The MOTHER of Re-Invention
I’ve been in a crisis…a series, actually. It’s not that I’m offering excuses, but in effect I am.
For months, my life has been a whirlwind of clients, traveling, networking, workshops and speaking engagements. It’s been non-stop. Don’t get me wrong, the ride has been great. However, due to recent events, the ride has become the equivalent of a merry-go-round run by a crazy “carnie” who won’t let you off. (If you’ve been to a fair in Chalmette, LA then you’ll understand where I’m coming from!)
That’s the point where I’m at…I’m dizzy, nauseated and OVER the ride. THIS particular ride, that is.
Somehow over this past year and a half, I’ve become someone I don’t recognize. It’s forced. Un-natural. EXHAUSTING! In all this effort to find a niche, a market…I forgot about what brought me here in the first place. The “WHY” I became a work-at-home/stay-at-home mom. The stress of it all has effected my health physically, emotionally and spiritually.
A few months back my body decided to get off the ride. My fibromyalgia and lupus flared to the point that one morning I woke up and had lost function in my left arm. (I’m left-handed people!!!) Seriously? I couldn’t FAKE being fine with one arm. And slowly the realization came that my body was manifesting what my mind had known all along. I couldn’t keep up the pace with a life that I did not want. Our bodies are intuitive like that.
So, I’ve been on hiatus. I’ve had to tell the over-achiever in me to “Shut UP!”. I’ve been forced to say no to many things. It’s been hard and easy at the same time. And you know what? I’ve never been more content with any other decision. Because. I. Matter!
This past week, my Dad has been critically ill while hospitalized at the VA. (Another issue to tackle at a later date.) It’s made this whole re-invention crisis seem rather small in the face of what matters most. Family.
So, here I go again. Deciding what to be now that I’m all grown up. THIS time, I’m putting first things first and doing it all on MY terms. Reminding myself as often as necessary WHY and WHO I’m doing this for. Regardless of where the road takes me, I hope you’ll come along for the ride. (And I promise, you can get off any time that you like.) It’s bound to be hard, scary and crazy–but that’s me…the MOTHER of re-invention.
***Here’s my WHY***
GIVE…Like a Rock Star??
I had to bring you this heart-warming story about two people making a DIFFERENCE right now in the world…two 9 y.o. girls! Yep, 9 year old BFF’s. (That’s Best Friends Forever for those not up on the latest lingo!)
A friend of mine, Aly Calvo (follow her on Twitter @alyandandrea) is doing her part by raising her daughter right–how? By teaching her to live an OTHERS FOCUSED life–and her daughter is spreading the message.
It all started last year, when her daughter Mady and BFF Gabby decided to do something different. Instead of getting gifts for their 8th birthday, the girls wanted to GIVE a gift. That gift was to grand a WISH for a child courtesy of the Make A Wish foundation. The price tag? $5,000.
So, in true ROCK STAR fashion, and with a little help from their moms, the girls got to work–they even had their own website! And after all was said and done, they raised $5006 and granted Christopher his WISH of a lifetime–to meet Stephen Spielberg. But the story doesn’t end there…
The girls desired to continue their “Wish Granting” on an annual basis–and so here we are again. This month, the girls turned 9 and they’re on a mission to TOP last year’s donation. They are raising $6,000 to grant yet another wish. And in true ROCK STAR fashion, they’re Tweeting and on FB too! I want to help and know that you do too!
Any amount is welcomed. Forwarding this post, TWEETING this post, SHARING on FB (Remember to become a FAN!) –all is welcomed.
May we call endeavor to lead the future of our world in a spirit of love and giving…like ROCK STARS! 
(Here’s the video from the Fox Houston 26 News Interview…)
Laisez lais Bon Temps ROULEZ!!!!
OK…for those of you NOT from New Orleans (or familiar with the French language) that means “Let the Good times roll!” It’s the classic battle cry during Mardi Gras season in THE City (aka N’awlins!) and I’m so excited to be getting a little taste of “home” here in Texas. Yep…TEXAS Y’all!
My youngest attends a phenomenal private school in the town where we live and our Parents Association does MAJOR fundraising throughout the year to assist with the rising cost of education. Our largest event of the year is known as “Jubilee” and this year’s theme is Mardi Gras! It’s a night of dinner, dancing, and fun with both silent and live auctions–and I can’t wait for Friday night.
It has been exciting to contact those from “back home” and invite them to share in our event via donations for auction as well as sharing with my fellow Texans the history associated with Mardi Gras. Yes, there is MORE to it than drunken displays on Bourbon Street! lol…
I actually felt like I was back in high school a few weeks ago (the GOOD part of high school, that is!) when I went shopping with my mom for a gown to wear to the event. It was SO thrilling to feel like a GIRL again! That was until my mom commented, “I think it’s been over 15 years since we did this last!” OUCH!!! 
But, I’m not letting AGE get me down! I can’t wait to get my hair and make-up done, slip on that black dress and totally knock the SOCKS of my hubby when I walk out! For the first time in a LONG time, I’ll get to feel like the most beautiful woman in the world. We moms just don’t get enough of that!
I’ll post pictures this weekend after the event!
What’s something that YOU haven’t done in a long while to make yourself feel special?? Do SOMETHING today!
