Tuesday, September 29, 2009

For those of you that don't know....

I have begun a new segment on my blog. Who else would it be dedicated to but moms? I think that blogging is an outlet for many of us who need to reach out, be lifted up and encouraged by one another. What better way to do that then to find out more about those awesome moms that inspire us?


Enough said! Here is another mom that many of us find Awww... Inspiring. Her dedication to family & work is tireless and she manages to squeeze in blogging amidst all of her duties.

Here's our second interview with Aww...Inspiring mom Akilah Richards.

Q. How has becoming a mom changed you for the better?

A. I know understand the value of time, specifically, making time to do the "little" things that mean more than the day-to-day. Since becoming a mom, I have a new perspective on career goals, because I see how my actions directly affect the lives of two people who didn't ask to be here, and deserve the world!

Q. Did you struggle with your transition into "mom"? What (or whom) do you credit with helping you to overcome the transitioning process?

A. I definitely struggled with the transition from law-school bound file clerk at a large Atlanta law firm, to pregnant chic trying to figure out how to handle this "baby plus career" thing! That is how my book, Execumama: A Pocket-guide for the Twenty-something Mommy on the Move, came to be. I spoke with dozens of women who successfully managed careers and parenting, and by the end of the project, I was certain that I could pursue my true passions (writing and entrepreneurship) while being a full-time mother, engaged in my children's lives, and enjoying every day with them. Through the stories of these incredible women, I found strength, inspiration, and proof!

Q. What do you find to be wonderful about parenting? What do you find to be difficult? What tip would you give to help other moms remedy that issue?

A. One of the most wonderful things about parenting is the opportunities for self-growth. Our children are mirrors of the environments we've created, and through my daughters, I truly learn to be my best self. One of the more difficult aspects of parent for me is the level of selflessness it takes to be a committed parent. Some days, I'm tired, frustrated, etc., but that has to fall to the wayside to some extent, so that I can be there for my daughters and their needs. I am only human, so certainly I allow myself to feel my full range of emotions, taking moments to "lick my wounds", but at the end of the day (for me), it's about them, not me; not while they're this young (5 and 3).

Q. Where & how do you find the time to take care of you amidst caring for a family?

A. Fortunately, there are built-in fail safes in regards to parenting and self-care. In my house, if mommy's neglecting herself, then everyone pays the price (LOL!), so I exercise regularly at the YMCA where there's a Kidzone so that the girls can play safely for an hour or so while I handle my business. I also have a great support system with my husband and the girls' grandparents, and I utilize them when necessary. I also pray often and meditate to keep the external noise to a minimum and stay in tune with Creator's plan for me, which I believe is NOT limited to the blessing of parenthood.

Q. What is the most inspiring advice you have received as a mom that you would like to extend to other moms reading?

A. I don't know that there's one piece of advise in particular that stands out. What I would like to share is the overall thought that the women from my book drew me to conclude; that is to Define, Design, and Live your FULLEST version of Woman! If that means kicking butt at your corporate gig, then using your weekends to goof off in Happyville with your children, then so be it. That might mean giving up a great paying 9 to 5 in exchange for a part-time opportunity that may cause you to live in a smaller house, but gives you more quality time. But if that's what makes you feel like your fullest self, then go for it. The message is simple: you deserve to feel fulfilled by your daily actions, period! If the things you do from day-to-day leave you fatigued, unsatisfied, and in search of more, then you have a responsibility to yourself to work towards happiness, and create a life of fulfillment for you and your children.


Akilah is an awesome example of how to make your family and work life the best for you. SO often we get caught up in drawing the line and saying you have to parent this way or staying home is the best of working is better. The truth is we must do what we have to do, in order to do what we want to do. Everyone's needs /priorities are different and instead of tearing one another down we as moms need to extend a hand to help those who need it up. Akilah, I wish you and your family all the best. My hope is that you continue to inspire the execumama in us at all, whether we work it at home or in the office! Definitely another aww..inspiring story!

Be sure to check out Akilah's blog when you have the chance! And remember lovelies -to take some time today to take care of you!

- Just a thought.....

P.S. Mommies, if you know another mom that you look to for inspiration just send me a line at: candacejcs@gmail.com with her name, a link to her blog and a short message about why you find her inspiring and she may be the next featured. Check next Tuesday for the new aww inspiring mom. Enjoy!

Monday, September 21, 2009

The forgotten mom????

It's more like the forgotten blog! LOL


Hello Lovelies!!! I hope this finds you & yours well. Yes, me and my baby are well again Thank God! Here's a pic of my beautiful baby feeling better! We have been feeling so much better that I have been out & about with her for the last 2 going on 3 weeks in a row!

Surely that is a good thing because we all know how frustrating it can be to be home doing the same routine EVERY. SINGLE. DAY! But the only bad part is that makes me a bad blogger - hope you can forgive me ;) Anyhoo, I have been making some great friends, sewing - I am now learning how to quilt - with my womens group at my church and I have started to volunteer with a group of young women at a ministry here in Fort Lauderdale called His Caring Place.

It has been nothing short of awesome! Sometimes as stay at homes moms our perspective of what we do is looked at as a burden. I heard Kate Gosselin say it best when she said: Each day is painfully the same, yet vastly different. I couldn't have said it better myself! So with that knowledge, I was determined to see another persons perspective on motherhood - someone less fortunate than I and boy was it an eye opener! We all know that I am a huge advocate of taking care of ourselves as moms and finding time for us during each day. Meeting these girls helped me to realize that having time to stay home with my child and a husband that supports me so I can is a blessing!

So in light of seeing things from their perspective, I have dedicated some of my time to helping them out in their time of need. To help them refocus and see the blessing of having & caring for a child of their own. In turn it has helped me to strive to be a better & more appreciative mommy. I am still taking time for me if you are wondering but loving the feeling of giving back to those who are struggling just like i was. No better excuse to be away than that! I have A LOT of pics to post up - especially from the organization challenge - I'm a terrible soldier Melinda, please forgive me LOL! I have to say that we have been keeping up with our organizing efforts!

Until next time lovelies, remember not to forget who you are and that you MUST make time for you!

- Just a thought....

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

I hate being.....


SICK!!! Nothing like not being able to breathe to add some extra crank to your day.


Anyhoo, At least my baby girl is doing well. She had a fever and you know how it is when you are caring for a sick baby. Tears, kicking and screaming - only thing is that was me this time around ... not my daughter. What? You don't think us moms throw tantrums too?

Like I was saying, After hours of waking up for medicine doses, Cradling her and rocking her back to sleep, I woke up with a faint scratchy feeling and surely after another two days of helping her get better a full blown, cant eat, cant breathe, cant sleep cold. It has been a while in between this one and the last and you know how it is when you are reminded that cold and flu season is coming!

So....to all of the mommies out there caring for lil sick ones or yourself I have some extra tissue if you need any. Just let me know!

Be sure to take care of you- sick or not.

- Just a thought....

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

There is nothing.....


more inspiring to me than a mom that can identify with me about my struggles, make me laugh when life hurts and build me up so I can go on to becoming great. Some are placed in our lives as companions to walk with us and others are there to give us that little nudge to keep on going from day to day.


Several women that I have relationships with and have come to know through the world of blogging automatically came to my mind and I felt compelled to tell you about them so they could bless you with their stories and wisdom. One of many that came to mind was Cyndi of So Much More than a Mom. I think the title of her site says it all! I had the pleasure of interviewing her first to kick off my new segment on Awww Inspiring moms.

Here's our Interview:

Q. How has becoming a mom changed you for the better?

A. Becoming a mom has forced me to be at least somewhat pleasant in the morning. I used to insist that no one speak to me for at least 2 hours and was very difficult to deal with if that rule was broken.

Q. Did you struggle with your transition into "mom"? What (or whom) do you credit with helping you to overcome the transitioning process?

A. Strangely enough, no I didn't struggle one bit. I credit my oldest son for being born 6 weeks early and needing emergency surgery at 3 weeks old with making my transition process much different than I expected. My mommy instincts kicked into overdrive and I was just so grateful he was healthy that I never really struggled with anything else.

Q. What do you find to be wonderful about parenting? What do you find to be difficult? What tip would you give to help other moms remedy that issue?

A. Wonderful is seeing my little babies continue to grow into amazing little individuals. Difficult is figuring out how to deal with the ever-evolving problems that come with each new phase of their lives. Tip: pick your battles and listen, really listen, to your kids.

Q. Where & how do you find the time to take care of you amidst caring for a family?

A. I could go on and on about this. I make sure I get alone time, girlfriend time, reading time, massage time, etc. It's a priority for me and luckily for my husband. I did not do this for many years and suffered because of it. Now, I regularly take time for myself including everything from lurking around bookstores to taking vacations alone or with girlfriends to going back to college.

Q. What is the most inspiring advice you have received as a mom that you would like to extend to other moms reading?

A. I can't recall receiving much advice except....put the baby monitor on HIS side of the bed!! :)

Advice I would give is: 1. Enjoy your kids while you can. They grow up way too fast. 2. Take time for yourself. Don't give up who you are just because you've become a mom. 3. Take time to keep your relationship with your partner interesting. Once the kids are gone it will be just the 2 of you again and I've seen too many couples who have ignored their relationships during the child-rearing years only to realize that they no longer have any connection at all.


I couldn't have said it better myself! Definitely an awww...inspiring story. Cyndi you are wonderful and I wish you all the best in your endeavors to take care of you and your family. I hope you will continue to be as inspiring to others as you have been to me. Be sure to check out Cyndi's blog when you have the chance! And remember lovelies - to take some time today to take care of you!

- Just a thought.....

P.S. Mommies, if you know another mom that you look to for inspiration just send me a line with her name, a link to her blog and a short message about why you find her inspiring and she may be featured. Check it out next Tuesday for the next aww inspiring mom. Enjoy!