A Working Mom's Secret to Success on Valentine's Day: Manage Expectations...

Lady celebrating Valentine's Day at Eddie V's "To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance." - Oscar Wilde  Greetings from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania! Things have been busy. I am still a working mom of three, working full time who is trying to make a difference. I do a lot of things and try to be present so that I can learn from them. I share them on this blog so that we can learn together. Below are some thoughts, hacks, and/or lessons that I have learned from navigating my world. The roots of Valentine’s Day roots go back to St. Valentine, a priest in the early Christian Church known for his compassion and commitment to love. He was a defender of faith, hope, and kindness, reminding us that love is not just a feeling—it’s an action. And, this year I have learned that being free on Valentine's Day is better than living a lie. Valentine's Day, like Christmas, comes every year. However, unlike Christmas, Valentine's Day is about romantic love an...

Thankful Thursday: Me and My Mama

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Photo credit: Craig Ashby taken at book signing of "Dream Come True"

"My identity rests firmly and happily in one fact: I am my mother's daughter." -Spanglish

Everyone knows that it takes a village to raise a child. And for me, my mama, Cecilia Griffin Golden, is at the heart of my village.
She has been there for me in so many ways, but she really shows up in force when I have my kids. She shows me what to do, steps in when I'm fatigued, and makes lots and lots of food. She mellows me, even though she has been known to be a little hyper herself! :-)

Many reading this might not be impressed because "that's what moms do". However, providing that support is impressive. And receiving that support is life changing. It gives me the courage to relax in who I am and to give my children the best part of me.

Our relationship is perfectly imperfect. Sometimes we argue. And sometimes we get on each others nerves. That's the nature of all relationships. But what we are, in our glorious imperfection are mother and daughter. I have no story without her. My character is stronger because of her. And the life that I live is a function of the sacrifices she made for me and the vision she had for my life. 


So on this, dreary, rainy, Thursday, I want to publicly give thanks for my mom and all that she does for me. I'm grateful for it. And although I've come to rely on it, I do not take it for granted.

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