Inspiration

Quotes for days

You wanna know what lights me up? What gets to my heart strings and gets me right in my soul? Quotes. I am a quote junky. Pinterest doesn’t help my addiction. A good soulful quote, I am a blob on the floor. A hilariously accurate quote about parenting, laughing for days. It’s the little things in life right? If I could plaster quotes all over my house I would (wait I think I might have already started doing that). I believe that certain quotes have the ability to put situations into words when we can’t find them ourselves. Along with song lyrics, it’s amazing how someone else’s words can resonate with us so much. I’ve compiled a list of some sayings, quotes, whatever you want to call them, that have helped me at one time or another. Sometimes you just need that catch phrase to help you through something or keep you focused on your end goal. Enjoy and feel free to steal them if need be. . . I have no idea who said them in the first place.

1) STAY IN YOUR LANE- I put this one in caps simply because it is short and sweet and ohso true!!!! This is something I have to remind myself to do when I am interfering too much or a gentle (not always so gentle) reminder I may have to give to someone else. It’s simple and doesn’t really need a lot of explanation. Focus on you and just like when you’re driving on the road, stay in your lane. That’s all you have to worry about and all that should concern you. You aren’t a traffic cop of life. What everyone else is doing is none of your business and isn’t something you need to control or worry about. Eyes looking forward, that’s where you’re going afterall.

2) What other people think of you is none of your business- I used to have a really hard time with this one. What do you mean it’s none of my business? If someone has an opinion of me I have a right to know what their thoughts are about me. Nope. You don’t need to know any of it. They aren’t your thoughts, or your words, or your opinions, so they don’t concern you. Chances are you probably don’t want to hear it anyways if it hasn’t been said to your face in the first place. Do yourself a favour and let this one go.

3) Not everything that weighs you down, is yours to carry- Oh my goodness!!!! This one has definitely resonated with me especially during the past few months when I have taken more time to ground myself and work on finding more inner peace. This quote is for all you fixers out there who feel like you HAVE to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders and fix everyone else’s problems. Guess what? You don’t. Yes it is very hard to watch someone you love make the same mistakes over and over again, but at some point you have to step back and understand that at some point people have to put their big kid panties on and start owning their own shit. This is still something I struggle with especially when it comes to family, but at the end of the day not everything has to involve you. You can’t fix EVERYTHING for EVERYONE.

4) You are responsible for your own happiness- This is a major one. It’s not hard to understand but it seems to be something we all struggle with. You shouldn’t rely on anyone or anything to make you happy. It’s a choice. It’s action. It’s putting one foot in front of the other and self talking yourself through the hard times. You need to take responsibility and do it for you. Make happiness happen for you.

5) When someone shows you who they really are, believe them- Actions speak louder than words right? We really need to start believing people when they act a certain way over and over again. We all want to believe there is good in people and there probably is BUT in some people I think it’s wayyyyyy deep down. At the end of the day life is too short to be making the same mistakes over and over again and dragging yourself through the mud. You can’t be mad at someone for being a jerk to you if they have shown you that they are in fact that jerk about ten times before that. (Remember that other quote- You are responsible for your own happiness).  Let them go and wish them well. It doesn’t have to be a dramatic curtain closing or anything, just wish them well and go your own way.

I could go on and on and on forever. These are just a few that I think are basic and everyone can relate to. If anything they can act as simple reminders or cues to you to keep the good energy flowing and in the end do what’s best for you. If you are a quote junkie such as myself, may I recommend DEFINITELY having a wisdom or positivity board on Pinterest. Somewhere you can view all of the cheesiness and gooeyness on the days that are difficult.

Create your own sunshine when needed 🙂

Mama Hil.xo

Give Yourself A Break

Well summer is officially here. The kids are PUMPED and the questions of “What are we doing today?!” or “Where are we going?!” are upon us. Every summer I worry that I’m not going to have enough for my kiddies to do or they are going to look back and think “That was the worst summer ever.” While I do have day trips planned I’ve decided to “TRY” and be chill this summer. Take the pressure off of myself and get rid of the guilt that can sometimes consume me. In true Mama Hil fashion here is a list of ways I plan to take it easy on myself (feel free to be inspired and do the same for yourself).

1- Let my kids play. . .by themselves! Crazy concept I know. Use your imagination kids! I remember when I was a kid, after a school year of been hovered over by teachers, I wanted my parents to give me some space. I get sucked into feeling guilty as a parent and feel like I should ALWAYS be right with my kids doing what they’re doing. I have come to realize though that when I get involved too much, I either annoy my kids or that’s when the fights break out (go figure). So this summer parents, when your kids are hanging outside, pull up a lawn chair, maybe read that book that’s collecting dust, and let their creativity take over for them.

2- Yes my kids will have screen time this summer. . .#sorrynotsorry Some parents are very strict about screen time with their kids. That is totally cool with me #youdoyou. We all have certain things we’re more strict with. There is no right way to parent and every kid is different. But in the morning when I am trying to make myself presentable (you’re welcome) or if I’m looking for just a half hour of quiet time, the tv will most likely be going on. Just like adults need their chill time, kids like that too. So if you need just a few moments of sanity, than feel free to flip on that telly.

3- It’s okay to not go on a million road trips- A lot of the time kids think because they are on summer vacation, the rest of the world is too. Sorry kids. There are summer camps for a reason. Parents work and still have to adult throughout the week. As a parent, guilt once again may trick you into believing that you have to drive for a few hours in every direction to really mean that you took your kids somewhere. Most times I find that taking your kid to your towns splash pad or park is more exciting for them than anything you took months planning. Think like a kid this summer. Keep it simple and realize that if you’re working all summer and don’t have the ability to take your kids all over, chances are they are totally okay with it.

4- Smores, watermelon, and ice cream on the menu- Come summertime, parents no longer have to pack lunches (bonus) and the heat implies yummy treats and smore filled fire nights. Somedays your kids aren’t going to eat all their fruits and vegetables, and it may seem like their diet consists of more sugar than usual. Having a bit more sugar, and relaxed menu throughout the summer won’t destroy your kids for life. I remember living off popsicles on really hot days, and hot dogs because we clearly had sophisticated pallets. Maybe take it down a notch and remember what it was like to be a kid. Most of us turned out just fine. Spending more time outside is more beneficial than planning a five course meal every night.

5- Yes splash pads and pools do count as baths- Sandboxes, chlorine, beach days, sweating everywhere days, and that campfire smell. All of these things are the smells and grosseness (totally not a word but oh well) of summer. Chances are after long days and late nights, your kids aren’t going to be bathed as regularly. Parents are tired and we all know how kids feel about bathing. Kids don’t smell as much as adults do (sorry parents you need to keep showering for obvious reasons) so not bathing them EVERY SINGLE DAY doesn’t make you a bad parent. Loosen the reins and realize that if someone has an issue with your dirty kids, chances are they either don’t have children of their own, have serious control issues, or aren’t really your kind of people anyways.

I could go on and on about becoming more chill this summer and I get that for most of us it’s hard. One thing I’m pretty strict on is keeping a semi decent bedtime because come September it’ll be a tricky transition back into the school routine if I don’t. See, we all have our thing. Maybe you are thinking “I cancel my cable for the summer for no screen time” or “My kids will have no extra sugar over the summer” and that is completely cool with me. As parents we all feel guilty about different things, and we all definitely have very different kids. Some need structure, and some love to be wild and free over the summer. My Motto for this summer is “If it doesn’t go with the flow, than let it go.” Stay on your path, do what you wanna do for the summer, and lay off on the comparison and guilt trips for a few months. Your sanity will thank you.

Mama Hil.xo

 

World of Worry

Those who know me well, know that I am a chronic worrier. I’ve been like this as long as I can remember. Uncertainty, fear, and lack of control are what fuel my worry fire. Even as a kid I would worry about certain situations, friendships, skating tests. Anything and everything. As an adult, the worrying by no means has gone away. If anything there is a broader spectrum of things for me to worry about. What used to be a joke and something that I “just was” has now turned into something that has the ability to be debilitating and negatively affect my health and well being. Not so funny now right? My thoughts exactly.

It’s easier for me to compartmentalize my worries by putting them into different sections of life. Lists are very comforting to me (in case my blog setup hasn’t given that away) and it helps me to narrow in on the good and bad of what’s going on in my life at any given time.  Below you will find my specific different areas of worry based on my life and what’s going on in my little world. Everyone is different so if you choose to make a list yours probably won’t look the exact same to mine.

1) Mom Worry- For most mom’s this one comes naturally as soon as we find out we’re pregnant. When your choices don’t just affect you anymore. . .well that’s parenting for you. Becoming a mom definitely intensified my worrying capabilities. I mean I worry about the future more than the now for them. Will they make friends at school? Will they be bullied? Will they be the bully? Will they make the right choices? Will they be kind? I can teach them my values and share my wisdom, but at the end of the day they will be whoever they want and they will make the choices they think are the best for them.

2) Health Worry- This is probably the biggest one for me. Hands up if you like to Google symptoms? It’s something that I do more often than I should for sure and at the end of the day it definitely doesn’t help my worrying. If anything my worrying has affected my health the most. When I worry my body basically screams at me in many different ways. I get tension headaches from clenching my jaw, stomach aches with the most excruciating pain ever (and I’m no wimp in the pain department), and not sleeping resulting in me being incredibly tired. Wanna know the most irritating thing about all of this? It’s completely self inflicted by yours truly. I worry about bigger illnesses and not being here for my kids and my family. It’s a vicious cycle and I can tell you that I rarely come out on top.

3) Relationships- I know that when I am worried and distracted my relationships suffer and I’m not giving my best self to the people I love. I’m too concerned with worrying about circumstances out of my control that I sometimes fail to focus on the here and now. This isn’t fair to my kids, my husband, or to my family and friends. It’s so incredibly important to be present with the people in your life especially your children. Our society makes it harder and harder, but without relationships we are just one lonely person. The grass isn’t greener on the other side, it’s green where you water it.

4) My self image/purpose- I’m happy to say that as I get older, my sense of needing to be accepted by others has decreased immensely. I have a thicker skin and have more important things in my life than people who don’t care for me. On the flip side, I am always fighting an uphill battle with myself. I’ve previously said that I am extremely hard on myself and if anything that accelerates the worry in the department of my self worth. I worry a lot about not being good enough. Not being fit enough. Not feeling good enough. Not contributing enough. I worry about not achieving enough or being enough for the people who matter most. They may see me as exactly what they need and that I am 100% perfect in their eyes. . .BUT my negative self talk wins everytime. It wins the battle of trying to conquer my worrying and seems to trump the opinions of those that matter most to me.

I get it. This may seem extreme and believe me I know it is. Writing it makes it seem ridiculous and if I had a loved one going through this I would be the first person to say you’re going to kill yourself by worrying so much. I suppose the silver lining (it seems really small), is that I am more aware now than ever  what this is doing to my life. I am stuck in my world of worry and robbing myself of joy and happiness and precious moments in my life and the lives of those I love. Worrying truly brings nothing positive to the table. It brings other negative emotions to the surface. It’s almost like the emotional equivalent to the key to Pandora’s box. Inside are all the bad emotions and worrying just opens all that up again and again.

If you’re reading this and you can relate to it, I hope you decide to take charge in whatever way you need to. I don’t want to be controlled my fear or worry, or uncertainty. I want happiness and joy to lead the way. That is what I would want for those I love so why shouldn’t I want that for myself. Don’t let what ifs take that away from you. Live in the now and everything else will fall into place as it should.

“Worrying does not take away tomorrow’s troubles. It takes away today’s peace.”

Mama Hil.xo

The Rut

Truthfully I have been wanting to do a blog post about being in a rut for quite sometime. I think it’s a feeling or a place that everyone can relate to. I would start something and then delete and then start again. It’s hard to describe and it’s different for everyone. It started out as talking about a “Mom Rut”, but mom’s aren’t the only ones that go through something like that. You could appear to have everything together and your life is going exactly where you want it to. . .and yet still feel stuck or in a weird place in life.

A rut can seem like it’s more of a crater at times. Or a deep hole that you can’t seem to climb your way out of. No matter what you decide to call this feeling or place in your life, it seems that the best way to describe it (and super sophisticated too) is blah. Not sure that is even considered a word but we’re going to go with it because it seems pretty universal.

We experience ruts for various reasons because well. . .life. There are always changes, and growing pains and forks in the road that are constantly challenging us and how we view our lives. I always say that when you are in the “rut” it’s okay to visit. Be there, feel what you need to feel BUT never unpack. Look at it as a rest stop in life, not your final destination.

Generally when you’re feeling stuck it’s most likely an inside job. Something underneath the surface needs to be acknowledged or an underlying problem needs to be addressed. It’s easy to magnify the negatives in our lives and point fingers at people who have caused us pain. Truthfully this does nothing for you. It won’t solve your problems, make you feel any better, or fix anything. What you need to be doing is taking a deeper look and try to focus on the good stuff you have going on around you. I know it sounds cliche but it can be the smallest thing that brings joy to your life (good is good right?!)

As someone who has been in a rut (if you say you haven’t you’re lying because we’ve all been there), I have some telltale signs that tell me I’m heading there if I’m not already there. We like to think ignorance is bliss, but it has its own way of catching up with us. So here is MY quick list/ signs of a rut:

1. Comfy clothes all day everyday (basically wearing anything with the word sweat in it)- Yes I am a stay at home mom, and some days we don’t leave the house. Unfortunately if I’m in deep I will go for days wearing SWEATshirts, SWEATpants (get my point), leggings, and yoga pants. Basically anything with spandex, two sizes two big, and doesn’t require a button. Sounds like a dream for some but I can feel the judgement coming even from my one year old.

2. Netflix and chill. . .and nothing else- We all love our Netflix, but generally you should try and socialize from time to time. Cuddling with my snaggle tooth bulldog apparently doesn’t count as socializing. The people that love you are good for your soul. . .and they’re also the one’s that don’t judge you when you wear sweatpants too much. (Side note- you should maybe put some jeans on when you go out with friends. Do your booty good)

3. Wine o’clock- Love me some wine. But when it starts to make an appearance more often than not, I know it’s time to break up. Apparently drinking wine doesn’t count as a serving of fruit and doesn’t hydrate you the same as water?!. . .I was shocked too.

You may be thinking at this point “wow okay so this mom of three is a lazy, sweatpant wearing, hermit alcoholic?” First of all no judgement zone here. Secondly, the things  I listed don’t all happen in the span of eight hours. If one of these scenarios keeps occurring, it usually wakes me up a little bit and I’m like okay let’s figure out what’s going on.

Joking aside it’s good to be able to know when you’re heading for a not so great place physically, mentally or emotionally. I put a light sarcastic spin on it but I know how crummy it feels to feel like you aren’t really going anywhere. We are our worst critics and we put more pressure on ourselves than anyone else. Pressure to do more, be more, make more. The comforting thought in all of this? You’re not alone when you feel like this. We all feel it at some point. We all deal with it differently. BUT the core emotion of being stuck/ in a rut (whatever you wanna call it go with that) is that it truly is a universal feeling.

Long story short, this feeling that you have isn’t going to go away unless you DEAL WITH IT. Yup, that’s right. I’m not saying you are going to have everything completely figured out by tomorrow, but you most definitely have to start acknowledging what is going on. Feelings and gut instincts are not to be ignored. Feeling in a rut is your wake up call or blessing disguise meant to bring your awareness back to yourself and what you’re needing more or less of in your life.

I’ve let you know that you’re not alone in feeling this way (while making me look fairly dysfunctional. You’re welcome), so now the ball is in your court to get yourself going again. Recognize when it’s happening and develop your own set of skills to help you move forward. Keep the conversation going about “The Rut” in case someone you know needs the same reassurance.

Mama Hil.xo

 

 

Back to Basics

I have identified as a lot of different things in life. I think as people we go through different seasons and our identity shifts. Sometimes it’s good and seamless, and sometimes it’s difficult and confusing. Certain seasons we aren’t really sure which way we’re going or how things are going to turn out. We want to label our purpose in life and compartmentalize it so we feel better. Such as “Okay this is my job and this is what I get up and do everyday. So if people ask I have an appropriate answer and I feel like I am contributing to society.”

But what if you don’t have an exact answer? Does the unknown make you any less of a person? I believe that is my stage right now. Hold on because there is a big dose of raw honesty coming your way so bare with me.

Let me give you a snapshot of my life. I have an amazing husband. He is straight up my best friend and he loves and appreciates me in all of my quirkiness. We have three amazing kids who challenge me on the daily, but bring so much joy and love to my life at the same time. We live on a dairy farm where I am happily surrounded by animals from cows to dogs on a daily basis. Believe me when I say that I am so incredibly grateful, lucky and blessed.

Prior to our youngest son being born, I felt as though I was very much contributing to our life on the farm. I was stay at home mama and calf feeder and I felt as though I had the best of both worlds.

As per usual though, life happens. After our youngest was born my “title” you could say as well as my identity shifted. I found myself more of a stay at home mom and less of a contributing factor to the farm itself.

Never in my life have I been a stay at home mom. There has always been something else along with it. Waitress, accounting assistant, calf feeder. It took me quite a few months, post partum depression, and probably too many glasses of wine to realize that this transition had been harder on me than I originally thought. . .

I love being home with my kids. 100% I had always hoped that I would get to do something that allowed me to be with them majority of the time. Everyone is different, but for me it was always something I had wished and hoped for. So obviously A LOT of guilt came with me wanting something else to go along with it. What’s the saying? “Remember when you prayed for the things you have now.” So there was mom guilt right in my face. Loud, ugly, and not easily ignored.

Lately I’ve been trying to fill the void with fitness/ accountability coaching and it hasn’t been the most positive experience for me. Sometimes you win and sometimes you learn right? I enjoy working out, pushing myself, and taking care of my health and well being. But as I’ve come to realize, it has been hard for me to motivate others without feeling like I’m in their face or being all salesman like. I love posting my videos and pictures of my progress, but I realized that I enjoy doing that more to keep myself accountable.

It’s safe to say that I fell into the trap of trying to be like those I see and follow on social media. What they were doing worked for them so it would probably work for me too right?! Duh Hil, major no. What sets their soul on fire might not to do the same for me. I just finished reading my second book by one of my favourites Gretchen Rubin. One of the splendid truths in her books is to simply “Be Gretchen.” Stay true to herself and do what makes her happy and fills her cup no matter what others may think or feel.

Needless to say this struck a chord with me. You know one of those light bulb moments where you read the line over and over again because it makes so much sense to you. I realized that I needed to do something along the same lines. “Be  Hilary”I need to step back and get back to the basics of well. . .me. What I love, what is important to me, and what contributes to my happiness in this life.

Today in social media I see a lot of kick ass women out there doing there thing and rocking the world. They are go big or go home type ladies, and they are ready to take on the world. That is so incredibly amazing. . .but it’s also not for everyone out there. It’s okay to not want to be a big CEO, boss babe who travels all over the place and has a hundred thousand followers on Instagram. Yes it does work for some, but if the idea of that doesn’t excite you than regardless of what is on social media or what society tells you. . .You have to be okay with that. You have to be okay with forging your own path and doing your own thing. It’s going to be difficult and you”ll probably feel uncomfortable. I know it’s easier said than done and trust me I’m working on it too.

When it’s all said and done we are constantly changing and evolving. Sometimes you know exactly who you are and what you’re doing and other times life makes it a little trickier. You have to dig deep, get uncomfortable, and take a good hard look at yourself.

Right now I’m trying (key word being try), to dial back the pressure I put on myself as well as the pressure I may feel from outside sources. I’m trying to focus on what is most important to me and channel all my energy into that.

Who you are and what you do can and will change throughout your life. Of that I am 100% certain. How you embrace it is a choice that only you can make.

Me? I’m bring it back to the basics.:)

Mama Hil.xo

 

Be here. . .Seriously

The other day I was walking up the back path on our farm with my 6 month old daughter. Just enjoying the warm weather (I LOVE the heat), and I was looking around and thinking about how far I have come not only as a person, but as a mother, wife, friend, every title I have in my life. 6 years ago I couldn’t just walk and be alone with my own thoughts. I would have my headphones in, music as loud as it could go without blowing my ear drums, and walk like I was trying to escape from something. At the time I didn’t know it, but I think subconsciously I was trying to escape from the life I was living. I became a mother for the first time at 19. I don’t expect sympathy because it was my choice and my decision to go down that path in life. Unfortunately for me I didn’t appreciate motherhood for all that it was and all that it could make me. I didn’t appreciate the little moments like walking in nature with my little one, treasuring every smile, and stroking his hair while he slept soundly. So I guess this specific post is about being in the now.

  1. Kids don’t stay kids forever- Right now I have the pleasure of experiencing both ends of the spectrum. I have a 7 year old who has grown and has developed his own personality and way of doing things. He is his own person and makes his own decisions everyday some good and some not so good. Then I have the 6 month old who is fully dependent on me, thinks I’m the funniest person alive, and who can’t stop me when I pinch her cheeks and kiss her face way too much. What I’ve noticed more now than ever is that it truly goes in the blink of an eye. Before you know it this person you have shaped is off doing there own thing, doing their own activities and creating a life away from you. Which I make sound horrible but it’s definitely a positive thing. But this just means that you have to truly appreciate every special little moment with your child. Every age has different moments, and the special moments may change from snuggling, the reading a story together. Whatever it may be, you have to be there for it. Let it consume you and treat it as though this is the most important moment in your life.
  2. Like it or not marriage and relationships change and evolve- I still remember my first date with my husband. The smell of the leather seats in his car, his bright eyes, his dimples, and those working man hands. Now all of those external features are still there, but I may not always notice them in the same way anymore. We get comfortable in our relationships , as you really should being with someone you love and who loves you just as you are. Day to day duties, jobs, kids, stresses seem to engulf you as a couple and before you know it your relationship has changed before your eyes. I believe I have a great marriage, but I also know that I don’t always treasure our special time together. Really soak it all up. Laying in bed talking, watching a show together, just driving around together. Basically having him there. Many people lose spouses whether it’s because of illness, sudden accident, or divorce. So if you are in a good relationship with someone you love, I challenge you to really be grateful for them and appreciate even 5 minutes of alone time you may have. Maybe next time don’t say you’re too tired for sex, or put your phone down and focus on them. This is the person you’ve chosen to spend your life with, and not everyday is roses and rainbows, but treat them with the up most love and respect that you felt the first time you ever met them.
  3. What you have, no matter how small, is worth A LOT- In our home we have mismatched couches, doors in every corner since it’s an old farm house, mismatched dishes, crumbs on our floors, and cobwebs in certain corners. Our home isn’t perfect and neither are the people that live under it’s roof. But the people and relationships are worth more than anything in this house. Some people have the pleasure of having a lot, and others are just scraping by. This is just the way life is, and probably ho it’s always going to be. I believe with age comes wisdom and with that wisdom comes the realization that memories and life and love are built with people and not things. Relationships are what help us all survive this crazy life, and what keep us  going. If I continue to have the people in my life that I have now, and I never make much more than I do now, I could survive. Money does funny things to people and just buys temporary things. Relationships are permanent and can last a lifetime.

So I guess if you take anything away from this just try to appreciate and practice gratefulness for what you do have and the little moments that you are given. They don’t last a lifetime and little moments make up your life. Teach your children and grandchildren and keep the message going on.

Women Who Inspire

It seems fitting to be making this post on Mother’s Day. Happy mother’s day to you mama’s out there! When I say women who inspire I\m not just talking about the usual suspects that come in the form of our mother’s, grandmother’s, sisters, friends. It has occurred to me that I have had the chance to meet women who really make me step back and go “Wow, she is really passionate about what she does” Some of these women I have known for a long time, some I have only met a few times, and some I only communicate with on social media if we are involved in a specific group together. You can either know them very well, or be inspired by what you see when you take a step back. I’m going to list a few and some on the list may seem strange, but being in their presence or even just talking to them has been inspiring at some point.

My Hairdresser- This may seem pretty lame to some and a tiny bit shallow. I have known my hairdresser since I was 4 years old. I look forward to seeing her every time I go in not just because my hair looks amazing when I leave, but because of the conversations I have with her when I’m there. In a world of social media it’s sooo nice to have a good conversation face to face with someone. She has 3 children that are now grown up, but she is always sharing her experiences with me and reminding me that a bad day doesn’t last forever. Whenever I leave her I feel refreshed, hopeful, and energized. Most of all I feel thankful to have her in my life. No matter the circumstance we are introduced to amazing women all the time.

My Essential Oil Guru- Now I haven’t known this woman for very long. I met her at an essential oil party about 3 months ago. She is not only an essential oil enthusiast but a full time kindergarten teacher and a busy mother of three. Her family is what inspired her to start using essential oils due to the fact that they are more natural and better for your overall health. I was captivated by her when she was talking because of her passion, humor, and love of teaching others about essential oils. She is a wealth of knowledge and passion and that is something I really appreciate. Passion is infectious, and there is nothing more beautiful then seeing someone talk about something they love. She has taught me a lot and I appreciate our newfound relationship because of essential oils and for sharing all the knowledge she has to give.

My Massage Therapist- I know I am lucky to be able to have a massage therapist. It’s not something everyone has the luxury of doing. I was fortunate enough to be referred to her by a friend who was going to her for prenatal massage. I was having quite a few aches and pains in my pregnancy and wanted to nip that in the bud if I could. I started going to her every 3 weeks and the rest is history. She allowed me to feel top notch during my pregnancy which isn’t always easy for women. She knows so much about the body especially during pregnancy which made me feel as though I was in very good hands (literally). I still go to her five months after and she has allowed me to transition easily from pregnant mama, to feeling like myself again mama.

Yoga teacher/photographer- This is a women that wears many many hats. She is a yoga teacher, a photographer, a doula, and she specializes in prenatal and post natal care. She is I guess what you would call the typical yoga teacher. She’s very spiritual, likes organic, very chill person. It’s no secret from the people that know me, that I can be a bit high strung. Nothing makes me happier than when I have people in my life that are the exact OPPOSITE of me. I appreciate that they have the qualities that I find so hard to master in myself. Maybe I will never be that type of person and that’s okay. She has not only shown me the awesomeness of yoga, but she was also the photographer for our wedding and newborn photos after our daughter was born. She has seen me go through many phases in my life and I see her as an inspiring golden hearted women who I am lucky to call a friend.

In turn, this list may seem strange to some, but it just goes to show that there are women everywhere that can influence us and make our days a little brighter just by being themselves. All you have to do is look around. How lucky am I that I was introduced to so many inspiring women who have brought nothing but positive energy and happiness into my life 🙂 We can’t possibly have every single amazing quality the world has to offer, people aren’t made to be perfect. It’s refreshing to allow people in our lives that bring qualities and ideas to the table that we might have not even thought of. I hope this encourages you to look around and all the amazing women in your life.xo Happy mother’s day.