are times when it feels like you never leave work. During this coronavirus quarantine, most families are probably hitting the brick wall, ready to head out the door, leave isolation and be with others. To keep our families their healthiest AND our emotional and mental sanity, I am sharing family coronavirus quarantine coping tips to help moms! [Read more…]
10 Unconventional Self-Care Ideas
Self-care is about caring for yourself. But tending to your needs isn’t just about beautifying ourselves. Physical needs are a part of self-care but so is finding ways to attend our mental and emotional needs. Sometimes self-care can be about caring for and brightening our space or taking a moment for mental clarity. Here are 10 unconventional self-care ideas that will re-energize and lift your spirits. [Read more…]
6 Life Areas to Balance for Real Personal Growth
I love the idea of balance. My husband likes to joke how much my side of the family is all about “everything in moderation.” And when it comes to personal growth, it can very beneficial to step back and look at our life from a distance. We may want to ask ourselves if there are any areas of our life that are hurting our personal development. If we are doing fabulous in most of our life but our family life or finances are a train wreck it will soon began to wreak havoc in other areas. Here are 6 life areas to balance for real personal growth. [Read more…]
10 Blogs That Inspire Personal Growth
I am very excited and pleased to tell you all that The Reluctant Cowgirl was nominated for The Mystery Blogger Award by I Dream of Simple! So I will be on the hot seat this week answering questions as well as sharing with you a bit about the award. PLUS as part of accepting the award I get to nominate 10 other bloggers. So I can’t wait to share with you 10 blogs that inspire personal growth. [Read more…]
Bloopers and Mishaps in the First Year of Blogging
If you want to look poised and graceful at all times don’t try anything new, right? This year has had its share of funny moments. OK some didn’t seem so hilarious at the time. Like why in the world is the update/save button on WordPress so near the PUBLISH button! Eeekk. That was awkward accidentally sending out half a post to my readers. But we have to laugh at ourselves sometimes. So I’m sharing bloopers and mishaps in the first year of blogging for your enjoyment:) [Read more…]
3 Needs of the Introvert Teen
A while back, I was working with a mom who was attending one of the groups I teach. One issue in her life was that she tended to dislike schedules and often struggled to follow through in a timely manner. As I got to know her I could see that she was definitely a free spirit. We discussed how being more relaxed with a schedule is fine as long as you move a few things up the priority list that “have” to be done. But there was another concern. She described one of her daughters as “really good” but always “anxious.” The more I listened, I realized that the daughter was probably an introvert. And as an introvert, her needs were very different from her extrovert spontaneous mom. So what are 3 needs of the introvert teen? [Read more…]
Simple Ways to Share Your Personal Story
There she was again! While in town running errands, I saw the same acquaintance, in the first two stores. I had not seen her in a while, and she was now in her early twenties and pregnant. Had she married, and I just hadn’t heard about the wedding? My heart went out to her. But I hesitated to say anything. I wanted to encourage her, as others had encouraged me when I was single and pregnant. I had a story to share, a very personal story. Should I step out and talk with her? After our “chance” meeting, that day, I realized yet again the importance of sharing one’s story. So how can you bless others with YOUR story? Here are 4 simple ways to share your personal story to encourage others. [Read more…]
4 Keys to Maneuvering Through Life Transitions
We just got back from a lovely vacation in the Smoky Mountains. Our cabin on the mountainside was beautiful and the view was breathtaking. It was so wonderful to slow down for a while and relax. And yet, at the same time I felt a little sad. Our youngest was with us, but College Boy did not join us on vacation. And as a woman and mom, I am making my way through another stage in life. Here are 4 keys to maneuvering through life transitions that have been very helpful. [Read more…]
4 Simple Ways to Incorporate Natural Health Remedies
My first several tries didn’t go so well. While I have always been interested in learning about herbs and aromatherapy, trying to figure out how to incorporate natural health was somewhat challenging. I would try to dry herbs, and the herbs became moldy. Or I would purchase quality essential oils and then I wasn’t sure what to do with them. But gradually after numerous experimentation things begin to change. So I want to share 4 simple ways to incorporate natural health remedies for your family, that won’t cost you an arm and a leg to get started! [Read more…]