We have choices...

I am just finalising the details for our December newsletter which is due for release next week and I am so excited to be able to offer a special interview to our members and readers.

I had the pleasure of interviewing one of experts last week. Initially we planned on talking about health and wellness, increasing energy and inspiring mothers to stop the excuses of not looking after themselves.

Instead, our conversation developed into an honest, emotional, inspiring connection about the choices our expert had made in her life to change her life for the better.

The reason why I am so excited about sharing this interview, is that so many of us become victims of our circumstance and allow this to define us as women. Its tricky, when we are in the world of being a victim, its impossible to see the light and clarity to make the right choices.

The key is we need to follow our gut instinct and take a leap of faith. We need to look after ourselves first and foremost to be the best mother and women we can be. We have choices in life and ultimately, they will either lead your life into destruction or into a life of happiness.

You have the choice to choose. Its tough, but the best things in life are not always the easiest to make.

Our wonderful expert who shared her story needs to be congratulated, as she is the voice of so many women in so many ways. Thank you for your honesty, as the truth will set others free.

Hanna turns 7!

This is my baby girl Hanna who turned 7 last week. Her dream is to be a zoo keeper when she is older and was bursting with excitement to host a reptile party for her friends on the weeekend.

Where has the time flown? It honestly feels like 5 minutes ago that she was born and living in her humicrib. Hanna has come such a long way in her first seven years of her life and it excites me to watch her blossom and grow into a beautiful young lady.

Raising a daughter as a mother is a challenge in a positive way. We want our daughters to be confident and have the strength to take on the world. As well as caring, honest and respectful to themselves and others.

I am sure the next seven years will bring interesting times and events, but I feel that we have created a strong foundation thus far to give her a pretty good head start ...... well, let's hope so anyway!

A great article in our local paper

It is great to know our local paper supports local businessess and families. Here is an article promoting my book - http://www.theleader.com.au/news/local/news/general/mums-early-births-provides-the-inspiration-to-help-others/1682341.aspx
Enjoy!

This is a photo of Ali Brown and me in Las Vegas. Ali is an amazing woman who has created an dynamic empire by helping women to create their own independence through operating their own business. I was fortunate enough to attend a VIP Party to celebrate Women in Business and have my photo with Ali.

Returning home from the conference, I have brought with me many ideas and changes to this wonderful concept of Miracle Beginnings. I am so excited about the way the website has evolved and the new additions in the months ahead.

Stay tuned.......the first major change is coming up at the end of this month......

Allocate One Day to Chill

One of my goals when I returned back from holidays, was to allow one day off during the week that is completely guilt free!

This means no emails, no computer, no phones, no calls, no meetings, no rushing.......working from home as its benefits, but there are some negatives as well, especially if you dont have any boundaries.

The purpose of this new routine is to have a day where I can spend time with my children and also have time for me without trying to send an email when the kids are entertained or return phone calls when they are sleeping. I had not realised how much of this I was doing until I changed the pattern.

So, yesterday was my first day. Do you want to know something - it nearly killed me!!!!!!!!! It was so much harder than I first thought. Jeez, how hard can it be to have a day to relax??? Very hard when you have created a habit....

The day was fantastic! After dropping the kids of to school and kindy, Lukas and I went to Kindy Gym and played. Then we went for coffee and shopping. On arrival back to home, Lukas had a rest. This is normally when I would head to the office and sort out emails, calls, work....instead, I made myself some lunch, watched Oprah, cleaned out my pantry, had a cuppa and read a magazine.....then when the kids came home, we cooked pancakes, made lolly bags and worked on craft.

I usually try to do all of the above and try to fit work in as well. However, I could not believe how much I had achieved in the house, with the kids and for myself all in one day. It felt amazing not to feel obliged to be checking emails and phones. It was tempting at points just to have a quick check......but I had to stick it through and I did.

The best part is that I know by the end of the week I will not feel that I have "worked" every waking hour.....my goal is to continue with this balance and not let the other stuff rule my life...its a work in progress.......

Take a Step Back ......

I have just returned from Las Vegas and LA with my pal Phil. We had an absolute ball of a time!! It was worth taking a week out from "life" and reassess where I am heading, what needs to change, what needs to be implemented and what needs to be sorted out in all areas of my life.

It was fortunate that I was on the other side of the world with no emails, no phones, no busyiness, no family, no responsibilities and no routine to really take stock of my life.

We attended a conference for Women for 3 days which was HUGE! The day after we shouted ourselves to a relaxing massage and time in the grand day spa where we were staying. After my massage, I found a gorgeous reading spot, which was private and relaxing. There was soothing music playing in the background and I felt wonderful. I look the time to write down my goals for the next year in all areas of my life - business, family, my spirit, finances, house, health and holidays. I wrote for what seemed like hours.

After investing this time in myself (and of course, the holiday helped) I returned home in a calm, clear place. I had stopped my life, stepped out and looked in. It is easy to return back to the chaos of running around, but still a week later, I have maintained my new outlook.

See the next blog for what happens next.....

Mother Guilt....

Its the night before I fly out to Vegas........and yes, I am feeling mother guilt!!!! Where is the woman who was all excited a few days ago?

It all started with the kids...

Kye told me yesterday that he is going to cry every day that I am gone and will miss me "so much". First stage of mother guilt.

Lu very clingy and demanding, which is unlike him at all. He can most probably feel the anxious levels in the air. Second stage of mother guilt.

Hans told me not to worry about anything, as she will look after the family and make sure everyone behaves. Third stage of mother guilt.

The husband, although supportive and encouraging, has started to become weird and a little stressed. God give me strength!!!!!!!!!! He obviously is starting to feel overwhelmed about working from home, managing the three kids and the house. Is it nasty to say "welcome to my world!".

I just need to breath and keep calm! Last night I sat up and wrote them all notes with a photo of the two of us for each child and the husband. I will leave them on their pillows tonight for them to open before bed.

A gorgeous girlfriend has just sent a text reminding me not to let the mother guilt feeling get in the way of having a fabulous trip. Just over two years ago, she left for 10 days without her kids and husband to climb the great wall of China. She knows exactly how I am feeling. Only another woman would.

However, its time to stand up to the decision I made eight months ago when it felt so easy and now board the plane and enjoy the trip. Thankfully my girlfriend is leaving her kids and husband as well, so we can have a glass of champagne, let it out and get on with the fun.

Onwards and upwards without mother guilt!

See you soon

xxx