Help My Earth Ranger – 100 Day Blog Challenge – Day 81

Elijah’s on a Mission

Elijah

Elijah, my oldest, has been a fan of the Earth Rangers for a long time.  Each time a commercial would come on, he would ask us if he could become an Earth Ranger and do his part.  Last week, we took the next step and signed him up.  I’m not sure why it took us, ok ME, so long to do this, but it was very easy.


For Elijah’s first mission, he’s chosen to save the Beluga Whales, and he’s got big goals.  He’s looking to raise $1,000 and he has 20 days left to do so.  I have over 1,000 friends on Facebook; over 1,700 fans on my page; almost 300 followers on Pinterest; over 300 connections on LinkedIn and over 100 followers on Twitter.  I’d love for you to help Elijah reach his goal.  So far, he’s raised $150 and he’s determined to see this through.  Whatever you can donate would be great.

If you would like to make a donation and read up on the Beluga Whales, you can visit Elijah’s page here.  Thanks in advance, we appreciate it, and more important, Elijah thanks you for your help.

Stepping Back, Recharge and Getting a Fresh Perspective – 100 Day Blog Challenge Day 10

Sometimes Our Biggest Obstacle is Ourselves

I ALWAYS get giddy!!!

Do you ever have one of those days where it starts off on a positive note and then it takes a slight dip?  Well, today was one of those days.  I was super excited, because a package was scheduled to arrive today and I turn into a kid on Christmas morning.  I knew what is was, but that anticipation is just so awesome.  Anyhow, my package arrived, and I had some pleasant surprises in the box.  Oh, how I love a little extra.

As the day progressed, things started to shift.  I had some work do do and I asked the boys to give me an hour so I could do my work.  I should know that it goes in one ear and out the other.  Thankfully, I was speaking with a friend who’s also a Mom, but it’s can be so frustrating when you ask for that time.

I felt like I was on overload, so I shut down.  Once the boys went to bed, I shut down my laptop, lights and gave myself permission to take a break.  That 90 minutes off felt so good.  I took a little nap, woke up and felt rejuvenated.  It also gave me a chance to evaluate myself, if that makes sense.  As my subtitle states, “sometimes our biggest obstacle is ourselves.”

Why do we, or at least, I (I can only speak for myself) over complicate things?  Just keep it short and simple.  Just be yourself, honest and speak from the heart.  People will be able to tell whether or not you truly care about their well-being, or if you’re trying to “get” them.  This particular instance didn’t happen with me today, but after I shut down for that little bit, I did a self-evaluation and this came to mind.

Tackling the Fears and Keeping Connected

Today, people are afraid.  This is a scary time for so many and not sure what the future will hold.  The last thing someone wants is to feel as if they’re being short-changed or taken for a ride.  I was just listening to a training, and one of the things discussed is the importance of keeping connected with others.  Touching base, and I don’t mean via text, email, or even Facebook.  But a good old-fashioned phone call.  When was the last time you picked up the phone and had a conversation with someone?  Does anyone else still do this anymore?

When was the last time you received a letter or card in the mail just because?  These days, all that shows up in the mail are bills and flyers.  Remember pen pals?  What ever happened to sending hand-written notes to others letting them know you’re thinking of them and hope they’re having a good day.

Sometimes we are our biggest obstacles and the thing we need to do is go back to the basics.  Reach out to someone who’s been on your mind.  Pick up the phone, call, write a letter, send smoke signals, WHATEVER.  Reconnect with the person you’ve fallen out of with who you’ve been dying to contact.

I am so guilty of this and need to be more proactive.  the information age is great, but sometimes it can be overkill.  Shutting down for a bit has made a world of difference.  It’s opened my eyes and given me a clearer picture of what needs to be done.  So, next time you’re thinking about someone, reach out to them.

You just never know, you may change that person’s life that day.

Do something without expecting anything in return

Diary of a Busy Mom

I am a Mom.  I am a Mom of 3 boys.  I am a Mom of 3 very active boys.  They are great kids, and I am proud to be their Mom.  I face many challenges every day to ensure I am doing the best to raise them to be amazing gentlemen.  Some days are better than others, and there are days when I am ready to pull my hair out.

Being a Mom is a thankless job; the most under appreciated job known to man.  We wear many hats as Moms – chauffeur, cook, doctor, nurse, lawyer, judge, jury, executioner, referee, psychiatrist, psychologist, cheerleader…the list is endless, and we’re almost EXPECTED to perform these tasks perfectly every time.  Fellow Moms, do you feel that way?  But, on those days when you are doing so much and no one seems to appreciate what you do, that’s when you feel like saying, “What’s the point?”  “Why the heck am I doing this?”  “Is this REALLY what I signed up for?”  “It’s GOT to get BETTER!!!”

Let’s just say, this weekend was the weekend where no one really appreciated Mom (at least that’s how it felt.)  It’s not a great feeling, because as a Mom, you put your heart and soul into EVERYTHING.  Many times, you don’t get the thank-you’s but, it’s nice when you are noticed for the things you do.

As a Mom, as a parent, as a person, you hope that you are making an impact on someone’s life; that you are making a difference; that you MATTER.  The rewards don’t come in bushel baskets, heck, there are times when it doesn’t show up right away.  I know in the back of my mind that my kids get it and when they get older, they will appreciate all I’ve done for them.  The thank-you’s will come then, I’m sure of it…but it would be nice to get them now, every once in a while.

So, that’s my rant for the day.  Take care, and be well.