“Finding Joy in the Midst of Adversity: The Importance of Self-Care for Working Moms and the Fruit of the Spirit”

Hey fellow working moms and mom entrepreneurs,

As we all know, being a working mom is no easy task. We often juggle multiple responsibilities, both at home and in the workplace, and it can be easy to neglect our own self-care. I know this all too well, as I recently experienced an injury that forced me to take a step back and reevaluate my priorities.

It all started when I got injured a month before I turned 49. I thought it was just a bad sprain and that I would be back to normal in no time. But as it turned out, I had not only broken a bone in my foot, but also tore a major ligament, requiring surgery. This experience was a real inconvenience for me, especially since I was just getting back into the swing of things post-pandemic in my day job at my local food bank as an outreach coordinator, and in my business as an entrepreneur.

But as I was becoming more and more frustrated with being out of commission, I started giving a lot of thought to who I am and what I want out of life. And what I found is that I knew somewhat of the answer, but it didn’t match up with how I felt about myself. It’s funny how having to sit with yourself will make space for you to really take an honest look at what makes you happy and where you feel unfulfilled.

The time I took just sitting and thinking, laying down and thinking brought me to realize that what I truly desire going forward in my life was Joy. Joy that could be felt and experienced by me and those around me no matter the circumstances.

Once I realized just how important Joy had become for me, and how aware I had become that I hadn’t experienced real Joy in a while, it has now become one of the top priorities and values for my life and business. And as we know from the Bible, Joy is one of the fruits of the spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

So, as working moms and mom entrepreneurs, let’s strive to cultivate joy in our lives, not just for ourselves but for the sake of our families and the people around us. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. And remember, self-care, especially the cultivation of joy, is crucial for us. When we take care of ourselves, we’re better equipped to handle the demands of motherhood and entrepreneurship.

Take care of yourself, and let’s strive for Joy in our lives.

“Navigating the Challenges of Working from Home: A Journey to Embracing Flexibility and Productivity”

Working from home can be a dream come true for many of us. No more rush hour traffic, no more dealing with office politics, and the flexibility to create our own schedule. However, as with anything, there can be challenges that come along with working from home.

One of the biggest challenges for me was feeling isolated and disconnected from my community. My work is community-based, and I found myself missing the face-to-face interactions and connections that I had with my colleagues and clients. It was a difficult adjustment to make, but with the help of prayer and positive conversations with friends, I was able to gain a new perspective on my situation.

Another challenge that I faced was keeping myself accountable for deadlines and the quality of my work. When working from home, it can be easy to get distracted and lose focus. I found that setting clear boundaries with my family and creating a designated work space helped me stay on track and be more productive.

Despite these challenges, I have learned to embrace this new way of working. I have learned how to manage my time better, and I have even been able to expand my entrepreneurial endeavors.

If you are struggling with working from home, know that you are not alone. It is important to remember that it is okay to have difficult days, and to give yourself grace and patience as you navigate this new way of working. Reach out to friends and family for support and remember to take care of yourself. With time and effort, you too can become a pro at working from home.

“Patience is the Key: My Journey to Balancing Work and Motherhood”

When I first became a mother, I was young and full of dreams for my future. But as the years went by and I faced the challenges of being a single mother, those dreams started to feel out of reach. I was frustrated and confused about how to balance my desire to grow as a person with my professional goals.

But then, something amazing happened. I met my husband and we started a family together. And when baby number two was on the way, I realized that I had been taking my beautiful life events for granted. I had been so focused on my struggles and my lack of patience with my unique path and process in life that I had missed out on all the blessings that God had for me.

Patience is such a beautiful attribute, but it’s often misunderstood. We think of it as waiting around for things to happen, but it’s so much more than that. Patience is the foundation that allows us to experience and appreciate all that God has for us. It’s the key to unlocking the full potential of our lives and our dreams.

As I reflect on my journey as a mother and a professional, I realize that my patience has been the most important ingredient in my success. It has allowed me to appreciate the small moments and to trust that God has a plan for me.

So, if you’re feeling frustrated and confused about how to balance your dreams with your responsibilities, take a step back and remember that patience is the key. Trust in God’s plan for your life and have patience with yourself and your progress.

Here are two questions to consider:

1. How do you currently practice patience in your life?
2. How does patience play a role in your personal and professional goals?